bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Corrections for Clamp-On Fluid Temperature Measurements in Turbulent Flows
Authors: Nouri Bijan , Röger Marc , Janotte Nicole , Hilgert Christoph
Published: December 2017

A clamp-on measurement system for flexible and accurate fluid temperature measurements for turbulent flows with Reynolds numbers higher than 30,000 is presented in this paper. This noninvasive system can be deployed without interference with the fluid flow while delivering the high accuracies necessary for performance and acceptance testing for power plants in terms of measurement accuracy and position. The system is experimentally validated in the fluid flow of a solar thermal parabolic trough collector test bench, equipped with built-in sensors as reference. Its applicability under industrial conditions is demonstrated at the 50 MWel AndaSol-3 parabolic trough solar power plant in Spain. A function based on large experimental data correcting the temperature gradient between the measured clamp-on sensor and actual fluid temperature is developed, achieving an uncertainty below ±0.7 K (2σ) for fluid temperatures up to 400 °C. In addition, the experimental results are used to validate a numerical model. Based on the results of this model, a general dimensionless correction function for a wider range of application scenarios is derived. The clamp-on system, together with the dimensionless correction function, supports numerous combinations of fluids, pipe materials, insulations, geometries, and operation conditions and should be useful in a variety of industrial applications of the power and chemical industry where temporal noninvasive fluid temperature measurement is needed with good accuracy. The comparison of the general dimensionless correction function with measurement data indicates a measurement uncertainty below 1 K (2σ).
Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Characteristics in a Heat Exchanger Tube Fitted With Inserts
Authors: Mahfouz Alaa E. , Abdelmaksoud Waleed A. , Khalil Essam E.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to simulate and analyze the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics for a tube of a heat exchanger fitted with inserts. The purpose of these inserts is to increase the heat transfer rate and improve the thermal performance of the heat exchanger. In this study, several types of tube inserts are simulated via a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. These insert types are presented as a single tube fitted with twisted tapes (TTs), twisted tapes with rod (TTR), and helical twisted tapes (HTT) with rod. To assess the performance of each insert type, the CFD results are presented in dimensionless form such as the Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and performance evaluation criteria (PEC). Additionally, useful dimensionless correlations are developed and presented in this paper to predict the performance of the heat exchanger over a wide range of Reynolds number and tape twist ratio. To ensure accurate CFD results, grid independence test and model validation study against previously reported experimental data were performed.
Effects of Iron Nanoparticle Fuel Additive on the Performance and Exhaust Emissions of a Compression Ignition Engine Fueled With Diesel and Biodiesel
Authors: Debbarma Sumita , Misra Rahul Dev
Published: December 2017

The effect of iron (Fe) nanoparticles additive to biodiesel blend and diesel fuels in terms of engine performance and emission characteristics is experimentally investigated in a stationary diesel engine. A fuel additive INP is suspended in the neat diesel (D) and 20% palm biodiesel (PB) blend with diesel (PB20) using ultra-sonication process and these modified fuels are termed as D + 50Fe and PB20 + 50Fe, respectively. Experiments are conducted on a developed diesel experimental setup to evaluate the engine performance and exhaust emissions for the fuels, namely, D, PB20, D + 50Fe, and PB20 + 50Fe. Results indicate that the density, viscosity, and calorific value of the fuel blends tend to increase with the addition of nanoparticles in the blends. Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) gets enhanced by about 2.06% for PB20 + 50Fe and about 0.36% for D + 50Fe with respect to BTE of PB20 and D, respectively. Similarly, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is lowered by 2.71% for PB20 + 50Fe and by 1.55% for D + 50Fe. Emission of regulated parameters, i.e., hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission, shows a reducing trend. Volumetric reduction in the emissions of HC by 3–6%, CO by 6–12%, and NOx by 4–11.16% is observed.
Flow and Heat Transfer Analysis in a Single Row Narrow Impingement Channel: Comparison of Particle Image Velocimetry, Large Eddy Simulation, and RANS to Identify RANS Limitations
Authors: Hossain Jahed , Fernandez Erik , Garrett Christian , Kapat Jayanta
Published: December 2017

The present study aims to understand the flow, turbulence, and heat transfer in a single row narrow impingement channel for gas turbine heat transfer applications. Since the advent of several advanced manufacturing techniques, narrow wall cooling schemes have become more practical. In this study, the Reynolds number based on jet diameter was ≃15,000, with the jet plate having fixed jet hole diameters and hole spacing. The height of the channel is three times the impingement jet diameter. The channel width is four times the jet diameter of the impingement hole. The dynamics of flow and heat transfer in a single row narrow impingement channel are experimentally and numerically investigated. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to reveal the detailed information of flow phenomena. PIV measurements were taken at a plane normal to the target wall along the jet centerline. The mean velocity field and the turbulent statistics generated from the mean flow field were analyzed. The experimental data from the PIV reveal that the flow is highly anisotropic in a narrow impingement channel. To support experimental data, wall-modeled large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations (shear stress transport k–ω, ν2−f, and Reynolds stress model (RSM)) were performed in the same channel geometry. Mean velocities calculated from the RANS and LES were compared with the PIV data. Turbulent kinetic energy budgets were calculated from the experiment, and were compared with the LES and RSM model, highlighting the major shortcomings of RANS models to predict correct heat transfer behavior for the impingement problem. Temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) was also used to experimentally obtain a local heat transfer distribution at the target and the side walls. An attempt was made to connect the complex aerodynamic flow behavior with the results obtained from heat transfer, indicating heat transfer is a manifestation of flow phenomena. The accuracy of LES in predicting the mean flow field, turbulent statistics, and heat transfer is shown in the current work as it is validated against the experimental data through PIV and TSP.
A New Initial Rotor Angle Position Estimation Method for High-Speed Brushless Direct Current Motor Using Current Injection and Mathematical Model
Authors: Wang Zhenyan , He Yanzhao
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a new initial rotor angle position estimation method for the sensorless high-speed brushless direct current (DC) motor (HS-BLDCM) is proposed. Two groups of special three-phase conduction current pulse signals are injected into the three phases of the motor, and the mathematical formulation for the initial angle position estimation is illustrated. The initial rotor position is expressed as a function of the line voltage, the phase current derivative, and the average value of d–q frame stator inductance. Particularly, the independent parameters of the initial rotor angle position are eliminated in the mathematical model. The cooperative simulation results based on Maxwell and Simplorer and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective with the estimation error less than 0.2 deg electrical in simulation and 5 deg electrical in experiment.
Two Possible Defect Growth Modes in Soft Solids
Authors: Pourmodheji Reza , Qu Shaoxing , Yu Honghui
Published: December 2017

Guided by the experimental observations in the literature, this paper discusses two possible modes of defect growth in soft solids for which the size-dependent fracture mechanics is not always applicable. One is omni-directional growth, in which the cavity expands irreversibly in all directions; and the other is localized cracking along a plane. A characteristic material length is introduced, which may shed light on the dominant growth mode for defects of different sizes. To help determine the associated material properties from experimental measurement, the driving force of defect growth as a function of the remote load is calculated for both modes accordingly. Consequently, one may relate the measured critical load to the critical driving force and eventually to the associated material parameters. For comprehensiveness, the calculations here cover a class of hyperelastic materials. As an application of the proposed hypothesis, the experimental results (Cristiano et al., 2010, “An Experimental Investigation of Fracture by Cavitation of Model Elastomeric Networks,” J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys., 48(13), pp. 1409–1422) from two polymers with long and short chain elastomeric network are examined. The two polymers seem to be susceptible to either of the two dominating modes, respectively. The results are interpreted, and the material characteristic length and other growth parameters are determined.
Improved Folias Factor and Burst Pressure Models for Corroded Pipelines
Authors: Mondal Bipul Chandra , Dhar Ashutosh Sutra
Published: December 2017

Burst pressure models are used for the fitness-for-purpose assessment of energy pipelines. Existing burst pressure models for corroded pipelines are unable to predict the pipe capacity correctly. In this paper, an improved burst pressure model is developed for corroded pipelines considering the burst pressure of flawless pipes and a reduction factor due to corrosion separately. The equation for the burst pressure of flawless pipe is revised based on the theory of the thick wall cylinder. A new model for the Folias factor is proposed for calculating the reduction factor. The new model for the Folias factor incorporates the depth of corrosion defect, whereas the existing models do not account for the effect of the defect depth. The authors' earlier work revealed that the Folias factor depends on the depth of defect. The proposed burst model reasonably predicts the burst pressures obtained from finite element (FE) analysis conducted in this study and the burst test results available in the published literature.
The role of simulated small-scale ocean variability in inverse computations for ocean acoustic tomography
Authors: Dushaw Brian D. , Sagen Hanne
Published: December 2017

Ocean acoustic tomography depends on a suitable reference ocean environment with which to set the basic parameters of the inverse problem. Some inverse problems may require a reference ocean that includes the small-scale variations from internal waves, small mesoscale, or spice. Tomographic inversions that employ data of stable shadow zone arrivals, such as those that have been observed in the North Pacific and Canary Basin, are an example. Estimating temperature from the unique acoustic data that have been obtained in Fram Strait is another example. The addition of small-scale variability to augment a smooth reference ocean is essential to understanding the acoustic forward problem in these cases. Rather than a hindrance, the stochastic influences of the small scale can be exploited to obtain accurate inverse estimates. Inverse solutions are readily obtained, and they give computed arrival patterns that matched the observations. The approach is not ad hoc, but universal, and it has allowed inverse estimates for ocean temperature variations in Fram Strait to be readily computed on several acoustic paths for which tomographic data were obtained.
The effect of applied stress on the phase and group velocity of guided waves in anisotropic plates
Authors: Dubuc Brennan , Ebrahimkhanlou Arvin , Salamone Salvatore
Published: December 2017

This paper presents an analytical formulation for the phase and group velocity of acoustoelastic guided waves in anisotropic plates. Uniform in-plane applied stress is considered, with both arbitrary propagation and stress directions. An expression for the energy velocity in a stressed anisotropic plate is derived, from which the group velocity is computed. Since the wavefront and group velocity directions generally differ, the deviation angle between the two is also studied. A method is proposed for verifying the consistency of the formulation, based on the correspondence between a direct and an indirect formulation. Analytical results are presented for a unidirectional fiber-reinforced graphite/epoxy composite plate. The plate is considered homogeneous for large wavelength to fiber diameter ratios. Results for the phase velocity, group velocity, and deviation angle are presented for two uniaxial applied loading cases. These are used to study the effect of stress for various propagation and stress directions. The linearity of the deviation angle with respect to stress is also demonstrated. Exact correspondence between the direct and indirect formulations is observed, which verifies consistency. The importance of accounting for shear strain in the indirect formulation is also demonstrated, which has not been noted in previous guided wave studies.
Compressive 3D ultrasound imaging using a single sensor
Authors: Kruizinga Pieter , van der Meulen Pim , Fedjajevs Andrejs , Mastik Frits , Springeling Geert , de Jong Nico , Bosch Johannes G. , Leus Geert
Published: December 2017

Compressive 3D ultrasound imaging is possible with only one sensor and a simple aperture coding mask.
Single-frame 3D fluorescence microscopy with ultraminiature lensless FlatScope
Authors: Adams Jesse K. , Boominathan Vivek , Avants Benjamin W. , Vercosa Daniel G. , Ye Fan , Baraniuk Richard G. , Robinson Jacob T. , Veeraraghavan Ashok
Published: December 2017

FlatScope, a lensless microscope as thin as a credit card and small enough to sit on a fingertip, captures 3D fluorescence images.
Ultralong relaxation times in bistable hybrid quantum systems
Authors: Angerer Andreas , Putz Stefan , Krimer Dmitry O. , Astner Thomas , Zens Matthias , Glattauer Ralph , Streltsov Kirill , Munro William J. , Nemoto Kae , Rotter Stefan , Schmiedmayer Jörg , Majer Johannes
Published: December 2017

Amplitude bistability in a solid-state hybrid quantum system shows critical slowing down with ultralong relaxation times.
Multivalent ions induce lateral structural inhomogeneities in polyelectrolyte brushes
Authors: Yu Jing , Jackson Nicholas E. , Xu Xin , Brettmann Blair K. , Ruths Marina , de Pablo Juan J. , Tirrell Matthew
Published: December 2017

Polymer chain bridging by multivalent ions and solvophobic attractions drives structure formation in charged polymer brushes.
In operando x-ray imaging of nanoscale devices: Composition, valence, and internal electrical fields
Authors: Johannes Andreas , Salomon Damien , Martinez-Criado Gema , Glaser Markus , Lugstein Alois , Ronning Carsten
Published: December 2017

Unrivaled XANES imaging resolution of <100 nm, XANES and XBIC conclusively identify the active area of a nanowire device.
Magnetic flux tailoring through Lenz lenses for ultrasmall samples: A new pathway to high-pressure nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Meier Thomas , Wang Nan , Mager Dario , Korvink Jan G. , Petitgirard Sylvain , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: December 2017

A new approach to perform high-pressure NMR at unprecedented pressures is introduced.
One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures
Authors: Shusteff Maxim , Browar Allison E. M. , Kelly Brett E. , Henriksson Johannes , Weisgraber Todd H. , Panas Robert M. , Fang Nicholas X. , Spadaccini Christopher M.
Published: December 2017

A new approach for ultrarapid 3D manufacturing creates complex aperiodic volumes in a single step.
Deep tissue optical focusing and optogenetic modulation with time-reversed ultrasonically encoded light
Authors: Ruan Haowen , Brake Joshua , Robinson J. Elliott , Liu Yan , Jang Mooseok , Xiao Cheng , Zhou Chunyi , Gradinaru Viviana , Yang Changhuei
Published: December 2017

Using ultrasound-guided optical wavefront shaping, the authors show enhanced optogenetic control in thick acute brain slices.
Direct N-alkylation of unprotected amino acids with alcohols
Authors: Yan Tao , Feringa Ben L. , Barta Katalin
Published: December 2017

We present a method for N-alkylation of unprotected amino acids with alcohols with excellent yield and stereochemistry retention.
Tip-enhanced ablation and ionization mass spectrometry for nanoscale chemical analysis
Authors: Liang Zhisen , Zhang Shudi , Li Xiaoping , Wang Tongtong , Huang Yaping , Hang Wei , Yang Zhilin , Li Jianfeng , Tian Zhongqun
Published: December 2017

Plasmon properties of metal tips can be used for ablation, ionization, and mass spectrometry imaging with nanoscale resolution.
GPR55 regulates intraepithelial lymphocyte migration dynamics and susceptibility to intestinal damage
Authors: Sumida Hayakazu , Lu Erick , Chen Hsin , Yang Qiyun , Mackie Ken , Cyster Jason G.
Published: December 2017

GPR55 regulates intraepithelial lymphocyte interaction with the epithelium and restrains cell homing to the small intestine.
Molecular Dynamics and Mode of Transmission of Koala Retrovirus as It Invades and Spreads through a Wild Queensland Koala Population
Authors: Quigley Bonnie L. , Ong Vanissa A. , Hanger Jonathan , Timms Peter
Published: December 2017

The recent acquisition of a novel retrovirus (KoRV) by koalas (
Phascolarctos cinereus
) has created new opportunities for retroviral research and new challenges for koala conservation. There are currently two major subtypes of KoRV: KoRV-A, which is believed to be endogenous only in koalas from the northern part of Australia, and KoRV-B, which appears to be exogenous. Understanding and management of these subtypes require population level studies of their prevalence and diversity, especially when coinfected in the same population, and investigations of their modes of transmission in the wild. Toward this end, we studied a wild Queensland koala population of 290 animals over a 5-year period and investigated the prevalence, diversity and mode of transmission of KoRV-A and KoRV-B. We found KoRV-A to have an infection level of 100% in the population, with all animals sharing the same dominant envelope protein sequence. In contrast, the KoRV-B infection prevalence was only 24%, with 21 different envelope protein sequence variants found in the 83 KoRV-B-positive animals. Linked to severe disease outcomes, a significant association between KoRV-B positivity and both chlamydial disease and neoplasia was found in the population. Transmission of KoRV-B was found at a rate of 3% via adult-to-adult contact per year, while there was a 100% rate of KoRV-B-positive mothers transmitting the virus to their joeys. Collectively, these findings demonstrate KoRV-B as the pathogenic subtype in this wild koala population and inform future intervention strategies with subtype variation and transmission data.

IMPORTANCE
KoRV represents a unique opportunity to study a relatively young retrovirus as it goes through its molecular evolution in both an endogenous form and a more recently evolved exogenous form. The endogenous form, KoRV-A, now appears to have stably and completely established itself in Northern Australian koala populations and is progressing south. Conversely, the exogenous form, KoRV-B, is undergoing continuous mutation and spread in the north and, as yet, has not reached all southern koala populations. We can now link KoRV-B to neoplasia and chlamydial disease in both wild and captive koalas, making it an imminent threat to this already vulnerable species. This work represents the largest study of koalas in a wild population with respect to KoRV-A/KoRV-B-infected/coinfected animals and the linkage of this infection to chlamydial disease, neoplasia, viral evolution, and spread.
Foot-strike haemolysis in an ultramarathon runner
Authors: Fazal Abid A , Whittemore Mary S , DeGeorge Katharine C
Published: December 2017

This case report describes mild anaemia and intravascular haemolysis in an otherwise healthy 41-year-old ultramarathon runner. In long-distance endurance athletes, trace gastrointestinal bleeding and plasma volume expansion are recognised sources of mild anaemia, often found incidentally. However, repetitive forceful foot striking can lead to blood cell lysis in the feet, resulting in a mild macrocytic anaemia and intravascular haemolysis, as was demonstrated in the patient described herein. Mild anaemia in runners, often called ‘runner’s pseudoanaemia’, is typically clinically insignificant and does not require intervention. However, an unexplained anaemia can cause undue worry for otherwise healthy patients and lead to costly further testing, providing an argument against routine testing with complete blood counts in healthy, asymptomatic patients.
What we have learnt (so far) about deliberative dialogue for evidence-based policymaking in West Africa
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Dagenais Christian
Published: December 2017

Policy decisions do not always take into account research results, and there is still little research being conducted on interventions that promote their use, particularly in Africa. To promote the use of research evidence in Africa, deliberative dialogue workshops are increasingly recommended as a means to establish evidence-informed dialogue among multiple stakeholders engaged in policy decision-making. In this paper, we reflect on our experiences of conducting national workshops in six African countries, and we propose operational recommendations for those wishing to organise deliberative dialogue. Our reflective and cross-sectional analysis of six national deliberative dialogue workshops in which we participated shows there are many specific challenges that should be taken into account when organising such encounters. In conclusion, we offer operational recommendations, drawn from our experience, to guide the preparation and conduct of deliberative workshops.
Psychometric evaluation of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby: A systematic review
Authors: Oorschot Sander , Chiwaridzo Matthew , CM Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To (1) give an overview of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby and (2) evaluate available psychometric information of these tests.

Methods

The databases PubMed, MEDLINE CINAHL and Africa Wide information were systematically searched for articles published between January 1995 and March 2017. First, commonly used game-specific skills tests were identified. Second, the available psychometrics of these tests were evaluated and the methodological quality of the studies assessed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments checklist. Studies included in the first step had to report detailed information on the construct and testing procedure of at least one game-specific skill, and studies included in the second step had additionally to report at least one psychometric property evaluating reliability, validity or responsiveness.

Results

287 articles were identified in the first step, of which 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and 64 articles were identified in the second step of which 10 articles were included. Reactive agility, tackling and simulated rugby games were the most commonly used tests. All 10 studies reporting psychometrics reported reliability outcomes, revealing mainly strong evidence. However, all studies scored poor or fair on methodological quality. Four studies reported validity outcomes in which mainly moderate evidence was indicated, but all articles had fair methodological quality.

Conclusion

Game-specific skills tests indicated mainly high reliability and validity evidence, but the studies lacked methodological quality. Reactive agility seems to be a promising domain, but the specific tests need further development. Future high methodological quality studies are required in order to develop valid and reliable test batteries for rugby talent identification.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015029747.
Heart rate variability in bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder: a clinical review
Authors: Carr Oliver , de Vos Maarten , Saunders Kate E A
Published: December 2017

Heart rate variability (HRV) in psychiatric disorders has become an increasing area of interest in recent years following technological advances that enable non-invasive monitoring of autonomic nervous system regulation. However, the clinical interpretation of HRV features remain widely debated or unknown. Standardisation within studies of HRV in psychiatric disorders is poor, making it difficult to reproduce or build on previous work. Recently, a Guidelines for Reporting Articles on Psychiatry and Heart rate variability checklist has been proposed to address this issue. Here we assess studies of HRV in bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder against this checklist and discuss the implication for ongoing research in this area.
Chromosomal rearrangements in the 11p15 imprinted region: 17 new 11p15.5 duplications with associated phenotypes and putative functional consequences
Authors: Heide Solveig , Chantot-Bastaraud Sandra , Keren Boris , Harbison Madeleine D , Azzi Salah , Rossignol Sylvie , Michot Caroline , Lackmy-Port Lys Marilyn , Demeer Bénédicte , Heinrichs Claudine , Newfield Ron S , Sarda Pierre , Van Maldergem Lionel , Trifard Véronique , Giabicani Eloise , Siffroi Jean-Pierre , Le Bouc Yves , Netchine Irène , Brioude Frédéric
Published: December 2017

Background

The 11p15 region contains two clusters of imprinted genes. Opposite genetic and epigenetic anomalies of this region result in two distinct growth disturbance syndromes: Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndromes (SRS). Cytogenetic rearrangements within this region represent less than 3% of SRS and BWS cases. Among these, 11p15 duplications were infrequently reported and interpretation of their pathogenic effects is complex.

Objectives

To report cytogenetic and methylation analyses in a cohort of patients with SRS/BWS carrying 11p15 duplications and establish genotype/phenotype correlations.

Methods

From a cohort of patients with SRS/BWS with an abnormal methylation profile (using ASMM-RTQ-PCR), we used SNP-arrays to identify and map the 11p15 duplications. We report 19 new patients with SRS (n=9) and BWS (n=10) carrying de novo or familial 11p15 duplications, which completely or partially span either both telomeric and centromeric domains or only one domain.

Results

Large duplications involving one complete domain or both domains are associated with either SRS or BWS, depending on the parental origin of the duplication. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies of partial duplications within the telomeric domain demonstrate the prominent role of IGF2, rather than H19, in the control of growth. Furthermore, it highlights the role of CDKN1C within the centromeric domain and suggests that the expected overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 from the paternal allele (in partial paternal duplications, excluding CDKN1C) does not affect the expression of CDKN1C.

Conclusions

The phenotype associated with 11p15 duplications depends on the size, genetic content, parental inheritance and imprinting status. Identification of these rare duplications is crucial for genetic counselling.
Equivalent favorable outcomes possible after thrombectomy for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion compared with the anterior circulation: the MUSC experience
Authors: Alawieh Ali , Vargas Jan , Turner Raymond D , Turk Aquilla S , Chaudry M Imran , Lena Jonathan , Spiotta Alejandro
Published: December 2017

Introduction

In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), posterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have been associated with poorer outcomes compared with anterior circulation LVOs. The outcomes of anterior versus posterior circulation thrombectomy for LVOs were compared at a high volume center employing a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT).

Methods

We retrospectively studied a database of AIS cases that underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVOs. Cases were grouped by anatomical location of thrombectomy (posterior vs anterior circulation), and analysis was performed on both entire sample size.

Results

A total of 436 AIS patients (50.2% women, mean age 67.3 years) underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVO during the study period, of whom 13% of had posterior circulation thrombectomy. Patients with posterior circulation thrombectomy did not show a significant difference in preprocedural variables, including age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and onset to groin time, compared with anterior circulation (P>0.05). There were also no differences in procedural variables between the two groups. Patients in the posterior group were found to have a similar likelihood of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0—2) at 90 days compared with the anterior group (42.9% vs 43.2%, respectively), and a small but not significant increase in mortality at 90 days. Multilogistic regression analysis showed that the anatomical location (anterior vs posterior) was not an independent predictor of good outcome or mortality after thrombectomy. Prominent predictors of outcome/mortality included age, female gender, procedure time, and baseline NIHSS.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that when patients are carefully selected for thrombectomy, those with posterior circulation LVOs can achieve similar outcomes compared with anterior circulation thrombectomy, indicating comparable safety and efficacy profiles.
PROTECT: PRoximal balloon Occlusion TogEther with direCt Thrombus aspiration during stent retriever thrombectomy – evaluation of a double embolic protection approach in endovascular stroke treatment
Authors: Maegerlein Christian , Mönch Sebastian , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Lehm Manuel , Hedderich Dennis M , Berndt Maria Teresa , Wunderlich Silke , Zimmer Claus , Kaesmacher Johannes , Friedrich Benjamin
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Stent retriever-based mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) is often complicated by thrombus fragmentation causing distal embolization and embolization to new vascular territories. Well-established embolic protection approaches include proximal flow arrest and distal aspiration techniques during stent retriever maneuvers. Aiming at the reduction of thrombus fragmentation during MT we evaluated a technical approach combining proximal balloon occlusion together with direct thrombus aspiration during MT: the PROTECT technique.

Methods

We performed a case-control study comparing the PROTECT technique with sole distal aspiration during MT regarding technical and procedural parameters, n=200 patients with ELVO of either the terminus of the internal carotid artery or the proximal middle artery were included.

Results

PROTECT resulted in a shorter procedure time (29 vs 40 min; P=0.002), in a higher rate of successful recanalizations (100% vs 78%; P=0.001) and a higher rate of complete reperfusions (70% vs 39%; P<0.001) compared with sole distal aspiration during MT.

Conclusion

The PROTECT technique is a promising new approach to significantly reduce thrombus fragmentation and, hence distal embolization during MT. This safe and efficient technique needs to be validated in larger trials to confirm our results.
Questionnaire-based algorithm for assessing occupational noise exposure of construction workers
Authors: Lewkowski Kate , McCausland Kahlia , Heyworth Jane S , Li Ian W , Williams Warwick , Fritschi Lin
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Occupational noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss worldwide. In order to inform preventative strategies, we need to further understand at a population level which workers are most at risk.

Methods

We have developed a new questionnaire-based algorithm that evaluates an individual worker’s noise exposure. The questionnaire and supporting algorithms are embedded into the existing software platform, OccIDEAS. Based on the tasks performed by a worker during their most recent working shift and using a library of task-based noise exposure levels, OccIDEAS estimates whether a worker has exceeded the full-shift workplace noise exposure limit (LAeq,8h≥85 dBA). We evaluated the validity of the system in a sample of 100 construction workers. Each worker wore a dosimeter for a full working shift and was then interviewed using the OccIDEAS software.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.90) indicating that the ability of OccIDEAS to identify construction workers with an LAeq,8h≥85 dBA was excellent.

Conclusion

This validated noise questionnaire may be useful in epidemiological studies and for workplace health and safety applications.
Intravaginal boric acid: is it an alternative therapeutic option for vaginal trichomoniasis?
Authors: Thorley Nicola , Ross Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Current guidance in the UK is to treat TV with a nitroimidazole antibiotic. The high prevalence of TV, high rate of antibiotic resistance and limited tolerability to nitroimidazoles suggest that alternative treatment regimens are needed. Intravaginal boric acid (BA) has been used safely for the treatment of candida vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis, and in vitro studies suggest BA is active against TV. We review the evidence for the efficacy of BA in patients with TV.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, HMIC and BNI and Grey literature databases, The Cochrane Library, Trial Registers, conference abstracts and proceedings were searched. Inclusion criteria were women aged 16 years or over with microbiological confirmation of TV infection and using BA as treatment. There were no restrictions on language, publication date or study design. The in vitro evidence for BA activity against TV was also reviewed.

Results

No randomised controlled trials or case series were found. Four case reports demonstrated TV clearance with BA using a variety of dose regimens (dose 600 mg alternate nights to 600 mg two times per day; duration 1–5 months). In vitro studies suggest that BA has activity against TV which is independent of its effect on pH.

Discussion

Further evaluation of BA for the treatment of uncomplicated TV is required, but it may be useful when therapeutic options are limited. If shown to be safe and effective, intravaginal BA might provide a well-tolerated alternative anti-infective treatment which reduces community exposure to systemic antibiotics.
Infrared and visible image fusion with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Liu Yu , Chen Xun , Cheng Juan , Peng Hu , Wang Zengfu
Published: December 2017

The fusion of infrared and visible images of the same scene aims to generate a composite image which can provide a more comprehensive description of the scene. In this paper, we propose an infrared and visible image fusion method based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In particular, a siamese convolutional network is applied to obtain a weight map which integrates the pixel activity information from two source images. This CNN-based approach can deal with two vital issues in image fusion as a whole, namely, activity level measurement and weight assignment. Considering the different imaging modalities of infrared and visible images, the merging procedure is conducted in a multi-scale manner via image pyramids and a local similarity-based strategy is adopted to adaptively adjust the fusion mode for the decomposed coefficients. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve state-of-the-art results in terms of both visual quality and objective assessment.
Effects of Different Working Modes of Ultrasound on Structural Characteristics of Zein and ACE Inhibitory Activity of Hydrolysates
Authors: Ren Xiaofeng , Zhang Xi , Liang Qiufang , Hou Ting , Zhou Huiji
Published: December 2017

Ultrasound was used as a new technology to pretreat protein prior to proteolysis to improve enzymolysis efficiency. The effects of different working modes of ultrasound on the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of zein hydrolysates and the structural characteristics of zein were investigated. The solubility, surface hydrophobicity (H0), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra, intrinsic fluorescence spectra, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of zein pretreated with ultrasound were determined. All ultrasound pretreatments significantly improved the ACE inhibitory activity of zein hydrolysates (p<0.05). The highest ACE inhibitory activity, representing an increase of 99.21% over the control, was obtained with dual sweeping frequency ultrasound of 33±2 and 68±2 kHz. The effects of single sweeping frequency and dual fixed frequency ultrasound were stronger than those of single fixed frequency ultrasound for improving the ACE inhibitory activity of zein. Structural changes in zein were induced by ultrasound, as confirmed by changes in the solubility, H0, UV-Vis spectra, intrinsic fluorescence spectra, and CD spectra of zein, and these were consistent with the corresponding ACE inhibitory activities of zein hydrolysates. Thus, ultrasound working mode and frequency have significant effects on the structure of zein and the ACE inhibitory activity of zein hydrolysates.
Nanoscale Tuning of VCAM-1 Determines VLA-4–Dependent Melanoma Cell Plasticity on RGD Motifs
Authors: Amschler Katharina , Kossmann Eugen , Erpenbeck Luise , Kruss Sebastian , Schill Tillmann , Schön Margarete , Möckel Sigrid M.C. , Spatz Joachim P. , Schön Michael P.
Published: December 2017

The biophysical fine-tuning of cancer cell plasticity is crucial for tumor progression but remains largely enigmatic. Although vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1/CD106) has been implicated in melanoma progression, here its presentation on endothelial cells was associated with diminished melanoma cell spreading. Using a specific nanoscale modulation of VCAM-1 (tunable from 70 to 670 ligands/μm²) next to integrin ligands (RGD motifs) in a bifunctional system, reciprocal regulation of integrin α4 (ITGA4/VLA-4/CD49d)-dependent adhesion and spreading of melanoma cells was found. As the VCAM-1/VLA-4 receptor pair facilitated adhesion, while at the same time antagonizing RGD-mediated spreading, melanoma cell morphogenesis on these bifunctional matrices was directly regulated by VCAM-1 in a dichotomic and density-dependent fashion. This was accompanied by concordant regulation of F-actin cytoskeleton remodeling, Rac1-expression, and paxillin-related adhesion formation. The novel function of VCAM-1 was corroborated in vivo using two murine models of pulmonary metastasis. The regulation of melanoma cell plasticity by VCAM-1 highlights the complex regulation of tumor–matrix interactions.

Implications: Nanotechnology has revealed a novel dichotomic function of the VCAM-1/VLA-4 interaction on melanoma cell plasticity, as nanoscale tuning of this interaction reciprocally determines adhesion and spreading in a ligand density-dependent manner. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 528–42. ©2017 AACR.
TANKYRASE Inhibition Enhances the Antiproliferative Effect of PI3K and EGFR Inhibition, Mutually Affecting β-CATENIN and AKT Signaling in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Solberg Nina T. , Waaler Jo , Lund Kaja , Mygland Line , Olsen Petter A. , Krauss Stefan
Published: December 2017

Overactivation of the WNT/β-CATENIN signaling axis is a common denominator in colorectal cancer. Currently, there is no available WNT inhibitor in clinical practice. Although TANKYRASE (TNKS) inhibitors have been proposed as promising candidates, there are many colorectal cancer models that do not respond positively to TNKS inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, a combinatorial therapeutic approach combining a TNKS inhibitor (G007-LK) with PI3K (BKM120) and EGFR (erlotinib) inhibitors in colorectal cancer was investigated. The data demonstrate that TNKS inhibition enhances the effect of PI3K and EGFR inhibition in the TNKS inhibitor–sensitive COLO320DM, and in the nonsensitive HCT-15 cell line. In both cell lines, combined TNKS/PI3K/EGFR inhibition is more effective at reducing growth than a dual TNKS/MEK inhibition. TNKS/PI3K/EGFR inhibition affected in a context-dependent manner components of the WNT/β-CATENIN, AKT/mTOR, EGFR, and RAS signaling pathways. TNKS/PI3K/EGFR inhibition also efficiently reduced growth of both COLO320DM and HCT-15 tumor xenografts in vivo. At the highest doses, tumor xenograft growth was halted without affecting the body weight of the tested animals.

Implications: Combining TNKS inhibitors with PI3K and EGFR inhibition may expand the therapeutic arsenal against colorectal cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 543–53. ©2017 AACR.
Imprecision and DNA Break Repair Biased towards Incompatible End Joining in Leukemia
Authors: Gassner Franz Josef , Schubert Maria , Rebhandl Stefan , Spandl Karina , Zaborsky Nadja , Catakovic Kemal , Blaimer Stephanie , Hebenstreit Daniel , Greil Richard , Geisberger Roland
Published: December 2017

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by mutations and chromosomal abnormalities that contribute to uncontrolled cell growth. In addition, cancer cells can rapidly respond to conventional and targeted therapies by accumulating novel and often specific genetic lesions leading to acquired drug resistance and relapsing disease. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), however, diverse chromosomal aberrations often occur. In many cases, improper repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is a major source for genomic abnormalities. Therefore, this study examined the repair of DNA DSBs by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) in CLL by performing plasmid-based repair assays in primary CLL cells and normal B cells, isolated from patients, as well as TALEN/Cas9–induced chromosomal deletions in the CLL cell line Mec1. It is demonstrated that DNA repair is aberrant in CLL cells, featuring perturbed DNA break structure preference with efficient joining of noncohesive ends and more deletions at repair junctions. In addition, increased microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) of DNA substrates was observed in CLL together with increased expression of MMEJ-specific repair factors. In summary, these data identify major differences in DNA repair efficiency between CLL cells and normal B cells isolated from patients.

Implications: This study suggests inherently aberrant DNA DSB repair in the acquisition of subclonal genomic structural variations important for clonal evolution and treatment resistance in CLL. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 428–38. ©2017 AACR.
Adiposity, Inflammation, and Breast Cancer Pathogenesis in Asian Women
Authors: Iyengar Neil M. , Chen I-Chun , Zhou Xi K. , Giri Dilip D. , Falcone Domenick J. , Winston Lisle A. , Wang Hanhan , Williams Samantha , Lu Yen-Shen , Hsueh Tsu-Hsin , Cheng Ann-Lii , Hudis Clifford A. , Lin Ching-Hung , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Obesity is associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation in the breast, elevated levels of the estrogen biosynthetic enzyme, aromatase, and systemic changes that predispose to breast cancer development. We examined whether WAT inflammation and its associated systemic effects correlate with body fat levels in an Asian population where body mass index (BMI) is not an accurate assessment of obesity and cancer risk. We also investigated whether biologic differences could account for the greater proportion of premenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)–positive breast cancer in Asian versus Western countries. Breast WAT and fasting blood were prospectively collected from Taiwanese women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Body composition was measured in a subgroup using bioelectrical impedance analysis. WAT inflammation was defined by the presence of crown-like structures of the breast, which are composed of dead or dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages. Findings were compared with U.S. Caucasian women. In the Taiwanese cohort (n = 72), breast WAT inflammation was present in 31 (43%) women and was associated with elevated BMI (P < 0.01) and increased levels of body fat (P < 0.01), C-reactive protein (P = 0.02), triglycerides (P < 0.01), insulin resistance scores (P = 0.04), and lower HDL cholesterol (P < 0.01). ER+ tumors were associated with greater body fat versus other subtypes (P = 0.03). Compared with U.S. Caucasians (n = 267), Taiwanese women had larger breast adipocytes despite lower BMI after adjusting for BMI and menopausal status (P = 0.01). A subclinical inflammatory state associated with increased adiposity and metabolic dysfunction could contribute to breast cancer pathogenesis in Asian women. Cancer Prev Res; 11(4); 227–36. ©2017 AACR.
Pioglitazone Inhibits Periprostatic White Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Obese Mice
Authors: Miyazawa Miki , Subbaramaiah Kotha , Bhardwaj Priya , Zhou Xi Kathy , Wang Hanhan , Falcone Domenick J. , Giri Dilip D. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer and poor prognosis for prostate cancer patients. Recently, we showed that obesity-related periprostatic white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, characterized by crown-like structures (CLS) consisting of dead or dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages, was associated with high-grade prostate cancer. It is possible, therefore, that agents that suppress periprostatic WAT inflammation will alter the development or progression of prostate cancer. Pioglitazone, a ligand of PPARγ, is used to treat diabetes and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Here, our main objectives were to determine whether pioglitazone inhibited obesity-related periprostatic WAT inflammation in mice and then to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Treatment with pioglitazone reduced the density of CLS in periprostatic fat and suppressed levels of TNFα, TGFβ, and the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Importantly, the ability of pioglitazone to suppress periprostatic WAT inflammation was abrogated in MCP-1 knockout mice. Pioglitazone caused dose-dependent induction of both adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, and its receptor AdipoR2 in cultured 3T3-L1 cells and in periprostatic WAT of obese mice. Pioglitazone blocked TNFα-mediated induction of MCP-1 in 3T3-L1 cells, an effect that was attenuated when either adiponectin or AdipoR2 were silenced. Taken together, pioglitazone-mediated induction of adiponectin suppressed the elevation in MCP-1 levels, thereby attenuating obesity-related periprostatic WAT inflammation. These findings strengthen the rationale for future efforts to determine whether targeting the PPARγ–adiponectin–MCP-1 axis will decrease periprostatic adipose inflammation and thereby reduce the risk of high-grade prostate cancer or improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 11(4); 215–26. ©2017 AACR.