bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients in Japan
Authors: Saijo Tomokatsu , Joki Nobuhiko , Inishi Yoji , Muto Mikako , Saijo Motohiko , Hase Hiroki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHepatitis B surface antigen is widely used in hepatitis B virus surveillance; patients who test negative for the antigen are judged to be uninfected. However, occult hepatitis B virus infection has been confirmed with hepatitis B virus DNA at low levels in the liver and peripheral blood in patients positive for hepatitis B core antibody or hepatitis B surface antibody, even if they test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. To investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis patients, we performed cross‐sectional analysis of 161 hemodialysis patients in two related institutions for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody. Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, or hepatitis B surface antibody was present in 45 patients (28.0%). Hepatitis B virus DNA was present in six patients (3.7%), all of whom also tested positive for hepatitis B core antibody. Hepatitis B surface antibody positivity was unrelated in only one of the six patients. Four of the six patients were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen; however, two (1.3%) of these with occult hepatitis B virus infection were found to be hepatitis B surface antigen negative. Occult hepatitis B virus infection may be missed in hepatitis B virus surveillance using hepatitis B surface antigen alone; therefore, routine hepatitis B core antibody screening is necessary. Patients who test positive for hepatitis B core antibody should undergo further hepatitis B virus DNA testing to enable accurate hepatitis B virus screening.
Carotenoids Concentration of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Fruit Oil Using Cross‐Flow Filtration Technology
Authors: Mai Huỳnh Cang , Truong Vinh , Debaste Frédéric 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) fruit, a traditional fruit in Vietnam and other countries of eastern Asia, contains an oil rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene and β‐carotene. Carotenoids in gac fruit oil were concentrated using cross‐flow filtration. In total recycle mode, effect of membrane pore size, temperature, and transmembrane pressure (TMP) on permeate flux and on retention coefficients has been exploited. Resistance of membrane, polarization concentration, and fouling were also analyzed. Optimum conditions for a high permeate flux and a good carotenoids retention are 5 nm, 2 bars, and 40 °C of membrane pore size, TMP, and temperature, respectively. In batch mode, retentate was analyzed through index of acid, phospholipids, total carotenoids content (TCC), total antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, total solid content, color measurement, and viscosity. TCC in retentate is higher 8.6 times than that in feeding oil. Lipophilic antioxidant activities increase 6.8 times, while hydrophilic antioxidant activities reduce 40%. The major part of total resistance is due to polarization (55%) while fouling and intrinsic membrane contribute about 30% and 24%, respectively.
The virtual heart as a platform for screening drug cardiotoxicity
Authors: Yuan Yongfeng , Bai Xiangyun , Luo Cunjin , Wang Kuanquan , Zhang Henggui 
Published: November 2014

To predict the safety of a drug at an early stage in its development is a major challenge as there is a lack of in vitro heart models that correlate data from preclinical toxicity screening assays with clinical results. A biophysically detailed computer model of the heart, the virtual heart, provides a powerful tool for simulating drug–ion channel interactions and cardiac functions during normal and disease conditions and, therefore, provides a powerful platform for drug cardiotoxicity screening. In this article, we first review recent progress in the development of theory on drug–ion channel interactions and mathematical modelling. Then we propose a family of biomarkers that can quantitatively characterize the actions of a drug on the electrical activity of the heart at multi‐physical scales including cellular and tissue levels. We also conducted some simulations to demonstrate the application of the virtual heart to assess the pro‐arrhythmic effects of cisapride and amiodarone. Using the model we investigated the mechanisms responsible for the differences between the two drugs on pro‐arrhythmogenesis, even though both prolong the QT interval of ECGs. Several challenges for further development of a virtual heart as a platform for screening drug cardiotoxicity are discussed.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Naive Probability: Model‐Based Estimates of Unique Events
Authors: Khemlani Sangeet S. , Lotstein Max , Johnson‐Laird Philip N. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe describe a dual‐process theory of how individuals estimate the probabilities of unique events, such as Hillary Clinton becoming U.S. President. It postulates that uncertainty is a guide to improbability. In its computer implementation, an intuitive system 1 simulates evidence in mental models and forms analog non‐numerical representations of the magnitude of degrees of belief. This system has minimal computational power and combines evidence using a small repertoire of primitive operations. It resolves the uncertainty of divergent evidence for single events, for conjunctions of events, and for inclusive disjunctions of events, by taking a primitive average of non‐numerical probabilities. It computes conditional probabilities in a tractable way, treating the given event as evidence that may be relevant to the probability of the dependent event. A deliberative system 2 maps the resulting representations into numerical probabilities. With access to working memory, it carries out arithmetical operations in combining numerical estimates. Experiments corroborated the theory's predictions. Participants concurred in estimates of real possibilities. They violated the complete joint probability distribution in the predicted ways, when they made estimates about conjunctions: P(A), P(B), P(A and B), disjunctions: P(A), P(B), P(A or B or both), and conditional probabilities P(A), P(B), P(B|A). They were faster to estimate the probabilities of compound propositions when they had already estimated the probabilities of each of their components. We discuss the implications of these results for theories of probabilistic reasoning.
New generation of hydraulic pedotransfer functions for Europe
Authors: Tóth B. , Weynants M. , Nemes A. , Makó A. , Bilas G. , Tóth G. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA range of continental‐scale soil datasets exists in Europe with different spatial representation and based on different principles. We developed comprehensive pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for applications principally on spatial datasets with continental coverage. The PTF development included the prediction of soil water retention at various matric potentials and prediction of parameters to characterize soil moisture retention and the hydraulic conductivity curve (MRC and HCC) of European soils. We developed PTFs with a hierarchical approach, determined by the input requirements. The PTFs were derived by using three statistical methods: (i) linear regression where there were quantitative input variables, (ii) a regression tree for qualitative, quantitative and mixed types of information and (iii) mean statistics of developer‐defined soil groups (class PTF) when only qualitative input parameters were available. Data of the recently established European Hydropedological Data Inventory (EU‐HYDI), which holds the most comprehensive geographical and thematic coverage of hydro‐pedological data in Europe, were used to train and test the PTFs. The applied modelling techniques and the EU‐HYDI allowed the development of hydraulic PTFs that are more reliable and applicable for a greater variety of input parameters than those previously available for Europe. Therefore the new set of PTFs offers tailored advanced tools for a wide range of applications in the continent.
An ex vivo human skin model for studying skin barrier repair
Authors: Danso Mogbekeloluwa O. , Berkers Tineke , Mieremet Arnout , Hausil Farzia , Bouwstra Joke A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn the studies described in this study, we introduce a novel ex vivo human skin barrier repair model. To develop this, we removed the upper layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC) by a reproducible cyanoacrylate stripping technique. After stripping the explants, they were cultured in vitro to allow the regeneration of the SC. We selected two culture temperatures 32°C and 37°C and a period of either 4 or 8 days. After 8 days of culture, the explant generated SC at a similar thickness compared to native human SC. At 37°C, the early and late epidermal differentiation programmes were executed comparably to native human skin with the exception of the barrier protein involucrin. At 32°C, early differentiation was delayed, but the terminal differentiation proteins were expressed as in stripped explants cultured at 37°C. Regarding the barrier properties, the SC lateral lipid organization was mainly hexagonal in the regenerated SC, whereas the lipids in native human SC adopt a more dense orthorhombic organization. In addition, the ceramide levels were higher in the cultured explants at 32°C and 37°C than in native human SC. In conclusion, we selected the stripped ex vivo skin model cultured at 37°C as a candidate model to study skin barrier repair because epidermal and SC characteristics mimic more closely the native human skin than the ex vivo skin model cultured at 32°C. Potentially, this model can be used for testing formulations for skin barrier repair.
Entrainment and advection of larval sardine, Sardinops sagax, by the East Australian Current and retention in the western Tasman Front
Authors: Mullaney Thomas J. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Heagney Elizabeth C. , Suthers Iain M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe poleward flowing East Australian Current (EAC) drives sporadic upwelling, entrains coastal water and forms the western Tasman Front (wTF), creating a mosaic of water types and larval transport routes along south eastern Australia. The spatial distribution, otolith chemistry and growth rates of larval sardine (Sardinops sagax) were examined to infer spawning location and larval transport. A gradient of increasing larval size from north to south along the shelf was not detected but was evident between the shelf and offshore in the wTF. Here larvae were larger and older. Based on the occurrence of newly hatched larvae, spawning by S. sagax between southern Queensland and mid New South Wales (NSW) was more extensive than previously reported. The otolith chemistry from two wTF larval size classes differed, implying different origins. The otolith chemistry of wTF post‐flexion larvae was similar to larvae from northern NSW, whereas wTF flexion larvae were similar to larvae observed nearby from mid‐NSW. Two possible larval transport routes, direct and indirect, are inferred from otolith chemistry, current velocities and a previously published particle tracking study. Either larvae from northern NSW were advected south and entrained with younger larvae directly into the wTF, or larvae from a range of shelf regions were advected around the southern edge of an anticyclonic eddy, to join younger larvae directly entrained into the wTF. Based on the co‐occurrence of larval ages and sizes in the wTF and their advection routes, the wTF appears to be an important larval retention zone.
Background characteristics, resources and volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community: A longitudinal study
Authors: Cramm Jane M , Nieboer Anna P 
Published: November 2014

AimThe aim of the present study was to describe (in)formal volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community, and the longitudinal relationships between background characteristics, resources (social, cognitive and physical functioning, social capital) and volunteering.MethodsAt baseline, a total of 945 (out of 1440) independently living Dutch older adults (aged ≥70 years) completed the questionnaire (66% response). Two years later, these respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire again, of which 588 (62%) responded.ResultsOf 945 respondents (43% male; mean age 77.5 ± 5.8 years, range 70–101 years), 34.7% were married and 83.3% were born in the Netherlands. Social capital, social functioning and physical functioning were significantly higher among volunteering older adults. Being born in the Netherlands, higher educational level, social capital and social functioning were related to formal volunteering activities at baseline, and also predicted these activities 2 years later. Regarding informal volunteering activities, we found a significant association with age, being born in the Netherlands, marital status, educational level, social capital and social functioning at baseline. Examining their predictive nature, we found that younger age, being born in the Netherlands, social capital and physical functioning were associated with engagement in informal volunteering activities 2 years later.ConclusionThe present study shows that older adults remain engaged in volunteering activities, and that background characteristics (e.g. ethnic background, education) and resources (social functioning, social capital) contribute to this engagement. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1087–1095.
Cognitive function and falling among older adults with mild cognitive impairment and slow gait
Authors: Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Park Hyuntae , Makizako Hyuma , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Uemura Kazuki , Nakakubo Sho , Hotta Ryo , Suzuki Takao 
Published: November 2014

AimTo examine the association of the combination of slow gait and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with cognitive function and falling in community‐dwelling older people.MethodsParticipants were selected from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (n = 3400), and underwent gait examination and a battery of neuropsychological examinations, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (tablet version of Trail Making Test Part A and B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task, Figure selection task, Word memory and Story memory), and were interviewed with a series of questionnaires including medical history, physical activity, geriatric depression scale and fall history.ResultsParticipants were classified into control (n = 2281), slow gait speed (SG; n = 278), MCI (n = 673) and MCI with SG (MCI+SG; n = 168) groups. All cognitive functions were significantly affected by the group factor, even adjusting for participant characteristics as covariates (P < 0.001). Post‐hoc analysis showed that the control group had better performance than the other groups, and the MCI+SG group had worse performance than the other groups in all cognitive functions (all P < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, SG and MCI were independently associated with falling (all P < 0.05), and MCI+SG had a higher odds ratio for falling (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.08–3.65).ConclusionsOur findings support the idea that slow gait and MCI were related, and concurrently associated with falling. Motor function among MCI subjects should be focused on to assess profile risks. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1073–1078.
The Internal Tensile Strength of a Borosilicate Glass Determined from Laser Shock Experiments and Computational Analysis
Authors: Holmquist Timothy J. , Wereszczak Andrew A. 
Published: November 2014

It is of interest to determine the internal tensile strength of glass because it is used in material models to understand and design transparent armor. It is difficult to determine this strength because surface conditions limit the ability to apply large tensile stresses needed to cause internally located crack initiation. This article presents a novel approach to estimate the internal tensile strength of glass using a combination of laser shock experiments and computational analysis. Laser shock produces a unique loading condition that causes maximum tension to occur in the interior of the glass without destroying the target. Several laser shock experiments were performed on a plate of borosilicate glass at varying levels of peak pressure. In one experiment, damage was produced only in the interior of the plate (there was no damage on either the front or rear surfaces). This experiment was singled out for analysis because surface flaws did not influence the internal crack initiation event. Computational analysis indicated that the internal tensile strength of this borosilicate glass is approximately 1.2 GPa. The computed results produced damage only in the interior of the glass plate, similar to experimental observation. A similar failure stress was obtained using the Griffith criterion.
Polymorphism in IFI16 affects CD4+ T‐cell counts in HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Booiman T. , Kootstra N. A. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryInterferon‐γ‐inducible protein 16 (IFI16) plays a pivotal role in the death of bystander CD4+ T‐cells. Here, we demonstrate that SNP rs1417806 in IFI16 is associated with CD4+ T‐cell counts at set point and HIV‐1 disease progression, indicating that IFI16 affects HIV‐1 pathogenesis especially during the early phase of infection.
A derivative‐free algorithm for refining numerical microaggregation solutions
Authors: Aloise Daniel , Araújo Arthur 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe biggest challenge in disclosing private data is to share information contained in databases, while protecting people from being individually identified. Microaggregation is a family of methods for statistical disclosure control. The principle of microaggregation states that confidentiality rules permit the publication of individual records if they are divided into groups of g or more data, where none of the records is more representative than the others in the same group. The application of such rules leads to replacing individual values by those computed from small groups, which are denoted as microaggregates, before data publication. The microaggregation procedure should be developed to reduce the information loss caused by this replacement process to an extent, so that valuable and accurate information could still be extracted from the microaggregated data. This work proposes a derivative‐free optimization algorithm for the numerical microaggregation problem based on the evaluation of a simplified surrogate function. Computational experiments show that the proposed method can considerably improve the results obtained by other heuristics found in the literature, as it improves some of its best‐known results.
Non‐Newtonian Fluid Mixing in a Twin‐Screw Mixer Geometry: Three‐Dimensional Mesh Development, Effect of Fluid Model and Operating Conditions
Authors: Rathod Maureen L. , Ashokan Bharani K. , Fanning Lindsay M. , Kokini Jozef L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMixing was examined in a Readco continuous mixer (Readco Kurimoto, LLC, York, PA); a mesh was developed for three‐dimensional (3D) finite element method simulation and validated against experimental Newtonian fluid results. The mesh was designed to ensure accuracy in areas with a high velocity gradient while minimizing computational cost. It was utilized for investigation of non‐Newtonian fluids, including power‐law and Bird–Carreau models. Simple shear flow is seen at high in the center of the mixer; efficient dispersive mixing appears near the barrel wall at all flow rates. Both configurations experience increasing velocity and with mixer speed. Efficient dispersive mixing is observed near the barrel center with parallel paddles. Staggered paddles cause areas of backflow, improving fluid retention time. Under the same operating conditions, the Bird–Carreau fluid shows the greater influence of paddle motion, including less flow‐through and significant backflow. Maximum is higher than that seen for the power‐law fluid, while mixing index maxima are similar for both fluids.Practical ApplicationsThis work evaluates mixing using complex fluids in a realistic geometry and explores the effect of different operating conditions. Previous work has been confined to mainly Newtonian fluids or simplified geometries. A major benefit of 3D numerical simulation is that it enables comprehensive, noninvasive fluid analysis and determination of mixing quality. The most valuable simulations are those that closely mimic existing equipment scenarios. This information will allow industry users to design more efficient mixers and develop better mixer configurations with lower capital cost. This is particularly important to the dough industry which needs a well‐defined mixing profile for both product rheology and machinability.
Influence of a Zigzagging Location of the Knives in the Cutting Unit on the Energy Consumption During the Cutting Process of Horticultural Produce
Authors: Antonov Nikolay M. , Lebed' Nikita I. , Makarov Aleksey M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe authors offer a zigzagging‐type cutting unit to chop horticultural produce into slices. The article states the results of the research made to determine the power parameters of the process of cutting apples, onion root crops and potato root crops using various cutting units. It also states the analysis of the data received. The structure of a testing stand developed to define the strength properties of fruits, vegetables and root crops is described. The influence of the constituent elements of the process of chopping apples on the cutting force has been determined. The optimum values of the factors influencing the power parameters of the cutting process have been determined on the basis of regression equations and two‐dimensional sections of the yield surfaces.Practical ApplicationWith a view to decrease the energy consumption during the cutting of fruits and vegetables into slices, the authors recommend the use of a zigzagging‐type cutting unit developed by them, which prevents the destruction of the structure of a fruit processed as this could result in excessive juice loss during the operation. Such a cutting tool assures a “clear” slice section, which is uniform in thickness, as well as a low percentage of nonstandard raw materials, which has a direct influence on the increase in the quality of the product obtained, the product being used either immediately or for further processing.