bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of injection pressure of a dip‐angle sloping strata reservoir with low porosity and permeability on CO2 injection amount
Authors: Wang Fugang , Jing Jing , Yang Yanlin , Liu Hongyan , Sun Zhaojun , Xu Tianfu , Tian Hailong
Published: July 2016

Sloping strata reservoirs with low porosity and permeability are widely distributed in China. The first CO2 capture and geological storage (CCS) demonstration project in China that has been constructed in the Ordos Basin is a representative. In this paper, a 3D numerical model was constructed to evaluate the influence of injection pressure and strata dip angle on the CO2 injection amount in a sloping strata reservoir during CO2 injection period. We reached the following conclusions: (i) There is a ‘balance time point (BTP)’ for the total CO2 injection amount between a horizontal reservoir and a sloping one, and the BTP will decrease with the injection pressure increase. (ii) The influence of the dip angle of a sloping reservoir on the total injection amount is non‐monotonicity. For a fixed injection pressure, before the BTP, the greater the dip angle, the greater the CO2 injection amount, but after the BTP, the change rule is reversed. (iii) The injection pressure significantly affected the total injected CO2 amount, but the influence of the dip angle (in the range of 0° to 15°) on the total injection amount was not significant during injection. (iv) To a sloping reservoir, for long time injection (i.e., injection time is longer than the BTP), the bigger the dip angle, the greater the distance of the CO2 upward migration, and the smaller the total injected amount compared to the horizontal reservoir. So, in actual site selection of a CCS project, the small dip angle reservoir was beneficial. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of radiation on the temporal bone in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Lambert Elton M. , Gunn G. Brandon , Gidley Paul W.
Published: July 2016

Radiotherapy is a key component in the treatment of many head and neck cancers, and its potential to cause long‐term adverse effects has become increasingly recognized. In this review, we describe the short‐term and long‐term sequelae of radiation‐associated changes in and injury to the temporal bone and its related structures. The pathophysiology of radiation‐induced injury and its clinical entities, including sensorineural hearing loss, chronic otitis media, osteoradionecrosis, and radiation‐associated malignancies, are described. We also discuss radiation dose to the head and neck as it relates to these conditions. An improved understanding of radiation's effects on the temporal bone will enable physicians and researchers to continue efforts to reduce radiotherapy‐related sequelae and guide clinicians in diagnosing and treating the various otologic conditions that can arise in patients with head and neck cancer who have received radiotherapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1428–1435, 2016
Retrospective analysis of factors influencing oncologic outcome in 590 patients with early‐intermediate glottic cancer treated by transoral laser microsurgery
Authors: Ansarin Mohssen , Cattaneo Augusto , De Benedetto Luigi , Zorzi Stefano , Lombardi Francesca , Alterio Daniela , Rocca Maria Cossu , Scelsi Daniele , Preda Lorenzo , Chiesa Fausto , Santoro Luigi
Published: July 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing oncologic outcomes for patients with early‐intermediate glottic cancer treated by transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

Methods

This was a retrospective mono‐institutional study. A total of 590 patients with cTis‐cT3 glottic cancer underwent TLM with curative intent.

Results

TLM alone was performed in 538 patients (91.2%) and TLM followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was done in 52 (8.8%). Five‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and 10‐year overall survival (OS) were 85.3% and 74.7%, respectively. The larynx‐preservation ratio was 95.9%. In particular, from our data, we found that occult metastases were rare (1.2%); preventive tracheotomy was not necessary; the local recurrence rate of Tis was similar to that in the T2 and T3 group; and no major or lethal complications were observed.

Conclusion

Age (>60 vs ≤60), type of cordectomy (≥IV vs ≤III), status of margins, fixed arytenoid, and pathologic T classification, were the variables associated with RFS, OS, and organ‐preservation rate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 39: 71–81, 2017
Enantiomerization Kinetics of 2,2′‐Disubstituted Biphenyls: A Dynamic Chiral HPLC Investigation
Authors: Moskowitz Max , Xu Hanhui , Wolf Christian
Published: July 2016

The enantiomers of eight axially chiral biaryls were separated by chiral HPLC. On‐column enantiomerization of 1‐(o‐tolyl)naphthalene and 2‐cyclohexyl‐2′‐dimethylaminobiphenyl was observed between 10 °C and 35 °C, generating characteristic HPLC elution profiles with a plateau between the resolved enantiomer peaks. Computer simulation of the experimentally obtained chromatograms allowed determination of the Gibbs free energies of activation, ΔG≠, as 93.2 kJ/mol and 88.4 kJ/mol, respectively.
HOW RESILIENCE ENGINEERING MAINTAINS SUSTAINABLE VALUE
Authors: Jackson Scott
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this essay is to show that the concept of the resilience of an engineered system is in agreement with the concept of sustainable value. The INCOSE Resilient Systems website (INCOSE 2015) defines the resilience of an engineered system as “the ability to provide required capability in the face of adversity. Similarly sustainable value has its roots in economics. According to (Hart and Milstein 2003), a sustainable enterprise “is one that contributes to sustainable development by delivering simultaneously economic, social, and environmental benefits — the so‐called triple bottom line.” So to the extent that capability is aligned with stakeholder value, resilience supports the goal of sustainable value. Capability may be some degree of system performance or simply sustaining human life following an encounter with a threat. Adversity can be external or internal threats. External threats can be natural, such as earthquakes, or human‐made such as terrorist attacks. Internal threats may be human error or software faults.
A USEFUL FRAMEWORK FOR SECURITY, RESILIENCE, AND GOVERNANCE
Authors: Thompson Marcus A. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: July 2016

The ultimate aim of security is to retain a resource of value at a nominated state. Whether preserving the availability of a bank balance, ensuring personal safety, preserving the confidentiality of information in a database, or safeguarding the integrity of a territorial border, the aim of security is to maintain the nominated state of a designated resource. For that state to be maintained in the presence of agile threats, the security system must be equally agile. Such agility requires a framework of agile system components with well‐known interactions and the application of agile governance procedures. Yet, despite security methods proposed by many national governments, standards organisations, think tanks, academics and commentators, none of those methods achieved a lasting impact. Part of the reason for this is that current methods use or rely upon terminology that is confusing, inconsistent, incomplete, or contains language that is specific to the physical, personnel, or electronic domains of security. Consequently, the current set of security terms and definitions provide little assistance in the design and application of security systems (Thompson et al. 2012) and do little to provide the firm base necessary for agile security systems that must survive in an environment of uncertainty, unpredictability, and evolution. This paper presents a security framework based on a harmonised taxonomy of security, resilience and governance (Thompson et al. 2102, 2015) that is applicable across the physical, personnel, and electronic domains. The utility of the framework is then demonstrated for the design of sustainably secure systems.
A CONDENSED APPROACH TO THE CYBER RESILIENT DESIGN SPACE
Authors: Norman Sharon , Chase Justice , Goodwin Daniel , Freeman Bill , Boyle Vern , Eckman Rusty
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we describe cyber resiliency concepts, articulate models for where and how to design in resiliency, and provide examples of resiliency techniques. We describe the Continuous Trust Restoration concept and present “Start Secure. Stay Secure. Return Secure™” as three phases to consider when requiring, implementing, and deploying cyber resiliency. We have touched on the importance of metrics for verification and validation, and we have provided a few examples of cyber resiliency solutions and techniques that are relevant to software and systems. It is important for systems engineers to consider how cyber resiliency can affect their systems, if they need it, and how to incorporate it early in the design process.
Approach of Land Cover Based Asymptotic Curve Number Regression Equation to Estimate Runoff
Authors: Ryu Jichul , Jung Younghun , Kong Dong Soo , Park Bae Kyung , Kim Yong Seok , Engel Bernard A. , Lim Kyoung Jae
Published: July 2016

The Natural Resources Conservation Service‐Curve Number (NRCS‐CN) method has been used widely for estimation of direct runoff. However, the determination methods of CN values for land covers from the National Engineering Handbook Chapter 4 (NEH‐4) are inadequate due to uncertainty raised in determining the of the hydrologic soil group, which could change from reported soil survey data due to soil compaction and other human activities. To overcome these drawbacks, an asymptotic CN (ACN) regression equation for the relationship between measured streamflow and rainfall for gauged river basins (ACN‐RB) was developed and used in various studies. The ACN‐RB determines various CN values depending on the amount of rainfall in an event. The ACN‐RB has limitations in application to ungauged river basin because the ACN‐based CN values do not consider various land covers. Accordingly, 13 land cover‐based asymptotic CN regression equations (LC‐ACN‐REs) were developed and evaluated in this study by comparing estimated direct runoff with measured data. The estimated direct runoff using the LC‐ACN‐REs, which were classified as “standard types”, matched observed direct runoff well, as evidenced by a Nash‐Sutcliff efficiency (NSE) value of 0.78 for Jungrang A basin and a NSE value of 0.73 for Tancheon A basin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Bone Fragility in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Using QCT-Based Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Campbell Graeme M , Peña Jaime A , Giravent Sarah , Thomsen Felix , Damm Timo , Glüer Claus-C , Borggrefe Jan
Published: July 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disease associated with severe bone destruction. Surgical intervention is often required to prevent vertebral body collapse and resulting neurological complications; however, its necessity is determined by measuring lesion size or number, without considering bone biomechanics. Finite element (FE) modeling, which simulates the physiological loading, may improve the prediction of fragility. To test this, we developed a quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based FE model of the vertebra and applied it to a dataset of MM patients with and without prevalent fracture. FE models were generated from vertebral QCT scans of the T12 (T11 if T12 was fractured) of 104 MM patients, 45 with fracture and 59 without, using a low-dose scan protocol (1.5 mm slice thickness, 4.0 to 6.5 mSv effective dose). A calibration phantom enabled the conversion of the CT Hounsfield units to FE material properties. Compressive loading of the vertebral body was simulated and the stiffness, yield load, and work to yield determined. To compare the parameters between fracture and nonfracture groups, t tests were used, and standardized odds ratios (sOR, normalized to standard deviation) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. FE parameters were compared to mineral and structural parameters using linear regression. Patients with fracture showed lower vertebral stiffness (–15.2%; p = 0.010; sOR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.70), yield force (–21.5%; p = 0.002; sOR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.43), and work to yield (–27.4%; p = 0.001; sOR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.92) compared to nonfracture patients. All parameters correlated significantly with vBMD (stiffness: R2 = 0.57, yield force: R2 = 0.59, work to yield: R2 = 0.50, p < 0.001), BV/TV (stiffness: R2 = 0.56, yield force: R2 = 0.58, work to yield: R2 = 0.49, p < 0.001), and Tb.Sp (stiffness: R2 = 0.51, yield force: R2 = 0.53, work to yield: R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). FE modeling identified MM patients with compromised mechanical integrity of the vertebra. Higher sOR values were obtained for the biomechanical compared to structural or mineral measures, suggesting that FE modeling improves fragility assessment in these patients. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Heritability of Thoracic Spine Curvature and Genetic Correlations With Other Spine Traits: The Framingham Study
Authors: Yau Michelle S , Demissie Serkalem , Zhou Yanhua , Anderson Dennis E , Lorbergs Amanda L , Kiel Douglas P , Allaire Brett T , Yang Laiji , Cupples L Adrienne , Travison Thomas G , Bouxsein Mary L , Karasik David , Samelson Elizabeth J
Published: July 2016

Hyperkyphosis is a common spinal disorder in older adults, characterized by excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine and adverse health outcomes. The etiology of hyperkyphosis has not been firmly established, but may be related to changes that occur with aging in the vertebrae, discs, joints, and muscles, which function as a unit to support the spine. Determining the contribution of genetics to thoracic spine curvature and the degree of genetic sharing among co-occurring measures of spine health may provide insight into the etiology of hyperkyphosis. The purpose of our study was to estimate heritability of thoracic spine curvature using T4–T12 kyphosis (Cobb) angle and genetic correlations between thoracic spine curvature and vertebral fracture, intervertebral disc height narrowing, facet joint osteoarthritis (OA), lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and paraspinal muscle area and density, which were all assessed from computed tomography (CT) images. Participants included 2063 women and men in the second and third generation offspring of the original cohort of the Framingham Study. Heritability of kyphosis angle, adjusted for age, sex, and weight, was 54% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43% to 64%). We found moderate genetic correlations between kyphosis angle and paraspinal muscle area (ρˆG, –0.46; 95% CI, –0.67 to –0.26), vertebral fracture (ρˆG, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.61), vBMD (ρˆG, –0.23; 95% CI, –0.41 to –0.04), and paraspinal muscle density (ρˆG, –0.22; 95% CI, –0.48 to 0.03). Genetic correlations between kyphosis angle and disc height narrowing (ρˆG, 0.17; 95% CI, –0.05 to 0.38) and facet joint OA (ρˆG, 0.05; 95% CI, –0.15 to 0.24) were low. Thoracic spine curvature may be heritable and share genetic factors with other age-related spine traits including trunk muscle size, vertebral fracture, and bone mineral density. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Potassium recovery from the fly ash from a grate boiler firing agro‐residues: effects of unburnt carbon and calcination pretreatment
Authors: Wang Shi Yong , Xiao Xue , Wang Xiao Qiang , Dong Chang Qing , Li Wen Yan , Lu Qiang , Wang Ti Peng
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The biomass‐fired power in China is mainly fueled by agro‐residue, and is suffering the bottlenecks of feedstock supply, super heater corrosion and nutrient cycle. How to recycle the ash nutrient to farmland is crucial for ecological sustainability. This work investigated potassium recovery from the fly ash of a grate boiler firing agro‐residue using leaching methods.

RESULTS

The studied ash contains a massive amount of fixed carbon (158.92 mg g−1) and little volatile matter (39.44 mg g−1). The unburnt carbon strongly decreases the concentration (CK) in the leachate and recovery percentage (RPK) of potassium nutrient by 17.6–24.1% and 9.0–18.8%, respectively. Calcination pretreatment in air at 500 °C for 30 min should be employed before leaching to remove the unburnt carbon. Mineralogy analysis shows that low‐temperature pre‐calcination (≤575 °C) does not affect potassium solubility. Under the optimal leaching of calcined ash in water with liquid‐to‐solid ratio 3 for 30 min at room temperature, CK in the leachate, dissolution percentage (DPK) and recovery percentage (RPK) of potassium element reached 17.21 g L−1, 82.0%, and 62.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The fly ash from grate boilers firing agro‐residue is much better than other marginal potash sources. This work is helpful to improve the technology of agro‐residue fired power. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Multiple analytical methods for identification and quality evaluation of Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus based on biological single molecules by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Chao , Sun Lei , Chen Rong , Su Jing‐hua , Zhang Hua‐feng , Gu Bing‐ren , Xing Yi‐wen , Xue Man
Published: July 2016

Quantitative analysis for biological single molecules in Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus and identification method by chemometrics was established by using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Amino acids, nucleosides, and nucleobases were quantitatively analyzed, and 11 peaks were selected for species identification. A Common pattern was established for chemometrics, and then similarity analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis heatmap were applied, and the results indicated that species were ideally identified from the adulterants as Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus. This evaluation method was valuable for further quality control to select the characteristic components.
Effect of high‐dose vocal fold injection of cidofovir and bevacizumab in a porcine model
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa. M. , Connor Matthew. P. , Palazzolo Mitzi , Thompson Michelle E. , Lospinoso Josh , O'Connor Peter , Howard N. Scott , Maturo Stephen. C.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Perform a follow‐up study to investigate the histologic impact of high‐dose intralaryngeal cidofovir injections in porcine vocal cords, either alone or in combination with bevacizumab, and compared to saline controls.

Study Design

This was an in vivo study involving 24 pigs with blinded pathologist review of specimens. Six groups were created, with four subjects in each group. Each subject received 10 or 20 mg of either cidofovir or bevacizumab alone, or in combination, injected into the right vocal cord. The left vocal fold was used as a saline control. Three separate injections were made at 2‐week intervals. Larynges were harvested at 8 and 12 weeks, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome stain, and reviewed for histologic changes by two blinded pathologists.

Results

Minimal inflammation, edema, and atypia were noted with all treatments. Increased glandular inflammation was noted with 10 mg bevacizumab (P < 0.05), which decreased when combined with 10 mg cidofovir (P < 0.05). No lamina propria or muscle fibrosis was observed. Drug duration had no statistically significant histologic impact.

Conclusion

High‐dose cidofovir and bevacizumab do not induce detrimental vocal fold changes. Combination cidofovir and bevacizumab do not cause vocal fold scarring. Further work is needed to assess systemic concentration with this high‐dose combination in humans.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:671–675, 2017
High‐frequency pulsed low‐level diode laser therapy accelerates wound healing of tooth extraction socket: An in vivo study
Authors: Noda Masahiro , Aoki Akira , Mizutani Koji , Lin Taichen , Komaki Motohiro , Shibata Shunichi , Izumi Yuichi
Published: July 2016

Background and Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high‐frequency pulsed (HiFP) low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on early wound healing of tooth extraction sockets in rats.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Bilateral maxillary first molars were extracted from 6‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats. Sockets on the right were treated by HiFP low‐level diode laser irradiation (904–910 nm); the left sides served as unirradiated controls. LLLT (0.28 W, 30 kHz, 200‐ns pulse, 0.6% duty cycle, 61.2 J/cm2 total power density) was employed immediately after extraction and every 24 hours thereafter. The maxillae including the sockets were resected 3 or 7 days after extraction. Soft‐tissue healing was evaluated on days 0, 3, and 7. The bone mineral content (BMC), bone volume (BV), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the extraction sockets were evaluated by microcomputed tomography, and histomorphometric analysis was carried out on day 7. Real‐time PCR analysis of osteogenic marker expression and immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells were performed on day 3.

Results

Compared with control sites, the un‐epithelialized areas of the extracted sites were significantly reduced by irradiation (P = 0.04), and the BMC, BV, and BMD of laser‐treated sites were significantly increased (P = 0.004, 0.006, and 0.009, respectively). On day 7, the mean height of newly formed immature woven bone was higher in laser‐treated sites (P = 0.24). On day 3, laser‐treated sites showed significantly higher osteocalcin mRNA expression (P = 0.04) and PCNA‐positive cell numbers (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

HiFP low‐level diode laser irradiation enhanced soft‐ and hard‐tissue healing of tooth extraction sockets. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:955–964, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Green‐light laser en bloc resection for primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder tumor versus transurethral electroresection: A prospective, nonrandomized two‐center trial with 36‐month follow‐up
Authors: Chen Ji , Zhao Yong , Wang Sijun , Jin Xunbo , Sun Peng , Zhang Longyang , Wang Muwen
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of LBO laser en bloc resection compared with transurethral electroresection (TURBT) for the treatment of primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder tumors.

Methods

From September 2010 to February 2012, a prospective, nonrandomized two‐center trial was performed. A total of 158 patients (83 underwent laser resection and 75 TURBT) were included in the present study. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical characteristics were recorded and compared in the two groups.

Results

There were no differences with the preoperative characteristics between the patients in the two groups. The mean operative time was 21.46 ± 10.42 minutes for laser resection and 27.47 ± 15.30 minutes for TURBT (P = 0.004). LBO laser group was also associated with less hemoglobin decrease compared with TURBT group (0.87 ± 0.28 g/ml vs. 1.00 ± 0.33 g/ml, P = 0.009). Obturator nerve reflection was absent during laser resection, whereas was observed in nine patients during TURBT (P = 0.001). Two patients in the TURBT group suffered bladder perforation. Three patients in TURBT group and one patient in LBO laser group experienced urethral stricture. The recurrence‐free survival rate did not differ significantly between two groups after 36 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

The results of our trial have shown that LBO laser en bloc resection is feasible, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment of primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder tumors. Besides, it can provide intact specimen for the pathologic diagnosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:859–865, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What is the theory without power set?
Authors: Gitman Victoria , Hamkins Joel David , Johnstone Thomas A.
Published: July 2016

We show that the theory , consisting of the usual axioms of but with the power set axiom removed—specifically axiomatized by extensionality, foundation, pairing, union, infinity, separation, replacement and the assertion that every set can be well‐ordered—is weaker than commonly supposed and is inadequate to establish several basic facts often desired in its context. For example, there are models of in which ω1 is singular, in which every set of reals is countable, yet ω1 exists, in which there are sets of reals of every size , but none of size , and therefore, in which the collection axiom fails; there are models of for which the Łoś theorem fails, even when the ultrapower is well‐founded and the measure exists inside the model; there are models of for which the Gaifman theorem fails, in that there is an embedding of models that is Σ1‐elementary and cofinal, but not elementary; there are elementary embeddings of models whose cofinal restriction is not elementary. Moreover, the collection of formulas that are provably equivalent in to a Σ1‐formula or a Π1‐formula is not closed under bounded quantification. Nevertheless, these deficits of are completely repaired by strengthening it to the theory , obtained by using collection rather than replacement in the axiomatization above. These results extend prior work of Zarach .
Differentiation of neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes by volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis and support vector machine classification
Authors: Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Möller Leona , Südmeyer Martin , Hilker Rüdiger , Hattingen Elke , Egger Karl , Amtage Florian , Respondek Gesine , Stamelou Maria , Schnitzler Alfons , Pinkhardt Elmar H. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Knake Susanne , Kassubek Jan , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: July 2016

Background

Clinical differentiation of parkinsonian syndromes is still challenging.

Objectives

A fully automated method for quantitative MRI analysis using atlas‐based volumetry combined with support vector machine classification was evaluated for differentiation of parkinsonian syndromes in a multicenter study.

Methods

Atlas‐based volumetry was performed on MRI data of healthy controls (n = 73) and patients with PD (204), PSP with Richardson's syndrome phenotype (106), MSA of the cerebellar type (21), and MSA of the Parkinsonian type (60), acquired on different scanners. Volumetric results were used as input for support vector machine classification of single subjects with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation.

Results

The largest atrophy compared to controls was found for PSP with Richardson's syndrome phenotype patients in midbrain (−15%), midsagittal midbrain tegmentum plane (−20%), and superior cerebellar peduncles (−13%), for MSA of the cerebellar type in pons (−33%), cerebellum (−23%), and middle cerebellar peduncles (−36%), and for MSA of the parkinsonian type in the putamen (−23%). The majority of binary support vector machine classifications between the groups resulted in balanced accuracies of >80%. With MSA of the cerebellar and parkinsonian type combined in one group, support vector machine classification of PD, PSP and MSA achieved sensitivities of 79% to 87% and specificities of 87% to 96%. Extraction of weighting factors confirmed that midbrain, basal ganglia, and cerebellar peduncles had the largest relevance for classification.

Conclusions

Brain volumetry combined with support vector machine classification allowed for reliable automated differentiation of parkinsonian syndromes on single‐patient level even for MRI acquired on different scanners. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Functional Connectivity Networks in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic DYT1 Carriers
Authors: Premi Enrico , Diano Matteo , Gazzina Stefano , Cauda Franco , Gualeni Vera , Tinazzi Michele , Fiorio Mirta , Liberini Paolo , Lazzarini Clara , Archetti Silvana , Biasiotto Giorgio , Turla Marinella , Bertasi Valeria , Cotelli Maria , Gasparotti Roberto , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara
Published: July 2016

Background

DYT1 mutation is characterized by focal to generalized dystonia and incomplete penetrance. To explore the complex perturbations in the different neural networks and the mutual interactions among them, we studied symptomatic and asymptomatic DTY1 mutation carriers by resting‐state functional MRI.

Methods

A total of 7 symptomatic DYT1, 10 asymptomatic DYT1, and 26 healthy controls were considered. Resting‐state functional MRI (Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain) [FMRIB] Software Library) (FSL) MELODIC, dual regression, (as a toolbox of FSL, with Nets is referred to “networks”) (FSLNets) (http://fsl.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl/fslwiki/FSLNets) was performed on 9 resting‐state neural networks.

Results

DYT1 mutation signature (symptomatic DYT1 and asymptomatic DYT1) was characterized by increased connectivity in the dorsal attention network and in the left fronto‐parietal network. Functional correlates of symptomatic DYT1 patients (symptomatic DYT1 vs healthy controls) showed increased connectivity in the sensorimotor network.

Discussion

This study argues that DYT1 dystonia is a network disorder, with crucial nodes in sensory‐motor integration of posterior parietal structures. A better characterization of cortical networks involved in dystonia is crucial for possible neurophysiological therapeutic interventions. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Coumarin Derivatives as Protein‐protein Interaction Inhibitors
Authors: De Luca Laura , Agharbaoui Fatima E. , Gitto Rosaria , Buemi Maria Rosa , Christ Frauke , Debyser Zeger , Ferro Stefania
Published: July 2016

Herein we describe the design and synthesis of a new series of coumarin derivatives searching for novel HIV‐1 integrase (IN) allosteric inhibitors. All new obtained compounds were tested in order to evaluate their ability to inhibit the interaction between the HIV‐1 IN enzyme and the nuclear protein lens epithelium growth factor LEDGF/p75. A combined approach of docking and molecular dynamic simulations has been applied to clarify the activity of the new compounds. Specifically, the binding free energies by using the method of molecular mechanics‐generalized Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) was calculated, whereas hydrogen bond occupancies were monitored throughout simulations methods.
Mean‐square stability of the backward Euler–Maruyama method for neutral stochastic delay differential equations with jumps
Authors: Mo Haoyi , Zhao Xueyan , Deng Feiqi
Published: July 2016

This paper is mainly considered whether the mean‐square stability of neutral stochastic delay differential equations (NSDDEs) with jumps is shared with that of the backward Euler–Maruyama method. Under the one‐sided Lipschitz condition and the linear growth condition, the trivial solution of NSDDEs with jumps is proved to be mean‐square stable by using the functional comparison principle and the Barbalat's lemma. It is shown that the backward Euler–Maruyama method can reproduce the mean‐square stability of the trivial solution under the same conditions. The implicit backward Euler–Maruyama method shows better characteristic than the explicit Euler–Maruyama method for the reason that it works without the linear growth condition on the drift coefficient. Compared with some existing results, our results do not need to add extra condition on the neutral part. The conclusions can be applied to NSDDEs and SDDEs with jumps. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is illustrated by an example. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weighted pseudo‐almost periodic functions on time scales with applications to cellular neural networks with discrete delays
Authors: Li Yongkun , Zhao Lili
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we first propose a concept of weighted pseudo‐almost periodic functions on time scales and study some basic properties of weighted pseudo‐almost periodic functions on time scales. Then, we establish some results about the existence of weighted pseudo‐almost periodic solutions to linear dynamic equations on time scales. Finally, as an application of our results, we study the existence and global exponential stability of weighted pseudo‐almost periodic solutions for a class of cellular neural networks with discrete delays on time scales. The results of this paper are completely new. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion tensor imaging of articular cartilage at 3T correlates with histology and biomechanics in a mechanical injury model
Authors: Ferizi Uran , Rossi Ignacio , Lee Youjin , Lendhey Matin , Teplensky Jason , Kennedy Oran D. , Kirsch Thorsten , Bencardino Jenny , Raya José G.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

We establish a mechanical injury model for articular cartilage to assess the sensitivity of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in detecting cartilage damage early in time. Mechanical injury provides a more realistic model of cartilage degradation compared with commonly used enzymatic degradation.

Methods

Nine cartilage‐on‐bone samples were obtained from patients undergoing knee replacement. The 3 Tesla DTI (0.18 × 0.18 × 1 mm3) was performed before, 1 week, and 2 weeks after (zero, mild, and severe) injury, with a clinical radial spin‐echo DTI (RAISED) sequence used in our hospital. We performed stress‐relaxation tests and used a quasilinear‐viscoelastic (QLV) model to characterize cartilage mechanical properties. Serial histology sections were dyed with Safranin‐O and given an OARSI grade. We then correlated the changes in DTI parameters with the changes in QLV‐parameters and OARSI grades.

Results

After severe injury the mean diffusivity increased after 1 and 2 weeks, whereas the fractional anisotropy decreased after 2 weeks (P < 0.05). The QLV‐parameters and OARSI grades of the severe injury group differed from the baseline with statistical significance. The changes in mean diffusivity across all the samples correlated with the changes in the OARSI grade (r = 0.72) and QLV‐parameters (r = −0.75).

Conclusion

DTI is sensitive in tracking early changes after mechanical injury, and its changes correlate with changes in biomechanics and histology. Magn Reson Med 78:69–78, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Elucidation of the downfield spectrum of human brain at 7 T using multiple inversion recovery delays and echo times
Authors: Fichtner Nicole D. , Henning Anke , Zoelch Niklaus , Boesch Chris , Kreis Roland
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To characterize the downfield spectrum at 5–10 ppm in the human brain at a high magnetic field of 7 T. Knowledge of relaxation parameters is of interest for spectroscopy as well as chemical exchange–dependent saturation transfer experiments.

Methods

Water‐suppressed spectra were recorded as echo time and inversion time series in healthy volunteers to investigate T2 and T1 values of downfield peaks in gray matter at 7T. The spectra were fitted in a two‐dimensional fashion to a heuristic model of a series of Voigt lines, and the relaxation times were obtained for 12 peaks of interest.

Results

The mean T2 values averaged over the volunteers ranged from 24 to 158 ms, whereas the mean T1 values ranged from 0.22 to 2.40 s. Spectra of specific inversion and echo times revealed superposition of the amide peaks of N‐acetylaspartate with short T2 and an inhomogeneously broadened component with longer T2.

Conclusions

T2 values were shorter than expected for most peaks, whereas T1 values had a very wide range; shorter relaxation times for some peaks suggests the presence of macromolecules. Most of the larger peaks seemed to be composed of overlapping components, because the Gaussian widths in the Voigt line shape descriptions were larger than expected based on field inhomogeneities. Magn Reson Med 78:11–19, 2016. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Detection of 2‐hydroxyglutarate in brain tumors by triple‐refocusing MR spectroscopy at 3T in vivo
Authors: An Zhongxu , Ganji Sandeep K. , Tiwari Vivek , Pinho Marco C. , Patel Toral , Barnett Samuel , Pan Edward , Mickey Bruce E. , Maher Elizabeth A. , Choi Changho
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To test the efficacy of triple‐refocusing MR spectroscopy (MRS) for improved detection of 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2HG) in brain tumors at 3T in vivo.

Methods

The triple‐refocusing sequence parameters were tailored at 3T, with density‐matrix simulations and phantom validation, for enhancing the 2HG 2.25‐ppm signal selectivity with respect to the adjacent resonances of glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). In vivo MRS data were acquired from 15 glioma patients and analyzed with LCModel using calculated basis spectra. Metabolites were quantified with reference to water.

Results

A triple‐refocusing sequence (echo time = 137 ms) was obtained for 2HG detection. The 2HG 2.25‐ppm signal was large and narrow while the Glu and Gln signals between 2.2 and 2.3 ppm were minimal. The optimized triple refocusing offered improved separation of 2HG from Glu, Gln and GABA when compared with published MRS methods. 2HG was detected in all 15 patients, the estimated 2HG concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 15.0 mM, with Cramer‐Rao lower bounds of 2%–11%. The 2HG estimates did not show significant correlation with total choline.

Conclusion

The optimized triple refocusing provides excellent 2HG signal discrimination from adjacent resonances and may confer reliable in vivo measurement of 2HG at relatively low concentrations. Magn Reson Med 78:40–48, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Numerical analysis of projectile penetration and perforation of plain and fiber reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Smith Jovanca , Cusatis Gianluca
Published: July 2016

The research presented in this paper deals with the numerical analysis of projectile impact on regular strength concrete (RSC), high‐strength concrete (HSC), and engineered cementitious composites (ECC) using the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM). The LDPM is chosen in this study as it naturally captures the failure mechanisms at the length scale of coarse aggregate of concrete, and its capabilities include the accurate depiction of both intrinsic and apparent rate effects in concrete, as well as fiber reinforcement effects. The model is used to predict the experimental impact response performed by four independent testing laboratories, and for each data set the model parameters are calibrated and validated using a combination of uniaxial compression, triaxial compression, uniaxial strain compression, and dogbone tests. In the first study, perforation experiments on RSC and HSC for varied impact velocities are carried out, and the exit velocity is compared with the available experimental data. The second study focuses on ECC, where multiple impact of steel and plastic fiber reinforced concrete panels are explored. A third investigation is performed on four RSC panels with varied thicknesses and subjected to the same impact velocity. In this instance, the model is used to predict the penetration depths for the different cases. Finally, in the last study, the response of large‐thickness infinite panels of sizes ranging from 300 mm to 700 mm under projectile impact is considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive least‐squares mixed finite element method for the Signorini problem
Authors: Krause Rolf , Müller Benjamin , Starke Gerhard
Published: July 2016

We present and analyze a least squares formulation for contact problems in linear elasticity which employs both, displacements and stresses, as independent variables. As a consequence, we obtain stability and high accuracy of our discretization also in the incompressible limit. Moreover, our formulation gives rise to a reliable and efficient a posteriori error estimator. To incorporate the contact constraints, the first‐order system least squares functional is augmented by a contact boundary functional which implements the associated complementarity condition. The bilinear form related to the augmented functional is shown to be coercive and therefore constitutes an upper bound, up to a constant, for the error in displacements and stresses in . This implies the reliability of the functional to be used as an a posteriori error estimator in an adaptive framework. The efficiency of the use of the functional as an a posteriori error estimator is monitored by the local proportion of the boundary functional term with respect to the overall functional. Computational results using standard conforming linear finite elements for the displacement approximation combined with lowest‐order Raviart‐Thomas elements for the stress tensor show the effectiveness of our approach in an adaptive framework for two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional Hertzian contact problems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 276–289, 2017
Trends in firearm background check applications and denials
Authors: Mueller David G. , Frandsen Ronald
Published: July 2016

There is little previous research on firearm background check applications and denials despite the potential for such research to significantly benefit policy and practice. The U.S. firearm background check system is complex with federal, state, and local laws creating a patchwork system intended to increase public safety and reduce mortality. State characteristics may play an important role in changes in application and denial rates. We examined the relationship between application and denial rates and state characteristics such as poverty, race, gender, existing firearm ownership, and population density. Multi‐level longitudinal modeling was used in an ecological study design with the state as the unit of analysis spanning a time period between 2005 and 2010, inclusive. Results indicated that application and denial rates significantly increased over time. Population density and poverty level were negatively related to application and denial rates. Firearm ownership, male population size, and percent of residents that were white were positively related to application and denial rates. Percent of African–American residents was negatively related to application rate. The importance of understanding the factors that predict firearm prevalence and the need for additional research on the denial of firearms is discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fiscal Decentralization, Flat Administrative Structure, and Local Government Size: Evidence and Lessons from China
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhu Chunkui , Hou Yilin
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the effects of fiscal decentralization and flat administrative structure on local budget size and program outlays. We test three related theoretical hypotheses in China's adoption of province‐over‐county scheme of financial administration. We provide evidence that both decentralization of expenditure and decentralization of revenue increase the size of local budgets; that the impact of the former far outweighs that of the latter with local budgets on a rising trajectory; and that discretion grants localities more means to increase their budget. These results show that as China's reform deepens the proportion of local outlay on administration declines because of more local discretion from eliminating the prefecture bypass between the province and counties. But neither decentralization nor increased local discretion has allocated more local resources for education, and both contribute to increasing outlay on economic development. The paper formulates tentative policy recommendations that carry potential application for other countries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein microarray applications: Autoantibody detection and posttranslational modification
Authors: Atak Apurva , Mukherjee Shuvolina , Jain Rekha , Gupta Shabarni , Singh Vedita Anand , Gahoi Nikita , K. P. Manubhai , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: July 2016

The discovery of DNA microarrays was a major milestone in genomics; however, it could not adequately predict the structure or dynamics of underlying protein entities, which are the ultimate effector molecules in a cell. Protein microarrays allow simultaneous study of thousands of proteins/peptides, and various advancements in array technologies have made this platform suitable for several diagnostic and functional studies. Antibody arrays enable researchers to quantify the abundance of target proteins in biological fluids and assess PTMs by using the antibodies. Protein microarrays have been used to assess protein–protein interactions, protein–ligand interactions, and autoantibody profiling in various disease conditions. Here, we summarize different microarray platforms with focus on its biological and clinical applications in autoantibody profiling and PTM studies. We also enumerate the potential of tissue microarrays to validate findings from protein arrays as well as other approaches, highlighting their significance in proteomics.
Platelet glycoproteins associated with aspirin‐treatment upon platelet activation
Authors: Shah Punit , Yang Weiming , Sun Shisheng , Pasay Jered , Faraday Nauder , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2016

Platelet glycoproteins are known to play central roles in hemostasis and vascular integrity and have pathologic roles in vascular occlusive diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Characterizing glycoproteins within and secreted by platelets can provide insight into the mechanisms that underlie vascular pathologies and the therapeutic benefits or failure of anti‐platelet agents. To study the impact of aspirin, which is commonly prescribed for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, on the platelet glycoproteome, we evaluated washed platelets from ten donors. The platelet glycoproteome, was studied using an iTRAQ in resting and stimulated states and with and without aspirin treatment. Using solid phase extraction of glycosite‐containing peptides (SPEG), we were able to identify 799 unique N‐linked glycosylation sites (glycosites) in platelets, representing the largest and the most comprehensive analysis to date. We were able to identity a number of glycoproteins impacted by aspirin treatment, which we validated using global proteomics analysis of platelets and their secreted proteins. In our analyses, metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) was the single most significantly affected glycoprotein by aspirin treatment. ELISA assays confirmed proteomic results and validated our strategy. Functional analysis demonstrated that TIMP1 levels were highly correlated with platelet reactivity in vitro, with a correlation coefficient of −0.5. The release of TIMP1 from platelets, which was previously unknown to be affected by aspirin treatment, may play important roles in hemostasis and/or vascular integrity. If validated, our findings may be useful for developing assays that assess platelet response to aspirin or other anti‐platelet therapies.