bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Nano TiO2 and CeO2 on Normal Human Lung Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Thai Sheau-Fung , Jones Carlton P. , Nelson Garret B. , Vallanat Beena , Killius Micaela , Crooks James L. , Ward William O. , Blackman Carl F. , Ross Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2019

Nano-TiO2 and nano-CeO2 are among the most widely used engineered nanoparticles (NPs). We investigated a variety of endpoints to assess the toxicity of eight of these NPs to induce potentially adverse health effects in an In Vitro human respiratory epithelial
cell model. These endpoints include cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production, 8-hydroxy-2_-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), endogenous DNA adducts, Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, 4-Hrdoxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts, Malondialdehyde (MDA) protein
adducts, and genomics analysis on altered signaling pathways. Our results indicated that cytotoxicity assays are relatively insensitive, and we detected changes in other endpoints at concentrations much lower than those inducing cytotoxicity. Among the ROS-related endpoints, 8-oxo-dG is relatively
more sensitive than other assays, and nano-TiO2 induced more 8-oxo-dG formation than nano-CeO2. Finally, there are many signaling pathways changes at concentrations at which no cytotoxicity was observed. These alterations in signaling pathways correlated well with In
Vitro toxicity that was observed at higher concentrations, and with in vivo adverse outcome pathways caused by nano-TiO2 and nano-CeO2 in experimental animals.
Sorafenib-Loaded Ligand-Functionalized Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Therapeutic Effect Against Liver Cancer
Authors: Tang Shijing , Li Yuanjun
Published: May 2019

The main aim of present study was to enhance the anticancer effect of sorafenib (SRF) in the liver cancer cells. The SRF-loaded folate receptor-targeted polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticle was formulated to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of liver cancers. The SRF-loaded
folic acid (FA)-conjugated lipid-coated chitosan/chondroitin sulfate (CT/CS) nanoparticle (FCCD/SRF) showed a remarkable internalization of cancer cells compared to non-targeted CCD/SRF. The higher internalization of nanoparticle was mainly attributed to the specific interaction to the folate
receptors overexpressed in the liver cancer cells. FCCD/SRF exhibited a remarkable cell killing effect throughout all tested concentrations. Consistent with the cytotoxic effect, IC50 value of FCCD/SRF was 0.78 μg/ml compared to 3.92 μg/ml for CCD/SRF indicating the potential
of targeting strategy to the cancer cells. FCCD/SRF showed a remarkable apoptosis of cancer cells with distorted nucleus and apoptotic body formation. Overall, results showed that folate-conjugated polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle possess promising potential for anticancer drug delivery in
the treatment of liver cancers.
A Novel Double Core-Shell Bionanoparticle Formed by Ferritin and Baculoviral Polyhedrin
Authors: Hu Wei , Yang Hang , Yu Junping , Wei Hongping
Published: May 2019

In this study, we got a step forward of the baculoviral polyhedrin (Polh) exploitation as a new nanobiomaterial. We recruited human H-chain ferritin (FTH) as scaffold and Gaussia luciferase (hGluc) as luminescent signal molecule, preparation, characterization and luminescent analysis
of the bionanoparticles formed by the fusion proteins of them mentioned above inspire us to present a view that baculoviral polyhedrin is a nanobrick to be a new nanobiomaterial. The bionanoparticle that formed by FTH and Polh fusion protein is a novel double core–shell structure. The
properties of baculoviral polyhedrin make itself a promising new nanobiomaterial for application in bionanotechnology.
Evaluating the Bias of South China Sea Summer Monsoon Precipitation Associated with Fast Physical Processes Using a Climate Model Hindcast Approach
Authors: Chen Wei-Ting , Wu Chien-Ming , Ma Hsi-Yen
Published: May 2019

The present study aims to identify the precipitation bias associated with the interactions among fast physical processes in the Community Atmospheric Model, version 5 (CAM5), during the abrupt onset of the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon, a key precursor of the overall East Asia summer monsoon (EASM). The multiyear hindcast approach is utilized to obtain the well-constrained synoptic-scale horizontal circulation each year during the onset period from the years 1998 to 2012. In the pre-onset period, the ocean precipitation over the SCS is insufficiently suppressed in CAM5 hindcasts and thus weaker land–ocean precipitation contrasts. This is associated with the weaker and shallower convection simulated over the surrounding land, producing weaker local circulation within the SCS basin. In the post-onset period, rainfall of the organized convection over the Philippine coastal ocean is underestimated in the hindcasts, with overestimated upper-level heating. These biases are further elaborated as the underrepresentation of the convection diurnal cycle and coastal convection systems, as well as the issue of precipitation sensitivity to environmental moisture during the SCS onset period. The biases identified in hindcasts are consistent with the general bias of the EASM in the climate simulation of CAM5. The current results highlight that the appropriate representation of land–ocean–convection interactions over coastal areas can potentially improve the simulation of seasonal transition over the monsoon regions.
Toward a New Political Praxis for Trumpamerica: New Directions in Critical Race Theory
Authors: Bonilla-Silva Eduardo
Published: May 2019

The election of 45 brought significant questions about race (and race-class) that merit theoretical consideration. My goal in this article is to discuss how racial theory applies to three main themes that followed the 2016 election: (a) dealing with the “racists”?, (b) the anxieties of the poor and white working class, and (c) hegemonic racism in Trumpamerica. I also briefly outline where I think racial theory needs to develop to combat racism in Trumpamerica.
Linkage Switches in Local Elections: Evidence From the Workers’ Party in Brazil
Authors: Johannessen Peter G.
Published: May 2019

How do politicians from programmatic parties govern when their programmatic commitments are inconsistent with voters’ expectations? This article demonstrates that anticipated electoral pressures can lead politicians from programmatic parties to resemble those from nonprogrammatic parties. When politicians from programmatic parties believe that voters will evaluate their performance using nonprogrammatic criteria, they engage in linkage switches: They initially campaign on programmatic platforms, but prioritize nonprogrammatic actions in office. I support this claim with evidence from Brazilian municipalities (1996-2012), where the Workers’ Party (PT) employed programmatic appeals in an otherwise nonprogrammatic political context. Using a regression discontinuity design and the semi-automated text analysis of campaign platforms, I demonstrate that PT mayors initially ran on programmatic platforms, but once in office, they responded to anticipated electoral pressures by prioritizing actions that were inconsistent with the party’s programmatic orientation.
Internet-mediated automation of a cascade control system-an Engineering laboratory experiment
Authors: Sangeetha A Lakshmi , Bharathi N , Ganesh A Balaji , Kalaichitra G
Published: May 2019

The paper aims to enhance the controllability of a standalone cascade control system with Internet architecture and promote the system to be accessible by remote students. The user interactive web page is developed by using platform independent ASP.NET language and enabled with both monitoring and controlling functionalities. The Internet transmission time delays that are associated with both feed-forward and feedback channels are compensated by using model predictive controller. The performance of cascade control system with and without compensation is validated by measuring indices, such as rise time, peak time and settling time, and also integral square error and integral absolute error. Access privileges among web page users have been added to ensure simultaneous operations as well as security. The cascade control system is an engineering laboratory experiment interfaced with a dedicated computer by using MODBUS protocol and it is made available to the remote students. The user perception analysis is carried out by using a set of questionnaire that observes 85% of positive feedback.
Implementing strategies to reduce singly housed male mice
Authors: Azkona Garikoitz , Caballero Juan M
Published: May 2019

There are different husbandry situations that lead to social isolation of male mice. Besides legal considerations, single housing has a negative impact on behavioural and molecular studies. We have implemented two strategies, the ‘companion mouse’ and just-weaned male grouping, to reduce the number of male mice housed singly in our facility. We have achieved a progressive reduction (42% in three years) without an increase in aggression.
Characterization and exploration of polyurethane nanofiber webs coated with graphene as a strain gauge
Authors: Jang Eunji , Liu Hang , Cho Gilsoo
Published: May 2019

The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) to compare two coating methods (i.e., brush painting and doctor blade coating) for applying graphene onto polyurethane nanofiber webs (PU NWs) for developing e-textiles; (b) to investigate the surface characteristics and chemical and mechanical properties of the specimens based on the coating conditions; (c) to find the relationship between the electrical resistances of the specimen and the amounts of graphene in the PU NWs; and (d) to evaluate electrical resistance changes when specimens are physically strained to calculate the gauge factors. The linear resistances of the graphene-coated PU NWs were less than 600 Ω/cm on all specimens. The PU NW linear resistances are about 1–500 Ω/cm when coated with silver nanowires and about 1000–7000 Ω/cm when coated with polypyrrole. The graphene-coated specimen linear resistances are lower than those of the polypyrrole-coated specimens and higher than those of the silver nanowire-coated specimens. As has been demonstrated in other studies, brush painting is a simple fabrication process, but the field emission scanning electron microscopy image showed that it did not produce uniform coatings compared to the doctor blade method. However, it was found that it is possible to fabricate e-textiles with linear resistances of less than 100 Ω/cm by merely using repetitive brush painting. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the peak bands of urethane and the -NH- bending peak to investigate the graphene coating conditions. The tensile strength of the graphene-coated specimen was much lower than that of the untreated, but the elongation/strain at rupture was higher than that of the untreated specimen. This result shows that the graphene-coated specimens are strained to a smaller force than the untreated one. Furthermore, this indicates that graphene coating induced the changes of the tensile properties of the specimens. The electrical resistances are varied depending on the graphene coating uniformity. Using the doctor blade method, the electrical resistance values of the specimens were slightly lower than those for the brush painted specimens. The gauge factor values of the specimens were examined by the stretch and release test. The highest gauge factor was 97.24 (D2.6) and the lowest was 20.54 (D2.2).
The variegated role of the state in different gated neighbourhoods in China
Authors: Lu Tingting , Zhang Fangzhu , Wu Fulong
Published: May 2019

Housing commodification has led to the development of gated neighbourhoods in China. However, the types of gated neighbourhoods are very different from each other, and include ‘commodity housing’, affordable housing and resettlement housing. They might not be the same as the commonly known ‘gated communities’, which are characterised by both gating and private governance. Using three cases in the city of Wenzhou, we analyse the motivations for development, service provision and property management, and neighbourhood control. In commodity housing, the state is still visible and self-governance is limited, while the real estate developer leads land development and property management. In affordable housing, the state regulates the standards and the prices of services, while the developer is the provider of these services. In resettlement housing, the state uses a state-owned enterprise to relocate households, while the homeowners’ association and the service charges are ineffective. All these cases demonstrate the important and variegated role of the state and provide a more nuanced understanding of these gated neighbourhoods.
The diagnostic performance of ADC value for tumor grade, deep myometrial invasion and lymphovascular space invasion in endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Bi Cong , Xiao Mei Ling , Li Ying , Wei Qiang Jin
Published: May 2019

Background

Disputes exist regarding whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) can differentiate the tumor grade, deep myometrial invasion and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in endometrial cancer. The aim of this review was to assess the diagnostic performance of the ADC value in endometrial cancer.

Material and Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies that used the ADC value to assess tumor grade, deep myometrial invasion and LVSI in endometrial cancer. We used forest plots to analyze the heterogeneity and generate the pooled sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE). We used summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves to work out the area under the SROC curve (AUC). Likelihood ratios (LRs) were also obtained.

Results

Of the 460 identified studies, 11 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included. Overall, nine studies (491 patients) aimed at differentiating high tumor grade had a pooled SEN, SPE and AUC of 77%, 73% and 81%, respectively; three studies (181 patients) for differentiating deep myometrial invasion had a pooled SEN, SPE and AUC of 71%, 67% and 77%, respectively; and two studies (106 patients) for differentiating LVSI had a pooled SEN and SPE of 66% and 74%, respectively. The positive and negative LRs were 2.77 and 0.35 for the tumor grade, 2.08 and 0.45 for deep myometrial invasion, and 2.48 and 0.45 for LVSI.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that the ADC value had a moderate diagnostic performance for the tumor grade, deep myometrial invasion and LVSI in endometrial cancer.
Intrahepatic distant recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: relationship with portal hypertension
Authors: Kim Ran , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Kang Tae Wook , Song Kyoung Doo , Lee Min Woo , Ahn Soo Hyun , Rhim Hyunchul
Published: May 2019

Background

Portal hypertension might be used as a predictor for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to determine whether the degree of portal hypertension assessed by computed tomography (CT) findings predicts intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) in patients with HCC after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Material and Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 78 patients who received transient elastography before RFA were included. Two radiologists evaluated the size, number of index HCC, and gastroesophageal varices at risk of recurrence (GEV-R) by investigating variceal grades on CT. Liver stiffness measurements and laboratory fibrosis indices were also investigated. Recurrence-free survival rate was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves, and each variable was evaluated using a Cox hazards model. A validation study was also performed with other patients who underwent RFA in the same institution ( n = 89).

Results

Cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 79%, 51%, and 38% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. GEV-R was defined as enlarged esophageal varix (≥2 mm diameter on CT) or gastric varix (≥10 mm diameter on CT). Multivariate analysis including CT features showed that GEV-R is a significant independent predictor of IDR (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.91; p = 0.002) as well as tumor multiplicity (HR = 2.79; p = 0.030). On validation study, tumor multiplicity (HR = 2.86; p = 0.006) was statistically significant, and GEV-R also showed increased tendency of recurrence (HR = 1.68; p = 0.083).

Conclusion

CT-driven portal hypertension signs, such as the severity of varices could be a noninvasive predictor of IDR of HCC after RFA.
Flower cells of tropical descent: a challenging case of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Martino Giovanni , Zanelli Magda , Marra Andrea , Quintini Martina , Zizzo Maurizio , Ascani Stefano , Martelli Maria Paola , Falini Brunangelo
Published: May 2019

Background:

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive disease associated with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection, with a very high prevalence in tropical areas but exceptionally rare in Europe and Western countries.

Case presentation:

We describe a challenging case of ATLL in a young male patient with Brazilian origin and adopted as a child by an Italian family, presenting to our clinic with atypical T-lymphocytosis and life-threatening lung infections.

Conclusions:

Diagnosis of ATLL outside of endemic areas can be difficult, requiring a high index of clinical suspicion with careful evaluation of the patient’s clinical history. Prognosis is affected by disease stage at presentation and degree of immunosuppression. Few effective treatments are available, although new molecular insights have highlighted the role of host immune response and immune checkpoint blockade inhibitors, given the overexpression of PD-L1 on lymphoma cells and on microenvironment cells.
Copper nanoparticles stabilized with cashew gum: Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cell line
Authors: Amorim Adriany , Mafud Ana Carolina , Nogueira Silvania , Jesus Joilson Ramos- , Araújo Alyne Rodrigues de , Plácido Alexandra , Brito Neta Maria , Alves Michel Muálem Moraes , Carvalho Fernando Aécio Amorim , Rufino Arcanjo Daniel Dias , Braun Sacha , López Marta Sánchez-Paniagua , López-Ruiz Beatriz , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Mascarenhas Yvonne , Silva Durcilene , Eaton Peter , Almeida Leite José Roberto Souza
Published: May 2019

Copper nanoparticles stabilized with cashew (CG-CuNPs) were synthesized by reduction reaction using ascorbic acid and sodium borohydride, using the cashew gum (CG) as a natural polymer stabilizer. Dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and x-ray diffraction were used to characterize the nanoparticles (CG-CuNPs), and copper was quantified by electrochemical measurement. The UV-vis spectra of the CG-CuNPs confirmed the formation of nanoparticles by appearance of a surface plasmon band at 580 nm after 24 h of reaction. The Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of CG-CuNPs showed the peak at 1704 cm−1 from cashew gum, confirming the presence of the gum in the nanoparticles. The average size of CG-CuNPs by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy was around 10 nm, indicating small, approximately spherical particles. Antimicrobial assays showed that CG-CuNPs had activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.64 mM. The cytotoxicity assay on BALB/c murine macrophages showed lower cytotoxic effects for CG-CuNPs than CuSO4·5H2O. Viability cell assays for CG-CuNPs at (0.250 mM) inhibited by 70% the growth of 4T1 LUC (4T1 mouse mammary tumor cell line) and NIH 3T3 cells (murine fibroblast cells) over a 24-h period. Therefore, CG-CuNPs can be used as an antimicrobial agent with lower cytotoxic effects than the CuSO4·5H2O precursor.
Electrical arc machining: Process capabilities and current research trends
Authors: Shrivastava Pankaj Kumar , Pandey Shrihar , Dangi Shivam
Published: May 2019

Electrical arc machining is the thermal energy-based unconventional machining process, which utilizes energy of arc to melt and vaporize workpiece material. Electrical arc machining has the capability to machine advanced materials such as metal matrix composites, superalloys, and conductive ceramics effectively. The process is considered to be efficient than most of the other unconventional machining processes in terms of the material removal rate. But it has got limitations because it results in a very poor surface finish. Tool wear rate, recast layer formation, surface and subsurface cracks, and geometrical inaccuracy are other limitations up to a certain extent. In this paper, the comprehensive review of research carried out so for in the area of electrical arc machining has been presented. The paper discusses the detailed experimental and theoretical studies done on electrical arc machining to elucidate the effects of various input control factors on different quality characteristics. The paper also contains modeling and optimization studies done so far in electrical arc machining and finally discusses the future research possibilities in the area.
A hybrid model to study the effect of tooth lead modifications on the dynamic behavior of double helical planetary gears
Authors: Portron Stéphane , Velex Philippe , Abousleiman Vincent
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a hybrid model is used to investigate the dynamic behavior of planetary gears. Sun-gear, planets, and ring-gear are modeled using lumped parameters elements, while planet carrier is integrated via a condensed finite element model. This approach intends to be more precise than the traditional lumped parameter models while keeping acceptable computational times. In some aeronautical applications, tooth lead modifications can be necessary to counterbalance the effect of planet carrier deflections on tooth load distribution. This study focuses on the influence of various lead modifications on the dynamic behavior of double helical planetary gears over a broad range of loads.
Assessment of antiretroviral third agent virologic durability after initiation of first antiretroviral regimen
Authors: Varriano Brenda , Sandler Ina , Loutfy Mona , Steinberg Samantha , Smith Graham , Kovacs Colin , Brunetta Jason , Fletcher David , Knox David , Merkley Barry , Chang Benny , Tilley David , Acsai Megan , Crouzat Fred
Published: May 2019

Information on the virologic durability of modern antiretroviral regimens is important to clinicians. We aimed to describe virologic durability of first-line integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-, or protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral regimens. This was a retrospective study of antiretroviral-naïve patients that initiated first-line antiretroviral regimens with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and an INSTI, NNRTI, or PI between January 2006 and June 2016. The outcome was time to virologic failure, which was assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models. There were 780 patients (median age = 37 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 30–45], 93.3% male, 56.2% Caucasian, median HIV duration = 1.8 years [IQR = 0.4–5.4], baseline log10 viral load [VL]=4.6 [IQR = 4.1–5.1], and baseline CD4+ cell count = 320 cells/µl [IQR = 217–440]). In total, 189/780 were on a third agent INSTI, 339/780 on a third agent NNRTI, and 252/780 on a third agent PI. Kaplan–Meier survival probability revealed longer time to virologic failure for INSTI, followed by NNRTI then PI (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression revealed that being on an INSTI regimen (aHR = 0.27; 95%CI = 0.18–0.41) or NNRTI regimen (aHR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.47–0.87) versus PI regimen, frequent VL testing (per year), (aHR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.47–0.87), and duration of ART (aHR = 0.22; 95%CI = 0.17–0.30) (years) were inversely associated with time to virologic failure, and log10 of baseline VL (aHR = 1.94; 95%CI = 1.58–2.39 per log10) increased risk. Virologic failure was delayed and virologic durability prolonged for INSTI- compared to NNRTI- and PI-based regimens, supporting current antiretroviral therapy guidelines.
Why Do We Hold Mixed Emotions About Racial Out-Groups? A Case for Affect Matching
Authors: Barlow Fiona Kate , Hornsey Matthew J. , Hayward Lydia E. , Houkamau Carla A. , Kang Jemima , Milojev Petar , Sibley Chris G.
Published: May 2019

A four-wave survey on a national probabilistic sample ( N = 17,399) tested novel predictions about how positive and negative contact with racial out-groups predicts warmth and anger toward those groups. Three competing hypotheses were tested: (a) that negative contact will outweigh positive contact when predicting both emotions (“bad is stronger than good”); (b) that negative and positive contact will similarly predict each emotion; and (c) that negative contact will have a disproportionately large association with anger (a negative emotion), whereas positive contact will have a disproportionately large association with warmth (a positive emotion)—a phenomenon known as affect matching. The data revealed clear evidence for affect matching: Negative contact was associated with high levels of anger more than low levels of warmth, whereas positive contact was associated with high levels of warmth more than low levels of anger. Results suggest that positive and negative feelings about out-groups may be tied to qualitatively distinct contact experiences.
Optimal designs for group randomized trials and group administered treatments with outcomes at the subject and group level
Authors: Moerbeek Mirjam
Published: May 2019

With group randomized trials complete groups of subject are randomized to treatment conditions. Such grouping also occurs in individually randomized trials where treatment is administered in groups. Outcomes may be measured at the level of the subject, but also at the level of the group. The optimal design determines the number of groups and the number of subjects per group in the intervention and control conditions. It is found by taking a budgetary constraint into account, where costs are associated with implementing the intervention and control, and with taking measurements on subject and groups. The optimal design is found such that the effect of treatment is estimated with highest efficiency, and the total costs do not exceed the budget that is available. The design that is optimal for the outcome at the subject level is not necessarily optimal for the outcome at the group level. Multiple-objective optimal designs consider both outcomes simultaneously. Their aim is to find a design that has high efficiencies for both outcome measures. An Internet application for finding the multiple-objective optimal design is demonstrated on the basis of an example from smoking prevention in primary education, and another example on consultation time in primary care.
Barriers to Cross-border Energy Cooperation and Implications on Energy Security: An Indian Perspective with Reference to Energy Trade in South Asia
Authors: Nag Tirthankar
Published: May 2019

Countries in the South Asian region suffer from energy deficits and energy security issues, and carry out limited cross-border energy trade. Regional cooperation has possibilities to exploit country-specific resource complementarities and demand characteristics. The study explores the role of regional cooperation in the primary energy and electricity sectors in enhancing energy security in the South Asian region with particular emphasis on an Indian perspective. The potential and possible areas of energy trade in the South Asian region have been highlighted along with the challenges to energy security that this region faces. The barriers to energy trade have been identified and linked to limited energy trade in the region. Questions around whether energy trade can mitigate energy security challenges faced by the region have been studied. The study concludes that cross-border energy trade has implications and benefits for enhancing energy security in the region.
A screw dislocation near a damaged arbitrary inhomogeneity–matrix interface
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Taher , Shodja Hossein M , Masoudvaziri Nima
Published: May 2019

In the literature, the analytical solutions concerned with the interaction between screw dislocation and surfaces/interfaces have been mainly limited to simple geometries and perfect interfaces. The focus of the current work is to provide an approach based on a rigorous semi-analytical theory suitable for treatment of such surfaces/interfaces that concurrently have complex geometry and imperfect bonding. The proposed approach captures the singularity of the elastic fields exactly. A vast variety of the pertinent interaction problems such as dislocation near a multi-inhomogeneity with arbitrary geometry bonded imperfectly to a matrix, dislocation near the free boundaries of a finite elastic medium of arbitrary geometry, and so on is considered. In the present approach the out-of-plane component of the displacement in each domain is decomposed as the displacement corresponding to a screw dislocation in a homogeneous elastic body of infinite extent and the disturbance displacement due to the interaction. Subsequently, the disturbance displacement in each medium is expressed in terms of eigenfunction expansion. Damaged interfaces are modeled by a spring layer of vanishing thickness, and the amount of damage is controlled via the stiffness of the spring. For the illustration of the robustness of the proposed methodology a variety of examples including the interaction of a screw dislocation with a circular as well as a star-shaped inhomogeneities, two interacting inhomogeneities, imperfectly bonded to an unbounded medium are given. Also, examples for highlighting the effect of free surfaces in the case of finite domains are provided. It is revealed that in the cases where matrix is stiffer than the inhomogeneity and the dislocation is inside the inhomogeneity, or the other way around, then the amount of interface damage can change the sign of the image force.
The application of matching pursuit based on multi feature pattern set in the signal processing of rotating machinery
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Sun Deli
Published: May 2019

The vibration signal containing the fault feature is buried by the strong background noise usually (the noise is referring to the other signals not containing the fault feature in the general sense) when a fault arises in rotating machinery, so the collected vibration signal needs to be processed normally in order to get a correct diagnosis result. Sparse representation theory is a relatively new signal processing method and matching pursuit (MP) is the classical sparse representation method. However, in the traditional MP method only one kind of atom dictionary is constructed to match the fault feature hidden in the vibration signal, which will cause an unsatisfactory analysis result usually when several different kinds of components arise in the vibration signal synchronously. This paper proposes a novel fault feature strengthening method basing on MP to solve the above problem, and the proposed method constructs several different kinds of atom dictionary based on a multi feature pattern set to match the multi-components buried in the collected vibration signal of rotating machinery. Firstly, the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method are verified by kinds of typical simulation signals of rotating machinery. Then the proposed method is extended to preprocess the vibration signals of bearing and gearbox, and the corresponding analysis results prove that the proposed method has obviously a better fault feature extraction effect on the vibration signal of rotating machinery than the traditional MP method, and the proposed method lays the foundation for further correct fault analysis.
Influence of Tobacco Smoke Exposure on the Protein Expression of α7 and α4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumors of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract (Out of the Larynx)
Authors: Montaño-Velázquez Bertha B , Benavides Méndez Juan C , García-Vázquez Francisco J , Conde-Vázquez Ernesto , Sánchez-Uribe Magdalena , Taboada-Murrieta Cecilia R , Jáuregui-Renaud Kathrine
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

To assess protein expression of α7 and α4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) subtypes in squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive track (out of the larynx) according to tobacco smoke exposure, considering the general characteristics of the patients.

Methods:

The α7 and α4 nAChR subtypes were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tumor samples from 33 patients with novel diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (out of the larynx).

Results:

Current smokers were middle-age men with alcohol consumption, whereas elderly women with no alcohol consumption prevailed among nonsmokers. Expression of α4 nAChR was high in all groups, with an influence of alcohol use, although expression of α7 nAChR was low in current smokers with alcohol use. Expression of α4 with no expression of α7 nAChR was associated with advanced disease.

Conclusions:

Squamous cell carcinoma tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract (out of the larynx) may show desensitization of α4 nAChR. Advanced disease at diagnosis might be associated with desensitization of α4 with decrease in α7 nAChR.
Comparison of Quetiapine Abuse and Misuse Reports to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System With Other Second-Generation Antipsychotics
Authors: Evoy Kirk E , Teng Chengwen , Encarnacion Victor G , Frescas Brian , Hakim John , Saklad Stephen , Frei Christopher R
Published: May 2019

Background:

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are assumed to have little abuse potential. However, reports of quetiapine abuse have emerged as prescribing has increased in recent years. The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) provides postmarketing information regarding adverse drug events (ADEs). This is the first study to analyze quetiapine abuse-related ADEs reported to FAERS to determine whether a disproportionate rate of such events have been reported when compared with other commonly used SGAs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of FAERS data from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, was performed. The total number of all-cause and abuse-related ADEs reported to FAERS regarding quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole, and risperidone were identified, along with demographic and mortality data. The proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was calculated to assess disproportionate reporting of abuse-related adverse drug reactions between quetiapine and each of three alternative SGA medications.

Results:

Abuse-related ADEs represented 11% (3144/27 962) of total ADEs reported for quetiapine, 8% for olanzapine (1548/19 228), 5% (1380/29 699) for aripiprazole, and 3% (1168/45 518) for risperidone. The PRRs (95% confidence interval) for quetiapine versus olanzapine, aripiprazole, and risperidone were 1.40 (1.32-1.48), 2.42 (2.28-2.57), and 4.38 (4.10-4.68), respectively, indicating that abuse-related events were significantly more likely to be reported with quetiapine than each comparator drug. In addition, more deaths were reported among the abuse-related events regarding quetiapine (673) than olanzapine (200), aripiprazole (88), and risperidone (143).

Conclusion:

This study corroborates recent evidence indicating that quetiapine might possess a significantly higher abuse potential than other commonly used SGAs. Although prospective studies are needed to better understand the abuse potential of quetiapine, increased vigilance in monitoring for signs of substance abuse might be warranted when prescribing quetiapine.
The Evolving Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Systemic Amyloidosis
Authors: Banypersad Sanjay M
Published: May 2019

Systemic amyloidosis is a serious multiorgan disease with reduced life expectancy, irrespective of type. The impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in managing this condition has been immense. The last decade in particular has seen a surge of interest in the assessment and evaluation of the heart in patients with systemic amyloidosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), with approximately 85% of all publications on this subject arising in the last 10 years. This has been largely driven by the creation of new sequences and their subsequent modernisation and technical development, thereby rendering previously prohibitive methods clinically more relevant and applicable. In turn, this has led to an increased awareness and recognition of the disease. This review demonstrates how MRI has become a pivotal diagnostic tool in the assessment of cardiac amyloidosis over the last 2 decades, with the ability to track disease and predict mortality. Several different pathognomonic patterns of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) are now recognised and are able to prognosticate. T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) techniques have resulted in even earlier disease detection before LGE is even visible and along with T2 mapping, provide new insights into biology. As newer therapies also evolve and become available, the need for accurate tracking of cardiac disease response to treatment carries increasing importance. All these are examined in this review, mainly focussing on light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis.
Major Stressful Life Events and Risk of Developing Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Jafri Syed H , Ali Faisal , Mollaeian Arash , Mojiz Hasan Syed , Hussain Rahat , Akkanti Bindu , Williams Jessica , Shoukier Mahran , el-Osta Hazem
Published: May 2019

Background:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and is strongly linked with smoking. We sought to determine whether major stressful life events (e.g. divorce) are also a risk factor for developing lung cancers.

Methods:

We performed a matched case-control study. Cases (CA) were lung cancer patients diagnosed within the previous 12 months. Controls (CO) were patients without a prior history of malignancy. Data on major stressful life events were collected using the modified Holmes-Rahe stress scale. The primary endpoint was the odds of having a major stressful life event between CA and CO. A sample of 360 patients (CA = 120, CO = 240) was needed to achieve 80% power to detect an odds ratio (OR) of 2.00 versus the alternative of equal odds using χ2 = 0.05.

Results:

Between May 2015 and December 2016, we enrolled 301 patients (CA = 102, CO = 199), matched for median age (CA = 64.4 years, CO = 63.9 years), sex (CA-Male = 48%, CO-Male = 49.2%), and smoking status (ever smoker, CA = 84%, CO = 85%). There was no difference in lifetime stressful life event rate between CA and CO (95% vs 93.9%; P = .68). However, CA were significantly more likely to have had a stressful event within the preceding 5 years than CO (CA = 77.4% vs CO = 65.8%; P = .03, OR = 1.78). β-blocker use was significantly higher among CO (CA = 29.4%, CO = 49.7%; P = .0007, OR = 0.42), suggesting a protective effect.

Conclusion:

Patients with lung cancer are significantly more likely to have had a major stressful life event within the preceding 5 years. In addition, use of β-blockers may be protective against lung cancer.
FertiPROTEKT, Oncofertility Consortium and the Danish Fertility-Preservation Networks – What Can We Learn From Their Experiences?
Authors: von Wolff Michael , Andersen Claus Yding , Woodruff Teresa K , Nawroth Frank
Published: May 2019

Fertility preservation is an increasingly important discipline. It requires close coordination between reproductive medicine specialists, reproductive biologists, and oncologists in various disciplines. In addition, it represents a particular health policy challenge, since fertility-protection measures are to be understood as a treatment for side effects of gonadotoxic treatments and would therefore normally have to be reimbursed by health insurance companies. Therefore, it is inevitable that fertility-preservation activities should organise themselves into a network structure both as a medical-logistic network and as a professional medical society. The necessary network structures can differ significantly at regional, national, and international level, as the size of the regions to be integrated and the local cultural and geographical conditions, as well as the political conditions are very different. To address these issues, the current review aims to point out the basic importance and the chances but also the difficulties of fertility-protection networks and give practical guidance for the development of such network structures. We will not only discuss network structures theoretically but also present them based on three established, different sized networks, such as the Danish Network ( www.rigshospitalet.dk ), representing a centralised network in a small country; the German-Austrian-Swiss network FertiPROTEKT® ( www.fertiprotekt.com ), representing a centralised as well as decentralised network in a large country; and the Oncofertility® Consortium ( www.oncofertility.northwestern.edu ), representing a decentralised, internationally oriented network, primarily serving the transfer of knowledge among its members.
Agreement and Correlation of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas Analysis in a Diverse Population
Authors: Chung Paul A , Scavone Anthony , Ahmed Asrar , Kuchta Kristine , Bellam Shashi K
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Agreement and correlation of arterial blood gases (ABGs) and venous blood gases (VBGs) at near normal values are well described but have not been well validated at extremes of values. We evaluated the agreement and correlation of ABG and VBG at extremes of values and assessed the utility of VBG as a screening tool.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, observational study of ABG and VBG collected at the same time. Statistical analysis included Bland-Altman plot analysis, Pearson correlations, and sensitivity/specificity tests. For limits of agreement (LOA), we set a threshold of ±0.10 units for pH and ±2.4 mm Hg for partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). A threshold of 80% sensitivity was considered appropriate for VBG to be used as a screening tool for abnormal ABG values.

Results:

There were 1684, 1744, and 1769 paired pH, pCO2, and HCO3¯ results, respectively. Mean difference (MD) for arterial and venous pH was 0.017 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.014-0.020; 95% LOA: −0.11 to 0.15), and Pearson correlation was 0.78 ( P < .0001). At venous pH <7.35, MD was 0.025 (95% CI: 0.019-0.030; 95% LOA: −0.12 to 0.17). Sensitivity of venous pH <7.35 identifying arterial pH <7.35 was 85.0%. MD for arterial and venous pCO2 was −2.5 (95% CI: −2.9 to −2.0; 95% LOA: −21.7 to 16.8), and Pearson correlation was 0.70 ( P < .0001). At venous pCO2 >45 mm Hg, MD was −4.1 (95% CI: −4.9 to −3.3; 95% LOA: −25.7 to 17.5). Sensitivity of venous pCO2 >45 mm Hg identifying arterial pCO2 >45 mm Hg was 67.6%. MD for arterial and venous HCO3¯ was −0.3 (95% CI: −0.4 to −0.2; 95% LOA: −4.8 to 4.2), and Pearson correlation was 0.90 ( P < .0001).

Conclusions:

Venous blood gases cannot reliably replace ABGs due to poor agreement in acidemia and hypercarbia. Venous blood gases can be used as a screening tool for acidemia but are unsuitable for hypercarbia.
Evaluation of the Use of Argatroban or Bivalirudin for the Management of Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in the Setting of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Chanas Tyler , Palkimas Surabhi , Maitland Hillary S , Liszewski Amanda
Published: May 2019

Studies have shown an association between continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and thrombocytopenia. Patients on CRRT usually receive unfractionated heparin (UFH), and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is frequently suspected as a potential cause of thrombocytopenia. In the setting of HIT suspicion, changes in anticoagulation may put patients at risk of developing thromboembolic events or adverse medication effects.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate current management of anticoagulation in patients with suspected HIT while on CRRT and identify complications associated with anticoagulation in this setting.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients on CRRT with suspicion for HIT. Prevalence of HIT and anticoagulant use were collected for all patients. Outcomes included thromboembolic and bleeding events, final therapeutic doses of each anticoagulant, and time to reach therapeutic range. Thromboembolic and bleeding outcomes were compared between anticoagulants.

Results:

From January 2013 through December 2015, 74 patients were identified with suspicion of HIT while on CRRT. During the period of HIT suspicion, 20 patients received argatroban, 18 received bivalirudin, 1 received fondaparinux, 4 received UFH infusions, 10 received prophylactic dosing subcutaneous UFH, and 21 received no anticoagulation. The median final therapeutic doses of argatroban and bivalirudin were 1.00 μg/kg/min and 0.075 mg/kg/h, respectively, with no difference in time to therapeutic range (17.6 h vs 18.2 h, P = .485). Compared with bivalirudin, patients treated with argatroban had significantly more therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values (54.5% vs 42.8%, P = .008). Four patients (20.0%) treated with argatroban and 5 patients (27.8%) treated with bivalirudin experienced major bleeding ( P = .709). Three patients (15.0%) treated with argatroban and 4 patients (22.2%) treated with bivalirudin experienced thromboembolic events ( P = .687).

Conclusion:

Argatroban and bivalirudin were associated with similar rates of bleeding and thromboembolic events during the period of concurrent CRRT and thrombocytopenia, although patients treated with argatroban had more therapeutic aPTT values.
Linear Accelerator-Based Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Low-Grade Meningiomas: Improved Local Control With Hypofractionation
Authors: Wegner Rodney E , Hasan Shaakir , Abel Stephen , Anderson Sidney , Fuhrer Russell , Williamson Richard W , Karlovits Stephen M
Published: May 2019

Background and purpose:

Meningioma is a common type of benign tumor that can be managed in several ways, ranging from close observation, surgical resection, and various types of radiation. We present here results from a 10-year experience treating meningiomas with a hypofractionated approach.

Materials and methods:

We reviewed the charts of 56 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) from 2008 to 2017. A total of 46 (82%) patients had WHO Grade 1 disease and 10 (18%) had Grade 2. Outcomes that were analyzed included local control rates and the rate and grade of any reported toxicity.

Results:

A total of 38 women and 18 men underwent SRS to a median dose of 15 Gy (n = 24) or hypofractionated SRT with a median dose of 25 Gy in five fractions (n = 34). Of the 56 patients, 22 had surgery before receiving treatment. The median follow-up was 36 (6-110) months. Local control at 2 and 5 years for all patients was 90% and 88%, respectively. Comparing fractionated to single-fraction treatment, there was improved local control with fractionation (91% vs 80% local control at 2 years, P = .009). There was one episode of late radionecrosis on imaging with associated symptoms after single-fraction treatment and one patient requiring resection of meningioma related to worsening symptoms (and local recurrence) after five-fraction SRT.

Conclusions:

This study provides further evidence for high rates of local control and minimal toxicity using a hypofractionated SRT approach, with improvement in local control through use of hypofractionation.