bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between imported versus domestic drug‐eluting stents in China: A large single‐center data
Authors: Liu Ru , Gao Zhan , Chen Jue , Gao Lijian , Song Lei , Qiao Shubin , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Yuan Jinqing
Published: July 2017

Background

In recent years, most drug‐eluting stents (DESs) were domestically produced in China, but how domestic DESs perform compared to imported DESs was still unknown.

Methods

A total of 9011 consecutive cases with DESs implantation in a single center throughout 2013 were prospectively collected. Two‐year clinical outcomes were evaluated between patients implanted with imported and domestic DESs.

Results

During 2‐year follow‐up, the rates of all‐cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and stent thrombosis were not significantly different between two groups. However, the rate of revascularization was significantly higher in domestic DES group, shown as higher rates of overall revascularization, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) (9.7% vs 6.4%,P < 0.001; 5.6% vs 3.2%,P < 0.001; 4.5% vs 2.2%,P < 0.001, respectively). Accordingly, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was significantly higher in domestic DES group (12.1% vs 8.5%,P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that domestic DES was an independent risk factor of MACE (HR [95%CI]: 1.22 [1.05‐1.41]), overall revascularization (HR [95%CI]: 1.29 [1.09‐1.53]), TVR (HR [95%CI]: 1.54 [1.22‐1.94]), and TLR (HR [95%CI]: 1.85 [1.41‐2.42]). After propensity score matching, the rates of overall revascularization, TVR, and TLR were still significantly higher in domestic DES group, and domestic DES was still predictive of overall revascularization, TVR, and TLR in multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

Domestic DESs showed the same safety as imported DESs in this real‐world cohort. But, patients implanted with domestic DESs had a higher risk of revascularization than imported DESs.
Viruses, wheeze and rice krispies
Authors: Wu Peishan , Davies Philip , Gibson Neil
Published: July 2017

See Answer
Tooth fracture within the African carnivore guild: the influence of intraguild competition and resource availability
Authors: Mann S. A. , Van Valkenburgh B. , Hayward M. W.
Published: July 2017

Although tooth fracture may have severe energetic and behavioural implications for carnivores, it occurs commonly, perhaps as a result of a high risk diet and lifestyle. To investigate the influence of intraguild competition and resource availability, tooth fracture was quantified in 10 African carnivores (N = 851), which occur sympatrically across several aridity zones (i.e., a resource gradient). Tooth fracture incidence was compared across principal components representing temperature and precipitation, as well as the number of carnivores >21 kg present and factors previously considered influential. Multimodel inference was used to determine the relative influence of factors. Ecomorphological factors (e.g., degree of carnivory) and tooth wear (a product of age and diet) were considered most influential, whilst tooth fracture incidence did not vary between sexes. Precipitation, which is known to affect primary production and herbivore biomass, was more influential than temperature, with fewer tooth fractures in wild dogs and leopards where precipitation availability was higher. Competition was the most influential factor for wild dogs, with higher tooth fracture incidence where more carnivores were present, corresponding with a previous study that shows relative predator abundance to be more influential than prey numbers for carcass consumption – the likely cause of tooth fracture. However, leopards and black‐backed jackals exhibited lower tooth fracture incidence where more carnivores were present, perhaps because of a positive association between competition and precipitation, or changes in prey preferences where carnivore abundance is high. Relative prey and predator biomass may provide better proxies for resource availability and intraguild competition in future studies and long‐term studies of predation may provide insight into factors affecting carcass consumption. An understanding of the influences of guild richness and resource availability is important for modern systems that are currently undergoing changes in competitive dynamics, where carnivores occupy the vulnerable position of apex predators.
Gene flow and selection interact to promote adaptive divergence in regions of low recombination
Authors: Samuk Kieran , Owens Gregory L. , Delmore Kira E. , Miller Sara E. , Rennison Diana J. , Schluter Dolph
Published: July 2017

Adaptation to new environments often occurs in the face of gene flow. Under these conditions, gene flow and recombination can impede adaptation by breaking down linkage disequilibrium between locally adapted alleles. Theory predicts that this decay can be halted or slowed if adaptive alleles are tightly linked in regions of low recombination, potentially favouring divergence and adaptive evolution in these regions over others. Here, we compiled a global genomic data set of over 1,300 individual threespine stickleback from 52 populations and compared the tendency for adaptive alleles to occur in regions of low recombination between populations that diverged with or without gene flow. In support of theory, we found that putatively adaptive alleles (FST and dXY outliers) tend to occur more often in regions of low recombination in populations where divergent selection and gene flow have jointly occurred. This result remained significant when we employed different genomic window sizes, controlled for the effects of mutation rate and gene density, controlled for overall genetic differentiation, varied the genetic map used to estimate recombination and used a continuous (rather than discrete) measure of geographic distance as proxy for gene flow/shared ancestry. We argue that our study provides the first statistical evidence that the interaction of gene flow and selection biases divergence toward regions of low recombination.
Resistance to RHD virus in wild Australian rabbits: Comparison of susceptible and resistant individuals using a genomewide approach
Authors: Schwensow Nina I. , Detering Harald , Pederson Stephen , Mazzoni Camila , Sinclair Ron , Peacock David , Kovaliski John , Cooke Brian , Fickel Jörns , Sommer Simone
Published: July 2017

Deciphering the genes involved in disease resistance is essential if we are to understand host–pathogen coevolutionary processes. The rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) was imported into Australia in 1995 as a biocontrol agent to manage one of the most successful and devastating invasive species, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). During the first outbreaks of the disease, RHDV caused mortality rates of up to 97%. Recently, however, increased genetic resistance to RHDV has been reported. Here, we have aimed to identify genomic differences between rabbits that survived a natural infection with RHDV and those that died in the field using a genomewide next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approach. We detected 72 SNPs corresponding to 133 genes associated with survival of a RHD infection. Most of the identified genes have known functions in virus infections and replication, immune responses or apoptosis, or have previously been found to be regulated during RHD. Some of the genes identified in experimental studies, however, did not seem to play a role under natural selection regimes, highlighting the importance of field studies to complement the genomic background of wildlife diseases. Our study provides a set of candidate markers as a tool for the future scanning of wild rabbits for their resistance to RHDV. This is important both for wild rabbit populations in southern Europe where RHD is regarded as a serious problem decimating the prey of endangered predator species and for assessing the success of currently planned RHDV variant biocontrol releases in Australia.
The identification of new candidate genes Triticum aestivumFLOWERING LOCUS T3‐B1 (TaFT3‐B1) and TARGET OF EAT1 (TaTOE1‐B1) controlling the short‐day photoperiod response in bread wheat
Authors: Zikhali Meluleki , Wingen Luzie U. , Leverington‐Waite Michelle , Specel Sebastien , Griffiths Simon
Published: July 2017

Perception of photoperiod changes enables plants to flower under optimum conditions for survival. We used doubled haploid populations of crosses among Avalon × Cadenza, Charger × Badger and Spark × Rialto and identified short‐day flowering time response quantitative trait loci (QTL) on wheat chromosomes 1BS and 1BL. We used synteny between Brachypodium distachyon and wheat to identify potential candidates for both QTL. The 1BL QTL peak coincided with TaFT3‐B1, a homologue of the barley gene HvFT3, the most likely candidate gene. The 1BS QTL peak coincided with homologues of Arabidopsis thaliana SENSITIVITY TO RED LIGHT REDUCED 1, WUSCHEL‐like and RAP2.7, which is also known as Zea mays TARGET OF EAT1, named TaSRR1‐B1, TaWUSCHELL‐B1 and TaTOE1‐B1, respectively. Gene expression assays suggest that TaTOE1‐B1 and TaFT3‐B1 are expressed more during short days. We identified four alleles of TaFT3‐B1 and three alleles of TaTOE1‐B1. We studied the effect of these alleles in the Watkins and GEDIFLUX diversity panels by using 936 and 431 accessions, respectively. Loss of TaFT3‐B1 by deletion was associated with late flowering. Increased TaFT3‐B1 copy number was associated with early flowering, suggesting that TaFT3‐B1 promotes flowering. Significant association was observed in the GEDIFLUX collection for TaTOE1‐B1, a putative flowering repressor.
Are drowned donors marginal donors? A single pediatric center experience
Authors: Kumm Kayla R. , Galván N. Thao N. , Koohmaraie Sarah , Rana Abbas , Kueht Michael , Baugh Katherine , Hao Liu , Yoeli Dor , Cotton Ronald , O'Mahony Christine A. , Goss John A.
Published: July 2017

Drowning, a common cause of death in the pediatric population, is a potentially large donor pool for OLT. Anecdotally, transplant centers have deemed these organs high risk over concerns for infection and graft dysfunction. We theorized drowned donor liver allografts do not portend worse outcomes and therefore should not be excluded from the donation pool. We reviewed our single‐center experience of pediatric OLTs between 1988 and 2015 and identified 33 drowned donor recipients. These OLTs were matched 1:2 to head trauma donor OLTs from our center. A chart review assessed postoperative peak AST and ALT, incidence of HAT, graft and recipient survival. Recipient survival at one year between patients with drowned donor vs head trauma donor allografts was not statistically significant (94% vs 97%, P=.63). HAT incidence was 6.1% in the drowned donor group vs 7.6% in the control group (P=.78). Mean postoperative peak AST and ALT was 683 U/L and 450 U/L for drowned donors vs 1119 U/L and 828 U/L in the matched cohort. These results suggest drowned donor liver allografts do not portend worse outcomes in comparison with those procured from head trauma donors.
Low serum albumin levels prior to pediatric allogeneic HCT are associated with increased need for critical care interventions and increased 6‐month mortality
Authors: Teagarden Alicia M. , Skiles Jodi L. , Beardsley Andrew L. , Hobson Michael J. , Moser Elizabeth A. S. , Renbarger Jamie L. , Rowan Courtney M.
Published: July 2017

Poor nutritional status in HCT patients is a negative prognostic factor. There are no pediatric studies evaluating albumin levels prior to HCT and need for critical care interventions. We hypothesized that pediatric patients with low albumin levels, routinely measured 30 days (±10 days) prior to allogeneic HCT, have a higher risk of critical care interventions in the post‐transplant period. We performed a 5‐year retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent allogeneic HCT for any indication. Patients were categorized based on albumin level. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as <3.1 g/dL. A total of 73 patients were included, with a median age of 7.4 years (IQR 3.3, 13.2). Patients with hypoalbuminemia had higher needs for critical care interventions including non‐invasive ventilation (44% vs 8%, P=.01), mechanical ventilation (67% vs 17%, P<.01), and vasoactive therapy (56% vs 16%, P=.01). Patients with hypoalbuminemia also had a higher 6‐month mortality (56% vs 17%, P=.02). Our data demonstrate that children undergoing allogeneic HCT with hypoalbuminemia in the pretransplant period are more likely to require critical care interventions and have higher 6‐month mortality. These findings identify an at‐risk population in which nutritional improvements may be instituted prior to HCT in hopes of improving outcomes.
Blood use in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: the impact of a health system–wide patient blood management program
Authors: Leahy Michael F. , Trentino Kevin M. , May Colleen , Swain Stuart G. , Chuah Hun , Farmer Shannon L.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Little is published on patient blood management (PBM) programs in hematology. In 2008 Western Australia announced a health system–wide PBM program with PBM staff appointments commencing in November 2009. Our aim was to assess the impact this program had on blood utilization and patient outcomes in intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 695 admissions at two tertiary hospitals receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between July 2010 and December 2014 was conducted. Main outcomes included pre–red blood cell (RBC) transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels, single‐unit RBC transfusions, number of RBC and platelet (PLT) units transfused per admission, subsequent day case transfusions, length of stay, serious bleeding, and in‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Over the study period, the mean RBC units transfused per admission decreased 39% from 6.1 to 3.7 (p < 0.001), and the mean PLT units transfused decreased 35% from 6.3 to 4.1 (p < 0.001), with mean RBC and PLT units transfused for follow‐up day cases decreasing from 0.6 to 0.4 units (p < 0.001). Mean pre‐RBC transfusion Hb level decreased from 8.0 to 6.8 g/dL (p < 0.001), and single‐unit RBC transfusions increased 39% to 67% (p < 0.001). This reduction represents blood product cost savings of AU$694,886 (US$654,007). There were no significant changes in unadjusted or adjusted length of stay, serious bleeding events, or in‐hospital mortality over the study.

CONCLUSION

The health system–wide PBM program had a significant impact, reducing blood product use and costs without increased morbidity or mortality in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Privatisation and the unusual case of Belarusian accession to the WTO
Authors: Balistreri Edward J. , Olekseyuk Zoryana , Tarr David G.
Published: July 2017

The accession negotiations of Belarus to the WTO are unusual since, due to its obligations in the Eurasian Economic Union, WTO accession is not expected to impact its tariffs or formerly substantial trade‐distorting agricultural subsidies. Nonetheless, we estimate that WTO accession will increase welfare by 9.9% of consumption in Belarus. We show that inclusion of: (i) foreign direct investment; (ii) reduction in non‐discriminatory barriers against services providers; and (iii) our model with imperfect competition and endogenous productivity effects together produce estimated gains eleven times larger than a model of perfect competition with only cross‐border trade in services. Our analysis is enabled by our production of a data set on both discriminatory and non‐discriminatory barriers in services and their ad valorem equivalents. Based on a new data set on labour productivity by sector and type of ownership, in our central model, we estimate that privatisation will increase welfare by 35.8% of consumption. We find substantial variance in the estimated gains from privatisation depending on model assumptions, but all the estimates of the impacts of privatisation indicate substantial welfare gains.
Reverse Engineering and Geometric Optimization for Resurrecting Antique Saxophone Sound Using Micro-Computed Tomography and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Celentano Frank , DiPasquale Richard , Simoneau Edward , May Nicholas , Shahbazi Zahra , Shahbazmohamadi Sina
Published: July 2017

The saxophone mouthpiece is an important, sound generating component of this instrument. The structure of mouthpiece has undergone several design changes since its invention by Adolphe Sax in the mid-18th century. Very few antique mouthpieces survived through the years, and unfortunately, those available are not playable on modern saxophones due to geometric discrepancies. This paper investigates the possibility of using three-dimensional (3D) X-ray tomography and 3D printing combined with solid modeling and reverse engineering concepts to bring back the sound of saxophones as intended by its inventor. We have imaged the interior and exterior of an extant mouthpiece nondestructively using 3D X-ray tomography, and used solid modeling and reverse engineering along with sound testing, to optimize the geometry of a mouthpiece that is faithful to its original design and yet playable on a modern saxophone. To perform sound testing of our design iterations, 3D printed prototypes have been used and proven to generate sufficient sound quality for testing. We have successfully obtained the optimized geometry after a series of iterations that taught us valuable lessons about modeling for 3D printing and correlating geometric features of a mouthpiece to its sound quality. Though the developed principles are applied to saxophone mouthpieces, the present work can be readily extended to various musical instruments that have evolved through time, particularly woodwind instruments and instruments with mouthpieces.
An Finite Element Method Study of the Thermal Conductivity of Polycrystalline UO2
Authors: Jin Enze , Liu Chen , He Heming
Published: July 2017

A finite element method (FEM) is applied to investigate the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline UO2. The influences of microstructure are especially important for UO2 due to the severe structural changes under irradiation conditions. In this study, we have investigated the influences of microstructures on the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline UO2 using FEM. The temperature profile of fuel pellet with different microstructures during service is also investigated. The thermal conductivity increases with increasing grain size. The grain size distribution has obvious influence on the thermal conductivity especially when there are pores in the polycrystal. The influences of porosity and pore size are very sensitive to the position of the pores. The results obtained in this study are useful for the prediction of property changes of UO2 fuel in pile and important to gain some design guidance to tune the properties through the control of the microstructure.
An Online Monitoring Technique for Long-Term Operation Using Guided Waves Propagating in Steel Pipe
Authors: Bertoncini Francesco , Cappelli Mauro , Cordella Francesco , Raugi Marco
Published: July 2017

Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques are widely used as a reliable way for preventing failures and helping in the maintenance design and operation of critical infrastructures and complex industrial plants as nuclear power plants (NPPs). Among the NDT techniques, guided waves (GWs) are a very promising technology for such applications. GWs are structure-borne ultrasonic waves propagating along the structure confined and guided by its geometric boundaries. Testing using GWs is able to find defect locations through long-range screening using low-frequency waves (from 5 to 250 kHz). The technology is regularly used for pipe testing in the oil and gas industry. In the nuclear industry, regulators are working to standardize monitoring and inspection procedures. To use the technology inside an active plant, operators must solve issues like high temperatures (up to more than 300 °C inside a light-water reactor's primary piping), high wall thickness of components in the primary circuit, and characteristic defect typologies. Magnetostrictive sensors are expected to overcome such issues due to their physical properties, namely, robust constitution and simplicity. Recent experimental results have demonstrated that magnetostrictive transducers can withstand temperatures close to 300 °C. In this paper, the GW technology will be introduced in the context of NPPs. Some experimental tests conducted using such a methodology for steel pipe having a complex structure will be described, and open issues related to high-temperature guided wave applications (e.g., wave velocity or amplitude fluctuations during propagation in variable temperature components) will be discussed.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Biofilms Composed of Listeria monocytogenes and Background Microbiota from Meat Processing Surfaces
Authors: Fagerlund Annette , Møretrø Trond , Heir Even , Briandet Romain , Langsrud Solveig
Published: July 2017

Surfaces of food processing premises are exposed to regular cleaning and disinfection (C&D) regimes, using biocides that are highly effective against bacteria growing as planktonic cells. However, bacteria growing in surface-associated communities (biofilms) are typically more tolerant toward C&D than their individual free-cell counterparts, and survival of pathogens such as
Listeria monocytogenes
may be affected by interspecies interactions within biofilms. In this study,
Pseudomonas
and
Acinetobacter
were the most frequently isolated genera surviving on conveyor belts subjected to C&D in meat processing plants. In the laboratory,
Pseudomonas
,
Acinetobacter
, and
L. monocytogenes
dominated the community, both in suspensions and in biofilms formed on conveyor belts, when cultures were inoculated with eleven-genus cocktails of representative bacterial strains from the identified background flora. When biofilms were exposed to daily C&D cycles mimicking treatments used in food industry, the levels of
Acinetobacter
and
Pseudomonas mandelii
diminished, and biofilms were instead dominated by
Pseudomonas putida
(65 to 76%),
Pseudomonas fluorescens
(11 to 15%) and
L. monocytogenes
(3 to 11%). The dominance of certain species after daily C&D correlated with high planktonic growth rates at 12°C and tolerance to C&D. In single-species biofilms,
L. monocytogenes
developed higher tolerance to C&D over time, for both the peracetic acid and quaternary ammonium disinfectants, indicating that a broad-spectrum mechanism was involved. Survival after C&D appeared to be a common property of
L. monocytogenes
strains, as persistent and sporadic subtypes showed equal survival rates in complex biofilms. Biofilms established preferentially in surface irregularities of conveyor belts, potentially constituting harborage sites for persistent contamination.

IMPORTANCE
In the food industry, efficient production hygiene is a key measure to avoid the accumulation of spoilage bacteria and eliminate pathogens. However, the persistence of bacteria is an enduring problem in food processing environments. This study demonstrated that environmental bacteria can survive foam cleaning and disinfection (C&D) at concentrations used in the industrial environment. The phenomenon was replicated in laboratory experiments. Important characteristics of persisting bacteria were a high growth rate at low temperature, a tolerance to the cleaning agent, and the ability to form biofilms. This study also supports other recent research suggesting that strain-to-strain variation cannot explain why certain subtypes of
Listeria monocytogenes
persist in food processing environments while others are found only sporadically. The present investigation highlights the failure of regular C&D and a need for research on improved agents that efficiently detach the biofilm matrix.
3-lead electrocardiogram is more reliable than pulse oximetry to detect bradycardia during stabilisation at birth of very preterm infants
Authors: Iglesias Beatriz , Rodrí­guez Marí­a José , Aleo Esther , Criado Enrique , Martí­nez-Orgado Jose , Arruza Luis
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines suggest the use of ECG in the delivery room (DR) to assess heart rate (HR). However, reliability of ECG compared with pulse oximetry (PO) in a situation of bradycardia has not been specifically investigated. The objective of the present study was to compare HR monitoring using ECG or PO in a situation of bradycardia (HR <100 beats per minute (bpm)) during preterm stabilisation in the DR.

Study design

Video recordings of resuscitations of infants <32 weeks of gestation were reviewed. HR readings in a situation of bradycardia (<100 bpm) at any moment during stabilisation were registered with both devices every 5 s from birth.

Results

A total of 29 episodes of bradycardia registered by the ECG in 39 video recordings were included in the analysis (n=29). PO did not detect the start of these events in 20 cases (69%). PO detected the start and the end of bradycardia later than the ECG (median (IQR): 5 s (0–10) and 5 s (0–7.5), respectively). A decline in PO accuracy was observed as bradycardia progressed so that by the end of the episode PO offered significantly lower HR readings than ECG.

Conclusions

PO detects the start and recovery of bradycardia events slower and less accurately than ECG during stabilisation at birth of very preterm infants. ECG use in this scenario may contribute to an earlier initiation of resuscitation manoeuvres and to avoid unnecessary prolongation of resuscitation efforts after recovery.
Estimating Global Burden of Disease due to congenital anomaly: an analysis of European data
Authors: Boyle Breidge , Addor Marie-Claude , Arriola Larraitz , Barisic Ingeborg , Bianchi Fabrizio , Csáky-Szunyogh Melinda , de Walle Hermien E K , Dias Carlos Matias , Draper Elizabeth , Gatt Miriam , Garne Ester , Haeusler Martin , Källén Karin , Latos-Bielenska Anna , McDonnell Bob , Mullaney Carmel , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J , O’Mahony Mary , Queisser-Wahrendorf Annette , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Rounding Catherine , Tucker David , Verellen-Dumoulin Christine , Wellesley Diana , Wreyford Ben , Zymak-Zakutnia Natalia , Dolk Helen
Published: July 2017

Objective

To validate the estimates of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) due to congenital anomaly for Europe by comparing infant mortality data collected by EUROCAT registries with the WHO Mortality Database, and by assessing the significance of stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) in the interpretation of infant mortality statistics.

Design, setting and outcome measures

EUROCAT is a network of congenital anomaly registries collecting data on live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks’ gestation and TOPFA. Data from 29 registries in 19 countries were analysed for 2005–2009, and infant mortality (deaths of live births at age <1 year) compared with the WHO Mortality Database. Eight EUROCAT countries were excluded from further analysis on the basis that this comparison showed poor ascertainment of survival status.

Results

According to WHO, 17%–42% of infant mortality was attributed to congenital anomaly. In 11 EUROCAT countries, average infant mortality with congenital anomaly was 1.1 per 1000 births, with higher rates where TOPFA is illegal (Malta 3.0, Ireland 2.1). The rate of stillbirths with congenital anomaly was 0.6 per 1000. The average TOPFA prevalence was 4.6 per 1000, nearly three times more prevalent than stillbirths and infant deaths combined. TOPFA also impacted on the prevalence of postneonatal survivors with non-lethal congenital anomaly.

Conclusions

By excluding TOPFA and stillbirths from GBD years of life lost (YLL) estimates, GBD underestimates the burden of disease due to congenital anomaly, and thus declining YLL over time may obscure lack of progress in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
When cancer patients suddenly have a positive pregnancy test
Authors: Groza Daniela , Duerr Donat , Schmid Mathias , Boesch Beatrix
Published: July 2017

We present the case of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a 48-year-old woman with an active history of smoking. The patient initially presented to her general practitioner with a progressive swelling on the neck. Further investigations diagnosed a metastatic lung tumour, and palliative chemotherapy was started. After 5 months of treatment, by newly reported amenorrhoea, cautiously before a restaging CT scan of the abdomen, a pregnancy test was performed and was positive. Both the gynaecological examination and the hormonal panel yielded no signs of pregnancy. Immunohistochemically, staining of the tumour was strongly positive for β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) suggesting that the tumour was responsible for high β-hCG levels.

Paraneoplastic β-hCG secretion from adenocarcinomas is rare. In the literature, only a few such cases have been reported. Previous studies suggested that the ability to secrete β-hCG in tumours may correlate to some extent to chemoresistance and thus, to a worse prognosis.
Associations between tobacco control mass media campaign expenditure and smoking prevalence and quitting in England: a time series analysis
Authors: Kuipers Mirte A G , Beard Emma , West Robert , Brown Jamie
Published: July 2017

Background

It has been established that mass media campaigns can increase smoking cessation rates, but there is little direct evidence estimating associations between government expenditure on tobacco control mass media campaigns and smoking cessation. This study assessed the association over 8 years between mass media expenditure in England and quit attempts, smoking cessation and smoking prevalence.

Methods

Autoregressive integrated moving average modelling with exogenous variables (ARIMAX) was applied to monthly estimates from the Smoking Toolkit Study between June 2008 and February 2016. We assessed the association between the trends in mass media expenditure and (1) quit attempts in the last two months, (2) quit success among those who attempted to quit and (3) smoking prevalence. Analyses were adjusted for trends in weekly spending on tobacco by smokers, tobacco control policies and the use of established aids to cessation.

Results

Monthly spending on mass media campaigns ranged from nothing to £2.4 million, with a mean of £465 054. An increase in mass media expenditure of 10% of the monthly average was associated with a 0.51% increase (of the average) in success rates of quit attempts (95% CI 0.10% to 0.91%, p=0.014). No clear association was detected between changes in mass media expenditure and changes in quit attempt prevalence (β=–0.03, 95% CI –2.05% to 2.00%, p=0.979) or smoking prevalence (β=–0.03, 95% CI –0.09% to 0.03%, p=0.299).

Conclusion

Between 2008 and 2016, higher monthly expenditure on tobacco control mass media campaigns in England was associated with higher quit success rates.
Effects of corrosion inhibiting admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials combinations on the strength and certain durability properties of HPC
Authors: Lopez-Calvo H.Z. , Montes-Garcia P. , Alonso-Guzmán E.M. , Martinez-Molina W. , Bremner T.W. , Thomas M.D.A
Published: July 2017

This paper reports a study carried out to evaluate the effects of corrosion inhibiting admixtures, calcium nitrite and disodium tetrapropenyl succinate, in combination with supplementary cementitious materials, fly ash and silica fume Portland cement, on the compressive strength and certain durability properties of high performance concrete. Mixture formulations, including binary and ternary combinations of these admixtures were evaluated. Chloride profiles after 91 and 365 days of exposure and the compressive strength and electrical resistivity at 1, 7, 14, 28, 180, and 365 days of age were estimated. Also, results of corrosion evaluation after five-year exposure to a natural marine environment at Treat Island Maine, USA are presented and discussed. Results indicate that the use of corrosion inhibitors in combination with supplementary cementitious materials was beneficial, albeit to various degrees, in enhancing the strength and durability properties of high performance concrete with no noticeable adverse effects.
The impact of neighboring infection on the computer virus spread in packets on scale-free networks
Authors: Lazfi S. , Lamzabi S. , Rachadi A. , Ez-Zahraouy H.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we introduce the effect of neighbors on the infection of packets by computer virus in the SI and SIR models using the minimal traffic routing protocol. We have applied this model to the Barabasi–Albert network to determine how intrasite and extrasite infection rates affect virus propagation through the traffic flow of information packets in both the free-flow and the congested phases. The numerical results show that when we change the intrasite infection rate [Formula: see text] while keeping constant the extrasite infection rate [Formula: see text], we get normal behavior in the congested phase: in the network, the proportion of infected packets increases to reach a peak and then decreases resulting in a simultaneous increase of the recovered packets. In contrast, when the intrasite infection rate [Formula: see text] is kept fixed, an increase of the extrasite infection rate results in two regimes: The first one is characterized by an increase of the proportion of infected packets until reaching some peak value and then decreases smoothly. The second regime is characterized by an increase of infected packets to some stationary value.
On the Periodic Solutions of the Five-Dimensional Lorenz Equation Modeling Coupled Rosby Waves and Gravity Waves
Authors: Carvalho Tiago , Llibre Jaume
Published: July 2017

Lorenz studied the coupled Rosby waves and gravity waves using the differential system [Formula: see text] This system has the two first integrals [Formula: see text] Our main result shows that in each invariant set [Formula: see text] there are at least four (resp., [Formula: see text]) periodic solutions of the differential system with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (resp., [Formula: see text]).
Thinking and Modeling for Big Data from the Perspective of the I Ching
Authors: Lin Chuang , Li Guoliang , Shan Zhiguang , Shi Yong
Published: July 2017

Data is growing faster than ever before and is changing our daily life. However it is rather challenging to manage the big data [F. H. Cate, The big debate, Science 346 (2014) 810, J. Manyika, M. Chui, B. Brown, J. Bughin, R. Dobbs, C. Roxburgh and A. H. Byers, Big Data: The Next Frontier for Innovation, Competition, and Productivity (Mckinsey global Institute, 2011), S. Lohr, The Age of Big Data (New York Times, 2012), p. 11, L. Einav and J. Levin, Economics in the age of big data, Science 345 (2014) 715, M. J. Khoury and J. P. A. Ioannidis, Big data meets public health, Science 346 (2014) 1054–1055, V. Marx, Biology: The big challenges of big data, Nature 498(7453) (2013) 255–260.]. In this paper, we propose the big data thinking and modeling techniques from the perspective of the I Ching, which is a very famous imaginal thinking theory in China with 3,000 years history. The I Ching has been proven to be very useful and practical in many domains, e.g., 36 stratagems.

Firstly, inspired from the three components of the I Ching, image, number and principle, we propose a new three-cycle big data thinking way, from data to phenomenon, from phenomenon to correlation, and from correlation to knowledge, which is a generalization of the fourth paradigm (from causality to correlation) proposed by Jim Gray.

Secondly, inspired from the three entities of the I Ching, heaven, earth and human, we propose a new big data modeling method. We use the tree entities to represent the big data. We map the 4[Formula: see text]V of big data (volume, variety, velocity, veracity) to four opposition and uniform relations in the I Ching, and generate the eight diagrams. By capturing the relationships between eight diagrams, we generate the 64 hexagrams, and use 64 hexagrams to model big data. We also provide the principle rules to understand the knowledge generated by the model.

Thirdly, we discuss how to utilize our model to describe big-data management tools, including, MapReduce, Spark, Storm. We also provide a new model for handling distributed data streams.

We do think that we provide a new practical way of thinking and modeling for big data. We also believe that this will open up many new research directions on big data.
A convexity result in the spectral geometry of conformally equivalent metrics on surfaces
Authors: Panine Mikhail , Kempf Achim
Published: July 2017

Motivated by considerations of Euclidean quantum gravity, we investigate a central question of spectral geometry, namely the question of reconstructability of compact Riemannian manifolds from the spectra of their Laplace operators. To this end, we study analytic paths of metrics that induce isospectral Laplace–Beltrami operators over oriented compact surfaces without boundary. Applying perturbation theory, we show that sets of conformally equivalent metrics on such surfaces contain no nontrivial convex subsets. This indicates that cases where the manifolds cannot be reconstructed from their spectra are highly constrained.
Metal-Free Photocatalysts C3N3S3 and its Polymers: Solubility in Water and Application in Benzylic Alcohols Oxidation Under Visible Light
Authors: Chen Liming , Zhao Lulu , Xu Jie , Long Jinlin , Hou Linxi
Published: July 2017

Metal-free photocatalysts trithiocyanuric acid (C3N3S[Formula: see text] and its polymers were one-step synthesized and used for selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under visible light. The S–S bridged C3N3S3 polymers showed higher oxidation activity with increasing polymerization time and reached a maximum at 40[Formula: see text]h. As a major factor, catalysts’ solubility in water at different temperatures (from 298.15[Formula: see text]K to 368.15[Formula: see text]K) was measured at atmospheric pressure. The obtained data were correlated by polynomial empirical equation and modified Apelblat equation, respectively. Experimental results proved that the solubility of C3N3S3 and its polymers increased with increasing temperature. The solubility of C3N3S3 polymers with lower polymerization degree (DP) were better than that of parent C3N3S3 owing to the hydrophilicity caused by a low symmetry and disorder structure, whereas the higher DP could lead to the decrease of polymer solubility and further affect the photocatalytic activity. Thermodynamic properties of the solution system including the enthalpy ([Formula: see text] and heat capacity ([Formula: see text]) were calculated by the modified Apelblat equation.
ATC simulation for flight training: The missing link
Authors: Papadopoli Nick
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the state of piloted flight simulation fidelity with a focus on the missing link needed to complete the flight simulation experience, namely the simulated ATC environment (SATCE).

To date, there has been a great deal of effort invested in providing the highest level of flight realism possible. However, little investment has gone into systems which are used to improve communication skills with ATC while in a populated active airspace.

It is important to note that the relatively few SATCEs is not due to the lack of technology, since such products have been available for about a decade. The primary reason for its absence is the inability and unwillingness for operators to justify the investment in such a training tool.

In the meantime, the aviation industry has recognized that pilots need to have better communication skills while operating in various conditions. Consequently ICAO, with help from ARINC Industry Activities/FSEMC, has already taken steps to recommend the inclusion of SATCE characteristics in flight simulation devices.

The aviation and research communities need to assist efforts by producing the necessary studies and metrics which can be used to evaluate and validate SATCEs used in the flight training.
Time-and-band limiting for matrix orthogonal polynomials of Jacobi type
Authors: Castro M. , Grünbaum F. A.
Published: July 2017

We extend to a situation involving matrix-valued orthogonal polynomials a scalar result that plays an important role in Random Matrix Theory and a few other areas of mathe-matics and signal processing. We consider a case of matrix-valued Jacobi polynomials which arises from the study of representations of [Formula: see text], a group that plays an important role in Random Matrix Theory. We show that in this case an algebraic miracle, namely the existence of a differential operator that commutes with a naturally arising integral one, extends to this matrix-valued situation.
Heusler 4.0: Tunable Materials
Authors: Wollmann Lukas , Nayak Ajaya K. , Parkin Stuart S.P. , Felser Claudia
Published: July 2017

Heusler compounds are a large family of binary, ternary, and quaternary compounds that exhibit a wide range of properties of both fundamental and potential technological interest. The extensive tunability of the Heusler compounds through chemical substitutions and structural motifs makes the family especially interesting. In this article we highlight recent major developments in the field of Heusler compounds and put these in the historical context. The evolution of the Heusler compounds can be described by four major periods of research. In the latest period, Heusler 4.0 has led to the observation of a variety of properties derived from topology that includes topological metals with Weyl and Dirac points; a variety of noncollinear spin textures, including the very recent observation of skyrmions at room temperature; and giant anomalous Hall effects in antiferromagnetic Heuslers with triangular magnetic structures. Here we give a comprehensive overview of these major achievements and set research into Heusler materials within the context of recent emerging trends in condensed matter physics.
Emergency Backwards Whipple for Bleeding: Formidable and Definitive Surgery
Authors: Lupascu Cristian , Trofin Ana , Zabara Mihai , Vornicu Alexandra , Cadar Ramona , Vlad Nutu , Apopei Oana , Grigorean Valentin , Lupascu-Ursulescu Corina
Published: July 2017

Introduction. During the past decades, the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy has improved, with low mortality and reduced morbidity, particularly in centers with extensive experience. Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy is an uncommon event, for treatment of pancreaticoduodenal trauma, bleeding, or perforation. We herein present a single center experience concerning nontrauma emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreaticoduodenal bleeding.Methods. From January 2007 to December 2015, from a population of 134 PD (70 males and 64 females, mean age 62.2, range 34–82), 5 patients (3.7%; 2 males and 3 females, mean age 64, range 57–70) underwent one-stage emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for uncontrollable nontrauma pancreaticoduodenal bleeding in our tertiary center.Results. All the 5 patients underwent a backwards Whipple with a morbidity of 60% and a mortality of 20% (1/5). The other 4 patients were recovered and discharged with a median postoperative length of stay of 17 days (range 14–23).Conclusion. Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy is a definitive life-saving procedure allowing for a rapid control of bleeding when other less invasive approaches (transcatheter arterial embolization or interventional endoscopy) are exhausted, unavailable, or unsafe. It should be particularly considered in neoplastic disease and tailored by surgeons with a high level of experience in pancreatic surgery.
A DFT Study of Structural and Bonding Properties of Complexes Obtained from First-Row Transition Metal Chelation by 3-Alkyl-4-phenylacetylamino-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one and Its Derivatives
Authors: Jean Nono Hubert , Bikélé Mama Désiré , Ghogomu Julius Numbonui , Younang Elie
Published: July 2017

Density functional calculations were used to explore the complexation of 3-alkyl-4-phenylacetylamino-4,5-dihydro-1h-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (ADPHT) derivatives by first-row transition metal cations. Neutral ADPHT ligand and mono deprotonated ligands have been used. Geometry optimizations have been performed in gas-phase and solution-phase (water, benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)) with B3LYP/Mixed I (LanL2DZ for metal atom and 6-31+G(d,p) for C, N, O, and H atoms) and with B3LYP/Mixed II (6-31G(d) for metal atom and 6-31+G(d,p) for C, N, O, and H atoms) especially in the gas-phase. Single points have also been carried out at CCSD(T) level. The B3LYP/Mixed I method was used to calculate thermodynamic energies (energies, enthalpies, and Gibb energies) of the formation of the complexes analyzed. The B3LYP/Mixed I complexation energies in the gas phase are therefore compared to those obtained using B3LYP/Mixed II and CCSD(T) calculations. Our results pointed out that the deprotonation of the ligand increases the binding affinity independently of the metal cation used. The topological parameters yielded from Quantum Theory of Atom in Molecules (QTAIM) indicate that metal-ligand bonds are partly covalent. The significant reduction of the proton affinity (PA) observed when passing from ligands to complexes in gas-phase confirms the notable enhancement of antioxidant activities of neutral ligands.
LSD1 Inhibitor T-3775440 Inhibits SCLC Cell Proliferation by Disrupting LSD1 Interactions with SNAG Domain Proteins INSM1 and GFI1B
Authors: Takagi Shinji , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Mizutani Akio , Iwasaki Shinji , Matsumoto Satoru , Kamada Yusuke , Nomura Toshiyuki , Nakamura Kazuhide
Published: July 2017

T-3775440 is an irreversible inhibitor of the chromatin demethylase LSD1, which exerts antiproliferative effects by disrupting the interaction between LSD1 and GFI1B, a SNAG domain transcription factor, inducing leukemia cell transdifferentiation. Here, we describe the anticancer effects and mechanism of action of T-3775440 in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). T-3775440 inhibited proliferation of SCLC cells in vitro and retarded SCLC tumor growth in vivo. T-3775440 disrupted the interaction between LSD1 and the transcriptional repressor INSM1, thereby inhibiting expression of neuroendocrine-associated genes, such as ASCL1. INSM1 silencing phenocopied the effects of T-3775440 on gene expression and cell proliferation, consistent with the likelihood T-3775440 mediated its effects in SCLC by inhibiting INSM1. T-3775440 also inhibited proliferation of an SCLC cell line that overexpressed GFI1B, rather than INSM1, by disrupting the interaction between LSD1 and GFI1B. Taken together, our results argue that LSD1 plays an important role in neuroendocrine-associated transcription and cell proliferation of SCLC via interactions with the SNAG domain proteins INSM1 and GFI1B. Targeting these critical interactions with LSD1 inhibitors offers a novel rational strategy to therapeutically manage SCLC. Cancer Res; 77(17); 4652–62. ©2017 AACR.