bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of fecal impaction in children using combined polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulphate
Authors: Lamanna Anthony , Dughetti Lauren D , Jordan‐Ely Julie A , Dobson Kyla M , Dynan Megan , Foo Adeline , Kooiman Louise M P , Murakami Naomi , Fiuza Kaic , Foroughi Siavash , Leal Marcelo , Vidmar Suzanna , Catto‐Smith Anthony G , Hutson John M , Southwell Bridget R
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the gold standard for fecal disimpaction in constipation. A regimen of PEG combined with the stimulant laxative sodium picosulphate (SPS) produced fecal disimpaction in chronically constipated children in the community, but it is unknown if it is effective for more severe constipation. To determine the stool output and effect of a combined PEG and SPS regimen on fecaloma in children with severe constipation and impaction.

Methods

Children with symptoms for a duration of ≥2 years, a palpable fecaloma, and enlarged rectum on X‐ray (rectal: pelvic ratio > 0.6) were recruited from a tertiary hospital. Daily diaries recorded laxative dose, stool frequency, volume, and consistency (Bristol stool scale, BSS). Abdominal X‐rays were taken on day 1 and day 8, and stool loading was assessed using the Leech score. Laxative doses were based on the child's age. The dose of PEG with electrolytes taken was 2–8 sachets (14.7 g/sachet) on days 1–2, reducing to 2–6 sachets on day 3. The SPS dose was 15–20 drops on days 2–3.

Results

Eighty‐nine children (4–18 years) produced a large volume of soft stool (median/inter‐quartile‐range: 2.2/1.6–3.1 L) over 7 days. Stool volume on X‐rays decreased significantly in the colon (P < 0.001). Fecalomas resolved in 40 of 89 children, while 49 needed a second high dose. Rectal:pelvic ratios did not change.

Conclusions

A combined high dose of PEG and SPS on days 1 and 2 was effective in removing the fecaloma in half of the children. Administering high doses for a longer period should be tested to provide outpatient disimpaction for severe fecalomas. Rectums remained flaccid after emptying.
Epidermal growth factor receptor targeted methotrexate and small interfering RNA co‐delivery
Authors: Steinborn Benjamin , Truebenbach Ines , Morys Stephan , Lächelt Ulrich , Wagner Ernst , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2018

Background

Developing new drug delivery carriers addressing chemoresistance is still full of challenges and opportunities. As the rapid development of small interfering RNA (siRNA) provides promising therapeutic perspectives, nanocarriers for drug and siRNA co‐delivery present new alternatives for cancer therapy.

Methods

A co‐delivery nanosystem for methotrexate (MTX) or gamma‐glutamylated derivatives (gE2‐MTX and gE5‐MTX) and antitumoral EG5 siRNA has been developed utilizing the sequence defined cationic lipo‐oligomers 454, 1021 and 1027. Based on a lipo‐oligomer‐MTX‐siRNA core, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted delivery system was established via post modification with the GE11 targeting peptide.

Results

Almost 100% MTX derivative incorporation was achieved in gE2‐MTX or gE5‐MTX siRNA/454 polyplexes, whereas the particle sizes (100–150 nm) and siRNA binding abilities were well maintained. Our co‐delivery system greatly increased the MTX sensitivity of MTX resistant KB cells. Enhanced cellular internalization of GE11 siRNA/454 polyplexes incorporating either gE2‐MTX or gE5‐MTX was observed and attributed to GE11‐mediated targeting of EGFR overexpressing KB cells. GE11 modified gE2‐MTX or gE5‐MTX EG5 siRNA polyplexes illustrated the highest anti‐tumoral activities compared to free MTX or nontargeted polyplexes. The His‐containing gE2‐MTX or gE5‐MTX siRNA/1027 polyplexes showed increased tumor cell killing compared to the His‐free analogous 1021 polyplexes.

Conclusions

A new strategy for co‐delivering negatively charged MTX and cytotoxic siRNA has been developed by utilizing sequence defined cationic lipo‐oligomers. Mediated by the combined effect of antifolate MTX, antimitotic EG5 siRNA and EGFR targeting by GE11, superior tumor cell killing was obtained with GE11 gE2‐MTX or gE5‐MTX EG5 siRNA/454 polyplexes.
Preoperative assessment of frailty predicts age‐related events after hepatic resection: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Tanaka Shogo , Ueno Masaki , Iida Hiroya , Kaibori Masaki , Nomi Takeo , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , Ikoma Hisashi , Nakai Takuya , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kubo Shoji
Published: June 2018

Background

Age‐related events, such as cardiopulmonary complications, delirium, transfer to a rehabilitation facility, and dependency are a major problem after hepatic resection in the elderly. This prospective multicenter study aimed to preoperatively evaluate frailty in the elderly according to a phenotypic frail index, named the “Kihon Checklist (KCL),” to predict “age‐related events” after hepatic resection.

Methods

Between May 2016 and September 2017, 217 independently living patients who consented among all patients aged ≥65 years who planned to undergo hepatic resection were included in the study. Preoperative frailty was defined as a total KCL score ≥8. We analyzed clinical characteristics and outcomes, including age‐related events (major respiratory and cardiac complications, delirium medication needed, transfer to rehabilitation facility, and dependency) between patients with and without frailty.

Results

Of the 217 patients, 63 and 154 were classified into the frail and non‐frail groups, respectively. The incidences of age‐related events (31.7% vs. 7.8%, P < 0.001) were higher in the frail group. Multivariate analysis indicated that frailty (P < 0.001, hazard ratio 5.16) and resection of ≥2 sectors (P = 0.014, hazard ratio 2.98) were independent risk factors for age‐related events.

Conclusions

Frailty evaluated by KCL in the elderly can predict postoperative age‐related events after hepatic resection.
On‐site detection of succinylcholine in biomedical matrix by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhu Yingjie , Wu Jianfeng , Guo Lei , Xie Jianwei
Published: June 2018

Choline receptor blocker succinylcholine (suxamethonium [SUX]) is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent to relax muscles. It is often used in clinic to conduct auxiliary endotracheal intubation as a surgical anesthetic inducer, which can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. In recent years, SUX was occasionally used for theft and crime by daubing on darts, resulting in intoxication or even death. Regarding the rapid detection demand of SUX in first aid and emergency response, a bit of challenges still existed, especially towards biomedical samples due to its properties of high hydrophilic, alkali‐liable, low onset concentration, and susceptibility to cholinesterase. In this report, we described an on‐site surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method on SUX in the first time. We found that key parameters facilitated this SERS method including MgI2‐induced appropriate aggregation and higher pH, in which enhanced electrostatic interaction between analyte and AuNPs occurred, and larger adsorption capacity of AuNPs, which makes the sensitive measurement of alkali‐liable SUX become possible. Coupled with simple and optimized pretreatment procedures, successful measurement of SUX in plasma and urine samples was also achieved. The limit of detection reached 1 μg/L in plasma and 10 μg/L in urine. We regarded acids for precipitating abundant proteins and inhibited cholinesterase activity in plasma and proteins for assisting antiagglomeration of AuNPs when coexisted with plenty of inorganic salts in urine, as the critical parameters in sample pretreatment. We hope this method can find its great potential in forensic and clinical diagnosis in case of SUX poisoning or intoxication.
Phonon properties of ZnSnSb2 + Mn semiconductors: Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Romcevic Maja , Gilic Martina , Kilanski Lukasz , Dobrowolski Witold , Fedorchenko Irina Valentinovna , Marenkin Sergey Fedorovich , Romcevic Nebojsa
Published: June 2018

Doping of II–IV–V2 semiconductors opens up new opportunities for wide application. Addition of Mn to these materials induces formation of magnetic clusters, which are responsible for high‐temperature ferromagnetism. Our aim was to examine how the addition of Mn influences the optical and structural properties of ZnSnSb2 by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. For four samples of Zn1 − xMnxSnSb2 synthesized using the direct fusion method, with x = 0.027, 0.066, 0.076, and 0.086, Raman spectra were measured at room temperature in spectral range from 60 to 300 cm−1. The obtained results indicate that these are multiphase materials. Based on the size and shape of complex microstructures, which consist of different phases and clusters, dispersive and duplex or triplex types of microstructures can be identified. Existence of ZnSb, SnSb, and MnSb phases was confirmed. By analyzing the Raman spectra, phonons of ZnSb and SnSb are determined and they are consistent with the data from literature. Phonon properties of ZnSnSb2, as well as of MnSb, are experimentally obtained for the first time. On the basis of a shift of the ZnSnSb2 phonons, we found that some amount of Mn entered lattice and form Zn1 − xMnxSnSb2. Microstructures affect the physical properties and behavior of a material. Analysis of this complex semiconductors and obtained results are important for their optimization and customization for possible applications.
Adult soft tissue sarcoma and time to treatment initiation: An analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Curtis Gannon L. , Lawrenz Joshua M. , George Jaiben , Styron Joe F. , Scott Jacob , Shah Chirag , Shepard Dale R. , Rubin Brian , Nystrom Lukas M. , Mesko Nathan W.
Published: June 2018

Background

The primary goal of this investigation is to determine the current national standards for time to treatment initiation (TTI) in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Additionally, we aim to identify the variables affecting TTI variability in STS.

Methods

An analysis of the National Cancer Database identified 41 529 patients diagnosed with STS between 2004 and 2013. Kruskall‐Wallis tests identified differences between covariates regarding TTI. Negative binomial regression models identified variables that independently influenced TTI, and adjusted for confounders.

Results

The median TTI was 22.0 days and the mean TTI was 29.7 days. Longer TTI was correlated with transitions in care between institutions (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.76; P < 0.001), neoadjuvant radiotherapy (IRR = 1.53; P < 0.001), neoadjuvant systemic therapy (IRR = 1.40; P < 0.001), treatment at an academic center (IRR = 1.23; P < 0.001), Medicaid (IRR = 1.18; P < 0.001), being uninsured (IRR = 1.13; P = 0.001), and Medicare (IRR = 1.05 P = 0.016) status. Shorter TTI was correlated with tumor size >5 cm (IRR = 0.93; P < 0.001), high grade (IRR = 0.92; P = 0.015), truncal tumor site (IRR = 0.94; P = 0.003), and median income >$63 000 (IRR = 0.95; P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The median TTI in the United States for STS is 22 days. Increased TTI in STS are associated with tumor and treatment characteristics, socio‐economic factors and hospital systems issues. Transitions in care between institutions are responsible for the greatest increases.
Age‐dependent prognostic value of body mass index for non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A large multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Byun Seok‐Soo , Hwang Eu C. , Kang Seok H. , Hong Sung‐Hoo , Chung Jinsoo , Kwon Tae G. , Kim Hyeon H. , Kwak Cheol , Kim Yong‐June , Lee Won K.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

The prognostic value of obesity is unestablished for renal cell carcinoma. We assessed the age‐dependent prognostic value of body mass index (BMI) in a large multicenter cohort of patients with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nm‐cRCC).

Methods

This study evaluated 2092 patients with nm‐cRCC who underwent surgery with curative intent at five Korean institutions between 2001 and 2014.

Results

There was no significant difference in BMI between the young (<45 years) and older patients (≥45 years) (P = 0.398). Among older patients, high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) was associated with better 5‐year rates of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (P = 0.003 and 0.004, respectively), and multivariate analysis confirmed that high BMI was independently associated with better RFS and CSS (RFS hazard ratio [HR]: 0.617, P = 0.005; CSS HR: 0.588, P = 0.024). However, among young patients, there were no significant BMI‐related differences in the 5‐year RFS and CSS rates (P = 0.457 and 0.420, respectively), and high BMI was not independently associated with RFS or CSS (P = 0.822 and 0.749, respectively).

Conclusions

Among patients with nm‐cRCC, high BMI was associated with a favorable prognosis among older patients but not among young patients. Therefore, the relationship between obesity and nm‐cRCC prognosis might vary according to age.
On the spectrum of the equation of linear viscoelasticity
Authors: Dell'Oro Filippo
Published: June 2018

The spectrum of the infinitesimal generator of the contraction semigroup associated with an abstract version of the integrodifferential equation
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700212:mana201700212-math-0002arising from linear viscoelasticity is analyzed. An application to the study of the stability properties of is given.
Carbide types in an advanced microalloyed bainitic/ferritic Cr–Mo Steel – TEM observations and thermodynamic calculations
Authors: Wang H. , Somsen C. , Eggeler G. , Detemple E.
Published: June 2018

The strength and toughness of low alloyed ferritic/bainitic steels depend on their microstructure, which evolves during thermo‐mechanical treatments along the processing chain. Chromium‐molybdenum steel microstructures are complex. Therefore, only a limited number of attempts have been made to fully characterize carbide populations in such steels. In the present work, analytical transmission electron microscopy is employed to study the microstructure of a low alloyed chromium‐molybdenum steel, which features ferritic (F, mainly α‐iron and niobium‐carbides) and bainitic (B, α‐phase, dislocation, grain/subgrain boundaries, various MxCy carbides) regions. The crystal structure and chemical nature of more than 200 carbides are determined and their distributions in the two microstructural regions are analyzed. The present work shows how particles can be identified in an effective manner and how the microstructural findings can be interpreted on the basis of thermodynamic calculations.
Der Einfluss zinkbasierter Korrosionsschutzsysteme auf die Dauerfestigkeit
Authors: Simonsen F. , Weber J. , Rennert R. , Oechsner M.
Published: June 2018

Zinkbasierte Korrosionsschutzsysteme bieten dem Anwender eine günstige und dauerhafte Möglichkeit, Bauteile aus Stahl vor korrosivem Angriff zu schützen. Deshalb sind diese Systeme in vielen verschiedenen Varianten im Einsatz und Stand der Technik. Untersuchungen zeigen, dass zinkbasierte Korrosionsschutzsysteme bei zyklischer Beanspruchung Einfluss auf die zyklische Beanspruchbarkeit bzw. Ermüdungsfestigkeit haben können. Dieser Einfluss wird in aktuellen Bemessungsregelwerken nicht oder nur teilweise berücksichtigt. In diesem Paper wird der Einfluss auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit und die Möglichkeit der rechnerischen Berücksichtigung verschiedener Korrosionsschutzsysteme bei der Auslegung gegen Werkstoffermüdung aufgezeigt.
Regulating, joint bargaining, and the demise of precedent
Authors: Beard T. Randolph , Ford George S. , Spiwak Lawrence J. , Stern Michael L.
Published: June 2018

Recent decades have seen a fundamental shift in the nature of economic regulation in the United States. Unauthorized by congress, and largely unnoted in legal and academic circles, regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission have changed the regulatory process by linking otherwise unrelated regulatory issues. Examples include tying merger approval to firm commitments to engage in conceptually unrelated build‐outs and other projects of political importance. This linking of issues has several effects, the most prominent being (a) tying regulatory issues changes the outcomes obtained, plausibly in predictable ways; (b) tying in some circumstances allows regulators to extend their authority to issues for which they have little or no legal authority; and (c) tied regulatory bargaining fails to produce valid legal precedent for firm decision making. We provide an analysis of these conclusions by examining the increasing use of consent decrees, voluntary merger commitments, and merger conditions by the Federal Communications Commission, referencing our discussion with a simple model of joint bargaining applicable to regulatory practice.
Early impact of the ICD‐10‐CM transition on selected health outcomes in 13 electronic health care databases in the United States
Authors: Panozzo Catherine A. , Woodworth Tiffany S. , Welch Emily C. , Huang Ting‐Ying , Her Qoua L. , Haynes Kevin , Rogers Catherine , Menzin Talia J. , Ehrmann Max , Freitas Katherine E. , Haug Nicole R. , Toh Sengwee
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To describe the consistency in the frequency of 5 health outcomes across the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) eras in the US.

Methods

We examined the incidence of 3 acute conditions (acute myocardial infarction [AMI], angioedema, ischemic stroke) and the prevalence of 2 chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) during the final 5 years of the ICD‐9‐CM era (January 2010‐September 2015) and the first 15 months of the ICD‐10‐CM era (October 2015‐December 2016) in 13 electronic health care databases in the Sentinel System. For each health outcome reviewed during the ICD‐10‐CM era, we evaluated 4 definitions, including published algorithms derived from other countries, as well as simple‐forward, simple‐backward, and forward‐backward mapping using the General Equivalence Mappings. For acute conditions, we also compared the incidence between April to December 2014 and April to December 2016.

Results

The analyses included data from approximately 172 million health plan members. While the incidence or prevalence of AMI and hypertension performed similarly across the 2 eras, the other 3 outcomes did not demonstrate consistent trends for some or all the ICD‐10‐CM definitions assessed.

Conclusions

When using data from both the ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10‐CM eras, or when using results from ICD‐10‐CM data to compare to results from ICD‐9‐CM data, researchers should test multiple ICD‐10‐CM outcome definitions as part of sensitivity analysis. Ongoing assessment of the impact of ICD‐10‐CM transition on identification of health outcomes in US electronic health care databases should occur as more data accrue.
Exploring the genetics of lesion and nodal resistance in pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum using genome‐wide association studies and RNA‐Seq
Authors: Chang Hao‐Xun , Sang Hyunkyu , Wang Jie , McPhee Kevin E. , Zhuang Xiaofeng , Porter Lyndon D. , Chilvers Martin I.
Published: June 2018

The disease white mold caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a significant threat to pea production, and improved resistance to this disease is needed. Nodal resistance in plants is a phenomenon where a fungal infection is prevented from passing through a node, and the infection is limited to an internode region. Nodal resistance has been observed in some pathosystems such as the pea (Pisum sativum L.)‐S. sclerotiorum pathosystem. In addition to nodal resistance, different pea lines display different levels of stem lesion size restriction, referred to as lesion resistance. It is unclear whether the genetics of lesion resistance and nodal resistance are identical or different. This study applied genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA‐Seq to understand the genetic makeup of these two types of resistance. The time series RNA‐Seq experiment consisted of two pea lines (the susceptible ‘Lifter’ and the partially resistant PI 240515), two treatments (mock inoculated samples and S. sclerotiorum‐inoculated samples), and three time points (12, 24, and 48 hr post inoculation). Integrated results from GWAS and RNA‐Seq analyses identified different redox‐related transcripts for lesion and nodal resistances. A transcript encoding a glutathione S‐transferase was the only shared resistance variant for both phenotypes. There were more leucine rich‐repeat containing transcripts found for lesion resistance, while different candidate resistance transcripts such as a VQ motif‐containing protein and a myo‐inositol oxygenase were found for nodal resistance. This study demonstrated the robustness of combining GWAS and RNA‐Seq for identifying white mold resistance in pea, and results suggest different genetics underlying lesion and nodal resistance.
Effect of arrangement of nano and micro barium titanate (BaTiO3) particles on the enhanced dielectric constant of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/BaTiO3
Authors: Su Jun , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to improve the dielectric and mechanical properties of HDPE/BaTiO3 composites by binary BaTiO3 particles, when the volume fraction of BaTiO3 is constant. In this study, it was found that the pack density of binary BaTiO3 particles in HDPE/BaTiO3 composite relies on particle ratio and volume fraction of small particles. It is found that the addition of 50 vol % 1600 nm BaTiO3 particles can boost the dielectric constant of HDPE control from 2 to 30 (14 times higher) at 40 Hz and 19 (8.5 times higher) at 40 MHz, respectively. When the particle ratio was 4, the substitution of 10 vol % 1600 nm BaTiO3 particles by 10 vol % 400 nm BaTiO3 particles can further enhance the dielectric constant of HDPE/L‐BT (10/10) from 30 to 50 (67% increase) at 40 Hz and from 19 to 42 (121% increase) at 40 MHz, respectively, without greatly influencing the volume resistivity of HDPE composites. In addition, the thermal conductivity of HDPE with binary BaTiO3 particles were all above 2.0 W/(m•K). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1101–1108
Linear viscoelastic studies on a transient network formed by host–guest interaction
Authors: Kashiwagi Yu , Katashima Takuya , Nakahata Masaki , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira , Inoue Tadashi
Published: June 2018

A host–guest (HG) polymer was prepared through the radical polymerization of acrylamide monomers (AAm) with a small amount of host‐guest linkers, β‐cyclodextrin‐attached AAm (βCD‐AAm) and adamantane‐attached AAm (Ad‐AAm). The linear viscoelastic and swelling measurements indicated that the resulting HG polymer swollen in water was gel‐like, although the HG polymer is conceptually a linear chain having only temporary crosslinkings. NMR measurements indicated that half of the βCD units incorporated in the HG polymer do not form the inclusion complex with Ad. Rheological analysis of the HG polymer revealed that HG interaction retarded the Rouse modes of networks but did not affect the level of the plateau modulus, which was simply described by the entanglements of AAm chains. This result was confirmed with the reference experiment, in which Ad were capped by competitive βCD molecules. Furthermore, the PAAm polymer with only βCD units (no Ad) was found to exhibit gel‐like behavior. This behavior was attributed to the formation of a small amount of rotaxane structure, which act as permanent crosslinkings, based on 2D NMR data. The HG polymer is basically an entanglement network with temporary sticky points due to the HG interaction, and a few permanent branching points. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1109–1117
A consistent treatment of the boundary layer for atmospheric models
Authors: Allen Thomas , Zerroukat Mohamed
Published: June 2018

It is common to treat the parametrisation of the atmospheric boundary layer, as well as other physics packages, separately from the inviscid dynamics within weather/climate models. In the case of the boundary layer in particular, there is then an issue with the application of the boundary conditions which are different, such as no‐slip and free‐slip. This article proposes a consistent and tightly coupled approach that involves incorporating the boundary‐layer terms within the semi‐implicit treatment of the dynamics and resulting Helmholtz problem.
A 3D ensemble variational data assimilation scheme for the limited‐area AROME model: Formulation and preliminary results
Authors: Montmerle Thibaut , Michel Yann , Arbogast Etienne , Ménétrier Benjamin , Brousseau Pierre
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the formulation and preliminary results of a 3D ensemble‐variational data assimilation algorithm (3DEnVar) for the AROME‐France model at 3.8 km horizontal resolution. This algorithm is a deterministic, variational data assimilation scheme that uses background‐error covariances sampled from an ensemble. Our ensemble is an ensemble of data assimilation (EDA) at convective scale, based on the same system with the same spatial resolutions.

In ensemble schemes, localization of the covariances is necessary to filter sampling noise. Two different localization schemes have been implemented, one in spectral space and one in grid‐point space. We also evaluate hybrid formulations, where the background‐error covariances are a weighted linear combination of the sampled covariances with the climatological ones.

Cycled experiments are performed over a five‐week time period with 3 h updates. The 3DEnVar scheme largely outperforms standard 3D‐Var in terms of forecast scores. The best experiment is the one with the grid‐point localization scheme. A diagnostic of objective localization can provide guidance about the horizontal and vertical localization lengths that give best performance.

The hybrid configuration with 80% of ensemble covariances and 20% of climatological ones performs also significantly better than the 3D‐Var, but to a lesser extent than the best 3DEnVar configuration, although it has better balanced initial fields.
An optimized technique for reliability analysis of safety‐critical systems: A case study of nuclear power plant
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Singh Lalit Kumar , Kumar Chiranjeev
Published: June 2018

Stochastic models are extensively used in quantifying the reliability of safety critical systems. These models use the state‐space model for reliability quantification. Markov chain is comprehensively used in describing a sequence of possible events of any system in which the probability of each event depends only on the state attained in the previous event. Markov chains are convenient to model the software system of the SCS with the help of Petri Nets, a directed bipartite graph widely used for the verification and validation of real‐time systems. However, the stochastic model suffers from the state‐space explosion problem. In this paper, we proposed a technique for reliability analysis of safety critical systems, excavating into the coherent optimization of Markov chain. The approach has been validated on 17 safety critical systems of nuclear power plants.
Carbon and nitrogen isotope variability in the seeds of two African millet species: Pennisetum glaucum and Eleusine coracana
Authors: Reid Rachel E.B. , Lalk Ellen , Marshall Fiona , Liu Xinyi
Published: June 2018

Rationale

A range of important small seeded C4 crops were domesticated in Africa, but little is known about their carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N values). Understanding natural isotopic variability within and among millets has the potential to help us to understand the conditions under which ancient cereals were grown and has significant implications for the interpretation of ancient diets based on stable isotope signatures.

Methods

We conducted carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of modern and historical pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum, n = 108) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana, n = 17) seed samples sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture as well as the Harlan Collection curated at the Crop Evolution Laboratory Herbarium at the University of Illinois.

Results

The millet species have significantly different mean carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios over broad temporal and spatial scales. We also found substantial isotopic variation within species (range of 1.9‰ and 8.5‰ in δ13C and δ15N values, respectively). Both water availability and growing season temperature significantly affected the P. glaucum δ13C and δ15N values; cumulative annual precipitation was positively correlated with both seed δ13C and δ15N values, while temperature was positively correlated with δ15N values but negatively correlated with seed δ13C values.

Conclusions

The importance of both temperature and precipitation as predictors of δ13C and δ15N values in millets suggests that C4 plants may be more sensitive to environmental parameters than previously appreciated. Given the high degree of carbon and nitrogen isotope variability among accessions of these species, it is imperative that site‐relevant plant isotope ratios are used for making isotope‐based paleo‐dietary predictions.
Multi‐isotope provenancing of archaeological skeletons including cremations in a reference area of the European Alps
Authors: Grupe Gisela , Klaut Dominika , Mauder Markus , Kröger Peer , Lang Amei , Mayr Christoph , Söllner Frank
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Due to the spatial heterogeneity of stable isotope ratios of single elements measured in attempts to georeference bioarchaeological finds, multi‐isotope fingerprints are frequently employed under the assumption that similar isotopic signatures are indicative of similar shared environments by the individuals studied. The extraction of the spatial information from multi‐isotope datasets, however, is challenging.

Methods

Gaussian mixture clustering of six‐ to seven‐dimensional isotopic fingerprints measured in archaeological animal and human bones was performed. Uncremated animal bones served for an isotopic mapping of a specific reference area of eminent archaeological importance, namely the Inn‐Eisack‐Adige passage across the European Alps. The fingerprints consist of 87Sr/86Sr, 208Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 206Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/207Pb, and 206Pb/207Pb ratios, and δ18Ophosphate values in uncremated bone apatite, while the thermally unstable δ18O values of human cremations from this region were discarded.

Results

The bone finds were successfully decontaminated. Animal and human isotope clusters not only reflect individual similarities in the multi‐isotopic fingerprints, but also permit a spatial allocation of the finds. This holds also for cremated finds where the δ18Ophosphate value is no longer informative. To our knowledge, for the first time Pb stable isotopes have been systematically studied in cremated skeletal remains and proved significant in a region that was sought after for its ore deposits in prehistory.

Conclusions

Gaussian mixture clustering is a promising method for the interpretation of multi‐isotopic fingerprints aiming at detecting and quantifying migration and trade.
Efficient Capture of Radioactive Strontium from Water Using Magnetic WO3 Assembled on Grapheme Oxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Mou Wanjun , Du Shenzhen , Yu Qianhong , Li Xingliang , Wei Hongyuan , Yang Yuchuan
Published: June 2018

Novel core‐shell magnetic Fe3O4@WO3@GO nanocomposites were synthesized and used to remove radioactive strontium from aqueous solution. Taking advantage of the combined benefits of GO and magnetic WO3 nanoparticles, Fe3O4@WO3@GO nanocomposites exhibited excellent adsorption capability for removing Sr2+. Results for Sr2+ adsorption on Fe3O4@WO3@GO have a good fit with a Langmuir isotherm and a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity is 61.42 mg g−1, which is higher than that of other similar adsorbents. The high adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@WO3@GO can be attributed to the good dispersion of magnetic WO3 on the surface of GO, efficiently reducing the aggregation of nanoparticles and enhancing the probability for contact between adsorbent and adsorbate. In addition, the Fe3O4@WO3@GO nanocomposites exhibited excellent reusability, after 5 uses there was no noticeable loss in adsorption capacity. Thus, this type of nanocomposite to hold excellent is promising for clean‐up of radioactive strontium from wastewater.
NIS‐Initiated Cyclization of Pyridines with Methyl Ketones and Alkenoic Esters for the Synthesis of Indolizines under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Wenhui , Han Junwen , Shi Yanhui , Sun Jinwei
Published: June 2018

An efficient synthesis of indolizines was developed via NIS‐initiated three‐component reaction of pyridines, methyl ketones and alkenoic esters in the presence of substoichiometric amount of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) under oxygen atmosphere. A wide range of substrates could be applied and gave the desired products in good yields under metal‐free conditions with high atom and step‐economy.
Bioinspired Color Materials Combining Structural, Dye, and Background Colors
Authors: Sakai Miki , Seki Takahiro , Takeoka Yukikazu
Published: June 2018

Human beings have developed many dyes and pigments and use them for printed and display materials to share information. Today's information society is not possible without these color materials. Some living organisms utilize body color for information exchange and protection by skilfully combining dye, structural, and background colors to realize a body color change based on circumstances. In this study, inspired by the extraordinary body color changes of living things, a composite color material combining photochromic dyes, a black substance, a spherical colloidal crystal exhibiting a structural color, and a background color is prepared. In addition to combining a dye color and a structural color that changes upon light irradiation, the contribution of the different effects of the background color on each coloring property allows the construction of a color material that can reversibly change into various colors under different conditions.
Prevention of maternal–fetal transmission of cytomegalovirus after primary maternal infection in the first trimester by biweekly hyperimmunoglobulin administration
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Enders M. , Schampera M. S. , Baeumel E. , Hoopmann M. , Geipel A. , Berg C. , Goelz R. , De Catte L. , Wallwiener D. , Brucker S. , Adler S. P. , Jahn G. , Hamprecht K.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine the efficacy of biweekly hyperimmunoglobulin (HIG) administration to prevent maternal–fetal transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in women with primary first‐trimester CMV infection.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of women with confirmed primary CMV infection in the first trimester who had the first HIG administration at or before 14 weeks' gestation. All women had biweekly HIG treatment until 20 weeks' gestation at a dose of 200 IU/kg of maternal body weight. Each subject underwent amniocentesis at least 6 weeks after first presentation at about 20 weeks. Primary outcome was maternal–fetal transmission at the time of amniocentesis, and secondary outcome was the frequency of congenital CMV infection at birth. The results were compared with a historic cohort of women with first‐trimester CMV infection who did not undergo HIG treatment and who had amniocentesis at about 20 weeks.

Results

Subjects were 40 pregnant women with a primary CMV infection, with a median gestational age at first presentation of 9.6 (range, 5.1–14.3) weeks. On average, HIG administration started at 11.1 weeks and continued until 16.6 weeks. Within this interval, HIG was administered between two and six times in each patient. While CMV immunoglobulin‐G (IgG) monitoring showed periodic fluctuations during biweekly HIG administration cycles, high CMV‐IgG avidity indices remained stable over the whole treatment period. Maternal–fetal transmission before amniocentesis occurred in only one of the 40 cases (2.5% (95% CI, 0–13.2%)). At delivery, two additional subjects were found to have had late‐gestation transmission. Considering all three cases with maternal–fetal transmission, the transmission rate was 7.5% (95% CI, 1.6–20.4%) in our 40 cases. All infected neonates were asymptomatic at birth. The matched historical control group consisted of 108 pregnancies. Thirty‐eight transmissions (35.2% (95% CI, 26.2–45.0%)) occurred in the control group, which was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the transmission rate in the HIG treatment group.

Conclusion

After a primary maternal CMV infection in the first trimester, biweekly HIG administration at a dose of 200 IU/kg prevents maternal–fetal transmission up to 20 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
How can transcranial magnetic stimulation be used to causally manipulate memory representations in the human brain?
Authors: Widhalm Morgan L. , Rose Nathan S.
Published: June 2018

We present a focused review on the utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for modulating memory, with a particular focus on multimodal approaches in which TMS is paired with neuroimaging methods (electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) to manipulate and measure working memory processes. We contrast the utility of TMS for manipulating memory with other forms of noninvasive brain stimulation, as well as different forms of TMS including single‐pulse, paired‐pulse and repetitive TMS protocols. We discuss the potential for TMS to address fundamental cognitive neuroscience questions about the nature of memory processes and representations, while acknowledging the considerable variability of behavioral and neural outcomes in TMS studies. Also discussed are the limitations of this technology, current advancements that have helped to defray the impact of these limitations, and suggestions for future directions in research and methodology.

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience

Neuroscience > Cognition

Psychology > Memory
Independent component analysis: A statistical perspective
Authors: Nordhausen Klaus , Oja Hannu
Published: June 2018

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a data analysis tool that can be seen as a refinement of principal component analysis or factor analysis. ICA recovers the structures in the data which stay hidden if only the covariance matrix is used in the analysis. The ICA problem is formulated as a latent variable model where the observed variables are linear combinations of unobserved mutually independent non‐Gaussian variables. The goal is to recover linear transformations back to these latent independent components (ICs). As a statistical tool, the unmixing procedure is expressed as a functional in a relevant semiparametric model which further allows a careful formulation of the inference problem and the comparison of competing estimation procedures. For most approaches, the ICs are found in two steps, (a) by standardizing the random vector and then (b) by rotating the standardized vector to the ICs. In the projection pursuit, the ICs can be found either one‐by‐one or simultaneously and this is discussed in detail when the convex combination of the squared third and fourth cumulants is used as a projection index. Alternative projection indices and their use are also explained. The classical fourth‐order blind identification (FOBI) and joint approximate diagonalization of eigenmatrices (JADE) are described as well. The statistical tools for the comparison of consistent and asymptotically multivariate normal unmixing matrix estimates are discussed. Finally, recent extensions for times series, matrix‐ and tensor‐valued and functional data are reviewed.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Modeling Methods and Algorithms

Statistical Models > Multivariate Models

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Information Theoretic Methods
Ghost-free theories with arbitrary higher-order time derivatives
Authors: Motohashi Hayato , Suyama Teruaki , Yamaguchi Masahide
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We construct no-ghost theories of analytic mechanics involving arbitrary higher-order derivatives in Lagrangian. It has been known that for theories involving at most second-order time derivatives in the Lagrangian, eliminating linear dependence of canonical momenta in the Hamiltonian is necessary and sufficient condition to eliminate Ostrogradsky ghost. In the previous work we showed for the specific quadratic model involving third-order derivatives that the condition is necessary but not sufficient, and linear dependence of canonical coordinates corresponding to higher time-derivatives also need to be removed appropriately. In this paper, we generalize the previous analysis and establish how to eliminate all the ghost degrees of freedom for general theories involving arbitrary higher-order derivatives in the Lagrangian. We clarify a set of degeneracy conditions to eliminate all the ghost degrees of freedom, under which we also show that the Euler-Lagrange equations are reducible to a second-order system.
Using technological frames as an analytic tool in value sensitive design
Authors: Grünloh Christiane
Published: June 2018

This article proposes the use of technological frames (TF) as an analytical tool to support the investigations within value sensitive design. TF can help to identify values that are consistent or conflicting within and between stakeholders, which is exemplified with a case of patient accessible electronic health records in Sweden. The article concludes that TF can help to identify values, which may then help to understand and address possible concerns in the design process.
Higher-Order Asymptotics and Its Application to Testing the Equality of the Examinee Ability Over Two Sets of Items
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Jensen Jens Ledet
Published: June 2018

In educational and psychological measurement, researchers and/or practitioners are often interested in examining whether the ability of an examinee is the same over two sets of items. Such problems can arise in measurement of change, detection of cheating on unproctored tests, erasure analysis, detection of item preknowledge, etc. Traditional frequentist approaches that are used in such problems include the Wald test, the likelihood ratio test, and the score test (e.g., Fischer, Appl Psychol Meas 27:3–26, 2003; Finkelman, Weiss, & Kim-Kang, Appl Psychol Meas 34:238–254, 2010; Glas & Dagohoy, Psychometrika 72:159–180, 2007; Guo & Drasgow, Int J Sel Assess 18:351–364, 2010; Klauer & Rettig, Br J Math Stat Psychol 43:193–206, 1990; Sinharay, J Educ Behav Stat 42:46–68, 2017). This paper shows that approaches based on higher-order asymptotics (e.g., Barndorff-Nielsen & Cox, Inference and asymptotics. Springer, London, 1994; Ghosh, Higher order asymptotics. Institute of Mathematical Statistics, Hayward, 1994) can also be used to test for the equality of the examinee ability over two sets of items. The modified signed likelihood ratio test (e.g., Barndorff-Nielsen, Biometrika 73:307–322, 1986) and the Lugannani–Rice approximation (Lugannani & Rice, Adv Appl Prob 12:475–490, 1980), both of which are based on higher-order asymptotics, are shown to provide some improvement over the traditional frequentist approaches in three simulations. Two real data examples are also provided.
The 2018 Nicolas Andry Award: The Evidence Base for the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: The Iowa Contribution
Authors: Weinstein Stuart L. , Dolan Lori A. , Morcuende Jose A.
Published: June 2018

This review summarizes evidence developed at the University of Iowa concerning the management and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip beginning with the observations and analyses of Dr Arthur Steindler in the early 1900s. The strong evidence-based practice tradition established by Steindler 100 years ago continues as we critically evaluate our procedures and patient outcomes, only altering approaches when warranted by strong personal and research evidence. Our practice continues to be conservative in that we strive to produce the best environment possible for the hip to develop on its own and operate only when less invasive methods have failed.
What Are the Expected Findings on Follow-up Computed Tomography Angiogram in Post-traumatic Patients with Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury?
Authors: Elbanna Khaled Y. , Mohammed Mohammed F. , Choi Jung-In , Dawe J. Philip , Joos Emilie , Baawain Saleh , Ali Ismail Tawakol , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a rare but potentially devastating diagnosis. Our study establishes the temporal changes and findings on follow-up imaging.

Methods

For this retrospective, institutional review board–approved study, the hospital trauma registry was queried for all severely injured polytrauma patients who underwent computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scans in the emergency department between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, with injury severity score ≥16, yielding 3747 patients. A total of 128 patients had a follow-up CTA for BCVI. The grade, location, and outcomes of injuries on follow-up imaging were studied.

Results

A vehicular collision was the most common mechanism of injury (75%). The majority of patients (61%) had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 10-15. Vertebral fractures were the most common associated injury (57%). The overall incidence of BCVI in our study population was 4.8%. On the initial CTA, 50% of injuries were grade 1, 25.4% were grade 2, 7% were grade 3, 17% were grade 4, and 0.6% were grade 5. For the different grades of injuries, improvement has been documented in 44% with complete healing in 34%, while 51% of injuries remained unchanged from the initial scan. Only 5% progressed to a higher-grade injury. Twelve patients developed strokes with an incidence of 9.4% in patients with a follow-up CTA.

Conclusions

This study can help increase the awareness of radiologists about the evolution patterns of different grades of BCVIs on follow-up CTA for severely injured posttraumatic patients.
Use of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women Diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia at Core Needle Biopsy Helps Select Women for Surgical Excision
Authors: Amitai Yoav , Menes Tehillah , Golan Orit
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The study sought to investigate the role of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) at core needle biopsy (CNB).

Methods

The breast MRI database at our centre was queried for studies performed between January 2010 and December 2016 for the clinical indication of ADH diagnosed at CNB. Medical files were reviewed for demographic data, clinical information, and radiology and pathology reports. Pathological results of the surgical specimens were considered the gold standard for comparison with breast MRI findings. In women not undergoing excision, at least 2 years of follow-up was used to ascertain the benign nature of the finding.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the study. Thirty-one (62%) patients had surgical excision of the ADH lesion, and 7 (23%) were upgraded to malignancy. Breast MRI accurately identified 6 of the 7 cases. Six of the 12 women (50%) with positive MRI findings at the biopsy site were upgraded to malignancy on surgical pathology, compared with only 1 of 19 (5%) with negative MRI findings. Forty-nine percent of the women with a negative MRI did not undergo surgical excision of the ADH lesion, compared with 8% of the women with a positive MRI ( P = .009), with no cancer diagnosed during follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of breast MRI for predicting upgrade to malignancy were 86%, 83%, 97%, and 46%, respectively.

Conclusions

MRI may have a role in the management of women diagnosed with ADH on CNB, to minimize diagnostic excisional biopsies.