bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Deployment Aortic Replacement (RADAR) Registry in Spain: a protocol
Authors: Bautista-Hernandez Victor , Cal-Purriños Natalia , Arribas-Leal Jose M , Carnero-Alcazar Manuel , Gutierrez-Diez Jose F , Cuenca-Castillo Jose J
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Rapid deployment valves (RDV) represent a newly introduced approach to aortic valve replacement which facilitates surgical implantation and minimally invasive techniques, shortens surgical times and shows excellent haemodynamic performance. However, evidence on their safety, efficacy and potential complications is mostly fitted with small-volume and retrospective studies. Moreover, no current guidelines exist. To improve our knowledge on this technology, The Rapid Deployment Aortic Replacement (RADAR) Registry will be established across Spain with the aim of assessing RDV outcomes in the real-world setting.

Methods and analysis

The RADAR Registry is designed as a product registry that would provide information on its use and outcomes in clinical practice. This multicentre, prospective, national effort will initially involve 4 centres in Spain. Any patient undergoing cardiac surgery for aortic valve replacement and receiving an RDV as an isolated operation or in combination with other cardiac procedures may be included. Participation is voluntary. Data collection is equal to information obtained during standard care and is prospectively entered by the participating physicians perioperatively and during subsequent follow-up visits. The primary outcome assessed is in-hospital and up to 5 years of follow-up, prosthetic valve functioning and clinical status. Secondary outcomes are to perform subgroup analysis, to compare outcomes with other existing approaches and to develop future clinical guidelines. The follow-up assessments are timed with routine clinical appointments. Dissociated data will be extracted and collectively analysed. Initial target sample size for the registry is 500 participants entered with complete follow-up information. Different substudies will be implemented within the registry to investigate specific populations undergoing aortic valve replacement.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol is approved by all local institutional ethics committees. Findings will be shared by the participant hospitals, policymakers and the academic community to promote quality monitoring and efficient use of this technology.
Pancreatic cancer cell lines as patient-derived avatars: genetic characterisation and functional utility
Authors: Knudsen Erik S , Balaji Uthra , Mannakee Brian , Vail Paris , Eslinger Cody , Moxom Christopher , Mansour John , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K
Published: January 2017

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a therapy recalcitrant disease with the worst survival rate of common solid tumours. Preclinical models that accurately reflect the genetic and biological diversity of PDAC will be important for delineating features of tumour biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Design

27 primary PDAC tumours were employed for genetic analysis and development of tumour models. Tumour tissue was used for derivation of xenografts and cell lines. Exome sequencing was performed on the originating tumour and developed models. RNA sequencing, histological and functional analyses were employed to determine the relationship of the patient-derived models to clinical presentation of PDAC.

Results

The cohort employed captured the genetic diversity of PDAC. From most cases, both cell lines and xenograft models were developed. Exome sequencing confirmed preservation of the primary tumour mutations in developed cell lines, which remained stable with extended passaging. The level of genetic conservation in the cell lines was comparable to that observed with patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Unlike historically established PDAC cancer cell lines, patient-derived models recapitulated the histological architecture of the primary tumour and exhibited metastatic spread similar to that observed clinically. Detailed genetic analyses of tumours and derived models revealed features of ex vivo evolution and the clonal architecture of PDAC. Functional analysis was used to elucidate therapeutic vulnerabilities of relevance to treatment of PDAC.

Conclusions

These data illustrate that with the appropriate methods it is possible to develop cell lines that maintain genetic features of PDAC. Such models serve as important substrates for analysing the significance of genetic variants and create a unique biorepository of annotated cell lines and xenografts that were established simultaneously from same primary tumour. These models can be used to infer genetic and empirically determined therapeutic sensitivities that would be germane to the patient.
Increased fly ash utilization — value addition through forest road reconstruction
Authors: Kaakkurivaara Tomi , Korpunen Heikki
Published: January 2017

Increasing forest bioenergy utilization is increasing the need to discover more applications for fly ash to avoid dumping charges. Our study concentrates on defining the work phases of reconstruction work and estimation of construction costs for a method using biomass based fly ash. Cost calculations were carried out for two mixed structures of fly ash and aggregate, two uniform structures of fly ash, and a conventional aggregate structure, where construction material volumes were calculated per kilometre for each structure. Our study defined suitable machines and their productivity per hour for different work phases. Cost calculation equations were formed for the used machines and the transportation of construction materials. Our study showed that building a 250 mm thick uniform layer of fly ash was the best alternative for minimizing construction costs. However, building a 500 mm thick uniform layer of fly ash was the best alternative for minimizing dumping charges.
Shear strength of interfaces in natural and in recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Waseem Shakeel Ahmad , Singh Bhupinder
Published: January 2017

Shear strength of interfaces in natural aggregate concrete and in recycled aggregate concrete has been investigated using initially uncracked push-off specimens by varying the following parameters: replacement level of the recycled aggregates (0%, 50%, and 100%), concrete grade (normal-strength and medium-strength), and clamping force on the shear plane. Development of truss action for resisting interface shear was indicated by the observed crack patterns in the tested specimens and a truss-based analysis recommended in the literature in combination with a simplified failure envelope for concrete subjected to biaxial stresses has been used for shear strength predictions of the tested specimens. The proposed methodology, which is considered to be more rational than the empirical shear strength models available in the literature was calibrated for both the concrete types and gave conservative and reasonably accurate shear strength predictions for selected experiments taken from the literature.
The geology, petrology, and geochronology of the Archean Côté Gold large-tonnage, low-grade intrusion-related Au(–Cu) deposit, Swayze greenstone belt, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Katz Laura R. , Kontak Daniel J. , Dubé Benoît , McNicoll Vicki
Published: January 2017

The Archean Côté Gold Au(–Cu) deposit is the first large gold deposit discovered in the Swayze greenstone belt of the Abitibi Subprovince. The deposit is a low-grade, large-tonnage type with a combined indicated and inferred resource of 8.65 M oz Au (245.2 t Au). The deposit is hosted by the Chester intrusive complex (CIC), a multiphase, subvolcanic intrusion composed of low-Al tonalite, diorite, and quartz diorite, plus magmatic and hydrothermal breccia bodies. The age of the tonalite and dioritic phases is constrained at 2741–2739 ± 1 Ma using high-precision isotope dilution – thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID–TIMS) U–Pb zircon geochronology. Although these phases are co-temporal and co-spatial, they appear to be petrogenetically unrelated. The CIC was emplaced into mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Arbutus Formation whose geochemistry reflects a back-arc environment. The tonalite of the CIC is coeval and co-genetic with the felsic to intermediate metavolcanic rocks of the Yeo Formation. Emplacement of the CIC into a shallow crustal level is inferred based on the incorporation of screens and inclusions of the Yeo Formation and is supported by the presence of textures in tonalite and dioritic rocks (e.g., granophyres, miarolitic cavities, and pegmatites), as well as Al-in-hornblende geobarometry results of ≤1.3 ± 0.6 kbars (1 kbar = 100 MPa). The CIC is petrologically similar to other subvolcanic, low-Al tonalite–trondhjemite–diorite intrusions that underlie volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)-type deposits and which themselves may contain syn-intrusion mineralization. Several geochemically unrelated dykes and deformation events crosscut and postdate the CIC.
Overexpression of PGC-1α increases peroxisomal activity and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in human primary myotubes
Authors: Huang Tai-Yu , Zheng Donghai , Houmard Joseph A. , Brault Jeffrey J. , Hickner Robert C. , Cortright Ronald N.
Published: January 2017

Peroxisomes are indispensable organelles for lipid metabolism in humans, and their biogenesis has been assumed to be under regulation by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). However, recent studies in hepatocytes suggest that the mitochondrial proliferator PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α) also acts as an upstream transcriptional regulator for enhancing peroxisomal abundance and associated activity. It is unknown whether the regulatory mechanism(s) for enhancing peroxisomal function is through the same node as mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle (HSkM) and whether fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is affected. Primary myotubes from vastus lateralis biopsies from lean donors (BMI = 24.0 ± 0.6 kg/m2; n = 6) were exposed to adenovirus encoding human PGC-1α or GFP control. Peroxisomal biogenesis proteins (peroxins) and genes ( PEXs) responsible for proliferation and functions were assessed by Western blotting and real-time qRT-PCR, respectively. [1-14C]palmitic acid and [1-14C]lignoceric acid (exclusive peroxisomal-specific substrate) were used to assess mitochondrial oxidation of peroxisomal-derived metabolites. After overexpression of PGC-1α, 1) peroxisomal membrane protein 70 kDa (PMP70), PEX19, and mitochondrial citrate synthetase protein content were significantly elevated ( P < 0.05), 2) PGC-1α, PMP70, key PEXs, and peroxisomal β-oxidation mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated ( P < 0.05), and 3) a concomitant increase in lignoceric acid oxidation by both peroxisomal and mitochondrial activity was observed ( P < 0.05). These novel findings demonstrate that, in addition to the proliferative effect on mitochondria, PGC-1α can induce peroxisomal activity and accompanying elevations in long-chain and very-long-chain fatty acid oxidation by a peroxisomal-mitochondrial functional cooperation, as observed in HSkM cells.
Temporally precise control of single-neuron spiking by juxtacellular nanostimulation
Authors: Stüttgen Maik C. , Nonkes Lourens J. P. , Geis H. Rüdiger A. P. , Tiesinga Paul H. , Houweling Arthur R.
Published: January 2017

Temporal patterns of action potentials influence a variety of activity-dependent intra- and intercellular processes and play an important role in theories of neural coding. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these phenomena requires imposing spike trains with precisely defined patterns, but this has been challenging due to the limitations of existing stimulation techniques. Here we present a new nanostimulation method providing control over the action potential output of individual cortical neurons. Spikes are elicited through the juxtacellular application of short-duration fluctuating currents (“kurzpulses”), allowing for the sub-millisecond precise and reproducible induction of arbitrary patterns of action potentials at all physiologically relevant firing frequencies (<120 Hz), including minute-long spike trains recorded in freely moving animals. We systematically compared our method to whole cell current injection, as well as optogenetic stimulation, and show that nanostimulation performance compares favorably with these techniques. This new nanostimulation approach is easily applied, can be readily performed in awake behaving animals, and thus promises to be a powerful tool for systematic investigations into the temporal elements of neural codes, as well as the mechanisms underlying a wide variety of activity-dependent cellular processes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Assessing the impact of temporal features of neuronal spike trains requires imposing arbitrary patterns of spiking on individual neurons during behavior, but this has been difficult to achieve due to limitations of existing stimulation methods. We present a technique that overcomes these limitations by using carefully designed short-duration fluctuating juxtacellular current injections, which allow for the precise and reliable evocation of arbitrary patterns of neuronal spikes in single neurons in vivo.
Spatial cognition in a virtual reality home-cage extension for freely moving rodents
Authors: Kaupert Ursula , Thurley Kay , Frei Katja , Bagorda Francesco , Schatz Alexej , Tocker Gilad , Rapoport Sophie , Derdikman Dori , Winter York
Published: January 2017

Virtual reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool to investigate brain mechanisms involved in the behavior of animals. With this technique, animals are usually head fixed or secured in a harness, and training for cognitively more complex VR paradigms is time consuming. A VR apparatus allowing free animal movement and the constant operator-independent training of tasks would enable many new applications. Key prospective usages include brain imaging of animal behavior when carrying a miniaturized mobile device such as a fluorescence microscope or an optetrode. Here, we introduce the Servoball, a spherical VR treadmill based on the closed-loop tracking of a freely moving animal and feedback counterrotation of the ball. Furthermore, we present the complete integration of this experimental system with the animals’ group home cage, from which single individuals can voluntarily enter through a tunnel with radio-frequency identification (RFID)-automated access control and commence experiments. This automated animal sorter functions as a mechanical replacement of the experimenter. We automatically trained rats using visual or acoustic cues to solve spatial cognitive tasks and recorded spatially modulated entorhinal cells. When electrophysiological extracellular recordings from awake behaving rats were performed, head fixation can dramatically alter results, so that any complex behavior that requires head movement is impossible to achieve. We circumvented this problem with the use of the Servoball in open-field scenarios, as it allows the combination of open-field behavior with the recording of nerve cells, along with all the flexibility that a virtual environment brings. This integrated home cage with a VR arena experimental system permits highly efficient experimentation for complex cognitive experiments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Virtual reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool for the investigation of brain mechanisms. We introduce the Servoball, a VR treadmill for freely moving rodents. The Servoball is integrated with the animals’ group home cage. Single individuals voluntarily enter using automated access control. Training is highly time-efficient, even for cognitively complex VR paradigms.
Monitoring, Diagnosis, and Power Forecasting for Photovoltaic Fields: A Review
Authors: Daliento S. , Chouder A. , Guerriero P. , Pavan A. Massi , Mellit A. , Moeini R. , Tricoli P.
Published: January 2017

A wide literature review of recent advance on monitoring, diagnosis, and power forecasting for photovoltaic systems is presented in this paper. Research contributions are classified into the following five macroareas: (i) electrical methods, covering monitoring/diagnosis techniques based on the direct measurement of electrical parameters, carried out, respectively, at array level, single string level, and single panel level with special consideration to data transmission methods; (ii) data analysis based on artificial intelligence; (iii) power forecasting, intended as the ability to evaluate the producible power of solar systems, with emphasis on temporal horizons of specific applications; (iv) thermal analysis, mostly with reference to thermal images captured by means of unmanned aerial vehicles; (v) power converter reliability especially focused on residual lifetime estimation. The literature survey has been limited, with some exceptions, to papers published during the last five years to focus mainly on recent developments.
Keyframes Global Map Establishing Method for Robot Localization through Content-Based Image Matching
Authors: Cao Tianyang , Cai Haoyuan , Fang Dongming , Huang Hui , Liu Chang
Published: January 2017

Self-localization and mapping are important for indoor mobile robot. We report a robust algorithm for map building and subsequent localization especially suited for indoor floor-cleaning robots. Common methods, for example, SLAM, can easily be kidnapped by colliding or disturbed by similar objects. Therefore, keyframes global map establishing method for robot localization in multiple rooms and corridors is needed. Content-based image matching is the core of this method. It is designed for the situation, by establishing keyframes containing both floor and distorted wall images. Image distortion, caused by robot view angle and movement, is analyzed and deduced. And an image matching solution is presented, consisting of extraction of overlap regions of keyframes extraction and overlap region rebuild through subblocks matching. For improving accuracy, ceiling points detecting and mismatching subblocks checking methods are incorporated. This matching method can process environment video effectively. In experiments, less than 5% frames are extracted as keyframes to build global map, which have large space distance and overlap each other. Through this method, robot can localize itself by matching its real-time vision frames with our keyframes map. Even with many similar objects/background in the environment or kidnapping robot, robot localization is achieved with position RMSE <0.5 m.
Hip Osteonecrosis Is Associated with Increased Plasma IL-33 Level
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Guo Wanshou , Li Zirong , Wang Bailiang , Li Shirui , Wang Peng
Published: January 2017

The recently discovered IL-33 as an IL-1 cytokine family member has been proved to be specifically released from osteonecrotic bones. We aimed to investigate the potential role of IL-33 in the development of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). Forty patients diagnosed with ONFH and forty age-, sex-, and body mass index- (BMI-) matched healthy subjects were included in this prospective study between March 2016 and September 2016. A commercially available ELISA kit was used to test the level of plasma IL-33. The IL-33 levels were compared among different ARCO stages, CJFH types, and etiology groups. Plasma IL-33 levels were significantly higher in the ONFH patients than that in the control subjects. The levels of IL-33 did not differ significantly among the ONFH patients with different ARCO stages. The IL-33 levels of patients with CJFH type L3 were significantly higher than that of patients with types L1 and L2. No significant differences were observed in IL-33 levels between steroid-induced, alcohol-induced, and idiopathic patients. Our findings seem to indicate that IL-33 effects may be detrimental during ONFH, which appeared to be associated with the prognosis of ONFH. The IL-33 deserves particular attention in the pathogenesis of ONFH.
Operational Efficiency Evaluation of Intersections with Dynamic Lane Assignment Using Field Data
Authors: Zhao Jing , Yao Jiao , He Shengxue , Han Yin
Published: January 2017

The dynamic lane assignment at signalized intersections is a possible countermeasure to address the traffic demand variability problem. However, the operational efficiency is affected by the unfamiliarity of the drivers. This paper evaluates the operational efficiency of the intersections with dynamic lane assignment using field data collected at five intersections in China. A total of 63488 vehicles were captured, which were divided into four groups according to the lanes they drive on: Group 1, the variable approach lane; group 2, the lane adjacent to the variable lane with the same lane-use; group 3, the lane adjacent to the variable lane with different lane-use of the variable lane; and group 4, the lanes with the same lane-use as the variable lane at other approaches of the intersection. The statistical analysis was conducted to identify the difference of saturation flow rate among the four groups. A saturation flow rate adjustment model was established accordingly. Results indicate that the using of the dynamic lane assignment decreases the saturation flow rate of the variable lane and the adjacent lane with different lane-use 22.86% and 9.80%, respectively. For the variable lane, the reduction of the saturation flow rate comes from three aspects: the unequal distribution of traffic (8.9%), the mandatory lane-changing (10.7%), and the lane blockage (4.9%).
Silver/Carbon Codoped Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst for Improved Dye Degradation under Visible Light
Authors: Nyamukamba P. , Tichagwa L. , Mamphweli S. , Petrik L.
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report the synthesis of quartz supported TiO2 photocatalysts codoped with carbon and silver through the hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride followed by calcination at 500°C. The prepared samples were characterized by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Codoping of TiO2 with Ag and carbon resulted in an increase in the surface area of the photocatalyst and altered the ratio of the anatase to rutile phase. The absorption edge of all the doped TiO2 photocatalysts redshifted and the band gap was reduced. The lowest band gap of 1.95 eV was achieved by doping with 0.5% Ag. Doping TiO2 using carbon as the only dopant resulted in a quartz supported photocatalyst that showed greater photocatalytic activity towards methyl orange than undoped TiO2 and also all codoped TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light irradiation.
Incorporation of Okara into Gluten-Free Cookies with High Quality and Nutritional Value
Authors: Ostermann-Porcel María V. , Quiroga-Panelo Natalia , Rinaldoni Ana N. , Campderrós Mercedes E.
Published: January 2017

Soy products are a source of protein relatively inexpensive and recognized for their high nutritional value and functional properties. Okara is a byproduct from soy milk production. Gluten-free cookies have been developed using okara and commercial manioc flour. Four formulations were developed with different proportions of okara: 50%; 30%; 15%; and 0%. Physicochemical, physical properties, sensory analysis, and nutritional studies were performed. The use of inulin as partial replacement of sugar was evaluated. The incorporation of okara increased protein and fiber content. Furthermore, the hardness of cookies increased while the index of whiteness decreased. From the sensory evaluation, it could be concluded that the cookies presented a great acceptability. The cookies developed in this study have functional characteristics, providing added value to a waste product; furthermore the products were suitable for celiacs with acceptable quality and improved nutrition value.
Effects of a Twelve-Week Weight Reduction Exercise Programme on Selected Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Obese Individuals
Authors: Jegede Joseph A. , Adegoke Babatunde O. A. , Olagbegi Oladapo M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of twelve-week weight reduction exercises on selected spatiotemporal gait parameters of obese individuals and compare with their normal weight counterparts. Methods. Sixty participants (30 obese and 30 of normal weight) started but only 58 participants (obese = 30, normal weight = 28) completed the quasi-experimental study. Only obese group had 12 weeks of weight reduction exercise training but both groups had their walking speed (WS), cadence (CD), step length (SL), step width (SW), and stride length (SDL) measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the study. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. There was significantly lower WS, SL, and SDL but higher CD and SW in obese group than the normal weight group at baseline and week 12. However, the obese group had significantly higher percentage changes in all selected spatiotemporal parameters than the normal weight group. Conclusion. The 12-week weight reduction exercise programme produced significantly higher percentage changes in all selected spatiotemporal gait parameters in the obese than normal weight individuals and is recommended for improvement of these parameters among the obese individuals with gait related problems.
A Consistent Relationship between the Stress and Plastic Strain Components and Its Application in Deep Drawing Process
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Qing , Qin Xianrong , Sun Yuantao
Published: January 2017

As von Mises yield criterion and associated flow rule (AFR) are widely applied in metal forming field, a semitotal deformation consistent relationship between the stress and plastic strain components and the rule of dimensional changes of metal forming processes in a plane‐stress state are obtained on the basis of them in this paper. The deduced consistent relationship may be easily used in forming interval of the workpiece. And the rule of dimensional changes can be understood through three plastic strain incremental circles on which the critical points can be easily determined on the same basis. Analysis of stress and plastic strain evolution of aluminum warm deep drawing process is conducted, and the advantage of nonisothermal warm forming process is revealed, indicating that this method has the potential in practical large deformation applications.
First‐Passage Time Model Driven by Lévy Process for Pricing CoCos
Authors: Su Xiaoshan , Bai Manying
Published: January 2017

Contingent convertible bonds (CoCos) are typical form of contingent capital that converts into equity of issuing firm or writes down if a prespecified trigger occurs. This paper proposes a general Lévy framework for pricing CoCos. The Lévy framework indicates that the difficulty in giving closed‐form expression for CoCos price is the possible introduction of the Lévy process whose first‐passage time problem has not been solved. According to characteristics of new Lévy measure after the measure transform, three specific Lévy models driven by drifted Brownian motion, spectrally negative Lévy process, and double exponential jump diffusion process are proposed to give the solution keeping the form of the driving process unchanged under the measure transform. These three Lévy models provide closed‐form expressions for CoCos price while the latter two possess them up to Laplace transform, whose pricing results are given by combining with numerical Fourier inversion and Laplace inversion. Numerical results show that negative jumps have large influence on CoCos pricing and the Black‐Scholes model would overestimate CoCos price by simply compressing jumps information into volatility while the other two models would give more accurate CoCos price by taking jump risk into consideration.
A Fusion of Multiagent Functionalities for Effective Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Krishnan Sadhasivan Dhanalakshmi , Balasubramanian Kannapiran
Published: January 2017

Provision of high security is one of the active research areas in the network applications. The failure in the centralized system based on the attacks provides less protection. Besides, the lack of update of new attacks arrival leads to the minimum accuracy of detection. The major focus of this paper is to improve the detection performance through the adaptive update of attacking information to the database. We propose an Adaptive Rule-Based Multiagent Intrusion Detection System (ARMA-IDS) to detect the anomalies in the real-time datasets such as KDD and SCADA. Besides, the feedback loop provides the necessary update of attacks in the database that leads to the improvement in the detection accuracy. The combination of the rules and responsibilities for multiagents effectively detects the anomaly behavior, misuse of response, or relay reports of gas/water pipeline data in KDD and SCADA, respectively. The comparative analysis of the proposed ARMA-IDS with the various existing path mining methods, namely, random forest, JRip, a combination of AdaBoost/JRip, and common path mining on the SCADA dataset conveys that the effectiveness of the proposed ARMA-IDS in the real-time fault monitoring. Moreover, the proposed ARMA-IDS offers the higher detection rate in the SCADA and KDD cup 1999 datasets.
The Effect of Various Types of Mechanical and Chemical Preconditioning on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets on Zirconia Restorations
Authors: Kim Jihun , Park Chanhee , Lee Jeong-Sub , Ahn Jungho , Lee Yoon
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of mechanical and chemical treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal orthodontic brackets on zirconia restoration. The zirconia specimens were randomly divided into 12 groups (n=10) according to three factors: AL (Al2O3) and CO (CoJet™) by sandblasting material; SIL (silane), ZPP (Zirconia Prime Plus), and SBU (Single Bond Universal) by primer; and N (not thermocycled) and T (thermocycled). The specimens were evaluated for shear bond strength, and the fractured surfaces were observed using a stereomicroscope. Scanning electron microscopy images were also obtained. CO-SBU combination had the highest bond strength after thermocycling (26.2 MPa). CO-SIL showed significantly higher SBS than AL-SIL (p<0.05). CO-ZPP resulted in lower bond strength than AL-ZPP before thermocycling, but the SBS increased after thermocycling (p>0.05). Modified Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scoring and SEM figures were consistent with the results of the surface treatments. In conclusion, CO-SBU, which combines the effect of increased surface area and chemical bonding with both 10-MDP and silane, showed the highest SBS. Sandblasting with either material improved the mechanical bonding by increasing the surface area, and all primers showed clinically acceptable increase of shear bond strength for orthodontic treatment.
Prioritising Redundant Network Component for HOWBAN Survivability Using FMEA
Authors: Chan Cheong Loong , Lee Sheng Chyan , Yeong Kee Choon , Tan Su Wei
Published: January 2017

Deploying redundant component is the ubiquitous approach to improve the reliability and survivability of a hybrid optical wireless broadband access network (HOWBAN). Much work has been done to study the cost and impact of deploying redundant component in the network but no formal tools have been used to enable the evaluation and decision to prioritise the deployment of redundant facilities in the network. In this paper we show how FMEA (Failure Mode Effect and Analysis) technique can be adapted to identify the critical segment in the network and prioritise the redundant component to be deployed to ensure network survivability. Our result showed that priority must be given to redundancy to mitigate grid power outage particularly in less developed countries which is poised for rapid expansion in broadband services.
Dietary Diversity Is Not Associated with Haematological Status of Pregnant Women Resident in Rural Areas of Northern Ghana
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Oladele Jeremiah , Larbi Asamoah , Hoeschle-Zeledon Irmgard
Published: January 2017

Background. Information regarding how dietary diversity is related to haematological status of the pregnant women in rural areas of Northern Ghana is limited. This study therefore evaluated maternal dietary intake and how it relates to the nutritional status of pregnant women belonging to different socioeconomic conditions in Northern Ghana.Methods. This study was cross-sectional in design involving 400 pregnant women. Midupper arm circumference (MUAC) and anaemia status were used to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women.Results. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) of the study population from ten food groups was4.2±1.5(95% CI: 4.08 to 4.37). Of the 400 women, 46.1% (95% CI: 40.0 to 52.2) met the new minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). The mean haemoglobin concentration among the pregnant women studied was 10.1 g/dl ± 1.40 (95% CI: 9.8 to 10.3). The independent predictors of haemoglobin concentration were maternal educational attainment, gestational age, frequency of antenatal care (ANC) attendance, number of under-five children in the household, size of MUAC, and maternal height.Conclusions. Irrespective of the socioeconomic status, women minimum dietary diversity (MDD-W) was not associated with anaemia among pregnant women resident in the rural areas of Northern Ghana.
Impact of Different Extraction Solvents on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity from the Root of Salacia chinensis L.
Authors: Ngo Thanh Van , Scarlett Christopher James , Bowyer Michael Christian , Ngo Phuong Duc , Vuong Quan Van
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to study the impact of selected common organic solvents on extractable solids, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. chinensis. The results showed that the tested solvents played an important role in extraction of total solid and phytochemical composition as well as antioxidant capacity of S. chinensis. Acetone (50% v/v) was found to be the optimal extraction solvent for extractable solids (12.2%), phenolic compounds (60 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (100 mg CE/g DW), proanthocyanidins (47.4 mg CE/g DW), and saponins (754 mg EE/g DW) as well as antioxidant capacity (ABTS 334 mM TE/g DW, DPPH 470 mM TE/g DW, FRAP 347 mM TE/g DW, and CUPRAC 310 mM TE/g DW). The extract prepared from 50% acetone had high levels of bioactive compounds (TPC 555 mg GAE/g CRE, flavonoids 819 mg CE/g CRE, proanthocyanidins 392 mg CE/g CRE, and saponins 1,880 mg EE/g CRE) as well as antioxidant capacity (ABTS 414 mM TE/g, DPPH 407 mM TE/g, FRAP 320 mg TE/g, and CUPRAC 623 mM TE/g), thus further confirming that 50% acetone is the solvent of choice. Therefore, 50% acetone is recommended for extraction of phenolic compounds, their secondary metabolites, saponins, and antioxidant capacity from the root of S. chinensis for further isolation and utilisation.
Flow Control by Slot Position and Noise Baffle in a Self-Recirculation Casing Treatment on an Axial Fan-Rotor
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Spence Stephen , Chen Hua , Chu Wuli , Gibson Lee
Published: January 2017

To address the situations where the casing treatment needs to be used to stabilize axial compressors through strong recirculation, this paper initiated a CFD study to investigate how the flow could be suitably controlled in the casing treatment to minimize the efficiency penalty and increase the flow range. A counter-swirl self-recirculation casing treatment was first designed on a low speed axial fan rotor as a baseline case. Then three different slot positions and the influence of including the noise baffle were numerically studied. Based on the understanding of their coeffects, the shorter noise baffle was considered and it was found that the highest efficiency was achieved in the case of the upstream slot when the length of baffle was suitably adjusted to balance the incoming flow and recirculation. The largest flow range was achieved by locating the slot at the most downstream position and using a 50% length baffle since it suitably controlled the recirculating flow and relieved the separation at the low-span region. An optimization study showed that the optimum length of the baffle for efficiency was always larger than for the flow range. Both of the two optimum values reduce as the slot moves downstream.
Unsupervised Clustering of Quantitative Image Phenotypes Reveals Breast Cancer Subtypes with Distinct Prognoses and Molecular Pathways
Authors: Wu Jia , Cui Yi , Sun Xiaoli , Cao Guohong , Li Bailiang , Ikeda Debra M. , Kurian Allison W. , Li Ruijiang
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To identify novel breast cancer subtypes by extracting quantitative imaging phenotypes of the tumor and surrounding parenchyma and to elucidate the underlying biologic underpinnings and evaluate the prognostic capacity for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Experimental Design: We retrospectively analyzed dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI data of patients from a single-center discovery cohort (n = 60) and an independent multicenter validation cohort (n = 96). Quantitative image features were extracted to characterize tumor morphology, intratumor heterogeneity of contrast agent wash-in/wash-out patterns, and tumor-surrounding parenchyma enhancement. On the basis of these image features, we used unsupervised consensus clustering to identify robust imaging subtypes and evaluated their clinical and biologic relevance. We built a gene expression–based classifier of imaging subtypes and tested their prognostic significance in five additional cohorts with publically available gene expression data but without imaging data (n = 1,160).

Results: Three distinct imaging subtypes, that is, homogeneous intratumoral enhancing, minimal parenchymal enhancing, and prominent parenchymal enhancing, were identified and validated. In the discovery cohort, imaging subtypes stratified patients with significantly different 5-year RFS rates of 79.6%, 65.2%, 52.5% (log-rank P = 0.025) and remained as an independent predictor after adjusting for clinicopathologic factors (HR, 2.79; P = 0.016). The prognostic value of imaging subtypes was further validated in five independent gene expression cohorts, with average 5-year RFS rates of 88.1%, 74.0%, 59.5% (log-rank P from <0.0001 to 0.008). Each imaging subtype was associated with specific dysregulated molecular pathways that can be therapeutically targeted.

Conclusions: Imaging subtypes provide complimentary value to established histopathologic or molecular subtypes and may help stratify patients with breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3334–42. ©2017 AACR.
Gene Mapping in Admixed Families: A Cautionary Note on the Interpretation of the Transmission Disequilibrium Test and a Possible Solution
Authors: Wang Xuexia , Xiao Rui , Zhu Xiaofeng , Li Mingyao
Published: January 2017

A family-based study design is commonly used in gene mapping studies of complex human diseases. Most family-based studies use the transmission of alleles to assess evidence of association. It is generally believed that the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) is robust against spurious association due to population stratification or admixture. While this is true when population stratification is due to discrete population structure, one should use the TDT-type methods with caution when they are applied to admixed populations in which population structure exists in local genomic regions. In a recently admixed population, such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans, the linkage disequilibrium coefficient between a marker and disease loci in the parental generation contains a spurious component from the admixture process. In this paper, we show that the general belief that family-based design would guard against spurious association caused by population stratification does not always hold in admixed populations. It is safe to use the TDT as a test of association when population stratification is due to global genome ancestry difference. However, when population stratification is due to local ancestry difference in certain genomic regions, the use of the TDT as a test of association can lead to spurious association. Second, we present a statistical framework for fine mapping of disease-associated genetic variants in admixed families. Unlike the TDT and other family-based association tests, this method does not rely on transmission disequilibrium and therefore can control local ancestry difference between transmitted and untransmitted alleles. Through simulations, we show that this method can control type I error rates under a wide range of population stratification mechanisms.
Efficacy and Survival of Systemic Psoriasis Treatments: An Analysis of the Swiss Registry SDNTT
Authors: Maul Julia-Tatjana , Djamei Vahid , Kolios Antonios G.A. , Meier Barbara , Czernielewski Justine , Jungo Pascal , Yawalkar Nikhil , Mainetti Carlo , Laffitte Emmanuel , Spehr Christina , Anliker Mark , Streit Markus , Augustin Matthias , Rustenbach Stephan , Conrad Curdin , Hafner Jürg , Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Borradori Luca , Gilliet Michel , Itin Peter , French Lars E. , Häusermann Peter , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: January 2017

Background: The Swiss psoriasis registry SDNTT (Swiss Dermatology Network for Targeted Therapies) records the long-term safety and effectiveness of systemic treatment regimens for psoriasis. Patients and Methods: Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are included in the SDNTT when treatment with a conventional systemic agent or biologic is initiated that was not previously used by the respective patient. Patients are followed over a 5-year period. Clinical data are obtained every 3-6 months using standardized case report forms. Here, baseline data and follow-up data for 1 year of patients included from October 2011 until December 2014 were analyzed. Results: Within 39 months, 323 patients from 7 tertiary dermatology centers in Switzerland were recruited in the SDNTT; 165 patients received biologics and 158 conventional systemic therapies. Patients treated with biologics had a significantly higher severity (PASI 11.3 vs. 9.2, BSA 15.6 vs.11.9, psoriatic arthritis 36.4 vs. 10.8%; p ≤ 0.005, p ≤ 0.013, p ≤ 0.001) and a longer duration of illness (19.2 vs. 14.4 years, p ≤ 0.003) compared to patients starting a conventional systemic treatment. PASI reduction was satisfying in both treatment groups, with 60.6% of patients treated with biologics achieving PASI75 after 1 year compared to 54.2% of patients receiving conventional systemic drugs (nonsignificant). On average, the drug survival in patients receiving a biologic therapy was significantly longer than those receiving conventional systemic treatments (30.5 vs. 19.2 months, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: In the real-world setting of a prospective national therapy registry, the application of current therapeutic guidelines for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis resulted in a PASI reduction of approximately 70% within the first year of treatment, but current therapeutic targets of PASI75 and PASI90 were reached in only 58 and 36% of patients, respectively, at 1 year, highlighting a gap in efficacy between selective clinical trials and the real-world setting.
MicroRNA-126 Reduces Blood-Retina Barrier Breakdown via the Regulation of VCAM-1 and BCL2L11 in Ischemic Retinopathy
Authors: Bai Xia , Luo Junpeng , Zhang Xiaofeng , Han Jingjing , Wang Zhaoyue , Miao Jingcheng , Bai Yanyan
Published: January 2017

To evaluate the role of microRNA-126 (miR-126) in maintaining the integrity of the blood-retina barrier (BRB), we established a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and measured the retinal levels of miR-126 using recombinant plasmid pCMV-MIR or pCMV-MIR-126 intravitreal injections. We also detected VCAM-1 and BCL2L11 levels. Retinal vaso-obliteration, VCAM-1 localization on retinal endothelial cells, the blood-retina vascular permeability or albumin leakage in retinas, TUNEL histology, Evans blue assays, or Western blotting for detecting albumin or tight junction levels in the retina was performed. We also detected the effect of miR-126 on the survival of Müller cells in a mouse model using vimentin fluorescence staining. Our results suggested that miR-126 may not only regulate the overexpression of VCAM-1 or BCL2L11 and lead to the reduction of retinal endothelial cell apoptosis, retinal vascular leakage, or retinal permeability in the OIR mouse model, but may also protect hypoxic retinal Müller cells via the STAT3 signaling pathway. We believe that miR-126 could also be a potential therapeutic agent to maintain the stability of the BRB in ischemic retinopathy.
Caregivers of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Bruce Courtenay R. , Minard Charles G. , Wilhelms L.A. , Abraham Mackenzie , Amione-Guerra Javier , Pham Linda , Grogan Sherry D. , Trachtenberg Barry , Smith Martin L. , Bruckner Brian A. , Estep Jerry D. , Kostick Kristin M.
Published: January 2017

Background—

How caregivers contribute to positive or negative outcomes for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients remains unclear. Our primary study objectives were to (1) identify caregiver support attributes through a retrospective chart review of social workers’ psychosocial assessments for LVAD patients and (2) determine how these attributes associated with patients’ post-LVAD placement mortality and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support–defined morbidity events.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively reviewed and recorded social workers’ clinical assessments of adult patients implanted with durable continuous-flow LVADs as bridge to transplant, destination therapy, or bridge to decision from January 2010 to December 2014. Associations between caregiver characteristics and patient mortality and morbidity events were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Patient follow-up time was calculated as the time from hospital discharge until the earliest among death with LVAD, transplant, or the last day of the study (December 31, 2015). Patients were censored for death with LVAD at the time of transplant or the last day of the study. A total of 96 LVAD recipients were included in this study. Having a caregiver who understands the severity of the illness and options available to the patient (as determined and documented by the social worker;
P
=0.01), a caregiver who has identified a backup plan (
P
=0.02), and a caregiver who is able to provide logistical support (
P
=0.04) significantly mitigated risk of death. The risk of death for an LVAD patient was also significantly lower among those who have at least 1 adult child who lives within 50 miles (
P
=0.03) and those who have an extended family who can care for the patient (
P
=0.03). The risk of death was 3.1× more likely among patients who live alone compared with those who do not live alone (
P
=0.04). No caregiver characteristics were significantly associated with morbidity.

Conclusions—

This exploratory, hypothesis-generating study suggests that mortality after LVAD placement is impacted by caregiver understanding of patient severity of illness and caregiver presence. This study provides initial evidence to support further work in understanding the associations between caregivers and LVAD patients, as well as interventions that may improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02248974.
Taxonomic novelties in Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae) from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: FRANCENER AUGUSTO , DE ALMEIDA RAFAEL FELIPE , MAMEDE MARIA CANDIDA HENRIQUE
Published: January 2017

A new species of Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae), and a replacement name, along with a status change are proposed. These taxonomic novelties are endemic to rocky fields in the southwest of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We present full morphological descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps and comments on conservation, distribution, and taxonomic affinities of both species.