bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Printed Electronics Approach Eliminating Redundant Fabrication Process of Vertical Interconnect Accesses: Building Multilayered Circuits in Porous Materials
Authors: Zhang Tengyuan , Asher Eaton , Yang Jun
Published: February 2018

Printed electronics are striving for smaller size, increased functionality, and lower energy consumption, which impose critical demand for multilayered printed circuits. As a low‐cost and green substrate, cellulose paper has become the most attractive choice for the printing of sustainable and disposable electronics. However, the redundant processes of drilling holes and/or depositing of dielectric materials, when fabricating the vertical interconnect access (VIA) for these multilayered circuits, greatly increase the cost. In this paper, a simple, cost‐effective, and scalable method is proposed for fabricating high‐performance, multilayered paper‐based circuits which contain highly conductive VIAs without physically drilling holes or depositing additional dielectric material. Taking advantages of inkjet printing and electroless copper deposition, the metallization depth of the substrate can be controlled with ease. In the proposed method, the porous structure of cellulose paper, which is previously an obstacle to printed electronics, becomes an advantage by triggering the 3D copper deposition, resulting in an ultralow sheet resistance of ≈4.8 mΩ sq−1 for single layer traces and ≈2.6 mΩ sq−1 for VIAs. A functional double‐layered and battery‐free device with drill‐less VIA, featuring an energy harvesting function, is fabricated using the proposed method on paper for the first time.
Mutations and prognosis in myelodysplastic syndromes: karyotype‐adjusted analysis of targeted sequencing in 300 consecutive cases and development of a genetic risk model
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Mudireddy Mythri , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Nicolosi Maura , Szuber Natasha , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Pardanani Animesh , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: February 2018

To develop a genetic risk model for primary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), we queried the prognostic significance of next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐derived mutations, in the context of the Mayo cytogenetic risk stratification, which includes high‐risk (monosomal karyotype; MK), intermediate‐risk (non‐MK, classified as intermediate/poor/very poor, per the revised international prognostic scoring system; IPSS‐R), and low‐risk (classified as good/very good, per IPSS‐R). Univariate analysis in 300 consecutive patients with primary MDS identified TP53, RUNX1, U2AF1, ASXL1, EZH2, and SRSF2 mutations as “unfavorable” and SF3B1 as “favorable” risk factors for survival; for the purposes of the current study, the absence of SF3B1 mutation was accordingly dubbed as an “adverse” mutation. Analysis adjusted for age and MK, based on our previous observation of significant clustering between MK and TP53 mutations, confirmed independent prognostic contribution from RUNX1, ASXL1, and SF3B1 mutations. Multivariable analysis that included age, the Mayo cytogenetics risk model and the number of adverse mutations resulted in HRs (95% CI) of 5.3 (2.5‐10.3) for presence of three adverse mutations, 2.4 (1.6‐3.7) for presence of two adverse mutations, 1.5 (1.02‐2.2) for presence of one adverse mutation, 5.6 (3.4‐9.1) for high‐risk karyotype, 1.5 (1.1‐2.2) for intermediate‐risk karyotype and 2.4 (1.8‐3.3) for age >70 years; HR‐weighted risk point assignment generated a three‐tiered genetic risk model: high (N = 65; 5‐year survival 2%), intermediate (N = 100; 5‐year survival 18%), and low (N = 135; 5‐year survival 56%). The current study provides a practically simple risk model in MDS that is based on age, karyotype, and mutations only.
Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Gross Robert E. , Stern Matthew A. , Willie Jon T. , Fasano Rebecca E. , Saindane Amit M. , Soares Bruno P. , Pedersen Nigel P. , Drane Daniel L.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes 1 year and longer following stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in a large series of patients treated over a 5‐year period since introduction of this novel technique.

Methods

Surgical outcomes of a consecutive series of 58 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent the surgery at our institution with at least 12 months of follow‐up were retrospectively evaluated. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing patients with and without mesial temporal sclerosis.

Results

One year following stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy, 53.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.8–65.7%) of all patients were free of disabling seizures (Engel I). Three of 9 patients became seizure‐free following repeat ablation. Subgroup analysis showed that 60.5% (95% CI = 45.6–73.7%) of patients with mesial temporal sclerosis were free of disabling seizures as compared to 33.3% (95% CI = 15.0–58.5%) of patients without mesial temporal sclerosis. Quality of Life in Epilepsy‐31 scores significantly improved at the group level, few procedure‐related complications were observed, and verbal memory outcome was better than historical open resection data.

Interpretation

In an unselected consecutive series of patients, stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy yielded seizure‐free rates for patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy lower than, but comparable to, the outcomes typically associated with open temporal lobe surgery. Analogous to results from open surgery, patients without mesial temporal sclerosis fared less well. This novel procedure is an effective minimally invasive alternative to resective surgery. In the minority of patients not free of disabling seizures, laser ablation presents no barrier to additional open surgery. Ann Neurol 2018;83:575–587
Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Aromatic Frameworks for Ultralong Phosphorescence by Intralayer π–π Interactions
Authors: Cai Suzhi , Shi Huifang , Zhang Zaiyong , Wang Xuan , Ma Huili , Gan Nan , Wu Qi , Cheng Zhichao , Ling Kun , Gu Mingxing , Ma Chaoqun , Gu Long , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei
Published: February 2018

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) based on metal‐free porous materials is rarely reported owing to rapid nonradiative transition under ambient conditions. In this study, hydrogen‐bonded organic aromatic frameworks (HOAFs) with different pore sizes were constructed through strong intralayer π–π interactions to enable ultralong phosphorescence in metal‐free porous materials under ambient conditions for the first time. Impressively, yellow UOP with a lifetime of 79.8 ms observed for PhTCz‐1 lasted for several seconds upon ceasing the excitation. For PhTCz‐2 and PhTCz‐3, on account of oxygen‐dependent phosphorescence quenching, UOP could only be visualized in N2, thus demonstrating the potential of phosphorescent porous materials for oxygen sensing. This result not only outlines a principle for the design of new HOFs with high thermal stability, but also expands the scope of metal‐free luminescent materials with the property of UOP.
Supramolecular interaction of transition metal complexes with albumins and DNA: Spectroscopic methods of estimation of binding parameters
Authors: Galkina Polina А. , Proskurnin Мikhail А.
Published: February 2018

Binding parameters of metal complexes with albumins and DNA since the middle of 1990s are considered and summarized. The most widespread spectroscopic methods of estimation of binding parameters are discussed – direct fluorescent methods, indirect fluorescent methods (by fluorescence quenching parameters), and ways of estimation of binding constants by other optical spectroscopic methods. The methods and approaches to calculations used for the determination of binding constants are discussed. The data on the already found binding constants and kinetic parameters is systematized.
American option pricing under financial crisis
Authors: Luo Xuemei , Xiang Kaili , Ding Chuan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we take financial crisis into consideration for American call options and put options pricing problems by using a jump diffusion model. Under no‐arbitrage pricing principle, we obtain a PDE (partial differential equation), which is different from the PDE derived from the classical Black‐Scholes model, it adds a postcrash market index to the primary equation. Then, we introduce the penalty method for solving the nonlinear PDE. Numerical results suggest that the option value will be affected by the crash.
Verbrauchsprognosen für Sanierungskonzepte von Gebäuden und Quartieren
Authors: vom Stein Theresia , Sauerwein David , Kuhn Christoph
Published: February 2018

Im Rahmen von Sanierungskonzepten werden Verbrauchsprognosen zur Quantifizierung und Bewertung von Energieeinsparpotenzialen erstellt. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass sich das Verhältnis von bilanziertem Energiebedarf und tatsächlichem Energieverbrauch vor und nach der Sanierung nicht linear verhält. Während der berechnete Wärmebedarf vor der Sanierung häufig höher ist als der gemessene Wärmeverbrauch, ist er nach der Sanierung meist niedriger. Dieser vermeintliche Widerspruch wird mit den Begriffen „Prebound‐Effekt” und „Rebound‐Effekt” beschrieben. Prebound‐ und Rebound‐Effekte können zu einer Überschätzung der potenziellen Energieeinsparungen und zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Gesamtwirtschaftlichkeit von Sanierungsmaßnahmen führen. Daher sollten sie in der Erarbeitung und Auswertung von Sanierungsstrategien berücksichtigt und einkalkuliert werden.

Es wird ein Prognosemodell vorgestellt, das realistische Wärme‐Verbrauchsprognosen auf einer anpassbaren, empirischen Datengrundlage ermöglicht und sowohl für Wohn‐ als auch für Nichtwohngebäude anwendbar ist. Die Aggregation der Prognosen auf große Gebäudebestände dient zur ganzheitlichen Optimierung gebäudeübergreifender Sanierungsstrategien. Am Beispiel des Campus Lichtwiese der TU Darmstadt wird das Prognosemodell exemplarisch angewendet und die Relevanz der Berücksichtigung von Prebound‐ und Rebound‐Effekten verdeutlicht.
Behaglichkeit – Wechselwirkungen bauphysikalischer Einflüsse
Authors: Dworok Philipp‐Martin , Mehra Schew‐Ram
Published: February 2018

Aufgrund der stringenteren bauphysikalischen Anforderungen an Gebäude gewinnt die Behaglichkeit immer mehr an Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag zeigt anhand einer Literaturauswertung und eigener Untersuchungsergebnisse den Stand des Wissens bezüglich der Behaglichkeit auf. Insbesondere wird dabei die Wechselwirkung thermischer und akustischer Parameter auf die Behaglichkeit herausgearbeitet. Trotz der uneinheitlichen Untersuchungsrandbedingungen, die teilweise zu widersprüchlichen Ergebnissen führen, ist festzuhalten, dass thermische und akustische Raumparameter einen interagierenden Einfluss auf die Beurteilung der Gesamtbehaglichkeit haben. Deshalb muss jeder Raumparameter, der durch menschliche Wahrnehmung erfasst und subjektiv bewertet wird, bei der Behaglichkeitsbeurteilung in Abhängigkeit der Nutzungsfunktion und Raumsituation berücksichtigt werden. Ganzheitliche Ansätze werden bereits thematisiert sowie diskutiert und sind aufgrund der aufgezeigten Wechselwirkungen zukünftig differenzierter zu betrachten, um die Behaglichkeit trotz der komplexen bauphysikalischen Einflüsse umfassend bewerten zu können.
Surface‐Binding Peptide Facilitates Electricity‐Driven NADPH‐Free Cytochrome P450 Catalysis
Authors: Zernia Sarah , Frank Ronny , Weiße Renato H.‐J. , Jahnke Heinz‐Georg , Bellmann‐Sickert Kathrin , Prager Andrea , Abel Bernd , Sträter Norbert , Robitzki Andrea , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: February 2018

The front cover artwork for issue 3/2018 is a collaboration between three groups of Leipzig University and the Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification e.V., Leipzig (B. Abel). The university groups of A. Beck‐Sickinger and A. Robitzki are from the Institute of Biochemistry and N. Sträter is a member of the Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry. The image displays the immobilization of cytochrome P450 BM3 on metal oxides mediated by a binding peptide, which enables the energization of the enzyme with electric potential to facilitate electrocatalysis on different substrates. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201701810.
Screening for linearly and nonlinearly related variables in predictive cheminformatic models
Authors: Hemmateenejad Bahram , Baumann Knut
Published: February 2018

For a long time, feature selection has been a hot topic in the statistical‐related literature and has become increasingly frequent and important in various research fields. Feature screening methods using marginal correlation show potential problems. Another issue that hinders to select an important variable is the shading effect of a highly influential variable on the variables of lower importance. Feature selection can be even more complex in the presence of nonlinear relations. To overcome these limitations, an innovative method for selecting linearly and nonlineary correlated variables is presented. It works based on the hyphenation of nonparametric variable ranking methods with nonparametric regression methods through an iterative regression based on residuals. Here, maximal information coefficient and distance correlation are used to rank the variables. The algorithm starts with modeling the relationship between response and the top‐ranking variable by using multivariate adaptive regression splines method. In the next iterations, the top‐ranking variables are selected based on relationship with subsequent residuals. The validation of the method is discussed by using 2 nonlinear simulated data. The method is further validated by analysis of 2 real cheminformatic data sets including toxicity of 1571 industrial chemicals and aqueous solubility of a diverse set of 1708 organic molecules.
Trajectory‐based phase partition and multiphase multilinear models for monitoring and quality prediction of multiphase batch processes
Authors: Luo Lijia
Published: February 2018

New process monitoring and quality prediction methods are proposed for the batch process with multiple operation phases. First, a trajectory‐based phase partition method is developed to divide a batch process into different operation phases by clustering the time slices of reference batches using the warped K‐means algorithm. Multilinear modeling methods, eg, parallel factor analysis and N‐way partial least squares (NPLS), are then used to model the 3‐way batch data in each operation phase. An online process monitoring method is proposed based on the multiphase parallel factor analysis models. An online quality prediction method is developed based on 2‐level quality prediction models, consisting of the first‐level multiphase multiway partial least squares models and the second‐level multiphase NPLS models. The first‐level multiway partial least squares models carry out real‐time quality prediction at each sampling time in different operation phases. At the end of each operation phase, the second‐level multiphase NPLS model is used to compute a more accurate quality prediction by taking into account the phase accumulative effect on the final produce quality. The implementation, effectiveness, and advantages of the proposed methods are illustrated with a case study on a penicillin fermentation process.
Development of a vision‐based online soft sensor for oil sands flotation using support vector regression and its application in the dynamic monitoring of bitumen extraction
Authors: Popli Khushaal , Maries Victor , Afacan Artin , Liu Qi , Prasad Vinay
Published: February 2018

Extraction from oil sands is a crucial step in the industrial recovery of bitumen. It is challenging to obtain online measurements of process outputs such as bitumen grade and recovery. Online measurements are a prerequisite for innovating better process control solutions for process efficiency and cost reduction. We have developed a soft sensor to provide online measurements of bitumen grade and recovery in a flotation‐based oil sand extraction process. Continuous froth images were captured using a VisioFroth camera system on a batch flotation unit. A support vector regression (SVR) model with a Gaussian kernel was constructed to develop a soft sensor for bitumen grade and recovery using froth image features as the inputs. The model was trained and validated for batch flotation of different grades of oil sands ore at industry‐relevant process conditions. A Dean‐Stark analyzer was used to obtain offline grade and recovery measurements that were used to calibrate the soft sensor. Mean squared errors (MSE) of 62 and 74 were achieved for grade (%) and recovery (%), respectively, and this was obtained using 5‐fold cross validation. The developed soft sensor model has been applied successfully in the real‐time dynamic monitoring of flotation grade and recovery for different grades of ore and operating conditions.
Fatigability and endurance performance in cancer survivors: Analyses from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Gresham Gillian , Dy Sydney M. , Zipunnikov Vadim , Browner Ilene S. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Schrack Jennifer A.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is prevalent and distressing among cancer survivors, but its subjective nature makes it difficult to identify. Fatigability, defined as task‐specific fatigue, and endurance performance may be useful supplemental measures of functional status in cancer survivors.

METHODS

Fatigability, endurance performance, and cancer history were assessed every 2 years in Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants between 2007 and 2015. Fatigability was defined according to the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale after a 5‐minute, slow treadmill walk; and endurance performance was calculated according to the ability and time to complete a fast‐paced, 400‐meter walk. The association between cancer history, fatigability, and endurance performance was evaluated using longitudinal analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of 1665 participants, 334 (20%) reported a history of cancer. A combination of older age (>65 years) and a history of cancer was associated with 3.8 and 8.6 greater odds of high perceived fatigability and poor endurance, respectively (P < .01). Older adults with and without a history of cancer walked 42 and 23 seconds slower than younger adults without a history of cancer, respectively (P < .01). The median times to the development of high fatigability and poor endurance were shorter among those who had a history of cancer compared with those who had no history of cancer (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggest that a history of cancer is associated with fatigability and poor endurance and that this effect is significantly greater in older adults. Evaluating the effects of cancer and age on fatigability may illuminate potential pathways and targets for future interventions. Cancer 2018;124:1279‐87. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Inferring distinct mechanisms in the absence of subjective differences: Placebo and centrally acting analgesic underlie unique brain adaptations
Authors: Tétreault Pascal , Baliki Marwan N. , Baria Alexis T. , Bauer William R. , Schnitzer Thomas J. , Apkarian A. Vania
Published: February 2018

Development and maintenance of chronic pain is associated with structural and functional brain reorganization. However, few studies have explored the impact of drug treatments on such changes. The extent to which long‐term analgesia is related to brain adaptations and its effects on the reversibility of brain reorganization remain unclear. In a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial, we contrasted pain relief (3‐month treatment period), and anatomical (gray matter density [GMD], assessed by voxel‐based morphometry) and functional connectivity (resting state fMRI nodal degree count [DC]) adaptations, in 39 knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients (22 females), randomized to duloxetine (DLX, 60 mg once daily) or placebo. Pain relief was equivalent between treatment types. However, distinct circuitry (GMD and DC) could explain pain relief in each group: up to 85% of variance for placebo analgesia and 49% of variance for DLX analgesia. No behavioral measures (collected at entry into the study) could independently explain observed analgesia. Identified circuitry were outside of nociceptive circuitry and minimally overlapped with OA‐abnormal or placebo response predictive brain regions. Mediation analysis revealed that changes in GMD and DC can influence each other across remote brain regions to explain observed analgesia. Therefore, we can conclude that distinct brain mechanisms underlie DLX and placebo analgesia in OA. The results demonstrate that even in the absence of differences in subjective pain relief, pharmacological treatments can be differentiated from placebo based on objective brain biomarkers. This is a crucial step to untangling mechanisms and advancing personalized therapy approaches for chronic pain.
Functional connectivity corresponding to the tonotopic differentiation of the human auditory cortex
Authors: Yuan Guangjie , Liu Guangyuan , Wei Dongtao , Wang Gaoyuan , Li Qiang , Qi Mingming , Wu Shifu
Published: February 2018

Recent research has demonstrated that resting‐state functional connectivity (RS‐FC) within the human auditory cortex (HAC) is frequency‐selective, but whether RS‐FC between the HAC and other brain areas is differentiated by frequency remains unclear. Three types of data were collected in this study, including resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, task‐based fMRI data using six pure tone stimuli (200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, and 6,400 Hz), and structural imaging data. We first used task‐based fMRI to identify frequency‐selective cortical regions in the HAC. Six regions of interest (ROIs) were defined based on the responses of 50 participants to the six pure tone stimuli. Then, these ROIs were used as seeds to determine RS‐FC between the HAC and other brain regions. The results showed that there was RS‐FC between the HAC and brain regions that included the superior temporal gyrus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DL‐PFC), parietal cortex, occipital lobe, and subcortical structures. Importantly, significant differences in FC were observed among most of the brain regions that showed RS‐FC with the HAC. Specifically, there was stronger RS‐FC between (1) low‐frequency (200 and 400 Hz) regions and brain regions including the premotor cortex, somatosensory/‐association cortex, and DL‐PFC; (2) intermediate‐frequency (800 and 1,600 Hz) regions and brain regions including the anterior/posterior superior temporal sulcus, supramarginal gyrus, and inferior frontal cortex; (3) intermediate/low‐frequency regions and vision‐related regions; (4) high‐frequency (3,200 and 6,400 Hz) regions and the anterior cingulate cortex or left DL‐PFC. These findings demonstrate that RS‐FC between the HAC and other brain areas is frequency selective.
Hyperactive gp130/STAT3‐driven gastric tumourigenesis promotes submucosal tertiary lymphoid structure development
Authors: Hill David G. , Yu Liang , Gao Hugh , Balic Jesse J. , West Alison , Oshima Hiroko , McLeod Louise , Oshima Masanobu , Gallimore Awen , D'Costa Kimberley , Bhathal Prithi S. , Sievert William , Ferrero Richard L. , Jenkins Brendan J. , Jones Gareth W.
Published: February 2018

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) display phenotypic and functional characteristics of secondary lymphoid organs, and often develop in tissues affected by chronic inflammation, as well as in certain inflammation‐associated cancers where they are prognostic of improved patient survival. However, the mechanisms that govern the development of tumour‐associated TLSs remain ill‐defined. Here, we observed tumour‐associated TLSs in a preclinical mouse model (gp130F/F) of gastric cancer, where tumourigenesis is dependent on hyperactive STAT3 signalling through the common IL‐6 family signalling receptor, gp130. Gastric tumourigenesis was associated with the development of B and T cell‐rich submucosal lymphoid aggregates, containing CD21+ cellular networks and high endothelial venules. Temporally, TLS formation coincided with the development of gastric adenomas and induction of homeostatic chemokines including Cxcl13, Ccl19 and Ccl21. Reflecting the requirement of gp130‐driven STAT3 signalling for gastric tumourigenesis, submucosal TLS development was also STAT3‐dependent, but independent of the cytokine IL‐17 which has been linked with lymphoid neogenesis in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Interestingly, upregulated lymphoid chemokine expression and TLS formation were also observed in a chronic gastritis model induced by Helicobacter felis infection. Tumour‐associated TLSs were also observed in patients with intestinal‐type gastric cancer, and a gene signature linked with TLS development in gp130F/F mice was associated with advanced clinical disease, but was not prognostic of patient survival. Collectively, our in vivo data reveal that hyperactive gp130‐STAT3 signalling closely links gastric tumourigenesis with lymphoid neogenesis, and while a TLS gene signature was associated with advanced gastric cancer in patients, it did not indicate a favourable prognosis.
Front Cover: A high‐throughput all‐optical laser‐scanning imaging flow cytometer with biomolecular specificity and subcellular resolution (J. Biophotonics 2/2018)
Authors: Yan Wenwei , Wu Jianglai , Wong Kenneth K. Y. , Tsia Kevin K.
Published: February 2018

A new type of high‐throughput imaging flow cytometer (>20 000 cells s‐1) based upon an all‐optical ultrafast laser‐scanning imaging technique, called free‐space angular‐chirp‐enhanced delay (FACED) is reported. FACED imaging flow cytometers enables high‐throughput visualization of functional morphology of individual cells with subcellular resolution. It critically empowers largescale and deep characterization of single cells and their heterogeneity with high statistical power— an ability to become increasingly critical in single‐cell analysis adopted in a wide range of biomedical and life‐science applications.

Further details can be found in the article by Wenwei Yan et al. (e201700178)

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Inside Back Cover: In vivo full‐field functional optical hemocytometer (J. Biophotonics 2/2018)
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Wang Mingyi , Han Dingan , Tan Haishu , Yang Guojian , Zeng Yaguang
Published: February 2018

Full‐field functional optical hemocytometer (FFOH), based on the absorption intensity fluctuation modulation (AIFM) effect, is in vivo label‐free image method for capillaries of near‐transparent live biological specimens. FFOH can provide a flow video, flow velocity measurement and RBC count, simultaneously. The zebrafish experimental result shows the potential to study the physiological mechanisms of the blood circulation systems.

Further details can be found in the article by Fuli Zhang et al. (e201700039)

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Silver linings on the horizon: highlights from the 10th Cachexia Conference
Authors: Ebner Nicole , von Haehling Stephan
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the updates from preclinical and clinical studies into the field of wasting disorders that were presented at the 10th Cachexia Conference held in Rome, Italy, in December 2017. This year's conference saw some interesting results of larger‐scale studies and clinical trials and new therapeutic targets. Herein, we summarize the biological and clinical significance of different markers and new diagnostic tools and cut‐offs for the detection of skeletal muscle wasting, including micro RNAs, the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, mTOR signalling, news in body composition analysis including the D3‐creatine dilution method, and new biomarkers. Clinical studies investigated novel nutritional approaches, trials of elamipretide, enobosarm, and urolithin A. It remains a fact, however, that effective treatments of cachexia and wasting disorders are urgently needed in order to improve patients' quality of life and their survival.
More on foxes
Authors: Kriesell Matthias , Schmidt Jens M.
Published: February 2018

An edge in a k‐connected graph G is called k‐contractible if the graph obtained from G by contracting e is k‐connected. Generalizing earlier results on 3‐contractible edges in spanning trees of 3‐connected graphs, we prove that (except for the graphs if ) (a) every spanning tree of a k‐connected triangle free graph has two k‐contractible edges, (b) every spanning tree of a k‐connected graph of minimum degree at least has two k‐contractible edges, (c) for , every DFS tree of a k‐connected graph of minimum degree at least has two k‐contractible edges, (d) every spanning tree of a cubic 3‐connected graph nonisomorphic to K4 has at least many 3‐contractible edges, and (e) every DFS tree of a 3‐connected graph nonisomorphic to K4, the prism, or the prism plus a single edge has two 3‐contractible edges. We also discuss in which sense these theorems are best possible.
New Developments in Genetic rat models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Creed Rose B. , Goldberg Matthew S.
Published: February 2018

Preclinical research on Parkinson's disease has relied heavily on mouse and rat animal models. Initially, PD animal models were generated primarily by chemical neurotoxins that induce acute loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. On the discovery of genetic mutations causally linked to PD, mice were used more than rats to generate laboratory animals bearing PD‐linked mutations because mutagenesis was more difficult in rats. Recent advances in technology for mammalian genome engineering and optimization of viral expression vectors have increased the use of genetic rat models of PD. Emerging research tools include “knockout” rats with disruption of genes in which mutations have been causally linked to PD, including LRRK2, α‐synuclein, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ‐1. Rats have also been increasingly used for transgenic and viral‐mediated overexpression of genes relevant to PD, particularly α‐synuclein. It may not be realistic to obtain a single animal model that completely reproduces every feature of a human disease as complex as PD. Nevertheless, compared with mice with the same mutations, many genetic rat animal models of PD better reproduce key aspects of PD including progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, locomotor behavior deficits, and age‐dependent formation of abnormal α‐synuclein protein aggregates. Here we briefly review new developments in genetic rat models of PD that may have greater potential for identifying underlying mechanisms, for discovering novel therapeutic targets, and for developing greatly needed treatments to slow or halt disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On compact vector formats in the solution of the chemical master equation with backward differentiation
Authors: Dayar Tuǧrul , Orhan M. Can
Published: February 2018

A stochastic chemical system with multiple types of molecules interacting through reaction channels can be modeled as a continuous‐time Markov chain with a countably infinite multidimensional state space. Starting from an initial probability distribution, the time evolution of the probability distribution associated with this continuous‐time Markov chain is described by a system of ordinary differential equations, known as the chemical master equation (CME). This paper shows how one can solve the CME using backward differentiation. In doing this, a novel approach to truncate the state space at each time step using a prediction vector is proposed. The infinitesimal generator matrix associated with the truncated state space is represented compactly, and exactly, using a sum of Kronecker products of matrices associated with molecules. This exact representation is already compact and does not require a low‐rank approximation in the hierarchical Tucker decomposition (HTD) format. During transient analysis, compact solution vectors in HTD format are employed with the exact, compact, and truncated generated matrices in Kronecker form, and the linear systems are solved with the Jacobi method using fixed or adaptive rank control strategies on the compact vectors. Results of simulation on benchmark models are compared with those of the proposed solver and another version, which works with compact vectors and highly accurate low‐rank approximations of the truncated generator matrices in quantized tensor train format and solves the linear systems with the density matrix renormalization group method. Results indicate that there is a reason to solve the CME numerically, and adaptive rank control strategies on compact vectors in HTD format improve time and memory requirements significantly.
Management of atrial fibrillation in diabetes
Authors: Dobbin Stephen , Fisher Miles , McKay Gerry
Published: February 2018

Diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and atrial fibrillation is linked to cardiovascular complications. The prevalence of both is increasing and they commonly co‐exist with a longer duration of diabetes and poorer control putting individuals at higher risk of atrial fibrillation.

The complications of atrial fibrillation include heart failure and thromboembolism. There is an association between diabetes and atrial fibrillation and there are many theories as to the specific pathophysiology, including sharing similar precursors, but it is not clearly understood. What is understood is that the risk of developing the main consequences of atrial fibrillation can be reduced by treatment. Broadly speaking, this involves controlling the heart rhythm and/or heart rate to improve cardiac function in addition to anticoagulation. The development of risk stratification strategies and direct oral anticoagulants has led to safer anticoagulation with more individuals thought to benefit balanced against any potential risk of bleeding. The evidence base for treatment of atrial fibrillation includes many individuals with diabetes and, in this group, prevention of complications is equally as relevant. In those with diabetes and atrial fibrillation the evidence overwhelmingly supports a treatment strategy similar to that for individuals with atrial fibrillation but without diabetes. This should be done in addition to identifying and treating other cardiovascular risk factors. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons.
Mandating Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Analysis of the CMS Rule
Authors: Myers Nathan , Bearss Anna
Published: February 2018

Public health emergency preparedness is an area of growing policy concern with the emergence of new threats. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule in 2013 laying out mandates that hospitals and other facilities would have to meet in order to receive federal funding. Hundreds of comments were submitted in response to the rule, which was finalized in 2016. The following study employs content analysis and interpretive policy analysis to investigate the reaction to rule as it was proposed. In doing so, we will consider the different values, beliefs, and feelings regarding the rule that were expressed in public comments submitted in response to it. Along with those aspects, we will also consider the political, economic, and social implications of the proposed rule as expressed in the public comments. These methods will be used to address whether the selected comments represent different coalitions in regard to the CMS rule and if different coalitions represent different themes in their comments. The study will also consider whether the notice‐and‐comment process, in this instance, is in line with the advocacy coalition framework and whether there were clear winners in the process.
Occurrence and Behavior of Sulfur‐Bearing Minerals in Metallurgical Coke
Authors: Gornostayev Stanislav , Heikkinen Eetu‐Pekka , Heino Jyrki , Fabritius Timo
Published: February 2018

The behavior of sulfur‐bearing minerals is characterized from coking coals to the feed coke and the blast furnace (BF) coke using field emission scanning electron microscope and thermodynamic calculations. In coals, they are represented by sulfides (pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite) and sulfates (anhydrite and barite). During coking process, the minerals undergo phase transformations, but sulfur will be retained in the coke in mineral form for most of the minerals until the end of the coking process. Depending on the initial mineral in the coal, sulfur‐bearing minerals will be transformed at the end of coking process into the following phases: pyrrhotite, wurtzite, Cu–Fe–S melt, CaS, and BaS. The amount of sulfur that will be kept in the coke in mineral form increases in the following order: galena → pyrite → sphalerite → arsenopyrite → chalcopyrite → anhydrite → barite. Intensive gas flow under BF conditions facilitates liberation of sulfur from mineral phases in the Fe–S and Zn–S system. CaS and BaS are the most stable sulfur‐bearing phases formed after sulfur‐bearings minerals. The coals with elevated amounts of anhydrite and barite, or with high concentrations of Ca and Ba combined with S should be avoided for coking purposes. Complete elimination of mineral‐related sulfur from coke under BF conditions occurs above 2000 °C.
Buckling‐restrained brace with high structural performance
Authors: Iwata Mamoru , Midorikawa Mitsumasa , Koyano Kazuhisa
Published: February 2018

The authors have studied the buckling‐restrained brace providing a stable hysteretic characteristic even under high‐strain conditions. The structural performance of the buckling‐restrained brace is represented by the evaluation formula that is the lower limit of the cumulative plastic strain energy ratio. However, as earthquakes are becoming much longer, so it is necessary to research and develop a new buckling‐restrained brace with a higher energy dissipation capacity. In this paper, our past studies are reviewed and the conditions of high‐performance of buckling‐restrained braces extracted. The buckling‐restrained brace considered was tested. As a result, a buckling‐restrained brace with a larger cumulative plastic strain energy ratio is proposed.
Design by advanced analysis – 3D benchmark problems
Authors: Ziemian Ronald D. , Abreu Jean C. Batista
Published: February 2018

Steel design codes continue to be expanded to permit the use of more advanced methods of non‐linear analysis. Designers looking to employ such methods need to validate their analysis software and, just as importantly, verify their ability to utilize it properly. The literature contains many benchmark problems and results to help achieve this, but nearly all are limited to two‐dimensional behaviour. This paper is intended to contribute a new set of benchmark problems in order to help satisfy the need for a database of examples in which accurate modelling of three‐dimensional or spatial behaviour is essential.
Birth‐weight differences at term are explained by placental dysfunction and not by maternal ethnicity
Authors: Morales‐Roselló J. , Dias T. , Khalil A. , Fornes‐Ferrer V. , Ciammella R. , Gimenez‐Roca L. , Perales‐Marín A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the influence of ethnicity, fetal gender and placental dysfunction on birth weight (BW) in term fetuses of South Asian and Caucasian origin.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 627 term pregnancies assessed at two public tertiary hospitals in Spain and Sri Lanka. All fetuses underwent biometry and Doppler examinations within 2 weeks of delivery. The influences of fetal gender and ethnicity, gestational age (GA) at delivery, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and maternal age, height, weight and parity on BW were evaluated by multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Fetuses born in Sri Lanka were smaller than those born in Spain (mean BW = 3026 ± 449 g vs 3295 ± 444 g; P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that GA at delivery, maternal weight, CPR, maternal height and fetal gender (estimates = 0.168, P < 0.001; 0.006, P < 0.001; 0.092, P = 0.003; 0.009, P = 0.002; 0.081, P = 0.01, respectively) were associated significantly with BW. Conversely, no significant association was noted for maternal ethnicity, age or parity (estimates = −0.010, P = 0.831; 0.005, P = 0.127; 0.035, P = 0.086, respectively). The findings were unchanged when the analysis was repeated using INTERGROWTH‐21st fetal weight centiles instead of BW (log odds, −0.175, P = 0.170 and 0.321, P < 0.001, respectively for ethnicity and CPR).

Conclusion

Fetal BW variation at term is less dependent on ethnic origin and better explained by placental dysfunction. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Implications of climate change for shipping: Ports and supply chains
Authors: Becker Austin , Ng Adolf K.Y. , McEvoy Darryn , Mullett Jane
Published: February 2018

Ports are an important economic actor—at local, national, and international scales—that have been identified as being vulnerable to future changes to the climate. This paper details the findings from an international review of state‐of‐the‐art knowledge concerning climate risks, and adaptation responses, for ports and their supply chains. Evidence from both academic and gray literature indicates that there has already been major damage and disruption to ports across the world from climate‐related hazards and that such impacts are projected to increase in the years and decades to come. Findings indicate that while a substantial—and growing—body of scientific evidence on coastal risks and potential adaptation options is acting as a stimulus for port authorities to explicitly consider the risks for their assets and operations, only a notable few have actually made the next step toward implementing adaptation strategies. This paper concludes by putting forward constructive recommendations for the sector and suggestions for research to address remaining knowledge gaps. It emphasizes a call for collaboration between the research and practice communities, as well as the need to engage a broad range of stakeholders in the adaptation planning process.

This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
Permutation methods. Part II
Authors: Berry Kenneth J. , Johnston Janis E. , Mielke Paul W. , Johnston Lindsay A.
Published: February 2018

Permutation statistical methods possess a number of advantages compared with conventional statistical methods, making permutation statistical methods the preferred statistical approach for many research situations. Permutation statistical methods are data‐dependent, do not rely on distribution assumptions such as normality, provide either exact or highly‐accurate approximate probability values, do not require knowledge of theoretical standard errors, and are ideal methods for small data sets where theoretical mathematical functions are often poor fits to discrete sampling distributions. On the other hand, permutation statistical methods are computationally intensive. Computational efficiencies for permutation statistical methods are described and permutation statistical methods are illustrated with a variety of common statistical tests and measures.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bootstrap and Resampling

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Monte Carlo Methods
Perceived Changes to Obstetric Care and the Integration of Personal and Professional Life as a Pregnant Prenatal Genetic Counselor
Authors: Rietzler Jennifer L. , Birkeland Laura E. , Petty Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2018

The impact of practicing as a prenatal genetic counselor while pregnant is unclear given the limited amount of published literature on this issue. To address this gap in knowledge, a total of 215 current and past prenatal genetic counselors provided insights regarding this personal yet professional juncture through completion of an online survey that allowed for both close‐ended and open‐ended responses. While participants agreed that experiencing pregnancy affected their perspectives and counseling in several ways, this paper focuses on one particular finding—that of the changes in their own obstetric care perceived by genetic counselors while working within the prenatal setting and being pregnant themselves. As a result of these changes, considerations about when to disclose a pregnancy to colleagues along with how to integrate personal and professional needs as a pregnant prenatal genetic counselor surfaced. Additional findings, practice implications, and research recommendations are discussed.
What factors are related to self-perceived health? The relationship between Sense of Coherence, behaviors and health on Peruvian emerging adults
Authors: Saravia Juan Carlos , Chau Cecilia
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess the relationship between Sense of Coherence (SOC), health behaviors and self-perceived physical and mentalhealth in men and women. 448 undergraduate students participated in this study. The mean age was 21.3 years old (SD = 1.95). SOC, leisure timeand sleep predicted better mental health in men. Comprehensibility, leisure time, sleep and physical activity predicted physical health in men.Only manageability and meaningfulness predicted mental health in women. In this group, Manageability, leisure time, physical activity and dietpredicted physical health. These results can be used to help design strategies to encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors and healthier copingstrategies in late adolescents and emerging adults.© 2018 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Asociación Mexicana de Comportamiento y Salud. This is an open access article under theCC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Discriminación temporal condicionada: una evaluación de efectos de secuencia
Authors: Alfaro Luis , López-Rodríguez Florente
Published: February 2018

En una tarea de discriminación temporal condicionada con humanos se evaluó el aprendizaje promovido por diferentes secuencias de parestiempo-ubicación. En concreto, 6 grupos se expusieron a diferentes secuencias de pares, las cuales fueron seleccionadas para incluir diferentes niveles de información. De la más básica a la más inclusiva, el orden de las secuencias fue el siguiente: Aleatoria, Permutaciones, Desordenada, Rampa, Decreciente y Creciente. Los resultados indicaron cierto nivel de discriminación. Además, se observó que a mayor cantidad de fuentes de información la cantidad de aciertos fue mayor y las trayectorias de aciertos entre bloques fueron más pronunciadas o su asíntota fue más alta. Las diferencias más consistentes se observaron al comparar en conjunto las primeras tres secuencias respecto a las últimas tres. Los resultados son discutidos a través de dos aproximaciones empleadas en el área de aprendizaje.© 2018 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Asociación Mexicana de Comportamiento y Salud. Este es un artículo Open Access bajo lalicencia CC BY-NC-ND (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).