bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dehydration of Prions on Environmentally Relevant Surfaces Protects Them from Inactivation by Freezing and Thawing
Authors: Yuan Qi , Telling Glenn , Bartelt-Hunt Shannon L. , Bartz Jason C.
Published: January 2018

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging prion disease in North America. Recent identification of CWD in wild cervids from Norway raises the concern of the spread of CWD in Europe. CWD infectivity can enter the environment through live animal excreta and carcasses where it can bind to soil. Well-characterized hamster prion strains and CWD field isolates in unadsorbed or soil-adsorbed forms that were either hydrated or dehydrated were subjected to repeated rounds of freezing and thawing. We found that 500 cycles of repeated freezing and thawing of hydrated samples significantly decreased the abundance of PrP
Sc
and reduced protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) seeding activity that could be rescued by binding to soil. Importantly, dehydration prior to freezing and thawing treatment largely protected PrP
Sc
from degradation, and the samples maintained PMCA seeding activity. We hypothesize that redistribution of water molecules during the freezing and thawing process alters the stability of PrP
Sc
aggregates. Overall, these results have significant implications for the assessment of prion persistence in the environment.

IMPORTANCE
Prions excreted into the environment by infected animals, such as elk and deer infected with chronic wasting disease, persist for years and thus facilitate horizontal transmission of the disease. Understanding the fate of prions in the environment is essential to control prion disease transmission. The significance of our study is that it provides information on the possibility of prion degradation and inactivation under natural weathering processes. This information is significant for remediation of prion-contaminated environments and development of prion disease control strategies.
Anaplerotic Role of Glucose in the Oxidation of Endogenous Fatty Acids during Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Fernandes-Siqueira Lorena O. , Zeidler Julianna D. , Sousa Bruna G. , Ferreira Thiago , Da Poian Andrea T.
Published: January 2018

Dengue virus infection is a major cause of human arbovirosis, for which clinical and experimental evidence supports the idea that liver dysfunction and lipid metabolism disorders are characteristics of severe disease. Analyzing mitochondrial bioenergetics, here we show that infection of hepatic cells with dengue virus favors the cellular capacity of metabolizing glucose, impairing the normal metabolic flexibility that allows the oxidative machinery to switch among the main energetic substrates. However, instead of being used as an energy source, glucose performs an anaplerotic role in the oxidation of endogenous fatty acids, which become the main energetic substrate during infection. Taken together, the results shed light on metabolic mechanisms that may explain the profound alterations in lipid metabolism for severe dengue patients, contributing to the understanding of dengue physiopathology.
Physical activity at age 11 years and chronic disabling fatigue at ages 13 and 16 years in a UK birth cohort
Authors: Collin Simon M , Norris Tom , Deere Kevin C , Jago Russell , Ness Andy R , Crawley Esther
Published: January 2018

Objective

To investigate associations of physical activity at age 11 years with chronic disabling fatigue (CDF) at ages 13 and 16 years.

Design

Longitudinal birth cohort.

Setting

South-West England.

Participants

Adolescents enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Outcomes and exposures

We identified adolescents who had disabling fatigue of >6 months' duration without a known cause at ages 13 and 16 years. Total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time at age 11 years were measured by accelerometry over a 7-day period.

Results

A total physical activity level 100 counts/min higher at age 11 years was associated with 25% lower odds of CDF at age 13 years (OR=0.75 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.95)), a 1% increase in the proportion of monitored time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity was associated with 16% lower odds of CDF (OR=0.84 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.01)) and a 1-hour increase in sedentary time was associated with 35% higher odds of CDF (OR=1.35 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.79)). Disabling fatigue of only 3–5 months’ duration at age 13 years had weaker associations with physical activity, and CDF at age 16 years was not associated with physical activity at age 11 years.

Conclusions

Children who had chronic disabling fatigue at age 13 years had lower levels of total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and more sedentary time 2 years previously, but this association could be explained by reverse causation.
Time in therapeutic range and stability over time for warfarin users in clinical practice: a retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected health data in Alberta, Canada
Authors: McAlister Finlay A , Wiebe Natasha , Hemmelgarn Brenda R
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Whether warfarin-treated patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who exhibit good control will experience deterioration in control over time is uncertain. We designed this study to examine the time in therapeutic range (TTR) in a population-based cohort of patients with NVAF recently initiated on warfarin.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected health data from 2008 to 2015.

Setting

The Canadian province of Alberta.

Participants

All adults with NVAF who were taking warfarin for >1 month.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of international normalised ratio (INR) monitoring and the Rosendaal TTR with time zero set at 31 days after the first warfarin dispensation.

Results

Of 57 669 patients with NVAF dispensed warfarin for >1 month, 17 099 (29.7%) had <3 INRs measured in months 1–6. Of the 40 570 who went for regular INR monitoring in months 1–6 (median number of INRs 11, IQR 7–16), 16 639 (41.0%) met the definition of good control (TTR>65%); good control continued to be exhibited by 8177 (57.1% of those who remained on warfarin) during months 7–12 and 6804 (56.8% of continuing warfarin users) in months 13–18. Good control in the first 6 months predicted good control over the subsequent year: adjusted OR (aOR) 4.0(95%CI 3.8 to 4.2), c index 0.685(95%CI 0.679 to 0.691) for months 7–12 and aOR 3.2(95%CI 3.1 to 3.3), c index 0.665(95%CI 0.659 to 0.671) for months 13–18.

Conclusions

Nearly one-third of warfarin-treated patients had insufficient INR monitoring—this could influence the initial choice of anticoagulant and identifies a target for future quality improvement efforts. Of those warfarin-treated patients who went for regular INR monitoring, 41% exhibited levels of control similar to that in randomised trials and this deteriorated by half over time. However, in patients who have already exhibited adherence with regular monitoring and good TTR, warfarin may still be a reliable anticoagulation option.
Study protocol for a randomised, controlled platform trial estimating the effect of autobiographical Memory Flexibility training (MemFlex) on relapse of recurrent major depressive disorder
Authors: Hitchcock Caitlin , Gormley Siobhan , O’Leary Cliodhna , Rodrigues Evangeline , Wright Isobel , Griffiths Kirsty , Gillard Julia , Watson Peter , Hammond Emily , Werner-Seidler Aliza , Dalgleish Tim
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic condition. Although current treatment approaches are effective in reducing acute depressive symptoms, rates of relapse are high. Chronic and inflexible retrieval of autobiographical memories, and in particular a bias towards negative and overgeneral memories, is a reliable predictor of relapse. This randomised controlled single-blind trial will determine whether a therapist-guided self-help intervention to ameliorate autobiographical memory biases using Memory Flexibility training (MemFlex) will increase the experience of depression-free days, relative to a psychoeducation control condition, in the 12 months following intervention.

Methods and analysis

Individuals (aged 18 and above) with a diagnosis of recurrent MDD will be recruited when remitted from a major depressive episode. Participants will be randomly allocated to complete 4 weeks of a workbook providing either MemFlex training, or psychoeducation on factors that increase risk of relapse. Assessment of diagnostic status, self-report depressive symptoms, depression-free days and cognitive risk factors for depression will be completed post-intervention, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The cognitive target of MemFlex will be change in memory flexibility on the Autobiographical Memory Test- Alternating Instructions. The primary clinical endpoints will be the number of depression-free days in the 12 months following workbook completion, and time to depressive relapse.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the NHS National Research Ethics Committee (East of England, 11/H0305/1). Results from this study will provide a point-estimate of the effect of MemFlex on depressive relapse, which will be used to inform a fully powered trial evaluating the potential of MemFlex as an effective, low-cost and low-intensity option for reducing relapse of MDD.

Trial registrationnumber

NCT02614326.
Patient engagement in hospital health service planning and improvement: a scoping review
Authors: Liang Laurel , Cako Albina , Urquhart Robin , Straus Sharon E , Wodchis Walter P , Baker G. Ross , Gagliardi Anna R
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Patient engagement (PE) improves patient, organisation and health system outcomes, but most research is based on primary care. The primary purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of published empirical research that evaluated PE in hospital health service improvement.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Five databases were searched from 2006 to September 2016. English language studies that evaluated patient or provider beliefs, participation in PE, influencing factors or impact were eligible. Screening and data extraction were done in triplicate. PE characteristics, influencing factors and impact were extracted and summarised.

Results

From a total of 3939 search results, 227 studies emerged as potentially relevant; of these, 217 were not eligible, and 10 studies were included in the review. None evaluated behavioural interventions to promote or support PE. While most studies examined involvement in standing committees or projects, patient input and influence on decisions were minimal. Lack of skill and negative beliefs among providers were PE barriers. PE facilitators included careful selection and joint training of patients and providers, formalising patient roles, informal interaction to build trust, involving patients early in projects, small team size, frequent meetings, active solicitation of patient input in meetings and debriefing after meetings. Asking patients to provide insight into problems rather than solutions and deploying provider champions may enhance patient influence on hospital services.

Conclusions

Given the important role of PE in improving hospital services and the paucity of research on this topic, future research should develop and evaluate behavioural interventions for PE directed at patients and providers informed by the PE barriers and facilitators identified here. Future studies should also assess the impact on various individual and organisational outcomes.
Fatty liver index, albuminuria and the association with chronic kidney disease: a population-based study in China
Authors: Sun Kan , Lin Diaozhu , Li Feng , Qi Yiqin , Feng Wanting , Yan Li , Chen Chaogang , Ren Meng , Liu Dan
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The effects of lipid metabolism disorder on renal damage have drawn much attention. Using the fatty liver index (FLI) as a validated indicator of hepatic steatosis, this study aims to provide insight about the possible links between fatty liver and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Setting

Hospital.

Participants

We performed a population-based study on 9436 subjects aged 40 years or older.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

FLI is calculated using an algorithm based on body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides and γ-glutamyltransferase. Increased urinary albumin excretion was defined according to the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ranges ≥30 mg/g. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or presence of albuminuria.

Results

There were 620 (6.6%) subjects categorised to have increased urinary albumin excretion and 753 (8.0%) subjects categorised to have CKD. Participants with higher FLI had increased age, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin and decreased eGFR level. Prevalence of increased urinary albumin excretion and CKD tended to increase with the elevated FLI quartiles. In logistic regression analysis, compared with subjects in the lowest quartile of FLI, the adjusted ORs in the highest quartile were 2.30 (95% CI 1.36 to 3.90) for increased urinary albumin excretion and 1.93 (95% CI 1.18 to 3.15) for CKD.

Conclusion

Hepatic steatosis evaluated by FLI is independently associated with increased urinary albumin excretion and prevalence of CKD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.
Evaluating the role of prereduction hip traction in the management of infants and children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH): protocol for a systematic review and planned meta-analysis
Authors: Walton Sarah , Schaeffer Emily , Mulpuri Kishore , Cundy Peter , Williams Nicole
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) affects 4–6 per 1000 live births in developed countries. Effective treatment to realign the hip is necessary to avoid long-term morbidities and maximise functional outcome. Treatment options depend on patient age but typically involve hip bracing and/or reduction under general anaesthetic. Some centres also employ prereduction hip traction. Historical papers suggest traction reduces risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) femoral head and reduces requirement for open reduction. However, several studies including a large retrospective cohort study, dispute this. We propose to perform the first systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the value of prereduction hip traction in the management of DDH in children under the age of 3 years by identifying whether it impacts on the rate of successful closed reduction (CR) and risk of AVN.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify potentially relevant studies. Studies reporting on incidence of successful CR, AVN femoral head and complications associated with prereduction hip traction in children of less than 3 years with DDH will be eligible for inclusion. Only randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective case–control and comparative cohort studies will be included in quantitative review. There will be no study design restrictions for inclusion in qualitative review. Following study selection, full-text paper retrieval, data extraction and synthesis, studies will be assessed for risk of bias and heterogeneity. If the included studies are sufficiently homogeneous, then we will perform meta-analysis. A narrative synthesis of the systematic review’s results will also be presented.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as primary patient data will not be collected. The systematic review’s results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

CRD42017064254; Pre-results.
Differences in talking-to-the-room behaviour between novice and expert teams during simulated paediatric resuscitation: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Burtscher Michael J , Jordi Ritz Eva-Maria , Kolbe Michaela
Published: January 2018

Background

Team coordination represents an important factor for clinical performance. Research in this area suggests that not only behaviour frequencies but also patterns of team coordination constitute a central aspect of teamwork. However, little is known about potential differences in coordination patterns between novice teams (ie, teams of inexperienced members) and expert teams (ie, teams of experienced members). The current study addresses this gap by investigating the use of talking-to-the-room—an important implicit coordination behaviour—in novice teams versus expert teams.

Aim

To illustrate differences in coordination behaviour between novice and expert teams. This will provide important knowledge for simulation-based training.

Methods

The study was conducted in the context of two resuscitation training courses (introductory course and refresher course) for staff members at a children’s hospital. Volunteers from both courses participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to 16 teams each consisting of one physician and two nurses. The study used a quasi-experimental design with two conditions (novice vs expert). Participants of the introductory course were assigned to the novice condition (eight teams), and participants of the refresher course were assigned to the expert condition (eight teams). All teams completed the same standardised paediatric resuscitation scenario. They were videotaped during the simulation, and team coordination behaviour was coded using Co-ACT.

Results

Lag-sequential analysis of 1902 distinct coordination acts revealed that novice teams and expert teams differed significantly in their coordination behaviour. Expert teams were characterised by patterns in which implicit coordination behaviour (ie, talking to the room) was followed by further implicit coordination behaviour and not followed by explicit coordination behaviour (ie, instructions), whereas the reverse was found for novice teams.

Conclusion

The current study highlights role of coordination patterns for understanding teamwork in healthcare and provides important insights for team training.
Lymphocytic response to tumour and deficient DNA mismatch repair identify subtypes of stage II/III colorectal cancer associated with patient outcomes
Authors: Williams David S , Mouradov Dmitri , Jorissen Robert N , Newman Marsali R , Amini Elham , Nickless David K , Teague Julie A , Fang Catherine G , Palmieri Michelle , Parsons Marie J , Sakthianandeswaren Anuratha , Li Shan , Ward Robyn L , Hawkins Nicholas J , Faragher Ian , Jones Ian T , Gibbs Peter , Sieber Oliver M
Published: January 2018

Objective

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) response and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) are determinants of prognosis in colorectal cancer. Although highly correlated, evidence suggests that these are independent predictors of outcome. However, the prognostic significance of combined TIL/MMR classification and how this compares to the major genomic and transcriptomic subtypes remain unclear.

Design

A prospective cohort of 1265 patients with stage II/III cancer was examined for TIL/MMR status and BRAF/KRAS mutations. Consensus molecular subtype (CMS) status was determined for 142 cases. Associations with 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated and validated in an independent cohort of 602 patients.

Results

Tumours were categorised into four subtypes based on TIL and MMR status: TIL-low/proficient-MMR (pMMR) (61.3% of cases), TIL-high/pMMR (14.8%), TIL-low/dMMR (8.6%) and TIL-high/dMMR (15.2%). Compared with TIL-high/dMMR tumours with the most favourable prognosis, both TIL-low/dMMR (HR=3.53; 95% CI=1.88 to 6.64; Pmultivariate<0.001) and TIL-low/pMMR tumours (HR=2.67; 95% CI=1.47 to 4.84; Pmultivariate=0.001) showed poor DFS. Outcomes of patients with TIL-low/dMMR and TIL-low/pMMR tumours were similar. TIL-high/pMMR tumours showed intermediate survival rates. These findings were validated in an independent cohort. TIL/MMR status was a more significant predictor of prognosis than National Comprehensive Cancer Network high-risk features and was a superior predictor of prognosis compared with genomic (dMMR, pMMR/BRAFwt/KRASwt, pMMR/BRAFmut/KRASwt, pMMR/BRAFwt/KRASmut) and transcriptomic (CMS 1-4) subtypes.

Conclusion

TIL/MMR classification identified subtypes of stage II/III colorectal cancer associated with different outcomes. Although dMMR status is generally considered a marker of good prognosis, we found this to be dependent on the presence of TILs. Prognostication based on TIL/MMR subtypes was superior compared with histopathological, genomic and transcriptomic subtypes.
CdSe quantum dots capped with p-nitrophenyldiazenylphenyloxadiazole: a nanosensor for Cd2+ ions in aqueous media
Authors: Eftekhari-Sis Bagher , Malekan Fatemeh , Younesi Araghi Hessamaddin
Published: January 2018

A nanosensor based on p-nitrophenyldiazenylphenyloxadiazole (NDPO) capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was developed for Cd2+ ions in aqueous solutions. The nanosensor exhibited a high selectivity for cadmium ions and showed linear correlation with Cd2+ ions concentration in the range of 0.05–1.0 mmol/L. The prepared NDPO capped CdSe QDs were characterized by TEM, SEM, EDX, and FTIR techniques.
Self-energy renormalization for inhomogeneous nonequilibrium systems and field expansion via complete set of time-dependent wavefunctions
Authors: Kuwahara Y. , Nakamura Y. , Yamanaka Y.
Published: January 2018

The way to determine the renormalized energy of inhomogeneous systems of a quantum field under an external potential is established for both equilibrium and nonequilibrium scenarios based on thermo field dynamics. The key step is to find an extension of the on-shell concept valid in homogeneous case. In the nonequilibrium case, we expand the field operator by time-dependent wavefunctions that are solutions of the appropriately chosen differential equation, synchronizing with temporal change of thermal situation, and the quantum transport equation is derived from the renormalization procedure. Through numerical calculations of a triple-well model with a reservoir, we show that the number distribution and the time-dependent wavefunctions are relaxed consistently to the correct equilibrium forms at the long-term limit.
Minimizing the Maximum Moving Cost of Interval Coverage
Authors: Lee Victor C. S. , Wang Haitao , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we consider an interval coverage problem. We are given [Formula: see text] intervals of the same length on a line [Formula: see text] and a line segment [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. Each interval has a nonnegative weight. The goal is to move the intervals along [Formula: see text] such that every point of [Formula: see text] is covered by at least one interval and the maximum moving cost of all intervals is minimized, where the moving cost of each interval is its moving distance times its weight. Algorithms for the “unweighted” version of this problem have been given before. In this paper, we present a first-known algorithm for this weighted version and our algorithm runs in [Formula: see text] time. The problem has applications in mobile sensor barrier coverage, where [Formula: see text] is the barrier and each interval is the covering interval of a mobile sensor.
Strongly Connected Spanning Subgraph for Almost Symmetric Networks
Authors: Abu-Affash A. Karim , Carmi Paz , Tzur Anat Parush
Published: January 2018

In the strongly connected spanning subgraph ([Formula: see text]) problem, the goal is to find a minimum weight spanning subgraph of a strongly connected directed graph that maintains the strong connectivity. In this paper, we consider the [Formula: see text] problem for two families of geometric directed graphs; [Formula: see text]-spanners and symmetric disk graphs. Given a constant [Formula: see text], a directed graph [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-spanner of a set of points [Formula: see text] if, for every two points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], there exists a directed path from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] of length at most [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Euclidean distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Given a set [Formula: see text] of points in the plane such that each point [Formula: see text] has a radius [Formula: see text], the symmetric disk graph of [Formula: see text] is a directed graph [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text]. Thus, if there exists a directed edge [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] exists as well.

We present [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] approximation algorithms for the [Formula: see text] problem for [Formula: see text]-spanners and for symmetric disk graphs, respectively. Actually, our approach achieves a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for all directed graphs satisfying the property that, for every two nodes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the ratio between the shortest paths, from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in the graph, is at most [Formula: see text].
Abstract Voronoi Diagrams from Closed Bisecting Curves
Authors: Bohler Cecilia , Klein Rolf , Liu Chih-Hung
Published: January 2018

We present the first algorithm for constructing abstract Voronoi diagrams from bisectors that are unbounded or closed Jordan curves. It runs in expected [Formula: see text] many steps and [Formula: see text] space, where [Formula: see text] is the number of sites, [Formula: see text] denotes the average number of faces (connected components) per Voronoi region in any diagram of a subset of [Formula: see text] sites, and [Formula: see text] is the maximum number of intersection points between any two related bisectors.
Building a linear equation-of-state for trapped gravitons from finite size effects and the Schwarzschild black hole case
Authors: Viaggiu Stefano
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we continue the investigations present in [S. Viaggiu, Physica A 473 (2017) 412; 488 (2017) 72.] concerning the spectrum of trapped gravitons in a spherical box, and in particular, inside a Schwarzschild black hole (BH). We explore the possibility that, due to finite size effects, the frequency of the radiation made of trapped gravitons can be modified in such a way that a linear equation-of-state [Formula: see text] for the pressure [Formula: see text] and the internal energy [Formula: see text] arises. Firstly, we study the case with [Formula: see text], where only fluids with [Formula: see text] are possible. If corrections [Formula: see text] are added to [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], we found no limitation on the allowed value for the areal radius of the trapped sphere [Formula: see text]. Moreover, for [Formula: see text], we have a minimum allowed value for [Formula: see text] of the order of the Planck length [Formula: see text]. Conversely, a fluid with [Formula: see text] can be obtained but with a maximum allowed value for [Formula: see text]. With the added term looking like [Formula: see text] to the BH internal energy [Formula: see text], the well-known logarithmic corrections to the BH entropy naturally emerge for any linear equation-of-state. The results of this paper suggest that finite size effects could modify the structure of graviton’s radiation inside, showing a possible mechanism to transform radiation into dark energy.
Embedded random matrix ensembles from nuclear structure and their recent applications
Authors: Kota V. K. B. , Chavda N. D.
Published: January 2018

Embedded random matrix ensembles generated by random interactions (of low body rank and usually two-body) in the presence of a one-body mean field, introduced in nuclear structure physics, are now established to be indispensable in describing statistical properties of a large number of isolated finite quantum many-particle systems. Lie algebra symmetries of the interactions, as identified from nuclear shell model and the interacting boson model, led to the introduction of a variety of embedded ensembles (EEs). These ensembles with a mean field and chaos generating two-body interaction generate in three different stages, delocalization of wave functions in the Fock space of the mean-field basis states. The last stage corresponds to what one may call thermalization and complex nuclei, as seen from many shell model calculations, lie in this region. Besides briefly describing them, their recent applications to nuclear structure are presented and they are (i) nuclear level densities with interactions; (ii) orbit occupancies; (iii) neutrinoless double beta decay nuclear transition matrix elements as transition strengths. In addition, their applications are also presented briefly that go beyond nuclear structure and they are (i) fidelity, decoherence, entanglement and thermalization in isolated finite quantum systems with interactions; (ii) quantum transport in disordered networks connected by many-body interactions with centrosymmetry; (iii) semicircle to Gaussian transition in eigenvalue densities with [Formula: see text]-body random interactions and its relation to the Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev (SYK) model for majorana fermions.
Interaction of 160-GeV muon with emulsion nuclei
Authors: Othman S. M. , Ghoneim M. T. , Hussein M. T. , El-Samman H. , Hussein A.
Published: January 2018

In this work we present some results of the interaction of high-energy muons with emulsion nuclei. The interaction results in emission of a number of fragments as a consequence of electromagnetic dissociation of the excited target nuclei. This excitation is attributed to absorption of photons by the target nuclei due to the intense electric field of the very fast incident muon particles. The interactions take place at impact parameters that allow ultra-peripheral collisions to take place, leading to giant resonances and hence multifragmentation of emulsion targets. Charge identification, range, energy spectra, angular distribution and topological cross-section of the produced fragments are measured and evaluated.
Structural Reforms for China’s Sustainable Future
Authors: TONG Sarah Y
Published: January 2018

A respectful growth is important for China’s leaders. Since early 2017, however, the government seems to place more emphasis on structural reforms for sustainable development. Policy deliberations have highlighted the challenges confronting the economy and the need for reforms. Meanwhile, policy adjustments have been made to ensure satisfactory economic outcome, at least up to the 19th Party Congress to ensure a smooth transition for Chinese President Xi in his second term.
Compact Operators on the Bergman Spaces with Variable Exponents on the Unit Disc of C
Authors: Agbor Dieudonne
Published: January 2018

We study the compactness of some classes of bounded operators on the Bergman space with variable exponent. We show that via extrapolation, some results on boundedness of the Toeplitz operators with general L1 symbols and compactness of bounded operators on the Bergman spaces with constant exponents can readily be extended to the variable exponent setting. In particular, if S is a finite sum of finite products of Toeplitz operators with symbols from class BT, then S is compact if and only if the Berezin transform of S vanishes on the boundary of the unit disc.
Performance and Internal Flow of a Dental Air Turbine Handpiece
Authors: Nishi Yasuyuki , Fushimi Hikaru , Shimomura Kazuo , Hasegawa Takeshi
Published: January 2018

An air turbine handpiece is a dental abrasive device that rotates at high speed and uses compressed air as the driving force. It is characterized by its small size, light weight, and painless abrading due to its high-speed rotation, but its torque is small and noise level is high. Thus, to improve the performance of the air turbine handpiece, we conducted a performance test of an actual handpiece and a numerical analysis that modeled the whole handpiece; we also analyzed the internal flow of the handpiece. Results show that experimental and calculated values were consistent for a constant speed load method with the descending speed of 1 mm/min for torque and turbine output. When the tip of the blade was at the center of the nozzle, the torque was at its highest. This is likely because the jet from the nozzle entered the tip of the blade from a close distance that would not reduce the speed and exited along the blade.
Variation of Pore Water Pressure in Tailing Sand under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Jin Jia-xu , Cui Hong-zhi , Liang Li , Li Shi-wang , Zhang Ping-yi
Published: January 2018

Intense vibration affects the pore water pressure in a tailing dam, with the tendency to induce dam liquefaction. In this study, experiments were performed wherein model tailing dams were completely liquefied by sustained horizontal dynamic loading to determine the effects of the vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and tailing density on the pore water pressure. The results revealed four stages in the increase of the tailing pore water pressure under dynamic loading, namely, a slow increase, a rapid increase, inducement of structural failure, and inducement of complete liquefaction. A lower frequency and smaller amplitude of the vibration were found to increase the time required to achieve a given pore water pressure in dense tailings. Under the effect of these three factors—vibration frequency and amplitude and tailing density—the tailing liquefaction time varied nonlinearly with the height from the base of the tailing dam, with an initial decrease followed by an increase. The pore pressure that induced structural failure also gradually decreased with increasing height. The increase in the tailing pore pressure could be described by an S‐shaped model. A complementary multivariate nonlinear equation was also derived for predicting the tailing pore water pressure under dynamic loading.
Nephroprotective Effect of Zingerone against CCl4‐Induced Renal Toxicity in Swiss Albino Mice: Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Safhi Mohammed M.
Published: January 2018

The protective effects of Zingerone against CCl4 induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice via modulation of metabolizing enzyme, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis. The biochemical estimation indicated that the BUN and creatinine were significantly increased in group 2 (CCl4) compared to group 1 (normal) which was significantly reduced after treatment with Zingerone in group 3 when compared with group 2. The CCl4 treatment has significantly increased TBARS levels and reduced the antioxidant enzyme such as GSH, GPx, GR, GST, CAT, and SOD in group 2 compared to group 1, while the Zingerone treatment showed significant reduction in TBARS levels and increased the antioxidant enzymes in group 3 (CCl4 + Zingerone) as compared to group 2. Similarly, it was observed that CCl4 significantly increased the cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐2, and TNFα levels in group 2 as compared to group 1. The treatment with Zingerone significantly attenuated the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐2, and TNFα in group 3 compared to group 2. Caspase 3 and caspase 9 were also significantly increased in CCl4‐treated group 2, whereas Zingerone treatment significantly reduced the elevated levels of caspases 3 and 9 in group 3 compared to group 2.
Onychophagia Induced Melanonychia, Splinter Hemorrhages, Leukonychia, and Pterygium Inversum Unguis Concurrently
Authors: Fıçıcıoğlu Sezin , Korkmaz Selma
Published: January 2018

Onychophagia, which refers to compulsive nail-biting behavior, is common among children and young adults. Onychophagia can cause destruction to the cuticle and nail plate, leading to shortening of nails, chronic paronychia, and secondary infections. Relatively uncommon effects include pigmentary changes, such as longitudinal melanonychia and splinter hemorrhages. We report a case of a young adult with longitudinal melanonychia, splinter hemorrhages, punctate leukonychia, and pterygium inversum unguis, concurrently induced by onychophagia. Importantly, patients usually do not report this behavior when asked about nail-related changes. Even upon questioning, they may deny nail-biting behavior. As in many other dermatological disorders, dermoscopy can be helpful in the diagnosis of nail disorders.
4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal Alkylated and Peroxynitrite Nitrated Proteins Localize to the Fused Mitochondria in Malpighian Epithelial Cells of Type IV CollagenDrosophilaMutants
Authors: Kiss András A. , Popovics Nikoletta , Boldogkői Zsolt , Csiszár Katalin , Mink Mátyás
Published: January 2018

Background. Human type IV collagenopathy is associated with mutations within theCOL4A1and to a less extent theCOL4A2genes. The proteins encoded by these genes form heterotrimers and are the highest molar ratio components of the ubiquitous basement membrane. The clinical manifestations of theCOL4A1/A2mutations are systemic affecting many tissues and organs among these kidneys. In order to uncover the cellular and biochemical alterations associated with aberrant type IV collagen, we have explored the phenotype of the Malpighian tubules, the secretory organ and insect kidney model, incol4a1collagen gene mutants of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster. In Malpighian epithelial cells ofcol4a1mutants, robust mitochondrial fusion indicated mutation-induced stress. Immunohistochemistry detected proteins nitrated by peroxynitrite that localized to the enlarged mitochondria and increased level of membrane peroxidation, assessed by the amount of proteins alkylated by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal that similarly localized to the fused mitochondria. Nuclei within the Malpighian epithelium showed TUNEL-positivity suggesting cell degradation. The results demonstrated thatcol4a1mutations affect the epithelia and, consequently, secretory function of the Malpighian tubules and provide mechanistic insight intocol4a1mutation-associated functional impairments not yet reported in human patients and in mouse models with mutantCOL4A1.
Late Diagnosis of Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery from the Inappropriate Sinus of Valsalva during Investigation of Chest Pain
Authors: Carvalho Brunna Priscylla Américo , Dos Santos Marcio Antônio , Guimarães Neto Wilson Pedro , De França Júlio César Queiroz , Braite Márcio Rogério de Souza , De Araújo Rodrigo Bottura , Carvalho Isabella Gomes , Godoy Moacir Fernandes de
Published: January 2018

In this work are reported two cases of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA), with the left main coronary artery (LMCA) arising at the right sinus of Valsalva in a 77-year-old woman and in a 79-year-old man submitted to angiography after positive ischemic tests. The origin of the LMCA or the left descendant artery (LDA) from the right sinus of Valsalva has a prevalence of 0.2%, the origin of the circumflex artery (CXA) from the right sinus 0.5%, and the origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva has a prevalence of 0.3%. It is the subgroup of the coronary anomalies that has the greatest potential for clinical repercussions, especially the sudden cardiac death (SCD). We discuss the diagnostic methods and treatment options for this kind of coronary anomaly in symptomatic cases.
Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction Regresses Endometriotic Lesions in a Rat Model
Authors: Zhu Guanghui , Jiang Chunhua , Yan Xin , Zhao Shu , Xu Dingjie , Cao Ying
Published: January 2018

The current therapies for endometriosis are restricted by various side effects and treatment outcome has been less than satisfactory. Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction (SZD), a classic traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) prescription for dysmenorrhea, has been widely used in clinical practice by TCM doctors to relieve symptoms of endometriosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SZD on a rat model of endometriosis. Forty‐eight female Sprague‐Dawley rats with regular estrous cycles went through autotransplantation operation to establish endometriosis model. Then 38 rats with successful ectopic implants were randomized into two groups: vehicle‐ and SZD‐treated groups. The latter were administered SZD through oral gavage for 4 weeks. By the end of the treatment period, the volume of the endometriotic lesions was measured, the histopathological properties of the ectopic endometrium were evaluated, and levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CD34, and hypoxia inducible factor‐ (HIF‐) 1α in the ectopic endometrium were detected with immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine 5′‐triphosphate (dUTP) nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In this study, SZD significantly reduced the size of ectopic lesions in rats with endometriosis, inhibited cell proliferation, increased cell apoptosis, and reduced microvessel density and HIF‐1α expression. It suggested that SZD could be an effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of endometriosis recurrence.
Seismic Capacity Assessment of Confined Brick Masonry Building: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Ahmed Asfandyar , Ahmad Imad , Shahzada Khan , Naqash Muhammad Tayyab , Alam Bashir , Fahad Muhammad , Wali Khan Sajjad
Published: January 2018

Brick masonry is widely used for building construction throughout the world. However, unreinforced brick masonry buildings performed poorly in the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, in Pakistan, resulting in a decline in the use of brick masonry. In order to investigate and quantify the performance of brick masonry against the seismic forces by confining it through typical stiffer, line elements (column and beams), a full‐scaled room model of an area 3048 × 3658 mm (10 × 12 ft) and height of 3353 mm (11 ft) was constructed using confined brick masonry. The model was tested under quasistatic loading system. Crack pattern was noted at the end of each loading cycle. The response of the model was interpreted through a hysteresis curve, which was then idealized by a bilinear curve. A comparison of the results has been made with four different studies done on the similar model made of unreinforced brick masonry before and after retrofitting and unreinforced concrete block masonry before and after retrofitting previously tested at the same testing facility.
Microstructure Evolution and Surface Cracking Behavior of Superheavy Forgings during Hot Forging
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Xue Hongpeng , Zhao Deli
Published: January 2018

In recent years, superheavy forgings that are manufactured from 600 t grade ingots have been applied in the latest generation of nuclear power plants to provide good safety. However, component production is pushing the limits of the current free‐forging industry. Large initial grain sizes and a low strain rate are the main factors that contribute to the deformation of superheavy forgings during forging. In this study, 18Mn18Cr0.6N steel with a coarse grain structure was selected as a model material. Hot compression and hot tension tests were conducted at a strain rate of 10−4·s−1. The essential nucleation mechanism of the dynamic recrystallization involved low‐angle grain boundary formation and subgrain rotation, which was independent of the original high‐angle grain boundary bulging and the presence of twins. Twins were formed during the growth of dynamic recrystallization grains. The grain refinement was not obvious at 1150°C. A lowering of the deformation temperature to 1050°C resulted in a fine grain structure; however, the stress increased significantly. Crack‐propagation paths included high‐angle grain boundaries, twin boundaries, and the insides of grains, in that order. For superheavy forging, the ingot should have a larger height and a smaller diameter.
Aortic Dissection Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis: Suspecting the Unexpected
Authors: Hafeez Adam , Karmo Dillon , Mercado-Alamo Adrian , Halalau Alexandra
Published: January 2018

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). It is considered a medical emergency. We report a case of a healthy 56-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with sudden onset of epigastric pain radiating to his back. His blood pressure was 167/91 mmHg, equal in both arms. His lipase was elevated at 1258 U/L, and he was clinically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP). He denied any alcohol consumption, had no evidence for gallstones, and had normal triglyceride level. Two days later, he endorsed new suprapubic tenderness radiating to his scrotum, along with worsening epigastric pain. A MRCP demonstrated evidence of an aortic dissection (AD). CT angiography demonstrated a Stanford type B AD extending into the proximal common iliac arteries. His aortic dissection was managed medically with rapid blood pressure control. The patient had excellent recovery and was discharged home without any surgical intervention.
Listeria monocytogenes Infection in Hairy Cell Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Barton James C. , Edmunds Hayward S.
Published: January 2018

Listeria monocytogenes infections have been described in patients with diverse types of malignancy, especially leukemia. We report the case of a 65-year-old man with previously untreated hairy cell leukemia characterized by CD5 positivity and trisomy 12 (3% of blood lymphocytes) who developed bacteremia due to L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2b. We summarize clinical features and treatment of this patient and five previously reported patients with hairy cell leukemia who also had L. monocytogenes infections. All six patients were men. Their mean age at infection diagnosis was 70 y. Three men had undergone splenectomy 4–11 y before they developed L. monocytogenes infection. The central nervous system was the primary site of infection in four men. Bacteremia alone occurred in two other men. At diagnosis of infection, one man was receiving antileukemia chemotherapy and another man was receiving treatment for Kaposi’s sarcoma. Two other patients had other comorbid conditions. All six men recovered from their infections.
Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Colon: A Report of Two Cases, Review of the Literature, and Association with Immunosuppression for IBD and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Crystal Jessica S. , Korderas Kristin , Schwartzberg David , Tizio Steven C. , Zheng Min , Parker Glenn
Published: January 2018

Primary leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of the colon are rare and aggressive neoplasms and have been infrequently reported in the literature. These tumors are more aggressive and have poorer prognoses than adenocarcinoma of the colon and are often mistaken as such on initial evaluation. While the former has a clear association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this correlation is not known to exist with LMS and IBD. Nor is there a known link between LMS and the immunosuppression for IBD, despite the known association between malignancy and immunosuppression for other diseases. Due to the low prevalence of this disease entity, there is limited knowledge and literature on the approach to diagnosing and treating these neoplasms, especially in the setting of the aforementioned comorbidities. Here, we describe two cases of this rare entity, presenting in two different circumstances: one in the setting of immunosuppression for IBD and arthritis, with a synchronous urothelial carcinoma, and the second appearing as the source of an acute abdomen. Both diagnoses were established following pathologic analysis.