bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Renal Impairment and Hemodialysis on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of the Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir Combination in Hepatitis C Virus-Negative Subjects
Authors: Kosloski Matthew P. , Zhao Weihan , Marbury Thomas C. , Preston Richard A. , Collins Michael G. , Pugatch David , Mensa Federico , Kort Jens , Liu Wei
Published: February 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an independent risk factor for developing chronic renal impairment and end-stage renal disease. Limited treatment options are available for HCV genotype 2, 3, 5, and 6 infections in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <30 ml/min. Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir are active against all six major HCV genotypes, are primarily excreted in the bile, and have minimal renal elimination. Therefore, combined treatment with these direct-acting antivirals may be useful for patients with HCV infection and chronic kidney disease. A phase 1, multicenter, open-label study evaluated the effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and safety of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir. In substudy 1, 38 subjects with stage 2 to 5 chronic kidney disease who were not on dialysis or who had normal renal function received single doses of the combination of 300 mg glecaprevir and 120 mg pibrentasvir. In substudy 2, 8 subjects requiring hemodialysis received single doses of the combination of 300 mg glecaprevir and 120 mg pibrentasvir under dialysis and nondialysis conditions. Regression analyses demonstrated increased glecaprevir and pibrentasvir plasma exposures, as determined by the area under the curve, with decreasing renal function, up to 56% and 46%, respectively, in subjects with an eGFR of <15 ml/min/1.73 m
2
. In dialysis-dependent subjects, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir exposures were similar (≤18% difference) when study drugs were administered before hemodialysis or on a nondialysis day. Adverse events were mostly mild, with the most common being self-limited fatigue (3 subjects). The study findings support the clinical evaluation of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir without dose adjustment in HCV-infected subjects with renal impairment. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT02442258.)
Direct Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Barstad Bjørn , Quarsten Hanne , Tveitnes Dag , Noraas Sølvi , Ask Ingvild S. , Saeed Maryam , Bosse Franziskus , Vigemyr Grete , Huber Ilka , Øymar Knut
Published: February 2018

The current diagnostic marker of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), the
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
antibody index (AI) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), has insufficient sensitivity in the early phase of LNB. We aimed to elucidate the diagnostic value of PCR for
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
in CSF from children with symptoms suggestive of LNB and to explore
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
genotypes associated with LNB in children. Children were prospectively included in predefined groups with a high or low likelihood of LNB based on diagnostic guidelines (LNB symptoms, CSF pleocytosis, and
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
antibodies) or the detection of other causative agents. CSF samples were analyzed by two
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
-specific real-time PCR assays and, if
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
DNA was detected, were further analyzed by five singleplex real-time PCR assays for genotype determination. For children diagnosed as LNB patients (58 confirmed and 18 probable) (
n
= 76) or non-LNB controls (
n
= 28), the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
in CSF were 46% and 100%, respectively.
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
DNA was detected in 26/58 (45%) children with AI-positive LNB and in 7/12 (58%) children with AI-negative LNB and symptoms of short duration. Among 36 children with detectable
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
DNA, genotyping indicated
Borrelia garinii
(
n
= 27) and non-
B. garinii
(
n
= 1) genotypes, while 8 samples remained untyped. Children with LNB caused by
B. garinii
did not have a distinct clinical picture. The rate of detection of
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
DNA in the CSF of children with LNB was higher than that reported previously. PCR for
B. burgdorferi
sensu lato
could be a useful supplemental diagnostic tool in unconfirmed LNB cases with symptoms of short duration.
B. garinii
was the predominant genotype in children with LNB.
Escape of Hepatitis C Virus from Epitope I Neutralization Increases Sensitivity of Other Neutralization Epitopes
Authors: Gu Jun , Hardy Joshua , Boo Irene , Vietheer Patricia , McCaffrey Kathleen , Alhammad Yousef , Chopra Abha , Gaudieri Silvana , Poumbourios Pantelis , Coulibaly Fasséli , Drummer Heidi E.
Published: February 2018

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoprotein is a major target of the neutralizing antibody (nAb) response, with multiple type-specific and broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) epitopes identified. The 412-to-423 region can generate bnAbs that block interaction with the cell surface receptor CD81, with activity toward multiple HCV genotypes. In this study, we reveal the structure of rodent monoclonal antibody 24 (MAb24) with an extensive contact area toward a peptide spanning the 412-to-423 region. The crystal structure of the MAb24–peptide 412-to-423 complex reveals the paratope bound to a peptide hairpin highly similar to that observed with human MAb HCV1 and rodent MAb AP33, but with a different angle of approach. In viral outgrowth experiments, we demonstrated three distinct genotype 2a viral populations that acquired resistance to MAb24 via N415D, N417S, and N415D/H386R mutations. Importantly, the MAb24-resistant viruses exhibited significant increases in sensitivity to the majority of bnAbs directed to epitopes within the 412-to-423 region and in additional antigenic determinants located within E2 and the E1E2 complex. This study suggests that modification of N415 causes a global change in glycoprotein structure that increases its vulnerability to neutralization by other antibodies. This finding suggests that in the context of an antibody response to viral infection, acquisition of escape mutations in the 412-to-423 region renders the virus more susceptible to neutralization by other specificities of nAbs, effectively reducing the immunological fitness of the virus. A vaccine for HCV that generates polyspecific humoral immunity with specificity for the 412-to-423 region and at least one other region of E2 is desirable.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding how antibodies neutralize hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essential for vaccine development. This study reveals for the first time that when HCV develops resistance to a major class of bnAbs targeting the 412-to-423 region of E2, this results in a concomitant increase in sensitivity to neutralization by a majority of other bnAb specificities. Vaccines for the prevention of HCV infection should therefore generate bnAbs directed toward the 412-to-423 region of E2 and additional bnAb epitopes within the viral glycoproteins.
Paediatric overdiagnosis modelled by coronary abnormality trends in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Coon Eric R , Wilkes Jacob , Bratton Susan L , Srivastava Rajendu
Published: February 2018

Objective

Compare trends in coronary artery (CA) abnormality diagnoses to trends in adverse cardiac outcomes among American children with Kawasaki disease (KD) to assess the fit of detection of CA abnormalities to an established model of overdiagnosis.

Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort.

Setting

48 US children’s hospitals in the Paediatric Health Information System database.

Participants

Children <18 years receiving care for KD between 2000 and 2014.

Main outcome measures

The main outcomes were rates of CA abnormality diagnoses and adverse cardiac outcomes, measured during a child’s incident KD visit and longitudinally at all subsequent visits to the same hospital, through December 2016. CA abnormalities were considered severe if long-term anticoagulation other than aspirin was prescribed. Trends were tested using mixed effects logistic regression, adjusting for patient demographics.

Results

Among 17 809 children treated for KD, a CA abnormality was diagnosed in 1435 children (8%), including 1117 considered non-severe and 318 severe. The rate of non-severe CA abnormality diagnoses increased from 45 per 1000 patients with KD in 2000 to 81 per 1000 patients with KD in 2014, representing an adjusted 2.3-fold increased odds (95% CI 1.8 to 3.0) of diagnosis. There was no significant change in diagnoses of severe CA abnormalities. Adverse cardiac outcomes were stable over the study period at 19 per 1000 patients with KD (P=0.24 for trend).

Conclusions

The rising rate of detection of non-severe CA abnormalities accompanied by an unchanging rate of adverse cardiac outcomes among American children with KD fits an overdiagnosis pattern.
Compliance with guidelines for disease management in diabetes: results from the SwissDiab Registry
Authors: Schimke Katrin E , Renström Frida , Meier Sandro , Stettler Christoph , Brändle Michael
Published: February 2018

Objective

Tight glycemic control and aggressive treatment of additional cardiovascular risk factors can substantially reduce risk of diabetes-related complications. In 2013, the Swiss Society of Endocrinology and Diabetology (SSED) established national criteria on good disease management in diabetes, but little is known about compliance in clinical care. Here we assessed to what extent patients from two tertiary care centers in the German-speaking part of Switzerland enrolled in the Swiss Diabetes (SwissDiab) Registry adhere to the SSED criteria.

Research design and methods

SwissDiab is a prospective observational cohort study of patients regularly treated at Swiss tertiary diabetes centers. Data were collected through standardized annual health examinations. Baseline participant descriptive statistics, stratified by diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2), were compared with SSED targets for glycemic control, blood pressure, blood lipids, weight maintenance, and ophthalmic examination.

Results

By the end of 2016, 604 participants with DM1 (40%) and DM2 (60%) had data available for analyses, 36% and 29% women, respectively. At baseline, all the SSED targets were met with two exceptions: a glycated hemoglobin A1c value <7% was measured in 32% of participants with DM1 (SSED target: ≥40%) and 47% and 56% of overweight or obese participants with DM1 and DM2, respectively, received nutritional counseling in the previous year (SSED target: ≥80%).

Conclusions

The SSED targets for good disease management in diabetes were achieved in the majority of participants at the time of enrollment, but results also highlight areas where disease management can be improved, particularly the role of nutrition counseling.
Comparison of a newly established emotional stimulus approach to a classical assessment-driven approach in BLS training: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kuckuck Karl , Schröder Hanna , Rossaint Rolf , Stieger Lina , Beckers Stefan K , Sopka Sasa
Published: February 2018

Objective

The study objective was to implement two strategies (short emotional stimulus vs announced practical assessment) in the teaching of resuscitation skills in order to evaluate whether one led to superior outcomes.

Setting

This study is an educational intervention provided in one German academic university hospital.

Participants

First-yearmedical students (n=271) during the first3 weeks of their studies.

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups following a sequence of random numbers: the emotional stimulus group (EG) and the assessment group (AG). In the EG, the intervention included watching an emotionally stimulating video prior to the Basic Life Support (BLS) course. In the AG, a practical assessment of the BLS algorithm was announced and tested within a 2 min simulated cardiac arrest scenario. After the baseline testing, a standardised BLS course was provided. Evaluation points were defined 1 week and 6 months after.

Primary outcome measures

Compression depth (CD) and compression rate (CR) were recorded as the primary endpoints for BLS quality.

Results

Within the study, 137 participants were allocated to the EG and 134 to the AG. 104 participants from EG and 120 from AG were analysed1 week after the intervention, where they reached comparable chest-compression performance without significant differences (CR P=0.49; CD P=0.28). The chest-compression performance improved significantly for the EG (P<0.01) and the AG (P<0.01) while adhering to the current resuscitation guidelines criteria for CD and CR.

Conclusions

There was no statistical difference between both groups’ practical chest-compression-performance. Nevertheless, the 2 min video sequence used in the EG with its low production effort and costs, compared with the expensive assessment approach, provides broad opportunities for applicability in BLS training.
Cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy within 6 hours of acute ischaemic stroke in China
Authors: Pan Yuesong , Cai Xueli , Huo Xiaochuan , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Wang Yongjun , Miao Zhongrong , Wang Yilong
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is an effective but expensive therapy for acute ischaemic stroke with proximal anterior circulation occlusion. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in China, which is the largest developing country.

Design

A combination of decision tree and Markov model was developed. Outcome and cost data were derived from the published literature and claims database. The efficacy data were derived from the meta-analyses of nine trials. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed in order to assess the uncertainty of the results.

Setting

Hospitals in China.

Participants

The patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by proximal anterior circulation occlusion within 6 hours.

Interventions

Mechanical thrombectomy within 6 hours with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment within 4.5 hours versus intravenous tPA treatment alone.

Outcome measures

The benefit conferred by the treatment was assessed by estimating the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in the long term (30 years).

Results

The addition of mechanical thrombectomy to intravenous tPA treatment compared with standard treatment alone yielded a lifetime gain of 0.794 QALYs at an additional cost of CNY 50 000 (US$7700), resulting in a cost of CNY 63 010 (US$9690) per QALY gained. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that mechanical thrombectomy was cost-effective in 99.9% of the simulation runs at a willingness-to-pay threshold of CNY 125 700 (US$19 300) per QALY.

Conclusions

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke caused by proximal anterior circulation occlusion within 6 hours was cost-effective in China. The data may be used as a reference with regard to medical resources allocation for stroke treatment in low-income and middle-income countries as well as in the remote areas in the developed countries.
Does early vitamin B12supplementation improve neurodevelopment and cognitive function in childhood and into school age: a study protocol for extended follow-ups from randomised controlled trials in India and Tanzania
Authors: Winje Brita Askeland , Kvestad Ingrid , Krishnamachari Srinivasan , Manji Karim , Taneja Sunita , Bellinger David C , Bhandari Nita , Bisht Shruti , Darling Anne Marie , Duggan Christopher P , Fawzi Wafaie , Hysing Mari , Kumar Tivendra , Kurpad Anura V , Sudfeld Christopher R , Svensen Erling , Thomas Susan , Strand Tor A
Published: February 2018

Introduction

As many as 250 million children under the age of 5 may not be reaching their full developmental potential partly due to poor nutrition during pregnancy and the first 2 years of life. Micronutrients, including vitamin B12, are important for the development of brain structure and function; however, the timing, duration and severity of deficiencies may alter the impact on functional development outcomes. Consequently, to fully explore the effect of vitamin B12on cognitive function, it is crucial to measure neurodevelopment at different ages, in different populations and with vitamin B12supplementation at different times during the critical periods of neurodevelopment.

Methods and analysis

In this project, we follow up children from four recently completed randomised placebo-controlled trials of oral vitamin B12supplementation, two in India and two in Tanzania, to explore the long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes and growth. All the included trials provided at least two recommended dietary allowances of oral vitamin B12daily for at least 6 months. Vitamin B12was supplemented either during pregnancy, early infancy or early childhood. Primary outcomes are neurodevelopmental status, cognitive function and growth later in childhood. We apply validated and culturally appropriate instruments to identify relevant developmental outcomes. All statistical analyses will be done according to intention-to-treat principles. The project provides an excellent opportunity to examine the effect of vitamin B12supplementation in different periods during early life and measure the outcomes later in childhood.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approvals from all relevant authorities in Norway, USA, Tanzania and India and complies fully with ethical principles for medical research. Results will be presented at national and international research and policy meetings and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, preferably open access.

Trial registration number

NCT00641862 (Bangalore);NCT00717730, updated CTRI/2016/11/007494 (Delhi);NCT00197548andNCT00421668(Dar es Salaam).
Neuroimaging of headaches in patients with normal neurological examination: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Kenteu Bernold , Fogang Yannick F , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Zafack Joseline G , Noubiap Jean Jacques , Kamtchum-Tatuene Joseph
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Headache disorders (HD) are among the most frequent neurological disorders seen in neurology practice. Because secondary HD are rare, patients’ examination is most often unremarkable. However, the will to relieve patients’ anxiety and the fear of prosecutions lead to overuse of neuroimaging thus resulting in the discovery of incidental findings (IF) or normal variants that can lead to futile or harmful procedures. Knowing the probability of identifying a potentially clinically significant lesion in patients with isolated headache could facilitate decision-making and reduce health costs. This review aims to determine the prevalence of incidental findings and normal anatomic variants (NAV) on neuroimaging studies performed in patients presenting with headache and normal neurological examination.

Method and analysis

Studies reporting neuroimaging findings in patients with headache and normal neurological examination and published before the 30 September 2017 will be identified by searching PubMed, Medline and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database). Relevant unpublished papers and conference proceedings will also be checked. Full texts of eligible studies will then be accessed and data extracted using a standard data extraction sheet. Studies will be assessed for quality and risk of bias. Heterogeneity of studies will be evaluated by the χ2test on Cochrane’s Q statistic. The prevalence of NAV and IF across studies and in relevant subgroups will be estimated by pooling the study-specific estimates using a random-effects meta-analysis. Visual analysis of funnel plot and Egger’s test will be used to detect publication bias. The report of this systematic review will be compliant with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The current study is based on published data; ethical approval is, therefore, not required. The final report of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Furthermore, findings will be presented at conferences and submitted to relevant health authorities.

Trial registration number

CRD42017079714.
Clinical safety of a minor eye conditions scheme in England delivered by community optometrists
Authors: Konstantakopoulou Evgenia , Harper Robert A , Edgar David F , Larkin Genevieve , Janikoun Sarah , Lawrenson John G
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to monitor the activity and evaluate the clinical safety of a minor eye conditions scheme (MECS) conducted by accredited community optometrists in Lambeth and Lewisham, London.

Methods and analysis

Optometrists underwent an accredited training programme, including attendance at hospital eye services (HES) clinics. Patients who satisfied certain inclusion criteria were referred to accredited MECS optometrists by their general practitioners (GPs) or could self-refer. Data were extracted from clinical records. A sample of MECS clinical records was graded to assess the quality of the MECS optometrists’ clinical management decisions. Referrals to the HES were assessed by the collaborating ophthalmologists and feedback was provided.

Results

A total of 2123 patients (mean age 47 years) were seen over 12 months. Two-thirds of the patients (67.3%) were referred by their GP. The most common reasons for patients needing a MECS assessment were ‘red eye’ (36.7% of patients), ‘painful white eye’ (11.1%), ‘flashes and floaters’ (10.2%); 8.7% of patients had a follow-up appointment. Of the patients seen, 75.1% were retained in the community, 5.7% were referred to their GP and 18.9% were referred to the HES. Of the HES referrals, 49.1% were routine, 22.6% urgent and 28.3% emergency. Of the records reviewed, 94.5% were rated as appropriately managed; 89.2% of the HES referrals were considered appropriate.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that optometrists are in a good position to work very safely within the remits of the scheme and to assess risk.
Outcomes after surgical coronary artery revascularisation in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Thammineni Kalpana , Vinocur Jeffrey M , Harvey Brian , Menk Jeremiah S , Kelleman Michael Scott , Korakiti Anna-Maria , Thomas Amanda S , Moller James H , St Louis James D , Kochilas Lazaros K
Published: February 2018

Objective

Surgical coronary revascularisation in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is a rare event for which limited information is available. In this study, we review the indications and outcomes of surgical coronary revascularisation from the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium, a large US-based multicentre registry of interventions for CHD.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of children (<18 years old) with CHD who underwent surgical coronary revascularisation between 1982 and 2011. In-hospital mortality and graft patency data were obtained from the registry. Long-term transplant-free survival through 2014 was achieved for patients with adequate identifiers via linkage with the US National Death Index and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Results

Coronary revascularisation was accomplished by bypass grafting (n=72, median age 6.8 years, range 3 days–17.4 years) or other operations (n=65, median age 2.6 years, range 5 days–16.7 years) in 137 patients. Most revascularisations were related to the aortic root (61.3%) or coronary anomalies (27.7%), but 10.9% of them were unrelated to either of them. Twenty in-hospital deaths occurred, 70% of them after urgent ‘rescue’ revascularisation in association with another operation. Long-term outcomes were available by external linkage for 54 patients surviving to hospital discharge (median follow-up time 15.0 years, max follow-up 29.8 years) with a 15-year transplant-free survival of 91% (95% CI 83% to 99%).

Conclusions

Surgical coronary revascularisation can be performed in children with CHD with acceptable immediate and long-term survival. Outcomes are dependent on indication, with the highest mortality in rescue procedures.
Coronary heart disease risk associated with the dyslipidaemia of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lamprea-Montealegre Julio A , McClelland Robyn L , Grams Morgan , Ouyang Pamela , Szklo Moyses , de Boer Ian H
Published: February 2018

Objective

This study sought to characterise the main dyslipidaemic phenotypes present in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their association with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Methods

Analyses included 6612 individuals in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis free of CHD at baseline. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 15 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (stages 3–4). Principal component analyses were used to characterise the main dyslipidaemic phenotypes of CKD accounting for the correlation among different lipoproteins and lipoprotein particles. CHD was defined as incident myocardial infarction, angina followed by revascularisation, resuscitated cardiac arrest or CHD death.

Results

CHD developed in 303 individuals (5%) with eGFR ≥60 and in 72 individuals (12%) with CKD (p for difference <0.001). A dyslipidaemic phenotype (principal component 1 (PC1)) consisting of elevations in triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (VLDL particles), small LDL particles and reductions in HDL particles, was more common in those with CKD, compared with those without CKD (p for difference <0.001). This phenotype was also more strongly associated with CHD in those with CKD: adjusted HRs (95% CIs) per SD increase in PC1 1.13 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.27; P=0.05) and 1.51 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.94; P<0.001) in eGFR ≥60 and CKD, respectively (P for interaction=0.05).

Conclusion

In individuals with mainly stage 3 CKD, a dominant lipid phenotype consisting of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and other closely correlated lipoproteins is strongly associated with CHD risk. Future studies should investigate whether modification of the components of this phenotype leads to a reduction in the CHD burden in individuals with CKD.
Influence of selected factors on meat quality from farm-raised and wild fallow deer (Dama dama): a review
Authors: Bykowska Marta
Published: February 2018

Fallow deer meat (venison) is a new product acquired from farm-raised and wild animals. Nowadays, people are more concerned about their health, and therefore, they search for high quality, “healthy” products. Farming of fallow deer is ecological and friendly to the environment. Animals are kept in pasture conditions which resemble their natural environment. Venison is considered healthy meat, low in fat and cholesterol, and high in protein. The aim of this review was to gather and discuss the available literature on factors influencing the quality of venison such as sex, age, slaughter method and housing system, feeding, hanging method, animal condition, muscle type, and ageing of meat, considering both farm-raised and wild fallow deer.
Precise identification of wheat – Thinopyrum intermedium translocation chromosomes carrying resistance to wheat stripe rust in line Z4 and its derived progenies
Authors: Lang Tao , La Shixiao , Li Bin , Yu Zhihui , Chen Qiheng , Li Jianbo , Yang Ennian , Li Guangrong , Yang Zujun
Published: February 2018

The wheat – Thinopyrum intermedium derived line Z4 has displayed novel and effective stripe rust resistance for over 40 years. This study aimed to precisely identify the chromosome constitution of line Z4 and determine the stripe rust resistance contribution using multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular marker analysis. The results indicated that the Z4 line (2n = 44) contained two pairs of non-Robertsonian translocations without the 3A chromosomes of wheat. FISH karyotypes of F3 progenies derived from crosses between Z4 and MY11 indicated that the transmission of the translocated chromosomes appeared normal and the number of wheat chromosomes 3A and 3D frequently varied. The FISH signal distribution of a new repetitive probe, named Oligo-3A1, confirmed the physical breakage points on chromosome 3AL incorporated into translocated chromosomes. PLUG markers revealed the breakage points on chromosomes 3A, 7JS, and 3D invloved in the translocated chromosomes, and they were designated as T3DS-3AS.3AL-7JSS and T3AL-7JSS.7JSL. Stripe rust resistances surveys indicated that the proximal region of 7JSS or 7JSL may confer the resistance at the adult plant stage. The precise characterization of the chromosome complements of wheat – Th. intermedium Z4 and derived progenies has demonstrated the importance of combining cytogenetic and molecular approaches in the genomics era for further wheat genetic manipulation and breeding purposes.
High-dimensional vector semantics
Authors: Andrecut M.
Published: February 2018

In this paper we explore the “vector semantics” problem from the perspective of “almost orthogonal” property of high-dimensional random vectors. We show that this intriguing property can be used to “memorize” random vectors by simply adding them, and we provide an efficient probabilistic solution to the set membership problem. Also, we discuss several applications to word context vector embeddings, document sentences similarity, and spam filtering.
Embeddability of right-angled Artin groups on complements of trees
Authors: Lee Eon-Kyung , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: February 2018

For a finite simplicial graph [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the right-angled Artin group on [Formula: see text]. Recently, Kim and Koberda introduced the extension graph [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], and established the Extension Graph Theorem: for finite simplicial graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] embeds into [Formula: see text] as an induced subgraph then [Formula: see text] embeds into [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that the converse of this theorem does not hold for the case [Formula: see text] is the complement of a tree and for the case [Formula: see text] is the complement of a path graph.
A NEW IMPROVED THRESHOLD SEGMENTATION METHOD FOR SCANNING IMAGES OF RESERVOIR ROCKS CONSIDERING PORE FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: LIN WEI , LI XIZHE , YANG ZHENGMING , LIN LIJUN , XIONG SHENGCHUN , WANG ZHIYUAN , WANG XIANGYANG , XIAO QIANHUA
Published: February 2018

Based on the basic principle of the porosity method in image segmentation, considering the relationship between the porosity of the rocks and the fractal characteristics of the pore structures, a new improved image segmentation method was proposed, which uses the calculated porosity of the core images as a constraint to obtain the best threshold. The results of comparative analysis show that the porosity method can best segment images theoretically, but the actual segmentation effect is deviated from the real situation. Due to the existence of heterogeneity and isolated pores of cores, the porosity method that takes the experimental porosity of the whole core as the criterion cannot achieve the desired segmentation effect. On the contrary, the new improved method overcomes the shortcomings of the porosity method, and makes a more reasonable binary segmentation for the core grayscale images, which segments images based on the actual porosity of each image by calculated. Moreover, the image segmentation method based on the calculated porosity rather than the measured porosity also greatly saves manpower and material resources, especially for tight rocks.
FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CRACK PROPAGATION IN COAL UNDER IMPACT LOADING
Authors: ZHAO YIXIN , GONG SHUANG , ZHANG CHENGGUO , ZHANG ZHENNAN , JIANG YAODONG
Published: February 2018

This paper studied the fractal characteristics of crack propagation in coal containing beddings under impact loading condition. Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system was applied to determine the prepared notched semi-circular bending specimens. The high-speed camera was used to record the propagation characteristics of cracks. The image processing method and fractal dimension calculation software are combined to further analyze the effects of bedding and loading rate on the fractal characteristics of crack propagation in coal. The experimental results presented that the presence of bedding has a remarkable impact on the crack propagation. The crack velocity of coal samples with [Formula: see text] bedding angle is of the maximum, however, the crack velocity of samples with [Formula: see text] bedding angle is of the minimum. Bedding angles also have obvious influence on the fractal dimension of cracking path, the bedding angle of [Formula: see text] being the largest, and those of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] having the intermediate values, while those of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being the smallest. Several points of instantaneous fractal crack velocity are close to the Rayleigh wave velocity ([Formula: see text]). The crack velocities of coal specimens with bedding angles of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are prone to the high value.
NATURAL HIBISCUS DYE AND SYNTHETIC ORGANIC EOSIN Y DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS USING TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES PHOTO ANODE: COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: KULKARNI SWATI S. , HUSSAINI S. S. , BODKHE GAJANAN A. , SHIRSAT MAHENDRA D.
Published: February 2018

Titanium dioxide (TiO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles have been synthesized by the cost effective Sol–Gel technique. Characteristics of TiO2nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The Eosin Y dye and dye extracted from Hibiscus tea have been successfully used in fabrication of the dye sensitized solar cell. The photovoltaic performance of the dye sensitized solar cell indicates that the short circuit photo current, open circuit voltage and efficiency of the DSSC using Eosin Y dye is 10 times more compared to the DSSC using the Hibiscus dye.
TiO2/GRAPHENE OXIDE HETEROSTRUCTURES FOR GAS-SENSING: INTERACTION OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE WITH THE PRISTINE AND NITROGEN MODIFIED NANOSTRUCTURES INVESTIGATED BY DFT
Authors: ABBASI AMIRALI , SARDROODI JABER JAHANBIN
Published: February 2018

The gas response of metal oxide-based sensors depends strongly on its adsorption properties. To explore the potential sensing capability of pristine and nitrogen modified TiO2/graphene oxide (GO) heterostructures, the adsorption of NO2 molecule on the N-doped nanocomposites was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Six possible configurations were simulated based on the estimated adsorption energies. The binding sites were located over the oxygen, doped nitrogen and five-fold coordinated titanium atoms of TiO2. The electronic properties including atomic Mulliken population, projected density of states and molecular orbitals were investigated in detail. The N–O bonds of the NO2 molecule were significantly increased after the adsorption process. The adsorption of NO2 molecule on the N-doped nanocomposite is more energetically favorable than the adsorption on the undoped one. The results suggest that NO2 chemisorbs on the considered nanocomposites. Mulliken population analysis reveals a noticeable charge transfer from the nanocomposite to the molecule, which indicate that NO2 acts as a charge acceptor. Molecular orbital calculations show that the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of the studied systems were mainly localized on the adsorbed NO2 molecule. The significant overlaps in the projected density of states (PDOS) spectra of the interacting atoms confirm the formation of chemical bonds between them. There is a direct relationship between the results of charge transfer and sensing responses. N-doped nanocomposites have better sensing response than the undoped ones. The results highlight the possibility to develop innovative highly efficient NO2 sensors based on novel TiO2/GO nanocomposites.
WETTING AND PREWETTING PHENOMENA IN NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL DISK-LIKE DROPLET
Authors: KADIVAR ERFAN , DARANI SHAHRAM AHMADI
Published: February 2018

We present a theoretical investigation of wetting and prewetting phenomena in a nematic-disk like droplet under a concentric anchoring configuration. Our theoretical model is based on Landau–de Gennes free energy together with a quadratic surface energy. By using the Maxwell construction, we numerically solve the Euler–Lagrange differential equation. The occurrence of boundary layer transition is summarized in the phase diagram scanned by temperature and surface potential. We find that prewetting phenomenon disappear below a critical droplet size and critical temperature.
A study of 3-form gauge theories in the Lorentz violating background
Authors: Shah Mushtaq Bashir , Ganai Prince Ahmad
Published: February 2018

We study the Lorentz symmetry breaking of the 3-form gauge theory down to its sub-group. A 3-form gauge theory is studied in such a Lorentz violating background and these symmetry violation effects will affect the aspects of such a gauge theory. Also, we study the gaugeon formalism and FFBRST of 3-form theory in such a background. It is seen that the generating functional gets modified. With this, we obtain a connection between covariant and noncovariant gauges of such a gauge theory. Furthermore, we study the Batalin–Vilkovisky (BV) formulation of such a gauge theory in such a Lorentz violating background.
Synthesis, structure and sensing behavior of a Cd-coordination polymer based on 1,10-phenanthroline and 2-aminoterephthalic acid
Authors: Meng Xing , Wang Hai-Feng , Chen He , Zhou Zi-Yan , Wang Hai-Ning
Published: February 2018

The reaction of 2-aminoterephthalic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline with Cd(NO[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]4H2O under solvothermal conditions leads to the formation of [Cd(2-aip)(phen)][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.5C2H5OH ( 1). In the compound, dimetallic cluster [Cd2(COO)4] exists and is linked by 2-aip ligands to stretch into a 2D flat layer. These layers are lined parallel to each other via N–H[Formula: see text]OCO hydrogen bond interactions, generating a 3D supramolecular architecture. The sensing property has been investigated. The experimental results show that the compound can be used as a luminescent probe to detect Co[Formula: see text] and organic small molecules acetone.
Design and research of signal-level airborne electronic reconnaissance simulation system
Authors: Zhao Yang , Shang Chaoxuan , Han Zhuangzhi
Published: February 2018

Airborne passive electronic reconnaissance equipment has developed rapidly during recent years. However, because of its expensive and unavailable military features, the simulation realization of these equipment needs to be solved. And the smaller the simulation particle is, the better the simulation system will be. In this study, a signal-level airborne electronic reconnaissance simulation system was built. Mathematical model and simulation realization of each part are introduced in this study. Focusing on the shortness of traditional signal sorting methods, we creatively proposed a presorting method based on the Euclidean distance inside signal flows. Simulation results show that the presorting method based on Euclidean distance successfully reduced the pressure on main sorting and appeared good for signal sorting. Simulation test results of each model built in this study are also shown in the study. This study provides a new thought on the realization of airborne electronic reconnaissance equipment and benefits the development of electronic countermeasure.
Detection by death: A rapid way to detect viable slow-growing microorganisms achieved using microchannel Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (m-EIS)
Authors: Kargupta Roli , Yang Yongqiang , Puttaswamy Sachidevi , Lee Aiden J. , Padilla Nicholas A. , Foutch Alec P. , Sengupta Shramik
Published: February 2018

Based on the insight that only living organisms can be killed (and that killing can proceed much faster than cell-growth), we present an approach for the detection of viable microorganisms that is much faster than currently used culture-based methods. We do so by using microchannel Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (m-EIS) for real-time detection of cell-death on exposure to a killing-agent.

m-EIS relies on the fact that when living-cells with non-zero membrane potentials are exposed to high-frequency AC-field, induced-charges accumulate at the membrane-interface. Cell-death is accompanied by a loss of membrane-potential, and hence charge-storage (capacitance).

A proof-of-principle for a clinical-application (detection of living mycobacteria in sputum) is demonstrated. Mycobacterium smegmatis (doubling-time ∼3 hours) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (doubling-time ∼20 hours) in artificial-sputum are both detected in [Formula: see text]3 hours when exposed to amikacin. Times-to-detection (TTDs) are ∼12 hours and ∼84 hours (3 1/2 days), respectively for culture-based detection using current technologies (BD-MGIT-960[Formula: see text]) for samples containing similar loads of M. smegmatis and M. bovis BCG
Towards a Computed-Aided Diagnosis System in Colonoscopy: Automatic Polyp Segmentation Using Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Brandao Patrick , Zisimopoulos Odysseas , Mazomenos Evangelos , Ciuti Gastone , Bernal Jorge , Visentini-Scarzanella Marco , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Arezzo Alberto , Hawkes David J , Stoyanov Danail
Published: February 2018

Early diagnosis is essential for the successful treatment of bowel cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC), and capsule endoscopic imaging with robotic actuation can be a valuable diagnostic tool when combined with automated image analysis. We present a deep learning rooted detection and segmentation framework for recognizing lesions in colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy images. We restructure established convolution architectures, such as VGG and ResNets, by converting them into fully-connected convolution networks (FCNs), fine-tune them and study their capabilities for polyp segmentation and detection. We additionally use shape-from-shading (SfS) to recover depth and provide a richer representation of the tissue’s structure in colonoscopy images. Depth is incorporated into our network models as an additional input channel to the RGB information and we demonstrate that the resulting network yields improved performance. Our networks are tested on publicly available datasets and the most accurate segmentation model achieved a mean segmentation interception over union (IU) of 47.78% and 56.95% on the ETIS-Larib and CVC-Colon datasets, respectively. For polyp detection, the top performing models we propose surpass the current state-of-the-art with detection recalls superior to 90% for all datasets tested. To our knowledge, we present the first work to use FCNs for polyp segmentation in addition to proposing a novel combination of SfS and RGB that boosts performance.
TGF-β1-induced deposition of provisional extracellular matrix by tracheal basal cells promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-1-dependent manner
Authors: van der Velden Jos L. , Wagner Darcy E. , Lahue Karolyn G. , Abdalla Sarah T. , Lam Ying-Wai , Weiss Daniel J. , Janssen-Heininger Yvonne M. W.
Published: February 2018

Epithelial cells have been suggested as potential drivers of lung fibrosis, although the epithelial-dependent pathways that promote fibrogenesis remain unknown. Extracellular matrix is increasingly recognized as an environment that can drive cellular responses in various pulmonary diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated mouse tracheal basal (MTB) cells produce provisional matrix proteins in vitro, which initiate mesenchymal changes in subsequently freshly plated MTB cells via Rho kinase- and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK1)-dependent processes. Repopulation of decellularized lung scaffolds, derived from mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis or from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with wild-type MTB cells resulted in a loss of epithelial gene expression and augmentation of mesenchymal gene expression compared with cells seeded into decellularized normal lungs. In contrast, Jnk1−/−basal cells seeded into fibrotic lung scaffolds retained a robust epithelial expression profile, failed to induce mesenchymal genes, and differentiated into club cell secretory protein-expressing cells. This new paradigm wherein TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix derived from MTB cells activates a JNK1-dependent mesenchymal program, which impedes subsequent normal epithelial cell homeostasis, provides a plausible scenario of chronic aberrant epithelial repair, thought to be critical in lung fibrogenesis. This study identifies JNK1 as a possible target for inhibition in settings wherein reepithelialization is desired.
Metrics of lung tissue heterogeneity depend on BMI but not age
Authors: Subramaniam K. , Clark A. R. , Hoffman E. A. , Tawhai M. H.
Published: February 2018

Altered parenchymal microstructure and complexity have been observed in older age. How to distinguish between healthy, expected changes and early signs of pathology remains poorly understood. An objective quantitative analysis of computed tomography imaging was conducted to compare mean lung density, tissue density distributions, and tissue heterogeneity in 16 subjects, 8 aged >60 yr who were gender and body mass index matched with 8 subjects aged <30 yr. Subjects had never been smokers, with no prior respiratory disease, and no radiologically identified abnormalities on computed tomography. Volume-controlled breath hold imaging acquired at 80% vital capacity (end inspiration) and 55% vital capacity (end expiration) were used for analysis. Mean lung density was not different between the age groups at end inspiration ( P = 0.806) but was larger in the younger group at end expiration (0.26 ± 0.033 vs. 0.22 ± 0.026, P = 0.008), as is expected due to increased air trapping in the older population. However, gravitational gradients of tissue density did not differ with age; the only difference in distribution of tissue density between the two age groups was a lower density in the apices of the older group at end expiration. The heterogeneity of the lung tissue assessed using two metrics showed significant differences between end inspiration and end expiration, no dependence on age, and a significant relationship with body mass index at both lung volumes when heterogeneity was calculated using quadtree decomposition but only at end expiration when using a fractal dimension.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes to lung tissue heterogeneity can be a normal part of aging but can also be an early indicator of disease. We use novel techniques, which have previously not been used on thoracic computed tomography imaging, to quantify lung tissue heterogeneity in young and old healthy subjects. Our results show no dependence on age but a significant correlation with body mass index.