bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homotopy analysis method for unsteady mixed convective stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid using Tiwari-Das nanofluid model
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Hosseini Reza , Pop Ioan 
Published: December 2015

Purpose
– The current study is mainly motivated by the need to the development of the transient MHD mixed convection stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting nanofluid over a vertical permeable stretching/shrinking sheet by means of Tiwari-Das nanofluid model. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the parameters governing the flow i.e. the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter and the velocity ratio parameter on dimensionless velocity and temperature distributions, skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number.

Design/methodology/approach
– The mathematical model has been formulated based on Tiwari-Das nanofluid model. Three different types of water-based nanofluid with copper, aluminum oxide (alumina) and titanium dioxide (titania) as nanoparticles are considered in this investigation. Using appropriate similarity variables, the governing equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the dimensionless stream function, which is solved analytically by the well-know homotopy analysis method. The present simulations agree closely with the previous studies in the especial cases.

Findings
– The results show that by increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter or reducing the velocity ratio parameter, the skin friction coefficient enhances. Furthermore, the local Nusselt number enhances with different rates by increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter and the velocity ratio parameter. Besides, the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are highest for copper-water nanofluid compared to the alumina-water and titania-water nanofluids.

Originality/value
– Tiwari-Das nanofluid model has not been applied for the flow with these characteristics as mentioned in the paper. A comprehensive survey on boundary layer behavior has been presented. There are few studies regarding as analysis on thermal and hydrodynamics boundary layer. All plots presented in the paper are new and did not report in any other study. The effects of the parameters governing the flow on skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number have been illustrated in the paper while there are some conflicts with previous published article that have been interpreted in details in the paper.
Scale‐specific spatial density dependence in parasitoids: a multi‐factor meta‐analysis
Authors: Gunton Richard M. , Pöyry Juha 
Published: December 2015

Summary

Within a landscape, the risk of an insect being attacked by a parasitoid varies with the local density of the host species. This relationship should be strongest when observed at medium extents and resolutions with respect to parasitoids’ foraging range, and turn negative at fine resolutions. The relationship is also hypothesized to depend on certain traits of the host and parasitoid taxa – for example being more positive for more specialized hosts or parasitoids and more negative for mobile hosts or gregarious parasitoids. Building on earlier literature reviews, it is now possible to investigate these hypotheses using meta‐analysis.

We performed a multi‐factor meta‐analysis on 151 analyses of parasitism rates with respect to host densities at specified scales, from 61 empirical studies published from 1988 to 2012. We explored how the correlation between host density and parasitism rate may be related to the explanatory variables already mentioned, plus parasitoid body length and various other characteristics of both hosts and parasitoids.

Correlations (Pearson's r) between host density and parasitism rate ranged from –0·88 to 0·98 (mean 0·16, standard deviation 0·39). The correlation was more often negative where the host was exotic or in the orders Lepidoptera or Diptera, where the parasitoid was larger or exotic, or where the study was conducted at a finer grain size. Hymenoptera and Homoptera were the most likely host orders to reveal positive associations, with Coleoptera and Diptera intermediate.

The fact that increased observational grain size had similar effects to decreased parasitoid body length could be taken as evidence that parasitoids’ foraging ranges increase with their body length. However, the hypothesis about scale‐specific foraging was not supported by studies that compared multiple scales.

We conclude that parasitism most commonly produces positive (compensatory) spatial density dependence, but ecological context is all‐important. These findings should help improve the design and interpretation of field experiments on parasitism as well as their application to the modelling of population dynamics and the practice of biological control.
Parental age influences offspring telomere loss
Authors: Heidinger Britt J. , Herborn Katherine A. , Granroth‐Wilding Hanna M.V. , Boner Winnie , Burthe Sarah , Newell Mark , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Monaghan Pat 
Published: December 2015

Summary

The age of the parents at the time of offspring production can influence offspring longevity, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The effect of parental age on offspring telomere dynamics (length and loss rate) is one mechanism that could be important in this context.

Parental age might influence the telomere length that offspring inherit or age‐related differences in the quality of parental care could influence the rate of offspring telomere loss. However, these routes have generally not been disentangled.

Here, we investigated whether parental age was related to offspring telomere dynamics using parents ranging in age from 2 to 22 years old in a free‐living population of a long‐lived seabird, the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). By measuring the telomere length of offspring at hatching and towards the end of the post‐natal growth period, we could assess whether any potential parental age effect was confined to the post‐natal rearing period.

There was no effect of maternal or paternal age on the initial telomere length of their chicks. However, chicks produced by older mothers and fathers experienced significantly greater telomere loss during the post‐natal nestling growth period. We had relatively few nests in which the ages of both parents were known, and individuals in this population mate assortatively with respect to age. Thus, we could not conclusively determine whether the parental age effect was due to maternal age, paternal age, or both; however, it appears that the effect is stronger in mothers.

These results demonstrate that in this species, there was no evidence that parental age was related to offspring hatching telomere length. However, telomere loss during nestling growth was reduced in the offspring of older parents. This could be due to an age‐related deterioration in the quality of the environment that parents provide, or because parents that invest less in offspring rearing live to an older age.
Research Note: Insights into the data dependency on anisotropy: an inversion prospective
Authors: Alkhalifah Tariq 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTWhile velocity contrasts are responsible for most of the events recorded in our data, the long wavelength behavior of the velocity model is responsible for the geometrical shape of these events. For isotropic acoustic materials, the wave dependency on the long (wave propagation) and short (scattering) wavelength velocity components is stationary with the propagation angle. On the other hand, in representing a transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis medium with the normal moveout velocity, the anellepticity parameter η, the vertical scaling parameter δ, and the sensitivity of waves vary with the polar angle for both the long and short wavelength features of the anisotropic dimensionless medium parameters (δ and η). For horizontal reflectors at reasonable depths, the long wavelength features of the η model is reasonably constrained by the long offsets, whereas the short wavelength features produce very week reflections at even reasonable offsets. Thus, for surface acquired seismic data, we could mainly invert for smooth η responsible for the geometrical shape of reflections. On the other hand, while the δ long wavelength components mildly affects the recorded data, its short wavelength variations can produce reflections at even zero offset, with a behavior pattern synonymous to density. The lack of the long wavelength δ information will mildly effect focusing but will cause misplacement of events in depth. With low enough frequencies (very low), we may be able to recover the long wavelength δ using full waveform inversion. However, unlike velocity, the frequencies needed for that should be ultra‐low to produce long‐wavelength scattering‐based model information as δ perturbations do not exert scattering at large offsets. For a combination given by the horizontal velocity, η, and ε, the diving wave influence of η is absorbed by the horizontal velocity, severely limiting the η influence on the data and full waveform inversion. As a result, with a good smooth η estimation, for example, from tomography, we can focus the full waveform inversion to invert for only the horizontal velocity and maybe ε as a parameter to fit the amplitude. This is possibly the most practical parametrization for inversion of surface seismic data in transversely isotropic with vertical symmetry axis media.
Implementation of hospital‐wide reform at improving access and flow: Impact on time to antibiotics in the emergency department
Authors: Roman Cristina P , Poole Susan G , Dooley Michael J , Smit De Villiers , Mitra Biswadev 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionED overcrowding has been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and delays to essential treatment. It was hypothesised that hospital‐wide reforms designed to improve patient access and flow, in addition to improving ED overcrowding, would impact on clinically important processes within the ED, such as timely delivery of antibiotics.MethodsA single pre‐implementation and post‐implementation prospective cohort study was conducted prior to and after a hospital‐wide reform (Timely Quality Care (TQC)). Among patients who had intravenous antibiotics prescribed in the ED, data were prospectively collected on times of presentation, prescription and administration of antibiotics. Demographics and discharge diagnoses were retrospectively extracted.ResultsThere were 380 cases included with 179 cases prior to introduction of the TQC model and 201 cases after its introduction. Time from presentation to administration of antibiotics improved significantly from 192 (99–320) min to 142 (81–209) min (P < 0.01). The time from presentation to prescription pre‐TQC and post‐TQC was 120 (51–230) min and 92 (49–153) min, respectively (P < 0.01). The times from prescription to administration pre‐TQC and post‐TQC were 43 (20–83) min and 34 (15–66) min, respectively (P = 0.03).ConclusionFollowing implementation of hospital‐wide reform directed at mitigating ED overcrowding through improved access and flow, times to administration of antibiotics were significantly reduced. These findings suggest that improved quality of care in this area may be achieved with processes aimed at improved hospital access and flow. Ongoing evaluation and vigilance is necessary to ensure sustainability and drive further improvements.
Stability of Trans‐Resveratrol Encapsulated in a Protein Matrix Produced Using Spray Drying to UV Light Stress and Simulated Gastro‐Intestinal Digestion
Authors: Koga Clarissa C. , Andrade Juan E. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Lee Youngsoo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTrans‐resveratrol has demonstrated the potential to provide both therapeutic and preventive activities against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The incorporation of trans‐resveratrol into food products would allow for broader access of this bioactive compound to a larger population. However, this strategy is limited by instability of trans‐resveratrol under environmental conditions and within the digestive system leading to isomerization of trans‐resveratrol (bioactive form) to cis‐resveratrol (bio‐inactive form). Studies in the stabilization of trans‐resveratrol into protein microparticles are presented. Trans‐resveratrol was encapsulated using whey protein concentrate (WPC) or sodium caseinate (SC), with or without anhydrous milk fat (AMF). Binding of resveratrol and aromatic residues in protein was estimated utilizing the Stern–Volmer equation and the number of tryptophan residues. The stability of encapsulated resveratrol was evaluated after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light and 3‐stage in vitro digestion. After UVA light exposure, SC‐based microcapsules maintained a higher trans:cis resveratrol ratio (0.63, P < 0.05) than WPC‐based microcapsules (0.43) and unencapsulated resveratrol (0.49). In addition, encapsulation of resveratrol in both protein microparticles led to an increased digestive stability and bioaccessibility in comparison to unencapsulated resveratrol (47% and 23%, respectively, P < 0.05). SC‐based microcapsules provided a higher digestive stability and bioaccessibility (86% and 81%; P < 0.05) compared to WPC‐based microcapsules (71% and 68%). The addition of AMF to the microcapsules did not significantly change the in vitro digestion values. In conclusion, SC‐based microencapsulation increased the stability of trans‐resveratrol to UVA light exposure and simulated digestion conditions. This encapsulation‐system‐approach can be extended to other labile, bioactive polyphenols.
Efficacy and safety of saxagliptin monotherapy or added to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the 24‐week, post‐marketing SUNSHINE study
Authors: Gu Weiqiong , Liang Li. , Wang Shengxiang , Wang Yunzhi , Wu Yanxiang , Tian Jian , Yang Gangyi , Piao Chunli , Li Yuzhong , Yin Jianmei , Xin Xiaoping , Tan Xingrong , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing ,   for the SUNSHINE Study Group
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin in a large Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn all, 1423 T2DM patients from 92 research centers, either drug naïve or uncontrolled by metformin, were enrolled in this single‐arm cohort study; patients were treated with saxagliptin 5 mg once daily for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c at 24 weeks in the per‐protocol analysis set. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% and changes from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) concentrations at 24 weeks. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and the incidence of hypoglycemia.ResultsAmong 1210 patients in the per‐protocol analysis set, mean HbA1c, FPG and 2‐h PPG decreased by 1.61 ± 0.04%, 0.55 ± 0.07 mmol/L, and 2.83  ±  0.27 mmol/L, respectively, at week 24. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% was 44.1%. No new (previously unreported) AEs occurred. The incidence of serious AEs and hypoglycemia was low (1.8% and 1.2%, respectively). There were no significant differences in efficacy endpoints in subgroup analyses by age, creatinine clearance, body mass index, or treatment background. In elderly patients (≥65 years) and those with mild renal impairment (50 < CCr ≤ 80 mL/min), the incidence of AEs was similar to that of the entire study population.ConclusionsSaxagliptin significantly improved glycemic control and was well tolerated in Chinese T2DM patients, including the elderly and patients with mild renal impairment.
MEK inhibitor can reverse the resistance to bevacizumab in A549 cells harboring Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene homolog mutation
Authors: Wang Yuan , Yan Ping , Liu Zhentao , Yang Xiaodan , Wang Yaping , Shen Zhirong , Bai Hua , Wang Jie , Wang Zhijie 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundBevacizumab (BV) is broadly used to treat a number of cancers; however, BV resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome this resistance are yet to be determined.MethodsWe established xenograft mice models harboring Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations based on the A549 cell line, and tested the responses of xenograft tumors to a series of drugs in ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Changes in transcriptive level were analyzed by ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing and the expressions of connexins were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.ResultsA549 cell mutation type (KRAS G12S) was confirmed by sequencing. After treating the xenograft tumors with BV, the median interval time from BV administration to tumor volume more than 2.5‐fold of the original was 37 days, compared with 21 days in the control (P = 0.025). A549 cells showed resistantance to selumitinib (MEK inhibitor) but were sensitive to selumitinib plus BEZ235 (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin dual inhibitor). However, selumitinib could effectively reverse the resistance to BV in in vivo experiments. RNA sequencing showed that mouse genes, but not human genes, activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, accompanied by activation of the Wnt and Hedgehog pathways. Connexin43 (S261) was phosphorylated before and during BV treatment, and subsequently transitioned to negative phosphorylated‐connexin 43‐S261 after resistance to BV.ConclusionCombining an MEK inhibitor with BV was a potential strategy to reverse initial BV resistance. Phosphorylated‐connexin 43 might be associated with the response to BV.
Prevalence of Intraventricular Conduction Disturbances in a Large French Population
Authors: Monin Jonathan , Bisconte Sébastien , Nicaise Aurore , Hornez Anne‐Pia , Manen Olivier , Perrier Eric 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundRecommendations for the interpretation of electrocardiogram have been published in 2009. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of intraventricular conduction disturbances (ICoDs) in a large population, using these recommendations.MethodsFrom 01/31/1996 to 09/22/2010, an electrocardiogram was performed at each visit for all aircrew members examined for fitness assessment in an aeromedical center. The prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete LBBB, incomplete RBBB, nonspecific intraventricular disturbance (NIVCD), left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), and left posterior fascicular block (LPFB) was measured and compared by age and gender.ResultsThe global prevalence of ICoD was 3.09% in our population of 69,186 patients. The most frequent types of ventricular blocks were IRBBB (1.25%) and LAFB (1.10%), whereas RBBB (0.46%), LBBB (0.08%), ILBBB (0.03%), NIVCD (0.05%), and LPFB (0.13%) were rare findings. ICoDs are more frequent for males and older age groups (P < 0.001).DiscussionOur results are comparable to studies concerning low cardiovascular risks populations. The association between ICoD and cardiovascular diseases needs to be studied in this population.
Earlier diagnosis and strict diets improve the survival rate and clinical course of long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Immonen Tuuli , Turanlahti Maila , Paganus Aila , Keskinen Päivi , Tyni Tiina , Lapatto Risto 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimLong‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) is a severe metabolic disease that, without treatment, often leads to premature death or serious handicap. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of LCHADD with the homozygous 1528G>C (E510Q) mutation when patients underwent strict dietary treatment.MethodsFrom 1997 to 2010, 16 patients with LCHADD were diagnosed in Finland. They were followed up, and data were prospectively collected as they emerged. Clinical data before diagnosis were retrospectively collected from hospital records. This cohort was compared with an earlier cohort of patients diagnosed from 1976 to 1996.ResultsThe disease presented from birth to five months of age with failure to thrive, hypotonia, hepatomegaly, metabolic acidosis, cardiomyopathy and hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. In this cohort, the therapeutic delay was 0–30 days and the survival rate at the end of the study was 62.5% compared with 10‐year survival rate of 14.3% for the earlier cohort. The survivors were in good overall condition, but some of them had developed mild retinopathy or mild neuropathy.ConclusionEarlier diagnosis and stricter dietary regimes improved the survival rates and clinical course of patients with LCHADD in Finland. However, improvements in therapy are still needed to prevent the development of long‐term complications, such as retinopathy and neuropathy.
Ultrasonography and radiography findings predicted the need for surgery in patients with necrotising enterocolitis without pneumoperitoneum
Authors: He Yu , Zhong Ying , Yu Jialin , Cheng Chen , Wang Zhengli , Li Luquan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe timing of surgical intervention in patients with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) without pneumoperitoneum remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the predictors associated with surgical intervention in such patients and to assess how effective imaging reports were as an aid to surgical decision‐making.MethodsWe collected clinical data, laboratory investigations and imaging findings on NEC patients without pneumoperitoneum. A critical imaging report was defined as persistent dilation of bowel loops and evidence of portal venous gas on radiography and thickening of the bowel wall, absent peristalsis and evidence of echogenic‐free fluid on sonography. Independent predictors of surgical NEC were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for the imaging findings, and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy.ResultsOf the 238 neonates studied, 54 (22.69%) required surgical intervention. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that abdominal erythema, C‐reactive protein levels and the critical imaging report were independent predictors of the need for surgical intervention. The critical imaging report was the most powerful predictor of surgical NEC.ConclusionBoth ultrasonography and radiography findings proved helpful in predicting the need for surgery in NEC without pneumoperitoneum.
Does acceptance of power distance influence propensities for problematicInternet use? Evidence from a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Montag Christian , Duke Éilish , Sha Peng , Zhou Min , Sindermann Cornelia , Li Mei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies suggest thatAsian countries are particularly afflicted by problematicInternet use (PIU).MethodsThe present study investigates whether individual differences in the acceptance of power distance can be linked to overuse of theInternet inGermany and inChina. Power distance has been discussed as an essential dimension on whichAsian andWestern societies differ. In the present study, we investigate two large non‐clinical samples fromGermany (n = 297) andChina (n = 556) to address this question.ResultsBoth inGermany and inChina, high acceptance of power distance was positively associated withPIU. These effects were more pronounced inChina compared withGermany. Moreover, the observed effects were stronger in males compared with females.DiscussionClearly, these findings are just a starting point and need to be replicated in the future. Clinical populations and a further important difference variable – collectivism – also merit consideration in future work.