bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in injury morbidity among young adults in the USA: individual and contextual determinants
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Sparks P Johnelle
Published: February 2018

Background

Injuries have been recognised as important public health concerns, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Few studies have examined injuries using a multilevel perspective that addresses individual socioeconomic status (SES) and health behaviours and local socioeconomic conditions in early adolescence. We offer a conceptual framework incorporating these various components.

Methods

We test our conceptual framework using population data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Wave 4 when respondents were young adults and linked them to contextual level data from when they were middle-schoolers. We use logistic and multilevel regression models to examine self-reported injury risk in young adults by sex (n=14 356).

Results

Logistic regression models showed that men were more likely to experience serious injuries than women (OR 1.75, P<0.0001), but SES and health behaviours operated differently by sex. In stratified models, men with lower education had consistently higher injury risk, while only women with some college had increased injury risk (OR 1.40, P=0.0089) than college graduates. Low household income (OR 1.54, P=0.0011) and unemployment (OR 1.50, P=0.0008) increased female injury risk, but was non-significant for men. Alcohol consumption increased injury risk for both sexes, while only female smokers had elevated injury risk (OR 1.38, P=0.0154). In multilevel models, significant county-level variation was only observed for women. Women living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods during adolescence had increased injury risk (OR 1.001, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of investigating mechanisms that link early-life contextual conditions to early adult SES and health behaviours and their linkage to injury risk, particularly for women.
Risk category system to identify pituitary adenoma patients with AIP mutations
Authors: Caimari Francisca , Hernández-Ramírez Laura Cristina , Dang Mary N , Gabrovska Plamena , Iacovazzo Donato , Stals Karen , Ellard Sian , Korbonits Márta
Published: February 2018

Background

Predictive tools to identify patients at risk for gene mutations related to pituitary adenomas are very helpful in clinical practice. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a reliable risk category system for aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) mutations in patients with pituitary adenomas.

Methods

An international cohort of 2227 subjects were consecutively recruited between 2007 and 2016, including patients with pituitary adenomas (familial and sporadic) and their relatives. All probands (n=1429) were screened for AIP mutations, and those diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma prospectively, as part of their clinical screening (n=24), were excluded from the analysis. Univariate analysis was performed comparing patients with and without AIP mutations. Based on a multivariate logistic regression model, six potential factors were identified for the development of a risk category system, classifying the individual risk into low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk categories. An internal cross-validation test was used to validate the system.

Results

1405 patients had a pituitary tumour, of which 43% had a positive family history, 55.5% had somatotrophinomas and 81.5% presented with macroadenoma. Overall, 134 patients had an AIP mutation (9.5%). We identified four independent predictors for the presence of an AIP mutation: age of onset providing an odds ratio (OR) of 14.34 for age 0-18 years, family history (OR 10.85), growth hormone excess (OR 9.74) and large tumour size (OR 4.49). In our cohort, 71% of patients were identified as low risk (<5% risk of AIP mutation), 9.2% as moderate risk and 20% as high risk (≥20% risk). Excellent discrimination (c-statistic=0.87) and internal validation were achieved.

Conclusion

We propose a user-friendly risk categorisation system that can reliably group patients into high-risk, moderate-risk and low-risk groups for the presence of AIP mutations, thus providing guidance in identifying patients at high risk of carrying an AIP mutation. This risk score is based on a cohort with high prevalence of AIP mutations and should be applied cautiously in other populations.
The level of feed intake does not influence digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in diets fed to gestating sows, but gestating sows have reduced digestibility of calcium and phosphorus compared with growing gilts
Authors: Lee S.A. , Casas G.A. , Stein H.H.
Published: February 2018

Level of feed intake did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in gestating sows. Gestating sows had reduced ATTD of Ca and P compared with growing gilts. Formulating diets for sows using values obtained from growing pigs, therefore, may result in inaccuracies.
Analysis of Fourier transform spectra of N2O in the ν3 band for atmospheric composition retrievals
Authors: Predoi-Cross Adriana , Hashemi Robab , Devi V. Malathy , Naseri Hossein , Smith Mary Ann H.
Published: February 2018

We report measurement results for line positions, intensities, half-width, and pressure-induced shift coefficients and line mixing coefficients for N2O broadened by air in the ν3 band. The high signal-to-noise ratio spectra have been recorded at high resolution using the McMath–Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer formerly located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Ariz., USA. The spectra were analyzed using a multispectrum nonlinear least-squares curve-fitting technique employing the speed-dependent Voigt profile with a Rosenkranz (weak) line mixing component. The speed dependence parameters were calculated as suggested in the study of Kochanov (J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 189, 18 (2017). doi: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.11.007 ). Several comparisons have been performed between the retrieved parameters and previously published results. For |m| ≤ 40, our results for line positions, broadening, and line mixing coefficients agree best with the results of Loos et al. (J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 151, 300 (2015). doi: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2014.10.008 ). Also, we compared the obtained line positions and intensities with the corresponding values in HITRAN2016 and GEISA-2015 databases. No significant or systematic differences were noticed. The precision of our line positions was estimated to be 3 × 10−5 cm−1. The reported line positions, intensities, and air-broadening coefficients are accurate to better than 2%. The accuracy of air-pressure-induced line shifts and line mixing coefficients is better than 5%. The line mixing coefficients and air-broadening coefficients were also calculated using the exponential power gap scaling law, and these calculated values were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Exclusive J/ψ photoproduction in a diffractive process using the AdS/QCD holographic wave function in BLFQ
Authors: Xie Ya-Ping , Chen Xurong
Published: February 2018

AdS/QCD is implemented to calculate the basis light-front quantization (BLFQ) wave function for [Formula: see text] meson. Exclusive [Formula: see text] photoproduction is computed in the dipole picture using this holographic wave function. The bCGC model is employed in the calculation of [Formula: see text] production for dipole amplitude. The differential cross-sections and total cross-sections of [Formula: see text] meson are computed and compared with the experimental data. We find that the AdS/QCD holographic wave function in BLFQ can be employed as a new candidate for the light-front wave function of [Formula: see text] meson in diffractive process.
Expression of MicroRNA-448 and SIRT1 and Prognosis of Obese Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Dong-Shu , Cheng Yun-Sheng , Jia Ben-Li , Yu Gang , Yin Xiao-Qiang , Wang Yang
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: This study sought to investigate the expression and prognostic value of peripheral blood microRNA-448 (miR-448) and its target gene SIRT1 after laparoscopic bariatric surgery in obese type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: Obese T2DM patients were selected and treated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure SIRT1 protein expression. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to determine the mRNA expression of the related gene. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were grouped into blank, negative control (NC), miR-448 mimic, miR-448 inhibitor, siRNA-SIRT1 and miR-448 inhibitor + siRNA-SIRT1 groups. Transwell assays and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were applied to determine cell invasion and cell viability. A tube formation assay and an adherence test were utilized to assess the angiogenic and adhesive capacities of the cells. Results: In peripheral blood, the expression of miR-448 was reduced, whereas the mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 was increased after surgery compared to before surgery. miR-448 expression was lower and mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 was higher in the effective group than in the ineffective group after surgery. SIRT1 is a target gene of miR-448. miR-448 can suppress viability and invasion, and it reflects the angiogenic and adhesive capacity of EPCs and the protein expression of relative genes in EPCs through targeting SIRT1. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that miR-448 and its target gene SIRT1 can serve as prognostic indicators for obese T2DM patients after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
Quality of Life Is Poorer for Patients With Stroke Who Require an Interpreter
Authors: Kilkenny Monique F. , Lannin Natasha A. , Anderson Craig S. , Dewey Helen M. , Kim Joosup , Barclay-Moss Karen , Levi Chris , Faux Steven , Hill Kelvin , Grabsch Brenda , Middleton Sandy , Thrift Amanda G. , Grimley Rohan , Donnan Geoffrey , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose—

In multicultural Australia, some patients with stroke cannot fully understand, or speak, English. Language barriers may reduce quality of care and consequent outcomes after stroke, yet little has been reported empirically.

Methods—

An observational study of patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (2010–2015) captured from 45 hospitals participating in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry. The use of interpreters in hospitals, which is routinely documented, was used as a proxy for severe language barriers. Health-Related Quality of Life was assessed using the EuroQoL-5 dimension-3 level measured 90 to 180 days after stroke. Logistic regression was undertaken to assess the association between domains of EuroQoL-5 dimension and interpreter status.

Results—

Among 34 562 registrants, 1461 (4.2%) required an interpreter. Compared with patients without interpreters, patients requiring an interpreter were more often women (53% versus 46%;
P
<0.001), aged ≥75 years (68% versus 51%;
P
<0.001), and had greater access to stroke unit care (85% versus 78%;
P
<0.001). After accounting for patient characteristics and stroke severity, patients requiring interpreters had comparable discharge outcomes (eg, mortality, discharged to rehabilitation) to patients not needing interpreters. However, these patients reported poorer Health-Related Quality of Life (visual analogue scale coefficient, −9; 95% CI, −12.38, −5.62), including more problems with self-care (odds ratio: 2.22; 95% CI, 1.82, 2.72), pain (odds ratio: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.52, 2.34), anxiety or depression (odds ratio: 1.60; 95% CI, 1.33, 1.93), and usual activities (odds ratio: 1.62; 95% CI, 1.32, 2.00).

Conclusions—

Patients requiring interpreters reported poorer Health Related Quality of Life after stroke/transient ischemic attack despite greater access to stroke units. These findings should be interpreted with caution because we are unable to account for prestroke Health Related Quality of Life. Further research is needed.
Vantanea maculicarpa (Humiriaceae): a new tree species from French Guiana
Authors: ENGEL JULIEN , SABATIER DANIEL
Published: February 2018

A new species of Humiriaceae, Vantanea maculicarpa, growing in French Guiana terra-firme forest is described and illustrated. This new species is distinguished from all other species of Vantanea by fruits covered by white lenticels, a character so far unknown in this genus. It also presents a pubescent intrastaminal disk, a feature encountered in two other Vantanea species only: it is further distinguished from V. parviflora, the morphologically most similar species, by more stamens and from V. ovicarpa by a much smaller rough endocarp with five valves. A key to the species of French Guiana and the IUCN status Least Concern (LC) are proposed.
Lecanorchis sarawakensis (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new mycoheterotrophic species from Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , YIING LING CHEA , NAIKI AKIYO , TAGANE SHUICHIRO , TAKEUCHI YAYOI , TOYAMA HIRONORI , YAHARA TETSUKAZU
Published: February 2018

Lecanorchis Blume (1856: 188) comprises about 30 species of mycoheterotrophic orchids (Seidenfaden 1978, Hashimoto 1990, Szlachetko & Mytnik 2000, Govaerts et al. 2017) characterized by having numerous, long, thick, horizontal roots produced from a short rhizome, presence of a calyculus (i.e. a cup-like structure located between the base of the perianth and apex of the ovary) and an elongate column with a pair of small wings on each side of the anther (Seidenfaden 1978, Hashimoto 1990). The genus is distributed across a wide area including China, Korea, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Guinea, Pacific islands, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam (Seidenfaden 1978, Hashimoto 1990, Pearce & Cribb 1999, Szlachetko & Mytnik 2000, Averyanov 2011, 2013).
First record of the tropical genus Rambutanura (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) in Palearctic, with description of a new species from China
Authors: DONG LING , YANG YUE-LI , ZHAO YU-YAO , WANG YUAN-JUN , JIANG JI-GANG
Published: February 2018

Genus Rambutanura Deharveng, 1988 of subfamily Neanurinae is herein recorded and a new species is described from China. A key to the species of the whole world of the genus is provided. In order to determine the new species, a new diagnosis within the genus Rambutanura Deharveng, 1988 is proposed. The new species is distinguished from all known members of the genus by its unique set of morphological characters notably: 2+2 depigmented eyes, mandible quadridentate, presence of 1 additional s-chaeta on each tubercle Di from Th. I to Abd. IV, presence of 2 additional s-chaetae on tubercle Dl from Abd. I to Abd. V, presence of guard chaetae sgd and sgv on AOIII, absence of digitate body tubercles.
Was the Cold European Winter of 2009/10 Modified by Anthropogenic Climate Change? An Attribution Study
Authors: Christiansen Bo , Alvarez-Castro Carmen , Christidis Nikolaos , Ciavarella Andrew , Colfescu Ioana , Cowan Tim , Eden Jonathan , Hauser Mathias , Hempelmann Nils , Klehmet Katharina , Lott Fraser , Nangini Cathy , Jan van Oldenborgh Geert , Orth René , Stott Peter , Tett Simon , Vautard Robert , Wilcox Laura , Yiou Pascal
Published: February 2018

An attribution study has been performed to investigate the degree to which the unusually cold European winter of 2009/10 was modified by anthropogenic climate change. Two different methods have been included for the attribution: one based on large HadGEM3-A ensembles and one based on a statistical surrogate method. Both methods are evaluated by comparing simulated winter temperature means, trends, standard deviations, skewness, return periods, and 5% quantiles with observations. While the surrogate method performs well, HadGEM3-A in general underestimates the trend in winter by a factor of ⅔. It has a mean cold bias dominated by the mountainous regions and also underestimates the cold 5% quantile in many regions of Europe. Both methods show that the probability of experiencing a winter as cold as 2009/10 has been reduced by approximately a factor of 2 because of anthropogenic changes. The method based on HadGEM3-A ensembles gives somewhat larger changes than the surrogate method because of differences in the definition of the unperturbed climate. The results are based on two diagnostics: the coldest day in winter and the largest continuous area with temperatures colder than twice the local standard deviation. The results are not sensitive to the choice of bias correction except in the mountainous regions. Previous results regarding the behavior of the measures of the changed probability have been extended. The counterintuitive behavior for heavy-tailed distributions is found to hold for a range of measures and for events that become more rare in a changed climate.
Sensitivity of Regulated Flow Regimes to Climate Change in the Western United States
Authors: Zhou Tian , Voisin Nathalie , Leng Guoyong , Huang Maoyi , Kraucunas Ian
Published: February 2018

Water management activities modify water fluxes at the land surface and affect water resources in space and time. Conventional understanding on the role of water management suggests that regulated river flow would be less sensitive to future climate conditions than natural flow in terms of the absolute changes in mean monthly flows. In this study the authors evaluate such an assumption by redefining sensitivity as the difference in the emergence of changes in cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of future regulated and natural flows in response to climate change with respect to their respective historical regulated and natural flow conditions. The emergence of changes (shift in CDFs) in natural and regulated river flow regimes across the western United States from simulations driven by multiple climate models and scenarios were compared. Forty percent of Hydrologic Unit Codes 4 (HUC4s) over the western United States might perceive such a shift in seasonal regulated flow earlier than they would have seen in natural flow conditions, although the absolute change is smaller than that under natural conditions. About 10% of the regulated HUC4s see a delay and are therefore less sensitive to climate change. In the spring (MAM), the overall sensitivity tends to decrease as the level of river regulation increases, as expected. However, in the winter (DJF) and summer (JJA) seasons, the sensitivity tends to increase with increasing levels of regulation, with changes in smaller magnitudes than under natural conditions. The results could inform integrated assessment studies when designing adaptation strategies in the water–energy–food nexus.
Ekman and Eddy Exchange of Freshwater and Oxygen across the Labrador Shelf Break
Authors: Howatt Tara , Palter Jaime B. , Robin Matthews John Brian , Brad deYoung  , Bachmayer Ralf , Claus Brian
Published: February 2018

Transport of freshwater from the Labrador Shelf into the interior Labrador Sea has the potential to impact deep convection via its influence on the salinity of surface waters. To examine this transport, the authors deployed two underwater gliders on a mission to traverse the continental shelf break multiple times between 5 July and 22 August 2014, the period when Arctic meltwater has historically peaked in transport down the Labrador Shelf. The field campaign yielded a unique dataset of temperature, salinity, and oxygen across the shelf break to a depth of 1000 m at unprecedented spatial resolution. Two mechanisms of cross-shelf transport were examined: Ekman transport and transport due to mesoscale eddies. Ekman transport is quantified using satellite wind stress and near-surface hydrographic properties, and eddy-induced transport is scaled using a parameterized eddy diffusivity and thickness gradients of layers of uniform potential density, as well as the tracer gradients along those isopycnals. Both the Ekman and eddy terms transport high-oxygen and low-salinity water from the shelf to the Labrador Sea during the field campaign. The influence of the eddy-driven oxygen flux from the shelf to the Labrador Sea on oxygen budgets depends strongly on the size of the region over which this eddy flux converges. The deduced offshore transport of freshwater (4 ± 6 mSv; 1 mSv = 103 m3 s−1) from both Ekman and eddy mechanisms, which is likely at a seasonal maximum during this summertime survey, represents about 3% of the annual-mean freshwater flowing through Hudson and Davis Straits but may be an important component of the total freshwater budget of the interior Labrador Sea.
Ideal Characteristics of a Laser-Protected Endotracheal Tube: ABEA and AHNS Member Survey and Biomechanical Testing
Authors: Friedman Aaron D. , Gerber Mark E. , Bhayani Mihir K. , Kuchta Kristine , Kumar Kanav , Ma Aobo , Ren Yupeng , Zhang Li-Qun
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To determine the characteristics of laser-protected endotracheal tubes (LPETs) valued by otolaryngologists performing transoral laser surgery in the head and neck and to measure LPET stiffness.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was completed by American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) and American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members. LPET distal end compliance was measured in a biomechanics laboratory.

Results:

A total of 228 out of 2109 combined ABEA and AHNS members completed the survey. The following LPET characteristics, which were properties of the Medtronic Laser-Shield II tube (MLST), were highly valued: softness and flexibility, surface smoothness, and a tight-to-shaft balloon (all P < .01). Prior to industry-driven discontinuation of the MLST, 52% of surgeons (78% of fellowship-trained laryngologists [FTLs]) reported using it; afterward, 58% reported using the stainless steel, Mallinckrodt Laser-Flex tube (MLFT). Forty-six percent of all respondents (69% of FTLs) did not consider cost being a factor in LPET choice. Biomechanical testing revealed the distal end of the MLST to be 3.45 times more compliant than the MLFT ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Members of the ABEA and AHNS, particularly FTLs, highly value distinguishing properties of the now discontinued MLST. Manufacturers should consider this in the design of new LPETs.
Statistical analysis and theoretical predictions of the tensile-strength retention of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars based on resin type
Authors: Ali Ahmed H , Benmokrane Brahim , Mohamed Hamdy M , Manalo Allan , El-Safty Adel
Published: February 2018

This paper presents experimental investigation, statistical analysis, and theoretical predictions of tensile-strength retention of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars, made with vinyl-ester, polyester, or epoxy resins. The durability of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars was evaluated as a function of time of immersion in alkaline solution. The aging of the three glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar types consisted of immersion glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar samples in an alkaline solution (up to 5000 h) at different elevated exposure temperatures. Subsequently, the physical and tensile properties of the unconditioned bars were compared with that of the conditioned bars to assess the durability performance of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars. Microstructure of all of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar types was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for both the conditioned and unconditioned cases, to qualitatively explain the experimental results and to assess changes and/or degradation in the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars. In addition, the long-term performance of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars was assessed considering the effect of service years, environmental humidity, and seasonal temperature fluctuations. The test results showed that the tensile strength of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars was affected by increased immersion time at higher temperatures and the reduction in tensile strength was statistically significantly dependent on the type of resin system. The prediction approach of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars based on the environmental reduction factor ( CE) after 200 years indicated that the CE values for vinyl-ester, epoxy, and polyester glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars can be conservatively recommended to 0.81, 0.75, and 0.71, respectively, for a moisture-saturated environment (relative humidity = 100%) and at 30℃. The polyester glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars experienced greater debonding at the fiber–resin interface than the vinyl-ester and epoxy glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars.
Removal of evidential motion-contaminated and poorly fitted image data improves IVIM diffusion MRI parameter scan–rescan reproducibility
Authors: Chevallier Olivier , Zhou Nan , He Jian , Loffroy Romaric , Wáng Yì Xiáng J
Published: February 2018

Background

It has been reported that intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan–rescan reproducibility is unsatisfactory.

Purpose

To study IVIM MRI parameter reproducibility for liver parenchyma after the removal of motion-contaminated and/or poorly fitted image data.

Material and Methods

Eighteen healthy volunteers had liver scans twice in the same session to assess scan–rescan repeatability, and again in another session after an average interval of 13 days to assess reproducibility. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired with a 3-T scanner using respiratory-triggered echo-planar sequence and 16 b-values (0–800 s/mm2). Measurement was performed on the right liver with segment-unconstrained least square fitting. Image series with evidential anatomical mismatch, apparent artifacts, and poorly fitted signal intensity vs. b-value curve were excluded. A minimum of three slices was deemed necessary for IVIM parameter estimation.

Results

With a total 54 examinations, six did not satisfy inclusion criteria, leading to a success rate of 89%, and 14 volunteers were finally included for the repeatability/reproducibility study. A total of 3–10 slices per examination (mean = 5.3 slices, median = 5 slices) were utilized for analysis. Using threshold b-value = 80 s/mm2, the coefficient of variation and within-subject coefficient of variation for repeatability were 2.86% and 3.36% for Dslow, 3.81% and 4.24% for perfusion fraction (PF), 18.16% and 24.88% for Dfast; and those for reproducibility were 2.48% and 3.24% for Dslow, 4.91% and 5.38% for PF, and 21.18% and 30.89% for Dfast.

Conclusion

Removal of motion-contaminated and/or poorly fitted image data improves IVIM parameter reproducibility.
The effect of glioblastoma heterogeneity on survival stratification: a multimodal MR imaging texture analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Xi , Feng Na , Yin Lulu , He Yalong , Xu Xiaopan , Lu Hongbing
Published: February 2018

Background

Quantitative evaluation of the effect of glioblastoma (GBM) heterogeneity on survival stratification would be critical for the diagnosis, treatment decision, and follow-up management.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of GBM heterogeneity on survival stratification, using texture analysis on multimodal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Material and Methods

A total of 119 GBM patients (65 in long-term and 54 in short-term survival group, separated by overall survival of 12 months) were selected from the Cancer Genome Atlas, who underwent the T1-weighted (T1W) contrast-enhanced (CE), T1W, T2-weighted (T2W), and FLAIR sequences. For each sequence, the co-occurrence matrix, run-length matrix, and histogram features were extracted to reflect GBM heterogeneity on different scale. The recursive feature elimination based support vector machine was adopted to find an optimal subset. Then the stratification performance of four MR sequences was evaluated, both alone and in combination.

Results

When each sequence used alone, the T1W-CE sequence performed best, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.7915, 80.67%, 78.45%, and 83.33%, respectively. When the four sequences combined, the stratification performance was basically equal to that of T1W-CE sequence. In the optimal subset of features extracted from multimodality, those from the T2W sequence weighted the most.

Conclusion

All the four sequences could reflect heterogeneous distribution of GBM and thereby affect the survival stratification, especially T1W-CE and T2W sequences. However, the stratification performance using only the T1W-CE sequence can be preserved with omission of other three sequences, when investigating the effect of GBM heterogeneity on survival stratification.
Tailored CT angiography in follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): combined dose reduction techniques
Authors: Böning Georg , Rotzinger Roman A , Kahn Johannes F , Freyhardt Patrick , Renz Diane M , Maurer Martin , Streitparth Florian
Published: February 2018

Background

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) requires lifelong surveillance by computed tomography angiography (CTA). This is attended by a substantial accumulation of radiation exposure. Iterative reconstruction (IR) has been introduced to approach dose reduction.

Purpose

To evaluate adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) at different levels of tube voltage concerning image quality and dose reduction potential in follow-up post EVAR.

Material and Methods

One hundred CTAs in 67 patients with EVAR were examined using five protocols: protocol A (n = 40) as biphasic standard using filtered back projection (FBP) at 120 kV; protocols B (n = 40), C (n = 10), and D1 (n = 5) biphasic using ASIR at 120, 100, and 80 kV, respectively; and protocol D2 (n = 5) with a monophasic splitbolus ASIR protocol at 80 kV. Image quality was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Applied doses were determined.

Results

Applied doses in ASIR protocols were significantly lower than FBP standard (up to 75%). Compared to protocol A, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (e.g. arterial CNR intra-/extra-stent lumen: A = 35.4 ± 13.5, B = 34.2 ± 10.0, C = 29.6 ± 6.8, D1 = 32.1 ± 6.3, D2 = 40.8 ± 23.1) in protocol B were equal and in protocols C and D equal to partially inferior, however not decisive for diagnostic quality. Subjective image quality ratings in all protocols were good to excellent without impairments of diagnostic confidence (A–D2: 5), with high inter-rater agreement (60–100%).

Conclusion

ASIR contributes to significant dose reduction without decisive impairments of image quality and diagnostic confidence. We recommend an adapted follow-up introducing ASIR and combined low-kV in the long-term surveillance after EVAR.
Visibility of the graft hepatic artery using superb microvascular imaging in liver transplantation recipients: initial experience
Authors: Jang Hye Young , Kim Kyoung Won , Kim So Yeon , Kim Jin Sil , Choi Sang Hyun , Kim Se-Young , Lee Sung-Gyu
Published: February 2018

Background

Hepatic artery (HA) obstruction is one of the most threatening complications following liver transplantation (LT); however, conventional color Doppler imaging (CDI) suffers from technical limitations regarding the visualization of fine vessels and low-velocity blood flow.

Purpose

To test the visibility of HA in postoperative evaluation of LT using a superb microvascular imaging (SMI).

Material and Methods

This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. Fifty-five consecutive patients (58 grafts; mean age = 56 years) who underwent LT with Doppler ultrasonography (US) on postoperative day 1 were included. We compared the subjective visibility of HA and objective measurements of HA caliber, visible HA length on CDI, monochrome SMI (mSMI), contrast-enhanced mSMI (CE-mSMI), and contrast harmonic imaging (CHI). Reproducibility of HA caliber measurements on SMI techniques were also evaluated by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

The subjective image quality for visibility of HA tended to be graded higher with mSMI than CDI, and with CE-mSMI than mSMI ( P < 0.001). The overall reproducibility of HA caliber measurements was good to excellent for both mSMI and CE-mSMI (ICC = 0.674–0.855). HA caliber measurements on mSMI and CE-mSMI strongly correlated with CHI ( R = 0.785, 0.798, P < 0.001), while mean HA length on mSMI was significantly longer than on CDI (1.88 ± 0.83 vs. 1.42 ± 1.01cm, P = 0.004), and even longer on CE-mSMI (vs. 3.28 ± 1.11 cm, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The mSMI technique shows good reproducibility and correlates well with currently used methods for postoperative evaluation of HA in LT recipients. It is further improved by administration of an US contrast agent.
Evaluating the Implementation of a Collaborative Juvenile Reentry System in Oakland, California
Authors: Jain Sonia , Cohen Alison K. , Jagannathan Priya , Leung Yvette , Bassey Henrissa , Bedford Sara
Published: February 2018

Traditional juvenile reentry systems often inadequately meet offenders’ complex needs. Policymakers and researchers increasingly recognize the importance of a collaborative community- and development-based reentry system to improve recidivism, youth developmental outcomes, and public safety. Yet, system-level process evaluations of integrated reentry systems are scarce. California’s Alameda County juvenile reentry system implemented evidence-based strategies and practices to better serve reentry youth. We report findings from a process evaluation, using data from 15 key stakeholder interviews, focus groups with community-based providers, a reentry system-wide stakeholder survey, site visit observations, and document reviews. We identified strengths, challenges, and lessons learned. System-level strengths included increased multidisciplinary assessments, interagency collaboration, and specialty courts. Challenges included differing agency agendas, limited family and youth engagement, and data sharing. We recommend future researchers and practitioners to further examine and implement integrated system-level processes and organizational change, informed by the ecological-developmental perspective, to help promote positive outcomes for reentry youth.
Adverse Events Associated With Aesthetic Dermal Fillers: A 10-Year Retrospective Study of FDA Data
Authors: Povolotskiy Roman , Oleck Nicholas C. , Hatzis Christopher M. , Paskhover Boris
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the reported adverse events arising with various aesthetic dermal fillers by type and brand name. It reveals rare but dangerous complications associated with a widely used elective procedure. The authors queried and compiled the MAUDE database for injury cases reported with aesthetic dermal fillers between January 2007 and July 2017. A total of 5024 individual cases were then queried for adverse events using specific keywords and grouped into categories for analysis. Categories and keywords were determined after querying a large portion of the samples for common adverse events. The most common complications associated with aesthetic dermal filler use were nodule formation (2952 cases), infection (2575 cases), inflammation (711 cases), allergic complications (594 cases), and vascular complications (590 cases). The most common fillers associated with an adverse event were Juvederm Voluma XC (1050 cases), Sculptra (879 cases), and Radiesse (620 cases). These fillers represent 3 filler types: hyaluronic acid fillers, poly-l-lactic acid fillers, and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, respectively. Injectable dermal fillers are frequently used cosmetic products around the world. To safely and effectively use these products, health care providers and patients must be fully aware of the proper techniques and risks associated with each product. Many of the complications reported were known to be possible, but others were previously only reported as individual case studies. The rates of occurrence for both well-known and lesser known complications may be higher than originally thought.
Tolerance allocation of complex assembly with nominal dimension selection using Artificial Bee Colony algorithm
Authors: Vignesh Kumar D , Ravindran D , Lenin N , Siva Kumar M
Published: February 2018

Optimum tolerance allocation plays a vital role in minimizing the direct manufacturing cost of mechanical assembly. It is very sensitive due to the variations in manufacturing processes of the components. Most of the earlier studies are aiming at optimum tolerance allocation for assemblies without considering the selection of nominal dimensions of components and considering them as discrete values. It is proposed to minimize the manufacturing cost of an assembly with tolerance allocation and alternate nominal dimension selections by considering them in closer decimal intervals. The evolutionary algorithms such as Genetic and Artificial Bee Colony algorithms are developed and proposed to achieve the above objectives. The performance of the algorithms has been enhanced with the seed solution obtained using Lagrange Multiplier method. The complex assembly problems proposed by various authors with the required parameters have been considered for investigating the proposed method. The critical dimensions of the assemblies are fixed and the nominal dimension has been varied with its tolerances. The resultant manufacturing cost by various methods is presented and compared with corresponding nominal dimensions and tolerances. Based on the percentage of improvement of manufacturing cost, it is observed that the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm outperforms.
Multi-objective optimization of chassis integrated system for electric wheel vehicle
Authors: Zhao Wanzhong , Yang Zunsi , Wang Chunyan
Published: February 2018

In order to improve the overall performance of the electric wheel vehicle, this paper researches the multi-objective optimization method of the chassis integrated system. The dynamic models of integrated system including differential steering system, differential brake system, and active suspension system are established. In order to verify the validity of the vehicle dynamic model and ensure the correctness of the optimization analysis results, the model validation is implemented. Considering the coupling relationship among subsystems, the performance evaluation indexes of steering road feel, steering sensitivity, and suspension ride comfort are deduced under steering and braking conditions. To alleviate the subjectivity in the selection of objective weighting, the deviation sort polymerization method is used to convert the multi-objective model into a single-objective one based on the linear weighted polymerization. Aiming at the optimization characteristic of chassis integrated system, an adaptive weight particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to improve the optimization efficiency and convergence. The optimization results show that the optimized chassis integrated system can obtain favorable steering road feel, better steering sensitivity, and suspension ride comfort.
Computational fluid dynamics and experimental analysis on flow rate and torques of a servo direct drive rotary control valve
Authors: Zhu Muzhi , Zhao Shengdun , Li Jingxiang , Dong Peng
Published: February 2018

This paper aims to analyze the flow characteristics and fluid torques in a direct drive rotary control valve with a novel structure, and based on the computational fluid dynamics method, the advantages of improved structure are verified. With the establishment of the valve structure and the simulation model, the sliding mesh model and moving region grid are applied to simulate the complete opening and closing process of the valve at dynamic conditions. The results present that the fluid torques generate resistance torques during the increasing process of flow area while providing driving torques in the decreasing period of flow area, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. In addition, the flow regulation of the fluid chamber is conducted with the computational fluid dynamics method and experimental test, which exhibited disagreement due to the oil leakage phenomenon. The simulation results and experimental results both convince the pressure and flow characteristics, and the improved valve model shows decreased fluid torques of around 17% compared with the original one under the system pressure of 6 MPa.
Relationship between serostatus disclosure and categories of HIV transmission risk in men who have sex with men living with HIV
Authors: Serovich Julianne M , Reed Sandra J , O’Connell Ann A , Laschober Tanja C
Published: February 2018

In prior studies, the relationship between serostatus disclosure and reduced HIV transmission risk has been mixed. The demonstration of a clear connection may be restricted by three main methodological limitations. This study evaluates the relationship between (1) more refined measures of serostatus disclosure and (2) eight categories of HIV transmission risk (lowest to highest risk) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, while (3) considering a number of control variables. Results demonstrate that disclosure is more likely in sexual encounters involving no intercourse or involving protected and unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners than unprotected insertive anal intercourse with HIV-negative/unknown status partners. Additionally, substance use prior to sexual encounters is less likely in lower risk categories than the highest risk category. Results of this study are important to the design of future studies, prevention, and intervention programs for MSM and to the methods used to evaluate their effectiveness.
Bayesian estimation of ELISA and gamma interferon test accuracy for the detection of bovine tuberculosis in caudal fold test–negative dairy cattle in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Mouqatea Salwa , Alkhamis Mohammad , Akbar Batool , Ali Abdulmohsen , Al-Aqeel Hameed , Bin-Heji Ahmed , Razzaque Mohammed , Alvarez Julio , Perez Andres
Published: February 2018

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in Kuwait; cattle identified as TB-positive using the caudal fold test (CFT) are culled. We used a Bayesian approach to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the IFNγ assay and ELISA, which are not routinely used in Kuwait in CFT-negative dairy cattle. Blood samples from CFT-negative cattle ( n = 384) collected from 38 dairy farms were tested by IFNγ assay and ELISA. The Se and Sp (95% CI) of the IFNγ were 85.0% (67.6–95.3%) and 90.4% (86.7–95.3%), respectively, whereas estimates for the ELISA were 61.1% (33.1–84.6%) and 85.4% (81.7–88.8%). TB prevalence (95 CI%) in CFT-negative cattle was estimated as 2.6% (0.5–9.5%). The IFNγ assay may play a role as an ancillary test for the identification of Mycobacterium bovis–infected cattle that are undetected by CFT.
Lifestyle and Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Multicentre Case-Control Study
Authors: Al Qadire Mohammad , Alkhalaileh Murad , ALBashtawy Mohammed
Published: February 2018

This study aims to explore the association between fruit and vegetable intake, high fat, body mass index (BMI) score, physical activity, and the occurrence of prostate cancer among Jordanian men. A case-control study was conducted in three large referral hospitals. The sample included 165 prostate cancer patients in the case group and 177 healthy participants in the control group. The results showed that smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.18, 0.57]), a history of prostate infection (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = [0.11, 0.38]), high-fat intake (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = [0.23, 0.85]), and increased mean of BMI (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = [1.02, 1.13]) increased the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Healthy diet and giving up smoking are recommended, as they may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer. More randomized clinical trials in this area are needed to strengthen the available evidence and reduce the effects of confounding variables.
A porous crystal plasticity constitutive model for ductile deformation and failure in porous single crystals
Authors: Siddiq Amir
Published: February 2018

This work presents a porous crystal plasticity model which incorporates the necessary mechanisms of deformation and failure in single crystalline porous materials. Such models can play a significant role in better understanding the behaviour of inherently porous materials which could be an artefact of manufacturing process viz. 3D metal printing. The presented model is an extension of the conventional crystal plasticity model. The proposed model includes the effect of mechanics-based quantities, such as stress triaxiality, initial porosity, crystal orientation, void growth and coalescence, on the deformation and failure of a single crystalline material. A detailed parametric assessment of the model has been presented to assess the model behaviour for different material parameters. The model is validated using uniaxial data taken from literature. Lastly, model predictions have been presented to demonstrate the model’s ability in predicting deformation and failure in polycrystalline sheet materials.
Primary Renal Hybrid Low-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma-Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma: An Unusual Pediatric Case With EWSR1-CREB3L1 Fusion
Authors: Mok Yingting , Pang Yin Huei , Sanjeev Jain Sudhanshi , Kuick Chik Hong , Chang Kenneth Tou-En
Published: February 2018

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) and sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) are rare tumors with distinct sets of morphological features, both characterized by MUC4 immunoreactivity. Tumors exhibiting features of both entities are considered hybrid LGFMS-SEF lesions. While the majority of LGFMS cases are characterized by FUS-CREB3L2 gene fusions, most cases of pure SEF show EWSR1 gene rearrangements. In the largest study of hybrid LGFMS-SEF tumors to date, all cases exhibited FUS rearrangements, a similar genetic profile to LGFMS. We herein describe the clinicopathological features and genetic findings of a case of primary renal hybrid LGFMS-SEF occurring in a 10-year-old child, with disseminated metastases. Fusion gene detection using a next-generation sequencing-based anchored multiplex PCR technique (Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel) was performed on both the primary renal tumor that showed the morphology of a LGFMS, and a cervical metastasis that showed the morphology of SEF. An EWSR1-CREB3L1 gene fusion occurring between exon 11 of EWSR1 and exon 6 of CREB3L1 was present in both the LGFMS and SEF components. This unusual case provides evidence that a subset of hybrid LGFMS-SEF harbor EWSR1-CREB3L1 gene fusions. In this case, these features were associated with an aggressive clinical course, with disease-associated mortality occurring within 12 months of diagnosis.
FTL c.-168G>C Mutation in Hereditary Hyperferritinemia Cataract Syndrome: A New Italian Family
Authors: Ferro Elisa , Capra Anna Paola , Zirilli Giuseppina , Meduri Alessandro , Urso Mario , Briuglia Silvana , La Rosa Maria Angela
Published: February 2018

We describe a new Italian family with 7 members affected by hereditary hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome (HHCS), an uncommon autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations of the iron-responsive element (IRE) of the ferritin light chain (FTL) gene determining its overexpression. The family diagnosis of HHCS took place after finding high ferritin levels in a 6-year-old girl. Seven members of the family had bilateral and symmetrical cataracts, normal iron, and hematological parameters except for high serum ferritin levels. About 160 families/unrelated cases with HHCS are known worldwide. This report documents a second Italian family, with a c.-168G>C mutation that is located in the highly conserved 3-nucleotide bulge structure of the FTL in the 5′ untranslated region. This case shows how important the family history is in reaching a correct diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary and invasive analysis. HHCS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of childhood hyperferritinemia, especially in the presence of normal transferrin saturation.