bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОБРЕНОВАЦ У ФОКУСУ ШТАМПЕ
Authors: Јаношевић Ивана
Published: October 2018

Пројекат „Обреновац у фокусу штампе“ обреновачкебиблиотеке подразумева креирање јединствене завичајне колекцијеновинских чланака из историјске српске штампе, који за тему имају градОбреновац, људе и догађаје који су обележили његову историју.Презентује чланке из периодике која није излазила на територијизавичаја. Систем за обједињену претрагу дигитализованих материјалапомоћу метаподатака и њихов приказ кроз слике аналогне грађе ипретрагу помоћу метаподатака пружа нове и побољшане могућностињеговог коришћења.
Visualizing systems and software performance - Report on the GI-Dagstuhl seminar for young researchers, July 9-13, 2018
Authors: Beck Fabian , Bergel Alexandre , Bezemer Cor-Paul , Isaacs Katherine E.
Published: October 2018

This GI-Dagstuhl seminar addressed the problem of visualizing performance-related data of systems and the software that they run. Due to the scale of performance-related data and the open-ended nature of analyzing it, visualization is often the only feasible way to comprehend, improve, and debug the performance behaviour of systems. The rise of cloud and big data systems, and the rapidly growing scale of the performance-related data that they generate, have led to an increased need for visualization of such data. However, the research communities behind data visualization, performance engineering, and high-performance computing are largely disjunct. The goal of this seminar was to bring together young researchers from these research areas to identify cross-community collaboration and to set the path for long-lasting collaborations towards rich and effective visualizations of performance-related data.
Regeneration: Why junk DNA might matter
Authors: Díaz-Castillo Carlos
Published: October 2018

The ability of certain natural species to restore or regenerate missing structures has been a recurrent source of inspiration to forge our collective knowledge, from being used to adorn mythological figures with superhuman powers to permitting controlled reproducible observations that help setting the bases of entire research fields such as experimental biology and regenerative medicine. In spite of being one of the oldest natural phenomena under study, what makes certain species able or unable to regenerate missing parts is still largely a mystery. Recent advancements towards the highly detailed characterization of the sequence, the spatial organization, and the expression of genomes is offering a new standpoint to address the study of the natural variation in regenerative responses. An intriguing observation that has not yet conveniently pursued is that species with remarkable regenerative abilities tend to have genomes loaded with junk DNA (jDNA), i.e., genetic elements presumed to be useless for the benefit of the individual, whereas species for taxa with limited regenerative abilities tend to have jDNA-poor genomes. Here, I use existing knowledge on the role of jDNA as genome evolution facilitator and its non-random chromosome and nuclear distributions to speculate about two non-excluding ways through which the variation in jDNA genomic content might end up enhancing or limiting regenerative responses. The present piece aims to go beyond the confines of correlational studies between biological variables and to lay sensible conceptual grounds for future hypothesis-driven attempts to substantiate the genomic determinants of the natural variation of regenerative responses.
Association of CYBA gene (-930 A/G and 242 C/T) polymorphisms with oxidative stress in breast cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Tupurani Mohini A. , Padala Chiranjeevi , Puranam Kaushik , Galimudi Rajesh K. , Kupsal Keerthi , Shyamala Nivas , Gantala Srilatha , Kummari Ramanjaneyulu , Chinta Sanjeeva K. , Hanumanth Surekha R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key characteristic feature in cancer initiation and progression. Among multiple cancers, NADPH oxidase (NOX) dependent free radical production is implicated in oxidative stress. P22phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase encoded by the CYBA gene has functional polymorphisms associated with various complex diseases. The present study was aimed to examine the importance and association of the functional polymorphisms of CYBA gene (-930 A/G and 242 C/T) with the oxidative stress in breast cancer (BC) development and progression.

Materials and Methods

We have performed a case-control study on 300 breast cancer patients and 300 healthy individuals as controls to examine the role of CYBA gene -930 A/G and 242 C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using As-PCR and PCR-RFLP assays and its association with OS as measured by plasma MDA levels. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) plots were generated using Haploviewtool and Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was applied to assess high-order interactions between the SNPs. The Insilco analysis has been performed to predict the effect of SNPs on the gene regulation using online tools.

Results

We have found that genotype frequencies of CYBA gene -930 A/G and 242C/T polymorphism were significantly different between controls and BC patients (p < 0.05). The haplotype combination -930G/242C and -930G/242T were associated with 1.44 & 1.56 folds increased risk for breast cancer respectively. Further, the MDA levels were higher in the patients carrying -930G/242C and -930G/242T haplotype (p < 0.001). Our results have been substantiated by Insilco analysis.

Conclusion

Results of the present study suggest that GG genotype of -930 A/G polymorphism, -930G/242C and -930G/242T haplotypes of CYBA gene polymorphisms have shown association with higher MDA levels in breast cancer patients, signify that elevated oxidative stress might aid in increased risk for breast cancer initiation and progression.
Co-occurrence patterns of litter decomposing communities in mangroves indicate a robust community resistant to disturbances
Authors: Taketani Rodrigo G. , Moitinho Marta A. , Mauchline Tim H. , Melo Itamar S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Mangroves are important coastal ecosystems known for high photosynthetic productivity and the ability to support marine food chains through supply of dissolved carbon or particular organic matter. Most of the carbon found in mangroves is produced by its vegetation and is decomposed in root associated sediment. This process involves a tight interaction between microbial populations, litter chemical composition, and environmental parameters. Here, we study the complex interactions found during litter decomposition in mangroves by applying network analysis to metagenomic data.

Methods

Leaves of three species of mangrove trees typically found in the southeast of Brazil (Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa,andAvicennia schaueriana) were collected in separate litter bags and left on three different mangroves for 60 days. These leaves were subsequently used for metagenome sequencing using Ion Torrent technology. Sequences were annotated in MG-RAST and used for network construction using MENAp.

Results

The most common phyla were Proteobacteria (classes Gamma and Alphaproteobacteria) followed by Firmicutes (Clostridia and Bacilli). The most abundant protein clusters were associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins. Non-metric multidimensional scaling of the metagenomic data indicated that substrate (i.e., tree species) did not significantly select for a specific community. Both networks exhibited scale-free characteristics and small world structure due to the low mean shortest path length and high average clustering coefficient. These networks also had a low number of hub nodes most of which were module hubs.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that under different environmental pressures (i.e., plant species or mangrove location) the microbial community associated with the decaying material forms a robust and stable network.
Venomous Snakebites in Canada: A National Review of Patient Epidemiology and Antivenom Usage
Authors: Curran-Sills Gwynn , Kroeker Jenna
Published: October 2018

Introduction

There are 3 pit viper species in Canada. Limited Canadian literature exists on the epidemiology of venomous snakebites and the treatment patterns with antivenom. This study described the epidemiology, the utilization of antivenom, and estimated expenditures due to forfeited antivenom for pit viper envenomations in Canada.

Methods

A retrospective review of the Health Canada Special Access Program records to generate descriptive statistics. Data are presented as mean±SD (range), as appropriate.

Results

The geographic distribution of Canadian pit viper species is presented. There were 99 envenomations reported in Canada from January 2009 to December 2015. The number of envenomations per year was 14±6 (6−21). CroFab and Antivipmyn are used in Canada to treat envenomations. The number of vials for patient treatment was 17±12 (3−66) and 16±9 (6−42) for CroFab and Antivipmyn, respectively. Antivenom stock usage for patient treatment varied across the country with provincial means reported for British Columbia (33%), Alberta (37%), Saskatchewan (27%), and Ontario (71%). The costs incurred secondary to forfeited stock where estimated as: $1,280,000 USD in British Columbia, $255,000 in Alberta, $60,000 in Saskatchewan, and $0 in Ontario.

Conclusions

The absolute number of annual envenomations is small and the 3 Crotalinae species are limited to relatively narrow geographic areas in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The utilization of antivenom in the treatment of patients revealed that regions where the western and prairie rattlesnake reside forfeited a substantial amount of antivenom from 2009 to 2015. Organizations responsible for maintaining antivenom supplies on a provincial or regional level could use these data to guide antidote stocking and reduce costs.
Sink traps as the source of transmission of OXA-48–producing Serratia marcescens in an intensive care unit
Authors: Regev-Yochay Gili , Smollan Gill , Tal Ilana , Pinas Zade Nani , Haviv Yael , Nudelman Valery , Gal-Mor Ohad , Jaber Hanaa , Zimlichman Eyal , Keller Nati , Rahav Galia
Published: October 2018

Background

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) outbreaks are mostly attributed to patient-to-patient transmission via healthcare workers.

Objective

We describe successful containment of a prolonged OXA-48–producing S. marcescens outbreak after recognizing the sink traps as the source of transmission.

Methods

The Sheba Medical Center intensive care unit (ICU), contains 16 single-bed, semi-closed rooms. Active CPE surveillance includes twice-weekly rectal screening of all patients. A case was defined as a patient detected with OXA-48 CPE >72 hours after admission. A root-cause analysis was used to investigate the outbreak. All samples were inoculated on chrom-agar CRE, and carbapenemase genes were detected using commercial molecular Xpert-Carba-R. Environmental and patient S. marcescens isolates were characterized using PFGE.

Results

From January 2016 to May 2017, 32 OXA-48 CPE cases were detected, and 81% of these were S. marcescens. A single clone was the cause of all but the first 2 cases. The common factor in all cases was the use of relatively large amounts of tap water. The outbreak clone was detected in 2 sink outlets and 16 sink traps. In addition to routine strict infection control measures, measures taken to contain the outbreak included (1) various sink decontamination efforts, which eliminated the bacteria from the sink drains only temporarily and (2) educational intervention that engaged the ICU team and lead to high adherence to ‘sink-contamination prevention guidelines.’ No additional cases were detected for 12 months.

Conclusions

Despite persistence of the outbreak clones in the environmental reservoir for 1 year, the outbreak was rapidly and successfully contained. Addressing sink traps as hidden reservoirs played a major role in the intervention.
Large Exomoon Likely Orbits a Faraway World
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: October 2018

This Neptune-sized object would be the first moon discovered to orbit a planet outside the solar system, provided that additional observations continue to support the claim.
Predilection of Low Protein C-induced Spontaneous Atherothrombosis for the Right Coronary Sinus in Apolipoprotein E deficient mice
Authors: Heestermans Marco , Ouweneel Amber B. , Hassan Jasmin , Kloosterman Meander , Reitsma Pieter H. , Gijbels Marion J. J. , van Vlijmen Bart J. M. , van Eck Miranda
Published: October 2018

Silencing of anticoagulant protein C using RNA interference (siProc) evokes low incident but spontaneous atherothrombosis in the aortic root of apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. The aims of the current study were (1) to analyze if plaque characteristics or circulating factors could be linked to atherothrombosis susceptibility, (2) to increase the incidence of atherothrombosis by transiently increasing blood pressure, and (3) to direct atherothrombosis to an additional predefined vascular site by applying a semi-constrictive collar around the carotid artery. siProc-driven spontaneous atherothrombosis in the aortic root of Apoe−/− mice was reproduced and occurred at an incidence of 23% (9 out of 39 mice), while the incidence of collar-induced atherothrombosis in the carotid artery was 2.6% (1 out of 39 mice). Treatment with phenylephrine, to transiently increase blood pressure, did not increase atherothrombosis in the aortic root of the Apoe−/− mice nor in the carotid arteries with collars. Plaques in the aortic root with an associated thrombus were lower in collagen and macrophage content, and mice with atherothrombosis had significantly more circulating platelets. Plasma protein C, white blood cell counts, total cholesterol, fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, and IL-6 were not different amongst siProc treated mice with or without thrombosis. Remarkably, our data revealed that thrombus formation preferably occurred on plaques in the right coronary sinus of the aortic root. In conclusion, there is a predilection of low protein C-induced spontaneous atherothrombosis in Apoe−/− mice for the right coronary sinus, a process that is associated with an increase in platelets and plaques lower in collagen and macrophage content.
Improved Parallel Magnertic Resonance Imaging reconstruction with Complex Proximal Support Vector Regression
Authors: Xu Lin , Zheng Qian , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2018

Generalized Auto-calibrating Partially Parallel Acquisitions (GRAPPA) has been widely used to reduce imaging time in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. GRAPPA synthesizes missing data by using a linear interpolation of neighboring measured data over all coils, thus accuracy of the interpolation weights fitting to the auto-calibrating signal data is crucial for the GRAPPA reconstruction. Conventional GRAPPA algorithms fitting the interpolation weights with a least squares solution are sensitive to interpolation window size. MKGRAPPA that estimates the interpolation weights with support vector machine reduces the sensitivity of the k-space reconstruction to interpolation window size, whereas it is computationally expensive. In this study, a robust GRAPPA reconstruction method is proposed that applies an extended proximal support vector regression (PSVR) to fit the interpolation weights with wavelet kernel mapping. Experimental results on in vivo MRI data show that the proposed PSVR-GRAPPA method visually improves overall quality compared to conventional GRAPPA methods, while it has faster reconstruction speed compared to MKGRAPPA.
First evidence for a possible invasional meltdown among invasive fish parasites
Authors: Hohenadler M. A. A. , Honka K. I. , Emde S. , Klimpel S. , Sures B.
Published: October 2018

Biological invasions are frequently studied topics in ecological research. Unfortunately, within invasion ecology parasite-associated aspects such as parasite impacts on new environments and on local host populations are less well-studied. Round gobies migrating from the Ponto-Caspian region into the Rhine River system are heavily infested with the Ponto-Caspian acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus laevis. As shown by experimental infestations the acanthocephalans occur as pre-adults in host-encapsulated cysts within the internal organs of the migrating gobies, but remain infective for their definitive host chub. Recently, we described the occurrence of larvae of another parasite, the invasive eel swim bladder nematode Anguillicola crassus, in these Pomphorhynchus cysts. In the present study, we could prove the infectivity of the nematode larvae for European eels for the first time. After experimental inoculation of Pomphorhynchus cysts occasionally infested with A. crassus larvae, the nematodes grow to maturity and reproduce whereas all P. laevis were unviable. We therefore postulate that the nematode larvae behave like immunological hitchhikers that follow a “Trojan horse strategy” in order to avoid the paratenic host’s immune response. Accordingly, the interaction between both invasive parasites gives first evidence that the invasional meltdown hypothesis may also apply to parasites.
Myiasis in einem ulzerierten spinozellulären Karzinom – ein Fall von „aided giant tumor neglect“
Authors: Saternus R. , Becker S. , Janssen E. , Vogt T. , Müller C.
Published: October 2018

Eine 91-jährige Patientin mit einem vorbekannten metastasierten Mammakarzinom stellte sich in der Hochschulambulanz der Hautklinik aufgrund eines ulzerierten Kopfhauttumors von etwa 10 cm Durchmesser vor. Obwohl sie mit jüngeren Angehörigen gemeinsam ein Haus bewohnte, zeigte die Patientin Hinweise auf eine Verwahrlosung. Histologisch zeigte sich an der Kopfhaut ein spinozelluläres Karzinom. Zusätzlich wurden 12 Maden aus der Wunde entfernt. Im hier vorgestellten Fall konnte gezeigt werden, dass bei mangelnder Pflege durch Mitbewohner durchaus zwei „giant“ Tumore auch gleichzeitig auftreten können, deren Diagnose und Therapie lange Zeit verschleppt und die im Verlauf sogar mit Maden besiedelt werden können. Wir schlagen hierfür den Begriff „giant tumor neglect (GTN)“ oder „aided giant tumor neglect (AGTN)“ vor.
High soil acidity under native shrub encroachment in the Cobar Pediplain, south-eastern Australia
Authors: Tighe M. , Reid N. , Wilson B. R. , McHenry M. T.
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the chemical characteristics of shallow (0–30 cm) soil profiles under shrubs in areas of dense encroachment and compared them with shallow soil profiles under nearby large trees. Consistent patterns of high soil acidity were found under shrubs, as well as lower litter alkalinity, lower relative concentrations of calcium (Ca2+), lower effective cation exchange capacity, and higher aluminium (Al3+) and sodium (Na+) in the soil profile compared with under trees. Soil pH (CaCl2) was strongly correlated with the Ca content of surface litter. These findings suggest that shrubs (which at most sites included the shrub form of tree species) cycle alkalinity differently from large and mature trees, resulting in high acidity in the shallow soil profile acidity, and possible loss of alkalinity via surface movement of material from areas of dense encroachment.
The Clinical Significance and Application of Vascular Stiffness Measurements
Authors: Boutouyrie Pierre , Bruno Rosa-Maria
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence points out at vascular stiffness (and in particular aortic stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity) as a reliable biomarker of vascular aging, able to integrate in a single measure the overall burden of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on the vasculature over time; furthermore, it may be per se a mechanism of disease, by inducing microcirculatory damage and favoring CV events. Increased aortic stiffness has been shown to predict future CV events and improve risk reclassification in those at intermediate risk. However, several questions in this field are still open, limiting the wide use of these tools in the clinical practice. This article will review the basic aspects of physiology of large artery stiffness, as well as current evidence about its possible clinical applications.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol mobilizes myeloid cells and worsens heart function after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Schloss Maximilian J , Horckmans Michael , Guillamat-Prats Raquel , Hering Daniel , Lauer Estelle , Lenglet Sebastien , Weber Christian , Thomas Aurelien , Steffens Sabine
Published: October 2018

Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to an enhanced release of endocannabinoids and a massive accumulation of neutrophils and monocytes within the ischaemic myocardium. These myeloid cells originate from haematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow and are rapidly mobilized in response to MI. We aimed to determine whether endocannabinoid signalling is involved in myeloid cell mobilization and cardiac recruitment after ischaemia onset.

Methods and results

Intravenous administration of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) into wild type (WT) C57BL6 mice induced a rapid increase of blood neutrophil and monocyte counts as measured by flow cytometry. This effect was blunted when using cannabinoid receptor 2 knockout mice. In response to MI induced in WT mice, the lipidomic analysis revealed significantly elevated plasma and cardiac levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG 24 h after infarction, but no changes in anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and oleoylethanolamide. This was a consequence of an increased expression of 2-AG synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol lipase and a decrease of metabolizing enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in infarcted hearts, as determined by quantitative RT–PCR analysis. The opposite mRNA expression pattern was observed in bone marrow. Pharmacological blockade of MAGL with JZL184 and thus increased systemic 2-AG levels in WT mice subjected to MI resulted in elevated cardiac CXCL1, CXCL2, and MMP9 protein levels as well as higher cardiac neutrophil and monocyte counts 24 h after infarction compared with vehicle-treated mice. Increased post-MI inflammation in these mice led to an increased infarct size, an impaired ventricular scar formation assessed by histology and a worsened cardiac function in echocardiography evaluations up to 21 days. Likewise, JZL184-administration in a myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion model increased cardiac myeloid cell recruitment and resulted in a larger fibrotic scar size.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that changes in endocannabinoid gradients due to altered tissue levels contribute to myeloid cell recruitment from the bone marrow to the infarcted heart, with crucial consequences on cardiac healing and function.
Systemic and Reflexive: Foundations of Cumulative Dis/Advantage and Life-Course Processes
Authors: Dannefer Dale
Published: October 2018

Cumulative dis/advantage has been defined as the systemic tendency for interindividual divergence in a given characteristic to increase with the passage of time. Over recent decades, evidence supporting cumulative dis/advantage (CDA) as a cohort-based process that produces inequalities on a range of life-course outcomes has steadily increased. This paper reviews this growing body of work, grounding the discussion in CDA’s foundation as a general sociological construct with broad relevance. I emphasize the distinction between outcome and process, and then distinguish multiple levels of social analysis at which CDA operates. From this review, I extract two principles, endogenous system dynamics and life-course reflexivity, that can be cross-classified to provide a framework for analyzing contemporary research frameworks and initiatives relevant to CDA. I argue that the full sociological impact and implications of CDA research has been unevenly developed and applied, and conclude by suggesting some possible directions for further building on CDA’s insights.
Poisson Λ-brackets for Differential–Difference Equations
Authors: De Sole Alberto , Kac Victor G , Valeri Daniele , Wakimoto Minoru
Published: October 2018

We introduce the notion of a multiplicative Poisson $\lambda$-bracket, which plays the same role in the theory of Hamiltonian differential–difference equations as the usual Poisson $\lambda$-bracket plays in the theory of Hamiltonian partial differential equations (PDE). We classify multiplicative Poisson $\lambda$-brackets in one difference variable up to order 5. As an example, we demonstrate how to apply the Lenard–Magri scheme to a compatible pair of multiplicative Poisson $\lambda$-brackets of order 1 and 2, to establish integrability of the Volterra chain.
Migration and Urbanization in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Bakker Jan David , Parsons Christopher , Rauch Ferdinand
Published: October 2018

Although Africa has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades, little is known about the process of urbanization across the continent. This paper exploits a natural experiment, the abolition of South African pass laws, to explore how exogenous population shocks affect the spatial distribution of economic activity. Under apartheid, black South Africans were severely restricted in their choice of location, and many were forced to live in homelands. Following the abolition of apartheid they were free to migrate. Given a migration cost in distance, a town nearer to the homelands will receive a larger inflow of people than a more distant town following the removal of mobility restrictions. Drawing upon this exogenous variation, this study examines the effect of migration on urbanization in South Africa. While it is found that on average there is no endogenous adjustment of population location to a positive population shock, there is heterogeneity in the results. Cities that start off larger do grow endogenously in the wake of a migration shock, while rural areas that start off small do not respond in the same way. This heterogeneity indicates that population shocks lead to an increase in urban relative to rural populations. Overall, the evidence suggests that exogenous migration shocks can foster urbanization in the medium run.
Congenital HIV
Authors: Lynch Natalie Gordon , Johnson Alexandra Kesler
Published: October 2018

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is caused by a cytopathic lentivirus. HIV without adequate treatment during pregnancy can result in maternal to child transmission (MCT) of the virus. Sequelae can include severe lifelong morbidities, shorter life expectancies, and high mortality rates without antiretroviral therapy.

Purpose:

To discuss epidemiological trends, pathophysiology, and clinical care guidelines including those for diagnosis, treatment, and management of MCT of HIV in the United States. To emphasize the importance of prompt identification, prophylaxis, and treatment of at-risk infants.

Methods:

PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were used to search key words—maternal to child transmission, HIV, HIV in pregnancy, and neonatal HIV—for articles that were relevant and current. The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF were also utilized for up-to-date information on the topic.

Findings:

Timely identification, intervention, and treatment are necessary to prevent MCT of HIV. Membrane rupture duration is not associated with higher transmission rates with adequate viral suppression.

Implications for Practice:

An evidence-based maternal/neonatal collaborative approach to care for the prevention and management of MCT of HIV including adherence to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) should be emphasized. Early testing, prophylaxis, and treatment for neonates at risk, as well as education on current clinical care guidelines for caregivers.

Implications for Research:

Pregnancy complications of cART. MCT rates in conjunction with birthing practices and restrictions among women living with HIV with low to undetectable viral loads.
Secondary Breast, Ovarian, and Uterine Cancers After Colorectal Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Shin Dong Woo , Choi Yoon Jin , Kim Hyun Soo , Han Kyung-Do , Yoon Hyuk , Park Young Soo , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

The risk of a second primary cancer has increased along with the increasing life expectancies of colorectal cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and risk factors of breast and gynecological (ovarian, uterine cervix/corpus) cancers among female colorectal cancer survivors.

DESIGN:

This is a retrospective population-based cohort study.

SETTINGS:

This study used data from the National Health Insurance Corporation of Korea.

PATIENTS:

Each patient with colorectal cancer diagnosed from 2007 to 2012 was followed until 2015 and compared with age-matched women without colorectal cancer at a 1:5 ratio.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The primary outcome was de novo breast/gynecological cancer. Patients with available medical checkup data were included in an additional analysis.

RESULTS:

We analyzed 56,682 patients with colorectal cancer and 288,119 age-matched noncolorectal cancer controls. The risk of breast/gynecological cancer was higher among patients with colorectal cancer than among controls (HR, 2.91; p < 0.001). The association with colorectal cancer was the highest for ovarian cancer (HR, 6.72), followed by uterine corpus cancer (HR, 3.99), cervical cancer (HR, 2.82), and breast cancer (HR, 1.85). This association remained consistent in the subgroup analysis of medical checkup data (14,190 patients with colorectal cancer, 71,933 controls). Among patients with colorectal cancer, those aged <55 years had a higher risk of breast/gynecological cancers than those aged >55 years (HR, 3.51 vs 2.59), and those with dyslipidemia had a higher risk of breast cancer than those without dyslipidemia (HR, 2.66 vs 2.06).

LIMITATIONS:

This was a retrospective, population-based study. A prospectively designed study is needed to validate our conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with the general population, patients with colorectal cancer carry a higher risk of developing secondary breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A731.
Complications Arising From Perioperative Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Therapy in Major Colorectal and Abdominal Wall Surgery
Authors: Cui Rebecca Bei Jia , Ng Kheng-Seong , Young Christopher J.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative hemorrhage and thromboembolism are recognized complications following colorectal and abdominal wall surgery, but accurate documentation of their incidence, trends, and outcomes is scant. This is relevant given the increasing number of surgical patients with cardiovascular comorbidity on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to characterize trends in the use of anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy among patients undergoing major colorectal and abdominal wall surgery within the past decade, and to assess rates of, outcomes following, and risk factors for hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a single quaternary referral center.

PATIENTS:

Patients who underwent major colorectal and abdominal wall surgery during three 12-month intervals (2005, 2010, and 2015) were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The primary outcomes measured was the rate of complications relating to postoperative hemorrhage or thromboembolism.

RESULTS:

One thousand one hundred twenty-six patients underwent major colorectal and abdominal wall surgery (mean age, 61.4 years (SD 16.3); 575 (51.1%) male). Overall, 229 (21.7%) patients were on anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents; there was an increase in the proportion of patients on clopidogrel, dual antiplatelet therapy, and novel oral anticoagulants over the decade. One hundred seven (9.5%) cases were complicated by hemorrhage/thromboembolism. Aspirin (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.38–3.57), warfarin/enoxaparin (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.67–5.77), and dual antiplatelet therapy (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.37–6.53) were most implicated with complications on univariate analysis. Patients with atrial fibrillation (adjusted OR 2.67; 95% CI, 1.47–4.85), ischemic heart disease (adjusted OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.04–4.40), and mechanical valves (adjusted OR, 7.40; 95% CI 1.11–49.29) were at increased risk of complications on multivariate analysis. The severity of these events was mainly limited to Clavien-Dindo 1 (n = 37) and 2 (n = 46) complications.

LIMITATIONS:

This is a retrospective study with incomplete documentation of blood loss and operative time in the early study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

One in ten patients incurs hemorrhagic/thromboembolic complications following colorectal and abdominal wall surgery. “High-risk” patients are identifiable, and individualized management of these patients concerning multidisciplinary discussion and critical-care monitoring may help improve outcomes. Prospective studies are required to formalize protocols in these “high-risk” patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A747.
Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) Versus Standard of Care for Postsurgical Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy: Trends in Visual Outcomes
Authors: Gervasio Kalla A. , Godfrey Kyle J. , Marlow Elizabeth D. , Lee Michelle N. , Lelli Gary J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To compare baseline characteristics and visual acuity outcomes in patients treated with prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE) versus other standard-of-care (SOC) treatments for postsurgical lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy.

Methods:

An institutional review board–approved, retrospective cohort study of 45 consecutive patients (53 eyes) with postsurgical lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy following oculoplastic or skull base surgeries treated between August 2011 and August 2017 was performed. Patients treated with PROSE (22 patients, 27 eyes) were identified by referrals made to the PROSE treatment program at Weill Cornell Medical College. Patients treated with SOC treatments (23 patients, 26 eyes) were identified by International Classification of Diseases-9 and International Classification of Diseases-10 search of billing records. SOC treatments included ocular surface lubrication (artificial tears and/or punctal plugs), tape tarsorrhaphy and/or moisture chamber, or surgical correction. The primary outcome measure was best-corrected visual acuity converted to logMAR at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were subjective patient reports of improvement in vision and comfort, as well as presence of punctate epithelial erosions and/or corneal haze on slit-lamp examination before and after treatment.

Results:

Average age for all patients was 52 ± 22 years (range: 7–87). Twenty-eight (62%) of total patients were male. Baseline corrected logMAR visual acuity was 0.58 ± 0.40 (20/76) for PROSE and 0.27 ± 0.39 (20/37) for SOC cohorts (p < 0.001). Mean number of failed prior treatments was 8.3 ± 3 for PROSE and 2.1 ± 2 for SOC (p < 0.0001). Mean difference in logMAR visual acuity for PROSE versus SOC, respectively, from baseline to 1 month was 0.33 ± 0.26 (3-line improvement) versus 0.01 ± 0.17 (no line improvement; p < 0.0001), to 3 months was 0.31 ± 0.23 (3-line improvement) versus 0.08 ± 0.30 (4-letter improvement; p = 0.0004), to 6 months was 0.31 ± 0.28 (3-line improvement) versus 0.10 ± 0.36 (1-line improvement; p = 0.02), and to 12 months was 0.32 ± 0.28 (3-line improvement) versus 0.12 ± 0.34 (1-line improvement; p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Patients with postsurgical lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy treated with PROSE are more likely to have failed a higher number of treatments and have worse initial best-corrected visual acuities than those treated with SOC. Prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem causes rapid and substantial visual improvement within 1 month of use compared with SOC, with little change beyond this time and sustained best-corrected visual acuity at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.
Breaking the limit of 3D fluorescence microscopy by dual-stage-processing network
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhao Yuxuan , Fang Chunyu , Li Guo , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yu-Hui , Fei Peng
Published: October 2018

Although three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence microscopy is an essential tool for life science research, the fundamentally-limited optical throughput, as reflected in the compromise between speed and resolution, so far prevents further movement towards faster, clearer, and higher-throughput applications. We herein report a dual-stage mutual-feedback deep-learning approach that allows gradual reversion of microscopy degradation from high-resolution targets to low-resolution images. Using a single blurred-and-pixelated 3D image as input, our trained network infers a 3D output with notably higher resolution and improved contrast. The performance is better than conventional 1-stage network approaches. It pushes the throughput limit of current 3D fluorescence microscopy in three ways: notably reducing the acquisition time for accurate mapping of large organs, breaking the diffraction limit for imaging subcellular events with faster lower-toxicity measurement, and improving temporal resolution for capturing instantaneous biological processes. Combining our network approach with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate the imaging of vessels and neurons in the mouse brain at single-cell resolution and with a throughput of 6 minutes for a whole brain. We also image cell organelles beyond the diffraction limit at a 2-Hz volume rate, and map neuronal activities of freely-movingC. elegansat single-cell resolution and 30-Hz volume rate.
Satisfaction, trust and loyalty: investigating the mediating effects of commitment, switching costs and corporate image
Authors: Kaur Harsandaldeep , Soch Harmeen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the factors influencing Indian consumers’ loyalty toward mobile phone service providers by exploring the mediating roles of commitment, corporate image and switching costs on causal relationships between customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 855 Indian mobile phone users was carried out to test the hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling. The results support most of the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The direct linkages in the model are found to be statistically significant. Of these relationships, corporate image emerged as the strongest determinant of attitudinal loyalty. Calculative commitment and corporate image are found to be partial mediators between satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. Calculative commitment and switching costs are each proven to be partial mediators between trust and attitudinal loyalty, while corporate image is proved to be a complete mediator.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to examining the impact of relationship variables on Indian consumers’ loyalty toward mobile phone companies. Future research can examine the impact of variables such as rate plans, value-added services, billing experience and voice quality on customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The results have implications for retaining customers in highly competitive and maturing Indian mobile telecommunications. The research provides some initial insights into corporate brand building as an important area for mobile phone companies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to test the mediating role of commitment, switching costs and corporate image in the relationship between satisfaction, trust and loyalty in the Indian context.
Investigations on performance of diesel engine by varying injection timings with design modification on piston crown
Authors: K. Vijaya , Palaparty Shailesh , Srinivasa Raghavan , Puli Ravi Kumar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Investigations are carried out with the aim of improving performance of a diesel engine with the design modification on piston crown to stimulate the uniform combustion by inducing turbulence in the incoming charge.

Design/methodology/approach

A stirrer is introduced at the top of the piston so as to inculcate more turbulence to the incoming charge by improving the rate of fuel vaporization. Whirling motion is created in the combustible mixture by providing rotating blades on the cavity/bowl of the reciprocating piston head. By putting a simple link mechanism, the oscillatory motion of connecting rod will rotate the blade by an angle of 60°.

Findings

The investigations are carried out with and without swirl piston at 17.5 compression ratio and 200 bar injection pressure by varying injection timings.

Originality/value

Finally, the result shows that by using the modified piston, nearly 3 per cent of efficiency increased and 31 per cent of NOx emissions are reduced compared to that of a normal piston with 80 per cent load at standard injection timing.
Urban WRF-Solar Validation and Potential for Power Forecast in New York City
Authors: Gamarro Harold , Gonzalez Jorge E. , Ortiz Luis E.
Published: October 2018

Recent developments in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model have made it possible to accurately approximate solar power through the implementation of WRF-Solar. This study couples the WRF-Solar module with a multilayer urban canopy and building energy model in New York City (NYC) to create a unified WRF forecasting model called uWRF-Solar. Hourly time resolution forecasts are validated against ground station data collected at eight different sites. The validation is carried out independently for two different sky conditions: clear and cloudy. Results indicate that the uWRF-Solar model can forecast solar irradiance considerably well for the global horizontal irradiance (GHI) with an R squared value of 0.93 for clear sky conditions and 0.76 for cloudy sky conditions. Results are further used to directly forecast solar power production in the NYC region, where a power evaluation is done at a city scale. The outputs show a gradient of power generation produced by the potential available solar energy on the entire uWRF-Solar grid. In total, for the month of July 2016, NYC had a city PV potential of 233 kW/day/m2 and 7.25 MWh/month/m2.
Application of Low Temperature Phase Change Materials to Enable the Cold Weather Operability of B100 Biodiesel in Diesel Trucks
Authors: Nnaemeka Obiajulu , Bibeau Eric
Published: October 2018

The use of pure biodiesel for compression ignition engines during the winter poses a challenge due to gelling and plugging of engine filters and fuel lines. The most common method to prevent this issue is blending with petroleum diesel and many engine manufacturers limit the biodiesel in blends to 20% or less for warrantee purposes; as low as 5% may be set for winter months. In a previous work, the authors proposed a novel fuel tank design that could potentially solve this problem and presented a numerical validation of the concept of using phase change materials (PCM) to enable cold weather operability of 100% biodiesel by maintaining its temperature above a cloud point of 5 degrees Celsius for over 3 days at an ambient temperature of −25 degrees Celsius and initial temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. In this research, an experimental analysis is performed using a scaled model of the fuel tank with canola oil as a test fluid in the tank. The tank is subjected to an ambient temperature of −20 degrees Celsius in an icing tunnel facility with air velocity at 10 m/s. The results show that the time above cloud point was increased from 18.6 hours to 22.5 and 33 hours respectively when 4 and 12 PCM tubes were inserted in the tank containing 33 litres of canola oil. A simple numerical model was formulated to predict the transient temperature of the oil and comparison with experimental results showed excellent agreement.
Thermoelectric Heating and Cooling System With Integrated Thermal Energy Storage (Thermal Battery) for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hacker Annika , Gorthala Ravi , Carnasciali Maria-Isabel
Published: October 2018

Electric vehicles (EVs) are receiving more attention these days because they are environmentally friendly (no emissions) and are much quieter than internal combustion engine vehicles with rapidly decreasing prices. One of the serious limitations of EVs is the limited driving range. When conventional heating and air conditioning systems are used in winter and summer, the driving range is reduced further because they consume a lot of electric energy stored in the batteries. A thermoelectric cooling system integrated with thermal energy storage has been identified as an attractive alternative to traditional air conditioning in electric vehicles. The main goal of such a system is to minimize the amount of electricity that is drawn for air-conditioning from the electric battery of the vehicle, thus eliminating further reduction in driving range. Not only is the alternative more light weight than the conventional vapor compression based air-conditioning system, it also reduces the amount of electricity drawn from the battery. The proposed system is comprised of thermal energy storage (TES) employing phase change materials (PCMs), thermoelectric electric modules, and a fan. The TES, also referred to as a thermal battery here, can be charged before at home or at a charging station before driving like the electric battery, and is discharged when used in driving. This study involved the design and development of a TES for EVs employing computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer analyses. The model includes all the key components such as thermoelectric (Peltier) modules, heat sinks and the PCM. Various simulations for thermal battery charging and discharging have been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating TES coupled with thermoelectric modules.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of a Rechargeable Lithium-Air Battery With Hyper-Branched Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Das Susanta K. , Berry K. Joel
Published: October 2018

Synthesis of hyper branched polymer (HBP) based electrolyte has been examined in this study. A real world lithium-air battery cell was fabricated using the developed HBP electrolyte, oxygen permeable air cathode and lithium metal as anode material. Detailed synthesis procedures of hyper branched polymer electrolyte and the effect of different operation conditions on the real-world lithium-air battery cell were discussed in this paper. The fabricated battery cells were tested under dry air with 0.1mA∼0.2mA discharge current to determine the effect of different operation conditions such as carbon source, electrolyte types and cathode processes. It was found that different processes affect the battery cell performance significantly. We developed optimized battery cell materials upon taking into account the effect of different processes. Several battery cells were fabricated using the same optimized anode, cathode and electrolyte materials in order to determine the battery cells performance and reproducibility. Experimental results showed that the optimized battery cells were able to discharge over 55 hours at over 2.5V. It implies that the optimized battery cell can hold charge for more than two days at over 2.5V. It was also shown that the lithium-air battery cell can be reproduced without loss of performance with the optimized battery cell materials.