bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and Durability Properties of Induction‐Furnace‐Slag‐Incorporated Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Ahmad Syed Ishtiaq , Rahman Md. Shafiqur
Published: November 2018

Most of the steel mills in Bangladesh use induction furnace which produces large quantities of slags that have very little use except land filling. Therefore, feasibility of using this slag is examined in concrete with recycled aggregate, which is another waste product that is generated due to removal of old structures. Concrete with three target strengths, 17.23, 20.68, and 24.13 MPa, was prepared using recycled concrete acquired from a recently demolished building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Recycled coarse aggregate was replaced with induction furnace slag by 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for each target strength. Samples prepared from these concretes were tested for workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and durability properties e.g., porosity, absorption, and rapid chloride penetration. Review of test results suggests that workability of concrete was not adversely affected by incorporation of induction furnace slag. For up to 50% of induction furnace slag replacement, both compressive strength and splitting tensile strength increased in recycled aggregate concrete. Further, for all ratios of induction furnace slag replacement, modulus of elasticity increased compared to 100% recycled aggregate concrete. Porosity and absorption also decreased in concrete where up to 50% of recycled aggregate was replaced by induction furnace slag. Considering these, it is concluded that 50% of recycled aggregate can be replaced by induction furnace slag that will result in superior mechanical and durability properties in recycled aggregate concrete.
Analysis of the Morphological Characteristics of the Palatal Rugae for Three-Dimensional Superimposition of Digital Models in Korean Subjects
Authors: Choi Sung-Hwan , Koh Kyongmin , Lee Kee-Joon , Hwang Chung-Ju , Cha Jung-Yul
Published: November 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the palatal rugae in Korean subjects to determine whether the palatal rugae can be used as an appropriate reference area for three-dimensional digital model superimpositions. Materials and Methods. In total, 343 patients (110 men, 233 women; mean age, 25.6±8.2 years) who had a digital model taken at their initial visit were included, and the numbers and types of right and left palatal rugae were investigated according to the primary, secondary, and fragmentary rugae. Finally, the differences in the positions of the third primary ruga were investigated according to the presence of additional rugae posterior to the third primary ruga. Results. The number of primary palatal rugae ranged from one to six, with 43.5% of the subjects having three primary rugae and 36.1% having four primary rugae; there were no significant differences between sexes. Except for the fragment rugae, the numbers of primary and secondary rugae were not significantly different between the left and right sides. The third primary ruga was located more significantly anteriorly when there was an additional ruga posterior to the third primary ruga (P < 0.001). Conclusions. The numbers of the palatal rugae vary greatly among individuals, and this affects the anteroposterior position of the third primary ruga. When the third primary ruga is located anteriorly, care should be taken when using it as a reference area for superimposition with a digital model before and after orthodontic treatment.
Epiphyseal Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Bone
Authors: Kenan Shachar , Kahn Leonard , Edelman Morris , Redner Arlene , Kenan Samuel
Published: November 2018

Primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) confined to the epiphysis has only been described in four other patients. Due to the rarity of this entity, diagnosis has often been delayed, leading to mismanagement with adverse clinical consequences. We report a fifth case of primary epiphyseal lymphoma of bone located in the left distal medial femoral epiphysis of a 13-year-old boy. Radiographic and histologic features of PLB are discussed, along with a review of the literature and pitfalls of misdiagnosis. The patient initially presented with six months of progressive left knee pain with an associated loss of passive range of motion. Imaging revealed a mixed radiolucent lesion within the left distal medial femoral epiphysis with cortical breakthrough. A core biopsy was performed revealing a blue round cell tumor. Thanks to modern immunohistochemistry techniques, a diagnosis of primary lymphoma of bone was quickly made. The patient thus avoided further surgical intervention and received the appropriate treatment of chemotherapy, with subsequent rapid resolution of the lesion. This case highlights the necessity of including primary lymphoma of bone in all epiphyseal lesion differential diagnoses, especially in the pediatric patient population when aggressive radiographic features are present.
Dioscin Inhibits Virulence Factors ofCandida albicans
Authors: Yang Longfei , Liu Xin , Zhong Lili , Sui Yujie , Quan Guihua , Huang Ying , Wang Fang , Ma Tonghui
Published: November 2018

Candida albicansinfections present a heavy burden upon public health, with only a few drugs available, while biofilms formed byC. albicansworsen this situation. Dioscin has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, and this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dioscin on the biofilm formation and development, as well as other virulence factors ofC. albicanssuch as morphological transition, adhesion, and extracellular secreted phospholipase. Our results showed dioscin inhibits these virulence factors and has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Considering protective effects of dioscin against damage on liver and kidney, dioscin may be used as a potential candidate for antifungal development.
Trueness and Precision of Three-Dimensional Digitizing Intraoral Devices
Authors: Mutwalli Hussam , Braian Michael , Mahmood Deyar , Larsson Christel
Published: November 2018

Aim. To measure the trueness and precision under repeatable conditions for different intraoral scanners (IOSs) when scanning fully edentulous arch with multiple implants. Materials and Methods. Three IOSs and one industrial scanner were used to scan one edentulous master cast containing five implant scan bodies and three spheres. The cast was scanned thirty times with each scanner device. All scans were analyzed in the inspect software, and three-dimensional locations of the implants and the interarch distance between the spheres were measured. The values were compared to measurements made with one coordinate measuring machine (true value). One-way ANOVA was used to calculate the differences between IOSs and in comparison with the true value. Results. Significant differences were found between all IOSs. For the implant measurements, Trios 3 had the lowest trueness (≤114 μm), followed by Trios 3 mono (≤63 μm) and Itero element (≤−41 μm). Trios had the lowest precision (≤135 μm), followed by Itero element (≤101 μm) and Trios 3 mono (≤100 μm). With regard to the interarch distance measurements, Trios 3 had the lowest trueness (≤68 μm), followed by Trios 3 mono (≤45 μm) and Itero element (≤40 μm). Trios 3 had the lowest precision (≤206 μm), followed by Itero element (≤124 μm) and Trios 3 mono (≤111 μm). Conclusion. The results from this in vitro study suggest that precision is low for the tested IOS devices when scanning fully edentulous arches with multiple implants.
Predictors for De Novo Overactive Bladder after Readjustable Mid-Urethral Sling Procedure in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence due to Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency
Authors: No Joo Hyun , Choi Kyung Hwa , Kim Dae Keun , Kim Tae Heon , Lee Seung Ryeol
Published: November 2018

Purpose. This study identified noninvasive factors that predict overactive bladder (OAB) after readjustable mid-urethral sling surgery (Remeex system) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 women with SUI due to ISD [Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) <60 cm H2O] who underwent the Remeex procedure between February 2011 and March 2017. Patients were classified according to OAB symptoms before and 6 months after the Remeex procedure: Group 1, without preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=46); Group 2, without preoperative OAB and with postoperative OAB (de novo OAB, n=15); Group 3, with preoperative OAB and without postoperative OAB (n=25); Group 4, with preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=44). Noninvasive clinical and urodynamic factors were evaluated as predictors of de novo OAB. Results. The four groups significantly differed with respect to age (p=0.036), peak urinary flow rate (PUFR) one month after surgery (post-PUFR, p=0.001), and postvoid residual (PVR) one month after surgery (post-PVR, p=0.005). No significant differences were detected for body mass index, diabetes, multiparity, menopause, previous hysterectomy, previous incontinence surgery, previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery, pyuria, preoperative PUFR, preoperative PVR, maximal cystometric capacity, VLPP, maximum urethral closure pressure, detrusor pressure at PUFR, and detrusor overactivity (p>0.05). Post-PUFR decreased significantly compared with preoperative PUFR in Groups 1, 2, and 4 (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). Pairwise comparisons of post-PUFR and post-PVR revealed statistically significant differences between Group 2 and other groups (p<0.0125). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that post-PUFR was the only significant predictor of de novo OAB (odds ratio = 0.823, 95% confidence interval 0.727-0.931, p=0.002). Conclusions. Reduced PUFR after the Remeex procedure is a promising predictor of risk for de novo OAB. This metric is noninvasive and easy to measure.
Practice Variability Combined with Task-Oriented Electromyographic Biofeedback Enhances Strength and Balance in People with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Tsaih Peih-Ling , Chiu Ming-Jang , Luh Jer-Junn , Yang Yea-Ru , Lin Jiu-Jenq , Hu Ming-Hsia
Published: November 2018

Objectives. To investigate the effects of practice variability combined with task-oriented electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBFB) on strength and balance in people with chronic stroke. Methods. Thirty-three participants were randomly assigned into the constant force EMGBFB tibialis anterior (TA) exercise (constant) group, the variable force EMGBFB tibialis anterior exercise (variable) group, or the upper extremity exercise without EMGBFB (control) group. Subjects in each group received 6 weekly sessions of exercise training (18 sessions, 40 minutes each). Motor outcomes were TA strength, balance (anteroposterior sway amplitude defined by limits of stability test in dynamic posturography), walking speed, Timed Up and Go test (TUGT), and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Data were measured at baseline, 1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks posttraining. Results. TA strength increased significantly in both the constant and variable groups after training. Balance significantly improved only in the variable group. All participants showed improvements in walking speed, TUGT, and 6MWT. Conclusions. Task-oriented EMGBFB-assisted TA exercise training improved muscle strength in people with chronic stroke. Practicing to reach varying force levels during EMGBFB-assisted tibialis anterior exercises facilitated improvements in the ability to sway in the anteroposterior direction while standing. Our findings highlight the importance of task-oriented and motor learning principles while using the EMGBFB as an adjunct therapy in stroke rehabilitation. This trial was registered with trial registration number NCT01962662.
Effect of Fermented Spirulina maxima Extract on Cognitive‐Enhancing Activities in Mice with Scopolamine‐Induced Dementia
Authors: Choi Woon Yong , Kang Do Hyung , Lee Hyeon Yong
Published: November 2018

This work provides the first demonstration that Spirulina maxima extract fermented with the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus planetarium HY‐08 has the ability to ameliorate scopolamine‐induced memory impairment in mice. The fermented extract exhibited good cognitive‐enhancing activities, as demonstrated through Morris water maze and passive avoidance experiments: in these tests, the mice administered the fermented extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited an escape latency time and a latency time of 88.5 and 76.0 sec, respectively, whereas those administered donepezil, which was used as a positive control, showed an escape latency time and a latency time of 81.3 and 83.3 sec, respectively. However, an extract of 200 mg/kg was considered economically feasible for maintaining relatively high memory‐improving activities because only a slight difference in activities was found between 200 and 400 mg/kg. The study also provides the first demonstration that β‐carotene, one of the major bioactive substances in S. maxima, has memory‐enhancing activity. A detailed analysis of the mechanism for the cognitive‐enhancing activities of the fermented extract revealed that the fermented extract effectively increased the phosphorylation of both extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (p‐ERK) and p‐cAMP response element‐binding protein (p‐CREB) and sequentially upregulated the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose signaling pathway responds to a reduction in oxidative stress in the brain. The results indicate that the improved efficacy of the fermented extract was likely due to the synergistic effects of β‐carotene and other bioactive substances. Therefore, it can be concluded that the fermented extract exerts memory‐improving effects in the hippocampus of scopolamine‐treated mice through an initial increase in ERK signaling and a sequential induction of the expression of p‐CREB and BDNF, and these effects are related to the antioxidant activities of β‐carotene and other components.
Existence of Solutions for Unbounded Elliptic Equations with Critical Natural Growth
Authors: Bouhlal Aziz , El Hachimi Abderrahmane , Igbida Jaouad , Sadek El Mostafa , Talibi Alaoui Hamad
Published: November 2018

We investigate existence and regularity of solutions to unbounded elliptic problem whose simplest model is {-div[(1+uq)∇u]+u=γ∇u2/1+u1-q+f  in  Ω,  u=0  on  ∂Ω,}, where 0<q<1, γ>0 and f belongs to some appropriate Lebesgue space. We give assumptions on f with respect to q and γ to show the existence and regularity results for the solutions of previous equation.
Development of a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis Using a Proteomics Approach
Authors: Mun Sora , Lee Jiyeong , Lim Mi-Kyoung , Lee You-Rim , Ihm Chunhwa , Lee Seung Hoon , Kang Hee-Gyoo
Published: November 2018

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that starts with inflammation of the synovial membrane. Studies have been conducted to develop methods for efficient diagnosis of RA and to identify the mechanisms underlying RA development. Blood samples can be useful for detecting disturbance of homeostasis in patients with RA. Nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is an efficient proteomics approach to analyze blood sample and quantify serum proteins.Methods. Serum samples of 18 healthy controls and 18 patients with RA were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Selected candidate biomarkers were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sera from 43 healthy controls and 44 patients with RA.Results. Thirty-eight proteins were significantly differentially expressed by more than 2-fold in healthy controls and patients with RA. Based on a literature survey, we selected six candidate RA biomarkers. ELISA was used to evaluate whether these proteins effectively allow distinguishing patients with RA from healthy controls and monitoring drug efficacy. SAA4, gelsolin, and vitamin D-binding protein were validated as potential biomarkers of RA for screening and drug efficacy monitoring of RA.Conclusions. We identified a panel of three biomarkers for RA which has potential for application in RA diagnosis and drug efficacy monitoring. Further, our findings will aid in understanding the pathogenesis of RA.
Open-Tip Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Methane Adsorption Performance: A Comparative Study
Authors: Feng Yanyan , Li Yanjie , Yang Wen , Yang Di , Ye Guangyuan , Zhang Shufen
Published: November 2018

A series of open-tip carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were obtained by HNO3 modification with various concentrations of as-prepared carbon nanotubes via the CVD method, and this work aimed at investigating the structural features of open-tip CNTs for the methane capability. Modified CNTs had higher specific surface area and larger total pore volume, and importantly, greater micropore volume was obtained through HNO3 modification of the as-prepared CNTs. The remarkably high methane adsorption capacities were measured on the modified CNTs under pressure ranges of 0∼4.0 MPa at 298 K. The resulted H-CNT, which exhibited highest specific surface area and micropore volume, showed high methane uptake of 26.15 mg/g from the D-A model. This value was nearly as twice as the methane uptake of original CNTs (13.62 mg/g), along with an initial adsorption heat of 19.4 kJ/mol at lower coverage and 9.5 kJ/mol at higher methane coverage for H-CNT, indicating the physical nature for methane adsorption over open-tip CNTs.
Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio as a Useful Prognostic Factor in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Tian Ying , Zhang Yue , Zhu Wan-Qiu , Chen Xiao-Lei , Zhou He-Bing , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: November 2018

The survival of individuals with tumors may be predicted by the peripheral blood lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) upon diagnosis in recent studies. For patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in the era of novel agents, the prognostic significance of LMR remains unclear. In this study, the prognostic impact of LMR is evaluated by 285 patients with MM who are treated with proteasome inhibitor and/or immunomodulatory drug. LMR is a proven predictor of survival using the receiver operating characteristic curve, with 4.2 as the cutoff point. Patients with LMR ≤ 4.2 at diagnosis had poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than those with LMR > 4.2. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that LMR less than 4.2 is an independent predictor for the OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.703; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020–2.842;P= 0.042) and PFS (HR: 1.831; 95% CI: 1.098–3.053;P= 0.021). According to the test, the LMR at diagnosis, which functions as a simple index reflecting host systemic immunity, can predict clinical outcomes in patients with MM who are treated with new agents.
Stathmin Is Required for Normal Mouse Mammary Gland Development and Δ16HER2-Driven Tumorigenesis
Authors: Segatto Ilenia , Zompit Mara De Marco , Citron Francesca , D'Andrea Sara , Vinciguerra Gian Luca Rampioni , Perin Tiziana , Berton Stefania , Mungo Giorgia , Schiappacassi Monica , Marchini Cristina , Amici Augusto , Vecchione Andrea , Baldassarre Gustavo , Belletti Barbara
Published: November 2018

Postnatal development of the mammary gland relies on the maintenance of oriented cell division and apicobasal polarity, both of which are often deregulated in cancer. The microtubule (MT) network contributes to control these processes; however, very little is known about the impact of altered MT dynamics in the development of a complex organ and on the role played by MT-interacting proteins such as stathmin. In this study, we report that female stathmin knock-out (STM KO) mice are unable to nurse their litters due to frank impairment of mammary gland development. In mouse mammary epithelial cells, loss of stathmin compromised the trafficking of polarized proteins and the achievement of proper apicobasal polarity. In particular, prolactin receptor internalization and localization was altered in STM KO mammary epithelial cells, leading to decreased protein stability and downmodulation of the Prl/PrlR/STAT5 signaling pathway. Absence of stathmin induced alterations in mitotic spindle orientation, accumulation of mitotic defects, and apoptosis, overall contributing to tissue disorganization and further decreasing the expansion of the mammary epithelial compartment. Loss of stathmin in MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mice decreased the incidence and increased the latency of these very aggressive mammary carcinomas. Collectively, these data identify the essential mammary protein stathmin as protumorigenic and suggest it may serve as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Significance:

Stathmin expression is critical to maintain oriented cell division and apicobasal polarity in normal mammary glands and to establish a protumorigenic program that eventually sustains HER2-positive breast cancer formation in mice.
Targeting of BRM Sensitizes BRG1-Mutant Lung Cancer Cell Lines to Radiotherapy
Authors: Zernickel Erika , Sak Ali , Riaz Assad , Klein Diana , Groneberg Michael , Stuschke Martin
Published: November 2018

Targeting of epigenetic regulators as the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF is proving to be a promising therapeutic strategy for individualized treatment of cancer patients. Here, we tested whether targeting one of the two mutually exclusive subdomains of the SWI/SNF complex BRM/SMARCA2 can sensitize specifically non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells with mutations in the other subunit BRG1/SMARCA4 toward ionizing radiation (IR). Knockdown of BRM with siRNA or shRNA and its consequences for radiation sensitivity as measured by clonogenic survival and plaque-monolayer control was studied in different NSCLC lines with or without BRG1 mutations and in primary fibroblasts. Furthermore, the effect on double-strand break (DSB) repair markers measured by immunofluorescence staining of 53BP1-, γ-H2AX-, and Rad51-foci was investigated. BRG1-mutated cell lines showed an increased surviving fraction compared with BRG1 proficient cells. Depletion of BRM (i) leads to a decreased proliferation rate and plating efficiency specifically in BRG1-mutated cells, (ii) specifically sensitized BRG1-mutant NSCLC cells toward IR as characterized by a survival reducing factor of 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57–0.69] in the dose range between 2 and 6 Gy, and (iii) decreased the tumor control doses after daily fractionation at 4 Gy in BRG1-mutant NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 in minimonolayers by 9.9% ± 1.3% and 13.6% ± 1.8%, respectively. In addition, an increase of residual Rad51-foci at 24 hours after irradiation in BRG1-mutant cells was demonstrated. Therefore, targeting of BRM in combination with radiotherapy is supposed to improve the therapeutic outcome of lung cancer patients harboring BRG1 mutations.

The present study shows that the moderate radioresponsiveness of NSCLC cells with BRG1 mutations can be increased upon BRM depletion that is associated with a prolonged Rad51-foci prevalence at DNA DSBs.
Langanhaltende Besserung von somatischen und psychovegetativen Störungen unter Procain-Infusionen: Eine multizentrische Anwendungsbeobachtung
Authors: Hahn-Godeffroy Johann Diederich , Mangold Simona , Bernert Monika , Bartelt Annette , Herdegen Thomas
Published: November 2018

Hintergrund: Procain besitzt wie das strukturverwandte Cocain zentralnervöse Wirkungen unabhängig von seinem lokalanästhetischen Effekt. Procain-Infusionen werden Patienten mit psychovegetativen Störungen seit Jahrzehnten verabreicht, zumeist im Rahmen einer Neuraltherapie. Untersuchungen zur Wirksamkeit einer alleinigen Gabe von Procain im Praxisalltag stehen aus. Patienten und Methoden: Im Rahmen einer Anwendungsbeobachtung (AWB) wurde bei 56 Patienten aus 3 Arztpraxen die Wirkung von intravenösen Procain-Infusionen (1-3 Ampullen à 5 ml einer 2%igen Procain-Lösung in 250 ml Natriumchlorid pro Arztbesuch) auf das somatische und psychovegetative Befinden dokumentiert. Hierzu wurde ein validierter, 21 Fragen umfassender Befindlichkeitsskalierungsfragebogen verwendet, den die Patienten vor Beginn und nach 1, 2, 4 und 6 Monaten ausfüllten. Neben der laufenden Medikation waren keine weiteren therapeutischen Maßnahmen erlaubt. Ergebnisse: Nach 4 oder 6 Monaten zeigten 42 Patienten (75%) eine Verbesserung bei den 9 positiven Items (d.h. erfragte Eigenschaften) wie «Freude», «Genussfähigkeit» oder «Schlaf»; 35 Patienten (62,5%) verbesserten sich bei den 12 negativen Items wie «Stressbelastung», «Energielosigkeit» oder «Ängstlichkeit». Diese Veränderungen waren nach 2, 4 und 6 Monaten signifikant gegenüber dem Ausgangswert. Schlussfolgerungen: Procain ruft im zentralen Nervensystem nachweislich Veränderungen in der Aktivität spezifischer Kerngebiete wie des limbischen und kortikalen Systems hervor. Die Ergebnisse dieser AWB deuten auf eine langanhaltende Verbesserung von somatischen und psychovegetativen Störungen unter der Infusion von Procain.
Ascertainment of Dementia Cases in the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Murcia Cohort
Authors: Andreu-Reinón María Encarnación , Gavrila Diana , Chirlaque María Dolores , Colorado-Yohar Sandra M. , Amiano Pilar , Ardanaz Eva , Navarro-Mateu Fernando , Navarro  Carmen , Huerta José María
Published: November 2018

Background: Cohort studies generally focus on a particular disease, although they offer the possibility of evaluating different outcomes with minimal additional investment. The objective of this study was to describe the methodology used to assess dementia in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Murcia study. Methods: The EPIC-Murcia cohort consists of 8,515 healthy participants (68% women, aged 30–70 years), recruited between 1992 and 1996 and followed up for over 20 years. Incident cases were ascertained by a 2-step protocol: a record linkage with health databases to identify potential events and a review of medical records of potential cases to validate incident cases. Results: Overall, 1,202 potential cases were identified, and 275 dementia cases were validated. Medical reports were the source of information in 243 cases, with complete neurological information in 227, and a high degree of certainty of the diagnosis in 229 cases. P70 (dementia code) and/or antidementia drugs and/or ICD codes identified 259 cases (sensitivity: 94.2%, 95% CI 90.7–96.6; specificity: 98.1%, 95% CI 97.8–98.4). Conclusion: Ascertainment of incident dementia in the EPIC-Murcia cohort study was feasible using information from medical records. This systematic 2-step validation protocol is proposed as a feasible way to ascertain dementia in cohort studies originally designed for other endpoints.
Multiple Sclerosis Incidence and Prevalence Trends in the Province of Padua, Northeast Italy, 1965–2018
Authors: Grassivaro Francesca , Puthenparampil Marco , Pengo Marta , Saiani Martina , Venturini Martina , Stropparo Erica , Perini Paola , Rinaldi Francesca , Freddi Nicoletta , Cadaldini Morena , Colledan Luisella , Piccinno Maria Grazia , Pedrazzoli Elisabetta , Gallo Paolo
Published: November 2018

Background: Previous studies, dating back to the 1960s disclosed a progressive increase in multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence and prevalence in the Province of Padua. To further analyze whether this trend is the effect of the improved diagnostic procedures or is primarily related to a real increase risk of MS, we analyzed MS incidence and prevalence of the 5-year period 2011–2015. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of MS or clinically isolated syndrome highly suggestive of MS were included in the study. All available sources of clinical and administrative information were evaluated. Mean annual incidence in the 5-year period 2011–2015 and the prevalence on December 31, 2015 were calculated. Results: The 2011–2015 mean incidence was 6.5/100,000/year, 7.9 for females, 4.1 for males. The overall prevalence was 182/100,000, 241 for females, 116 for males. Compared to the 2000–2009 period, mean age at onset, onset-diagnosis delay and F/M ratio did not significantly change. Since the 1960s, incidence and prevalence of MS linearly increased with no interposed plateau periods. Conclusions: MS incidence and prevalence further and significantly increased in the period 2011–2015. Our 1965–2015 data indicate a real increased risk of MS and stress a role of exogenous factors in MS susceptibility.
Donor Shortage in Germany: Impact on Short- and Long-Term Results in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Otto Gerd
Published: November 2018

With slightly more than 10 donors per million inhabitants, Germany belongs to the underdeveloped countries in Europe with regard to organ donation. Organ shortage is supposed to promote the usage of organs which are declined in case of less pronounced scarcity. This may result in deteriorated graft and patient survival. In the light of this situation, data on the centers' procedures and outcome of liver transplantation in Germany is presented based upon reports of Eurotransplant, the German Institutions for Quality Assessment, and the Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation. Surprisingly, along with an increasing organ scarcity, the outcome during waiting time and after transplantation has been improved. The 1- and 3-year patient survival improved by 7 and 9%, respectively. Reasons for this unexpected development are discussed.
The Clinicopathological Significance and Correlative Signaling Pathways of an Autophagy-Related Gene, Ambra1, in Breast Cancer: a Study of 25 Microarray RNA-Seq Datasets and in-House Gene Silencing
Authors: He Rong-quan , Xiong Dan-dan , Ma Jie , Hu Xiao-hua , Chen Gang , Sun Wei-liang
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: The activating molecule in Beclin1-regulated autophagy (Ambra1) has been observed to be over-expressed in several cancers, but the clinical contribution of Ambra1 in breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. Hence, in this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the expression, biological role, and underlying functional mechanism of Ambra1 in BC. Methods: Microarray and RNA-seq datasets providing Ambra1 expression data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), ArrayExpress, Oncomine, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Both standard mean deviation (SMD) and summary receiver operating characteristic methods were employed to assess Ambra1 expression in BC. We then silenced Ambra1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and performed in vitro experiments to explore the biological effects of Ambra1 on BC cells. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after Ambra1 knock-down were profiled with a microarray and overlapped with the genes correlated with Ambra1 from Multi Experiment Matrix (MEM) and genes similar to Ambra1 from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. These overlapping genes were collected for further bioinformatics analyses to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of Ambra1 in BC. Results: A total of 25 microarray and RNA-seq datasets involving 2460 breast cancer samples were included. The pooled results demonstrated that Ambra1 was markedly up-regulated in BC tissues (SMD=0.39, 95% CI=0.15–0.63; P=0.002), and the Ambra1 level was also significantly related to the progression of BC, especially metastasis status (P=0.004). In vitro experiments suggested that the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with Ambra1 short hairpin RNA (sh-RNA 2450) showed a decreasing trend at 48 h compared with the control (CK) group. However, apoptosis was similar in cells transfected with Ambra1 sh-RNAs and in the CK cells. Furthermore, we performed a microarray-based comparison of genes after Ambra1 knock-down. The 828 DEGs from microarray analysis were intersected with 4266 Ambra1 co-expressed genes from MEM. Eventually, the overlapped 183 genes were found to be enriched in several well-known cancer-related pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway, chronic myeloid leukemia pathway, and VEGF signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results indicate that the level of Ambra1 up-regulation is clearly related to tumorigenesis and progression of BC, probably via influencing several vital pathways. However, this hypothesis needs to be validated with more in-depth experiments in the future.
Comparison of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Digital Mammography for Detection of Breast Cancer in Kuwaiti Women
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , Karmani Nouralhuda , Asbeutah AbdulAziz A. , Echreshzadeh Yasmin A. , AlMajran Abdullah A. , Al-Khalifah Khalid H.
Published: November 2018

Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for the detection of breast cancer in comparison to histopathology findings. Subjects and Methods: We included 65 breast lesions in 58 women, each detected by two diagnostic mammography techniques – DM and DBT using Senographe Essential (GE Healthcare, Buc, France) – and subsequently confirmed by histopathology. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System was used for characterizing the lesions. Results: The average age of women was 48.3 years (range 26–81 years). There were 34 malignant and 31 benign breast lesions. The sensitivity of DM and DBT was 73.5 and 100%, respectively, while the specificity was 67.7 and 94%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an overall diagnostic advantage of DBT over DM, with a significant difference between DBT and DM (p < 0.001). By performing Cohen’s kappa test, we found that there was a strong level of agreement according to Altman guidelines between DBT and histopathology findings (0.97), but a weak agreement between DM and histopathology findings (0.47). Conclusion: DBT improves the clinical accuracy of mammography by increasing both sensitivity and specificity. We believe that this improvement is due to improved image visibility and quality. These results could be of interest to health care institutions as they may impact their decision on whether to upgrade to DBT not only for diagnosis, but also for screening.
A Meta-Objective Approach for Many-Objective Evolutionary
Optimization
Authors: Gong Dunwei , Liu Yiping , Yen Gary G.
Published: November 2018

Pareto-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithms experience grand challenges in solving many-objective optimization problems due to their inability to maintain both convergence and diversity in a high-dimensional objective space. Exiting approaches usually modify the selection criteria to overcome this issue. Different from them, we propose a novel meta-objective (MeO) approach that transforms the many-objective optimization problems in which the new optimization problems become easier to solve by the Pareto-based algorithms. MeO converts a given many-objective optimization problem into a new one, which has the same Pareto optimal solutions and the number of objectives with the original one. Each meta-objective in the new problem consists of two components which measure the convergence and diversity performances of a solution, respectively. Since MeO only converts the problem formulation, it can be readily incorporated within any multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, including those non-Pareto-based ones. Particularly, it can boost the Pareto-based algorithms' ability to solve many-objective optimization problems. Due to separately evaluating the convergence and diversity performances of a solution, the traditional density-based selection criteria, for example, crowding distance, will no longer mistake a solution with poor convergence performance for a solution with low density value. By penalizing a solution in term of its convergence performance in the meta-objective space, the Pareto dominance becomes much more effective for a many-objective optimization problem. Comparative study validates the competitive performance of the proposed meta-objective approach in solving many-objective optimization problems.
Floristic diversity in Valley of Flowers National Park, Indian Himalayas
Authors: BISHT MONIKA , SEKAR K. CHANDRA , KANT RAJNI , AMBRISH KUMAR , SINGH PARAMJIT , ARYA DHANI
Published: November 2018

Floristic diversity of Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, a world heritage site in Indian Himalayan Region has been documented. A total of 614 taxa (609 species, 3 subspecies and 2 varieties) belonging to 277 genera and 70 families have been recorded. Among these, 31 plant species are under different threat categories, 05 endemic and one plant namely Cuscuta europaea recorded as invasive. The paper, for the first time, records 72 plant species as additions to flora of Valley of Flowers National Park. Importance of floristic diversity and conservation needs are also discussed.
Hitherto unknown and poorly known morphs of Macrosiphoniella davazhamci and M. nikolajevi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)—aphid species new to Iran
Authors: KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , BARJADZE SHALVA
Published: November 2018

We present the first records from Iran of Macrosiphoniella (Asterobium) davazhamci Holman & Szelegiewicz, 1974 and M. (Ramitrichophorus) nikolajevi Kadyrbekov, 1999 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae) from samples collected by the late Prof. G. Remaudière. Previously, Macrosiphoniella davazhamci was known from Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China, whereas M. nikolajevi only from south Kazakhstan. The Iranian material includes hitherto unknown or poorly known morphs of those two species. We describe and illustrate for the first time the alate vivipara of M. nikolajevi and the ovipara and alate male of M. davazhamci. Additionally, we redescribe the poorly known alate vivipara of the latter species. Notes on the distribution and host plants in Iran are also provided.
The sources of academic localism and globalism in Russian sociology: The choice of professional ideologies and occupational niches among social scientists
Authors: Sokolov Mikhail
Published: November 2018

Why do social scientists choose certain theoretical and methodological stances over others? Three broad explanatory models can be derived from the literature on the sociology of social sciences: (1) worldview, arguing that intellectual preferences reflect general cultural and political orientations of broad social groupings to which an individual belongs; (2) status, according to which all forms of hierarchies are reproduced in the academic field through preferences for innovative research by those occupying dominant positions and their avoidance by agents lacking resources; (3) ecological, holding that opportunity structures existing at the historical moment at which an individual enters the academic field determine the theory choice. This article analyses the adoption of globalist or localist professional ideologies, favouring an international career and global recognition over a domestic one, or vice versa, to explore the biographical antecedents of choosing one side over the other in an important disciplinary divide. In doing so, the study draws on statistical data from a community study of sociology in Leningrad/St Petersburg between 1984 and 2011. The worldview hypothesis finds the strongest support: the preference for national or international scholarship reflects more general liberal or conservative attitudes characteristic of certain milieus existing in Russian society.
A Dynamometer on Which the Dynamic Behaviour of a Passenger Car can be Simulated
Authors: Odier Jean
Published: November 2018

The development of a new stationary dynamometer is described, in which a passenger car is subjected to a system of forces and couples similar to that which it would experience on the roads. Speeds up to 200 km/h can be simulated.

Tests on the dynamometer can be carried out in complete safety, and measurements made with an accuracy that would not be possible in tests on the road; indeed, measurements can be made on the rig which would be very difficult to make on a moving vehicle.

Some of the possible applications of the dynamometer are discussed; it could, for example, be used for the study of braking, traction, steering, road holding, tyre behaviour, and deflection of headlight beams. Some of the work that has already been done is described.

It is considered that dynamometers of this nature can make a great contribution to road safety.
Steam Side Pressure Gradients in Surface Condensers
Authors: Drummond G.
Published: November 2018

The use of the Reynolds flux model for predicting static pressure gradients in the flow of a condensing fluid is explained. Experimental results for steam condensing in a horizontal straight tube are presented and compared with the theoretical analysis.

Studies have been made of the flow patterns around porous cylinders with mass extraction at the surfaces. These studies help to explain the behaviour of saturated steam flowing over banks of cooled tubes in surface condensers.

An aerodynamic analogue using porous cylinders has been used to examine the necessity of having access lanes in steam condensers.
Materials Technology and the Engineer
Authors: Quarrell A. G.
Published: November 2018

Never has the engineer had so many materials from which to choose when designing new machines or new structures. Improved metallurgical knowledge has enabled greatly improved alloys to be developed, the demands of aero-space have stimulated developments in ceramics and in composite materials; whilst advances in organic chemistry have led to a wide range of plastics suitable for applications which range from throw-away containers to constructions for which metals or natural materials were previously used. In addition, improved methods are continuously leading to better materials and more reliable components and the selection of the most suitable process for a given application becomes increasingly difficult.

Materials technologists and engineers depend very much on each other. Engineers rely upon materials technologists for materials with properties appropriate for particular applications; materials technologists depend upon engineers to design the machines that enable laboratory experiments to be translated into large-scale production.

A review of the present situation will be followed by a discussion of future trends and of future co-operation between engineers and materials technologists.
Interaction Effects between Blade Rows in Turbomachines
Authors: Parker R. , Watson J. F.
Published: November 2018

The paper discusses the mechanisms of interaction between blade rows in turbomachines due to the relative motion between the rows. Interaction occurs due to potential flow effects and because each blade produces a viscous wake.

In spite of extensive investigations of various aspects of interaction there is very little information available in a form which can be applied by a designer to minimize the noise and vibration excitation due to blade row interaction.

Experimental research is hampered by the extreme difficulty of separating the types of excitation and many theoretical analyses are of limited value because reliable experimental verification has not been obtained.
Reduction of Impact Noise at the Design Stage: A Specific Case Study
Authors: Salter M. A. , Downs B. , Wray G. R.
Published: November 2018

A case study is made on the tack driving assembly of a boot and shoe lasting machine, and relates to the impact noise occurring during part of the machine cycle. Much of the noise is radiated due to vibrations at several frequencies of the tack driver lifting lever, which is excited by the direct application of impacts during the tack driving process. An experimental approach in applying noise reduction principles to various components of the assembly has been preferred to a more complex theoretical treatment, since the identification of the mechanism of impact noise generation and its subsequent abatement is directly relevant to most machine designers faced with the possibility of impact noise problems in other types of machinery. Small design changes, based on the knowledge gained from the experimental investigations, have resulted in noise reductions from 10 to 14 dB being achieved.
Systematic Method of Designing Fluidic–Pneumatic Control Circuits
Authors: Cheng R. M. H. , Foster K.
Published: November 2018

A new design method for the synthesis of fluid logic control of pneumatic sequential circuits (fluidic–pneumatic circuits) is described. Examples are given to demonstrate the use of the method. The design is rigorous, based on the use of elementary switching algebra, but has an intuitive approach which may easily be assimilated by practical engineers. The resulting circuit is optimum, striking a good balance between simplicity, cost, and speed of operation.
A Theory of Mixed Lubrication
Authors: Christensen H.
Published: November 2018

The phenomena observed when a lubricated contact or bearing is operating under mixed lubrication conditions are assumed to arise from an interaction of the surface asperities or roughness as well as from hydro-dynamic action of the sliding surfaces. It is shown how one of the previously published stochastic models of hydrodynamic lubrication can be extended or generalized to deal with mixed lubricating conditions.

As an illustration of the application of the theory to a concrete example the influence on the operating characteristics of a plane pad, no side-leakage bearing is analysed.

It is found that in the mixed lubrication regime friction is mainly controlled by the boundary lubrication properties of the liquid–solid interface. Load, on the other hand, is almost entirely controlled by the hydro-dynamic properties of the bearing. It is demonstrated how transition to mixed lubrication conditions will cause a rapid rise in friction thereby producing a minimum point in the Stribeck type diagram.
Connection Capacitance Effects in Hydrostatic Transmission Systems and their Prediction by Mathematical Model
Authors: Knight G. C. , McCallion H. , Dudley B. R.
Published: November 2018

An examination of the behaviour of a dynamically loaded closed loop hydrostatic power transmission is described. Particular attention is given to the effects of the capacitance of the connections between rotating machines. It is shown that hydropneumatic accumulators fitted close to the pump inlet and motor return manifolds adequately control the pressure fluctuations that occur in the low pressure system during the loading cycles, provided the capacity of the accumulators is matched to the connection of capacitance. An analytical examination of the system elements is presented, and a general case mathematical model of the complete transmission has been developed in a form suitable for evaluation by digital computer. The theoretical predictions of transmission behaviour in response to dynamic loads are shown to compare adequately with experimentally measured results. The use of the model in studying the behaviour of intended systems at the design stage is shown by an examination of the effects of varying system parameters and loading cycles.
Fluid Power in the Construction Industry: The Contractor's Point of View
Authors: Pirrie N. D.
Published: November 2018

Importance is placed upon reliability due to the exceedingly high consequential losses that can arise when seemingly minor breakdowns occur. The manner in which fluid power has made incursion into construction equipment is described, with indication of present and future trends for its further use with reference to possible rivals in power transmission deriving from the electric wheel and gas turbine developments. The necessity for a ‘whole machine’ design concept is stressed, and which must include the operator. The changing pattern of maintenance procedures in the construction industry and what this implies for the fluid power industry is described.