bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative surgery of uterine adenomyosis via laparoscopic versus laparotomic approach in a single institution
Authors: Kwack Jae Young , Im Kyong Shil , Kwon Yong‐Soon
Published: May 2018

Aims

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of both approach methods (laparoscopy vs laparotomy) and to suggest the proper surgical approach according to type of uterine adenomyosis (focal vs diffuse).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 224 cases of uterine adenomyomectomy, 116 laparotomic and 108 laparoscopic, performed between July 2011 and June 2016 by a single surgeon (Y. S. K.). In all 224 cases, the surgeon had used transient occlusion of the uterine artery (TOUA). Surgical outcomes included weight of specimen, operating time, estimated blood loss and intraoperative injury to other organs. Postoperative clinical outcomes included symptom improvement (dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and others) and recurrence.

Results

All patients in the laparoscopic group had been diagnosed with focal uterine adenomyosis, and most in the laparotomic group (85.3%) had been diagnosed with diffuse type. The largest lesion diameters were 6.48 cm in the laparotomic group and 4.34 cm in the laparotomic group. Operation time and estimated blood loss were 116.12 min and 222.67 mL in the laparotomic group and 75.09 min, respectively, and 155.33 mL in the laparoscopic group. There was no case of laparotomic conversion in patients with laparoscopic adenomyomectomy.

Conclusion

Conservative surgery is effective to reduce the symptoms of adenomyosis regardless of approach method. For near‐complete excision of adenomyosis, the diffuse type is recommended to be treated with laparotomic adenomyomectomy, and focal lesions less than 5 cm can be treated with laparoscopic conservative surgery.
(De)constructing distinction: Class inequality and elite authenticity in mediatized food discourse
Authors: Mapes Gwynne
Published: May 2018

Orienting to recent work on language materiality (Cavanaugh and Shankar) and elite discourse (Thurlow and Jaworski 2017a), I examine the discursive production of class status and the management of distinction/privilege in mediatized food discourse. Specifically, this paper presents a critical discourse analysis of aNew York Timesfood section corpus comprised of 259 articles (e.g. restaurant reviews, celebrity chef profiles, features concerning cooking techniques or trending ingredients, etc.) in which I identify an over‐arching discourse ofelite authenticity. I show how elite authenticity is a key strategy by which distinction is nowadays both (re)produced and (dis)avowed in food discourse, and that it is accomplished via five rhetorical strategies: historicity, simplicity, pioneer spirit, lowbrow appreciation, and locality/sustainability. Thus, food discourse, rooted in familiar bourgeois anxieties and privileges, sustains the post‐class ideologies (Thurlow) and omnivorous consumption (Khan) at the heart of contemporary class formations.
Are Line Lengths Critical to the Discrimination of Axisymmetric Pairs of Figures from Disoriented Identical Pairs?
Authors: Kanbe Fumio
Published: May 2018

I examined whether the lack of a difference in line lengths made the discrimination of axisymmetric (Ax) pairs of figures from disoriented identical (Idr) pairs difficult. Three basic pair types were prepared: Idr, Ax, and nonidentical/nonaxisymmetric (Nd) pairs. To avoid confusion arising from structural differences, all pairs of figures were set to be mutually isomorphic. Two figures of a pair were controlled to have the same line lengths of respective figural components (Experiment 1) or the same lengths of individual line segments (Experiment 2) in experiments where participants decided if the figures were the same/different. Experiment 1 showed longer latencies for Ax pairs than for Nd pairs, indicating that these feature values alone did not cause difficulty in discrimination. Experiment 2 showed that only Nd pairs with all line segments having the same lengths for the two figures had the same latencies as Ax pairs. The sameness of individual line segments in simple pairs of figures made discrimination difficult.
Aging‐ and vascular‐related pathologies
Authors: Wen Shu Wen , Wong Connie H. Y.
Published: May 2018

Our aging population is set to grow considerably in the coming decades. In fact, the number of individuals older than 65 years will double by 2050. This projected increase in people living with extended life expectancy represents an inevitable upsurge in the presentation of age‐related pathologies. However, our current understanding of the impact of aging on a number of biological processes is unfortunately inadequate. Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases are particularly prevalent in the elderly population. Intriguingly, these pathologies are all associated with vascular dysfunction, suggesting that the process of aging can induce structural and functional impairments in vascular networks. Together with elevated cell senescence, pre‐existing comorbidities, and the emerging concept of age‐associated inflammatory imbalance, impaired vascular functions can significantly increase one's risk in acquiring age‐related diseases. In this short review, we highlight some current clinical and experimental evidence of how biological aging contributes to three vascular‐associated pathologies: atherosclerosis, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.
Anterior restoration longevity among nursing facility residents: a 30‐year retrospective study
Authors: Ghazal Tariq S. , Cowen Howard J. , Caplan Daniel J.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To assess factors influencing anterior dental restoration longevity among the institutionalized elderly.

Methods

Among a sample of Eastern Iowa nursing facility dental patients, one anterior restoration placed from 1985 to 2014 was selected at random from each subject. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were generated, with restoration failures defined as subsequent restorative codes involving the same surface; endodontic procedures; or extractions. Bivariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling were performed.

Results

In multivariable analyses, the 1985 to 1999 cohort (n = 496) had longer restoration survival in in females < 75 years old versus males < 75 years old (P = 0.016), males ≥75 years old (P = 0.026) and females ≥75 years old (P = 0.030); one‐ versus three‐surface restorations (P < 0.001); and restorations placed by faculty/residents versus pre‐doctoral students (P = 0.009). The 2000 to 2014 cohort (n = 521) had longer restoration survival in females < 75 years old versus males ≥75 years old (P = 0.012) and females ≥75 years old (P = 0.019); residents who paid out‐of‐pocket versus those on Medicaid (P = 0.019); and composite resin versus glass ionomer cement restorations (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Knowing how long restorations last, and what factors affect their longevity, could improve treatment planning, informed consent, and communication with residents and caregivers, and also help inform practice guidelines for restorative care among the institutionalized elderly.
Infections in patients after Berlin Heart®EXCOR assist device implantation
Authors: Muñoz Patricia , Valerio Maricela , Vásquez Víctor , Velásquez‐Rodríguez Jesús , Sousa Iago , Zatarain Eduardo , Barrio José María , Ruiz Manuel , Cuerpo Gregorio , Rodríguez‐Abella Hugo , Hortal Javier , Bouza Emilio ,   the “Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de las Asistencias Ventriculares” (GAMAV)
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Berlin Heart® EXCOR devices (BHED) are ventricular assist devices (VAD) used mainly as a bridge to heart transplantation (HT) in pediatric population. The aim of our study is to report the infections diagnosed in adult patients undergoing a BHED implantation.

Methods

Adult patients receiving a BHED between Jul 2009 and Oct 2017 at our institution were included. Infections were classified according to the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation definitions in VAD‐Specific (VAD‐S), VAD‐Related (VAD‐R) and non‐VAD (N‐VAD).

Results

Fifteen patients underwent BHED implantation, which was maintained for a mean of 92 (19‐195) days. Infection occurred in 13 patients who developed 36 infectious episodes: 5 VAD‐S (5 cannula infections); 8 VAD‐R (5 bloodstream infections and 3 mediastinitis) and 24 N‐VAD (7 urinary tract infections, 6 Cytomegalovirus diseases and others). Overall, 27 (75%) were bacterial, 7 (19.4%) were viral and there was one (2.7%) fungal infection. Eleven patients underwent HT and all of them developed at least one infection after it. In 3 cases, all VAD‐R or VAD‐S infections were caused by the same etiology as before HT. Their median time of appearance was on day +6 (3‐11) after BHED removal and HT. Overall mortality was 6/15 (40%). None of the deaths were related to VAD Infection.

Conclusions

Infection complicated BHED implantation in 86.7% of the patients. Overall, 13.9% were specific of BHED and 22.2% were related. However, infections did not preclude HT in any case and carried no attributable mortality.
Deregulated free-for-all planning, new settlements and the spectre of abandoned building sites in Scotland’s crisis-hit oil economy
Authors: Walton William
Published: May 2018

The creation of new settlements as a response to the accommodation of household growth was regarded by the Scottish Government from the 1980s to around 2008 as an option of the last resort. This position changed due to significant legislative and policy changes to the Scottish planning system which diluted restrictions on greenfield housing development and removed the right for public hearings into development plan objections in the belief that these procedures hindered economic growth. This paper outlines the evolution of planning policy for new settlements from the 1990s to the present and examines its impact upon proposals for such projects in north-east Scotland. It contends that the removal of the right to hearings into major development proposals is symptomatic of both the post-politics condition which seeks to promote neoliberal values by squeezing out dissenting voices and green light administrative law theory which vests important decisions over citizens’ rights in the hands of unaccountable state bureaucrats. Finally it considers the implications of the current North Sea oil crisis for the development of three new settlements in the area.
Dissonance: scientific paradigms underpinning the study of sound in geography
Authors: Paiva Daniel
Published: May 2018

The objective of this article is to approach the different conceptions of sound – and its relations to the underlying scientific paradigms – that emerged throughout the history of geography. There has been a growing interest among geographers in understanding the spatialities of sound, and geographies of sound have become an emerging subfield of the discipline. For this reason, it is the right time to address how the discipline has approached sound throughout its history. Several theoretical perspectives influenced geography in the twentieth century, changing its methodologies and how its subjects were conceived. Sound, like other subjects, has been conceived very differently by geographers of competing paradigms. Concepts such as noise, soundscape, or sound as affect, among others, have dominated geographies of sound at specific periods. Due to the marginality of the subject in the discipline, assessments of these conceptual shifts are rare. I tackle this issue in this article as I provide a first attempt of writing a history of sound in geography. The article reviews debates regarding the name of the subfield, and the conceptions of sound in the successive and competing scientific paradigms in geography.
The timely return of the repressed – commentary to Walton
Authors: Inch Andy
Published: May 2018

This reflection discusses my response to William Walton's research paper in this issue of the journal. In it I explore how a timely invitation to take part in the open review process prompted thoughts about my ongoing involvement in the politics of planning in Scotland. Drawing on experience of campaigning for a fair and inclusive planning system, I briefly reflect on why the post-political has proven such an attractive theoretical lens for recent attempts to understand urban planning under neoliberalism. Suggesting that it seems to capture something important about ongoing attempts to reshape planning ideas and practices in Scotland, I go on to consider how Walton’s paper brings to light important concerns about the loss of democratic accountability. Overall, I try to explore how the repression of energies required to sustain a post-political settlement may nonetheless provide a resource for acting in and against the dominance of market rationalities.
Additions to the oribatid mite fauna of Taiwan, with description of a new species of the genus Lohmannia (Acari, Oribatida)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Liao Jhih-Rong
Published: May 2018

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials (Acari, Oribatida) collected from Taiwan in 2017. A list of identified taxa, including 109 species/subspecies, 84 genera and 48 families, is presented; of these, 50 species/subspecies, 28 genera and 7 families are recorded for the first time in the fauna of this country, and 8 species and 1 genus are recorded for the first time in the Oriental region. A new species belonging to the genus Lohmannia (Lohmanniidae) is described from soil of the Yangmingshan National Park; L. douhua Ermilov sp. nov. differs from L. pseudoturcmenica Ermilov, 2017 by the broadly phylliform posterior exobothridial setae, narrowly phylliform rostral, epimeral and genital setae and clearly longer notogastral setae. An identification key to the known species of Lohmannia from the Oriental region is presented.
Deglaciation of the Pacific coastal corridor directly preceded the human colonization of the Americas
Authors: Lesnek Alia J. , Briner Jason P. , Lindqvist Charlotte , Baichtal James F. , Heaton Timothy H.
Published: May 2018

Dating of rock surfaces and cave bones suggests the North Pacific coast was a viable path for human migration to the Americas.
Fabrication of reprogrammable shape-memory polymer actuators for robotics
Authors: Lendlein Andreas
Published: May 2018

Shape-memory polymer actuators with reprogrammable actuation geometry and switching temperatures were recently suggested for robotics.
New materials for next-generation robots
Authors: Fischer Peer , Nelson Bradley J. , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: May 2018

The next generation of robotics will require new materials, actuators, and fabrication schemes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. testudinum Strain 772, Isolated from Ascites of a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hou Shui-ping , He Peng , Zhou Yong , Wu Xin-wei
Published: May 2018

Campylobacter fetus
subsp.
testudinum
originating in reptiles can cause invasive infections in humans. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence of
C. fetus
subsp.
testudinum
strain 772, isolated from a human patient in China.
Exploring the Microbiome of Callinectes sapidus (Maryland Blue Crab)
Authors: Ramachandran Padmini , Reed Elizabeth , Ottesen Andrea
Published: May 2018

The Maryland blue crab (
Callinectes sapidus
) is a treasured food, especially in areas surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. It has huge economic impact on commerce, and thus, understanding the bacterial, fungal, and viral constituents of its microbiome provides valuable information to safely manage aquaculture, handling, and cooking of this valuable commodity.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Virulent Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. masoucida Strain RFAS1
Authors: Kim Ahran , Nguyen Thanh Luan , Kim Do-Hyung
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the pathogenic
Aeromonas salmonicida
subsp.
masoucida
strain RFAS1, isolated from black rockfish and showing signs of furunculosis. Sequencing with the PacBio platform yielded a circular chromosome of 4,783,004 bp and two plasmids (70,968 bp and 63,563 bp) harboring 4,411, 67, and 71 protein-coding genes, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Strain Isolated from the Skin of a Vaccinated Animal
Authors: Lojkić Ivana , Šimić Ivana , Krešić Nina , Bedeković Tomislav
Published: May 2018

Vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease (LSD) can cause adverse reactions. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of an LSD virus strain isolated from the skin of a vaccinated animal. We confirmed that the sequence of the virus used for vaccination remains stable.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Human Norovirus Strain from the United States Classified as Genotype GII.P6_GII.6
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Wang Shiliang , Wang Weimin
Published: May 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of a GII.6 norovirus strain detected in a clinical fecal specimen from the United States. The virus genome has a length of 7,547 bp and a GC content of 50.1%. Complete norovirus genotyping of the full-genome sequence identified the virus genotype as GII.P6_GII.6.
TPL2 Is a Key Regulator of Intestinal Inflammation in Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Wang Yuanguo , Wang Shaohui , Kelly Ciaran P. , Feng Hanping , Greenberg Andrew , Sun Xingmin
Published: May 2018

Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is a major inflammatory mediator in immune cells. The predominant inflammatory actions of TPL2 depend on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and the upregulated production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in macrophages and dendritic cells in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Transposon Sequencing of Brucella abortus Uncovers Essential Genes for Growth
In Vitro
and Inside Macrophages
Authors: Sternon Jean-François , Godessart Pierre , Gonçalves de Freitas Rosa , Van der Henst Mathilde , Poncin Katy , Francis Nayla , Willemart Kevin , Christen Matthias , Christen Beat , Letesson Jean-Jacques , De Bolle Xavier
Published: May 2018

Brucella abortus
is a class III zoonotic bacterial pathogen able to survive and replicate inside host cells, including macrophages. Here we report a multidimensional transposon sequencing analysis to identify genes essential for
Brucella abortus
growth in rich medium and replication in RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Lipoprotein-Like Lipoproteins Enhance Staphylococcus aureus Invasion in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Thu , Peisl Loulou , Barletta Francesca , Luqman Arif , Götz Friedrich
Published: May 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
contains a certain subclass of lipoproteins, the so-called lipoprotein-like lipoproteins (Lpl's), that not only represent Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligands but are also involved in host cell invasion. Here we addressed the question of which factors contribute to Lpl-mediated invasion of epithelial cells and keratinocytes.
Monitoring Anti-Pythium insidiosum IgG Antibodies and (1→3)-β-d-Glucan in Vascular Pythiosis
Authors: Worasilchai Navaporn , Permpalung Nitipong , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Mendoza Alberto Leonel , Palaga Tanapat , Reantragoon Rangsima , Finkelman Malcolm , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Chindamporn Ariya
Published: May 2018

Despite aggressive treatment, vascular pythiosis has a mortality rate of 40%. This is due to delays in diagnosis and a lack of effective monitoring tools.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks of life—a hospital perspective
Authors: Levene Ilana , O’Brien Frances
Published: May 2018

The beneficial health and economic impacts of breastfeeding are considerable. However the majority of babies in the UK are not exclusively breastfeeding by 6 weeks of age. The first few weeks of life are therefore a critical period to facilitate breastfeeding. Health professionals must have a thorough knowledge of normal breastfeeding patterns in order to minimise unnecessary interference, and an understanding of how to protect the breastfeeding relationship when medical problems occur.
Image guided percutaneous spine procedures using an optical see-through head mounted display: proof of concept and rationale
Authors: Deib Gerard , Johnson Alex , Unberath Mathias , Yu Kevin , Andress Sebastian , Qian Long , Osgood Gregory , Navab Nassir , Hui Ferdinand , Gailloud Philippe
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

Optical see-through head mounted displays (OST-HMDs) offer a mixed reality (MixR) experience with unhindered procedural site visualization during procedures using high resolution radiographic imaging. This technical note describes our preliminary experience with percutaneous spine procedures utilizing OST-HMD as an alternative to traditional angiography suite monitors.

Methods

MixR visualization was achieved using the Microsoft HoloLens system. Various spine procedures (vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and percutaneous discectomy) were performed on a lumbar spine phantom with commercially available devices. The HMD created a real time MixR environment by superimposing virtual posteroanterior and lateral views onto the interventionalist’s field of view. The procedures were filmed from the operator’s perspective. Videos were reviewed to assess whether key anatomic landmarks and materials were reliably visualized. Dosimetry and procedural times were recorded. The operator completed a questionnaire following each procedure, detailing benefits, limitations, and visualization mode preferences.

Results

Percutaneous vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and discectomy procedures were successfully performed using OST-HMD image guidance on a lumbar spine phantom. Dosimetry and procedural time compared favorably with typical procedural times. Conventional and MixR visualization modes were equally effective in providing image guidance, with key anatomic landmarks and materials reliably visualized.

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing OST-HMDs for image guidance in interventional spine procedures. This novel visualization approach may serve as a valuable adjunct tool during minimally invasive percutaneous spine treatment.
Advising patients seeking stem cell interventions for multiple sclerosis
Authors: von Wunster Beatrice , Bailey Steven , Wilkins Alastair , Marks David I , Scolding Neil J , Rice Claire M
Published: May 2018

Given the intuitive potential of stem cell therapy and limitations of current treatment options for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), it is not surprising that patients consider undertaking significant clinical and financial risks to access stem cell transplantation. However, while increasing evidence supports autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in aggressive relapsing–remitting MS, interventions employing haematopoietic or other stem cells should otherwise be considered experimental and recommended only in the context of a properly regulated clinical study. Understandably, most neurologists are unfamiliar with AHSCT procedures and the specific requirements for quality assurance and safety standards, as well as post-procedure precautions and follow-up. Consequently they may feel ill-equipped to advise patients. Here, we highlight important points for discussion in consultations with patients considering stem cell ‘tourism’ for MS.
Welfare assessment of conventional and organic broilers in Denmark, with emphasis on leg health
Authors: Tahamtani Fernanda M , Hinrichsen Lena K , Riber Anja B
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to survey and report the walking ability in broilers housed in both conventional and organic production systems in Denmark. To this end, the authors assessed the walking ability, by using the Bristol scale, in 31 conventional broiler flocks and in 29 organic broiler flocks distributed across Denmark. In addition, assessment of contact dermatitis, leg abnormalities, scratches and plumage cleanliness, as well as postmortem analysis of tibial dyschondroplasia, was performed in conventional broilers. The survey found a prevalence of 77.4 per cent of impaired walking ability (gait score (GS) >0) in conventional broilers and 38.1 per cent in organic broilers. The prevalence of severe lameness (GS >2) was 5.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent for conventional and organic broilers, respectively. The prevalence of tibial dyschondroplasia in conventional broilers was 4.7 per cent. The results on other welfare indicators are also presented for conventional broilers. The results from the present and previous surveys indicate that the prevalence of impaired walking ability in broiler chickens in the Danish conventional production system is high, but the severity has been steadily decreasing over the last 19 years. Furthermore, the results from the survey of organic broilers suggest that lameness is less prevalent and severe in this system relative to conventional production.
Formation of wormholes by dark matter in the galaxy Dragonfly 44
Authors: Islam Sayeedul , Rahaman Farook , Övgün Ali , Halilsoy Mustafa
Published: May 2018

Recently, the ultra-diffuse galaxy (UDG) Dragonfly 44 in the Coma Cluster was observed and observations of the rotational speed suggest that its mass is almost the same as the mass of the Milky Way. On the other hand, interestingly, the galaxy emits only 1% of the light emitted by the Milky Way. Thus, astronomers reported that Dragonfly 44 may be made almost entirely of dark matter. In this study we try to determine whether or not the dark matter that constitutes Dragonfly 44 can form a wormhole. Two possible dark matter profiles are used, namely, UDG King’s model and generalized Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) dark matter profile. We have shown that King’s model dark matter profile does not manage to provide a wormhole whereas the generalized NFW dark matter profile manages to find wormholes.
Studies on dielectric relaxation in relation to viscosity of some anilines, phenol, and their binary mixtures at microwave frequencies
Authors: Maridevarmath C.V. , Malimath G.H.
Published: May 2018

In the present work, the study of variation of relaxation time (τ) with viscosity of the medium (η) is carried out on four polar samples: 2-Nitroaniline, 4-Bromoaniline, 4-Chloroaniline, 4-Chlorophenol, and also on the binary mixture of 2-Nitroaniline + 4-Bromoaniline at room temperature by using microwave bench operating at a frequency of 9.59 GHz. In this regard, the different parameters like dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), dielectric loss ([Formula: see text]), relaxation time (τs), macroscopic steady state viscosity (ηs), dynamic viscosity (ηd), and viscoelastic relaxation time (τve) were determined for all the systems. It is observed that the relaxation time (τs) increases with the increase in the viscosity of the medium for all the systems. Plots of log(τs) versus log(ηs) for all the systems show that variation of relaxation time is found to be nonlinear in the higher viscosity regions. This suggests the failure of Debye’s theory at these regions. Further, the nonlinear behaviour of relaxation time with the viscosity is explained by using the viscoelastic model suggested by Barlow et al. (Proc. R. Soc. A 309, 473 (1969). doi: 10.1098/rspa.1969.0053 ). It is also observed that macroscopic steady state viscosity (ηs) values are greater than the dynamic viscosity (ηd), and viscoelastic relaxation time (τve) values were found to be lower compared to the relaxation time (τs). These results suggest that the effective frictional resistance experienced by the molecules during reorientation is lower and the measured values of macroscopic steady state viscosity (ηs) are frequency dependent.
Experimental investigation of forced convection heat transfer over horizontal tube with conical fins for different fin spacings and different inclination angles
Authors: Yakar Gülay
Published: May 2018

This research was performed to experimentally study the heat transfer over a horizontal tube with conical fins for different fin spacings and different inclination angles. The air entering the test section first contacts the large surface of the conical fin. Therefore the conical fin both directs the air towards the heating surface and increases the heat transfer surface area. The experiments were conducted for three different inclination angles (45°, 60° and 80°) and three different fin spacings (10, 12, and 15 mm). Water and air were used as hot and cold fluid in these experiments, respectively. The water temperature, which was the heating fluid, was kept fixed at 65 °C. The cold fluid entered the test section at eight different air flow velocities (2–20 m/s). Experimental results indicated that the Nusselt number at each inclination angle for the 10 mm fin spacing was almost the same. Moreover, for the 15 mm fin spacing, the highest Nusselt number was obtained at 80° and lowest at 60° for Re > 5 × 104, while the Nusselt number was almost the same at each inclination angle for Re < 5 × 104. It was determined that the lowest pressure drop was obtained at 80° for both 10 and 15 mm.
Periodic Orbits Bifurcating from a Nonisolated Zero–Hopf Equilibrium of Three-Dimensional Differential Systems Revisited
Authors: Cândido Murilo R. , Llibre Jaume
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study the periodic solutions bifurcating from a nonisolated zero–Hopf equilibrium in a polynomial differential system of degree two in [Formula: see text]. More specifically, we use recent results of averaging theory to improve the conditions for the existence of one or two periodic solutions bifurcating from such a zero–Hopf equilibrium. This new result is applied for studying the periodic solutions of differential systems in [Formula: see text] having [Formula: see text]-scroll chaotic attractors.
Fabrication of Polylactide/Carbon Nanopowder Filament using Melt Extrusion and Filament Characterization for 3D Printing
Authors: Jain Shrenik Kumar , Tadesse Yonas
Published: May 2018

In this study, less expensive mesoporous nano carbon (NC) infused in polylactide (PLA) thermoplastic filaments were fabricated to improve the electrical properties and maintaining sufficient strength for 3D printing. Solution blending was used for PLA-NC nanocomposite fabrication and melt extrusion was employed to make cylindrical filaments. Mechanical and electrical properties of 1–20[Formula: see text]wt.% of NC-filaments were investigated and significant improvement of conductivity (3.76[Formula: see text]S/m) and sufficient yield strength (35[Formula: see text]MPa) were obtained. SEM images exhibited uniform dispersion of NC in polymer matrix and DSC results showed no significant changes in the glass transition temperature ([Formula: see text]) for all the compositions. Perspective uses of this filament are for fabrication of electrical wires in 3D printed robots, drones, prosthetics, orthotics and others.
Electric memory effects in styrene-butadiene rubber, containing electric inclusions of highly aromatic oil
Authors: Mocellini Ricardo Raúl , Bonifacich Federico Guillermo , Lambri Fernando Daniel , Lambri Mariel Antonella , Zelada Griselda Irene , Lambri Osvaldo Agustín
Published: May 2018

It was determined that samples of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), containing highly aromatic oil, exhibit memory effects giving rise to dynamic elastic modulus, damping and internal stresses degree which can be tailored depending on the applied electric field strength. The capability and stability of the interaction process between aligned neighbor dipoles for exhibiting a memory effect, once the aligning electric field was removed are studied. It is determined that depending on the spatial arrangement and the amount of electric charge of the dipoles, this interaction is able to promote a memory effect which keeps the alignment between them. This electrostatic interaction plays the role of a counteracting effect for keeping the alignment, which was called electroelasticity. The results from the developed model were applied successfully to SBR composite samples for explaining the memory effects recorded from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements under electric field. In addition, the model of the electric inclusion based on the inclusion theory for continuous media, was applied to determine the degree of internal stresses in the dielectric composite material due to the external applied electric field. In addition, from the coupling between the model developed here and simple issues related to the mechanical properties of composite materials, a procedure for determining the maximum possible gap between the electric dipoles in composite dielectric materials is also shown.
Anthocyanin-Sensitized TiO2 Nanoparticles for Phenazopyridine Photodegradation under Solar Simulated Light
Authors: Zyoud Ahed H. , Saleh Fedaa , Helal Muath H. , Shawahna Ramzi , Hilal Hikmat S.
Published: May 2018

Pharmaceutical wastes are emerging as water contaminants. Like other organic contaminants, it is necessary to find safe and economic methods to remove them from the water. In this work, anthocyanin was used as a natural dye sensitizer for the wide band gap nanosize rutile TiO2. The TiO2/Anthocyanin particles were supported on activated carbon particle surfaces. The resulting composite, which was prepared and characterized by different methods, was then used as a catalyst in the photodegradation of phenazopyridine (a model pharmaceutical contaminant) under a solar simulated light. Depending on experimental conditions, up to 90% of the contaminant was mineralized leaving no new organic products in the reaction mixture. The results show the feasibility of using the activated carbon-supported TiO2/Anthocyanin photocatalyst for pharmaceutical contaminant removal in water. The natural dye anthocyanin readily sensitized the TiO2 to visible light. The unsupported TiO2, with its nanosize particles, was not easy to recover by simple separation methods, while the activated carbon-supported catalyst was easily isolated by decantation after reaction cessation. Moreover, the recovered AC/TiO2 catalyst could also be regenerated by adding fresh anthocyanin sensitizer after recovery for further reuse. Keeping the contaminant molecules closer to the catalytic sites by adsorption, the support also enhanced the efficiency of photocatalyst.
A Case of Recurrent Erysipelas Caused by Streptococcus mitis Group
Authors: Nygren David , Nilson Bo , Rasmussen Magnus
Published: May 2018

The aetiology of erysipelas remains poorly defined though beta-haemolytic streptococci are considered as the main causative pathogens. We describe a case of a 70-year-old woman with recurrent erysipelas in her left arm due to infection with streptococci of the mitis group. Her past medical history includes lymphoedema of the left arm secondary to lymph node dissection due to breast cancer surgery. On seven different occasions during a decade, she has presented a clinical picture of erysipelas and in three of them with Streptococcus mitis group bacteraemia. The results indicate that two cases were caused by Streptococcus mitis and one case was caused by Streptococcus oralis. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported cases of S. mitis and of S. oralis as the causative agents of erysipelas.
Testing rTMS-Induced Neuroplasticity: A Single Case Study of Focal Hand Dystonia
Authors: Betti Sonia , Spoto Andrea , Castiello Umberto , Sartori Luisa
Published: May 2018

Focal hand dystonia in musicians is a neurological motor disorder in which aberrant plasticity is caused by excessive repetitive use. This work’s purposes were to induce plasticity changes in a dystonic musician through five daily thirty-minute sessions of 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left M1 by using neuronavigated stimulation and to reliably measure the effect of these changes. To this aim, the relationship between neuroplasticity changes and motor recovery was investigated using fine-grained kinematic analysis. Our results suggest a statistically significant improvement in motor coordination both in a task resembling the dystonic-inducing symptoms and in a reach-to-grasp task. This single case study supports the safe and effective use of noninvasive brain stimulation in neurologic patients and highlights the importance of evaluating outcomes in measurable ways. This issue is a key aspect to focus on to classify the clinical expression of dystonia. These preliminary results promote the adoption of kinematic analysis as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Fecal Incontinence after Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty for Anorectal Malformation: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Ghorbanpoor Manoochehr , Dehvan Behzad , Rahimi Siavash , Pirdehghan Azar
Published: May 2018

Background. Fecal incontinence is one of the worst functional complications of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for treatment of anorectal malformation. Objectives. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of fecal incontinence in patients with the diagnosis of high or low anorectal malformation who underwent three-stage posterior sagittal anorectoplasty surgery in our center. Patients and Methods. Children with the diagnosis of anorectal malformation who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty at the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2012 to 2016 were enrolled in the study. Parents or guardians were recruited and asked to fill the study questionnaire including the Templeton and Ditesheim Scoring System to assess the status of fecal continence of the patients. Results. Thirty-four patients including 10 (29.4%) males were enrolled in the study. High type of anorectal malformation was diagnosed in 23 (67.6%) patients. The overall mean scores of fecal continence were 4.57 ± 0.84 (range 1.5–5) after a mean follow-up time of 50.7 (range 22.5–69.8) months. Good fecal continence was observed in 91.3% of patients with low type compared to 72.8% of patients with high type of anorectal malformation; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.13). Conclusion. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty surgery in patients with anorectal malformation may result in acceptable fecal continence.
Investigation of Geriatric Patients with Abdominal Pain Admitted to Emergency Department
Authors: Henden Çam Pınar , Baydin Ahmet , Yürüker Savaş , Erenler Ali Kemal , Şengüldür Erdinç
Published: May 2018

Introduction. The aim of this study is to detect the possible reasons of abdominal pain in the patients aged 65 and older admitted to emergency department (ED) with complaint of abdominal pain which is not related to trauma, to determine the length of hospitalization of old (65–75 age) and elderly (aged 75 and older) patients, and to define the hospitalization and mortality rates.Material and Methods.In the study, 336 patients were included. Groups were compared in respect to gender, internal or surgical prediagnoses, complaints accompanying abdominal pain, vital findings, comorbidities, requested consultations, hospitalizing service, waiting time in the ED and in the hospital, and treatment methods.Results. Of the patients, 48.2% were male, and 51.8% were female. While 52.4% of the patients were in 65–74 age group, 47.6% of them were aged 75 years and above. An internal disease was detected in 76.8% of the patients as an origin of abdominal pain. Most common prediagnoses were biliary diseases and diseases related to biliary tract followed by nonspecific abdominal pain, abdominal pain secondary to malignity, ileus, and acute gastroenteritis, respectively. The most frequent finding accompanying abdominal pain was vomiting. The most frequent chronic disease accompanying abdominal pain was hypertension in both age groups. We observed that 75.9% of the patients required consultation. We detected that 48.8% of the patients with abdominal pain were hospitalized and they were hospitalized mostly by gastroenterology ward (24.8%). Surgical treatments were applied to the 17.6% of the patients with abdominal pain.Conclusion. Clinical findings become indistinct by age, and differential diagnosis of abdominal pain gets more difficult in geriatric patients. Therefore, physicians should consider age related physiological changes in order to distinguish geriatric patients admitted to emergency service with abdominal pain from pathological cases requiring immediate surgical operation.
Radium-223 Dichloride in Combination with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Targeting Therapy in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma with Bone Metastases
Authors: McKay Rana R. , Bossé Dominick , Gray Kathryn P. , Michaelson M. Dror , Krajewski Katherine , Jacene Heather A. , Walsh Meghara , Bellmunt Joaquim , Pomerantz Mark , Harshman Lauren C. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: This study investigates the biologic activity of radium-223 with VEGF-targeted therapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) and bone metastases.

Patients and Methods: Fifteen treatment-naïve patients (n = 15) received pazopanib 800 mg orally once daily, and 15 previously treated patients received sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily. Radium-223 55 kilobecquerel/kg was administered concurrently every 4 weeks for up to six infusions in both cohorts. The primary endpoint was decline in bone turnover markers (Procollagen I Intact N-Terminal, N-telopeptide, C-telopeptide, osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) compared with baseline. Secondary endpoints included safety, rate of symptomatic skeletal event (SSE) and time to first SSE, objective response rate, change in analgesic use, and quality of life. Exploratory analysis of tumor genomic alterations was performed.

Results: Of the 30 patients enrolled, 83% had IMDC intermediate- or poor-risk disease, 33% had liver metastases, and 83% had a history of SSE prior to enrollment. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. All bone turnover markers significantly declined from baseline at week 8 and 16. Forty percent of patients experienced treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events. Response rates were 15% and 18% per RECIST v1.1 and bone response was 50% and 30% per MD Anderson criteria, in the pazopanib and sorafenib cohort, respectively. Median SSE-free interval was 5.8 months and not reached, respectively. Analgesic use remained stable over the study time.

Conclusions: Radium-223 combined with VEGF-targeted therapy is biologically active and safe. Randomized-controlled trials are needed to define the role of radium-223 in aRCC with skeletal metastases. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4081–8. ©2018 AACR.
Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas: Potential Targets for Intervention
Authors: Lowery Maeve A. , Ptashkin Ryan , Jordan Emmet , Berger Michael F. , Zehir Ahmet , Capanu Marinela , Kemeny Nancy E. , O'Reilly Eileen M. , El-Dika Imane , Jarnagin William R. , Harding James J. , D'Angelica Michael I. , Cercek Andrea , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Solit David B. , Schultz Nikolaus , Hyman David M. , Klimstra David S. , Saltz Leonard B. , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Various genetic driver aberrations have been identified among distinct anatomic and clinical subtypes of intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and these molecular alterations may be prognostic biomarkers and/or predictive of drug response.

Experimental Design: Tumor samples from patients with cholangiocarcinoma who consented prospectively were analyzed using the MSK-IMPACT platform, a targeted next-generation sequencing assay that analyzes all exons and selected introns of 410 cancer-associated genes. Fisher exact tests were performed to identify associations between clinical characteristics and genetic alterations.

Results: A total of 195 patients were studied: 78% intrahepatic and 22% extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The most commonly altered genes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were IDH1 (30%), ARID1A (23%), BAP1 (20%), TP53 (20%), and FGFR2 gene fusions (14%). A tendency toward mutual exclusivity was seen between multiple genes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma including TP53:IDH1, IDH1:KRAS, TP53:BAP1, and IDH1:FGFR2. Alterations in CDKN2A/B and ERBB2 were associated with reduced survival and time to progression on chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Genetic alterations with potential therapeutic implications were identified in 47% of patients, leading to biomarker-directed therapy or clinical trial enrollment in 16% of patients.

Conclusions: Cholangiocarcinoma is a genetically diverse cancer. Alterations in CDKN2A/B and ERBB2 are associated with negative prognostic implications in patients with advanced disease. Somatic alterations with therapeutic implications were identified in almost half of patients. These prospective data provide a contemporary benchmark for guiding the development of targeted therapies in molecularly profiled cholangiocarcinoma, and support to the use of molecular profiling to guide therapy selection in patients with advanced biliary cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4154–61. ©2018 AACR.
Phase I Trials of Anti-ENPP3 Antibody–Drug Conjugates in Advanced Refractory Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Thompson John A. , Motzer Robert J. , Molina Ana M. , Choueiri Toni K. , Heath Elisabeth I. , Redman Bruce G. , Sangha Randeep S. , Ernst D. Scott , Pili Roberto , Kim Stella K. , Reyno Leonard , Wiseman Aya , Trave Fabio , Anand Banmeet , Morrison Karen , Doñate Fernando , Kollmannsberger Christian K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and recommended phase II dose of an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) targeting ectonucleotide phosphodiesterases-pyrophosphatase 3 (ENPP3) conjugated to monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) in subjects with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Patients and Methods: Two phase I studies were conducted sequentially with 2 ADCs considered equivalent, hybridoma-derived AGS-16M8F and Chinese hamster ovary–derived AGS-16C3F. AGS-16M8F was administered intravenously every 3 weeks at 5 dose levels ranging from 0.6 to 4.8 mg/kg until unacceptable toxicity or progression. The study was terminated before reaching the MTD. A second study with AGS-16C3F started with the AGS-16M8F bridging dose of 4.8 mg/kg given every 3 weeks.

Results: The AGS-16M8F study (n = 26) closed before reaching the MTD. The median duration of treatment was 12 weeks (1.7–83 weeks). One subject had durable partial response (PR; 83 weeks) and 1 subject had prolonged stable disease (48 weeks). In the AGS-16C3F study (n = 34), the protocol-defined MTD was 3.6 mg/kg, but this was not tolerated in multiple doses. Reversible keratopathy was dose limiting and required multiple dose deescalations. The 1.8 mg/kg dose was determined to be safe and was associated with clinically relevant signs of antitumor response. Three of 13 subjects at 1.8 mg/kg had durable PRs (range, 100–143 weeks). Eight subjects at 2.7 mg/kg and 1.8 mg/kg had disease control >37 weeks (37.5–141 weeks).

Conclusions: AGS-16C3F was tolerated and had durable antitumor activity at 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4399–406. ©2018 AACR.