bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Male Infertility: Role of Fatty Acids in the Modulation of Sperm Energetic Metabolism
Authors: Ferramosca Alessandra , Di Giacomo Mariangela , Moscatelli Natalina , Zara Vincenzo 
Published: January 2018

Obesity in men of reproductive age is increasing worldwide, impacting negatively on reproductive potential, sperm function, and assisted reproduction outcomes. Changes in modern eating behaviors are needed to invert the negative correlation between lifestyle and sperm quality. It is known from the literature that fatty acids are able to modulate lipid metabolism by complex mechanisms involving a sequence of interdependent and cross‐regulated molecular events. Although a great deal of data is currently available on the dietary modulation of lipid metabolism, little is known about the nutritional regulation of sperm energetic metabolism. In this review, major data from the literature about the role of some dietary fats as modulators of sperm function and quality are described. Moreover, biochemical mechanisms responsible for an impairment or improvement in sperm bioenergetics are critically analyzed. It is noteworthy that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of dietary fats influence sperm function. The administration of a high‐fat diet, low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, caused a significant increase in body weight hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, along with a significant reduction in sperm quality. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids are able to positively influence sperm quality and function. The understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the development of male infertility related to obesity led us to depict a possible framework for the molecular action of fatty acids on sperm quality during dysmetabolic conditions.Practical Applications: In this review major data from the literature about the spermatozoa targeting of dietary fatty acids are described and critically analyzed, because now dietary fatty acids are the current focus of research in the field of nutrition and reproduction in males. Such knowledge will eventually translate into the development of new attractive therapeutic approaches for male infertility related to alterations in lipid metabolism.Dietary fatty acids are involved in the nutritional modulation of sperm energetic metabolism. Diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) seem to correlate with defective sperm energy metabolism and reduced sperm quality. Administration of PUFA, especially n‐3 PUFA, determines an increase in sperm concentration, and motility, associated to an increase in the activities of mitochondrial enzymes involved in gamete energetic metabolism and to a reduction in oxidative damaeg
Dipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. A survey of clinical practice in German‐speaking countries
Authors: Reist L. , Erlenwein J. , Meissner W. , Stammschulte T. , Stüber F. , Stamer U.M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeNonopioid analgesics are frequently used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dipyrone is an alternative to NSAIDs and paracetamol, however, data on the frequency of its usage by anaesthesiologists in the perioperative and chronic pain setting are lacking and its adverse reactions are a matter of debate.MethodsThe link to a questionnaire on the use of nonopioid analgesics (NSAIDs, COX‐2 inhibitors, paracetamol, dipyrone) and the safety of dipyrone in the perioperative and chronic pain setting was mailed to anaesthesiologists and pain physicians.ResultsA total of 2237 responses were analysed. About 97.4% of the respondents used nonopioid analgesics for the treatment of acute pain, with 93.8% administering dipyrone, 54.0% NSAIDs, 41.8% COX‐2 inhibitors and 49.2% paracetamol. Nonopioid analgesics were administered preoperatively by 22.3%, intraoperatively by 86.1% and postoperatively by 73.0% of the respondents. For chronic pain management, 76.7% of the respondents prescribed oral dipyrone in combination with other nonopioid analgesics; 19.9% used dipyrone as sole nonopioid, whereas 2.9% denied its use. Cases of dipyrone‐associated agranulocytosis were observed by 3.5% of the respondents of the acute and 1.5% of the chronic pain questionnaire, respectively. The majority of respondents (acute pain: 73.0%, chronic pain 59.3%) performed no blood cell counts to monitor dipyrone therapy. Patients were rarely informed about possible adverse drug reactions.ConclusionsDipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic in the perioperative and chronic pain setting. Although cases of agranulocytosis occur, benefits apparently outweigh the risks according to anaesthesiologists. Measures like patient information may improve safety.SignificanceA survey of anaesthesiologist in German‐speaking countries revealed dipyrone as preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Benefits seem to outweigh the risks, specifically the risk of agranulocytosis. Information of medical staff and patients on adverse drug reactions and symptoms of agranulocytosis should be implemented.
Free‐standing and Flexible MoS2/rGO Paper Electrode for Amperometric Detection of Folic Acid
Authors: Kıranşan Kader Dağcı , Topçu Ezgi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe development of flexible electrodes is of considerable current interest because of the increasing demand for modern electronics, portable medical products, and compact devices. We report a new type of flexible electrochemical sensor fabricated by integrating graphene and MoS2 nanosheets. A highly flexible and free‐standing conductive MoS2 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/rGO) paper was prepared by a two‐step process: vacuum filtration and chemical reduction treatment. The MoS2/graphene oxide (MoS2/GO) paper obtained by a simple filtration method was transformed into MoS2/rGO paper after a chemical reduction process. The obtained MoS2/rGO paper was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of folic acid (FA) on MoS2/rGO paper electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Electrochemical experiments indicated that flexible MoS2/rGO composite paper electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the FA, which can be attributed to excellent electrical conductivity and high specific surface area of the MoS2/rGO paper. The resulting biosensor showed highly sensitive amperometric response to FA with a wide linear range.
3D‐printed Electrodes for Sensing of Biologically Active Molecules
Authors: Liyarita Bella Rosa , Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin 
Published: January 2018

Abstract3D printing (additive manufacturing) is currently an emerging technology that could revolutionize the traditional manufacturing process. The application of 3D printing technology has been examined in many different fields including manufacturing, science, medicine, and electronics. Another application of 3D printing technology which holds promising potential is fabrication of electrochemical sensors and transducers. Electroanalytical devices hold advantages such as low cost, portability, ease of use, and rapid analysis. Here we examined the feasibility of utilizing 3D‐printed metal electrodes for the electrochemical detection of the pain reliever acetaminophen (AC) also known as paracetamol and the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in aqueous solutions. 3D‐printed stainless steel helical‐shaped electrodes were tested before and after surface modification by electro‐plating with a thin gold film (3D gold).
Engineering aspects of immobilized lipases on esterification: A special emphasis of crowding, confinement and diffusion effects
Authors: Parashar Surendra Kumar , Srivastava Sunil Kumar , Dutta N. N. , Garlapati Vijay Kumar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCross‐linked enzyme crystal (CLEC) and sol‐gel entrapped pseudomonas sp. lipase were investigated for the esterification of lauric acid with ethanol by considering the effects of reaction conditions on reaction rate. The activation energy for the reaction was estimated to be 1097.58 J/mol and 181.75 J/mol for sol‐gel and CLEC entrapped lipase respectively. CLEC lipase exhibited a marginal internal diffusion effect on reaction rate over sol‐gel lipases and found to be interesting. The overall reaction mechanism was found to conform to the Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism. The higher efficiency of sol‐gel lipases over CLEC lipases in esterification reaction is mainly due to the combined effects of crowding, confinement and diffusional limitations.
Seismic performance of hybrid ductile‐rocking braced frame system
Authors: Binder Justin , Christopoulos Constantin 
Published: January 2018

SummaryA new hybrid ductile‐rocking seismic‐resistant design is proposed which consists of a code‐designed buckling‐restrained braced frame (BRBF) that yields along its height and also partially rocks on its foundation. The goal of this system is to cost‐effectively improve the performance of BRBFs, by reducing drift concentrations and residual deformations, while taking advantage of their large ductility and their reliable limit on seismic forces and accelerations along a building's height. A lock‐up device ensures that the full code‐compliant lateral strength can be achieved after a limited amount of column uplift, and supplemental energy dissipation elements are used to reduce the rocking response. This paper outlines the mechanics of the system and then presents analyses on rocking frames with both ductile and elastic braces in order to highlight the large higher mode demands on elastic rocking frames. A parametric study using nonlinear time‐history analysis of BRBF structures designed according to the proposed procedure for Los Angeles, California is then presented. This study investigates the system's seismic response and the effect of different energy dissipation element properties and allowable base rotation values before the lock‐up is engaged. Finally, the effect of vertical mass modeling on analysis results was investigated. These studies demonstrated that the hybrid ductile‐rocking system can in fact improve the global peak and residual deformation response as well as reduce brace damage. This enhanced performance could eliminate the need for expensive repairs or demolition that are otherwise to be expected for conventional ductile fixed base buildings that sustain severe damage.
Tipping points in Texas rivers
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAnticipating geomorphic tipping points requires that we learn from the past. Major geomorphic changes in coastal plain rivers of Texas resulting in river metamorphosis or regime shifts were identified and the major driving factors determined. Eleven such transformations – possible tipping points – were identified from contemporary observations, historical records, and Quaternary reconstructions. Two of the tipping points (between general aggrading and degrading valley states) are associated with reversals in a fundamental system control (sea‐level). One (stable or aggrading versus degrading channels) is associated with an abrupt change in sediment supply due to dam construction, and two others (changes from meandering to anastomosing channel patterns, and different anastomosis styles) are similarly related to changes in sediment supply and/or transport capacity, but with additional elements of historical contingency. Three tipping points are related to avulsions. One, from a regime dominated by re‐occupation of former channels to one dominated by progradation into flood basins, is driven by progressive long‐term filling of incised valleys. Another, nodal avulsions, is triggered by disturbances associated with tectonic uplift or listric faults. The third, avulsions and related valley metamorphosis in unfilled incised valleys, is due to fundamental dynamical instabilities within the fluvial system. This synthesis and analysis suggests that geomorphic tipping points are sometimes associated with general extrinsic or intrinsic (to the fluvial system) environmental change, independent of any disturbances or instabilities. Others are associated with natural (e.g. tectonic) or human (dams) disturbances, and still others with intrinsic geomorphic instabilities. This suggests future tipping points will be equally diverse with respect to their drivers and dynamics. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breakdown in the temporal and spatial organization of spontaneous brain activity during general anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Huang Zirui , Chen Yali , Zhang Jun , Ghinda Diana , Nikolova Yuliya , Wu Jinsong , Xu Jianghui , Bai Wenjie , Mao Ying , Yang Zhong , Duncan Niall , Qin Pengmin , Wang Hao , Chen Bing , Weng Xuchu , Northoff Georg 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWhich temporal features that can characterize different brain states (i.e., consciousness or unconsciousness) is a fundamental question in the neuroscience of consciousness. Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI), we investigated the spatial patterns of two temporal features: the long‐range temporal correlations (LRTCs), measured by power‐law exponent (PLE), and temporal variability, measured by standard deviation (SD) during wakefulness and anesthetic‐induced unconsciousness. We found that both PLE and SD showed global reductions across the whole brain during anesthetic state comparing to wakefulness. Importantly, the relationship between PLE and SD was altered in anesthetic state, in terms of a spatial “decoupling.” This decoupling was mainly driven by a spatial pattern alteration of the PLE, rather than the SD, in the anesthetic state. Our results suggest differential physiological grounds of PLE and SD and highlight the functional importance of the topographical organization of LRTCs in maintaining an optimal spatiotemporal configuration of the neural dynamics during normal level of consciousness. The central role of the spatial distribution of LRTCs, reflecting temporo‐spatial nestedness, may support the recently introduced temporo‐spatial theory of consciousness (TTC).
Oncologic outcomes of extended neck dissections in human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zenga Joseph , Pipkorn Patrik , Graboyes Evan M. , Martin Eliot J. , Rich Jason T. , Moore Eric J. , Haughey Bruce H. , Jackson Ryan S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundOncologic outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during neck dissection for invasive nodal disease remain uncertain.MethodsPatients with HPV‐related oropharyngeal SCC requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during their neck dissections were retrospectively identified.ResultsSeventy‐two patients were included. Regional and distant recurrences occurred in 6% and 17% of patients. Advanced T classification, pathological node number of 5 or more, and omission of adjuvant therapy were associated with decreased disease‐free survival (DFS). The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival.ConclusionPatients with invasive nodal disease from HPV‐related oropharyngeal SCC can be managed with up‐front surgery and adjuvant therapy, as indicated with good regional control. Although distant recurrence was the primary site of failure, adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved outcomes. The T classification, node number, and adjuvant radiotherapy are independent prognostic factors in this patient population.
Risk analysis of malignant potential of oral verrucous hyperplasia: A follow‐up study of 269 patients and copy number variation analysis
Authors: Wu Ming‐Heng , Luo Ji‐Dung , Wang Wen‐Chang , Chang Tzu‐Hao , Hwang Wei‐Lun , Lee Kuen‐Haur , Liu Shyun‐Yeu , Yang Jung‐Wu , Chiou Chang‐Ta , Chang Chi‐Hua , Chiang Wei‐Fan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundOral verrucous hyperplasia is commonly observed in the oral cavity of betel quid chewers and is a potential malignant disorder. However, the prognostic factors and genetic alterations of oral verrucous hyperplasia are unclear.MethodsWe calculate the survival rate and prognostic factors using a Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Copy number variations were analyzed using a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.ResultsThe 5‐year disease‐free and cancer‐free survival rates of patients with oral verrucous hyperplasia were approximately 40% and 70%, respectively. Heavy betel quid chewing, advanced oral submucous fibrosis, and nonbuccal and nontongue lesions were risk factors for malignant transformation, whereas dysplasia did not affect outcomes. The gene amplification of CTTN, FOLR3, ORAOV1, PPFIA1, and RNF121 were associated with the poor prognosis of oral verrucous hyperplasia.ConclusionHeavy betel quid chewing, advanced oral submucous fibrosis, and nonbuccal and nontongue lesions are high‐risk factors of patients with oral verrucous hyperplasia. The 5‐copy number variation‐associated genes could be used for early diagnosis and predicting the prognosis.
Viscosity—The weak link between Darcy's law and Richards' capillary flow
Authors: Germann Peter F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPreferential flow, a term that includes macropore flow, non‐equilibrium flow, and finger flow, stands in well known conflict with Richards' () capillary flow. Acoustic velocity experiments demonstrate that preferential flow moves independently from, faster than, and before capillary flow during gravity‐driven infiltration. Viscous flow in permeable media is briefly introduced to the point where Richards' () particular treatment of viscosity turns out as the hydro‐mechanical bifurcation from general laminar flow. Preferential flow is expected during significant infiltration, however, spatio‐temporarily limited according to the viscous‐flow regime. Two ways of delineating capillary flow from viscous flow reveal minimum path widths of preferential flow in the range of about 20 μm.
Modelling the effect of changing precipitation inputs on deep soil water utilization
Authors: Qi Ji , Markewitz Daniel , Radcliffe David 
Published: January 2018

AbstractForests in the Southeastern United States are predicted to experience future changes in seasonal patterns of precipitation inputs as well as more variable precipitation events. These climate change‐induced alterations could increase drought and lower soil water availability. Drought could alter rooting patterns and increase the importance of deep roots that access subsurface water resources. To address plant response to drought in both deep rooting and soil water utilization as well as soil drainage, we utilize a throughfall reduction experiment in a loblolly pine plantation of the Southeastern United States to calibrate and validate a hydrological model. The model was accurately calibrated against field measured soil moisture data under ambient rainfall and validated using 30% throughfall reduction data. Using this model, we then tested these scenarios: (a) evenly reduced precipitation; (b) less precipitation in summer, more in winter; (c) same total amount of precipitation with less frequent but heavier storms; and (d) shallower rooting depth under the above 3 scenarios. When less precipitation was received, drainage decreased proportionally much faster than evapotranspiration implying plants will acquire water first to the detriment of drainage. When precipitation was reduced by more than 30%, plants relied on stored soil water to satisfy evapotranspiration suggesting 30% may be a threshold that if sustained over the long term would deplete plant available soil water. Under the third scenario, evapotranspiration and drainage decreased, whereas surface run‐off increased. Changes in root biomass measured before and 4 years after the throughfall reduction experiment were not detected among treatments. Model simulations, however, indicated gains in evapotranspiration with deeper roots under evenly reduced precipitation and seasonal precipitation redistribution scenarios but not when precipitation frequency was adjusted. Deep soil and deep rooting can provide an important buffer capacity when precipitation alone cannot satisfy the evapotranspirational demand of forests. How this buffering capacity will persist in the face of changing precipitation inputs, however, will depend less on seasonal redistribution than on the magnitude of reductions and changes in rainfall frequency.
Improving a distributed hydrological model using evapotranspiration‐related boundary conditions as additional constraints in a data‐scarce river basin
Authors: Wambura Frank Joseph , Dietrich Ottfried , Lischeid Gunnar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany hydrological models have been calibrated and validated using hydrographs alone. Because streamflow integrates water fluxes in space, many distributed hydrological models tend to have multiple feasible descriptions of hydrological processes. This equifinality usually leads to substantial prediction uncertainty. In this study, additional constraints—namely, the spatial patterns of long‐term average evapotranspiration (ET), shallow groundwater level, and land cover change—were used to investigate the reduction of equifinality and prediction uncertainty in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Wami River basin in Tanzania. The additional constraints were used in the set‐up, parameter emulation and calibration of the SWAT model termed an improved hydrological model (IHM). The IHM was then compared with a classical hydrological model (CHM) that was also developed using the SWAT model but without additional constraints. In the calibration, the CHM used only the hydrograph, but the IHM used the hydrograph and the spatial pattern of long‐term average ET as an additional constraint. The IHM produced a single, unique behavioural simulation, whereas the CHM produced many behavioural simulations that resulted in prediction uncertainty. The performance of the IHM with respect to the hydrograph was more consistent than that of the CHM, and the former clearly captured the mean behaviour of ET in the river basin. Therefore, we conclude that additional constraints substantially reduce equifinality and prediction uncertainty in a distributed hydrological model.
Food Security by Optimal Use of Water: Synthesis of the 6th and 7th World Water Forums and Developments since Then
Authors: Steduto Pasquale , Schultz Bart , Unver Olcay , Ota Shinsuke , Vallee Domitille , Kulkarni Suresh , Dagnino‐Johns Garcia Macarena 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe world's population is expected to grow from 7.4 billion at present to 10.0 billion by 2055. Combined with the expected rise in living standards, urbanization and growing demands for animal feed and energy from crops, this requires a substantial increase in cereal production to ensure sustainable food security at affordable prices. Overall, global cereal production meets current demand and the global cereal stock is stable. Achieving the required increase in cereal production seems to be possible. The contributors to the Theme Contribute to Food Security by Optimal Use of Water of the 6th World Water Forum (WWF6) identified nine targets that address the relevant aspects. They reviewed existing and future needs, as well as existing and potential solutions to reach the targets. The contributors to the Theme Water for Food of the 7th World Water Forum (WWF7) elaborated on this work and focused more on the progress so far as well as on issues related to implementation, and formulated a goal and eight objectives to be achieved.This paper presents a summarized overview of key issues, findings, targets, objectives, solutions and recommendations of WWF6 and WWF7 with respect to water for food, while taking into account developments since then and updated data. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.