bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Stability of (Ti/Zr/Hf)CoSb1−xSnx Thermoelectric p‐Type Half‐Heusler Compounds Upon Thermal Cycling
Authors: Rausch Elisabeth , Balke Benjamin , Ouardi Siham , Felser Claudia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe effect of thermal cycling upon the thermoelectric performance of state‐of‐the‐art p‐type half‐Heusler materials was investigated and correlated with the impact on the structural properties. We simulated a heat treatment of the material similar to actual applications in the mid‐temperature range, such as occurs during the energy conversion from an automotive exhaust pipe. We compared three different compositions based on the (Ti/Zr/Hf)CoSb1−xSnx system. The best and most reliable performance was achieved using Ti0.5Hf0.5CoSb0.85Sn0.15, which reached a maximum figure of merit ZT of 1.1 at 700 °C. The intrinsic phase separation and resulting microstructuring, which are responsible for the outstanding thermoelectric performance, were stable even after 500 heating and cooling cycles. The standard deviation of the obtained ZT values lies within 2–3 %, which is significantly smaller than the measurement errors.
Hierarchical Microcellular Microporous Carbon from Polyamic Acid Cryogel and its Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Choi Yong‐Mun , Singh Kiran Pal , Park Jong Deok , You Nam‐Ho , Yang Cheol‐Min , Goh Munju , Yu Jong‐Sung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe obtainment of a high specific surface area (SSA) without disrupting the conductivity of carbon is very challenging. Herein, an as‐synthesized polyamic acid (PAA) derivative dissolved in 1,4‐dioxane solvent was freeze dried to prepare a PAA cryogel, which allowed homogenous shrinkage of the texture and a high carbon yield upon carbonization. This work presents the successful template‐free preparation of a high‐surface area microporous carbon with a unique microcellular structure by simple carbonization treatment of a PAA cryogel. Upon increasing the carbonization temperature, the N content decreased, which was unfavorable for capacitance, but simultaneously, both the surface area and the crystallinity increased, which was beneficial in increasing the capacitance; these results are indicative of an interesting trade‐off relationship between surface area, conductivity, and the N content of the carbon. In particular, C‐PAA (1000) prepared by carbonization at 1000 °C from the PAA cryogel showed a high porosity of approximately 90.8 % and a remarkably high SSA of 2038 m2 g−1 along with high crystallinity and effective N doping favorable for good conductivity; this material thus illustrates a high specific capacitance of 248 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent stability in inorganic electrolyte.
Physiological effects of essential metals on two detritivores: Atyaephyra desmarestii (Millet) and Echinogammarus meridionalis (Pinkster)
Authors: Quintaneiro Carla , Ranville James F. , Nogueira António J. A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are essential for humans; however, input of several types of contamination has led to the degradation of these ecosystems. Thus, it is urgent to assess their health to allow actions for prevention and remediation. The level of trace metals can be enhanced by natural or anthropogenic sources. Essential metals, such as copper and zinc, become toxic when present in the environment above threshold concentrations. To evaluate the physiological effects of these 2 essential metals for 2 freshwater detritivores, the shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii and the amphipod Echinogammarus meridionalis, acute tests were performed. Forty-eight hour median lethal concentration (LC50) values were estimated for these species using static bioassays with copper and zinc. Sublethal assays for both metals with several phases were also done to evaluate the effects on feeding behavior. The LC50 values of copper for the shrimp A. desmarestii and amphipod E. meridionalis were 0.128 mg/L and 0.050 mg/L and those of zinc were 7.951 mg/L and 11.860 mg/L, respectively. The results indicated that copper is more toxic to both species. Only E. meridionalis showed deleterious effects of copper on feeding rate. Zinc showed some tendency for feeding inhibition in both species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1442–1448. © 2015 SETAC
Chronic toxicity of an environmentally relevant mixture of pharmaceuticals to three aquatic organisms (alga, daphnid, and fish)
Authors: Watanabe Haruna , Tamura Ikumi , Abe Ryoko , Takanobu Hitomi , Nakamura Ataru , Suzuki Toshinari , Hirose Akihiko , Nishimura Tetsuji , Tatarazako Norihisa 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Principles of concentration addition and independent action have been used as effective tools to predict mixture toxicity based on individual component toxicity. The authors investigated the toxicity of a pharmaceutical mixture composed of the top 10 detected active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the Tama River (Tokyo, Japan) in a relevant concentration ratio. Both individual and mixture toxicities of the 10 APIs were evaluated by 3 short-term chronic toxicity tests using the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the daphnid Ceriodaphnia dubia, and the zebrafish Danio rerio. With the exception of clarithromycin toxicity to alga, the no-observed-effect concentration of individual APIs for each test species was dramatically higher than the highest concentration of APIs found in the environment. The mixture of 10 APIs resulted in toxicity to alga, daphnid, and fish at 6.25 times, 100 times, and 15 000 times higher concentrations, respectively, than the environmental concentrations of individual APIs. Predictions by concentration addition and independent action were nearly identical for alga, as clarithromycin was the predominant toxicant in the mixture. Both predictions described the observed mixture toxicity to alga fairly well, whereas they slightly underestimated the observed mixture toxicity in the daphnid test. In the fish embryo test, the observed toxicity fell between the predicted toxicity by concentration addition and independent action. These results suggested that the toxicity of environmentally relevant pharmaceutical mixtures could be predicted by individual toxicity using either concentration addition or independent action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:996–1006. © 2015 SETAC
Developing a hybrid flux function suitable for hypersonic flow simulation with high‐order methods
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Deng Xiaogang , Wang Guangxue , Dong Yidao 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we develop a new hybrid Euler flux function based on Roe's flux difference scheme, which is free from shock instability and still preserves the accuracy and efficiency of Roe's flux scheme. For computational cost, only 5% extra CPU time is required compared with Roe's FDS. In hypersonic flow simulation with high‐order methods, the hybrid flux function would automatically switch to the Rusanov flux function near shock waves to improve the robustness, and in smooth regions, Roe's FDS would be recovered so that the advantages of high‐order methods can be maintained. Multidimensional dissipation is introduced to eliminate the adverse effects caused by flux function switching and further enhance the robustness of shock‐capturing, especially when the shock waves are not aligned with grids. A series of tests shows that this new hybrid flux function with a high‐order weighted compact nonlinear scheme is not only robust for shock‐capturing but also accurate for hypersonic heat transfer prediction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of γ radiation processing on fungal growth and quality characteristcs of millet grains
Authors: Mahmoud Nagat S. , Awad Sahar H. , Madani Rayan M. A. , Osman Fahmi A. , Elmamoun Khalid , Hassan Amro B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation processing of millet grains on fungal incidence, germination, free fatty acids content, protein solubility, digestible protein, and antinutritional factors (tannin and phytic acid). The grains were exposed to gamma radiation at doses 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 kGy. Obtained results revealed that radiation of millet grains at a dose level higher than 0.5 kGy caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on the percentage of fungal incidence and the free fatty acid of the seeds, while, no significant change in the germination capacity was observed of the grains after radiation. Additionally, the radiation process caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on both tannins and phytic acid content and gradual increment on in vitro protein digestibility of the grains. On the other hand, the treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased the protein solubility of the grains. Obtained results indicate that gamma irradiation might improve the quality characteristics of millet grains, and can be used as a postharvest method for disinfestations and decontamination of millet grains.
Salinomycin encapsulated nanoparticles as a targeting vehicle for glioblastoma cells
Authors: Tığlı Aydın R. Seda , Kaynak Gökçe , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSalinomycin has been introduced as a novel alternative to traditional anti‐cancer drugs. The aim of this study was to test a strategy designed to deliver salinomycin to glioblastoma cells in vitro. Salinomycin‐encapsulated polysorbate 80‐coated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (P80‐SAL‐PLGA) were prepared and characterized with respect to particle size, morphology, thermal properties, drug encapsulation efficiency and controlled salinomycin‐release behaviour. The in vitro cellular uptake of P80‐SAL‐PLGA (5 and 10 µM) or uncoated nanoparticles was assessed in T98G human glioblastoma cells, and the cell viability was investigated with respect to anti‐growth activities. SAL, which was successfully transported to T98G glioblastoma cells via P80 coated nanoparticles (∼14% within 60 min), greatly decreased (p < 0.01) the cellular viability of T98G cells. Substantial morphological changes were observed in the T98G cells with damaged actin cytoskeleton. Thus, P80‐SAL‐PLGA nanoparticles induced cell death, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for this salinomycin delivery system in the treatment of human glioblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 455–464, 2016.
Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Associated With Antidepressive Psychopharmacotherapy: An Explorative Assessment Based on Quantitative Signal Detection Using Different MedDRA Terms
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Zeiss René , Lang Dirk , Connemann Bernhard J. , Hiemke Christoph , Schönfeldt‐Lecuona Carlos 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDrug‐induced liver injury is a major problem of pharmacotherapy and is also frequent with antidepressive psychopharmacotherapy. However, there are only few studies using a consistent methodologic approach to study hepatotoxicity of a larger group of antidepress ants. We performed a quantitative signal detection analysis using data from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre from the WHO that records adverse drug reaction (ADR) data from worldwide sources; we retrieved substance‐ and country‐specific (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States) ADR data and calculated reporting odds ratios as measures for disproportionality within a case/noncase approach. To allow for identification of agents that cause severe forms of hepatotoxic ADRs, we used 2 terms of the MedDRA (“drug‐related hepatic disorders‐comprehensive search” [DRHD‐CS] and “… ‐severe events only” [DRHD‐SEO]). Distribution of signals was heterogeneous throughout the different data sets, and consistent findings were present for only a few substances: agomelatine (AGM) and tianeptine as well as both positive control agents (amineptine, nefazodone) generated signals related to DRHD‐CS and DRHD‐SEO in all analyzed data sets. Tri‐ and tetracyclic antidepressants (here amitriptyline, clomipramine, mianserin, mirtazapine, trimipramine) were associated with hepatotoxicity in several data sets. Using 2 MedDRA terms did not allow for detection of agents that cause severe hepatotoxic ADR. Our results support the findings of previous, primarily literature‐based, systematic analyses of hepatotoxicity related to antidepressive psychopharmacotherapy. No new safety information could be generated. Application of 2 MedDRA terms did not increase the substance‐specific safety information.
Partial unfolding and refolding for structure refinement: A unified approach of geometric simulations and molecular dynamics
Authors: Kumar Avishek , Campitelli Paul , Thorpe M. F. , Ozkan S. Banu 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe most successful protein structure prediction methods to date have been template‐based modeling (TBM) or homology modeling, which predicts protein structure based on experimental structures. These high accuracy predictions sometimes retain structural errors due to incorrect templates or a lack of accurate templates in the case of low sequence similarity, making these structures inadequate in drug‐design studies or molecular dynamics simulations. We have developed a new physics based approach to the protein refinement problem by mimicking the mechanism of chaperons that rehabilitate misfolded proteins. The template structure is unfolded by selectively (targeted) pulling on different portions of the protein using the geometric based technique FRODA, and then refolded using hierarchically restrained replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations (hr‐REMD). FRODA unfolding is used to create a diverse set of topologies for surveying near native‐like structures from a template and to provide a set of persistent contacts to be employed during re‐folding. We have tested our approach on 13 previous CASP targets and observed that this method of folding an ensemble of partially unfolded structures, through the hierarchical addition of contact restraints (that is, first local and then nonlocal interactions), leads to a refolding of the structure along with refinement in most cases (12/13). Although this approach yields refined models through advancement in sampling, the task of blind selection of the best refined models still needs to be solved. Overall, the method can be useful for improved sampling for low resolution models where certain of the portions of the structure are incorrectly modeled. Proteins 2015; 83:2279–2292. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Record books do not capture population trends in horn length of bighorn sheep
Authors: Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Schindler Susanne , Pelletier Fanie 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTMany agencies and researchers use data from harvested animals to study temporal trends in phenotype. For large mammals, complete harvest records are typically only available for the past few decades, but records of the largest trophies have been collected for over a century. To examine whether record books and data from male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) harvested under a minimum‐curl regulation could detect temporal trends in horn length, we simulated populations of trophy‐harvested male bighorn sheep where horn length was modeled to increase, remain stable, and decrease over time. All populations experienced a simulated harvest based on a minimum horn length, but only horns in the longest 5% of the initial distribution were entered in a fictional record book. We then assessed whether monitoring of harvested and “record” males detected temporal trends. Data from selective harvest underestimated declines and initially underestimated increases, but qualitatively detected both trends. Record‐book entries, however, severely underestimated increases and did not detect declines, suggesting that they should not be used to monitor population trends. When these biases are taken into account, complete trophy harvest records can provide useful biological information. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Intracranial arterial four‐dimensional flow is associated with metrics of brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Berman Sara E. , Rivera‐Rivera Leonardo A. , Clark Lindsay R. , Racine Annie M. , Keevil Jon G. , Bratzke Lisa C. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Rowley Howard A. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Asthana Sanjay , Turski Patrick , Johnson Sterling C. , Wieben Oliver 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionAlthough cerebrovascular disease has long been known to co‐occur with Alzheimer's disease (AD), recent studies suggest an etiologic contribution to AD pathogenesis. We used four dimensional (4D)‐flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate blood flow and pulsatility indices in the circle of Willis. We hypothesized decreased mean blood flow and increased pulsatility, metrics indicative of poor vascular health, would be associated with cerebral atrophy and an AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile.MethodsA total of 312 patients along the AD continuum (172 middle aged, 60 cognitively healthy older, 44 mild cognitive impairment, and 36 AD) underwent MRI, CSF, and medical examinations. Regression was used to predict CSF biomarkers and atrophy from 4D‐flow and analysis of covariance to compare vascular health between groups.ResultsDecreased mean flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and superior portion of the internal carotid artery (sICA) and increased pulsatility in the MCA were associated with greater brain atrophy. Decreased mean flow in the sICA was associated with lower amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ42) in the CSF, a pathologic biomarker profile associated with AD. Interestingly, although metrics of flow and pulsatility differed markedly across the AD spectrum, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk score, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure across the three age‐matched older cohorts.DiscussionBy measuring intracranial arterial health directly with 4D‐flow MRI, these data suggest that intracranial arterial health is compromised in symptomatic AD. Even after accounting for disease stage, cerebral artery health is associated with atrophy and an AD Aβ42 profile, suggesting neurovascular health may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of AD.
Results of sling surgery in a non‐selected population
Authors: Hogewoning Cornelis R.C. , Oostrom Anne J.B. , Hogewoning Cornelis J.A. , Pelger Rob C.M. , Bekker Milou D. , Putter Hein , Elzevier Henk W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate sling surgery in terms of effectiveness and quality of life, and describe the effects of confounding variables on outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using multiple validated questionnaires was conducted in a specialized pelvic floor center in the Netherlands. Women were enrolled after undergoing sling surgery between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2012. In addition to the preoperative questionnaire, participants completed a questionnaire a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery to assess outcomes.ResultsOf 255 eligible participants, 228 (89.4%) returned the postoperative questionnaire after a mean follow‐up of 14.9 months (range 2–32). At the time of follow‐up, 158 (69.3%) patients considered themselves cured, and an improvement was observed in 155 (68.9%) patients; 70 (31.1%) patients rated their postoperative situation as little improved, unchanged, or deteriorated. Compared with patients who had no history of previous related surgery, patients with prior sling surgery benefited significantly less from surgery, whereas those with concomitant vaginal surgery showed similar scores in all outcome parameters. A high body mass index was found to have a negative effect on the results of surgery.Conclusionmidurethral sling surgery is both efficient and effective in curing stress urinary incontinence. However, patient characteristics and confounding variables can influence the outcome of surgery and should therefore always be discussed with the patient.
Obstetric care of women with female genital mutilation attending a specialized clinic in a tertiary center
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Dugerdil Adeline , Yaron Michal , Irion Olivier , Boulvain Michel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo study the obstetric outcomes of women attending a specialized clinic for women with female genital mutilation (FGM).MethodsThe medical charts of women with FGM who consecutively attended a specialized clinic between 2010 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The present study focused on women attending for obstetric reasons. The outcome measures were type of delivery, reason for cesarean delivery or assisted delivery, blood loss, episiotomy, perineal tear, duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum complications, weight of the neonate, and Apgar score. Outcomes were compared between women with FGM type III who underwent defibulation, and patients with FGM type I and II.ResultsThe clinic was attended by 129 women, 84 perinatally. Obstetric outcomes were similar to average outcomes for women without FGM presenting at the same department and in Switzerland generally. Specifically, 20 women had a cesarean delivery. An assisted delivery was performed for 18 patients; among these, only eight had experienced obstructed labor. No statistically significant differences were found for the outcome measures when women with FGM type III were compared to FGM type I and II.ConclusionsRoutine obstetric follow‐up combined with specialized care for women with FGM, including defibulation, can avoid inappropriate obstetric practices and reduce obstetric complications known to be associated with FGM.
Civilian Helicopter Search and Rescue Accidents in the United States: 1980 Through 2013
Authors: Worley Gordon H. 
Published: October 2015

Objective Helicopters are commonly used in search and rescue operations, and accidents have occurred during helicopter search and rescue (HSAR) missions. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether the HSAR accident rate in the United States could be determined and whether any common contributing factors or trends could be identified. Methods Searches were conducted of the National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database, the records of the major search and rescue and air medical organizations, and the medical and professional literature for reports of HSAR accidents. Results A total of 47 civilian HSAR accidents were identified during the study. Of these, 43% involved fatal injuries, compared with a 19% fatality rate for US helicopter general aviation accidents during the same time period and a 40% rate for helicopter emergency medical services. The HSAR accidents carried a significantly higher risk of fatal outcomes when compared with helicopter general aviation accidents (2-tailed Fisher’s exact test , P < .0005). Accidents that occurred at night and under instrument meteorological conditions did not have a statistically significant increase in percentage of fatal outcomes ( P > .05). The number of HSAR missions conducted annually could not be established, so an overall accident rate could not be calculated. Conclusions Although the overall number of HSAR accidents is small, the percentage of fatal outcomes from HSAR accidents is significantly higher than that from general helicopter aviation accidents and is comparable to that seen for helicopter emergency medical services operations. Further study could help to improve the safety of HSAR flights.