bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Pads Under Uniaxial Compressive Loading
Authors: Candelino Nicholas , Jalili Nader
Published: November 2017

There have been a variety of attempts to model the quasi-static and high energy impact dynamics of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) pads. However, very little work has focused on identifying the behavior at the midlevel frequencies that may occur in materials handling or vibration suppression applications. Moreover, the existing models are predominantly very complex, and yet provide only a very rough approximation of the bulk behavior. While several of the existing models make attempts at ascribing physical relevance, an adequate first principles approach has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, a close-fitting continuous model of these midfrequency dynamics is developed utilizing a combination of phenomenological- and identification-based methodologies. First, a set of specially fabricated carbon nanotube pads are preconditioned and subjected to various position-controlled compression experiments. The measured position and force responses are used to develop load–displacement curves, from which several characteristic features are identified. Based on these observations, a preliminary version of the proposed model is introduced. This simplified model is then systematically refined in order to demonstrate completely both the modeling approach and parameter identification scheme. The accuracy of the model is demonstrated through a comparison between the modeled and experimental responses including a normalized vector correlation of >0.998 across all sets of sinusoidal experimental data. A brief analysis utilizing a Lyapunov linearization approach follows, as well as a discussion of the advantages and limitations of the final model.
Dust formation and wind acceleration around the aluminum oxide–rich AGB star W Hydrae
Authors: Takigawa Aki , Kamizuka Takafumi , Tachibana Shogo , Yamamura Issei
Published: November 2017

AlO and
29
SiO distributions around W Hya showed that AlO efficiently forms dust and contributes to the wind acceleration.
Sloshing of Earth's core may spike big quakes
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: November 2017

Tiny increase in day length could portend more quakes over next 5 years.
Signs of life
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: November 2017

Astronomers have found Earth-sized exoplanets. Now, they're figuring out how to detect life on them.
Finding the first Americans
Authors: Braje Todd J. , Dillehay Tom D. , Erlandson Jon M. , Klein Richard G. , Rick Torben C.
Published: November 2017

The first humans to reach the Americas are likely to have come via a coastal route
The making and remaking of Marie Curie
Authors: Wirtén Eva Hemmungs
Published: November 2017

The famous physicist's legacy looms large 150 years after her birth
Competing chromosomes explain junk DNA
Authors: McNally Francis J.
Published: November 2017

Asymmetric modification of microtubules explains preferential inheritance of chromosomes
Germany and China take the lead
Authors: Knopf Brigitte , Kejun Jiang
Published: November 2017

The foundation of the 2015 Paris climate agreement was to a large extent based on cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy and emissions reductions. With the United States now planning to withdraw from the agreement, who will replace them? Ahead of the United Nations climate conference in Bonn that begins next week, the spotlight is on Germany to fill the vacancy. Indeed, there is a strong common ground upon which Germany and China can collaborate to show the world a positive picture of a low-carbon transition. If they work together on renewable energy, a sustainable transport system, and effective policies, these two nations could change the course of the global low-carbon pathway.
Heat Resistance Mediated by pLM58 Plasmid-Borne ClpL in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Pöntinen Anna , Aalto-Araneda Mariella , Lindström Miia , Korkeala Hannu
Published: November 2017

Listeria monocytogenesis a dangerous food pathogen causing the severe illness listeriosis that has a high mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals. Although destroyed by pasteurization,L. monocytogenesis among the most heat-resistant non-spore-forming bacteria. This poses a risk to food safety, as listeriosis is commonly associated with ready-to-eat foods that are consumed without thorough heating. However,L. monocytogenesstrains differ in their ability to survive high temperatures, and comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying these differences is still limited. Whole-genome-sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization allowed us to identify a novel plasmid, designated pLM58, and a plasmid-borne ATP-dependent protease (ClpL), which mediated heat resistance inL. monocytogenes. As the first report on plasmid-mediated heat resistance inL. monocytogenes, our study sheds light on the accessory genetic mechanisms rendering certainL. monocytogenesstrains particularly capable of surviving high temperatures—with plasmid-borne ClpL being a potential predictor of elevated heat resistance.
Right service, right place: optimising utilisation of a community nursing service to reduce planned re-presentations to the emergency department
Authors: Lawton Jessica Kirsten , Kinsman Leigh , Dalton Lisa , Walsh Fay , Bryan Helen , Williams Sharon
Published: November 2017

Background

Congruent with international rising emergency department (ED) demand, a focus on strategies and services to reduce burden on EDs and improve patient outcomes is necessary. Planned re-presentations of non-urgent patients at a regional Australian hospital exceeded 1200 visits during the 2013–2014 financial year. Planned re-presentations perpetuate demand and signify a lack of alternative services for non-urgent patients. The Community Nursing Enhanced Connections Service (CoNECS) collaboratively evolved between acute care and community services in 2014 to reduce planned ED re-presentations.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the evolution and impact of a community nursing service to reduce planned re-presentations to a regional Australian ED and identify enablers and barriers to interventionist effectiveness.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach evaluated the impact of CoNECS. Data from hospital databases including measured numbers of planned ED re-presentations by month, time of day, age, gender and reason were used to calculate referral rates to CoNECS. These results informed two semistructured focus groups with ED and community nurses. The researchers used a theoretical lens, ‘diffusion of innovation’, to understand how this service could inform future interventions.

Results

Analyses showed that annual ED planned re-presentations decreased by 43% (527 presentations) after implementation. Three themes emerged from the focus groups. These were right service at the right time, nursing uncertainty and system disconnect and medical disengagement.

Conclusions

CoNECS reduced overall ED planned re-presentations and was sustained longer than many complex service-level interventions. Factors supporting the service were endorsement from senior administration and strong leadership to drive responsive quality improvement strategies. This study identified a promising alternative service outside the ED, highlighting possibilities for other hospital emergency services aiming to reduce planned re-presentations.
Prevalence and treatment outcomes of routine Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis testing during antenatal care, Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Wynn Adriane , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Gaolebale Ponatshego , Moshashane Neo , Sickboy Ontiretse , Duque Sofia , Williams Elizabeth , Doherty Klara , Klausner Jeffrey D , Morroni Chelsea
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are curable, mostly asymptomatic, STIs that cause adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Most countries do not test for those infections during antenatal care. We implemented a CT, NG and TV testing and treatment programme in an antenatal clinic in Gaborone, Botswana.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in the antenatal clinic at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. We offered pregnant women who were 18 years or older and less than 35 weeks of gestation, CT, NG and TV testing using self-collected vaginal swabs. Testing was conducted using a GeneXpert® CT/NG and TV system. Those who tested positive were given directly observed antibiotic therapy and asked to return for a test of cure. We determined the prevalence of infections, uptake of treatment and proportion cured. The relationships between positive STI test and participant characteristics were assessed.

Results

We enrolled 400 pregnant women. Fifty-four (13.5%) tested positive for CT, NG and/or TV: 31 (8%) for CT, 5 (1.3%) for NG and 21 (5%) for TV. Among those who tested positive, 74% (40) received same-day, in person results and treatment. Among those who received delayed results (6), 67% (4) were treated. Statistical comparisons showed that being unmarried and HIV infected were positively association CT, NG and/or TV infection. Self-reported STI symptoms were not associated with CT, NG and/or TV infection.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CT, NG and/or TV was high, particularly among women with HIV infection. Among women with CT, NG and/or TV infection, those who received same-day results were more likely to be treated than those who received delayed results. More research is needed on the costs and benefits of integrating highly sensitive and specific STI testing into antenatal care in Southern Africa.
A hands-on approach to estimate debris flow velocity for rational mitigation of debris hazard
Authors: Rahman Md. Aftabur , Konagai Kazuo
Published: November 2017

Rational estimation of debris flow velocity is one of the key issues in debris hazard mitigation. Among the various procedures, back-calculation of debris flow velocity is one of the most frequently used approaches. Back-calculation includes determination of super-elevations and channel properties, and velocities are calculated using the forced vortex equation. Super-elevation and bend radius are biasing parameters in the back-calculation scheme. Therefore, an iterative approach based on simplified assumptions is developed to avoid the direct and subjective determination of bend radius. Besides, as only the highest mud prints are visible after the disaster, this misreads the actual super-elevation. To seek better ways to fix this anomaly, a series of three-dimensional numerical curved flume tests using smoothed particle hydrodynamics are carried out. Estimated velocities from highest flow marks underestimate the actual velocities near the source, while they converge on the actual velocities as the distance to source increases. A best-fit line is then proposed to adjust the mud-marks-derived velocities to the real velocities. The assumption taken during development of the iterative approach for determining bend radii is also justified from the numerical simulations. The law of similarity allows application of these findings to real debris flow disasters. Thus, two real debris flow disasters in Japan are examined for validation of the developed procedure and adjusted velocities are proven to be consistent with verbal evidences and previous analyses.
PRODUCTIVITY DYNAMICS OF CHINESE MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: FENG QU , WANG ZHIFENG , WU GUIYING LAURA
Published: November 2017

China has experienced high-speed catch-up growth with an average annual rate of over 8% in per capita GDP in the past four decades. Using growth accounting, Zhu (Understanding China’s growth: Past, present, and future. Journal of Economics Perspectives, 26(4), 103–124) finds that the growth of total factor productivity (TFP) accounts for 77% of China’s per capita GDP growth during 1978–2007, and argues that China’s TFP growth is mainly driven by resource reallocation due to market liberalization and institutional reforms. This paper aims to estimate China’s aggregate productivity growth by applying three leading methods of estimating firm-level production function on Chinese manufacturing firms during 1998–2007, and quantify the contribution of resource reallocation to productivity growth. In addition, we also empirically compare the three estimation methods in this large data set.
FINANCIAL STABILITY AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION: THE CASE OF SME LENDING
Authors: MORGAN PETER J. , PONTINES VICTOR
Published: November 2017

Developing economies are seeking to promote financial inclusion, i.e., greater access to financial services for low-income households and firms. This raises the question of whether greater financial inclusion tends to increase or decrease financial stability. A number of studies have suggested both positive and negative impacts on financial stability, but very few empirical studies have been made. This study focuses on the implications of greater financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for financial stability. It estimates the effects of measures of the share of bank lending to SMEs on two measures of financial stability — bank nonperforming loans and bank Z scores. We find some evidence that an increased share of lending to SMEs aids financial stability by reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) and the probability of default by financial institutions.
Three-phase receiving coil of wireless power transmission system for gastrointestinal robot
Authors: Jia Z. W. , Jiang T. , Liu Y.
Published: November 2017

Power shortage is the bottleneck for the wide application of gastrointestinal (GI) robot. Owing to the limited volume and free change of orientation of the receiving set in GI trace, the optimal of receiving set is the key point to promote the transmission efficiency of wireless power transmission system. A new type of receiving set, similar to the winding of three-phase asynchronous motor, is presented and compared with the original three-dimensional orthogonal coil. Considering the given volume and the space utilization ratio, the three-phase and the three-orthogonal ones are the parameters which are optimized and compared. Both the transmission efficiency and stability are analyzed and verified by in vitro experiments. Animal experiments show that the new one could provide at least 420 mW power in volume of [Formula: see text] with a uniformity of 78.3% for the GI robot.
Chapter 3 Geomorphological framework: glacial and periglacial sediments, structures and landforms
Authors: Giles D. P. , Griffiths J. S. , Evans D. J. A. , Murton J. B.
Published: November 2017

The development of the conceptual ground model (CGM) is a critical component of any desk study or ground engineering project planning process. A key task of the engineering geologist is to develop the CGM in order to predict the occurrence of known terrain units, elements and facets within a given landsystem, and to communicate the lateral and vertical variability of engineering rocks and soils found within that system. This chapter details the significant ground components of glacial and periglacial landsystems within a geomorphological framework describing the sediments, structures and landforms that could reasonably be expected to be encountered in these terrains. Examples are provided of both modern and relict glacial and periglacial landforms, their mode of formation and their field recognition. Glaciogenic and periglacial sediments are described both in terms of their sedimentological and formal engineering description. The chapter provides a suggested naming nomenclature for these sediments that can be used within a BS 5930 description. An extensive photoglossary is presented as a field aide memoir, enabling the engineering geologist to identify these features once on site.
Chapter 5 Periglacial and permafrost ground models for Great Britain
Authors: Murton J. B. , Ballantyne C. K.
Published: November 2017

Periglacial
environments are characterized by cold-climate non-glacial conditions and ground freezing. The coldest periglacial environments in Pleistocene Britain were underlain by
permafrost
(ground that remains at or below 0°C for two years or more), while many glaciated areas experienced
paraglacial
modification as the landscape adjusted to non-glacial conditions. The growth and melt of ground ice, supplemented by temperature-induced ground deformation, leads to periglacial disturbance and drives the periglacial debris system. Ice segregation can fracture porous bedrock and sediment, and produce an ice-rich brecciated layer in the upper metres of permafrost. This layer is vulnerable to melting and thaw consolidation, which can release debris into the active layer and, in undrained conditions, result in elevated porewater pressures and sediment deformation. Thus, an important difference arises between ground that is frost-susceptible, and hence prone to ice segregation, and ground that is not. Mass-movement, fluvial and aeolian processes operating under periglacial conditions have also contributed to reworking sediment under cold-climate conditions and the evolution of periglacial landscapes. A fundamental distinction exists between lowland landscapes, which have evolved under periglacial conditions throughout much of the Quaternary, and upland periglacial landscapes, which have largely evolved over the past
c.
19 ka following retreat and downwastage of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet.

Periglacial landsystems provide a conceptual framework to interpret the imprint of periglacial processes on the British landscape, and to predict the engineering properties of the ground. Landsystems are distinguished according to topography, relief and the presence or absence of a sediment mantle. Four landsystems characterize both lowland and upland periglacial terrains:
plateau
landsystems,
sediment-mantled hillslope
landsystems,
rock-slope
landsystems, and
slope-foot
landsystems. Two additional landsystems are also identified in lowland terrains, where thick sequences of periglacial deposits are common:
valley
landsystems and
buried
landsystems. Finally, submerged landsystems (which may contain more than one of the above) exist on the continental shelf offshore of Great Britain. Individual landsystems contain a rich variety of periglacial, permafrost and paraglacial landforms, sediments and sedimentary structures. Key periglacial lowland landsystems are summarized using ground models for limestone plateau-clay-vale terrain and caprock-mudstone valley terrain. Upland periglacial landsystems are synthesized through ground models of relict and active periglacial landforms, supplemented by maps of upland periglacial features developed on bedrock of differing lithology.
The early Quaternary North Sea Basin
Authors: Lamb Rachel M. , Harding Rachel , Huuse Mads , Stewart Margaret , Brocklehurst Simon H.
Published: November 2017

The onset of the Quaternary (2.58 Ma) corresponds to significant paleo-environmental events, such as the intensification and southward extension of Northern Hemisphere glaciation. In the North Sea Basin a significant late Cenozoic succession has been identified as a high-resolution archive of paleo-environmental changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. However, the identification of the base of the Quaternary has been a long-standing issue owing to lack of stratigraphic calibration. This study incorporates continuous, regional 3D seismic data with high-quality chronostratigraphic markers to map the base-Quaternary surface at high resolution across the entire North Sea. Depth conversion, backstripping, seismic geomorphology and sedimentation rate calculations are integrated to analyse the paleogeographical evolution of the North Sea Basin and its infill of
c
. 83 × 10
3
 km
3
of northward prograding marine to deltaic sediments. The basin is 600 km long from SSE to NNW and largely localized above residual topography of the Mesozoic graben system. During the earliest Quaternary (2.58 – 2.35 Ma) paleo-water depths were
c.
300 ± 50 m and solid sedimentation rates (calculated from 0% porosity)
c.
32 km
3
 ka
−1
. The base-Quaternary provides an important marker for further studies of the changing environment of the Quaternary of NW Europe as well as resource and shallow geohazard analysis.

Supplementary material:
A base Quaternary two-way travel time structure map is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3900343
A rift-to-drift record of vertical crustal motions in the Faroe–Shetland Basin, NW European margin: establishing constraints on NE Atlantic evolution
Authors: Stoker Martyn S. , Holford Simon P. , Hillis Richard R.
Published: November 2017

The Upper Paleocene–Eocene rock record in the Faroe–Shetland Basin is punctuated by a series of unconformities that reflect a persistent tectonic instability throughout the syn- to early post-breakup period, a duration of about 20 myr. A particular focus is on a Late Paleocene subaerial unconformity, herein termed the Flett unconformity, which has been argued to have formed in response to a transient pulse of mantle convective uplift associated with a proto-Iceland plume. However, ambiguity over its presumed correlation with the Faroe Islands Basalt Group combined with stratigraphic and palaeogeographical analysis of the Upper Paleocene–Eocene succession indicates that it is just one of a series of subaerial unconformities that are spatially linked to the same part of the Faroe–Shetland Basin. Most of these Late Paleocene–Eocene unconformities post-date volcanism, and their formation coincides with vertical motions associated with phases of uplift, inversion and compressional deformation linked to the growth of structures, such as the Wyville Thomson and Munkagrunnur ridges, and the Judd Anticline. These deformation phases are broadly coeval with intraplate and plate-boundary events in the wider NE Atlantic region. The possibility that the Flett unconformity had a similar tectonic origin should not be discounted.
High-Dimensional Disorder-Driven Phenomena in Weyl Semimetals, Semiconductors, and Related Systems
Authors: Syzranov Sergey V. , Radzihovsky Leo
Published: November 2017

It is commonly believed that a noninteracting disordered electronic system can undergo only the Anderson metal-insulator transition. It has been suggested, however, that a broad class of systems can display disorder-driven transitions distinct from Anderson localization that have manifestations in the disorder-averaged density of states, conductivity, and other observables. Such transitions have received particular attention in the context of recently discovered 3D Weyl and Dirac materials but have also been predicted in cold-atom systems with long-range interactions, quantum kicked rotors, and all sufficiently high-dimensional systems. Moreover, such systems exhibit unconventional behavior of Lifshitz tails, energy-level statistics, and ballistic-transport properties. Here, we review recent progress and the status of results on non-Anderson disorder-driven transitions and related phenomena.
Effects of endothelin-related gene polymorphisms and aerobic exercise habit on age-related arterial stiffening: a 10-yr longitudinal study
Authors: Sugawara Jun , Tomoto Tsubasa , Noda Naohiro , Matsukura Satoko , Tsukagoshi Kazuya , Hayashi Koichiro , Hieda Mutsuko , Maeda Seiji
Published: November 2017

Increased arterial stiffness has emerged as a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to elucidate influences of endothelin (ET)-related genetic polymorphisms and regular physical activity on age-related arterial stiffening through a 10-yr longitudinal study. A decadal change in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, was evaluated retrospectively among 92 volunteers (63 ± 14 yr, 51 men). The targeted single-nucleotide polymorphisms were ET-A receptor SNP rs5333 (ET-A) and ET-B receptor SNP rs5351 (ET-B). Subjects with either ET-A TC or CC genotypes exhibited significantly greater increases in baPWV (+15.3 ± 11.7 and +16.6 ± 15.7%/dec, respectively) than ET-A TT genotype holders (+9.2 ± 9.0%/dec), whereas subjects with the ET-B GG genotype showed a significantly greater increase in baPWV (+17.7 ± 14.1%/dec) than other ET-B genotype holders (AA: +9.5 ± 10.0%/dec; AG: +11.2 ± 9.6%/dec). The combination of these ET-related genetic risks was associated with a 2.4 times greater decadal increase in baPWV compared with no genetic risk (+8.1 ± 8.4 vs. 19.5 ± 16.0%/dec). In contrast, individuals engaging in >15 METs·h/wk of aerobic exercise showed substantially smaller increases in baPWV (+5.0 ± 9.7%/dec) compared with their physically inactive peers (approximately +13%/dec). These differences remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors, including baseline baPWV and ET-related genotype risk. Our current longitudinal study found that ET-related gene polymorphisms contribute to diverse age-related changes in arterial stiffness, and that regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates the age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This 10-yr longitudinal study suggests that endothelin-related gene polymorphisms contribute to divergent increases in arterial stiffness with advancing age, whereas regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms. This notion partly supports prevailing evidence that regular aerobic exercise contributes to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
The Existence of Solutions to Integral Boundary Value Problems of Fractional Differential Equations at Resonance
Authors: Zou Yumei , He Guoping
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with the integral boundary value problems of fractional differential equations at resonance. By Mawhin’s coincidence degree theory, we present some new results on the existence of solutions for a class of differential equations of fractional order with integral boundary conditions at resonance. An example is also included to illustrate the main results.
Intraoperative Myelography in Transpsoas Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Preliminary Prospective Study
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Liangming , Dong Jianwen , Chen Zihao , Xie Peigen , Chen Ruiqiang , He Lei , Feng Feng , Rong Limin , Liu Bin
Published: November 2017

Aim. To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of intraoperative myelography in determining adequacy of indirect spinal canal decompression during transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). Methods. Seven patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) were prospectively included to this study. All patients underwent LLIF and subsequently received intraoperative myelography to determine the effect of indirect spinal canal decompression, which was visualized in both anterior-posterior and lateral images. Those patients with insufficient indirect canal decompression were further resolved by microendoscopic canal decompression (MECD). Radiological parameters, including stenosis ratio and dural sac area of operated levels, were measured and compared before and after operation. Besides, all patients were followed up for at least one year using visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results. Seven patients with 8 operated levels underwent LLIF safely and demonstrated significant symptom relief postoperatively. Five operated levels showed adequate indirect canal decompression intraoperatively, while the remaining three levels did not achieve the adequacy, and their residual stenosis was resolved following MECD. Radiological parameters were improved statistically when compared with preoperation (P<0.05). Furthermore, neurological symptoms of all patients were also improved significantly (P<0.05), shown by improved VAS (back and leg), JOA, and ODI at both two-week and one-year follow-up. Conclusions. Intraoperative myelography during LLIF is able to assess adequacy of indirect canal decompression for DLSS, thus promising favorable clinical outcomes.
Wireless Neuromodulation for Chronic Back Pain: Delivery of High-Frequency Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation by a Minimally Invasive Technique
Authors: Billet Bart , Wynendaele Roel , Vanquathem Niek E.
Published: November 2017

Objective. To evaluate the analgesic effect of a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation technology utilizing high-frequency pulse rates to treat intractable chronic back and leg pain. Methods. This case study presents the outcomes, with a novel, wireless, minimally invasive miniature neurostimulator system in a case of chronic back pain. The subject was implanted bilaterally with a Freedom 4A quadripolar electrode array at the L2 dorsal root ganglion. Stimulation was applied using 10 kHz pulse rate and 30 μs pulse width. A VAS pain-rating scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-5L Quality of Life Questionnaire 5 dimensions, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale were evaluated at 12 weeks and 6 months post implantation. Results. VAS pain scores for back pain reduced from 91 to 31 mms and 80 to 35 mms for leg pain. Additionally, while stimulation remained paresthesia-free, there were a marked decrease in pain medications and an increase in quality of life. Also, an increase in functionality from crippled to moderate was reported. There were no adverse reactions related to the procedure or device. Conclusion. The minimally invasive, wireless approach to deliver high-frequency, paresthesia-free DRG stimulation for treatment of chronic back and leg pain associated with FBSS was effective and encouraging.
Estimating Direction of Arrival by Using Two-Dimensional State-Space Balance Method
Authors: Wang Jun , Xiang Hong , Wei Shaoming , Sun Zhongsheng
Published: November 2017

A study of a two-dimensional state-space balance (2D SSB) method for estimating direction of arrival (DOA) for uniform rectangular array (URA) is presented in this letter. The comprehensive utilization of controllability and observability matrices and automatic pairing technique are considered in this method by using the single snapshot. Therefore, the DOAs of elevation angle and azimuth angle can pair automatically and acquire better estimation performance compared with 2D matrix pencil method or unitary matrix pencil method. In addition, the proposed method can handle correlated signals directly without preprocessing. Simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Study on Mechanism of Viscoelastic Polymer Transient Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Zhong Huiying , Zhang Weidong , Yin Hongjun , Liu Haoyang
Published: November 2017

Oil recovery, including conventional and viscous oil, can be improved significantly by flooding with polymer solutions. This chemical flooding method can increase oil production, and it can improve the macrodisplacement efficiency and microsweep efficiencies. In this study, we establish physical models that include the dead-end and complex models based on the pore-network pattern etched into glass, using the snappyHexMesh solver in OpenFOAM. These models capture the complexity and topology of porous media geometry. We establish a mathematical model for transient flows of viscoelastic polymers using computational fluid dynamics simulations, and we study the distributions of pressure and velocity for different elasticity scenarios and different flooding process. The results demonstrate that the pressure difference increases as the relaxation time decreases, before the flow reaches its steady state. For a steady flow, elasticity can give rise to an additional pressure difference, which increases with increasing elasticity. Thus, the characteristics of pressure difference vary before and after the flow becomes steady; this phenomenon is very important. Velocity contours become more widely spaced with elasticity increase. This suggests that elasticity of the polymer solutions contributes to the microsweep efficiency. The results of the study provide the necessary theoretical foundation for laboratory experiments and development of methods for polymer flooding and can be helpful for the design and selection of polymers for polymer flooding.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McKenna Laurence , Marks Elizabeth M. , Hallsworth Christopher A. , Schaette Roland
Published: November 2017

Background: Tinnitus is experienced by up to 15% of the population and can lead to significant disability and distress. There is rarely a medical or surgical target and psychological therapies are recommended. We investigated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) could offer an effective new therapy for tinnitus. Methods: This single-site randomized controlled trial compared MBCT to intensive relaxation training (RT) for chronic, distressing tinnitus in adults. Both treatments involved 8 weekly, 120-min sessions focused on either relaxation (RT) or mindfulness meditation (MBCT). Assessments were completed at baseline and at treatment commencement 8 weeks later. The primary outcomes were tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Questionnaire) and psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Non-Risk, CORE-NR), 16 weeks after baseline. The analysis utilized a modified intention-to-treat approach. Results: A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to MBCT (n = 39) or RT (n = 36). Both groups showed significant reductions in tinnitus severity and loudness, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and disability. MBCT led to a significantly greater reduction in tinnitus severity than RT, with a mean difference of 6.3 (95% CI 1.3-11.4, p = 0.016). Effects persisted 6 months later, with a mean difference of 7.2 (95% CI 2.1-2.3, p = 0.006) and a standardized effect size of 0.56 (95% CI 0.16-0.96). Treatment was effective regardless of initial tinnitus severity, duration, or hearing loss. Conclusions: MBCT is effective in reducing tinnitus severity in chronic tinnitus patients compared to intensive RT. It also reduces psychological distress and disability. Future studies should explore the generalizability of this approach and how outcome relates to different aspects of the intervention.
Microvillus Inclusion Disease Variant in an Infant with Intractable Diarrhea
Authors: Alsaleem Badr M. Rasheed , Ahmed Amna Basheer M. , Fageeh Musa Ahmad
Published: November 2017

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital enteropathy characterized by intractable secretory diarrhea. We report a case of MVID variant with a homozygous gene mutation in syntaxin 3 (STX3). The patient is a male Saudi infant who presented shortly after birth with severe vomiting, metabolic acidosis, and mild diarrhea. Electron microscopy study for small intestinal biopsy was consistent with MVID. MYO5B gene mutation was excluded; subsequently, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed, which revealed homozygous gene mutation in STX3. Using WES in clinical environment can be a useful tool for diagnosing difficult and rare inherited congenital enteropathies.
Changes in the Proliferation/Apoptosis Balance in the Bovine Ovary: A Key Early Event in Follicular Persistence
Authors: Belotti E. Matías , Stassi Antonela F. , Velázquez Melisa M.L. , Díaz Pablo U. , Marelli Belkis E. , Rey Florencia , Notaro Ulises S. , Ortega Hugo H. , Salvetti Natalia R.
Published: November 2017

The objective of this work was to evaluate proliferation and apoptosis in the bovine ovary in a model of follicular persistence induced by low levels of progesterone to detect incipient changes during cystic ovarian disease development on the expected day of ovulation (day 0) and after 5, 10, and 15 days of follicular persistence. We analyzed cell proliferation by evaluating the expression of Ki-67 and apoptosis by evaluating caspase-3, BAX, and BCL2 expression. Proliferation was similar in the granulosa and theca cells of antral follicles in the P0 group (treated with progesterone up to the expected day of ovulation) and in the control group. A decrease in cell proliferation was detected after 5 days of persistence (P5) in relation to P0 (p < 0.05). Similar changes were found in the granulosa cells of the persistent follicles in relation to the control group (p < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression was similar in granulosa cells of antral follicles at early stages of persistence, with an increase after 15 days of persistence (p < 0.05). In the granulosa cells of group P10 (10 days of persistence), caspase-3 expression was reduced relative to that of antral follicles from the control group (p < 0.05). BCL2 expression was higher in granulosa cells of the persistent follicles of group P0 relative to the control follicles, with no changes in BAX expression, which was increased in persistent follicles of group P15 (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed in theca cells at initial stages of persistence. The results show that, initially, proliferation is maintained with low apoptosis and an increase in cell survival.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Emergency Room Visits in Intestinal Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Park Jihye , Cheon Jae Hee , Park Yehyun  , Park Soo Jung , Kim  Tae Il  , Kim Won Ho 
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Intestinal Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic recurring intestinal vasculitic disorder that can lead to emergency room (ER) visits. We aimed to investigate the independent risk factors associated with intestinal BD-related ER visits. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 606 patients with intestinal BD registered at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic of Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Results: One hundred eighty-five patients (30.5%) visited the ER at least once (total visits, 510). In multivariate analysis, lower socioeconomic status (hazard ratio [HR] 1.884), higher comorbidity index (HR 1.548), corticosteroid use (HR 1.459), higher C-reactive protein (CRP; HR 1.375), and higher disease activity index for intestinal BD (DAIBD) score (HR 1.013) were independent risk factors. However, older age (HR 0.982), disease duration (HR 0.850), opioid use (HR 0.528), and higher hemoglobin level (HR 0.944) were significantly associated with decreased ER visits. Conclusions: The ER attendance rate of patients with intestinal BD was 30.5%. Lower socioeconomic status, higher comorbidity index, corticosteroid use, higher CRP, and higher DAIBD score were positively associated with ER visits. Older age, disease duration, opioid use, and higher hemoglobin level were significantly associated with decreased ER visits.
Rapid Induction of Osteogenic Markers in Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells
Authors: Choi Jung-Won , Shin Sunhye , Lee Chang Youn , Lee Jiyun , Seo Hyang-Hee , Lim Soyeon , Lee Seahyoung , Kim Il-Kwon , Lee Hoon-Bum , Kim Sang Woo , Hwang Ki-Chul
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells are a mixed cell population, and their regenerative capacity has been validated in various therapeutic models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regenerative mechanisms utilized by implanted SVF cells. Using an in vitro co-culture system, we sought to determine whether SVF implantation into impaired tissue affects endogenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation; MSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types, and they have a strong regenerative capacity despite their low numbers in impaired tissue. Methods: Adipose-derived SVF cells obtained from four donors were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived MSCs, and the differential expression of osteogenic markers and osteogenic differentiation inducers over time was analyzed in mono-cultured MSCs and MSCs co-cultured with SVF cells. Results: The co-cultivation of MSCs with SVF cells significantly and mutually induced the expression of osteogenic-specific markers via paracrine and/or autocrine regulation but did not induce adipocyte, chondrocyte or myoblast marker expression. More surprisingly, subsequent osteogenesis and/or comparable effects were rapidly induced within 48 h. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which osteogenesis and/or comparable effects were rapidly induced in bone marrow-derived MSCs and adipose-derived SVF cells through co-cultivation. Our findings suggest that the positive effects of SVF implantation into impaired bone may be attributed to the rapid induction of MSC osteogenesis, and the transplantation of co-cultured and preconditioned SVF cells and/or MSCs may be more effective than the transplantation of untreated cells for the treatment of bone defects.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Macrophage Cholesterol Metabolism and CRISPR/Cas9 Editing Implicate an ACAT1 Truncation as a Causal Modifier Variant
Authors: Hai Qimin , Ritchey Brian , Robinet Peggy , Alzayed Alexander M. , Brubaker Greg , Zhang Jinying , Smith Jonathan D.
Published: November 2017

Objective—

Cholesterol metabolism is a dynamic process involving intracellular trafficking, cholesterol esterification, and cholesterol ester hydrolysis. Our objective was to identify genes that regulate macrophage cholesterol metabolism.

Approaches and Results—

We performed quantitative trait loci mapping of free and esterified cholesterol levels and the ratio of esterified to free cholesterol in acetylated low-density lipoprotein–loaded bone marrow–derived macrophages from an AKR×DBA/2 strain intercross. Ten distinct cholesterol modifier loci were identified, and bioinformatics was used to prioritize candidate genes. The strongest locus was located on distal chromosome 1, which we named
Mcmm1
(macrophage cholesterol metabolism modifier 1). This locus harbors the
Soat1
(sterol O-acyltransferase 1) gene, encoding Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), which esterifies free cholesterol. The parental AKR strain has an exon 2 deletion in Soat1, which leads to a 33 amino acid N-terminal truncation in ACAT1. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of DBA/2 embryonic stem cells was performed to replicate the AKR strain Soat1 exon 2 deletion, while leaving the remainder of the genome unaltered. DBA/2 stem cells and stem cells heterozygous and homozygous for the Soat1 exon 2 deletion were differentiated into macrophages and loaded with acetylated low-density lipoprotein. DBA/2 stem cell–derived macrophages accumulated less free cholesterol and more esterified cholesterol relative to cells heterozygous and homozygous for the Soat1 exon 2 deletion.

Conclusions—

A Soat1 deletion present in AKR mice, and resultant N-terminal ACAT1 truncation, was confirmed to be a significant modifier of macrophage cholesterol metabolism. Other Mcmm loci candidate genes were prioritized via bioinformatics.
Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Fearon William F. , Nishi Takeshi , De Bruyne Bernard , Boothroyd Derek B. , Barbato Emanuele , Tonino Pim , Jüni Peter , Pijls Nico H.J. , Hlatky Mark A.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Previous studies found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcome compared with medical therapy (MT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease, but PCI was guided by angiography alone. FAME 2 trial (Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) compared PCI guided by fractional flow reserve with best MT in patients with stable coronary artery disease to assess clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Methods:

A total of 888 patients with stable single-vessel or multivessel coronary artery disease with reduced fractional flow reserve were randomly assigned to PCI plus MT (n=447) or MT alone (n=441). Major adverse cardiac events included death, myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization. Costs were calculated on the basis of resource use and Medicare reimbursement rates. Changes in quality-adjusted life-years were assessed with utilities determined by the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions health survey at baseline and over follow-up.

Results:

Major adverse cardiac events at 3 years were significantly lower in the PCI group compared with the MT group (10.1% versus 22.0%;
P
<0.001), primarily as a result of a lower rate of urgent revascularization (4.3% versus 17.2%;
P
<0.001). Death and myocardial infarction were numerically lower in the PCI group (8.3% versus 10.4%;
P
=0.28). Angina was significantly less severe in the PCI group at all follow-up points to 3 years. Mean initial costs were higher in the PCI group ($9944 versus $4440;
P
<0.001) but by 3 years were similar between the 2 groups ($16 792 versus $16 737;
P
=0.94). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for PCI compared with MT was $17 300 per quality-adjusted life-year at 2 years and $1600 per quality-adjusted life-year at 3 years. The above findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

ConclusionS:

PCI of lesions with reduced fractional flow reserve improves long-term outcome and is economically attractive compared with MT alone in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01132495.
A new blind groundwater-dwelling genus of the Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from the Korean Peninsula
Authors: JEONG HYUN GI , SINEV ARTEM Y. , BRANCELJ ANTON , CHANG KWANG-HYEON , KOTOV ALEXEY A.
Published: November 2017

Groundwater-dwelling Cladocera are to date known only from the caves and hyporheic zones of the rivers in Europe (Belgium, England, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia, Spain), Turkey (European part) and Arabian Peninsula (Yemen). All these animals belong to the subfamily Aloninae Dybowski & Grochowski of the family Chydoridae Dybowski & Grochowski (Cladocera: Anomopoda). Examination of some samples collected by our colleagues — experts in Copepoda, Bathynellidae and Amphipoda—in South Korea led us to discovery of a new stygobiotic alonine genus, which is also the first record of a groundwater-dwelling cladoceran in Asia. Aims of this paper are: (1) to describe Korealona gen. nov., represented by two species, Korealona karanovici gen. nov., sp. nov. found in three different localities, and K. choi sp. nov., also found in three different localities; and (2) to discuss its differences from other genera of this subfamily and possible phylogenetic position of this genus among the aloninse. Distribution ranges of two species of Korealona gen. nov. are not unequivocally associated with present-day main river basins in Korea, but more sampling efforts are needed for final conclusions on their distribution ranges in Korea and closest countries and understanding of the genus evolutionary history.