bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of pacemaker longevity on expected device replacement rates: Results from computer simulations based on a multicenter registry (ESSENTIAL)
Authors: Boriani Giuseppe , Bertini Matteo , Saporito Davide , Belotti Giuseppina , Quartieri Fabio , Tomasi Corrado , Pucci Angelo , Boggian Giulio , Mazzocca Gian Franco , Giorgi Davide , Diotallevi Paolo , Sassone Biagio , Grassini Diego , Gargaro Alessio , Biffi Mauro ,   on the behalf of ESSENTIAL Investigators
Published: June 2018

Background

The rate of device replacement in pacemaker recipients has not been investigated in detail.

Hypothesis

Current pacemakers with automatic management of atrial and ventricular pacing output provide sufficient longevity to minimize replacement rate.

Methods

We considered a cohort of 542 pacemaker patients (age 78 ± 9 years, 60% male, 71% de‐novo implants) and combined 1‐month projected device longevity with survival data and late complication rate in a 3‐state Markov model tested in several Monte Carlo computer simulations. Predetermined subgroups were: age < or ≥ 70; gender; primary indication to cardiac pacing.

Results

At the 1‐month follow‐up the reported projected device longevity was 153 ± 45 months. With these values the proportion of patients expected to undergo a device replacement due to battery depletion was higher in patients aged <70 (49.9%, range 32.1%‐61.9%) than in age ≥70 (24.5%, range 19.9%‐28.8%); in women (39.9%, range 30.8%‐48.1%) than in men (32.0%, range 24.7%‐37.5%); in sinus node dysfunction (41.5%, range 30.2%‐53.0%) than in atrio‐ventricular block (33.5%, range 27.1‐38.8%) or atrial fibrillation with bradycardia (27.9%, range 18.5%‐37.0%). The expected replacement rate was inversely related to the assumed device longevity and depended on age class: a 50% increase in battery longevity implied a 5% reduction of replacement rates in patients aged ≥80.

Conclusions

With current device technology 1/4 of pacemaker recipients aged ≥70 are expected to receive a second device in their life. Replacement rate depends on age, gender, and primary indication owing to differences in patients' survival expectancy. Additional improvements in device service time may modestly impact expected replacement rates especially in patients ≥80 years.
Screening of seized cocaine samples using electrophoresis microchips with integrated contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Moreira Roger Cardoso , Costa Brenda M. C. , Marra Mariana C. , Santana Mario H. P. , Maldaner Adriano O. , Botelho Élvio D. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Richter Eduardo Mathias , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: June 2018

This study describes the development of a new analytical method for the separation and detection of cocaine (COC) and its adulterants, or cutting agents, using microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices coupled with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). All the experiments were carried out using a glass commercial ME device containing two pairs of integrated sensing electrodes. The running buffer composed of 20 mmol/L amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl) propane‐1,3‐diol and 10 mmol/L 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acid provided the best separation conditions for COC and its adulterants with baseline resolution (R > 1.6), separation efficiencies ranging from (2.9 ± 0.1) to (3.2 ± 0.2) × 105 plates/m, and estimated LOD values between 40 and 150 μmol/L. The quantification of COC was successfully performed in four samples seized by the Brazilian Federal Police Department and all predicted values agree with values estimated by the reference method. Some other interfering species were detected in the seized samples during the screening procedure on ME–C4D devices. While lidocaine was detected in sample 3, the presence of levamisole was observed in samples 2 and 4. However, their concentrations were estimated to be below the LOQ. ME–C4D devices have proved to be quite efficient for the identification and quantification of COC with errors lower than 10% when compared to the data obtained by a reference method. The approach herein reported offers great potential to be used for on‐site COC screening in seized samples.
Techno‐economic Analysis of a Stand‐alone Hybrid Wind/Fuel Cell Microgrid System: A Case Study in Kouhin Region in Qazvin
Authors: Amirkhalili S. A. , Zahedi A. R.
Published: June 2018

The decrease of fossil energy resources and the increasing amount greenhouse gas necessitate the needs of clean sources of energy. One renewable energy source is wind power which has been developing in recent years. Unfortunately, it can happen that no wind power is available during peak hours. In this case, a storage system, charged with backup power, is required. In this study, a hybrid system is presented for a wind farm to provide a reliable power supply and offer, in addition, valuable by‐products. The presented hybrid system consists of four main components: a wind turbine, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell. In this paper, the case study for the system was done in Kouhin area of Qazvin province. The technical and economic optimization of the system suggested that in the best scenario (consisting of 3 wind turbines), the annual energy production of the hybrid system would be 2,268,072 kWh, with 9.41% provided by the fuel cell. The results show that the hybrid system would lead to a 10.8% increase in wind power capacity factor. The calculated energy costs and the net present cost for the optimum hybrid system are 0.7599 cent per kilowatt‐hour and 5,235,066 USD.
Nafion/IL Intermediate Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes Improved by Mesoporous Hollow Silica Spheres
Authors: Zhang Y. , Xue R. , Zhong Y. , Jiang F. , Hu M. , Yu Q.
Published: June 2018

A novel polyelectrolyte composite membrane was designed and prepared for intermediate temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It was composed of perfluorosulfonic acid resin (Nafion®), protic ionic liquid (IL, [dema][TfO]) and mesoporous hollow silica spheres (MHSi). The morphologies of MHSi and Nafion‐based composite membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of MHSi on proton conductivity of the composite membranes versus relative humidity (RH) and temperature (100–140 °C) were investigated. The results indicated, that the Nafion/IL/MHSi composite membranes exhibited excellent proton conductivity even under 30% RH or high temperature (above 100 °C). A high proton conductivity (5.41 mS cm−1) of the composite membrane at 30 °C and 30% RH can be observed from the test result, which was five times higher than that of the pristine Nafion. The N‐IL‐12S composite membrane showed an outstanding proton conductivity, as far as 14.7 mS cm−1 under 140 °C and low RH, which was almost two orders higher than that of the pristine Nafion membrane. Moreover, the unique hollow and mesoporous structure of MHSi improved IL retention rate of the membrane evidently. Together with high thermal stability of the composite membrane confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the Nafion/IL composite membrane improved by MHSi is a potential candidate in intermediate temperature PEMFC.
Thinner retinal layers are associated with changes in the visual pathway: A population‐based study
Authors: Mutlu Unal , Ikram Mohammad K. , Roshchupkin Gennady V. , Bonnemaijer Pieter W. M. , Colijn Johanna M. , Vingerling Johannes R. , Niessen Wiro J. , Ikram Mohammad A. , Klaver Caroline C. W. , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: June 2018

Increasing evidence shows that thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL), assessed on optical coherence tomography (OCT), are reflecting global brain atrophy. Yet, little is known on the relation of these layers with specific brain regions. Using voxel‐based analysis, we aimed to unravel specific brain regions associated with these retinal layers. We included 2,235 persons (mean age: 67.3 years, 55% women) from the Rotterdam Study (2007–2012) who had gradable retinal OCT images and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including diffusion tensor (DT) imaging. Thicknesses of peripapillary RNFL and perimacular GCL were measured using an automated segmentation algorithm. Voxel‐based morphometry protocols were applied to process DT‐MRI data. We investigated the association between retinal layer thickness with voxel‐wise gray matter density and white matter microstructure by performing linear regression models. We found that thinner RNFL and GCL were associated with lower gray matter density in the visual cortex, and with lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity in white matter tracts that are part of the optic radiation. Furthermore, thinner GCL was associated with lower gray matter density of the thalamus. Thinner RNFL and GCL are associated with gray and white matter changes in the visual pathway suggesting that retinal thinning on OCT may be specifically associated with changes in the visual pathway rather than with changes in the global brain. These findings may serve as a basis for understanding visual symptoms in elderly patients, patients with Alzheimer's disease, or patients with posterior cortical atrophy.
Effect of statin use on oncologic outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lebo Nicole L. , Griffiths Rebecca , Hall Stephen , Dimitroulakos Jim , Johnson‐Obaseki Stephanie
Published: June 2018

Background

Preclinical and early‐phase clinical studies have suggested an oncoprotective role of statins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of this study was to determine whether incidental statin use in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative HNSCC is predictive of improved oncologic outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 1194 patients from the Ontario Cancer Registry diagnosed with HNSCC from 2007 to 2012 was performed using linked databases from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were compared between patients taking statins and controls.

Results

Patients with statin exposure demonstrated improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.758; P = .0011; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.642‐0.896), and DSS (HR 0.693; P = .0040; 95% CI 0.539‐0.889) compared with those not on statins at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Incidental statin use at the time of diagnosis of HPV‐negative squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx demonstrated improved OS and DSS.
Visualization of nerve fibers around the carotid bifurcation with use of a 9.4 Tesla microscopic magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging with tractography
Authors: Saito Shin , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Fujioka Masato , Hikishima Keigo , Hata Junichi , Kurihara Sho , Okano Hirotaka James , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: June 2018

Background

Precise imaging of nerves have been challenging in the head and neck region, mainly due to low spatial resolution. Here, we investigated how nerves in the head and neck region could be visualized using an ultra‐high magnetic field MR system.

Methods

We used formol‐carbol‐fixed human cadaveric necks and obtained MR diffusion tensor images (DTIs) using a 9.4 Tesla (T) ultra‐high magnetic field MR system. Afterward, we prepared tissue sections and checked the anatomic relationships between the neurons and the carotid artery in order to confirm that the visualized fibers are indeed neuron fibers.

Results

We were able to identify nerves, including the vagus nerve, the hypoglossal nerve, and the spinal‐accessory nerve. Hematoxylin‐eosin stained histological sections confirmed neuron fibers in the same anatomic position.

Conclusion

This technique has the feasibility to be applied for a more accurate anatomic understanding, maybe even close to a histological level.
Association of E‐cadherin methylation with risk of nasopharyngeal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Cheng , Peng Shan , Sun Wei , Luo Min , Su Beibei , Liu Dongbo , Hu Guoqing
Published: June 2018

Background

Various studies have assessed the association between E‐cadherin methylation and risk of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) but the conclusion remains unclear. This meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of E‐cadherin methylation on the incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of NPC.

Methods

Ten studies published up to June 30, 2016, were collected. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and summarized, respectively.

Results

The E‐cadherin methylation in NPC was significantly higher than those in normal groups (OR 16.23; 95% CI 8.34‐31.60; P < .001). Ethnicity‐stratified analysis indicated that E‐cadherin methylation was strongly correlated with NPC among both Asians (OR 16.98; 95% CI 8.45‐34.14; P < .001) and North Africans (OR 10.67; 95% CI 1.21‐93.72; P = .033). However, further analysis showed that E‐cadherin methylation was not strongly associated with clinicopathological feathers in patients with NPC.

Conclusion

The E‐cadherin methylation is strongly associated with the incidence of NPC, which can serve as an effective biomarker for early detection of NPC.
Transoral robotic‐assisted supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy: Procedure development and outcomes of initial cases
Authors: Morisod Benoît , Guinchard Anne‐Claude , Gorphe Philippe , Schweizer Valerie , Sandu Kishore , Simon Christian
Published: June 2018

Background

We report on the feasibility and functional outcome of transoral robotic (TORS) supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP).

Methods

Cadaveric studies and functional outcome at 3 years using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC‐QLQ‐H&N35), the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS), the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSS‐HN), computerized voice analysis, and videotape recordings. Data were compared with a historical cohort of open CHEPs/cricohyoidopexies (CHPs).

Results

The EORTC‐QLQ‐H&N35 scores, FOSS scores, and PSS‐HN scores at 3 years of 2 operated patients were 46 and 43, 2 and 1, and 75 of 100 (eating in public) and 100 of 100 (normalcy of diet), respectively. The mean fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio (NHR), and maximum phonation time (MPT) were 85 HZ and 81 Hz, 8.52% and 6.39%, 28.2% and 13.5%, 0.61 and 0.71, 19 seconds and 15 seconds, respectively.

Conclusion

Functional outcome data suggest that the procedure is feasible and safe.
No reference quality evaluation of medical image fusion
Authors: Tang Lu , Tian Chuangeng , Qian Jiansheng , Li Leida
Published: June 2018

Medical image fusion (MIF) attracts much attention in clinical use. Many MIF algorithms have been proposed over the past decade. Existing MIF algorithms create different fused image, however, current quality evaluation method is not designed for MIF images. So, we present a no reference quality evaluation of medical image fusion. Firstly, a MIF image database (MIFID) is built, and radiologist ratings are selected to conduct subjective test. Then an objective quality evaluation metric of medical image fusion is proposed via the phase congruency and standard deviation. Image salient features and image information are very important for visual quality of fused image. Based on this consideration, we combine the two existing quality evaluation metrics to assess MIF images. Finally, five comparative study experiments are implemented based on the MIFID. Experimental results reveal that the proposed quality evaluation metric is superior to the existing state‐of‐the‐art metrics, which is more applicable to evaluate MIF images.
DC:0–5: DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
Authors: Klaehn Robert L.P.
Published: June 2018

The significant growth in the clinical literature on early childhood psychopathologysince the publication of the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: Zero to Three–Revised (DC:0–3R; ZERO TO THREE) in 2005 necessitated substantial revisions to the manual, which resulted in the publication of the DC:0–5: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: Zero to Five (ZERO TO THREE) in 2016. In addition to the decision to extend the early childhood diagnoses to include children through age 5 years, significant revisions were made to many diagnoses, and new diagnostic categories were added such as the Relationship Specific Disorder of Infancy/Early Childhood. Other additions, such as guidance for the development of a Cultural Formulation for the young child and his or her family and the inclusion of functional impairment criteria also contribute to making the DC: 0–5a substantially more comprehensive and robust diagnostic framework than its predecessor.
The limitations and potential adverse effects of the premature ventricular contraction response
Authors: Konishi Hiroki , Fukuzawa Koji , Mori Shumpei , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: June 2018

A 69‐year‐old man, who had undergone surgery for mitral and tricuspid regurgitation with the Maze procedure for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, was admitted with an episode of syncope due to sick sinus syndrome. Three days after implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker (Accent MRI™, St. Jude Medical Inc.,), ventricular pacing on T‐wave was recorded multiple times. St. Jude Medical Inc. pacemakers have a unique additional algorithm, called premature ventricular contraction response, related to preventing pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia. This algorithm was determined to be a cause of ventricular pacing on T‐wave. We report the limitations and potential adverse effects of such automated algorithms.
Trapeziometacarpal stabilization through dorsoradial ligament reconstruction: An early post‐surgery in vivo biomechanical analyses
Authors: Kerkhof Faes D. , Vereecke Evie E. , Vanovermeire Olivier , Vanhaecke Jeroen , Vanneste Maarten , Stockmans Filip
Published: June 2018

Ligament reconstruction can provide pain relief in patients with a painful, unstable, pre‐arthritic trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. Imbrication of the dorsoradial ligament (DRL) has been proposed as a minimal invasive stabilization technique. It requires less invasive surgery than an Eaton‐Littler technique and shows promising long‐term clinical outcome. We used dynamic CT to objectively review the effects of the imbrication. Four patients with pain and laxity at the TMC joint, but without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis, were recruited. Dynamic CT scans were made during active thumb abduction‐adduction, flexion‐extension, and two functional grip tasks using a radiolucent jig. Scans of the patients were acquired before and 3 to 6 months after DRL reconstruction. Motion of each bone in the articular chain of the thumb was quantified. In addition, we mapped changes in the contact patterns between the articular facets during the entire thumb motion. After DRL imbrication, we found no overall decrease in MC1 movement in three out of four patients. Furthermore, no increase in TMC joint congruency, defined as proximity area size, was found for three out of four patients. Pre‐ and post‐operative differences in congruency across different tasks were patient‐dependent and relatively small. We demonstrated that, from a biomechanical perspective, there is high variability in post‐operative outcome between patients that undergo identical surgical procedures performed by the same surgeon. A post‐operative decrease in range of motion, increase in joint congruency or decrease in proximity area shift during thumb motion is not omnipresent. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2851–2864, 2018.
Reconstructing diaphyseal tumors using radiated (50 Gy) autogenous tumor bone graft
Authors: Puri Ajay , Byregowda Suman , Gulia Ashish , Patil Vijayraj , Crasto Saniya , Laskar Siddharth
Published: June 2018

Aims

Establish oncologic safety using 50 Gy to sterilize tumor bearing bone before reimplantation in primary diaphyseal high grade extremity tumors, determine extracorporeal radiotherapy (ECRT) graft survival, and analyze factors that affect union at osteotomy sites.

Materials and Methods

Seventy non metastatic patients underwent reconstruction with intercalary ECRT grafts sterilized with 50 Gy. Diagnosis included osteosarcoma (38) and Ewing's sarcoma (32). At last follow‐up—49 patients were alive, 19 had died and 2 were lost to follow up. Survivors had minimum follow up of 3 years (range 39‐127 months).

Results

Ninty one percent metaphyseal osteotomies united without additional intervention compared to 71% diaphyseal osteotomies. Additional small plate at diaphyseal osteotomy apparently reduced incidence of non‐union (17% vs 31%) (P = 0.49). Addition of morsellised allograft did not help union. There were seven (10%) local recurrences, all in soft tissue. Seventeen of 69 patients (25%) needed removal of ECRT graft. Five year survival for ECRT graft (removal for all causes) was 79% and 84% (excluding removal for local recurrence).

Conclusions

Reimplanting sterilized tumor bone using 50 Gy for tumor ablation is an easily applicable, oncologically safe, biological reconstruction option for primary diaphyseal extremity tumors.
Digital soil erodibility mapping by soilscape trending and kriging
Authors: Avalos Fabio Arnaldo Pomar , Silva Marx Leandro Naves , Batista Pedro Velloso Gomes , Pontes Lucas Machado , de Oliveira Marcelo Silva
Published: June 2018

Spatial representation of soil erodibility (Universal Soil Loss Equation's [USLE] K factor) is critical for soil conservation and erosion modeling. K factor is directly linked to the soil properties, which have a spatially continuous and soilscape related variability. The objective of this study was to test a methodology to map the spatial distribution of soil erodibility in a 1,200 ha sub‐basin making use of available spatial covariates and field data. The analysis was run for the Posses sub‐basin, in southeast Brazil. The topsoil erodibility was calculated at 85 sampled locations. The spatial prediction of soil erodibility was performed using the scorpan approach, in which the trend term for kriging with external drift (KED) was modeled by soilscape covariates selected by multiple linear regression analysis. The results confirmed that relief data could produce feasible results for digital soil erodibility mapping, especially when combined with geostatistical procedures. A comparison with ordinary kriging showed better error statistics and decreased variance of the estimates for the KED model. This could affect significantly the uncertainty of further USLE applications. The best agreement between KED erodibility values and direct measurements of the K factor was observed for the Red–Yellow Argisol (Red–Yellow Ultisol), which is the dominant soil class in the sub‐basin.
Restoring soil functions by means of cyanobacteria inoculation: Importance of soil conditions and species selection
Authors: Román José Raúl , Roncero‐Ramos Beatriz , Chamizo Sonia , Rodríguez‐Caballero Emilio , Cantón Yolanda
Published: June 2018

In recent years, soil inoculation with cyanobacteria has become one of the most promising biotechnological strategies for restoring soil functionality in degraded drylands because of their critical role in increasing soil fertility and preventing erosion. Nevertheless, in order to fully exploit this biotechnology on a large scale, it must still be shown whether inoculated cyanobacteria are capable of developing in soils with different physicochemical properties, and new candidates adapted to desert conditions must be explored. To evaluate the potential of cyanobacteria for restoring soil functions of degraded dryland soils, in this laboratory study, we analyzed the effect of inoculating three native N‐fixing species (Nostoc commune, Scytonema hyalinum, and Tolypothrix distorta), individually and as a consortium, on soil properties from three different semiarid ecosystems in southeast Spain. The biocrust colonization was monitored by determining chlorophyll a content (the typical surrogate used for biocrust biomass). Other methodologies, such as the analysis of soil spectral response and image classification were also applied for cover estimation of the biocrust. After 3 months, all inoculated soils showed cyanobacteria cover of up to 50%, lower albedo and higher chlorophyll a content. Cyanobacterial inoculation also improved soil functions, as they promoted a significant gain in total organic carbon and total nitrogen in all soils. Among inoculation treatments, Nostoc commune and the mixture of all three species promoted the most cyanobacteria coverage, chlorophyll content, and surface darkening, as well as organic carbon and total nitrogen gains in the soil, highlighting their excellent performance in biocrust development.
What deep‐soil profiles can teach us on deep‐time pH dynamics after land use change?
Authors: Brasseur Boris , Spicher Fabien , Lenoir Jonathan , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Buridant Jérôme , Horen Hélène
Published: June 2018

Soil profiles keep records of the legacies of historical land uses on soil physicochemical properties with deep‐soil (3‐m depth) profiles providing information on centuries‐old dynamics. By combining geohistorical archives on past land uses and management practices together with soil pH data from 19 plots scattered across five study areas in North France, we analyzed the effect of two contrasting historical land‐use change trajectories (afforestation of former arable land vs. cultivation after deforestation) on the acidification and alkalinization dynamics along 3‐m‐depth loessic Luvisols profiles. An analysis of covariance and a generalized additive model were used to test the interaction effect between depth and the two studied chronosequences levels on soil pH. Results show two contrasting alkalinization dynamics for formerly acidic forest soils converted to arable land depending on past management practices. One century of liming practices based on hydrated lime is enough for a complete deprotonation, whereas alkalinization dynamic was much slower (two to four centuries are necessary to neutralize the relictual acidity below 2 m) under liming based on chalk‐blocks supply. Per contra, afforestation of former arable land cultivated and limed during at least 2–4 centuries keep an alkaline ‘memory’ effect over more than a millennium. The acidification process is progressive through time from the surface to deeper soil horizons. This suggests that soil pH profiles can be used to estimate time since afforestation of former arable land. Linking deep‐soil pH profiles with chronosequences is a powerful tool to understand the potential impact of future land‐use change trajectories on soil physicochemical properties.
Modeling of spatiotemporal variations in runoff contribution areas and analysis of hydrologic connectivity
Authors: Grimm Kendall , Chu Xuefeng
Published: June 2018

Traditional delineation and modeling methods do not consider the spatial arrangement and dynamic threshold control of surface depressions. Instead, full structural hydrologic connectivity, uniform well‐connected drainage networks, and an invariant contributing area are often assumed. In reality, depressions play an important role in quantifying functional connected areas (ACs) and contributing area. This study is aimed to develop a new procedure to analyze functional hydrologic connectivity related to topography at a mesoscale, specifically in depression‐dominated areas by (a) characterizing surface topography, (b) quantifying and locating dynamic hydrologic connectivity, and (c) analyzing hydrologic connectivity and threshold‐controlled dynamics of contributing area using a set of dimensionless indicators and a new normalized connected area function. Thorough analyses for different topographic surfaces provided improved understanding of the intrinsic relationship and interaction between structural and functional hydrologic connectivity patterns. In addition, the new procedure was compared against a traditional delineation method, terrain analysis using digital elevation models (TauDEM), to determine structural and functional connectivity. It was found that spatial arrangement and scale of depressions had a direct effect on hydrologic connectivity. A stepwise trend, unique to depression‐dominated areas, highlighted the effect of threshold behaviors on contributing area and ACs. Conversely, dendritic surfaces showed an expedited surface connectivity due to the assumption of depressionless topography. Thus, precisely locating and quantifying ACs and contributing area via the new analysis procedure improve our understanding of the mechanisms of topography‐controlled overland flow and sediment transport dynamics, and hence, the findings are valuable in making informed decisions about water quantity and quality across varying topographic surfaces.
Exact response bound analysis of truss structures via linear mixed 0‐1 programming and sensitivity bounding technique
Authors: Du Jianming , Du Zongliang , Wei Yihai , Zhang Weisheng , Guo Xu
Published: June 2018

In the present paper, finding the exact bound of structural response for truss structures is considered under bounded interval type uncertainty. This problem is challenging since seeking the exact bound corresponds to locating the global optima of a multivariate function (generally nonconvex). Traditional treatment of this problem involves the solution of a linear mixed 0‐1 programming problem, which is a highly computationally demanding task especially when large‐scale structures are taken into consideration. In order to alleviate the computational effort, a sensitivity bounding technique is developed in this work using the tools from convex analysis to disclose the monotonicity of concerned structural response function with respect to 0‐1 variables. It is shown that this technique can not only reduce the number of 0‐1 variables substantially but also change the computational complexity of the considered problem from nondeterministic polynomial–hard to nondeterministic polynomial–hard in some cases. The proposed approach provides the possibility of finding the exact bound of structural response for large‐scale truss structures within a reasonable time, and its effectiveness is demonstrated through several numerical examples.
A superconvergent hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin method for linear elasticity
Authors: Sevilla Ruben , Giacomini Matteo , Karkoulias Alexandros , Huerta Antonio
Published: June 2018

The first superconvergent hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin method for linear elastic problems capable of using the same degree of approximation for both the primal and mixed variables is presented. The key feature of the method is the strong imposition of the symmetry of the stress tensor by means of the well known and extensively used Voigt notation, circumventing the use of complex mathematical concepts to enforce the symmetry of the stress tensor either weakly or strongly. A novel procedure to construct element by element a superconvergent postprocessed displacement is proposed. Contrary to other hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin formulations, the methodology proposed here is able to produce a superconvergent displacement field for low‐order approximations. The resulting method is robust and locking‐free in the nearly incompressible limit. An extensive set of numerical examples is utilised to provide evidence of the optimality of the method and its superconvergent properties in two and three dimensions and for different element types.
Ascertainment and validation of major bleeding events in a primary care database
Authors: Ruigómez Ana , Brobert Gunnar , Suzart‐Woischnik Kiliana , García‐Rodríguez Luis Alberto
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of validation on the identification of major bleeding events in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Methods

Patients aged 2 to 89 years with a first prescription for an anticoagulant (rivaroxaban or warfarin) between 2012 and 2015 were identified in THIN. Major bleeding events, defined as bleeding events necessitating hospitalization or referral to accident and emergency services or a specialist clinic, were identified using a 2‐step ascertainment process based on read codes only, and then validated using a 2‐step process requiring manual review of patients' records.

Results

The positive predictive value for the ascertainment of major intracranial (IC) bleeds using only read codes was 96.9%, compared with 70.4% for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds and 64.1% for urogenital (UG) bleeds. The incidence rate of major IC bleeding events was therefore similar when it was calculated before and after validation (0.32 per 100 person‐years and 0.31 per 100 person‐years, respectively). The incidence rate of major GI bleeds identified using read codes alone was reduced following validation from 2.05 to 0.94 per 100 person‐years, and that of major UG bleeds decreased from 2.45 to 1.11 per 100 person‐years.

Conclusions

Major GI and UG bleeding events ascertained from THIN using read codes require validation using additional information to prevent outcome misclassification. The absence of validation may lead to overestimated incidence rates of major bleeding for GI and UG bleeds.
Bayesian estimation and prediction for the transformed gamma degradation process
Authors: Giorgio Massimiliano , Guida Maurizio , Postiglione Fabio , Pulcini Gianpaolo
Published: June 2018

Very recently, a new degradation process model, named the transformed gamma process, has been proposed to describe Markovian degradation processes whose increments over disjoint intervals are not independent, so that the degradation growth over a future time interval can depend both on the current age and the current state (degradation level) of the unit. This paper introduces a Bayesian estimation approach for such a process, based on prior information on physical characteristics of the observed degradation process. Several different prior distributions are then proposed, reflecting different degrees of knowledge of the analyst on the observed phenomenon. A Monte Carlo Markov Chain technique is adopted to estimate the transformed gamma parameters and some functions thereof, such as the residual reliability of a unit, as well as to predict future degradation growth and residual lifetime. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to a real dataset consisting of wear measures of the liners of the 8‐cylinder engine which equips a cargo ship.
Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) mass spectrometry of falsified antimalarials
Authors: Bernier Matthew C. , Li Anyin , Winalski Laura , Zi Yunlong , Li Yafeng , Caillet Céline , Newton Paul , Wang Zhong Lin , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: June 2018

Rationale

An epidemic of low‐quality medicines continues to endanger patients worldwide. Detection of such ‘medicines’ requires low cost, ambient ionization sources coupled to fieldable mass spectrometers for optimum sensitivity and specificity. With the use of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), the charge required to produce gas‐phase ions for mass analysis can be obtained without the need for high‐voltage electrical circuitry, simplifying and lowering the cost of next‐generation mass spectrometry instruments.

Methods

A sliding freestanding (SF) TENG was coupled to a toothpick electrospray setup for the purposes of testing if falsified medicines could be fingerprinted by this approach. Extracts from both genuine and falsified medicines were deposited on the toothpick and the SF TENG actuated to generate electrical charges, resulting in gas‐phase ions for both active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.

Results

Our previous work had shown that direct analysis in real time (DART) ambient mass spectrometry can identify the components of multiple classes of falsified antimalarial medicines. Experiments performed in this study show that a simple extraction into methanol along with the use of a SF TENG‐powered toothpick electrospray can provide similar detection capabilities, but with much simpler and rugged instrumentation, and without the need for compressed gases or high‐voltage ion source power supplies.

Conclusions

TENG toothpick MS allows for rapid analyte ion detection in a safe and low‐cost manner, providing robust sampling and ionization capabilities.
New radiodonts with gnathobase‐like structures from the Cambrian Chengjiang biota and implications for the systematics of Radiodonta
Authors: Cong Pei‐Yun , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Daley Allison C. , Guo Jin , Pates Stephen , Hou Xian‐Guang
Published: June 2018

A recent description of paired gnathobase‐like structures (GLSs) in the head region of the radiodont Amplectobelua symbrachiata raised the question of whether these appendicular structures are more widely spread within Radiodonta, putative lower stem‐group euarthropods. Here we describe a new genus of Radiodonta, Ramskoeldia gen. nov., that also bears GLSs. Its two new species, Ramskoeldia platyacantha sp. nov. and R. consimilis sp. nov., are distinguished based on the morphology of their frontal appendages. The presence of three pairs of GLSs associated with reduced segments posterior to the head and the detailed morphological similarities of the GLSs suggest that Ramskoeldia is closely related to Amplectobelua Hou et al., and they are classified together in the revised Family Amplectobeluidae. Other diagnostic characters of this family include the lack of a radially‐arranged oral cone, instead sharing mouthparts composed of smooth and tuberculate plates, and a frontal appendage with three podomeres in the shaft and prominent larger endites on podomeres 4 and 8. Due to its lack of GLSs and the different morphology of its mouthparts, membership of Lyrarapax Cong et al., in Amplectobeluidae cannot be confirmed. Appraisal of available evidence indicates that the morphology of the feeding structures, including frontal appendages, the mouth apparatus, and GLSs, serves as a fundamental source of characters in the classification of radiodonts.
In Vitro and In Vivo Starch Digestibility and Quality of Bread Substituted with Acid and Heat‐Moisture Treated Sweet Potato Starch
Authors: Tien Nguyen Ngoc Thanh , Anh Truong Ngoc Quynh , Phi Nguyen Thi Lan , Hung Pham Van
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study is to investigate in vitro and in vivo starch digestibility and glycemic index (GI), and the quality of bread supplemented with 20% of citric acid and heat‐moisture treated sweet potato starch (20MSB) as compared to those of breads made from wheat flour with and without supplementation of 20% of native sweet potato starch (WFB and 20NSB, respectively). Resistant starch content of the 20MSB is 34.2%, significantly higher than those of the WFB (13.7%) and 20NSB (20.2%). The 20MSB exhibits lower blood glucose response in mice after 180‐min intake as compared to the WFB and 20NSB. GI values of the WFB, 20NSB, and 20MSB are 100, 94, and 68.9, respectively. The wheat flour substituted with 20% of modified starch has significantly lower peak and final viscosities than those of the wheat flour. The 20MSB has lower specific volume and higher hardness and gumminess than the WFB or 20NSB. However, the results of sensory evaluation showed that the color, appearance, texture, and odor of the 20MSB are not significantly different from those of the WFB and 20NSB. As a result, the substitution of 20% modified starch is acceptable to make bread with high resistant starch content and medium GI.
Long‐term effects of iloperidone on cerebral dopamine receptor subtypes
Authors: Kee Choi Yong , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: June 2018

The atypical antipsychotic drug iloperidone has high affinity for a wide range of neurotransmitter receptors, including dopaminergic (DA), serotonergic, and adrenergic receptors. We examined the long‐term effects of multiple doses of iloperidone on DA D1, D2, D3, and D4 receptor subtypes. Sprague‐Dawley adult rats (n = 8/group) received daily intraperitoneal injections of iloperiodone (0.5, 1, or 5 mg/kg) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Receptor autoradiography quantified the levels of DA receptors in medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and hippocampus (HIP). Four weeks of iloperidone treatment at 5 mg/kg significantly increased D1 receptors in NAc (36%) and CPu (38%). Iloperidone (1.5 and 5 mg/kg) dose‐dependently increased D2 receptors in MPC (37 and 47%) and HIP (32 and 40%). Only the high dose of iloperidone (5 mg/kg) increased D2 receptors in NAc (39%) and CPu (38%). Repeated treatment with iloperidone (1.5 and 5 mg/kg) increased D4 receptors in the NAc (39 and 78%), CPu (42 and 83%) and HIP (54 and 72%). The three doses of iloperidone failed to alter D3 receptors in the brain regions examined in this study. These results suggest that iloperidone exerts region‐ and dose‐specific effects on forebrain DA receptor subtypes, which may contribute to its therapeutic benefits in improving the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia with minimal extrapyramidal side effects.
Kappa opioid receptor binding in major depression: A pilot study
Authors: Miller Jeffrey M. , Zanderigo Francesca , Purushothaman Priya D. , DeLorenzo Christine , Rubin‐Falcone Harry , Ogden R. Todd , Keilp John , Oquendo Maria A. , Nabulsi Nabeel , Huang Yiyun H. , Parsey Ramin V. , Carson Richard E. , Mann J. John
Published: June 2018

Endogenous kappa opioids mediate pathological responses to stress in animal models. However, the relationship of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to life stress and to psychopathology in humans is not well described. This pilot study sought, for the first time, to quantify KOR in major depressive disorder (MDD) in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET). KOR binding was quantified in vivo by PET imaging with the [11C]GR103545 radiotracer in 13 healthy volunteers and 10 participants with current MDD. We examined the relationship between regional [11C]GR103545 total volume of distribution (VT) and diagnosis, childhood trauma, recent life stress, and, in a subsample, salivary cortisol levels during a modified Trier Social Stress Test (mTSST), amygdala, hippocampus, ventral striatum and raphe nuclei. Whole‐brain voxel‐wise analyses were also performed. [11C]GR103545 VT did not differ significantly between MDD participants and healthy volunteers in the four a priori ROIs (p = 0.50). [11C]GR103545 VT was unrelated to reported childhood adversity (p = 0.17) or recent life stress (p = 0.56). A trend‐level inverse correlation was observed between [11C]GR103545 VT and cortisol area‐under‐the curve with respect to ground during the mTSST (p = 0.081). No whole‐brain voxel‐wise contrasts were significant. Regional [11C]GR103545 VT, a measure of in vivo KOR binding, does not differentiate MDD from healthy volunteers in this pilot sample. Future studies may examine KOR binding in subgroups of depressed individuals at increased risk for KOR abnormalities, including co‐occurring mood and substance use disorders, as well as depression with psychotic features.
The mechanistic basis for chromatin regulation by pioneer transcription factors
Authors: Iwafuchi‐Doi Makiko
Published: June 2018

Pioneer transcription factors play a primary role in establishing competence for gene expression and initiating cellular programming and reprogramming, and their dysregulation causes severe effects on human health, such as promoting tumorigenesis. Although more than 200 transcription factors are expressed in each cell type, only a small number of transcription factors are necessary to elicit dramatic cell‐fate changes in embryonic development and cell‐fate conversion. Among these key transcription factors, a subset called “pioneer transcription factors” have a remarkable ability to target nucleosomal DNA, or closed chromatin, early in development, often leading to the local opening of chromatin, thereby establishing competence for gene expression. Although more key transcription factors have been identified as pioneer transcription factors, the molecular mechanisms behind their special properties are only beginning to be revealed. Understanding the pioneering mechanisms will enhance our ability to precisely control cell fate at will for research and therapeutic purposes.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology

Developmental Biology > Lineages
Three‐dimensional problem of Rayleigh waves propagating in a half‐space with restrained boundary
Authors: Belubekyan M. V. , Sarkisyan S. V.
Published: June 2018

In this paper we obtain the dispersion equation in three‐dimensional wave propagation problem in elastic half‐space with elastically restrained surface. It is shown that, in the case of plane strain, the elastic restriction of the surface leads to decrease of the degree of the surface wave localization.
Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives About Cell‐Free DNA: Experiences, Challenges, and Expectations for Obstetricians
Authors: Agatisa Patricia K. , Mercer Mary Beth , Coleridge Marissa , Farrell Ruth M.
Published: June 2018

The expansion of cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) screening for a larger and diverse set of genetic variants, in addition for use among the low‐risk obstetric population, presents important clinical challenges for all healthcare providers involved in the delivery of prenatal care. It is unclear how to leverage the different members of the healthcare team to respond to these challenges. We conducted interviews with 25 prenatal genetic counselors to understand their experience with the continued expansion of cfDNA screening. Participants supported the use of cfDNA screening for the common autosomal aneuploidies, but noted some reservations for its use to identify fetal sex and microdeletions. Participants reported several barriers to ensuring that patients have the information and support to make informed decisions about using cfDNA to screen for these different conditions. This was seen as a dual‐sided problem, and necessitated additional education interventions that addressed patients seeking cfDNA screening, and obstetricians who introduce the concepts of genetic risk and cfDNA to patients. In addition, participants noted that they have a professional responsibility to educate obstetricians about cfDNA so they can be prepared to be gatekeepers of counseling and education about this screening option for use among the general obstetric population.