bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEM Calculations of SIF and COA for Through Axial Cracks in Pipes in Geometrically Nonlinear Formulation
Authors: Oryniak Andrii , Orynyak Igor
Published: November 2018

The determination of stress intensity factors (SIF) and crack opening area or displacements (COA or COD) is important constituent when performing the “leak before break” analysis of piping systems in NPPs. The tabulated parametrical results of their calculation are widely presented in modern scientific and normative literature. Nevertheless, there is one aspect of crack behavior, at least in thin walled pipes, which still had not obtained its due attention. We mean here the geometrically nonlinear effect, which can be the big enough to be accounted for in practical applications.

It is considered in geometrically linear analysis that only the inner pressure opens the crack, and COA and SIF are directly proportional to it. SIF is presented usually as solution for infinite plate multiplied by so-called bulging factor, BF, which depends on dimensionless crack length, i.e. ratio of crack length divided on square root of product of radius, R, and wall thickness, t.

Two loading factors in thin walled pipes can contribute to geometrically nonlinear behavior. The first one is axial stresses induced by value of axial force or bending moment. The second one – is the inner pressure itself.

The most attention in present paper is given to influence of the axial force. With this goal the numerical models were created for pipes with different ratios of R/t (20, 30, 40, 50) and different dimensionless crack length (2, 4, 6, 8). To exclude the nonlinearity due to circumferential stress the inner pressure is kept as a very small value and dimensionless SIF and COD values are calculated with respect to axial force.

To prove the correctness of choosing the finite element types, meshing, number of elements along the thickness, loading steps the auxiliary problem of nonlinear modeling of transverse beam loaded additionally by very big axial force is considered. The very good correspondence was attained.

For the pipe with axial crack the careful verification of numerical model was performed by comparison with linear results existing in literature.

The results obtained are presented as a percentage of difference between the linear and nonlinear results. They show that influence of geometrical nonlinearity is fairly essential to be accounted in practice and can reach for practically real cases almost 3–10%. The change of SIF in percentages due to geometrical nonlinearity for different axial stress levels and for different crack lengths can be fairly well presented as unique dependence from product of stresses, radius to thickness ratio, and square root of dimensionless crack length. The change COD in central point of crack is slightly bigger than for SIF and the same unique dependence can be formulated for COD with only exception for small cracks λ < 3.
Fitness-for-Service Assessment of an Injection Point in a Boiler Feed-Water Line Subjected to Corrosion
Authors: Kaida Takuyo , Sasaki Masahiro , Baldomir Gutierrez Luis Alejandro
Published: November 2018

When inspecting a piping system, injection points should receive specific attention because they are sometimes subject to accelerated or localized corrosion. If metal loss is found at the location of such injection points during the inspection, a Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessment can be used to evaluate whether the component can continue to operate safely without a plant shutdown. A more practical method for assessing the integrity is needed to provide specific procedures for the FFS assessment of a piping branch, e.g., an area-replacement rule.

This paper will present a practical example of an FFS assessment of an injection point in a boiler feed-water line in which internal corrosion was found using ultrasonic testing. We outline a way to characterize the metal-loss shape and assess the integrity of the injection point. We also present a quill-type injection design as a permanent countermeasure.
Qualification of Motor Actuated Valve Assemblies for Safety Related Nuclear Applications: Lessons Learned
Authors: Farrell Ronald , Ezekoye L. Ike
Published: November 2018

Safety related valves in nuclear power plants are required to be qualified in accordance with the ASME QME-1 standard. This standard describes the requirements and the processes for qualifying active mechanical equipment that are used in nuclear power plants. It does not cover the qualification of electrical components that are addressed using IEEE standards; however, QME-1 recognizes that both mechanical and electrical components must be qualified when they are interfaced as an assembly. Qualifying both mechanical and electrical valve assemblies can be challenging. Considerable amount of judgment is used when developing the plan to qualify any valve with an electric motor actuator. If the wrong steps are taken in planning the tests, the results from the tests may not be useful thus triggering the need to perform additional tests to comply with QME-1 requirements. This paper presents lessons learned in the process of qualifying valve assemblies to meet QME-1 requirements. The lessons include the decision processes associated with planning and executing valve testing, analysis of the valve assemblies for natural frequency determination, and missed opportunities to capture relevant test data during the tests. Finally, the paper will discuss challenges associated with justifying the tests and extending the results of the tests to cover untested valve assemblies.
Master Curve Fracture Toughness Characterization of Eurofer97 Using Miniature Multi-Notch Bend Bar Specimens for Fusion Applications
Authors: Chen Xiang , Sokolov Mikhail A. , Katoh Yutai , Rieth Michael , Clowers Logan N.
Published: November 2018

Eurofer97 is one of leading candidates of reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steels for first wall structural materials of early demonstration fusion power plants. During fusion plant operation, high neutron irradiation damage on first wall materials can cause irradiation embrittlement and reduce the fracture toughness of RAFM steels. Therefore, it is critical to select proper testing techniques to characterize the fracture toughness of RAFM steels with high fidelity. In this manuscript, we present the feasibility study of using pre-cracked miniature multi-notch bend bar specimens (M4CVN) with a dimension of 45mm (length) × 3.3mm (width) × 1.65mm (thickness) to characterize the transition fracture toughness of Eurofer97 steel based on the ASTM E1921 Master Curve method. The testing yielded a provisional Master Curve reference temperature ToQ of −89°C of unirradiated Eurofer97 steel heat J362A in the normalized and tempered condition. The results are within the normal scatter range of Master Curve reference temperature T0 for Eurofer97 steel, indicating suitability of applying M4CVN specimens for characterizing the transition fracture toughness of Eurofer97 steel.
High-Frequency Responses in Relation to the Use of Explicit Time Integration Method
Authors: Bae Sungjin
Published: November 2018

Design of an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) pad requires examining seismic stability and determining the static and dynamic loads of casks in accordance with the provision of 10 CFR 72.212 (Ref. 1). Since spent fuel storage casks are free standing structures on a concrete pad, cask rocking and sliding are expected to occur during an earthquake. NUREG/CR-6865 (Ref. 2) requires that the dynamic analyses consider the effect of soil-and-structure interactions between supporting soil and concrete pad as well as between casks and concrete pad. When casks exhibit rocking or sliding, nonlinear analyses are performed to handle the contact, and explicit time integration analyses with very short period of time step are often used to analyze the dynamic contact behavior of casks.

Explicit time integration analyses are more prone to contain high-frequency response than implicit time stepping analyses because of the use of very small time step and the limitation of damping model. A cask analysis case is presented in this paper to illustrate high frequency responses associated with the use of Rayleigh mass proportional damping, which is a commonly used damping model for explicit time integration analyses. A modified mass proportional damping expression is proposed to improve the responses of soil and casks.
Fire Accident Inversion Method Base on STAMP and Topological Network for LNG Depot
Authors: Hu Jinqiu , Zhang Laibin , Wang Ronghan , Ma Qingchun
Published: November 2018

Natural Gas is becoming an important energy source option and the capacity of the world to produce it is surging. Natural gas is usually liquefied for shipping and storage. Fire and explosion are among the most dangerous accidents in facilities at LNG Depot; especially pool fire is the most frequent incidents. At the same time the chain of accidents may lead to extremely severe consequences. In order to avoid such calamity a detail study on accident inversion technology is required to save human lives and prohibit the destruction of LNG Depot. In this thesis a topological network based fire accident inversion method for LNG tank fire accident is proposed. Firstly, analyze the LNG depot with the STAMP/STPA method. Then, the topology model of LNG tank fire inversion is established, and the optimal estimator of the shortest path is proposed according to the weighted edge topological network structure, based on which the fire location can be determined. Case study is applied to a LNG Depot. The results show that the position of the fire source calculated by the proposed method is the same as that of the simulated accident by FDS, which proves the feasibility of the method and provides a basis for reducing the fire losses and preventing accidents of LNG.
Surface chemistry of the frog sticky-tongue mechanism
Authors: Fowler J. Elliott , Kleinteich Thomas , Franz Johannes , Jaye Cherno , Fischer Daniel A. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Weidner Tobias , Baio Joe E.
Published: November 2018

Frogs capture their prey with a highly specialized tongue. Recent studies indicate this tongue is covered with fibril-forming mucus that acts as a pressure sensitive adhesive. However, no analysis of the interfacial chemistry of frog tongue mucus has been performed. The goal of this study is to examine the chemical structure of the surface of mucus after a tongue strike. Previous studies of mucus from other animals suggest that mucus from a frog's tongue consists of mucins—serine-, threonine-, and proline-rich glycoproteins. Therefore, the authors expect to observe chemical bonds associated with glycoproteins, as well as fibrils formed at the mucus–tongue interface. To test this hypothesis, they collected both near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) microscopy images and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra from layers of mucus left after frog tongue strikes on cleaned glass slides. NEXAFS imaging demonstrates a uniform distribution of amide, hydroxyl, and carbon–carbon bonds across the mucus surface. Difference spectra of individual N1s and C1s K-edge spectra pulled from these images indicate a structure consistent with fibril formation as well as disorder of oligosaccharide groups near the mucus surface. C—H region SFG spectra reveal surface active modes which likely stem from serine and threonine within the mucin protein. Combined, this work suggests that glycoproteins are well-ordered at the mucus–tongue interface.
Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth Comparing 30 Very High Human Development Index Countries
Authors: Aubert Salomé , Barnes Joel D. , Aguilar-Farias Nicolas , Cardon Greet , Chang Chen-Kang , Delisle Nyström Christine , Demetriou Yolanda , Edwards Lowri , Emeljanovas Arunas , Gába Aleš , Huang Wendy Y. , Ibrahim Izzeldin A.E. , Jürimäe Jaak , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Korcz Agata , Kim Yeon Soo , Lee Eun-Young , Löf Marie , Loney Tom , Morrison Shawnda A. , Mota Jorge , Reilly John J. , Roman-Viñas Blanca , Schranz Natasha , Scriven John , Seghers Jan , Skovgaard Thomas , Smith Melody , Standage Martyn , Starc Gregor , Stratton Gareth , Takken Tim , Tammelin Tuija , Tanaka Chiaki , Thivel David , Tyler Richard , Williams Alun , Wong Stephen H.S. , Zembura Paweł , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: November 2018

Background: To better understand the childhood physical inactivity crisis, Report Cards on physical activity of children and youth were prepared concurrently in 30 very high Human Development Index countries. The aim of this article was to present, describe, and compare the findings from these Report Cards. Methods: The Report Cards were developed using a harmonized process for data gathering, assessing, and assigning grades to 10 common physical activity indicators. Descriptive statistics were calculated after converting letter grades to interval variables, and correlational analyses between the 10 common indicators were performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Results: A matrix of 300 grades was obtained with substantial variations within and between countries. Low grades were observed for behavioral indicators, and higher grades were observed for sources of influence indicators, indicating a disconnect between supports and desired behaviors. Conclusion: This analysis summarizes the level and context of the physical activity of children and youth among very high Human Development Index countries, and provides additional evidence that the situation regarding physical activity in children and youth is very concerning. Unless a major shift to a more active lifestyle happens soon, a high rate of noncommunicable diseases can be anticipated when this generation of children reaches adulthood.
Global Matrix 3.0 Physical Activity Report Card Grades for Children and Youth: Results and Analysis From 49 Countries
Authors: Aubert Salomé , Barnes Joel D. , Abdeta Chalchisa , Abi Nader Patrick , Adeniyi Ade F. , Aguilar-Farias Nicolas , Andrade Tenesaca Dolores S. , Bhawra Jasmin , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Cardon Greet , Chang Chen-Kang , Delisle Nyström Christine , Demetriou Yolanda , Draper Catherine E. , Edwards Lowri , Emeljanovas Arunas , Gába Aleš , Galaviz Karla I. , González Silvia A. , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Huang Wendy Y. , Ibrahim Izzeldin A.E. , Jürimäe Jaak , Kämppi Katariina , Katapally Tarun R. , Katewongsa Piyawat , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Khan Asaduzzaman , Korcz Agata , Kim Yeon Soo , Lambert Estelle , Lee Eun-Young , Löf Marie , Loney Tom , López-Taylor Juan , Liu Yang , Makaza Daga , Manyanga Taru , Mileva Bilyana , Morrison Shawnda A. , Mota Jorge , Nyawornota Vida K. , Ocansey Reginald , Reilly John J. , Roman-Viñas Blanca , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Saonuam Pairoj , Scriven John , Seghers Jan , Schranz Natasha , Skovgaard Thomas , Smith Melody , Standage Martyn , Starc Gregor , Stratton Gareth , Subedi Narayan , Takken Tim , Tammelin Tuija , Tanaka Chiaki , Thivel David , Tladi Dawn , Tyler Richard , Uddin Riaz , Williams Alun , Wong Stephen H.S. , Wu Ching-Lin , Zembura Paweł , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: November 2018

Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5–17 y). The Global Matrix 3.0 of Report Card grades on physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variation in child and youth physical activity and associated supports. Methods: Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations’ human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). Results: A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of “C-,” “D+,” and “C-” was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI countries, and very high HDI countries, respectively. Conclusions: The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide. Strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.
Roles of Cholesteryl-α-Glucoside Transferase and Cholesteryl Glucosides in Maintenance of Helicobacter pylori Morphology, Cell Wall Integrity, and Resistance to Antibiotics
Authors: Qaria Majjid A. , Kumar Naveen , Hussain Arif , Qumar Shamsul , Doddam Sankara N. , Sepe Ludovico P. , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: November 2018

Helicobacter pylori
is an important cause of chronic gastritis leading to peptic ulcer and is a major risk factor for gastric malignancies. Failure in the eradication of
H. pylori
infection and increasing antibiotic resistance are two major problems in preventing
H. pylori
colonization. Hence, a deeper understanding of the bacterial survival strategies is needed to tackle the increasing burden of
H. pylori
infection by an appropriate intervention. Our study demonstrated that the lack of cholesteryl glucosides (CGs) remarkably altered the morphology of
H. pylori
and increased permeability of the bacterial cell wall. Further, this study highlighted the substantial role of CGs in maintaining the typical
H. pylori
morphology that is essential for retaining its pathogenic potential. We also demonstrated that the loss of CGs in
H. pylori
renders the bacterium susceptible to different antibiotics.
Supragingival Plaque Microbiome Ecology and Functional Potential in the Context of Health and Disease
Authors: Espinoza Josh L. , Harkins Derek M. , Torralba Manolito , Gomez Andres , Highlander Sarah K. , Jones Marcus B. , Leong Pamela , Saffery Richard , Bockmann Michelle , Kuelbs Claire , Inman Jason M. , Hughes Toby , Craig Jeffrey M. , Nelson Karen E. , Dupont Chris L.
Published: November 2018

Oral health has substantial economic importance, with over $100 billion spent on dental care in the United States annually. The microbiome plays a critical role in oral health, yet remains poorly classified. To address the question of how microbial diversity and function in the oral cavities of children relate to caries diagnosis, we surveyed the supragingival plaque biofilm microbiome in 44 juvenile twin pairs. Using shotgun sequencing, we constructed a genome encyclopedia describing the core supragingival plaque microbiome. This unveiled several new previously uncharacterized but ubiquitous microbial lineages in the oral microbiome. Caries is a microbial community metabolic disorder that cannot be described by a single etiology, and our results provide the information needed for next-generation diagnostic tools and therapeutics for caries.
The Widely Conserved
ebo
Cluster Is Involved in Precursor Transport to the Periplasm during Scytonemin Synthesis in
Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Klicki Kevin , Ferreira Daniela , Hamill Demetra , Dirks Blake , Mitchell Natalie , Garcia-Pichel Ferran
Published: November 2018

Elucidating the biochemical and genetic basis of scytonemin constitutes an interesting challenge because of its unique structure and the unusual fact that it is partially synthesized in the periplasmic space. Our work points to the
ebo
gene cluster, associated with the scytonemin operon of cyanobacteria, as being responsible for the excretion of scytonemin intermediates from the cytoplasm into the periplasm during biosynthesis. Few conserved systems have been described that facilitate the membrane translocation of small molecules. Because the
ebo
cluster is well conserved among a large diversity of bacteria and algae and yet insights into its potential function are lacking, our findings suggest that translocation of small molecules across the plasma membrane may be its generic role across microbes.
New Insights into Human Nostril Microbiome from the Expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD): a Resource for the Microbiome of the Human Aerodigestive Tract
Authors: Escapa Isabel F. , Chen Tsute , Huang Yanmei , Gajare Prasad , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Lemon Katherine P.
Published: November 2018

The eHOMD (
http://www.ehomd.org
) is a valuable resource for researchers, from basic to clinical, who study the microbiomes and the individual microbes in body sites in the human aerodigestive tract, which includes the nasal passages, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and mouth, and the lower respiratory tract, in health and disease. The eHOMD is an actively curated, web-based, open-access resource. eHOMD provides the following: (i) species-level taxonomy based on grouping 16S rRNA gene sequences at 98.5% identity, (ii) a systematic naming scheme for unnamed and/or uncultivated microbial taxa, (iii) reference genomes to facilitate metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and proteomic studies and (iv) convenient cross-links to other databases (e.g., PubMed and Entrez). By facilitating the assignment of species names to sequences, the eHOMD is a vital resource for enhancing the clinical relevance of 16S rRNA gene-based microbiome studies, as well as metagenomic studies.
Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics of Lysine Acetylome Identifies Substrates of Gcn5 in Magnaporthe oryzae Autophagy and Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Liang Meiling , Zhang Shulin , Dong Lihong , Kou Yanjun , Lin Chaoxiang , Dai Weijun , Zhang Lian-Hui , Deng Yi Zhen
Published: November 2018

Gcn5 is a histone acetyltransferase that was previously shown to regulate phototropic and starvation-induced autophagy in the rice blast fungus
Magnaporthe oryzae
, likely via modification on autophagy protein Atg7. In this study, we identified more potential substrates of Gcn5-mediated acetylation by quantitative and comparative acetylome analyses. By epifluorescence microscopy and biochemistry experiments, we verified that Gcn5 may regulate autophagy induction at both the epigenetic and posttranslational levels and regulate autophagic degradation of a critical metabolic enzyme pyruvate kinase (Pk) likely via acetylation. Overall, our findings reveal comprehensive posttranslational modification executed by Gcn5, in response to various external stimuli, to synergistically promote cellular differentiation in a fungal pathogen.
Parents’ and children’s comprehension and decision in a paediatric early phase oncology trial: a prospective study
Authors: Béranger Agathe , Bouazza Naïm , de Haut de Sigy Amélie , Foubert-Wenc Anne-Charlotte , Davous Dominique , Aerts Isabelle , Geoerger Birgit , Auvrignon Anne , Brethon Benoît , Leblond Pierre , Corradini Nadège , André Nicolas , Martinez Hélène , Dupont Jean-Claude K , Doz François , Chappuy Hélène
Published: November 2018

Objective

To analyse parents’ and children’s understanding of consent information and assess their decision-making process in paediatric oncology.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Settings

Eleven French paediatric oncology units.

Patients

Parents and children who have been asked to give consent for participation in an early phase trial.

Interventions

Thirty-seven children and 119 parents were questioned using an audio-recorded semistructured interview.

Main outcome measures

The participants’ understanding of nine elements of the informed consent was assessed by comparing their answers with the informed consent leaflet. Their decision-making process was also evaluated.

Results

Most parents and children had an excellent understanding regarding their participation in a clinical trial (respectively 88.2% and 48.6%), the right to withdraw (76.5% and 43.2%) and the prospects of collective benefits (74.8% and 48.6%). By contrast, less than half of the parents and few of the children correctly understood the alternatives (respectively 47.5% and 27%), the risks related to participation (44.5% and 10.8%), the prospects of individual benefits (33.6% and 10.8%) and the purpose of the clinical trial (12.6% and 2.7%). Twenty-six (70.3%) children participated in the decision-making process. Most parents and children felt they had no choice but to participate in the trial to have access to a new anticancer treatment.

Conclusions

What might appear to be a poor understanding of the research protocol may actually correspond to the families’ interpretation of the situation as a coping mechanism. All children (except infants) should get age-tailored information in order for them to have a meaningful involvement in research.
Accuracy of real-time delivery room resuscitation documentation
Authors: Fishman Claire E , Weinberg Danielle D , Murray Ashley , Foglia Elizabeth E
Published: November 2018

Objective

To assess the accuracy of real-time delivery room resuscitation documentation.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Level 3 academic neonatal intensive care unit.

Participants

Fifty infants with video recording of neonatal resuscitation.

Main outcome measures

Vital sign assessments and interventions performed during resuscitation. The accuracy of written documentation was compared with video gold standard.

Results

Timing of initial heart rate assessment agreed with video in 44/50 (88%) records; the documented heart rate was correct in 34/44 (77%) of these. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were documented at 5 min of life in 90% of resuscitations. Of these, 100% of heart rate and 93% of oxygen saturation values were correctly recorded. Written records accurately reflected the mode(s) of respiratory support for 89%–100%, procedures for 91%–100% and medications for 100% of events.

Conclusion

Real-time documentation correctly reflects interventions performed during delivery room resuscitation but is less accurate for early vital sign assessments.
Fifteen-minute consultation: When medicines don’t work—the child with poorly controlled seizures
Authors: Harijan Pooja , Seal Arnab Kumar , Prasad Manish , Whitehouse William P
Published: November 2018

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) occurs in 20%–30% of children with epilepsy with significant impact on their quality of life. Management of this group of children has greatly improved in the recent years with streamlining of epilepsy surgery services and associated quaternary multimodal evaluation. This article provides a review of DRE in children and management based on recent evidence and published opinion. We have also presented an algorithmic approach to the child with possible DRE.
School-related experience and performance with inflammatory bowel disease: results from a cross-sectional survey in 675 children and their parents
Authors: Freckmann Magdalena , Seipp Alexander , Laass Martin W , Koletzko Sibylle , Claßen Martin , Ballauff Antje , Peplies Jenny , Timmer Antje
Published: November 2018

Objective

We describe school performance and experience in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across Germany and Austria. Predictors of compromised performance and satisfaction were evaluated to identify subgroups of increased risk.

Design

This cross-sectional analysis was based on a postal survey in children aged 10–15 with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD and their families. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess influential factors on parental satisfaction with school, attending advanced secondary education (ASE), having good marks and having to repeat a class. Satisfaction was assessed based on the Child Healthcare–Satisfaction, Utilisation and Needs instrument (possible range 1.00–5.00).

Results

Of 1367 families contacted, 675 participated in the study (49.4%). Sixty-eight participants (10.2%) had repeated a year, 312 (46.2%) attended ASE. The median school satisfaction score was 2.67 (IQR 2.00–3.33). High socioeconomic status (SES) and region within Germany were predictive for ASE (OR high SES 8.2, 95% CI 4.7 to 14.2). SES, female sex and region of residence predicted good marks. Grade retention was associated with an active disease course (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.3) and prolonged periods off school due to IBD (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 8.6).

Conclusions

A severe disease course impacted on the risk of grade retention, but not on type of school attended and school marks. Low satisfaction of parents of chronically ill children with the school situation underlines the need for a more interdisciplinary approach in health services and health services research in young people.
Formalisation and subordination: a contingency theory approach to optimising primary care teams
Authors: Contandriopoulos Damien , Perroux Mélanie , Duhoux Arnaud
Published: November 2018

Objective

While there is consensus on the need to strengthen primary care capacities to improve healthcare systems’ performance and sustainability, there is only limited evidence on the best way to organise primary care teams. In this article, we use a conceptual framework derived from contingency theory to analyse the structures and process optimisation of multiprofessional primary care teams.

Design

We focus specifically on inter-relationships between three dimensions: team size, formalisation of care processes and nurse autonomy. Interview-based qualitative data for each of these three dimensions were converted into ordinal scores. Data came from eight pilot sites in Quebec (Canada).

Results

We found a positive association between team size and formalisation (correlation score 0.55) and a negative covariation (correlation score −0.64) between care process formalisation and nurses’ autonomy/subordination. Despite the study being exploratory in nature, such relationships validate the idea that these dimensions should be analysed conjointly and are coherent with our suggestion that using a framework derived from a contingency approach makes sense.

Conclusions

The results provide insights about the structural design of nurse-intensive primary care teams. Non-physicians’ professional autonomy is likely to be higher in smaller teams. Likewise, a primary care team that aims to increase nurses’ and other non-physicians’ professional autonomy should be careful about the extent to which it formalises its processes.
Predictive value of CT angiography source image ASPECTS in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke after endovascular treatment: ultimate infarct size and clinical outcome
Authors: Park Jung-Soo , Lee Jong Myong , Kwak Hyo-Sung , Chung Gyoung Ho
Published: November 2018

Background and purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) source image Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on clinical outcome and final infarction extent after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

All eligible patients from January 2014 to March 2018 undergoing EVT due to anterior circulation AIS were retrospectively reviewed. The baseline ASPECTS on initial noncontrast CT (NCCT) and the CTA source image were compared with the follow-up MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) ASPECTS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive value of CTA ASPECTS for prediction of final infarct extent and good clinical outcome.

Results

Our sample included a total of 122 eligible patients (64 males, mean age 70 years) with a median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 12. Baseline ASPECTS on the CTA source image correlated with follow-up MR DWI ASPECTS better than NCCT ASPECTS (P<0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed baseline CTA ASPECTS (area under the curve [AUC] =0.74, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.83, P<0.001) can better predict favorable functional outcome than NCCT ASPECTS (AUC=0.64, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.74, P=0.008). Baseline NIHSS score <15, CTA ASPECTS≥8, and successful recanalization were independent predictors of good clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The ASPECTS on the CTA source image provides more information in the prediction of good clinical outcome and final infarction size than NCCT in patients with AIS treated with EVT.
Reduced plasma levels of small HDL particles transporting fibrinolytic proteins in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Harbaum Lars , Ghataorhe Pavandeep , Wharton John , Jiménez Beatriz , Howard Luke S G , Gibbs J Simon R , Nicholson Jeremy K , Rhodes Christopher J , Wilkins Martin R
Published: November 2018

Background

Aberrant lipoprotein metabolism has been implicated in experimental pulmonary hypertension, but the relevance to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is inconclusive.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between circulating lipoprotein subclasses and survival in patients with PAH.

Methods

Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 105 discrete lipoproteins were measured in plasma samples from two cohorts of patients with idiopathic or heritable PAH. Data from 1124 plasma proteins were used to identify proteins linked to lipoprotein subclasses. The physical presence of proteins was confirmed in plasma lipoprotein subfractions separated by ultracentrifugation.

Results

Plasma levels of three lipoproteins from the small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass, termed HDL-4, were inversely related to survival in both the discovery (n=127) and validation (n=77) cohorts, independent of exercise capacity, comorbidities, treatment, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, C reactive protein and the principal lipoprotein classes. The small HDL subclass rich in apolipoprotein A-2 content (HDL-4-Apo A-2) exhibited the most significant association with survival. None of the other lipoprotein classes, including principal lipoprotein classes HDL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were prognostic. Three out of nine proteins identified to associate with HDL-4-Apo A-2 are involved in the regulation of fibrinolysis, namely, the plasmin regulator, alpha-2-antiplasmin, and two major components of the kallikrein–kinin pathway (coagulation factor XI and prekallikrein), and their physical presence in the HDL-4 subfraction was confirmed.

Conclusion

Reduced plasma levels of small HDL particles transporting fibrinolytic proteins are associated with poor outcomes in patients with idiopathic and heritable PAH.
Antibacterial properties of subphthalocyanine and subphthalocyanine-TiO2 nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Ozturk Ismail , Tunçel Ayça , Ince Mine , Ocakoglu Kasim , Hoşgör-Limoncu Mine , Yurt Fatma
Published: November 2018

Nowadays the problem of antimicrobial resistance is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the treatment of infectious diseases worldwide. Treatment options for antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms are quite limited. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies are needed to control infectious diseases. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is one of the new treatment modalities proposed for a wide variety of infections. In the basic principle of aPDT, photosensitizers (PS) produce free radicals by irradiating them with harmless light at the appropriate wavelength, and this causes microorganism cell cytotoxicity.

In this study, light emitting diodes (LED) (630–700 nm, 17.4 mW/cm[Formula: see text] were used on Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) at different light doses under the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of SubPc and SubPc-integrated TiO2 nanoparticles (SubPc-TiO[Formula: see text] concentration. Both compounds show good phototoxicity toward S. aureus when high light doses (16, 24[Formula: see text]J/cm[Formula: see text] were applied. In addition, SubPc-TiO2 were found to be more effective than SubPc in aPDT of S. aureus. In E. coli, the success of aPDT has been shown to be dependent on the increased light dose (20, 30[Formula: see text]J/cm[Formula: see text] for both compounds. As a result, the aPDT activity of SubPc-TiO2 is more effective than SubPc in increasing light doses.
Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression by Using Rigid Bendable Burr for Lumbar Lateral Recess Stenosis: Technique and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Tang Shuo , Jin Song , Liao Xiang , Huang Kun , Luo Jiaquan , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2018

Background. Open laminectomy has been regarded as the standard surgical procedure for lumbar lateral recess stenosis during the last decades. Although percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression has led to successful results comparable with open decompression, its application in LSS with is still challenging and technically demanding. Here, we report the surgical procedure and preliminary clinical outcomes of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD) by using flexible burr for lumbar lateral recess stenosis. Method. A retrospective study was performed for the patients with lumbar lateral recess stenosis receiving PELD by using flexible burr. The indications of surgery were moderate to severe stenosis, persistent neurological symptoms, and failure of conservative treatment. The patients with mechanical back pain, more than grade I spondylolisthesis, or radiographic signs of instability were not included. Before the operation, the transforaminal epidural lidocaine injections were carried out to make the diagnosis more precise and accurate. Radiologic findings were investigated, and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and modified Macnab criteria were analyzed at the different time of preoperation, postoperation, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results. The follow-up period was 12 months. The mean VAS scores for back and leg pain immediately improved from 7.9 ± 1.2 to 2.8± 1.3, 2.4 ± 1.0, and 2.3 ± 1.0, respectively. The mean visual analog scale scores (VAS) for back pain and leg pain were significantly improved after PELD. The preoperative ODI dropped from 69.1 ± 7.3 to 25.9 ± 8.7, 25.0± 6.9, and 24.7 ± 6.4, respectively. The final outcome was excellent in 39.6%, good in 47.9%, fair in 8.3%, and poor in 4.17%. 87.5% of excellent-to-good ratio was achieved on the basis of Macnab criteria at postoperative 12 months. The complications were limited to transient postoperative dysesthesia (one case), temporary pain aggravation (six cases), and neck pain during the operation (one case). Conclusion. This observation suggests that the clinical outcomes of PELD for lateral recess stenosis were excellent or showed good results. This minimally invasive technique would be helpful in choosing a surgical method for lateral recess stenosis.
Cosmological Constant from the Entropy Balance Condition
Authors: Gogberashvili Merab
Published: November 2018

In the action formalism variations of metric tensors usually are limited by the Hubble horizon. On the contrary, variations of quantum fields should be extended up to the event horizon, which is the real boundary of the spacetime. As a result the entanglement energy of quantum particles across the apparent horizon is missed in the cosmological equations written for the Hubble volume. We identify this missing boundary term with the dark energy density and express it (using the zero energy assumption for the finite universe) as the critical density multiplied by the ratio of the Hubble and event horizons radii.
Apoptosis Induction via ATM Phosphorylation, Cell Cycle Arrest, and ER Stress by Goniothalamin and Chemodrugs Combined Effects on Breast Cancer-Derived MDA-MB-231 Cells
Authors: Khaw-on Patompong , Pompimon Wilart , Banjerdpongchai Ratana
Published: November 2018

Goniothalamin (GTN), a styryl-lactone, exhibits inhibitory effects on many kinds of cancer cells in vitro. The objectives of this study were to investigate the anticancer activities of GTN and molecular signaling pathways associated with cell death in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line. GTN inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. Apoptosis was confirmed by annexin V-FITC and PI staining, and apoptotic morphology was observed by microscopy. Reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and enhanced caspases activities were found in GTN-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. GTN significantly altered apoptosis-related protein expressions, including Noxa, PUMA, Bax, Bim, Bad, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and DIABLO, which was related to the gene expression levels. Mitochondrial calcium released to the cytosol and ER stress related proteins increased, which correlated with increases in ER stress gene expression levels. GTN induced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radicals in MDA-MB-231 cells associated with cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, which was induced by phosphorylation and ATM gene expression. Moreover, GTN had synergistic effects when combined with cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and vinblastine, and additive effect with methotrexate through caspases enzyme-acceleration. In conclusion, goniothalamin-induced MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis occurred via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, along with ER stress. These pathways provide new targeted drug strategies for advancements in anticancer medicine.
How theBRAFV600E Mutation Defines a Distinct Subgroup of Colorectal Cancer: Molecular and Clinical Implications
Authors: Bond Catherine E. , Whitehall Vicki L. J.
Published: November 2018

TheBRAFoncogene is an integral component of the MAP kinase pathway, and an activating V600E mutation occurs in 15% of sporadic colorectal cancer. This is an early event in serrated pathway tumourigenesis, and theBRAFV600E has been commonly associated with the CpG island methylator phenotype, microsatellite instability (MSI), and a consistent clinical presentation including a proximal location and predilection for elderly females. A proportion of theBRAFmutant lesions remain as microsatellite stable (MSS), and in contrast to the MSI cancers, they have an aggressive phenotype and correlate with poor patient outcomes. Recent studies have found that they have clinical and molecular features of both theBRAFmutant/MSI and the conventionalBRAFwild-type cancers and comprise a distinct colorectal cancer subgroup. This review highlights the importance of theBRAFmutation occurring in colorectal cancer stratified for molecular background and discusses its prognostic and clinical significance.
Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms in Children When Both Parents Are Sporadic or Familial Carriers of Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Kurtelius Arttu , Kurki Mitja I. , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Väntti Nelli , Kotikoski Satu , Nurmonen Heidi , Koivisto Timo , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Lindgren Antti E.
Published: November 2018

Background and purpose: To study the penetrance of saccular intracranial aneurysm (IA) disease in children when both parents carry the disease. Patients and methods: The Kuopio IA Patient and Family Database includes all 4,411 IA patients admitted to the Kuopio University Hospital from its defined Eastern Finnish catchment population since 1980. We fused IA database with hospital diagnoses for IA patients and their 46,021 relatives from a national registry to identify couples concordant for IA disease. Penetrance of IA disease and hypertension were studied in these families. Results: A total of 3,659 IA patients had 1 or more children. In total, 18 couples concordant for the IA disease with a total of 48 children, all born healthy, were identified. Hypertension was diagnosed in 23 (64%) of the 36 parents, and 7 of the 12 sporadic-sporadic couples were concordant for hypertension. Six sporadic-sporadic couples were concordant for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). None of the 24 children to the 12 sporadic-sporadic couples had been diagnosed with SAH or IA disease. Instead, 11 (46%) of the 24 children to the 6 familial-sporadic couples had a diagnosed with SAH or IA disease. Conclusions: Couples concordant for IA disease are uncommon but not exceedingly rare. Biparental sporadic exposure does not seem to increase the risk of a clinically diagnosed IA disease or SAH in the offspring. IAs were common in the children with biparental sporadic-familial exposure.
miR-135a Protects Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Inflammation in Human Colorectal Cell Lines by Activating STAT3 Signal
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Lian Bo , Shang Yan , Li Chun , Meng Qingkai
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: miR-135a is reduced in several cancers and has been suggested to mediate immune and inflammatory responses. However, the effect of miR-135a on inflammatory bowel diseases was obscure. This study firstly attempted to investigate the hypothesis that miR-135a alleviates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammation in colonic cells and potential mechanisms are also studied. Methods: Caco-2 and HT-29 cells in this study were treated with DSS, miR-135a mimic, and S3I-201, and then CKK-8 assay was used to test cell viability. Expressions of miR-135a, cytokines, and signal transducers and activators of transcription factors (STATs) were determined by RT-PCR. Also, cytokine productions were further tested by using ELISA kits. Activation or inactivation of STAT3 signal was validated by western blotting analysis. Results: The results showed that DSS markedly downregulated miR-135a expression (P< 0.05) and induced inflammatory response in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells evidenced by the up regulations and productions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) (P< 0.05). Transfection with miR-135a mimic significantly alleviated DSS-induced upregulation and productions of IL-1β and TNF-ɑ in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells (P< 0.05). STATs were analyzed and miR-135a mimic treatment reversed STAT3 downregulation in DSS-challenged Caco-2 and HT-29 cells compared with the mimic control (P< 0.05). Also, STAT3 phosphorylation was inhibited in DSS-challenged Caco-2 cells and miR-135a mimic activated STAT3 signal (P< 0.05). S3I-201, an inhibitor of STAT3 signal, further used to inactivate STAT3 signal and the results showed that S3I-201 blocked the anti-inflammatory effect of miR-135a mimic on Caco-2 and HT-29 cells evidenced by the lowered expressions and productions of proinflammatory cytokines ((IL-1β and TNF-ɑ) (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that miR-135a alleviated DSS-induced inflammation and activated STAT3 signal in colonic cells. Inhibition of STAT3 reversed the anti-inflammatory function of miR-135a by regulating proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, STAT3 signal might serve, at least in part, as the potential mechanism of miR-135a-mediated anti-inflammatory effect in colonic cells.