bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Kick Detection Using Real-Time Data Analysis With a Lumped Parameter Model
Authors: Ojinnaka M. A. , Beaman J. J. , Fish S.
Published: February 2017

The risk of kick and lost circulation at the wellbore open-hole increases with water depth due to narrow pressure margins. The safety of drilling operations and mitigation of risk to drilling personnel, equipment, and the environment hinges on the ability of the drilling crew to detect these undesirable events in their early stages and quickly bring the well under control. This paper presents an approach for the estimation of unobserved bottom-hole phenomena during drilling ahead operations by means of combining multiple surface measurements with predictions from a hydraulic model of the well. Bond graph technique is used to formulate a lumped-parameter hydraulic model of the drilling ahead process, the model is linearized, and an estimation method is applied to the proposed stochastic model. This methodology was tested offline with drilling ahead data from a well where a kick occurred and the results showed kick detection earlier than traditional methods allowed.
Digitally alloyed ZnO and TiO2 thin film thermistors by atomic layer deposition for uncooled microbolometer applications
Authors: T. Tilkioglu Bilge , Bolat Sami , Tanrikulu Mahmud Yusuf , Okyay Ali Kemal
Published: February 2017

The authors demonstrate the digital alloying of ZnO and TiO2 via atomic layer deposition method to be utilized as the active material of uncooled microbolometers. Depositions are carried out at 200 °C. Crystallinity of the material is shown to be degraded with the increase of the Ti content in the grown film. A maximum temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −5.96%/K is obtained with the films containing 12.2 at. % Ti, and the obtained TCR value is shown to be temperature insensitive in the 15–22 °C, thereby allowing a wide range of operation temperatures for the low cost microbolometers.
Normal modes of a defected linear system of beaded springs
Authors: Aghamohammadi Amir , Foulaadvand M. Ebrahim , Yaghoubi Mohammad Hassan , Mousavi Amir Hossein
Published: February 2017

A model of a one-dimensional mass-spring chain with mass or spring defects is investigated. With a mass defect, all oscillators except the central one have the same mass, and with a spring defect, all the springs except those connected to the central oscillator have the same stiffness constant. The motion is assumed to be one-dimensional and frictionless, and both ends of the chain are assumed to be fixed. The system vibrational modes are obtained analytically, and it is shown that if the defective mass is lighter than the others, then a high frequency mode appears in which the amplitudes decrease exponentially with the distance from the defect. In this sense, the mode is localized in space. If the defect mass is greater than the others, then there will be no localized mode and all modes are extended throughout the system. Analogously, for some values of the defective spring constant, there may be one or two localized modes. If the two defected spring constants are less than that of the others, there is no localized mode.
Why trains stay on tracks
Authors: Shayak B.
Published: February 2017

In this article, we give both qualitative and quantitative explanations of why a train stays on its track, in spite of perturbations that could cause it to derail. We show that train stability originates from the conical shape of the wheels, which gives rise to a restoring normal force in response to a lateral disturbance. We first demonstrate translational stabilization in a simple situation where the rails are assumed frictionless and the steering motion of the wheel is neglected. We then develop a more comprehensive model, taking friction and steering into account. We show that rolling friction couples the rotational motion to the translational motion, enhancing overall stability. Finally, we find approximate formulae for the parameters governing stability, and show good agreement with parameters of a real railway coach.
3D-printed eagle eye: Compound microlens system for foveated imaging
Authors: Thiele Simon , Arzenbacher Kathrin , Gissibl Timo , Giessen Harald , Herkommer Alois M.
Published: February 2017

A highly miniaturized vision system is realized by directly 3D-printing different multilens objectives onto a CMOS image sensor.
European gravitational wave detector falters
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2017

Fragile glass fibers hurt Virgo's chances to observe in 2017 with U.S. counterpart.
DNA damage is a pervasive cause of sequencing errors, directly confounding variant identification
Authors: Chen Lixin , Liu Pingfang , Evans Thomas C. , Ettwiller Laurence M.
Published: February 2017

When is a mutation a true genetic variant?

Large-scale sequencing studies have set out to determine the low-frequency pathogenic genetic variants in individuals and populations. However, Chen
et al.
demonstrate that many so-called low-frequency genetic variants in large public databases may be due to DNA damage. They scored libraries sequenced with and without a DNA damage–repairing enzymatic mix to assess the proportion of true rare variants. It remains to be seen how best to repair DNA before sequencing to provide more accurate assessments of mutation.

Science
, this issue p.
752
GTPase activity–coupled treadmilling of the bacterial tubulin FtsZ organizes septal cell wall synthesis
Authors: Yang Xinxing , Lyu Zhixin , Miguel Amanda , McQuillen Ryan , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Xiao Jie
Published: February 2017

Coordinating cell wall synthesis and cell division

Most bacteria are protected by peptidoglycan cell walls, which must be remodeled to split the cell. Cell division requires the tubulin homolog FtsZ, a highly conserved cytoskeletal polymer that specifies the future site of division. Bisson-Filho
et al.
and Yang
et al.
found that the dynamic treadmilling of FtsZ filaments controls both the location and activity of the associated cell wall synthetic enzymes. This creates discrete sites of cell wall synthesis that circle around the division plane to divide the cell.

Science
, this issue p.
739
, p.
744
Dwarf planet Ceres and the ingredients of life
Authors: Küppers Michael
Published: February 2017

The Dawn spacecraft finds evidence for organic material and water ice on Ceres
Data in public health
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: February 2017

In 1854, physician John Snow helped curtail a cholera outbreak in a London neighborhood by mapping cases and identifying a central public water pump as the potential source. This event is considered by many to represent the founding of modern epidemiology. Data and analysis play an increasingly important role in public health today. This can be illustrated by examining the rise in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), where data from varied sources highlight potential factors while ruling out others, such as childhood vaccines, facilitating wise policy choices.
Tuberculosis Outbreak in an Educational Institution in Norway
Authors: Norheim Gunnstein , Seterelv Siri , Arnesen Trude M. , Mengshoel Anne Torunn , Tønjum Tone , Rønning Janne O. , Eldholm Vegard
Published: February 2017

Within 1 week in April 2013, three cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were reported among students attending training sessions at an educational institution in Oslo, Norway. By the end of October 2013, a total of nine epidemiologically linked cases had been reported. The outbreak encompassed a total of 24 cases from 2009 to 2014, among which all of the 22
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates available had identical mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) profiles (MtbC15-9 code 10287-189) belonging to the Beijing lineage. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the
M. tuberculosis
isolates revealed 20 variable nucleotide positions within the cluster, indicating a clonal outbreak. The most likely index case was identified and diagnosed in Norway in 2009 but was born in Asia. WGS analyses verified that all of the cases were indeed part of a single transmission chain. However, even when combining WGS and intensified contact tracing, we were unable to fully reconstruct the TB transmission events.
Use of Multiplex Real-Time PCR To Diagnose Scrub Typhus
Authors: Tantibhedhyangkul Wiwit , Wongsawat Ekkarat , Silpasakorn Saowaluk , Waywa Duangdao , Saenyasiri Nuttawut , Suesuay Jintapa , Thipmontree Wilawan , Suputtamongkol Yupin
Published: February 2017

Scrub typhus, caused by
Orientia tsutsugamushi
, is a common cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in the Asia-Pacific region. However, its nonspecific clinical manifestation often prevents early diagnosis. We propose the use of PCR and serologic tests as diagnostic tools. Here, we developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay using hydrolysis (TaqMan) probes targeting
O. tsutsugamushi
47-kDa,
groEL
, and human interferon beta (IFN-β gene) genes to improve early diagnosis of scrub typhus. The amplification efficiency was higher than 94%, and the lower detection limit was 10 copies per reaction. We used a human gene as an internal DNA quality and quantity control. To determine the sensitivity of this PCR assay, we selected patients with confirmed scrub typhus who exhibited a clear 4-fold increase in the level of IgG and/or IgM. The PCR assay result was positive in 45 of 52 patients, indicating a sensitivity of 86.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.2 to 94.4). The PCR assessment was negative for all 136 non-scrub typhus patients, indicating a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 97.3 to 100). In addition, this test helped diagnose patients with inconclusive immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results and using single blood samples. In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay proposed here is sensitive and specific in diagnosing scrub typhus. Combining PCR and serologic tests will improve the diagnosis of scrub typhus among patients presenting with acute febrile illness.
Evaluation of Toxoplasma ELITe MGB Real-Time PCR Assay for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Robert-Gangneux Florence , Brenier-Pinchart Marie-Pierre , Yera Hélène , Belaz Sorya , Varlet-Marie Emmanuelle , Bastien Patrick
Published: February 2017

Molecular diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis or disseminated toxoplasmosis is based mainly on PCR. The repeated DNA element
rep529
has become the main DNA target used in most PCR methods, whether laboratory developed or commercial. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the
Toxoplasma
ELITe MGB (Elitech) commercial kit by comparison with three reference quantitative PCR assays (RAs) used routinely in three proficient laboratories of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis network, using
Toxoplasma
calibrated suspensions diluted to obtain a range of concentrations from 0.1 to 10,000 parasites/ml. These suspensions were extracted with either the DNA extraction kit (EXTRAblood; Elitech) recommended by the manufacturer or the QIAamp DNA minikit (Qiagen). The
Toxoplasma
ELITe MGB assay was also evaluated on a panel of 128 clinical samples, including 56 amniotic fluid samples, 55 placenta samples, and various other samples, of which 95 originated from patients with proven toxoplasmosis. The ELITe MGB assay amplified low-concentration replicates (<10 parasites/ml) of calibrated suspensions less frequently than the RAs of 2/3 laboratories. Additionally, the combination of EXTRAblood and
Toxoplasma
ELITe MGB yielded poorer sensitivity than the combination of QIAamp DNA minikit and ELITe MGB for low parasite concentrations (
P
< 0.001 for 1 parasite/ml). On clinical samples, the sensitivity and the specificity of the commercial assay were 89% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity ranged from 79% (placenta samples) to 100% (amniotic fluid samples). Overall, this study shows that the
Toxoplasma
ELITe MGB assay is suitable for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis from non-cell-rich or non-hemoglobin-rich samples and that the EXTRAblood kit is not optimal.
Human Herpesvirus 6A Exhibits Restrictive Propagation with Limited Activation of the Protein Kinase R-eIF2α Stress Pathway
Authors: Sharon Eyal , Frenkel Niza
Published: February 2017

The eIF2α protein plays a critical role in the regulation of translation. The production of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) during viral replication can activate protein kinase R (PKR), which phosphorylates eIF2α, leading to inhibition of the initial step of translation. Many viruses have evolved gene products targeting the PKR-eIF2a pathway, indicating its importance in antiviral defense. In the present study, we focused on alternations of PKR-eIF2a pathway during human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) infection while monitoring viral gene expression and infectious viral yields. We have found increased phosphorylated PKR as well as phosphorylated eIF2α coincident with accumulation of the late gp82-105 viral protein. The level of total PKR was relatively constant, but it decreased by 144 h postinfection. The phosphorylation of eIF2a led to a moderate increase in activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) accumulation, indicating moderate inhibition of protein translation during HHV-6A infection. The overexpression of PKR led to decreased viral propagation coincident with increased accumulation of phosphorylated PKR and phosphorylated eIF2a. Moreover, addition of a dominant negative PKR mutant resulted in a moderate increase in viral replication. HHV-6A exhibits relatively low efficiency of propagation of progeny virus secreted into the culture medium. This study suggests that the replicative strategy of HHV-6A involves a mild infection over a lengthy life cycle in culture, while preventing severe activation of the PKR-eIF2α pathway.

IMPORTANCE
Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and HHV-6B are common, widely prevalent viruses, causing from mild to severe disease. Our study focused on the PKR-eIF2α stress pathway, which limits viral replication. The HHV-6 genome carries multiple genes transcribed from the two strands, predicting accumulation of dsRNAs which can activate PKR and inhibition of protein synthesis. We report that HHV-6A induced the accumulation of phosphorylated PKR and phosphorylated eIF2α and a moderate increase of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), which is known to transcribe stress genes. Overexpression of PKR led to increased eIF2α phosphorylation and decreased viral replication, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative PKR mutant resulted in a moderate increase in viral replication. These results suggest that the HHV-6A replication strategy involves restricted activation of the PKR-eIF2α pathway, partial translation inhibition, and lower yields of infectious virus. In essence, HHV-6A limits its own replication due to the inability to bypass the eIF2α phosphorylation.
Low-Pathogenic Influenza A Viruses in North American Diving Ducks Contribute to the Emergence of a Novel Highly Pathogenic Influenza A(H7N8) Virus
Authors: Xu Yifei , Ramey Andrew M. , Bowman Andrew S. , DeLiberto Thomas J. , Killian Mary L. , Krauss Scott , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Torchetti Mia Kim , Reeves Andrew B. , Webby Richard J. , Stallknecht David E. , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: February 2017

Introductions of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of subtypes H5 and H7 into poultry from wild birds have the potential to mutate to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, but such viruses' origins are often unclear. In January 2016, a novel H7N8 HPAI virus caused an outbreak in turkeys in Indiana, USA. To determine the virus's origin, we sequenced the genomes of 441 wild-bird origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) from North America and subjected them to evolutionary analyses. The results showed that the H7N8 LPAI virus most likely circulated among diving ducks in the Mississippi flyway during autumn 2015 and was subsequently introduced to Indiana turkeys, in which it evolved high pathogenicity. Preceding the outbreak, an isolate with six gene segments (PB2, PB1, PA, HA, NA, and NS) sharing >99% sequence identity with those of H7N8 turkey isolates was recovered from a diving duck sampled in Kentucky, USA. H4N8 IAVs from other diving ducks possessed five H7N8-like gene segments (PB2, PB1, NA, MP, and NS; >98% sequence identity). Our findings suggest that viral gene constellations circulating among diving ducks can contribute to the emergence of IAVs that affect poultry. Therefore, diving ducks may serve an important and understudied role in the maintenance, diversification, and transmission of IAVs in the wild-bird reservoir.

IMPORTANCE
In January 2016, a novel H7N8 HPAI virus caused a disease outbreak in turkeys in Indiana, USA. To determine the origin of this virus, we sequenced and analyzed 441 wild-bird origin influenza virus strains isolated from wild birds inhabiting North America. We found that the H7N8 LPAI virus most likely circulated among diving ducks in the Mississippi flyway during autumn 2015 and was subsequently introduced to Indiana turkeys, in which it evolved high pathogenicity. Our results suggest that viral gene constellations circulating among diving ducks can contribute to the emergence of IAVs that affect poultry. Therefore, diving ducks may play an important and understudied role in the maintenance, diversification, and transmission of IAVs in the wild-bird reservoir. Our study also highlights the importance of a coordinated, systematic, and collaborative surveillance for IAVs in both poultry and wild-bird populations.
Effect of
tcdR
Mutation on Sporulation in the Epidemic Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Authors: Girinathan Brintha P. , Monot Marc , Boyle Daniel , McAllister Kathleen N. , Sorg Joseph A. , Dupuy Bruno , Govind Revathi
Published: February 2017

C. difficile
infects thousands of hospitalized patients every year, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
C. difficile
spores play a pivotal role in the transmission of the pathogen in the hospital environment. During infection, the spores germinate, and the vegetative bacterial cells produce toxins that damage host tissue. Thus, sporulation and toxin production are two important traits of
C. difficile
. In this study, we showed that a mutation in
tcdR
, the toxin gene regulator, affects both toxin production and sporulation in epidemic-type
C. difficile
strain R20291.
Coronary heart disease is associated with a worse clinical outcome of hand osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Courties Alice , Sellam Jérémie , Maheu Emmanuel , Cadet Christian , Barthe Yoann , Carrat Fabrice , Berenbaum Francis
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine whether cardiometabolic factors are associated with hand osteoarthritis (HOA) symptoms, radiographic severity and progression in a post hoc analysis of the phase III Strontium ranelate Efficacy in Knee OsteoarthrItis triAl (SEKOIA) trial, designed to determine the effect of strontium ranelate on knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Among the 1683 patients randomised in the SEKOIA study, 869 with radiographic HOA at baseline (rHOA≥2 joints with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2) were included in a cross-sectional analysis. For longitudinal study, we included only the 307 patients with rHOA at baseline from the placebo group. We evaluated whether baseline symptomatic HOA, radiographic severity and clinical and rHOA progression were associated with coronary heart disease and/or metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes and hypertension, dyslipidaemia) by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

At baseline, 869 patients (72% women) were included in the cross-sectional analysis; 26% were symptomatic. On multivariate analysis, symptomatic HOA was associated with coronary heart disease (OR 3.59, 95% CI (1.78 to 7.26)) but not metabolic diseases. After a mean follow-up of 2.6 years, for the 307 participants in the placebo group, on multivariate analysis, worse clinical HOA outcome was associated with coronary heart disease (OR 2.91, 95% CI (1.02 to 8.26)). The slow radiographic progression did not allow for revealing any associated factors.

Conclusions

Symptomatic HOA and worse HOA clinical course are associated with coronary heart disease. These results strengthen the systemic component of HOA and the association between OA pain and cardiac events.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN41323372.
Exercise timing and blood lactate concentrations in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heden Timothy D. , Liu Ying , Kanaley Jill A.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to characterize how resistance exercise prior to or after a meal alters fasting and postprandial blood lactate concentrations in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Obese individuals with type 2 diabetes (N = 12) completed three 2-day trials, including (i) no exercise (NoEx), (ii) resistance exercise prior to dinner (Ex-M), and (iii) resistance exercise beginning at 45 min postdinner (M-Ex). During day 1 of each trial, fasting and postprandial blood lactate concentrations, perceived exertion, and substrate oxidation were measured, and subsequently on day 2 the following morning fasting blood lactate was measured. The premeal lactate incremental area under the curve (iAUC) during Ex-M (109 ± 66 mmol·L−1·1.6 h−1) was over 100-fold greater (P < 0.01) compared with NoEx (−15 ± 24 mmol·L−1·1.6 h−1) and M-Ex (−2 ± 18 mmol·L−1·1.6 h−1). The postprandial lactate iAUC during M-Ex (304 ± 116 mmol·L−1·4 h−1) was over 2-fold greater (P < 0.01) compared with NoEx (149 ± 74 mmol·L−1·4 h−1) and Ex-M (−140 ± 196 mmol·L−1·4 h−1). Average lactate during exercise was ∼45% greater (P = 0.03) during M-Ex (3.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L) compared with Ex-M (2.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L), but the change in lactate during Ex-M (2.4 ± 1.6 mmol/L) or M-Ex (2.3 ± 1.3 mmol/L) was not different (P > 0.05). Perceived exertion, substrate oxidation, or fasting blood lactate concentrations the day after testing were not different between trials. Blood lactate concentrations during acute resistance exercise are greater when exercise is performed in the postprandial period. Acute resistance exercise performed the night prior does not alter fasting blood lactate concentrations the following morning.
Looking for quark saturation in proton and nuclei
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Rong , Ruan Jianhong
Published: February 2017

The quark saturation behavior at low [Formula: see text] is shown in a numeric solution of the DGLAP equation with parton recombination corrections, which resembles the widely discussed JIMWLK saturation of gluons. Our calculation suggests that the partonic saturation can be interpreted as a dynamical balance between the splitting and the fusion processes of partons, without any other condensation mechanisms added. The nuclear shadowing saturation at small [Formula: see text] resulted from the proposed quark saturation is also discussed.
MATHEMATICAL STUDY OF IN-HOST DYNAMICS OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: PODDER CHANDRA N. , SHAHED SYEDA ELHAM , SHAROMI OLUWASEUN , BHOWMIK SAMIR K.
Published: February 2017

A new deterministic model for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) in vivo, which incorporates the cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, is designed and analyzed. The analyses of the model reveal that it has a globally-asymptotically stable (GAS) virus-free equilibrium (VFE) whenever the associated reproduction threshold is less than unity. Also, it has at least one virus-present equilibrium (VPE) when the reproduction threshold exceeds unity (and virus will persist in vivo under this condition). Furthermore, it is shown that a Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) vaccine will be effective in reducing HSV-2 burden in vivo if it reduces the ability of the virus without glycoprotein C (gC) to bind to the host cell or if it reduces the re-activation rate of latent HSV-2. Additionally, the vaccine will also be very effective if it results in an increase in the fraction of the re-activated latent viruses without gC. Numerical simulations of the model show that cell-mediated immune response is more effective (in controlling HSV-2 burden in vivo) than humoral immune response (the latter only offers marginal impact in reducing HSV-2 burden in vivo, except if its effectiveness level is very high). Thus, a future HSV-2 vaccine that boosts cell-mediated immune response is expected to be quite effective in controlling HSV-2 in vivo.
Functional Outcomes of Antegrade Homodigital Neurovascular Island Flaps for Fingertip Amputation
Authors: Lok Lin-Wing , Chan Wing-Leung , Lau Yan-Kit
Published: February 2017

Background: Fingertip amputations can be debilitating and challenging to treat, due to the need for both function and cosmesis. We studied the functional outcomes of patients receiving an antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap for fingertip amputations.

Methods: From 2004 to 2013, we performed 13 cases of antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps. Functional outcomes were studied. Four had Allen Zone II and nine had Zone III injuries. Seven were performed as secondary surgery. The mean followup period was 36 weeks.

Results: All the flaps survived. Ten of 11 had less than or equal to 6 mm two-point discrimination. Five patients were noted to have mild flexion contracture at distal interphalangeal joints ranging from 5 to 10 degrees. There were three cases with nail deformity, three with fingertip hypersensitivity and four with cold intolerance. For patients injured on duty, the mean duration of sick leave taken was 18.5 weeks.

Conclusions: With careful patient selection, the antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap is a reliable means of restoring the function of the fingertip after amputation injury with significant tissue loss. Flap survival, sensibility and mobile adjacent joint can be expected, even when performed as a secondary surgery and for patients with work-related injuries.
Trigonometry-Integrated ‘Lift’ Technique (TILT) for Restoring Volar Tilt in Distal Radius Fractures: Description of Technique and Preliminary Results
Authors: Sechachalam Sreedharan , Satku Mala , Wong Jian Hao Kevin , Tan Lester Teong Jin , Yong Fok Chuan
Published: February 2017

Background: Restoration of extra-articular and intra-articular parameters are important considerations during operative fixation of distal radius fractures. Restoration of volar tilt by using visual estimation and the ‘lift’ technique has previously been described. The aim of our study was to describe a mathematical technique for accurately restoring the volar tilt of the distal radius to acceptable anatomic values.

Methods: A retrospective review of cases performed using the trigonometry-integrated ‘ lift’ technique (TILT) was performed. This technique uses the pre-operative volar tilt angle as well as the dimensions of the implant to calculate the ‘lift’ required to restore volar tilt. Intra-operative angles were measured using a marked transparency overlay on fluoroscopic images. Pre-operative and post-operative volar tilt were measured and analysed.

Results: Twenty-seven fractures were included in the study, with 20 being classified as Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) C-type. Pre-‘lift’ volar tilt ranged from 0° to -20°. Post-‘lift’ volar tilt ranged from 2° to 16°, with all but three cases ranging from 5° to 15°. The mean volar tilt achieved was 10.2°.

Conclusions: The trigonometry-integrated ‘lift’ technique resulted in reliable intra-operative restoration of anatomic volar tilt in distal radius fractures.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Different Knots Tied on Fibrewire Suture
Authors: Jiang Jackson , Mat Jais Ita Suzana , Yam Andrew Kean Tuck , McGrouther Duncan Angus , Tay Shian Chao
Published: February 2017

Background: Synthetic sutures such as Fiberwire used in flexor tendon repairs have high tensile strength. Proper application allows early mobilisation, decreasing morbidity from repair rupture and adhesions while preserving range of motion. Suture stiffness can cause poorer knot holding, contributing to gapping, peritendinous adhesions or rupture. Previous studies recommended more throws in knots tied on Fiberwire to prevent knot slippage. These larger knots are voluminous and prominent. In tendon repairs they can cause “catching”, increase friction and work of flexion. Other studies advocated certain complicated knots as being more secure. We evaluated several knots and their biomechanical properties with the aim of finding a compact knot with less potential for slippage to maximise strength potential of flexor tendon repairs using Fiberwire.

Methods: A series of different knots tied on Fiberwire 4-0 sutures were pulled to failure on a mechanical tester. Mean tensile strengths, knot volumes and tensile strength to knot volume ratios were compared.

Results: Tensile strengths and knot volume increased with more throws and loops. Four variations of the square knot (the 4=4=1, 2=2=2=2, 1=1=1=1=1, 2=1=1=1=1 knots) had tensile strengths greater than 35N. The specialised anti-slip knot had highest tensile strength and suture volume but lower strength-to-volume ratio.

Conclusions: The anti-slip knot had highest tensile strength but it also had the highest volume. The greater strength of repair may not translate into improved clinical outcome. The 1=1=1=1=1 knot has superior knot strength-to-volume ratio with good knot strength adequate for early active mobilisation in flexor tendon repairs.
Dynamic Ulnar Drift of Single Digit by an Anomalous Accessory Extensor Tendon
Authors: Smith James R.A. , Amirfeyz Rouin
Published: February 2017

Descriptions of multiple extensor slips and accessory extensor tendons of the hand are extensively published in the contemporary literature. Despite their varied anatomy, accessory tendons seldom have a functional implication for the patient. We report a case detailing a previously undescribed accessory extensor tendon of the hand, which resulted unusually in an aberration in the mechanics of a single digit. This was explored and corrected surgically, resulting in an excellent outcome for the patient.
The investigation of electrical properties and microstructure of ZnO-doped Ba0.9Sr0.1TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Liu Gang , Jiang Wentao , Jiao Jingyong , Liu Li , Wang Ziyang , Cai Jing , Luo Wenting , Song Chunlin
Published: February 2017

Ba[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]TiO3 ceramics with or without ZnO have been prepared by traditional solid state reaction method. The XRD analysis showed that the doped Zn[Formula: see text] ions diffused into the BST crystal lattice, resulting in the variation of dielectric properties. Especially the dielectric constant at Curie point decreased with doping ZnO content when it is lower than 0.5[Formula: see text]mol%. Due to the promotion of sintering, doping ZnO can enhance the density of ceramics but increase grain size. However, ZnO is a kind of semiconductor and can lead to the decrease in electrical breakdown strength value.
Continuous-flow, electrically-triggered, single cell-level electroporation
Authors: Zheng Mingde , Sherba Joseph J. , Shan Jerry W. , Lin Hao , Shreiber David I. , Zahn Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2017

Electroporation creates transient openings in the cell membrane, allowing for intracellular delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic substances. The degree of cell membrane permeability during electroporation plays a key role in regulating the size of the delivery payload as well as the overall cell viability. A microfluidic platform offers the ability to electroporate single cells with impedance detection of membrane permeabilization in a high-throughput, continuous-flow manner. We have developed a flow-based electroporation microdevice that automatically detects, electroporates, and monitors individual cells for changes in permeability and delivery. We are able to achieve the advantages of electrical monitoring of cell permeabilization, heretofore only achieved with trapped or static cells, while processing the cells in a continuous-flow environment. We demonstrate the analysis of membrane permeabilization on individual cells before and after electroporation in a continuous-flow environment, which dramatically increases throughput. We have confirmed cell membrane permeabilization by electrically measuring the changes in cell impedance from electroporation and by optically measuring the intracellular delivery of a fluorescent probe after systematically varying the electric field strength and duration and correlating the pulse parameters to cell viability. We find a dramatic change in cell impedance and propidium iodide (PI) uptake at a pulse strength threshold of 0.87 kV/cm applied for a duration of 1 ms or longer. The overall cell viability was found to vary in a dose dependent manner with lower viability observed with increasing electric field strength and pulse duration. Cell viability was greater than 83% for all cases except for the most aggressive pulse condition (1[Formula: see text]kV/cm for 5[Formula: see text]ms), where the viability dropped to 67.1%. These studies can assist in determining critical permeabilization and molecular delivery parameters while preserving viability.
GamifIR 2016
Authors: Meder Michael , Hopfgartner Frank , Kazai Gabriella , Kruschwitz Udo
Published: February 2017

The third workshop on Gamification for Information Retrieval (GamifIR) took place on the 21th of July 2016 in conjunction with SIGIR 2016 in Pisa, Italy. It was the first GamifIR held in conjunction with the SIGIR, the first and second GamifIR workshops were both colocated with ECIR. The workshop program included one invited keynote presentation, seven paper presentations and a discussion session. The keynote presentation stated the necessity of proper theory for gamification design and resulting opportunities. The paper presentation covered studies on diverse areas and approaches for the application of gamification.
Report on the SIGIR 2016 Workshop on Medical Information Retrieval (MedIR)
Authors: Goeuriot Lorraine , Bedrick Steven , Jones Gareth J.F. , Krithara Anastasia , Müller Henning , Paliouras George
Published: February 2017

The workshop on Medical Information Retrieval took place at SIGIR 2016 in Pisa, Italy on July 21. The workshop programme included seven oral presentations of refereed papers, four posters and an invited keynote presentation. This allowed time for lively discussions among the 27 participants. These made clear the significant and diverse challenges in the area of medical information retrieval and the significant interest in developing mechanisms to go about tackling them. Successfully addressing them will give added value to the wide variety of users that can profit from medical information search, including patients, general health professionals and specialist groups such as radiologists who mainly search for images and image-related information.
Moment-Curvature Behaviors of Concrete Beams Singly Reinforced by Steel-FRP Composite Bars
Authors: Sun Zeyang , Yang Yang , Yan Wenlong , Wu Gang , He Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2017

A steel-fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bar (SFCB) is a kind of rebar with inner steel bar wrapped by FRP, which can achieve a better anticorrosion performance than that of ordinary steel bar. The high ultimate strength of FRP can also provide a significant increase in load bearing capacity. Based on the adequate simulation of the load-displacement behaviors of concrete beams reinforced by SFCBs, a parametric analysis of the moment-curvature behaviors of concrete beams that are singly reinforced by SFCB was conducted. The critical reinforcement ratio for differentiating the beam’s failure mode was presented, and the concept of the maximum possible peak curvature (MPPC) was proposed. After the ultimate curvature reached MPPC, it decreased with an increase in the postyield stiffness ratio (rsf), and the theoretical calculation method about the curvatures before and after the MPPC was derived. The influence of the reinforcement ratio, effective depth, and FRP ultimate strain on the ultimate point was studied by the dimensionless moment and curvature. By calculating the envelope area under the moment-curvature curve, the energy ductility index can obtain a balance between the bearing capacity and the deformation ability. This paper can provide a reference for the design of concrete beams that are reinforced by SFCB or hybrid steel bar/FRP bar.
Research on Optimization of Pooling System and Its Application in Drug Supply Chain Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Wu DengFeng , Mao Hongyi
Published: February 2017

Reform of drug procurement is being extensively implemented and expanded in China, especially in today’s big data environment. However, the pattern of supply mode innovation lags behind procurement improvement. Problems in financial strain and supply break frequently occur, which affect the stability of drug supply. Drug Pooling System is proposed and applied in a few pilot cities to resolve these problems. From the perspective of supply chain, this study analyzes the process of setting important parameters and sets out the tasks of involved parties in a pooling system according to the issues identified in the pilot run. The approach is based on big data analysis and simulation using system dynamic theory and modeling of Vensim software to optimize system performance. This study proposes a theoretical framework to resolve problems and attempts to provide a valuable reference for future application of pooling systems.
Edge Detection in UAV Remote Sensing Images Using the Method Integrating Zernike Moments with Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Huang Liang , Yu Xueqin , Zuo Xiaoqing
Published: February 2017

Due to the unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing images (UAVRSI) within rich texture details of ground objects and obvious phenomenon, the same objects with different spectra, it is difficult to effectively acquire the edge information using traditional edge detection operator. To solve this problem, an edge detection method of UAVRSI by combining Zernike moments with clustering algorithms is proposed in this study. To begin with, two typical clustering algorithms, namely, fuzzy c-means (FCM) and K-means algorithms, are used to cluster the original remote sensing images so as to form homogeneous regions in ground objects. Then, Zernike moments are applied to carry out edge detection on the remote sensing images clustered. Finally, visual comparison and sensitivity methods are adopted to evaluate the accuracy of the edge information detected. Afterwards, two groups of experimental data are selected to verify the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method effectively improves the accuracy of edge information extracted from remote sensing images.
Electromagnetic, Morphological, and Electrical Characterization of POMA/Carbon Nanotubes-Based Composites
Authors: Pinto Simone de Souza , Rezende Mirabel Cerqueira
Published: February 2017

This study involves the preparation of conducting composites based on poly(o-methoxyaniline) (POMA) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the evaluation of them as radar absorbing materials (RAM), in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz (X-band). The composites were obtained by synthesis in situ of POMA in the presence of CNT (0.1 and 0.5 wt% in relation to the o-methoxyaniline monomer). The resulting samples—POMA/CNT-0.1 wt% and POMA/CNT-0.5 wt%—were incorporated in an epoxy resin matrix in the proportion of 1 and 10 wt%. FT-IR analyses show that the POMA was successfully synthesized on the CNT surface. SEM analyses show that the synthesized POMA recovered all CNT surface. Electrical conductivity measurements show that the CNT contributed to increase the conductivity of POMA/CNT composites (1.5–6.7 S·cm−1) in relation to the neat POMA (5.4 × 10−1 S·cm−1). The electromagnetic characterization involved the measurements of complex parameters of electrical permittivity (ε) and magnetic permeability (µ), using a waveguide in the X-band. From these experimental data reflection loss (RL) simulations were performed for specimens with different thicknesses. The complex parameters show that the CNT in the composites increased ε and µ. These results are attributed to the CNT network formation into the composites. Simulated RL curves of neat POMA and POMA/CNT in epoxy resin show the preponderant influence of POMA on all RL curves. This behavior is attributed to the efficient CNT recovering by POMA. RL results show that the composite based on 10 wt% of POMA/CNT-0.5 wt% in epoxy resin (9 mm thickness) presents the best RL results (≈87% of attenuation at 12.4 GHz).
Nonpharmacological Interventions in Targeting Pain-Related Brain Plasticity
Authors: Tajerian Maral , Clark J. David
Published: February 2017

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition that is frequently associated with multiple comorbid psychiatric conditions and functional, biochemical, and anatomical alterations in various brain centers. Due to its widespread and diverse manifestations, chronic pain is often resistant to classical pharmacological treatment paradigms, prompting the search for alternative treatment approaches that are safe and efficacious. The current review will focus on the following themes: attentional and cognitive interventions, the role of global environmental factors, and the effects of exercise and physical rehabilitation in both chronic pain patients and preclinical pain models. The manuscript will discuss not only the analgesic efficacy of these therapies, but also their ability to reverse pain-related brain neuroplasticity. Finally, we will discuss the potential mechanisms of action for each of the interventions.
Dynamic Behavior of Clay-Aggregate Mixtures
Authors: Fei Kang , Xu Jinxin
Published: February 2017

Clay-aggregate mixtures are frequently used in engineering practice. To improve the understanding of the effects of coarse particles on the dynamic behavior of clay-aggregate mixtures, series of stress controlled cyclic triaxial tests were performed on clay specimens with various glass bead contents. The results show that the initial shear modulus of clay-aggregate mixtures increased with the increase of the coarse aggregate content and the confining stress. At the confining stress of 100, 200, and 400 kPa, the addition of 32% coarse particles caused an increase in the initial shear modulus of 117%, 110%, and 67%, respectively. Moreover, the normalized shear modulus decreased and damping ratio increased with the coarse aggregate content, and the influence of the confining stress on the strain-dependent dynamic properties was negligible. The specimen with a higher coarse aggregate content was observed to have larger cyclic shear strength and smaller excess pore water pressure, but the effects of the coarse aggregate content became less pronounced under large cyclic stresses.
Mutagenic and Cytotoxicity LQB 123 Profile: Safety and Tripanocidal Effect of a Phenyl-t-Butylnitrone Derivative
Authors: Cupello Mauricio Peixoto , Saraiva Francis Monique , Ippolito Pedro , Fernandes Andréia da Silva , Menna-Barreto Rubem Figueiredo Sadoko , Costa Debora de Sousa dos Santos , Paula Jessica Isis Oliveira , Costa Paulo Roberto Ribeiro , Nogueira Natália Pereira , Felzenswalb Israel , Dias Ayres Guimarães , Paes Marcia Cristina
Published: February 2017

The therapeutic options for Chagas disease are limited and its treatment presents a number of drawbacks including toxicity, drug resistance, and insufficient effectiveness against the chronic stage of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutical options are mandatory. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of a phenyl-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) derivate, LQB 123, againstTrypanosoma cruziforms. LQB 123 presented a trypanocidal effect against bloodstream trypomastigotes (IC50=259.4±6.1 μM) and intracellular amastigotes infecting peritoneal macrophages (IC50=188.2±47.5 μM), with no harmful effects upon the mammalian cells (CC50values greater than 4 mM), resulting in a high selectivity index (CC50/IC50> 20). Additionally, metacyclic trypomastigotes submitted to LQB 123 presented an IC50of about191.8±10.5 μM and epimastigotes forms incubated with different concentrations of LQB 123 presented an inhibition of parasite growth with an IC50of255.1±3.6 μM. Finally, we investigated the mutagenic potential of the nitrone by theSalmonella/microsome assay and observed no induction of mutagenicity even in concentrations as high as 33000 μM. Taken together, these results present a nonmutagenic compound, with trypanocidal activity against all relevant forms ofT. cruzi, offering new insights into CD treatment suggesting additional in vivo tests.
Performance Evaluation of Distributed Mobility Management Protocols: Limitations and Solutions for Future Mobile Networks
Authors: Carmona-Murillo J. , Soto I. , Rodríguez-Pérez F. J. , Cortés-Polo D. , González-Sánchez J. L.
Published: February 2017

Mobile Internet data traffic has experienced an exponential growth over the last few years due to the rise of demanding multimedia content and the increasing number of mobile devices. Seamless mobility support at the IP level is envisioned as a key architectural requirement in order to deal with the ever-increasing demand for data and to efficiently utilize a plethora of different wireless access networks. Current efforts from both industry and academia aim to evolve the mobility management protocols towards a more distributed operation to tackle shortcomings of fully centralized approaches. However, distributed solutions face several challenges that can result in lower performance which might affect real-time and multimedia applications. In this paper, we conduct an analytical and simulated evaluation of the main centralized and proposed Distributed Mobility Management (DMM) solutions. Our results show that, in some scenarios, when users move at high speed and/or when the mobile node is running long-lasting applications, the DMM approaches incur high signaling cost and long handover latency.
A Comparative Frequency Analysis of Maximum Daily Rainfall for a SE Asian Region under Current and Future Climate Conditions
Authors: Daksiya Velautham , Mandapaka Pradeep , Lo Edmond Y. M.
Published: February 2017

The impact of changing climate on the frequency of daily rainfall extremes in Jakarta, Indonesia, is analysed and quantified. The study used three different models to assess the changes in rainfall characteristics. The first method involves the use of the weather generator LARS-WG to quantify changes between historical and future daily rainfall maxima. The second approach consists of statistically downscaling general circulation model (GCM) output based on historical empirical relationships between GCM output and station rainfall. Lastly, the study employed recent statistically downscaled global gridded rainfall projections to characterize climate change impact rainfall structure. Both annual and seasonal rainfall extremes are studied. The results show significant changes in annual maximum daily rainfall, with an average increase as high as 20% in the 100-year return period daily rainfall. The uncertainty arising from the use of different GCMs was found to be much larger than the uncertainty from the emission scenarios. Furthermore, the annual and wet seasonal analyses exhibit similar behaviors with increased future rainfall, but the dry season is not consistent across the models. The GCM uncertainty is larger in the dry season compared to annual and wet season.