bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical inversion analysis on front‐face temperature rise of Al alloy suffered from long continuing current in lightning
Authors: Liu Yakun , Fu Zhengcai , Liu Quanzhen , Liu Baoquan , Xia Hailiang
Published: January 2018

The front‐face temperature rise of Al alloy subjected to the high‐energy long continuing current (LCC) component in lightning is important but difficult to measure. Therefore, a numerical inversion model based on the control volume finite element method is proposed to analyse the front‐face temperature rise of Al alloy deduced from the rear‐face temperature rise measured in simulated LCC experiment. In this model, Al sample is divided into discrete control‐volume units with continuous medium by grids, forming internal nodes, surface nodes, edge nodes, and corner nodes. Temperature governing equations for different nodes are derived from Fourier's heat conduction law and solved with finite difference method in time and spatial domain. The secant method is used to make the optimal approximation to experimental data. The results show that subjected to LCC with amplitude 404 A and duration 520 ms, the highest front‐face temperature rise of Al alloy is 10,800 K. The damaged area calculated by the proposed model is 298.7 mm2. The relative error is 4.8% compared with the experimental result 314.0 mm2. The energy consumed in all processes is 6710.1 J calculated by this model, in contrast to the total energy 7140.9 J generated from the arc and Joule heat.
Single‐ended electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Salama Abdalla , Malekmohammadi Amin , Mohanna Shahram
Published: January 2018

A novel prototype electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system, which uses single‐ended signalling, is presented. The single‐ended electrical impedance tomography system consists of a host computer, data acquisition system, switching box, MATLAB, and LabVIEW program. Ability of the system to detect and track hidden conductive and non‐conductive objects was examined using a beaker (cylindrical shape) of 180 mm diameter and 280 mm height, filled with 3000 mL tap water, and with 16 electrodes attached. Stainless steel and Teflon rods with different sizes were placed in different locations inside the beaker, and images were obtained. All the objects were tested under multiple signal injection frequencies in the range of 12–1000 kHz. The results showed that the system could detect and track conductive and non‐conductive objects during certain injection frequencies. The single‐ended EIT system requires one wire connection to make one signal injection or measurement, and this is controlled using a multiplexer or switching box. Alternatively, an ordinary EIT system requires additional wire connections for single data measurement or injection, and a more complex circuit to control the I/O signals. This greater number of wires and increased circuit complexity will increase the data error rate and the cost significantly.
Modelling and optimisation of effective hybridisation model for time‐series data forecasting
Authors: Khairalla Mergani , Ning Xu , AL‐Jallad Nashat
Published: January 2018

Financial time‐series data have non‐linear and uncertain behavior which changes across the time. Therefore, the need to solve non‐linear, time‐variant problems has been growing rapidly. Traditional models such as statistical and data mining approach unable to cope with these issues. The main objective of this study to combine forecasts from the autoregressive integrated moving average model, exponential (EXP) model, and the multi‐layers perceptron (MLP) in a novel hybrid model. The analysis was based on financial data of Sudanese pound/EURO exchange rate in Sudan. In this case, simple additive combination and weight combination methods are used in combining linear and non‐linear models to produce hybrid forecast. Comparison between benchmark models and hybrid indicates that the hybrid model offers more accurate forecasts with reduced mean‐absolute percentage error of around 0.82% for all models over all forecasting horizons. Moreover, the results recommend that the non‐linear method can be applicable to an alternate to linear combining methods to accomplish better forecasting accuracy. On the basis of the results of this study, the authors can conclude that further experiments to estimate the weight of the combination methods and more models essential to be surveyed so as to explore innovative concerns in series prediction.
Performance guaranteed state estimation for renewable penetration with improved meters
Authors: Weng Yang , Yu Jiafan , Rajagopal Ram
Published: January 2018

State estimation (SE) aims at monitoring the transmission and distribution networks to achieve stable and reliable grid operations. While the SE problem is non‐convex, a local search method is used to achieve global optimum based on the belief that power system states are with limited variation in a short time scale. However, the recent and rapid deployment of renewables leads to strong power and state fluctuations in power grids, making local search method prone to local optimums with large estimation errors. Here, the authors propose to analyse SE with small measurement noises because highly accurate smart sensors are deployed in the past few years. By exploring a special structure of the performance metrics, the authors reformulate the SE problem in an extended state space. The new formulation is convex under the no‐measurement‐noise assumption. In order to use such a method when there are noises, the authors prove that a perturbation of globally optimal solution is asymptotically bounded by the measurement noise level. This prevents local optimums, which can create a large estimation error. Simulation results demonstrate that the method has a better performance compared to both weighted least square and the recent semidefinite programming‐based approaches, especially when the noise is small.
Evaluation of the fine motor skills of children with DCD using the digitalised visual‐motor tracking system
Authors: Li Ruimin , Li Bin , Zhang Shixiong , Fu Hong , Lo Wai‐Lun , Yu Jie , Sit Cindy H.P. , Wen Desheng
Published: January 2018

The study on the coordination between vision and motion of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can help understand the mechanism of DCD for timely and appropriate intervention. Whereas the existing visual‐motor integrated systems rely on markers attached to the subject to track the eye gaze and body movements, which is too expensive and not suitable for DCD assessment. In this study, a markerless visual‐motor tracking system which consists of an eye‐tracker used to track the eye gaze and a Kinect used to capture the body movements is designed to monitor the behaviour of children in the fine motor tasks. Then the eye gaze position of the subject is matched into the motion image captured by Kinect. The current data of children placing pegs captured by the proposed system are analyzed quantitatively. We find that the visual movement speed of the children with DCD or at risk of DCD is slower than that of the typical developing children to focus on the target while their hand movement speed is almost the same. In addition to DCD analysis, the proposed system is meaningful to the monitoring of other diseases related to visual‐motor coordination.
System‐level energy model for data transmission in wireless biomedical implantable systems
Authors: Daliri Mojtaba , Maymandi‐Nejad Mohammad
Published: January 2018

This paper develops simple system‐level energy models for different kinds of transmitter implementations. Different communication protocols such as ASK, OOK, FSK, PSK are considered to evaluate the energy cost of both the architecture of the system as well as the electronic circuitry. These models are developed for the systems operating in the Medical Implant Communications Service frequency band. These models are useful for the optimisation of system and circuit parameters and provided some guidelines to choose the right modulation and circuit implementation for energy limited wireless transmitters.
Compact bandpass filter with reconfigurable X‐band using stepped impedance resonator and folded structure
Authors: Masood Molimoli Hajamohideen , Suseela Sreeja Balakrishnapillai
Published: January 2018

A reconfigurable X‐band microstrip bandpass filter based on the stepped impedance resonator topology with two folded stubs is proposed. Reconfiguration is enabled in the microstrip filter using positive–intrinsic–negative (PIN) diode and the proposed filter performs frequency switching between uplink and downlink X‐band services. The prototype filter is realised ideally using open‐circuit and short‐circuit conditions that are designed in a way similar to the design using PIN diodes that provide the same results. From the simulation and measured results, it is inferred that by altering the ON/OFF states, the filter can work from downlink frequency range of 7.25–7.9 GHz to the uplink frequency range of 8.00–8.4 GHz. Comprehensive studies are conducted on a fabricated prototype to assess its performance from which encouraging results are obtained.
Facile synthesis of hollow microspherical YPO4: Eu3+/Tb3+ using polystyrene spheres as sacrificial template and its photoluminescent properties
Authors: Gao Yu , Feng Jinzhao , Ai Feixue , Zhao Guiyan , Bi Yanfeng , Ding Fu , Sun Yaguang , Xu Zhenhe
Published: January 2018

Monodisperse hollow microspherical YPO4 :Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+/Tb3+) with diameters of around 2.5 µm have been successfully synthesised by combining a convenient homogeneous precipitation method, an ion exchange method, and a calcination process for the first time. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterise the samples. Upon ultraviolet excitation, Eu3+ ‐ and Tb3+ ‐doped microspherical YPO4 showed typical red and green emission, respectively, which provide potential applications in bioanalysis, future colour displays, light‐emitting devices, and so on.
Tracking Advanced Planetary Systems (TAPAS) with HARPS-N
Authors: Adamów M. , Niedzielski A. , Kowalik K. , Villaver E. , Wolszczan A. , Maciejewski G. , Gromadzki M.
Published: January 2018

Context.We present the latest results of our search for planets with HARPS-N at the 3.6 m Telescopio NazionaleGalileounder the Tracking Advanced Planetary Systems project: an in-depth study of the 15 most Li abundant giants from the PennState – Toruń Planet Search sample.

Aims.Our goals are first, to obtain radial velocities of the most Li-rich giants we identified in our sample to search for possible low-mass substellar companions, and second, to perform an extended spectral analysis to define the evolutionary status of these stars.

Methods.This work is based on high-resolution spectra obtained with theHobby-EberlyTelescope and its High Resolution Spectrograph, and with the HARPS-N spectrograph at the Telescopio NazionaleGalileo. Two stars, HD 181368 and HD 188214, were also observed with UVES at the VLT to determine beryllium abundances.

Results.We report i) the discovery of two new planetary systems around the Li-rich giant stars: HD 238914 and TYC 3318-01333-1 (a binary system); ii) reveal a binary Li-rich giant, HD 181368; iii) although our current phase coverage is not complete, we suggest the presence of planetary mass companions around TYC 3663-01966-1 and TYC 3105-00152-1; iv) we confirm the previous result for BD+48 740 and present updated orbital parameters, and v) we find a lack of a relation between the Li enhancement and the Be abundance for the stars HD 181368 and HD 188214, for which we acquired blue spectra.

Conclusions.We found seven stars with stellar or potential planetary companions among the 15 Li-rich giant stars. The binary star frequency of the Li-rich giants in our sample appears to be normal, but the planet frequency is twice that of the general sample, which suggests a possible connection between hosting a companion and enhanced Li abundance in giant stars. We also found most of the companions orbits to be highly eccentric.
Work management as a means to adapt to constraints in farming systems: a case study from two regions in Morocco
Authors: Sraïri Mohamed Taher , Bahri Sanaa , Ghabiyel Youssra
Published: January 2018

Two investigations were carried out to characterize how farms manage work as a means to cope with several constraints. The investigations were based on the application of the “Work Assessment” method in 44 farms, located in two regions in Morocco. A first investigation protocol was applied in 30 farms in a rainfed agricultural area with possibilities of groundwater irrigation. The study showed that very small-scale farms specialize in cattle rearing. By contrast, farms with more land and capital tend to diversify their activities, mainly toward cash crops (vegetables and fruit trees), resulting in an increased use of off-farm staff. The second research protocol consisted in the use of the “Work Assessment” method in a sample of 14 diversified family farms in a large scale irrigation scheme. Work times in each agricultural activity (livestock and crops) were quantified, distinguishing the contributions of family members and those of the off-farm workers. Altogether, the results of the two investigations confirm the crucial role of livestock production for smallholder farms’ resilience, given they have almost no options in investing in cash crops. However, the limited gross margins received from cattle rearing may imply that it could have limited attractiveness for the young generations. By contrast, in larger farms, livestock is kept as a means of diversifying the sources of incomes, farmers criticizing its very limited gross margins and its relatively high needs in work. Finally, in a context of growing tensions on workers availability, it appears that work, whether assumed by family members or hired workers, is becoming an increasing source of troubles in Morocco. This may add constraints for the achievement of ambitious increases in the staple food production in the coming years.
Optimal control of time-discrete two-phase flow driven by a diffuse-interface model
Authors: Garcke Harald , Hinze Michael , Kahle Christian
Published: January 2018

We propose a general control framework for two-phase flows with variable densities in the diffuse interface formulation, where the distribution of the fluid components is described by a phase field. The flow is governed by the diffuse interface model proposed in Abelset al.[M3AS22(2012) 1150013]. On the basis of the stable time discretization proposed in Garckeet al.[Appl. Numer. Math.99(2016) 151] we derive necessary optimality conditions for the time-discrete and the fully discrete optimal control problem. We present numerical examples with distributed and boundary controls, and also consider the case, where the initial value of the phase field serves as control variable.
A method for solving linear programming with interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy variables
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Ali
Published: January 2018

An efficient method to handle the uncertain parameters of a linear programming (LP) problem is to express the uncertain parameters by fuzzy numbers which are more realistic, and create a conceptual and theoretical framework for dealing with imprecision and vagueness. The fuzzy LP (FLP) models in the literature generally either incorporate the imprecisions related to the coefficients of the objective function, the values of the right-hand side, and/or the elements of the coefficient matrix. The aim of this article is to introduce a formulation of FLP problems involving interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers for the decision variables and the right-hand-side of the constraints. We propose a new method for solving this kind of FLP problems based on comparison of interval-valued fuzzy numbers by the help of signed distance ranking. To do this, we first define an auxiliary problem, having only interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy cost coefficients, and then study the relationships between these problems leading to a solution for the primary problem. It is demonstrated that study of LP problems with interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy variables gives rise to the same expected results as those obtained for LP with trapezoidal fuzzy variables.
Electrocatalytic Difunctionalization of Olefins as a General Approach to the Synthesis of Vicinal Diamines
Authors: Lin Song , Parry Joseph , Fu Niankai
Published: January 2018

Vicinal diamines are highly prevalent structural motifs in therapeutic agents, bioactive natural products, and molecular catalysts. However, there are currently few unified methodological approaches for making these pertinent synthetic building blocks. This Synpacts article provides an overview of selected landmark developments in the area of olefin diamination. In particular, we highlight our recent contribution on the electrocatalytic diazidation of olefins as a general, selective, and sustainable method for the synthesis of vicinal diamines.

1 Introduction

2 Background: Intermolecular Diamination of Olefins

3 Background: Intermolecular Diazidation of Olefins

4 Electrocatalytic Diazidation of Olefins
Autoimmune Encephalitis in Children
Authors: Salfa Irene , Vigevano Federico , Valeriani Massimiliano , Papetti Laura
Published: January 2018

Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) can produce a very wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms. A major challenge in diagnosis is that different symptoms may appear at different times and different levels of intensity, so the disease may mimic many other disorders. Pathogenesis is likely to be mediated by antibodies (Abs) to CNS proteins. This article focuses on recent clinical advances, newly characterized Abs, and treatment approaches to these disorders.
Anatomia quantitativa do atlas
Authors: de Carvalho Max Franco , Rocha Roberta Teixeira , Silva Monteiro João Tiago , Pereira Carlos Umberto , de Carvalho Alex Franco , Aparecido Defino Helton Luiz
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Descrever as medidas anatômicas gerais do atlas por meio do estudo anatômico e por tomografia computadorizada helicoidal em 30 amostras do atlas isolado de cadáveres adultos brasileiros. Métodos: Todos os parâmetros observados foram analisados estatisticamente para a obtenção da média, desvio-padrão, o valor mínimo e o máximo das estruturas do atlas. Resultados: A reprodutibilidade foi considerada boa para coeficiente de correlação > 0,80 e ruim para coeficiente < 0,80. Em 12 parâmetros, a reprodutibilidade foi considerada boa. Apenas nos parâmetros da distância interligamento transverso e na dimensão do espaço odontóide, a reprodutibilidade foi considerada ruim, apresentando coeficientes de correlação interclasse < 0,06. Conclusão: Os dados obtidos fornecem um melhor entendimento de geometria, dimensões e detalhes quantitativos de morfometria atlantal. Este estudo fornece as dimensões gerais do atlas e demonstra uma proporção constante dos arcos anterior e posterior. Os autores acreditam que essas observações possam facilitar os estudos biomecânicos, radiológicos e cirúrgicos da transição craniocervical.
Pseudo-aneurisma traumático gigante da artéria temporal superficial: Relato de caso com 11 anos de evolução
Authors: Zanini Marco Antonio , Antunes Ferreira Ivan Tadeu , de Freitas Carlos Clayton Macedo , Souza Faleiros Antonio Tadeu de
Published: January 2018

Os autores apresentam caso de paciente do sexo masculino, adulto, com pseudo-aneurisma traumático gigante da artéria temporal superficial, com história de 11 anos de evolução. O diagnóstico definitivo somente ocorreu durante investigação de hemorragia subaracnóidea espontânea, após passar por inúmeros especialistas investigando a tumoração pré-auricular. O tratamento, com ligadura proximal e distal e excisão completa da lesão, foi pela mesma via de abordagem pterional para clipagem de aneurisma intracraniano. Os autores fazem breve revisão da literatura, salientando os aspectos de fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento.
Antioxidant capacity along the leaf blade of the C3-CAM facultative bromeliad Guzmania monostachia under water deficit conditions
Authors: Abreu Maria E. , Carvalho Victória , Mercier Helenice
Published: January 2018

Guzmania monostachia (L.) Rusby ex Mez is an epiphytic, rosette-shaped bromeliad that displays variable degrees of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) along the leaf under water deficit. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the production-scavenging system of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along the leaf length of G. monostachia plants is related to the foliar gradient of CAM when irrigation is withheld. Among the leaf portions, the apex was exposed to the highest photosynthetic flux density and presented the highest relative water content, CAM activity, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation after treatment. Hence, the most intense CAM at the leaf apex may not have prevented higher oxidative burden in that region during water deficiency. However, the photosynthetic efficiency in the apex seemed unaffected by irrigation withholding or light intensity. The leaf apex also had the highest carotenoid content and increased superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities under treatment. Hence, G. monostachia was able to maintain ROS under tolerable levels by increasing antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest the metabolic differences within the same leaf under water deficit may derive from the gradient of light incidence, which emphasises the physiological plasticity this bromeliad applies to adapt to the adverse conditions of the canopy.
Gene expression and lymphocyte population at the fetal-maternal interface in sheep pregnancies established by somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Koroghli Jason A. , Floyd Elizabeth , Regouski Misha , Rood Kerry , Gash Kirsten , Panter Kip , Stott Rusty , Davies Christopher J. , Polejaeva Irina A. , Rutigliano Heloisa M.
Published: January 2018

The hypothesis of this study was that the leukocyte populations and expression levels of genes related to immune response, growth factors and apoptosis would be altered at the fetal-maternal interface in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-generated sheep pregnancies. Placental and endometrial samples from sheep pregnancies established by SCNT and natural breeding (control) were collected at 45 days and at term. Expression of genes related to growth factors, apoptosis and immune response was examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Endometrial leukocyte populations and major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) protein expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. At term we observed altered expression of genes related to apoptosis, growth factors and immune response in placental and endometrial tissue of SCNT pregnancies. In Day-45 pregnancies there was less-pronounced abnormal expression and only genes related to apoptosis and growth factors were abnormal in the placenta. Endometrial gene expression profiles were similar to age-matched controls. Placental MHC-I protein expression was similar in SCNT and controls at 45 days but increased in the SCNT at term. The altered gene expression at the fetal-maternal interface likely contributes to the placental dysfunction and overgrowth observed in sheep SCNT pregnancies.
Characteristics and Needs of Long-Stay Forensic Psychiatric Inpatients: A Rapid Review of the Literature
Authors: Huband Nick , Furtado Vivek , Schel Sandra , Eckert Mareike , Cheung Natalie , Bulten Erik , Völlm Birgit
Published: January 2018

This rapid review summarizes currently available information on the definition, prevalence, characteristics, and needs of long-stay patients within forensic psychiatric settings. Sixty nine documents from 14 countries were identified. Reports on what constitutes “long-stay” and on the characteristics of long-stay patients were inconsistent. Factors most frequently associated with longer stay were seriousness of index offence, history of psychiatric treatment, cognitive deficit, severity of illness, diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic disorder, history of violence, and history of substance misuse. Although some countries are developing specific long-stay services, there is presently no consensus on what might constitute “best practice” in such settings.
Disorder-Specific Symptoms and Psychosocial Well-Being in Relation to No-Show Rates in Forensic ADHD Patients
Authors: Stoel Tessa , Houtepen Jenny A. B. M. , van der Lem Rosalind , Bogaerts Stefan , Sijtsema Jelle J.
Published: January 2018

No-show rates in forensic psychiatry are related to higher recidivism risk and financial costs in mental health care, yet little is known about risk factors for high no-show rates. In this study, the extent to which disorder specific symptoms and psychosocial well-being are related to no-show rates in forensic patients with ADHD was examined. Sixty male patients with ADHD (M age = 35.9, SD = 8.6) who received treatment in a Dutch forensic outpatient center completed the Adult Self-Report on disorder-specific symptoms and general psychosocial well-being. Data on no-show rates and background characteristics were obtained via electronic patient files. Independent sample t-tests showed a trend in which patients with high no-show rates (15–45% missed appointments) had more ADHD symptoms compared to patients with low no-show rates (0–14.9% missed appointments). Furthermore, multivariate regression analyses showed that rule-breaking, externalizing problems and somatic problems were associated with higher no-show rates, whereas anxiety problems were associated with lower no-show rates. Results suggest that no-show rates in forensic patients with ADHD are related to specific psychopathological symptoms. This knowledge can be used to prevent no-show in forensic psychiatric treatment.
Different durations within the method of best practice affect the parameters of the speed–duration relationship
Authors: Triska Christoph , Karsten Bettina , Beedie Chris , Koller‐Zeisler Bernhard , Nimmerichter Alfred , Tschan Harald
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to determine whether estimates of the speed–duration relationship are affected using different time‐trial (TT) field‐based testing protocols, where exhaustive times were located within the generally recommended durations of 2–15 min. Ten triathletes (mean ± SD age: 31.0 ± 5.7 years; height: 1.81 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 76.5 ± 6.8 kg) performed two randomly assigned field tests to determine critical speed (CS) and the total distance covered above CS (D́). CS and D́ were obtained using two different protocols comprising three TT that were interspersed by 60 min passive rest. The TTs were 12, 7, and 3 min in Protocol I and 10, 5, and 2 min in Protocol II. A linear relationship of speed vs. the inverse of time (s = D́ × 1/t + CS) was used to determine parameter estimates. Significant differences were found for CS (p = 0.026), but not for D́ (p = 0.123). The effect size for CS (d = 0.305) was considered small, while that for D́ was considered moderate (d = 0.742). CS was significantly correlated between protocols (r = 0.934; p < 0.001), however, no correlation was found for D́ (r = 0.053; p = 0.884). The 95% limits of agreement were ±0.28m s−1 and ±73.9 m for CS and D́, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the choice of exhaustive times within commonly accepted durations results in different estimates of CS and D́, and thus protocols cannot be used interchangeably. The use of a consistent protocol is therefore recommended, when investigating or monitoring the speed–duration relationship estimates in well‐trained athletes.
Selective release of circRNAs in platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Preußer Christian , Hung Lee‐Hsueh , Schneider Tim , Schreiner Silke , Hardt Martin , Moebus Anna , Santoso Sentot , Bindereif Albrecht
Published: January 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs present in all eukaryotic cells investigated so far and generated by a special mode of alternative splicing of pre‐mRNAs. Thereby, single exons, or multiple adjacent and spliced exons, are released in a circular form. CircRNAs are cell‐type specifically expressed, are unusually stable, and can be found in various body fluids such as blood and saliva. Here we analysed circRNAs and the corresponding linear splice isoforms from human platelets, where circRNAs are particularly abundant, compared with other hematopoietic cell types. In addition, we isolated extracellular vesicles from purified and in vitro activated human platelets, using density‐gradient centrifugation, followed by RNA‐seq analysis for circRNA detection. We could demonstrate that circRNAs are packaged and released within both types of vesicles (microvesicles and exosomes) derived from platelets. Interestingly, we observed a selective release of circRNAs into the vesicles, suggesting a specific sorting mechanism. In sum, circRNAs represent yet another class of extracellular RNAs that circulate in the body and may be involved in signalling pathways. Since platelets are essential for central physiological processes such as haemostasis, wound healing, inflammation and cancer metastasis, these findings should greatly extend the potential of circRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.
GTC: how to maintain huge genotype collections in a compressed form
Authors: Danek Agnieszka , Deorowicz Sebastian
Published: January 2018

Motivation

Nowadays, genome sequencing is frequently used in many research centers. In projects, such as the Haplotype Reference Consortium or the Exome Aggregation Consortium, huge databases of genotypes in large populations are determined. Together with the increasing size of these collections, the need for fast and memory frugal ways of representation and searching in them becomes crucial.

Results

We present GTC (GenoType Compressor), a novel compressed data structure for representation of huge collections of genetic variation data. It significantly outperforms existing solutions in terms of compression ratio and time of answering various types of queries. We show that the largest of publicly available database of about 60 000 haplotypes at about 40 million SNPs can be stored in <4 GB, while the queries related to variants are answered in a fraction of a second.

Availability and implementation

GTC can be downloaded from https://github.com/refresh-bio/GTC or http://sun.aei.polsl.pl/REFRESH/gtc.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Combined Dual Motor Nerve Transfers versus Alternative Surgical and Nonsurgical Management Strategies to Restore Shoulder Function Following Upper Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Khalifeh Jawad M , Dibble Christopher F , Dy Christopher J , Ray Wilson Z
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Restoration of shoulder function is an important treatment goal in upper brachial plexus injury (UBPI). Combined dual motor nerve transfer (CDNT) of spinal accessory to suprascapular and radial to axillary nerves demonstrates good functional recovery with minimal risk of perioperative complications.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CDNT vs alternative operative and nonoperative treatments for UBPI.

METHODS

A decision model was constructed to evaluate costs ($, third-party payer) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) of CDNT compared to glenohumeral arthrodesis (GA), conservative management, and nontreatment strategies. Estimates for branch probabilities, costs, and QALYs were derived from published studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER, $/QALY) were calculated to compare the competing strategies. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses with 100 000 iterations were performed to account for effects of uncertainty in model inputs.

RESULTS

Base case model demonstrated CDNT effectiveness, yielding an expected 21.04 lifetime QALYs, compared to 20.89 QALYs with GA, 19.68 QALYs with conservative management, and 19.15 QALYs with no treatment. The ICERs for CDNT, GA, and conservative management vs nontreatment were $5776.73/QALY, $10 483.52/QALY, and $882.47/QALY, respectively. Adjusting for potential income associated with increased likelihood of returning to work after clinical recovery demonstrated CDNT as the dominant strategy, with ICER = –$56 459.54/QALY relative to nontreatment. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed CDNT cost-effectiveness at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY in 78.47% and 81.97% of trials with and without income adjustment, respectively. Conservative management dominated in <1% of iterations.

CONCLUSION

CDNT and GA are cost-effective interventions to restore shoulder function in patients with UBPI.
National Parliaments in Subsidiarity Review: From Guardians to Partners
Authors: Pimenova Oxana
Published: January 2018

With a clear emphasis on substantive political value that national legislatures are able to bring to the EU legislative process, this paper attempts to overcome skepticism about deepening national parliaments’ direct involvement in the decision-making process at the European level. The role of national parliaments in advancing their subsidiarity concerns within European law-making may be strengthened through a more intensive political dialogue with the Commission, when the former acts not just as the ‘guardians’ of the subsidiarity principle (in the framework of the existing yellow and orange card schemes) but also as active contributors to the law-making process encouraging the Commission to leverage the so-called green card procedure. Complemented by the yellow and orange card provisions, it forms a three-element subsidiarity review mechanism perfectly capable of dealing with subsidiarity concerns of national parliaments at various stages of the EU law-making process, thus transforming the chambers from wardens into partners working together with the Commission to reshape EU legislative proposals for the sake of better regulation.
Association Between Alcohol Use and Angina Symptoms Among Outpatients From the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Williams Emily C. , Bryson Chris L. , Sun Haili , Au David H. , Bradley Katharine A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Alcohol use is associated with angina incidence, but associations between alcohol use and experience of angina among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been described.

Methods:

Outpatients with CAD from 7 clinics in the Veterans Health Administration were surveyed; alcohol use was measured using the validated Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption scores categorized into 6 groups: nondrinking, low-risk drinking, and mild, moderate, severe, and very severe unhealthy alcohol use. Three domains of self-reported angina symptoms (frequency, stability, and physical function) were measured with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Linear regression models evaluated associations between alcohol use groups and angina symptoms. Models were adjusted first for age and then additionally for smoking, comorbidities, and depression.

Results:

Patients (n = 8303) had a mean age of 66 years. In age-adjusted analyses, a U-shaped association was observed between alcohol use groups and all angina outcomes, with patients in nondrinking and severe unhealthy alcohol groups reporting the greatest angina symptoms and lowest functioning. After full adjustment, no clinically important and few statistically important differences were observed across alcohol use in angina stability or frequency. Patients in the nondrinking group had statistically greater functional limitation from angina than those in all groups of unhealthy alcohol use, though differences were small. Patients in all groups of unhealthy alcohol use did not differ significantly from those with low-risk drinking.

Conclusions:

Alcohol use was associated with some small statistically but no clinically important differences in angina symptoms among patients with CAD. This cross-sectional study does not support a protective effect of low-level drinking on self-reported angina.
Overexpression of µ-Opioid Receptors in Peripheral Afferents, but Not in Combination with Enkephalin, Decreases Neuropathic Pain Behavior and Enhances Opioid Analgesia in Mouse
Authors: Klein Amanda H. , Mohammad Husam K. , Ali Rabiah , Peper Brad , Wilson Steven P. , Raja Srinivasa N. , Ringkamp Matthias , Sweitzer Sarah
Published: January 2018

Background

The current study used recombinant herpes simplex virus type I to increase expression of µ-opiate receptors and the opioid ligand preproenkephalin in peripheral nerve fibers in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. It was predicted that viral vector delivery of a combination of genes encoding the µ-opioid receptor and preproenkephalin would attenuate neuropathic pain and enhance opioid analgesia. The behavioral effects would be paralleled by changes in response properties of primary afferent neurons.

Methods

Recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 containing cDNA sequences of the µ-opioid receptor, human preproenkephalin, a combination, or Escherichia coli lacZ gene marker (as a control) was used to investigate the role of peripheral opioids in neuropathic pain behaviors.

Results

Inoculation with the µ-opioid receptor viral vector (n = 13) reversed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and produced leftward shifts in loperamide (ED50 = 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg vs. ED50 = 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/kg for control group, n = 8, means ± SD) and morphine dose-response curves (ED50 = 0.3 ± 0.5 mg/kg vs. ED50 = 1.1 ± 0.1 mg/kg for control group). In µ-opioid receptor viral vector inoculated C-fibers, heat-evoked responses (n = 12) and ongoing spontaneous activity (n = 18) were decreased after morphine application. Inoculation with both µ-opioid receptor and preproenkephalin viral vectors did not alter mechanical and thermal responses.

Conclusions

Increasing primary afferent expression of opioid receptors can decrease neuropathic pain-associated behaviors and increase systemic opioid analgesia through inhibition of peripheral afferent fiber activity.
Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Prevention of Wound Healing Complications Following Reduction Mammaplasty
Authors: Galiano Robert D. , Hudson Donald , Shin Joseph , van der Hulst René , Tanaydin Volkan , Djohan Risal , Duteille Franck , Cockwill John , Megginson Sarah , Huddleston Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Background:

It has been proposed that negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applied prophylactically to a closed incision may decrease the incidence of wound complications. Patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty are at risk of wound complications such as delayed healing, infection, and dehiscence, and the bilateral nature of the surgery allows for a within-patient randomized study to evaluate incisional NPWT’s effect in reducing healing complications.

Methods:

In this multicenter trial, 200 patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty were treated with PICO Single-Use NPWT System or standard wound-care dressings randomized to right or left breast for up to 14 days to enable within-patient comparison. Follow-up assessments were conducted to evaluate the difference in incision healing complications up to 21 days postsurgery. Healing complications (for the primary endpoint) were defined as delayed healing (incision not 100% closed by 7 days) and occurrence of dehiscence or infection within 21 days. Individual healing complications were assessed separately as secondary endpoints.

Results:

Significantly fewer healing complications (primary endpoint) were noted in NPWT-treated breasts [113 (56.8%)] versus standard care [123 (61.8%)]. The difference of 10 (5.0%) patients with fewer healing complications using NPWT was statistically significant (P = 0.004). NPWT also resulted in a significantly lower incidence of dehiscence (secondary endpoint) compared with standard care [32 patients (16.2%) versus 52 patients (26.4%)] by day 21, a relative reduction of 38% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This is the first major prospective, within-patient, randomized, controlled, multicenter study to provide evidence for an incisional NPWT strategy to reduce healing complications.
V-shaped Internal Nasal Vestibular Flap for Reconstruction of Iatrogenic Columellar Defect
Authors: Tanini Sara , Lo Russo Giulia
Published: January 2018

Columella is an important structure in the center of the face, and its structural integrity has an important functional, social, and psychological role. Columella reconstruction can be very challenging for surgeons and the ideal technique remains elusive. This article describes a reconstruction technique in a young woman with columella necrosis due to nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment. The method of reconstruction described here, with a V-shaped internal nasal vestibular flap and a cartilage grafts from lateral crura, is simple and easily reproducible, providing an optimal aesthetic result and in addition the donor site does not create a secondary deformity by disrupting normal anatomy.
Gelatin-Based Hemostatic Agents: Histopathologic Differences
Authors: Wolkow Natalie , Jakobiec Frederick A. , Yoon Michael K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To delineate the histopathologic appearance of gelatin-based hemostatic agents, Surgiflo, Gelfoam, and Floseal, which are used by ophthalmic plastic surgeons, and which may incidentally be found as foreign materials in histopathologic tissue samples.

Methods:

Histopathologic analysis was performed with hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson trichrome, and elastin staining on tissue samples in which gelatin-based agents were found. To better characterize these materials, similar analyses were performed on in vitro samples of commonly used gelatin-based hemostatic agents.

Results:

Surgiflo and Gelfoam are composed of small stellate pieces of gelatin with a smooth, homogeneous quality. In tissues, they are faintly positive with periodic acid-Schiff staining, amphophilic with Masson trichrome staining, and ink-black with elastin staining. Floseal has a distinctly different morphology of large rectangular sheets, yet almost identical in vitro staining properties.

Discussion:

While the morphology of the gelatin-based hemostatic agents is consistent under various conditions, the staining properties of these materials differ based on whether they have been in contact with human tissue.

Conclusions:

Gelatin-derived hemostatic agents are best identified based on their morphologic characteristics. Elastin staining highlights these materials prominently within tissue samples and may be helpful in distinguishing them from other foreign materials.
A Novel Technique for Measuring Eyelid Force
Authors: Ofir Shay , Belkin Avner , Nemet Arie Y.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

We present a novel technique to directly measure the eyelid upward force generation. This technique can be used during routine clinical examination using an inexpensive, portable force gauge.

Methods:

This prospective case series was conducted January to June 2015 in an ophthalmology clinic affiliated with a tertiary care medical center. A convenience sample of 42 patients (40–90 years of age) without known eyelid pathology participated. The eyelid upward net force generated was measured directly using a handheld dynamometer noninvasively attached to the upper eyelid. Comparison of the eyelid-brow upward force generated with eyelid upward net force generated allowed us to assess the contribution of levator and frontalis muscles to the force generated during upgaze. Data were evaluated with relation to gender and age.

Results:

Upper eyelid force generated was 53.3 g OD and 53.9 g OS; the generated force during frontalis muscle fixation was 38.4 g OD and 41.1 g OS. The levator and frontalis muscles showed a 3:1 ratio respectively in their contribution to the force generated during upgaze. Although no statistically significant differences were seen between eyes, gender, or within age groups, younger patients showed increased generating force which is attributed to the levator muscle. Interclass correlation coefficient showed virtually no correlation between clinical eyelid assessments and direct muscle force measurement. Reliability for repeated direct force measurements by the same physician was strong, with interclass correlation coefficient 0.951 to 0.969. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

We describe a simple, reliable, inexpensive, new method for assessing upper eyelid upward force generation. Because the levator muscle serves as the primary contributor to eyelid elevation, this directly measurable eyelid assessment may help to increase understanding of its functional contribution and assessment when assessing eyelid pathologies.
New Educational Model to Promote Breast Cancer–Preventive Behaviors (ASSISTS)
Authors: Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Pashaei Tahereh , Alizadeh Rashin , Ponnet Koen
Published: January 2018

Background

The prevalence of breast cancer in Iran has increased. An effective approach to decrease the burden of breast cancer is prevention.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an educational model, called the ASSISTS, for promoting breast cancer–preventive behaviors in women.

Methods

A multiphase method was used to develop the model designed to promote breast cancer prevention behaviors. A conceptual model was generated based on a secondary analysis of qualitative data. Then, a structural equation model technique was used to test the relationships among the model constructs.

Results

The analysis revealed that 7 constructs could be extracted, namely, perceived social support, attitude, motivation, self-efficacy, information seeking, stress management, and self-care. Based on these constructs, a conceptual model was built and tested using structural equation modeling. The model fit was good, and the model confirmed significant relationships among the 7 constructs of breast cancer prevention.

Conclusion

Findings revealed that self-care behavior and stress management are influenced directly by attitude, motivation, self-efficacy, information seeking, and social support. In addition, women seek more information when they are motivated, have more self-efficacy, have a more positive attitude toward breast cancer prevention, and experience more social support.

Implication for Practice

Cancer nurses can be at the forefront of breast cancer prevention. Because they can play a pivotal role in providing information, they can reduce women's stress and increase their self-care behavior. In addition, their social support can positively influence Iranian women's attitude, motivation, and self-care behavior. Furthermore, implementing educational programs based on this model might encourage women to practice preventive behaviors.