bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic estimation of extent of resection and residual tumor volume of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Meier Raphael , Porz Nicole , Knecht Urspeter , Loosli Tina , Schucht Philippe , Beck Jürgen , Slotboom Johannes , Wiest Roland , Reyes Mauricio
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

In the treatment of glioblastoma, residual tumor burden is the only prognostic factor that can be actively influenced by therapy. Therefore, an accurate, reproducible, and objective measurement of residual tumor burden is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a fully automatic segmentation method—brain tumor image analysis (BraTumIA)—for estimating the extent of resection (EOR) and residual tumor volume (RTV) of contrast-enhancing tumor after surgery.

METHODS

The imaging data of 19 patients who underwent primary resection of histologically confirmed supratentorial glioblastoma were retrospectively reviewed. Contrast-enhancing tumors apparent on structural preoperative and immediate postoperative MR imaging in this patient cohort were segmented by 4 different raters and the automatic segmentation BraTumIA software. The manual and automatic results were quantitatively compared.

RESULTS

First, the interrater variabilities in the estimates of EOR and RTV were assessed for all human raters. Interrater agreement in terms of the coefficient of concordance (W) was higher for RTV (W = 0.812; p < 0.001) than for EOR (W = 0.775; p < 0.001). Second, the volumetric estimates of BraTumIA for all 19 patients were compared with the estimates of the human raters, which showed that for both EOR (W = 0.713; p < 0.001) and RTV (W = 0.693; p < 0.001) the estimates of BraTumIA were generally located close to or between the estimates of the human raters. No statistically significant differences were detected between the manual and automatic estimates. BraTumIA showed a tendency to overestimate contrast-enhancing tumors, leading to moderate agreement with expert raters with respect to the literature-based, survival-relevant threshold values for EOR.

CONCLUSIONS

BraTumIA can generate volumetric estimates of EOR and RTV, in a fully automatic fashion, which are comparable to the estimates of human experts. However, automated analysis showed a tendency to overestimate the volume of a contrast-enhancing tumor, whereas manual analysis is prone to subjectivity, thereby causing considerable interrater variability.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of institutional case volume on complications after surgical clipping of unruptured aneurysms
Authors: Rinaldo Lorenzo , McCutcheon Brandon A. , Murphy Meghan E. , Shepherd Daniel L. , Maloney Patrick R. , Kerezoudis Panagiotis , Bydon Mohamad , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism by which greater institutional case volume translates into improved outcomes after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is not well established. The authors thus aimed to assess the effect of case volume on the rate of various types of complications after clipping of UIAs.

METHODS

Using information on the outcomes of inpatient admissions for surgical clipping of UIAs collected within a national database, the relationship of institutional case volume to the incidence of different types of complications after clipping was investigated. Complications were subdivided into different categories, which included all complications, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, medical complications, infectious complications, complications related to anesthesia, and wound complications. The relationship of case volume to different types of complications was assessed using linear regression analysis. The relationships between case volume and overall complication and stroke rates were fit with both linear and quadratic equations. The numerical cutoff for institutional case volume above and below which the authors found the greatest differences in mean overall complication and stroke rate was determined using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

RESULTS

Between October 2012 and September 2015, 125 health care institutions reported patient outcomes from a total of 6040 cases of clipping of UIAs. On linear regression analysis, increasing case volume was negatively correlated to both overall complications (r2 = 0.046, p = 0.0234) and stroke (r2 = 0.029, p = 0.0557) rate, although the relationship of case volume to the complication (r2 = 0.092) and stroke (r2 = 0.067) rate was better fit with a quadratic equation. On CART analysis, the cutoff for the case number that yielded the greatest difference in overall complications and stroke rate between higher- or lower-volume centers was 6 cases/year and 3 cases/year, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the authors confirm that increasing case volume is associated with reduced complications after clipping of UIAs, their results suggest that the relationship between case volume and complications is not necessarily linear. Moreover, these results indicate that the effect of case volume on outcome is most evident between very-low-volume centers relative to centers with a medium-to-high volume.
Norman M. Dott, master of hypothalamic craniopharyngioma surgery: the decisive mentoring of Harvey Cushing and Percival Bailey at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital
Authors: Prieto Ruth , Pascual José M.
Published: January 2017

Norman McOmish Dott (1897–1973) developed surgical neurology in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a scholar of worldwide renown. One of Dott's most notable contributions to neurosurgery was his understanding of hypothalamic physiology, mostly acquired through the comprehensive study of patients with lesions involving this region of the diencephalon, particularly craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Recognition of symptoms caused by hypothalamic disturbances allowed him to predict the accurate anatomical relationships between CPs and the hypothalamus, despite the rudimentary radiological methods available during the 1930s. His sophisticated knowledge permitted Dott to perform radical removals of CPs originating within the third ventricle floor with acceptable success. Between 1934 and 1937, he operated on 4 CP cases originating in the hypothalamus, achieving a satisfactory postoperative outcome in 3 of the 4 patients. Aware of the strong attachment of hypothalamic CPs to the infundibulo-tuberal area, Dott used a double transbasal and transventricular approach to these lesions, a strategy providing an optimal view and control of the tumor boundaries. The decisive mentorship of several legendary figures of physiology and neurosurgery greatly influenced Dott's surgical evolution. The experimental pituitary gland work he performed with Sir Edward Sharpey-Schäfer at the beginning of his career stirred Dott's curiosity about the issue of hypothalamus-pituitary relationships. As a result, he decided to move to Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts) in 1923, to train in neurosurgery and neuropathology under the guidance of the leaders in these fields, Harvey Williams Cushing (1869–1939) and Percival Sylvester Bailey (1892–1973). They inspired the young Dott and shared with him their clinical and pathological expertise, in addition to their surgical strategies for best approaching and removing these challenging tumors. In time, Dott would come to surpass his mentors. This paper aims to credit Norman M. Dott for his decisive, modern contributions to hypothalamic CP surgery.
Improved Cerebrospinal Fluid-Based Discrimination between Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Controls after Correction for Ventricular Volumes
Authors: van Waalwijk van Doorn Linda J.C. , Gispert Juan D. , Kuiperij H. Bea , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R. , Arighi Andrea , Baldeiras Inês , Blennow Kaj , Bozzali Marco , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Cavedo Enrica , Emek-Savaş Derya D. , Eren Erden , Eusebi Paolo , Farotti Lucia , Fenoglio Chiara , Ormaechea Juan Fortea , Freund-Levi Yvonne , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Galimberti Daniela , Genc Sermin , Greco Viviana , Hampel Harald , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Liu Yawu , Lladó Albert , Lleó Alberto , Nobili Flavio M. , Oguz Kader K. , Parnetti Lucilla , Pereira João , Picco Agnese , Pikkarainen Maria , de Oliveira Catarina Resende , Saka Esen , Salvadori Nicola , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Santana Isabel , Scarpini Elio , Scheltens Philip , Soininen Hilkka , Tarducci Roberto , Teunissen Charlotte , Tsolaki Magda , Urbani Andrea , Vilaplana Eduard , Visser Pieter Jelle , Wallin Asa K. , Yener Görsev , Molinuevo José L. , Meulenbroek Olga , Verbeek Marcel M.
Published: January 2017

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers may support the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We studied if the diagnostic power of AD CSF biomarker concentrations, i.e., Aβ42, total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), is affected by differences in lateral ventricular volume (VV), using CSF biomarker data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 730 subjects, from 13 European Memory Clinics. We developed a Matlab-algorithm for standardized automated segmentation analysis of T1 weighted MRI scans in SPM8 for determining VV, and computed its ratio with total intracranial volume (TIV) as proxy for total CSF volume. The diagnostic power of CSF biomarkers (and their combination), either corrected for VV/TIV ratio or not, was determined by ROC analysis. CSF Aβ42 levels inversely correlated to VV/TIV in the whole study population (Aβ42: r = –0.28; p < 0.0001). For CSF t-tau and p-tau, this association only reached statistical significance in the combined MCI and AD group (t-tau: r = –0.15; p-tau: r = –0.13; both p < 0.01). Correction for differences in VV/TIV improved the differentiation of AD versus controls based on CSF Aβ42 alone (AUC: 0.75 versus 0.81) or in combination with t-tau (AUC: 0.81 versus 0.91). In conclusion, differences in VV may be an important confounder in interpreting CSF Aβ42 levels.
Repeated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation induces neural plasticity-associated gene expression in the rat cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Kim Min Sun , Koo Ho , Han Sang Who , Paulus Walter , Nitsche Michael A. , Kim Yun-Hee , Yoon Jin A , Shin Yong-Il
Published: January 2017

Background: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) induces a long-lasting increase in cortical excitability that can increase gene transcription in the brain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes related to activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex and hippocampus of young Sprague-Dawley rats following A-tDCS.

Methods: We applied A-tDCS over the right sensorimotor cortex epicranially with a circular electrode (3 mm diameter) at 250 μA for 20 min per day for 7 consecutive days. Levels of mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), synapsin I, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), and c-Fos were analyzed using SYBR Green quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: We found that 7 days of unilateral A-tDCS resulted in significant increases in transcription of all plasticity-related genes tested in the ipsilateral cortex. Daily A-tDCS also resulted in a significant increase in c-Fos mRNA in the ipsilateral hippocampus.

Conclusion: These results indicate that altered expression of plasticity-associated genes in the cortex and hippocampus is a molecular substrate of A-tDCS-induced neural plasticity.
Backtracking-Based Iterative Regularization Method for Image Compressive Sensing Recovery
Authors: Liu Lingjun , Xie Zhonghua , Feng Jiuchao
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a variant of the iterative shrinkage-thresholding (IST) algorithm, called backtracking-based adaptive IST (BAIST), for image compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction. For increasing iterations, IST usually yields a smoothing of the solution and runs into prematurity. To add back more details, the BAIST method backtracks to the previous noisy image using L2 norm minimization, i.e., minimizing the Euclidean distance between the current solution and the previous ones. Through this modification, the BAIST method achieves superior performance while maintaining the low complexity of IST-type methods. Also, BAIST takes a nonlocal regularization with an adaptive regularizor to automatically detect the sparsity level of an image. Experimental results show that our algorithm outperforms the original IST method and several excellent CS techniques.
Aligned Nanofiber Topography Directs the Tenogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Popielarczyk Tracee , Nain Amrinder , Barrett Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Tendon is commonly injured, heals slowly and poorly, and often suffers re-injury after healing. This is due to failure of tenocytes to effectively remodel tendon after injury to recapitulate normal architecture, resulting in poor mechanical properties. One strategy for improving the outcome is to use nanofiber scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to regenerate tendon. Various scaffold parameters are known to influence tenogenesis. We designed suspended and aligned nanofiber scaffolds with the hypothesis that this would promote tenogenesis when seeded with MSCs. Our aligned nanofibers were manufactured using the previously reported non-electrospinning Spinneret-based Tunable Engineered Parameters (STEP) technique. We compared parallel versus perpendicular nanofiber scaffolds with traditional flat monolayers and used cellular morphology, tendon marker gene expression, and collagen and glycosaminoglycan deposition as determinants for tendon differentiation. We report that compared with traditional control monolayers, MSCs grown on nanofibers were morphologically elongated with higher gene expression of tendon marker scleraxis and collagen type I, along with increased production of extracellular matrix components collagen (p = 0.0293) and glycosaminoglycan (p = 0.0038). Further study of MSCs in different topographical environments is needed to elucidate the complex molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell differentiation.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Androgen Receptor in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Asano Yuka , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Goto Wataru , Tanaka Sayaka , Morisaki Tamami , Takashima Tsutomu , Noda Satoru , Onoda Naoyoshi , Ohsawa Masahiko , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: January 2017

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis because of frequent recurrence. Androgen receptor (AR) is involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, but its role is not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of AR and its relationship with clinicopathologic features in TNBC. Methods: This study investigated 1036 cases of sporadic invasive breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the expression of AR in 190 TNBC samples. The relationships between AR expression and clinicopathologic data and prognosis were analyzed. Results: In 190 TNBC cases, the prognosis of AR-positive patients was significantly better (p = 0.019, log-rank) than AR-negative patients, and in multivariate analysis, AR expression was an independent indicator of good prognosis (p = 0.039, hazard ratio = 0.36). In patients with disease relapse, AR positivity was significantly correlated with better prognosis (p = 0.034, log-rank). Conclusions: AR expression may be useful as a subclassification marker for prognosis in TNBC.
Catalyst, Membrane, Free Electrolyte Challenges, and Pathways to Resolutions in High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Myles Timothy , Bonville Leonard , Maric Radenka
Published: January 2017

High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are being studied due to a number of benefits offered versus their low temperature counterparts, including co-generation of heat and power, high tolerance to fuel impurities, and simpler system design. Approximately 90% of the literature on HT-PEM is related to the electrolyte and, for the most part, these electrolytes all use free phosphoric acid, or similar free acid, as the ion conductor. A major issue with using phosphoric acid based electrolytes is the free acid in the electrodes. The presence of the acid on the catalyst sites leads to poor oxygen activity, low solubility/diffusion, and can block electrochemical sites through phosphate adsorption. This review will focus on these issues and the steps that have been taken to alleviate these obstacles. The intention is this review may then serve as a tool for finding a solution path in the community.
The Physics of the Hume-Rothery Electron Concentration Rule
Authors: Mizutani Uichiro , Sato Hirokazu
Published: January 2017

For a long time we have shared the belief that the physics of the Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule can be deepened only through thorough investigation of the interference phenomenon of itinerant electrons with a particular set of lattice planes, regardless of whether d-states are involved near the Fermi level or not. For this purpose, we have developed the FLAPW-Fourier theory (Full potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave), which is capable of determining the square of the Fermi diameter, ( 2 k F ) 2 , and the number of itinerant electrons per atom, e/a, as well as the set of lattice planes participating in the interference phenomenon. By determining these key parameters, we could test the interference condition and clarify how it contributes to the formation of a pseudogap at the Fermi level. Further significant progress has been made to allow us to equally handle transition metal (TM) elements and their compounds. A method of taking the center of gravity energy for energy distribution of electrons with a given electronic state has enabled us to eliminate the d-band anomaly and to determine effective ( 2 k F ) 2 , and e/a, even for systems involving the d-band or an energy gap across the Fermi level. The e/a values for 54 elements covering from Group 1 up to Group 16 in the Periodic Table, including 3d-, 4d- and 5d-elements, were determined in a self-consistent manner. The FLAPW-Fourier theory faces its limit only for elements in Group 17 like insulating solids Cl and their compounds, although the value of e/a can be determined without difficulty when Br becomes metallic under high pressures. The origin of a pseudogap at the Fermi level for a large number of compounds has been successfully interpreted in terms of the interference condition, regardless of the bond-types involved in the van Arkel-Ketelaar triangle map.
Development of an Nearly Zero Emission Building (nZEB) Life Cycle Cost Assessment Tool for Fast Decision Making in the Early Design Phase
Authors: Kang Hae
Published: January 2017

An economic feasibility optimization method for the life cycle cost (LCC) has been developed to apply energy saving techniques in the early design stages of a building. The method was developed using default data (e.g., operation schedules), energy consumption prediction equations and cost prediction equations utilizing design variables considered in the early design phase. With certain equations developed, an LCC model was constructed using the computational program MATLAB, to create an automated optimization process. To verify the results from the newly developed assessment tool, a case study on an office building was performed to outline the results of the designer’s proposed model and the cost optimal model.
Error-Free Bypass of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine by DNA Polymerase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage PaP1
Authors: Gu Shiling , Xue Qizhen , Liu Qin , Xiong Mei , Wang Wanneng , Zhang Huidong
Published: January 2017

As one of the most common forms of oxidative DNA damage, 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxoG) generally leads to G:C to T:A mutagenesis. To study DNA replication encountering 8-oxoG by the sole DNA polymerase (Gp90) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage PaP1, we performed steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetic analyses of nucleotide incorporation opposite 8-oxoG by Gp90 D234A that lacks exonuclease activities on ssDNA and dsDNA substrates. Gp90 D234A could bypass 8-oxoG in an error-free manner, preferentially incorporate dCTP opposite 8-oxoG, and yield similar misincorporation frequency to unmodified G. Gp90 D234A could extend beyond C:8-oxoG or A:8-oxoG base pairs with the same efficiency. dCTP incorporation opposite G and dCTP or dATP incorporation opposite 8-oxoG showed fast burst phases. The burst of incorporation efficiency (kpol/Kd,dNTP) is decreased as dCTP:G > dCTP:8-oxoG > dATP:8-oxoG. The presence of 8-oxoG in DNA does not affect its binding to Gp90 D234A in a binary complex but it does affect it in a ternary complex with dNTP and Mg2+, and dATP misincorporation opposite 8-oxoG further weakens the binding of Gp90 D234A to DNA. This study reveals Gp90 D234A can bypass 8-oxoG in an error-free manner, providing further understanding in DNA replication encountering oxidation lesion for P.aeruginosa phage PaP1.
Maintenance of Genome Integrity: How Mammalian Cells Orchestrate Genome Duplication by Coordinating Replicative and Specialized DNA Polymerases
Authors: Barnes Ryan , Eckert Kristin
Published: January 2017

Precise duplication of the human genome is challenging due to both its size and sequence complexity. DNA polymerase errors made during replication, repair or recombination are central to creating mutations that drive cancer and aging. Here, we address the regulation of human DNA polymerases, specifically how human cells orchestrate DNA polymerases in the face of stress to complete replication and maintain genome stability. DNA polymerases of the B-family are uniquely adept at accurate genome replication, but there are numerous situations in which one or more additional DNA polymerases are required to complete genome replication. Polymerases of the Y-family have been extensively studied in the bypass of DNA lesions; however, recent research has revealed that these polymerases play important roles in normal human physiology. Replication stress is widely cited as contributing to genome instability, and is caused by conditions leading to slowed or stalled DNA replication. Common Fragile Sites epitomize “difficult to replicate” genome regions that are particularly vulnerable to replication stress, and are associated with DNA breakage and structural variation. In this review, we summarize the roles of both the replicative and Y-family polymerases in human cells, and focus on how these activities are regulated during normal and perturbed genome replication.
Contribution of the RgfD Quorum Sensing Peptide to rgf Regulation and Host Cell Association in Group B Streptococcus
Authors: Parker Robert , Knupp David , Al Safadi Rim , Rosenau Agnѐs , Manning Shannon
Published: January 2017

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a common inhabitant of the genitourinary and/or gastrointestinal tract in up to 40% of healthy adults; however, this opportunistic pathogen is able to breach restrictive host barriers to cause disease and persist in harsh and changing conditions. This study sought to identify a role for quorum sensing, a form of cell to cell communication, in the regulation of the fibrinogen-binding (rgfBDAC) two-component system and the ability to associate with decidualized endometrial cells in vitro. To do this, we created a deletion in rgfD, which encodes the putative autoinducing peptide, in a GBS strain belonging to multilocus sequence type (ST)-17 and made comparisons to the wild type. Sequence variation in the rgf operon was detected in 40 clinical strains and a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism was detected in rgfD in all of the ST-17 genomes that resulted in a truncation. Using qPCR, expression of rgf operon genes was significantly decreased in the ST-17 ΔrgfD mutant during exponential growth with the biggest difference (3.3-fold) occurring at higher cell densities. Association with decidualized endometrial cells was decreased 1.3-fold in the mutant relative to the wild type and rgfC expression was reduced 22-fold in ΔrgfD following exposure to the endometrial cells. Collectively, these data suggest that this putative quorum sensing molecule is important for attachment to human tissues and demonstrate a role for RgfD in GBS pathogenesis through regulation of rgfC.
iPad Use in Stroke Neuro-Rehabilitation
Authors: Ameer Khalid , Ali Khalid
Published: January 2017

Neuro-rehabilitation services are essential in reducing post-stroke impairments, enhancing independence, and improving recovery in hospital and post-discharge. However these services are therapist-dependent and resource intensive. Patients’ disengagement and boredom in stroke units are common which adversely affect functional and psychological outcomes. Novel techniques such as use of iPads™ are increasingly researched to overcome such challenges. The aim of this review is to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, acceptability, and barriers to the use of iPads™ in stroke neuro-rehabilitation. Four databases and manual literature search were used to identify published studies using the terms “iPad”, “Stroke”, and “neuro-rehabilitation”. Studies were included in accordance with the review selection criteria. A total of 16 articles were included in the review. The majority of the studies focused on iPads use in speech and language therapy. Although of small scale, the studies highlighted that iPads are feasible, have the potential to improve rehabilitation outcomes, and can improve patient’s social isolation. Patients’ stroke severity and financial limitations are some of the barriers highlighted in this review. This review presents preliminary data supportive for the use of iPad technology in stroke neuro-rehabilitation. However, further research is needed to determine impact on rehabilitation goals acquisition, clinical efficacy, and cost-efficiency.
Indoor Temperatures in Patient Waiting Rooms in Eight Rural Primary Health Care Centers in Northern South Africa and the Related Potential Risks to Human Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Wright Caradee , Street Renée , Cele Nokulunga , Kunene Zamantimande , Balakrishna Yusentha , Albers Patricia , Mathee Angela
Published: January 2017

Increased temperatures affect human health and vulnerable groups including infants, children, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases. In the southern African region climate models predict increases in ambient temperature twice that of the global average temperature increase. Poor ventilation and lack of air conditioning in primary health care clinics, where duration of waiting time may be as long as several hours, pose a possible threat to patients seeking primary health care. Drawing on information measured by temperature loggers installed in eight clinics in Giyani, Limpopo Province of South Africa, we were able to determine indoor temperatures of waiting rooms in eight rural primary health care facilities. Mean monthly temperature measurements inside the clinics were warmer during the summer months of December, January and February, and cooler during the autumn months of March, April and May. The highest mean monthly temperature of 31.4 ± 2.7 °C was recorded in one clinic during February 2016. Maximum daily indoor clinic temperatures exceeded 38 °C in some clinics. Indoor temperatures were compared to ambient (outdoor) temperatures and the mean difference between the two showed clinic waiting room temperatures were higher by 2–4 °C on average. Apparent temperature (AT) incorporating relative humidity readings made in the clinics showed ‘realfeel’ temperatures were >4 °C higher than measured indoor temperature, suggesting a feeling of ‘stuffiness’ and discomfort may have been experienced in the waiting room areas. During typical clinic operational hours of 8h00 to 16h00, mean ATs fell into temperature ranges associated with heat–health impact warning categories of ‘caution’ and ‘extreme caution’.
Knowledge and Attitudes towards Handling Eggs in the Home: An Unexplored Food Safety Issue?
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Clarke Beverley , Ross Kirstin
Published: January 2017

Foodborne illness is a global public health issue, with food handling in the home identified as an underestimated source. In Australia, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of salmonellosis with the majority of outbreaks linked to eggs. This study investigated Australian eggs consumer attitudes, behaviours and risk perceptions associated with the handling of raw eggs in the home. It was identified that 67% of participants chose free range eggs, 11% kept poultry, 7% did not have any preference, 7% cage eggs, 4% barn eggs, 2% organic eggs and 1% pasteurized eggs. The majority of participants (91%) reported they stored eggs in the fridge. It was identified that there is an underestimation of “risky behaviour” associated with the consumption of raw eggs in the home, as 84% of participants indicated that they did not consume raw eggs, but subsequently 86% indicated that they had eaten mixture/batter containing raw eggs. Participants’ responses relating to food safety were also examined in relation to their profession and gender. Safer food handling practices were identified by Environmental Health Officers (EHO) and Food handlers compared to all other professions (p < 0.05). However, the gender of participants did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) their responses.
Estimating the Cost and Payment for Sanitation in the Informal Settlements of Kisumu, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Simiyu Sheillah , Swilling Mark , Rheingans Richard , Cairncross Sandy
Published: January 2017

Lack of sanitation facilities is a common occurrence in informal settlements that are common in most developing countries. One challenge with sanitation provision in these settlements is the cost and financing of sanitation. This study aimed at estimating the cost of sanitation, and investigating the social and economic dynamics within Kisumu’s informal settlements that hinder provision and uptake of sanitation facilities. Primary data was collected from residents of the settlements, and using logistic and hedonic regression analysis, we identify characteristics of residents with sanitation facilities, and estimate the cost of sanitation as revealed in rental prices. Our study finds that sanitation constitutes approximately 54% of the rent paid in the settlements; and dynamics such as landlords and tenants preferences, and sharing of sanitation facilities influence provision and payment for sanitation. This study contributes to general development by estimating the cost of sanitation, and further identifies barriers and opportunities for improvement including the interplay between landlords and tenants. Provision of sanitation in informal settlements is intertwined in social and economic dynamics, and development approaches should target both landlords and tenants, while also engaging various stakeholders to work together to identify affordable and appropriate sanitation technologies.
Understanding the Representativeness of Mobile Phone Location Data in Characterizing Human Mobility Indicators
Authors: Lu Shiwei , Fang Zhixiang , Zhang Xirui , Shaw Shih-Lung , Yin Ling , Zhao Zhiyuan , Yang Xiping
Published: January 2017

The advent of big data has aided understanding of the driving forces of human mobility, which is beneficial for many fields, such as mobility prediction, urban planning, and traffic management. However, the data sources used in many studies, such as mobile phone location and geo-tagged social media data, are sparsely sampled in the temporal scale. An individual’s records can be distributed over a few hours a day, or a week, or over just a few hours a month. Thus, the representativeness of sparse mobile phone location data in characterizing human mobility requires analysis before using data to derive human mobility patterns. This paper investigates this important issue through an approach that uses subscriber mobile phone location data collected by a major carrier in Shenzhen, China. A dataset of over 5 million mobile phone subscribers that covers 24 h a day is used as a benchmark to test the representativeness of mobile phone location data on human mobility indicators, such as total travel distance, movement entropy, and radius of gyration. This study divides this dataset by hour, using 2- to 23-h segments to evaluate the representativeness due to the availability of mobile phone location data. The results show that different numbers of hourly segments affect estimations of human mobility indicators and can cause overestimations or underestimations from the individual perspective. On average, the total travel distance and movement entropy tend to be underestimated. The underestimation coefficient results for estimation of total travel distance are approximately linear, declining as the number of time segments increases, and the underestimation coefficient results for estimating movement entropy decline logarithmically as the time segments increase, whereas the radius of gyration tends to be more ambiguous due to the loss of isolated locations. This paper suggests that researchers should carefully interpret results derived from this type of sparse data in the era of big data.
The Diagnostic Usefulness of Serum Total Bile Acid Concentrations in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis of Varied Etiologies
Authors: Maleszka Aleksandra , Dumnicka Paulina , Matuszyk Aleksandra , Pędziwiatr Michał , Mazur-Laskowska Małgorzata , Sporek Mateusz , Ceranowicz Piotr , Olszanecki Rafał , Kuźniewski Marek , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata
Published: January 2017

The most common causes of acute pancreatitis (AP) are biliary tract diseases with cholestasis and alcohol consumption. In 10%–15% of patients, etiology determination is difficult. Identification of the etiology allows for the implementation of adequate treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the serum concentrations of total bile acids (TBA) to diagnose AP etiology in the early phase of the disease. We included 66 patients with AP, admitted within the first 24 h from the onset of symptoms. TBA were measured in serum at 24, 48, and 72 h from the onset of AP, using an automated fifth generation assay. The bilirubin-to-TBA ratio (B/TBA) was calculated. TBA was highest on the first day of AP and decreased subsequently. In patients with biliary etiology, serum TBA was significantly higher compared to those with alcoholic and other etiologies. B/TBA was significantly higher in patients with alcoholic etiology. At admission, the cut-off values of 4.7 µmol/L for TBA and 4.22 for the B/TBA ratio allowed for a differentiation between biliary and other etiologies of AP with a diagnostic accuracy of 85 and 83%. Both TBA and B/TBA may help in the diagnosis of AP etiology in the early phase of AP.
Influence of Anode Potentials on Current Generation and Extracellular Electron Transfer Paths of Geobacter Species
Authors: Kato Souichiro
Published: January 2017

Geobacter species are capable of utilizing solid-state compounds, including anodic electrodes, as electron acceptors of respiration via extracellular electron transfer (EET) and have attracted considerable attention for their crucial role as biocatalysts of bioelectrochemical systems (BES’s). Recent studies disclosed that anode potentials affect power output and anodic microbial communities, including selection of dominant Geobacter species, in various BES’s. However, the details in current-generating properties and responses to anode potentials have been investigated only for a model species, namely Geobacter sulfurreducens. In this study, the effects of anode potentials on the current generation and the EET paths were investigated by cultivating six Geobacter species with different anode potentials, followed by electrochemical analyses. The electrochemical cultivation demonstrated that the G. metallireducens clade species (G. sulfurreducens and G. metallireducens) constantly generate high current densities at a wide range of anode potentials (≥−0.3 or −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl), while the subsurface clades species (G. daltonii, G. bemidjensis, G. chapellei, and G. pelophilus) generate a relatively large current only at limited potential regions (−0.1 to −0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The linear sweep voltammetry analyses indicated that the G. metallireducens clade species utilize only one EET path irrespective of the anode potentials, while the subsurface clades species utilize multiple EET paths, which can be optimized depending on the anode potentials. These results clearly demonstrate that the response features to anode potentials are divergent among species (or clades) of Geobacter.
Easy Fabrication of Highly Thermal-Stable Cellulose Nanocrystals Using Cr(NO3)3 Catalytic Hydrolysis System: A Feasibility Study from Macro- to Nano-Dimensions
Authors: Chen You , Tan Thean , Lee Hwei , Abd Hamid Sharifah
Published: January 2017

This study reported on the feasibility and practicability of Cr(NO3)3 hydrolysis to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCCr(NO3)3) from native cellulosic feedstock. The physicochemical properties of CNCCr(NO3)3 were compared with nanocellulose isolated using sulfuric acid hydrolysis (CNCH2SO4). In optimum hydrolysis conditions, 80 °C, 1.5 h, 0.8 M Cr(NO3)3 metal salt and solid–liquid ratio of 1:30, the CNCCr(NO3)3 exhibited a network-like long fibrous structure with the aspect ratio of 15.7, while the CNCH2SO4 showed rice-shape structure with an aspect ratio of 3.5. Additionally, Cr(NO3)3-treated CNC rendered a higher crystallinity (86.5% ± 0.3%) with high yield (83.6% ± 0.6%) as compared to the H2SO4-treated CNC (81.4% ± 0.1% and 54.7% ± 0.3%, respectively). Furthermore, better thermal stability of CNCCr(NO3)3 (344 °C) compared to CNCH2SO4 (273 °C) rendered a high potential for nanocomposite application. This comparable effectiveness of Cr(NO3)3 metal salt provides milder hydrolysis conditions for highly selective depolymerization of cellulosic fiber into value-added cellulose nanomaterial, or useful chemicals and fuels in the future.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Bismuth Particles: Tuning Particle Shape through Substrate Type within a Narrow Potential Window
Authors: Bilican Doga , Fornell Jordina , Sort Jordi , Pellicer Eva
Published: January 2017

Bismuth (Bi) electrodeposition was studied on Si/Ti/Au, FTO-, and ITO-coated glasses from acidic nitrate solutions with and without gluconate within a narrow potential window (ΔE = 80 mV). This potential range was sufficient to observe a change in particle shape, from polyhedrons (including hexagons) to dendrites, the trend being slightly different depending on substrate activity. In all cases, though, the formation of dendrites was favoured as the applied potential was made more negative. Bi particles were more uniformly distributed over the substrate when sodium gluconate was added to the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction analyses of dendrites grown at −0.28 V indicated that they exhibit the rhombohedral phase of Bi and are predominantly oriented along the (003) plane. This orientation is exacerbated at the lowest applied potential (−0.20 V vs. Ag|AgCl) on glass/ITO substrate, for which completed and truncated hexagons are observed from the top view scanning electron microscopy images.
On Autonomy Imposition in Zero Interval Limit Perturbation Expansion for the Spectral Entities of Hilbert–Schmidt Integral Operators
Authors: Tuna Süha , Demiralp Metin
Published: January 2017

In this work, we deal with the autonomy issue in the perturbation expansion for the eigenfunctions of a compact Hilbert–Schmidt integral operator. Here, the autonomy points to the perturbation expansion coefficients of the relevant eigenfunction not depending on the perturbation parameter explicitly, but the dependence on this parameter arises from the coordinate change at the zero interval limit. Moreover, the related half interval length is utilized as the perturbation parameter in the perturbative analyses. Thus, the zero interval limit perturbation for solving the eigenproblem under consideration is developed. The aim of this work is to show that the autonomy imposition brings an important restriction on the kernel of the corresponding integral operator, and the constructed perturbation series is not capable of expressing the exact solution approximately unless a specific type of kernel is considered. The general structure for the encountered constraints is revealed, and the specific class of kernels is identified to this end. Error analysis of the developed method is given. These analyses are also supported by certain illustrative implementations involving the kernels, which are and are not in the specific class addressed above. Thus, the efficiency of the developed method is shown, and the relevant analyses are confirmed.
From the Underdamped Generalized Elastic Model to the Single Particle Langevin Description
Authors: Taloni Alessandro
Published: January 2017

The generalized elastic model encompasses several linear stochastic models describing the dynamics of polymers, membranes, rough surfaces, and fluctuating interfaces. While usually defined in the overdamped case, in this paper we formally include the inertial term to account for the initial diffusive stages of the stochastic dynamics. We derive the generalized Langevin equation for a probe particle and we show that this equation reduces to the usual Langevin equation for Brownian motion, and to the fractional Langevin equation on the long-time limit.
Secondary Metabolites from the Marine Sponge Genus Phyllospongia
Authors: Zhang Huawei , Dong Menglian , Wang Hong , Crews Phillip
Published: January 2017

Phyllospongia, one of the most common marine sponges in tropical and subtropical oceans, has been shown to be a prolific producer of natural products with a broad spectrum of biological activities. This review for the first time provides a comprehensive overview of secondary metabolites produced by Phyllospongia spp. over the 37 years from 1980 to 2016.
HLA Typing and Celiac Disease in Moroccans
Authors: Piancatelli Daniela , Ben El Barhdadi Imane , Oumhani Khadija , Sebastiani Pierluigi , Colanardi Alessia , Essaid Abdellah
Published: January 2017

Genetic and environmental factors are responsible for differences in the prevalence of some diseases across countries. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele frequencies in North African populations show some differences in their distribution compared to Europeans, Mediterraneans, and sub-Saharans, and some specific alleles and haplotypes could be clinically relevant. Celiac disease (CD) has been fast increasing in prevalence in North Africa; but few immunogenetic data are available for this area, in which a high prevalence of the disease has been described. In this report, we assess and discuss results of HLA class II (HLA-DQA1/DQB1/DRB1) typing in Moroccan patients with CD and compare them with a control population from Morocco—genetically well characterized—and with other North African, Mediterranean, and European populations. The classical HLA-DQ associations were confirmed in Moroccans with CD. The high frequency of DQ2.5 homozygosity (45.2%) found in Moroccans with CD was noteworthy as compared with other populations (23%–32%). The genetic risk gradient for CD, identified by previous studies, has been confirmed in Moroccans with some differences, mainly concerning DQ8 genotypes. This study provides the immunogenetic framework of CD in Moroccans and confirms the need to learn more about associations with additional HLA and non-HLA genetic factors.
Particle Flow Characteristics and Transportation Optimization of Superfine Unclassified Backfilling
Authors: Zhou Ke-ping , Gao Rugao , Gao Feng
Published: January 2017

In order to investigate the high volume fraction problem of the solid phase in superfine unclassified backfilling pipeline transportation, characteristic parameters were obtained by fitting to test data with an R–R particle size distribution function; then, a Euler dense-phase DPM (Discrete phase model) model was established by applying solid–liquid two-phase flow theory and the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF). The collision and friction of particles were imported by the UDF (User-define function) function, and the pipeline fluidization system, dominated by interphase drag forces, was analyzed. The best concentration and flow rate were finally obtained by comparing the results of the stress conditions, flow field characteristics, and the discrete phase distributions. It is revealed that reducing the concentration and flow rate could control pressure loss and pipe damage to a certain degree, while lower parameters show negative effects on the transportation integrity and backfilling strength. Indoor tests and field industrial tests verify the reliability of the results of the numerical simulations. Research shows that the model optimization method is versatile and practical for other, similar, complex flow field working conditions.
Effect of Phenolic Compounds from Elderflowers on Glucose- and Fatty Acid Uptake in Human Myotubes and HepG2-Cells
Authors: Ho Giang , Kase Eili , Wangensteen Helle , Barsett Hilde
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is manifested by progressive metabolic impairments in tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, and these tissues become less responsive to insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. In the present study, stimulation of glucose and oleic acid uptake by elderflower extracts, constituents and metabolites were tested in vitro using the HepG2 hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line and human skeletal muscle cells. Among the crude extracts, the 96% EtOH extract showed the highest increase in glucose and oleic acid uptake in human skeletal muscle cells and HepG2-cells. The flavonoids and phenolic acids contained therein were potent stimulators of glucose and fatty acid uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Most of the phenolic constituents and several of the metabolites showed high antioxidant activity and showed considerably higher α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose. Elderflower might therefore be valuable as a functional food against diabetes.