bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoinductive porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic as an alternative to autogenous bone grafting in the treatment of mandibular bone critical‐size defects
Authors: Santos Paula Sanches , Cestari Tania Mary , Paulin Jéssica Botto , Martins Renato , Rocha Caroline Andrade , Arantes Ricardo Vinícius Nunes , Costa Bruna Carolina , dos Santos Cássio Morilla , Assis Gerson Francisco , Taga Rumio
Published: July 2017

The bone‐induction capacity of a porous biphasic calcium phosphate (pBCP) using heterotopic implantation in mouse (mHI‐model) and its efficacy as substitute for autograft in mandibular critical‐size defect in rabbit (rabMCSD‐model) was investigated. In mHI‐model, pBCP was implanted into the thigh muscles and bone formation was histomorphometrically and immunohistochemically evaluated. In rabMCSD‐model, 13 mm bone defects were treated with pBCP or autograft and bone repair comparatively evaluated by radiographic and histomorphometric methods. In mHI‐model, formed bone and immunolabeling for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and osteopontin were observed in 90% of pBCP implanted samples after 12 weeks. In rabMCSD‐model neither statistically significant difference was found in newly formed bone between pBCP and autograft groups at 4 weeks (18.8 ± 5.5% vs 27.1 ± 5.6%), 8 weeks (22.3 ± 2.7% vs 26.2 ± 5.1), and 12 weeks (19.6 ± 4.7% vs 19.6 ± 2.3%). At 12 weeks, the stability and contour of the mandible were restored in both treatments. Near tooth remaining, pBCP particles were covered by small amount of mineralized tissue exhibiting perpendicular attachments of collagen fiber bundles with histological characteristic of acellular cementum. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that pBCP is osteoinductive and able to stimulate the new formation of bone and cementum‐like tissues in rabMCSD‐model, suggesting that it may be an alternative to treatment of large bone defect and in periodontal regenerative therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1546–1557, 2018.
Preoperative predictors of conversion as indicators of local inflammation in acute cholecystitis: strategies for future studies to develop quantitative predictors
Authors: Panni Roheena Z. , Strasberg Steven M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Observational studies have identified risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of these predictors and to identify sources of heterogeneity in the studies.

Methods

OVID was searched for papers published from 1995 to 2016. Studies with more than 100 patients were included. Risk factors for conversion were abstracted and categorized by statistical significance.

Results

Eleven studies were evaluated. Inflammation with difficulty in anatomic identification was the most common reason of conversion. Because of heterogeneity among studies a quantitative approach was not possible. Therefore, qualitative analysis using a heat map was performed along with investigation into sources of heterogeneity with the aim of creating a framework for future quantitative studies. Age, maleness, and white blood cell count were most commonly identified predictors of conversion. Sources of heterogeneity were criteria for diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, selection of patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, selection of variables and variations in their thresholds.

Conclusions

In acute cholecystitis, inflammation is the most common reason for conversion. Age, maleness and white blood cell count are common predictors of conversion. Large scale prospective studies with minimal heterogeneity are needed to establish validity of these and other predictors.
Allometry and morphometrics of clypeal membrane size and shape in Nicrophorus (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Wormington Jillian D. , Luttbeg Barney
Published: July 2017

Contests between same‐sex opponents over resources necessary for reproduction, as well interactions used to discern mate quality, often involve exaggerated traits wherein large individuals have disproportionately larger traits. This positive allometric scaling of weapons or signals facilitates communication during social interactions by accentuating body size differences between individuals. Typically, males carry these exaggerated traits, as males must compete over limited female gametes. However, in Nicrophorus beetles both males and females engage in physical contests over the vertebrate carcasses they need to provision and raise offspring. Male and female Nicrophorus beetles have extended clypeal membranes directly above their mandibles, which could serve as signals. We investigated the scaling relationships between clypeal membrane size and shape and body size for five species of North American burying beetle to determine whether clypeal membranes contain exaggerated body size information. We found that clypeal membranes for both sexes of all species scaled positively with body size (slope > 1). Three of the five species also displayed sexual dimorphism in aspects of clypeal membrane size and shape allometry despite lack of dimorphism in body size. In two dimorphic species, small male clypeal membranes were statistically indistinguishable from the female form. We conclude that colored clypeal membranes in Nicrophorus beetles do contain exaggerated body size information. Observed patterns of dimorphism suggest that males sometimes experience stronger selection on marking size and shape, which might be explained by life history differences among species.
Accuracy of eight deformable image registration (DIR) methods for tomotherapy megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Neamin Hudsaleark , Chitapanarux Imjai , Wanwilairat Somsak , Lorvidhaya Vicharn , Sanghangthum Taweap
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The application of deformable image registration (DIR) to megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images benefits adaptive radiotherapy. This study aims to quantify the accuracy of DIR for MVCT images when using different deformation methods assessed in a cubic phantom and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

In the control studies, the DIR accuracy in air‐tissue and tissue‐tissue interface areas was observed using twelve shapes of acrylic and tissue‐equivalent material inserted in the phantom. In the clinical studies, the 1st and 20th fraction MVCT images of seven NPC patients were used to evaluate application of DIR. The eight DIR methods used in the DIRART software varied in (i) transformation framework (asymmetric or symmetric), (ii) DIR registration algorithm (Demons or Optical Flow) and (iii) mapping direction (forward or backward). The accuracy of the methods was compared using an intensity‐based criterion (correlation coefficient, CC) and volume‐based criterion (Dice's similarity coefficient, DSC).

Results

The asymmetric transformation with Optical Flow showed the best performance for air‐tissue interface areas, with a mean CC and DSC of 0.97 ± 0.03 and 0.79 ± 0.11 respectively. The symmetric transformation with Optical Flow showed good agreement for tissue‐tissue interface areas with a CC of (0.99 ± 0.01) and DSC of (0.89 ± 0.03). The sequences of target domains were significantly different in tissue‐tissue interface areas.

Conclusions

The deformation method and interface area affected the accuracy of DIR. The validation techniques showed satisfactory volume matching of greater than 0.7 with DSC analysis. The methods can yield acceptable results for clinical applications.
Effect of apple polyphenols on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function: a translational study
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Caliceti Cristiana , Fogacci Federica , Giovannini Marina , Calabria Donato , Colletti Alessandro , Veronesi Maddalena , Roda Aldo , Borghi Claudio
Published: July 2017

Scope

We aimed examining apple polyphenols’ effect on uricemia and endothelial function in a sample of overweight subjects.

Methods and results

This was a two‐phased study. In vitro experiment aimed to evaluate apple polyphenols’ ability to lower uric acid in comparison with allopurinol. In vivo study consisted in a randomized, double‐blind, parallel placebo‐controlled clinical trial involving 62 overweight volunteers with suboptimal values of fasting plasma glucose (100 mg/dL≤FPG≤125 mg/dL), randomized to 300 mg apple polyphenols or placebo for 8 weeks.

Apple polyphenols extract inhibited xanthine oxidase activity, with an IC50 = 130 ± 30 ng/mL; reducing uric acid production with an IC50 = 154 ± 28 ng/mL. During the trial, after the first 4 weeks of treatment, FPG decreased in the active treated group (−6.1%, p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed regarding the other hematochemistry parameters. After 4 more weeks of treatment, active‐treated patients had an improvement in FPG compared to baseline (−10.3%, p < 0,001) and the placebo group (p < 0,001). Uric acid (−14.0%, p < 0.05 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) and endothelial reactivity (0.24±0.09, p = 0.009 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) significantly improved too.

Conclusion

In vivo, apple polyphenols extract has a positive effect on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function and reduce FPG and uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, as our In vitro experiment attests.
Exploring the screening capacity of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory‐Short Form for clinical levels of fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Fardell Joanna E. , Jones Georden , Smith Allan Ben , Lebel Sophie , Thewes Belinda , Costa Daniel , Tiller Kerry , Simard Sébastien , Feldstain Andrea , Beattie Sara , McCallum Megan ,   on behalf of the Conquer Fear authorship group, Butow Phyllis
Published: July 2017

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common concern among cancer survivors. Identifying survivors with clinically significant FCR requires validated screening measures and clinical cut‐offs. We evaluated the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory‐Short Form (FCRI‐SF) clinical cut‐off in 2 samples.

Methods

Level of FCR in study 1 participants (from an Australian randomized controlled trial: ConquerFear) was compared with FCRI‐SF scores. Based on a biopsychosocial interview, clinicians rated participants as having nonclinical, subclinical, or clinical FCR. Study 2 participants (from a Canadian FCRI‐English validation study) were classified as having clinical or nonclinical FCR by using the semistructured clinical interview for FCR (SIFCR). Receiver operating characteristic analyses evaluated the screening ability of the FCRI‐SF against clinician ratings (study 1) and the SIFCR (study 2).

Results

In study 1, 167 cancer survivors (mean age: 53 years, SD = 10.1) participated. Clinicians rated 43% as having clinical FCR. In study 2, 40 cancer survivors (mean age: 68 years, SD = 7.0) participated; 25% met criteria for clinical FCR according to the SIFCR. For both studies 1 and 2, receiver operating characteristic analyses suggested a cut‐off ≥22 on the FCRI‐SF identified cancer survivors with clinical levels of FCR with adequate sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Establishing clinical cut‐offs on FCR screening measures is crucial to tailoring individual care and conducting rigorous research. Our results suggest using a higher cut‐off on the FCRI‐SF than previously reported to identify clinically significant FCR. Continued evaluation and validation of the FCRI‐SF cut‐off is required across diverse cancer populations.
EPR Oximetry of Cetuximab-Treated Head-and-Neck Tumours in a Mouse Model
Authors: Gustafsson H. , Kale A. , Dasu A. , Lund A. , Edqvist P.-H. , Roberg K.
Published: July 2017

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumours are associated with high mortality despite advances in therapy. The monoclonal antibody cetuximab (Erbitux®) has been approved for the treatment of advanced HNSCC. However, only a subset of HNSC patients receiving cetuximab actually responds to treatment, underlining the need for a means to tailor treatments of individual patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cetuximab treatment on tumour growth, on tumour partial oxygen pressure as measured by LiPc electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry and on the expression of proteins involved in tumour growth, metabolism and hypoxia. Two HNSCC cell lines, UT-SCC-2 and UT-SCC-14, were used to generate xenografts on female BALB/c (nu/nu) nude mice. Mice with xenografts were given three injections of intraperitoneal cetuximab or phosphate-buffered saline, and the tumour volume was recorded continuously. After treatment the tumour partial oxygen pressure was measured by LiPc electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry and the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated EGFR, Ki-67, MCT1, MCT4, GLUT1, CAIX and HIF-1α were investigated by immunohistochemistry. In xenografts from both cell lines (UT-SCC-2 and UT-SCC-14) cetuximab had effect on the tumour volume but the effect was more pronounced on UT-SCC-14 xenografts. A higher tumour oxygenation was measured in cetuximab-treated tumours from both cell lines compared to untreated controls. Immunocytochemical staining after cetuximab treatment shows a significantly decreased expression of EGFR, pEGFR, Ki67, CAIX and nuclear HIF-1α in UT-SCC-14 tumours compared to untreated controls. MCT1 and GLUT1 were significantly decreased in tumours from both cell lines but more pronounced in UT-SCC-14 tumours. Taken together, our results show that cetuximab treatment decreases the tumour growth and increases the tumour partial oxygen pressure of HNSCC xenografts. Furthermore we found a potential connection between the partial oxygen pressure of the tumours and the expression of proteins involved in tumour growth, metabolism and hypoxia.
Computational tools for Hi‐C data analysis
Authors: Han Zhijun , Wei Gang
Published: July 2017

Background

In eukaryotic genome, chromatin is not randomly distributed in cell nuclei, but instead is organized into higher‐order structures. Emerging evidence indicates that these higher‐order chromatin structures play important roles in regulating genome functions such as transcription and DNA replication. With the advancement in 3C (chromosome conformation capture) based technologies, Hi‐C has been widely used to investigate genome‐wide long‐range chromatin interactions during cellular differentiation and oncogenesis. Since the first publication of Hi‐C assay in 2009, lots of bioinformatic tools have been implemented for processing Hi‐C data from mapping raw reads to normalizing contact matrix and high interpretation, either providing a whole workflow pipeline or focusing on a particular process.

Results

This article reviews the general Hi‐C data processing workflow and the currently popular Hi‐C data processing tools. We highlight on how these tools are used for a full interpretation of Hi‐C results.

Conclusions

Hi‐C assay is a powerful tool to investigate the higher‐order chromatin structure. Continued development of novel methods for Hi‐C data analysis will be necessary for better understanding the regulatory function of genome organization.
Acardiac Twin: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Beck Manisha Madhai , Rathore Swati , Benjamin Santhosh Joseph
Published: July 2017

Multiple gestations, especially monochorionic twins are associated with unique complications such as twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence due to preferential blood flow within the vascular communications between the two fetuses. TRAP sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twins. The authors describe two cases of acardiac twins, one diagnosed at 17 weeks and the other at 24 weeks. While the first one was lost to follow-up, the second pregnancy was managed expectantly with close antepartum surveillance and had a term vaginal delivery of a healthy baby, along with the acardiac twin which was non-viable. The pump twin continues to be developmentally normal.
Predictors of quality of life in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Martín J. , Padierna A. , Loroño A. , Muñoz P. , Quintana J.M.
Published: July 2017

Background:

The aims of this study were to analyse the quality of life (QoL) of a broad sample of patients with eating disorders (ED) and to identify potential factors that predict QoL.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study involved 528 patients diagnosed with ED and treated over a 15-year period in the Eating Disorders Outpatient Clinic. Information on sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients completed five self-administered instruments: the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Short-Form 12 (SF-12); and the Quality of Life in ED-short form (HeRQoLED-s). Descriptive, univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors associated with QoL.

Results:

Predictive variables for a low level of QoL in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) included antidepressant treatment (P = 0.009), substance abuse disorder, (P = 0.03) and other organic comorbidities (P < 0.0001). For patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), they included osteoporosis (P = 0.0001), obesity (P = 0.0004) or being a student (P = 0.04). For patients with eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), they included anxiolytic treatment (P = 0.003), having circulatory disease (P = 0.001), more years since start of ED treatment (P = 0.03) and living alone (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

We found a significant difference in QoL between the diagnostic ED groups. With regard to the variables predicting QoL in ED patients, the findings of this study suggest that organic or psychiatric comorbidities and some data of social normality might be more relevant to QoL in ED than age, type of compensatory behaviour, BMI or number of visits to hospital emergency department.
Developmental neurotoxicity and autism: A potential link between indoor neuroactive pollutants and the curious birth order risk factor
Authors: Gray Wesley A. , Billock Vincent A.
Published: July 2017

Epidemiological and demographic studies find an increased risk of autism among first‐borns. Toxicological studies show that some semi‐volatile substances found in infant products produce adverse effects in neural and endocrine systems of animals, including behavioral and developmental effects. Several factors elevate the exposure of human infants to these chemicals. The highest exposures found in infants are comparable to the exposures that induce neural toxicity in animals. A review of these literatures suggests a linking hypothesis that could bridge the epidemiological and toxicological lines of evidence: an infant's exposure to neuroactive compounds emitted by infant products is increased by product newness and abundance; exposure is likely maximized for first‐born children in families that can afford new products. Exposure is reduced for subsequently‐born children who reuse these now neuroactive‐depleted products. The presence of neuroactive chemical emissions from infant products has implications for birth‐order effects and for other curious risk factors in autism, including gender, socioeconomic status, and season‐of‐birth risk factors.
Electron-positron pair production in ultrastrong laser fields
Authors: Xie Bai Song , Li Zi Liang , Tang Suo
Published: July 2017

Electron–positron pair production due to the decay of vacuum in ultrastrong laser fields is an interesting topic which is revived recently because of the rapid development of current laser technology. The theoretical and numerical research progress of this challenging topic is reviewed. Many new findings are presented by different approaches such as the worldline instantons, the S-matrix theory, the kinetic method by solving the quantum Vlasov equation or/and the real-time Dirac–Heisenberg–Wigner formalism, the computational quantum field theory by solving the Dirac equation and so on. In particular, the effects of electric field polarizations on pair production are unveiled with different patterns of created momentum spectra. The effects of polarizations on the number density of created particles and the nonperturbative signatures of multiphoton process are also presented. The competitive interplay between the multiphoton process and nonperturbation process plays a key role in these new findings. These newly discovered phenomena are valuable to deepen the understanding of pair production in complex fields and even have an implication to the study of strong-field ionization. More recent studies on the pair production in complex fields as well as beyond laser fields are briefly presented in the view point of perspective future.
The mediation effect of political interest on the connection between social trust and wellbeing among older adults
Authors: PIUMATTI GIOVANNI , MAGISTRO DANIELE , ZECCA MASSIMILIANO , ESLIGER DALE W.
Published: July 2017

Previous research has established significant positive associations between social trust and wellbeing among older adults. This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the relationship between different sources of social trust and wellbeing by examining the mediational role of political interest. A sample of 4,406 Italian residents aged 65 years and over was extracted from a national cross-sectional survey during 2013 in Italy, representative of the non-institutionalised population. Measures included trust in people, trust in institutions, political interest, life satisfaction and self-perceived health. Mediation path analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the mediation effects of political interest on the relationship between trust in people and trust in institutions with life satisfaction and self-perceived health. Associations between trust in people, life satisfaction and self-perceived health, and between trust in institutions and life satisfaction were partially mediated by political interest, while the association between trust in institutions and self-perceived health was fully mediated by political interest. Having high levels of political interest may thus enhance the relationship between social trust and wellbeing among older adults. These results suggest that interventions to enhance wellbeing in older adults may benefit from examining individuals’ levels of political interest.
Traces, high powers and one level density for families of curves over finite fields
Authors: BUCUR ALINA , COSTA EDGAR , DAVID CHANTAL , GUERREIRO JOÃO , LOWRY–DUDA DAVID
Published: July 2017

The zeta function of a curve C over a finite field may be expressed in terms of the characteristic polynomial of a unitary matrix ΘC. We develop and present a new technique to compute the expected value of tr(ΘCn) for various moduli spaces of curves of genus g over a fixed finite field in the limit as g is large, generalising and extending the work of Rudnick [Rud10] and Chinis [Chi16]. This is achieved by using function field zeta functions, explicit formulae, and the densities of prime polynomials with prescribed ramification types at certain places as given in [BDF+16] and [Zha]. We extend [BDF+16] by describing explicit dependence on the place and give an explicit proof of the Lindelöf bound for function field Dirichlet L-functions L(1/2 + it, χ). As applications, we compute the one-level density for hyperelliptic curves, cyclic ℓ-covers, and cubic non-Galois covers.
Pork products associated with human infection caused by an emerging phylotype of hepatitis E virus in England and Wales
Authors: SAID B. , USDIN M. , WARBURTON F. , IJAZ S. , TEDDER R.S. , MORGAN D.
Published: July 2017

Since 2010, human hepatitis E infections have increased in England and Wales. Most cases are locally acquired and caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3). HEV G3 is linked to the consumption of pork products. The increase is associated with the emergence of a new phylotype, HEV G3-group 2 (G3-2, also known as G3abcdhij). Sixty individuals with confirmed hepatitis E infection and no history of travel outside the UK were recruited: 19 were infected with HEV G3-group 1 (G3-1 or G3efg) and 41 with G3-2. Epidemiological data relating to usual shopping habits and consumption of ham and sausages were analysed together with typing data to identify any associations with HEV phylotype. Study participants who purchased ham and/or sausage from a major supermarket were more likely to have HEV G3-2 infection (Relative risks 1·85, P = 0·06, CI 0·97–3·53). The HEV G3-2 phylotype has not been detected in indigenous UK pigs and it is suggested that human infections could be the result of consumption of products made from pork originating outside the UK. This does not infer blame on the supermarket but the epidemiology of HEV is dynamic and reflects complex animal husbandry practices which need to be explored further.
The Structure of Typical Eye-Free Graphs and a Turán-Type Result for Two Weighted Colours
Authors: KEEVASH PETER , LOCHET WILLIAM
Published: July 2017

The (a,b)-eye is the graph Ia,b = Ka+b \ Kb obtained by deleting the edges of a clique of size b from a clique of size a+b. We show that for any a,b ≥ 2 and p ∈ (0,1), if we condition the random graph G ~ G(n,p) on having no induced copy of Ia,b, then with high probability G is close to an a-partite graph or the complement of a (b−1)-partite graph. Our proof uses the recently developed theory of hypergraph containers, and a stability result for an extremal problem with two weighted colours. We also apply the stability method to obtain an exact Turán-type result for this extremal problem.
Self-Complexity and Perceived Self-Aspect Control in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Channer Kerrie , Jobson Laura
Published: July 2017

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder often brings about profound, lasting, structural changes to one's sense of self. Aims: This study investigated self-complexity and self-aspect control in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: Trauma survivors with (n = 103) and without (n = 102) PTSD completed an online questionnaire which involved the completion of a self-complexity task and measures of PTSD. Results: It was found that those with PTSD had significantly greater overall self-complexity than those without PTSD. Furthermore, when considering self-description valence, it was found that those with PTSD had significantly greater negative self-complexity than those without PTSD, but the groups did not differ in terms of positive self-complexity. Second, those with PTSD reported significantly less control over their self-aspects. Third, for those with PTSD, lower levels of self-aspect control were significantly correlated with greater negative self-complexity and lower positive self-complexity. Finally, self-aspect control mediated the relationship between self-complexity and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: The theoretical implications for PTSD models and the clinical implications for the treatment of those with PTSD are explored.
Brief Behavioural Activation (Brief BA) for Adolescent Depression: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pass Laura , Lejuez Carl W. , Reynolds Shirley
Published: July 2017

Background: Depression in adolescence is a common and serious mental health problem. In the UK, access to evidence-based psychological treatments is limited, and training and employing therapists to deliver these is expensive. Brief behavioural activation for the treatment of depression (BATD) has great potential for use with adolescents and to be delivered by a range of healthcare professionals, but there is limited empirical investigation with this group. Aims: To adapt BATD for depressed adolescents (Brief BA) and conduct a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability and clinical effectiveness. Method: Twenty depressed adolescents referred to the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHs) were offered eight sessions of Brief BA followed by a review around one month later. Self- and parent-reported routine outcome measures (ROMs) were collected at every session. Results: Nineteen of the 20 young people fully engaged with the treatment and all reported finding some aspect of Brief BA helpful. Thirteen (65%) required no further psychological intervention following Brief BA, and both young people and parents reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the approach. The pre–post effect size of Brief BA treatment was large. Conclusions: Brief BA is a promising innovation in the treatment of adolescent depression. This approach requires further evaluation to establish effectiveness and cost effectiveness compared with existing evidence-based treatments for adolescent depression. Other questions concern the effectiveness of delivery in other settings and when delivered by a range of professionals.
Robotic astrobiology – prospects for enhancing scientific productivity of mars rover missions
Authors: Ellery A. A.
Published: July 2017

Robotic astrobiology involves the remote projection of intelligent capabilities to planetary missions in the search for life, preferably with human-level intelligence. Planetary rovers would be true human surrogates capable of sophisticated decision-making to enhance their scientific productivity. We explore several key aspects of this capability: (i) visual texture analysis of rocks to enable their geological classification and so, astrobiological potential; (ii) serendipitous target acquisition whilst on the move; (iii) continuous extraction of regolith properties, including water ice whilst on the move; and (iv) deep learning-capable Bayesian net expert systems. Individually, these capabilities will provide enhanced scientific return for astrobiology missions, but together, they will provide full autonomous science capability.
Does being a Stranger make it Difficult to Cooperate?
Authors: Sariñana-González P. , Romero-Martínez Á. , Moya-Albiol L.
Published: July 2017

Competition and cooperation are two somewhat opposed strategies for interpersonal social interaction that help us to achieve both individual and shared goals. The main aim of this study was to explore which type of social interaction (cooperative or competitive) is more stressful in a face-to-face same-sex dyad in healthy young participants (n = 178), considering outcome obtained in these tasks (positive or negative) and sex as moderating variables, and performance of the task alone as a control condition. Salivary cortisol (Csal) was measured in one sample obtained before task and four obtained after the task (+0, +15, +30 and +45 minutes after). Anxiety-state was assessed before and immediately after the task. Participants who cooperated and obtained negative outcomes had higher Csal levels than those who worked alone with negative outcomes in all periods after the task (p = .008, ηp2 = .058 and p = .033, ηp2 = .031, respectively). Moreover, those who cooperated showed higher mean self-reported state anxiety levels than the rest of the participants (p = .013, ηp2 = .051 and p < .001, ηp2 = .530, respectively). Our study indicates that cooperation between strangers in face-to-face dyads is highly stressful, more so than competing or working alone. These results should be taken into account for understanding situations of social stress and can be generalized to situations in which subjects cooperate or must decide between cooperating and competing to attain a goal.
Retroviral insertional mutagenesis implicates E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF168 in the control of cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Kizilors Aytug , Pickard Mark R. , Schulte Cathleen E. , Yacqub-Usman Kiren , McCarthy Nicola J. , Gan Shu-Uin , Darling David , Gäken Joop , Williams Gwyn T. , Farzaneh Farzin
Published: July 2017

The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF168 is a ring finger protein that has been previously identified to play an important regulatory role in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks. In the present study, an unbiased forward genetics functional screen in mouse granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cell line FDCP1 has identified E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF168 as a key regulator of cell survival and proliferation. Our data indicate that RNF168 is an important component of the mechanisms controlling cell fate, not only in human and mouse haematopoietic growth factor dependent cells, but also in the human breast epithelial cell line MCF-7. These observations therefore suggest that RNF168 provides a connection to key pathways controlling cell fate, potentially through interaction with PML nuclear bodies and/or epigenetic control of gene expression. Our study is the first to demonstrate a critical role for RNF168 in the mechanisms regulating cell proliferation and survival, in addition to its well-established role in DNA repair.
Discrete location‐aware resource allocation for underlay device‐to‐device communications in cellular networks
Authors: Feng Zebing , Feng Zhiyong , Gulliver T. Aaron
Published: July 2017

Device‐to‐device (D2D) communications underlaying a cellular network is an efficient way to enhance spectral efficiency via resource sharing between D2D and cellular users (CUs). In this study, a discrete location‐aware (DLA) interference model for D2D users is presented to allocate cellular resources. The vicinity of a CU is discretised into multiple regions, and the number of active D2D users in each region is constrained to satisfy the CU QoS requirements. Considering the locations of D2D users affecting the interference to CUs and thus the achievable rate, the formulated non‐linear 0–1 knapsack resource allocation (RA) problem is divided into two subproblems: (i) the optimal amount of shared resources between the two types of users; (ii) the optimum subset of D2D users which transmit. The conditions of D2D users spatial deployment and resources reuse portion to achieve the solutions of the two subproblems are theoretically derived and proven. Then a DLA‐RA algorithm is proposed to solve the corresponding subproblems in both single CU and multiple CUs cases. Extensive simulations results are presented which verify the effectiveness of the proposed DLA interference model and the RA scheme.
Performance evaluation of decode‐and‐forward‐based asymmetric SIMO‐RF/FSO system with misalignment errors
Authors: Singhal Neha , Bansal Ankur , Kumar Ashwni
Published: July 2017

The authors analyse a dual‐hop mixed radio frequency/free space optical (RF/FSO) communication system comprising of single‐input multiple‐output (SIMO) RF hop and a single FSO hop. The RF source is connected to an optical destination through a decode‐and‐forward relay having RF/FSO capabilities. Each link in SIMO‐RF hop is assumed to experience independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Nakagami‐m fading. For FSO hop, a unified novel expression for the probability density function (PDF) of irradiance has been derived which unifies Gamma–Gamma and generalised‐K () distributions with misalignment error. Moreover, we obtain a unified PDF of instantaneous signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) by unifying the heterodyne detection and intensity modulation/direct detection schemes. Utilising the unified PDF, we derive novel unified closed‐form expressions for average symbol error probability (for different RF modulation techniques), outage probability, and ergodic capacity for the system under consideration. We have also analysed the considered system for high SNR conditions and have analytically obtained the unified diversity order of the same. The derived results clearly show the impact of misalignment error, severe atmospheric conditions, type of detection scheme, and number of RF links on the system performance. All the analytical results are validated through simulations.
Wide‐area fault location method considering gross measurement errors
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ali , Sadeh Javad , Mozafari Babak
Published: July 2017

In this study, a wide‐area fault‐location (FL) method for power transmission lines is proposed. Impractical installation of modern measuring devices (e.g. phasor measurement unit (PMU)) throughout all network buses, due to lack of telecommunication infrastructures or funds, has imposed problems and a growing concern toward the wide‐area FL problem with a limited number of measurement devices. In the most related researches, the optimal PMU placement problem for the FL and state estimation issues is separately studied. Also, the existence of occasional gross errors in the measurement set, due to cyber‐attacks and various telemetry noise or failure, can bring about the wrong results for the FL algorithms. In the presented study, a PMU placement scheme is proposed for achieving both state and FL observability. Furthermore, by utilising this scheme, a new FL algorithm capable of contemplating gross measurement errors has been proposed. Faulted lines have purposely assumed unknown. In addition, by employing the voltages positive‐sequence components, results have shown immunity in regards to fault type and resistance. Comprehensive numerical simulations on the IEEE 14‐bus, 57‐bus and 118‐bus test systems have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method and provided proof to this claim.
Topology and control strategy of power optimisation for photovoltaic arrays and inverters during partial shading
Authors: Hu Keyong , Li Wenjuan , Wang Lidong , Zhu Fangming , Shou Zhouxiang
Published: July 2017

In the outside environment, the partial shading on the photovoltaic (PV) arrays occurs frequently and the generated power of PV arrays is far lower than the rated power of inverters, thereby it will cause the total output power of PV system decline sharply. In this study, a flexible topology structure of PV power generation network, connecting PV arrays and inverters by the switching matrix is presented. Then, it introduces the working principle of topology structure and puts forward the corresponding multi‐population genetic algorithm to realise the group management of the multi‐objective control, so as to achieve the power matching optimisation between PV arrays and inverters during partial shading. Finally, the simulation and experiment show that the conversion efficiency of PV system used by the control strategy is much better than that of conventional distributed structure of PV power for the shade of PV arrays, and provide a new way for the effective use of solar energy.
Automatic facial flaw detection and retouching via discriminative structure tensor
Authors: Liu Xin , Xie Lu , Zhong Bineng , Du Ji‐Xiang , Peng Qinmu
Published: July 2017

Facial retouching has been increasingly applied in current social media and entertainment industries. In this study, the authors propose an efficient approach to automatically detect and retouch the facial flaws by using discriminative structure tensor. First, a non‐linear structure tensor associated with saliency model is exploited to discriminatively and automatically detect the significant facial flaws. Then, a Gaussian skin model is constructed in YCbCr space and the OSTU operation is simultaneously utilised to precisely mark the facial skin regions, in which the mouth, eyebrows and nostril parts are excluded. Subsequently, diverse structure tensor is employed to discriminatively adjust the inpainting priority and propose a structure tensor‐based inpainting algorithm to retouch the detected flaws. Without manual intervention, the extensive experiments have shown its effectiveness in marking the freckles, blemishes and moles in face images, and the retouching performance is visually pleasing in comparison with state‐of‐the‐art counterparts.
Compact UWB MIMO antenna for tridirectional pattern diversity characteristics
Authors: Roshna Thazhe Koralath , Deepak Unmimadhavan , Mohanan Pezholil
Published: July 2017

A compact planar ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna for multiple‐input–multiple‐output /diversity applications is proposed in this study. The proposed antenna consists of three staircase‐shaped radiating elements, and is fabricated on a single 45 mm × 25 mm substrate of dielectric constant 4.3 and thickness 1.588 mm. It offers a 2:1 voltage standing wave ratio impedance matching in the entire UWB band, as specified by the Federal Communications Commission. Spatial, polarisation and pattern diversities within the antenna elements ensure an average isolation of 25 dB throughout the operating band. Moreover, the antennas have directional radiation patterns with stable gain and favourable radiation efficiencies. Good pattern diversity with better transient responses, low envelope correlation coefficient and ample mean effective gain within the UWB band, are the attractive features of this antenna.
Modal analysis and excitation of wideband slot antennas
Authors: Wang Hanyang , Zhou Dawei , Xue Liang , Gao Steven , Xu Hang
Published: July 2017

An approach of modal analysis and excitation for wideband slot antennas has been presented, which is based on a concept of impedance matching between the excitation source and the slot modes. Wideband and multiband features of the slot antennas have been achieved by adjusting the frequency ratio between the modes of the slot antennas. A design example has been examined to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Improvement of on‐wafer measurement accuracy with RF signal detection technique at millimetre‐wave frequencies
Authors: Sakamaki Ryo , Horibe Masahiro
Published: July 2017

The study proposes an innovative method of improving calibration reproducibility in on‐wafer measurements. First, an uncertainty analysis was conducted on a measurement system. Based on the analysis results, the probe positional error in the X, Y, and Z axes was considered the dominant error factor. In the proposed calibration process, the positions of the contact probes are adjusted in relation to defined origin coordinates that establish the electrical centre of the thru standard. Standard deviations of the measurements of short, load, and thru devices were significantly decreased using the proposed calibration system, indicating significant improvement in the stability of the calibration process. The proposed method also demonstrated the improvement of calibration reproducibility in a 75 Ω mismatched line device, compared to calibrations using conventional processes. The proposed calibration process is expected to contribute to eliminating operator dependence due to variation in the probe position in on‐wafer measurements, and can potentially be applied to evaluations of a wide variety of planar circuits.
Turbulent transport coefficients in spherical wedge dynamo simulations of solar-like stars
Authors: Warnecke J. , Rheinhardt M. , Tuomisto S. , Käpylä P. J. , Käpylä M. J. , Brandenburg A.
Published: July 2017

Aims.We investigate dynamo action in global compressible solar-like convective dynamos in the framework of mean-field theory.

Methods.We simulate a solar-type star in a wedge-shaped spherical shell, where the interplay between convection and rotation self-consistently drives a large-scale dynamo. To analyze the dynamo mechanism we apply the test-field method for azimuthally (φ) averaged fields to determine the 27 turbulent transport coefficients of the electromotive force, of which six are related to theαtensor. This method has previously been used either in simulations in Cartesian coordinates or in the geodynamo context and is applied here for the first time to fully compressible simulations of solar-like dynamos.

Results.We find that theφφ-component of theαtensor does not follow the profile expected from that of kinetic helicity. The turbulent pumping velocities significantly alter the effective mean flows acting on the magnetic field and therefore challenge the flux transport dynamo concept. All coefficients are significantly affected by dynamically important magnetic fields. Quenching as well as enhancement are being observed. This leads to a modulation of the coefficients with the activity cycle. The temporal variations are found to be comparable to the time-averaged values and seem to be responsible for a nonlinear feedback on the magnetic field generation. Furthermore, we quantify the validity of the Parker-Yoshimura rule for the equatorward propagation of the mean magnetic field in the present case.
The Pellegrini–Stieda Lesion Dissected Historically
Authors: Somford Matthijs , Lorusso Lorenzo , Porro Alessandro , Loon Corné , Eygendaal Denise
Published: July 2017

The Pellegrini–Stieda lesion is a common finding on conventional X-rays. Whether it originates in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee or the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle or another structure remains under debate. We discuss the difference in the articles by Pellegrini and Stieda and follow the vision on the origin of the lesion through time. A systematic research in PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted, identifying all articles on the Pellegrini–Stieda lesion and analyzing them for proposed origin of the lesion. The articles with their conclusion based on either finding during surgery or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography were analyzed in more detail. Our PubMed/Medline search identified 4,997 articles. After exclusion of articles that were not on the Pellegrini–Stieda lesion and of doubles, 27 articles remained. By checking the references manually, 10 more articles were identified. Proposed origins were MCL, medial gastrocnemius, adductor magnus, vastus medialis, deep MCL, and superficial MCL. Although the MCL was most often coined as origin of the lesion (54% overall, 25% on MRI, and 57% during surgery), many cases remained undecided (50% on MRI) or no specific structure was found to be the origin (29% during surgery). There are diverse proposed origins of a calcification on the medial side of the knee. The eponymous term Pellegrini–Stieda lesion seems fitting, as it comprises two different thoughts on the origin of the lesion. MRI seems to be a noninvasive and quite accurate method for future research.
Relatively Loose Flexion Gap Improves Patient-Reported Clinical Scores in Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Takayama Koji , Muratsu Hirotsugu , Ishida Kazunari , Hashimoto Shingo , Hayashi Shinya , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: July 2017

Although appropriate soft tissue balancing is well recognized as essential procedure in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), poor relationship between intraoperative soft tissue balance and physician-reported clinical outcomes was reported. Since physician-derived scores are reported to be poorly related to patient-reported scores, patient-derived outcome scales have received a great deal of attention and have become increasingly important. Thus, it should be clarified whether intraoperative soft tissue balance influences patient-reported clinical outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intraoperative soft tissue balance and patient-reported clinical outcomes in TKA. A total of 35 TKAs were performed in patients with varus-type osteoarthritis, using the tibia first technique with a navigation system. Soft tissue balance (joint component gap and varus/valgus ligament balance) with femoral component placement and temporarily repaired patellofemoral joint were intraoperatively assessed with an offset-type tensor under 40 lb of joint distraction force. Measurements were performed at 0, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 degrees of knee flexion. Subjective clinical outcomes were assessed using the 2011 Knee Society score, which consists of objective knee indicators, patient satisfaction, patient expectations, and functional activities at the minimum 1-year follow-up. The relationship between each parameter in soft tissue balance and subjection clinical score was assessed using a simple linear regression model. Objective knee indicators, especially patient-reported symptoms, showed positive correlations with joint component gap difference of 90 to 0 and 120 to 0 degrees. Patient satisfaction and expectations also exhibited positive correlations with joint component gap difference of 90 to 0 and 120 to 0 degrees. There were no correlations among any parameters of soft tissue balance and functional activities. The other parameters, including varus/valgus ligament balance, showed no statistical correlations with clinical scores. In conclusion, intraoperative soft tissue balance influenced the postoperative clinical outcomes, where a relatively loose flexion gap resulted in higher scores for the parameters of pain, patient satisfaction, and patient expectations.