bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated Human Hageman Factor (XII)*
Authors: Speer R. J , Ridgway Helen , Hill J. M
Published: July 2018

An improved method for the isolation of highly purified active human Hageman factor has been described. An overall recovery of 25% with a purification of 106 has been achieved. Certain of the physical and chemical characteristics of XII have been elucidated. Selective chemical modification of functional groups and a variety of enzymatic assays have been employed in an effort to shed light on the mechanism of action of this procoagulant.
A Comparison of the Esterase (TAMe) and Clotting Activities of Human and Bovine Thrombin Preparations*
Authors: Lanchantin G. F , Presant C. A , Hart D. W , Friedmann J. A
Published: July 2018

A comparison has been made between the clotting activity (C) and TAMe esterase activity (E) during prothrombin activation and subsequent purification of human thrombin. A limited number of studies were made using bovine thrombin for comparison purposes. Under certain circumstances, the ratio of C to E for human thrombin is not constant, particularly upon gel-filtration at low ionic strength and during prolonged contact with 25% sodium citrate. Under other circumstances, however, these enzymic parameters are stable and human thrombin appears to have a ratio of C to E of approximately 6 while bovine thrombin has a ratio of 3. This finding may confirm the observations of others concerning the higher specific activity of human thrombin than the bovine enzyme against bovine fibrinogen. Only a single component having C and E activity has been isolated from human prothrombin preparations activated to thrombin by sodium citrate or biologically and purified by either gel filtration or ion exchange chromatography. Kinetic studies on human thrombin preparations indicate that in all other respects they are similar in enzymic properties to those reported for the purified bovine enzyme.
Platelet Aggregation in Waldenstrom’s Macroglöbulinaemia*
Authors: Rozenberg M. C , Dintenfass L
Published: July 2018

The morphology of coagula obtained in the cone in cone viscometer is studied in two cases of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia. Whereas the structures obtained in normal individuals have the features of in vivo thrombosis, the platelet masses usually obtained are not present in the two patients studied. It is postulated that disturbance of platelet aggregation as demonstrated may account for the bleeding diathesis in some cases of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia.
Thrombolyse mit rt-PA bei zwei Säuglingen mit infizierten Vorhofthromben
Authors: Ries M. , Haas N. , Singer H. , Helmig F.-J. , Krienke Liane
Published: July 2018

Bei zwei jungen Säuglingen wurden im Alter von 11 bzw. 44 Tagen im Rahmen septischer Krankheitsbilder echokardiographisch Thromben im rechten Vorhof diagnostiziert. Als prädisponierende Faktoren bestanden ein zentralvenöser Katheter bzw. eine ventrikulokardiale Ableitung bei Hydrozephalus. Lediglich die zweite Patientin entwickelte zusätzlich eine spezifische klinische Symptomatik im Sinne einer oberen Einflußstauung.

Die Thrombolyse mit rt-PA begannen wir bei Patientin 1 bei leicht erhöhtem Blutungsrisiko mit einem Bolus von 0,3 mg/kg in 30 min und setzten sie dann in steigender Dosierung von 0,5 bis 1 mg/kg/d fort. Am 8. Tag wurde bei echo-kardiographisch gesichertem Teilerfolg die chirurgische Therapie angeschlossen. Das zweite Kind wurde initial mit einem höheren Bolus von 0,5 mg/kg in 30 min und einer anschließenden Dauerinfusion von 0,5 mg/kg/d behandelt. Nach 8 Stunden wiederholten wir dieses Vorgehen und erzielten einen zügigen und vollständigen Erfolg. Die Infektion konnte bei beiden Kindern im Rahmen der Lysetherapie antibiotisch beherrscht werden. Blutungen oder andere Komplikationen traten nicht auf.
Organ Preservation in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Zanetto Alberto , Russo Francesco , Germani Giacomo , Burra Patrizia
Published: July 2018

The discrepancy between the number of patients awaiting liver transplantation and the number of available donors has become a key issue in the transplant setting. Various strategies to cope with the donor shortage problem and to increase the use of suboptimal grafts have been explored. Machine perfusion has been applied ex situ to liver grafts in the effort to improve static cold-storage preservation. If a more extensive application of this technology confirms the preliminary results, machine perfusion will become crucial in increasing the donor pool as well as improving recipients' outcomes. In this review, the authors focused on the evolution of machine perfusion, from the first animal experiences to the latest evidence in humans, highlighting the pros and cons as well as the potential clinical applications of various types of machine.
The Nasal Width and Boxiness Index: Introduction and Pilot Study on Reliability and Validity of Sonographic Morphometry
Authors: Litschel Ralph , Tasman Abel-Jan
Published: July 2018

Both intended and unintended surgical modifications of nasal width and shape of the nasal tip continue to be of interest to the rhinoplasty surgeon. As validated instruments for quantifying width and boxiness are lacking, the objective of this study was to introduce a width index and a boxiness index for the nasal dorsum and the nasal tip. A width index and a boxiness index were defined within the methodological limits of noncontact sonography. The reliability of both indices was studied by comparing the measurements of two examiners on the noses of five volunteers. The validity of the indices was studied by correlating the sonographic width and boxiness with the 5-point Likert scale ratings of photographs of 5 noses by 21 lay persons. Nasal width was defined as the diameter at a distance of 5 mm from the skin surface on a sonographic cross-section perpendicular to the skin surface. Boxiness was defined as the quotient of width at a depth of 1 and 5 mm. Bland–Altmann analysis revealed negligible bias between both examiners and 95% of limits of agreement of 13, 7, and 13% for width at 1 mm, width at 5 mm, and boxiness, respectively. Corresponding Pearson's correlation coefficients were r = 0.93, r = 0.93, and r = 0.71. The correlation between the cumulative lay persons' scores and sonographic width and boxiness were r = 0.97, r = 0.66, and r = 0.81 for nasal tip width, dorsal width, and boxiness, respectively. Both the width at a depth of 5 mm as measured with sonography and the boxiness index that is defined as width at a depth of 1 mm divided by the width at a depth of 5 mm may prove to be acceptable surrogate parameters for width and boxiness of the nose in comparative morphometric studies.
The Impact of Sperm and Egg Donation on the Risk of Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Sibai Baha , Bart Yossi , Shina Avi , Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Eisen Irit , Hendler Israel , Baum Micha , Schiff Eyal , Fishel Bartal Michal
Published: July 2018

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric outcomes in relation to the extent of donor sperm exposure with and without egg donation.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary care center. All women with a singleton pregnancy who conceived following sperm donation (SD) were included. Obstetrics and neonatal outcomes for pregnancies following single SD were compared with pregnancies following repeat SD from the same donor. In a secondary analysis, we compared pregnancy outcomes among three modes of assisted reproductive technology (intrauterine insemination [IUI-SD], in vitro fertilization [IVF-SD], and IVF sperm + egg donation [IVF-SD + ED]).

Results A total of 706 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria, 243 (34.4%) following the first SD and 463 (65.6%) following repeat donations. Compared with repeat SDs, single donation was not associated with higher rates of preterm delivery (12.8 vs. 12.7%, respectively, p = 0.99), preeclampsia (7.0 vs. 6.9%, p = 0.999), and intrauterine growth restriction (4.1 vs. 3.9%, p = 0.88). Pregnancies following IVF-SD + ED had increased risk for preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–6.6), preterm labor (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1–5.4), and cesarean section (AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0–4.3) compared with IUI-SD and IVF-SD.

Conclusion The extent of donor sperm exposure did not correlate with obstetrics complications, but double gamete donation was associated with increased risk for preeclampsia, preterm labor, and cesarean section.
Status Epilepticus in Neonates
Authors: Saini Arushi , Vinayan Kollencheri
Published: July 2018

Seizures are a reflection of acute brain injury in the neonatal period, and status epilepticus reflects a state of high seizure burden. Neonatal status epilepticus has been reported in 8 to 43% of newborns with seizures. There is no separate definition for neonatal status epilepticus, and it has been commonly defined as a continuous seizure lasting at least 30 minutes and/or a series of seizures whose total duration exceeds 50% of a given epoch. The causes of status epilepticus in the neonatal period mirror the causes of neonatal seizures. It is symptomatic, usually associated with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, inherited metabolic disorders, infections, and cerebral hemorrhage. Management guidelines are not separately outlined for neonatal status epilepticus and are commonly derived from the recommendations for neonatal and infantile seizures. The presence of neonatal status epilepticus significantly increases the odds for development of cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, and epilepsy later in life. Further research is needed into the role of current antiepileptic drugs in causing neuronal injury and use of neuroprotective agents during neonatal status epilepticus.
A new method for generating chaotic system with arbitrary shaped distributed attractors
Authors: Su Qingyun , Wang Chunhua , Chen Hua , Sun Jingru , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a new method for generating a chaotic system with arbitrary shaped (including heart-shaped, oval, circle, piecewise-linear, and cuboid) distributed attractors is proposed. In this article, a simple four-wing chaotic attractor is first presented by using a periodic piecewise function instead of a constant parameter in the Lorenz system, on the basis of which the chaotic system with arbitrary shaped distributed attractors in the plane can be constructed. This means that the distributed chaotic attractors can be arranged in an arbitrary shape in the plane. The chaotic system can generate any quantity of distributed chaotic attractors, and simulation results show that any desired number of positive Lyapunov exponents can be obtained. Therefore, the chaotic system will have more complicated dynamic characteristics. The dynamical mechanisms of this chaotic system are further investigated, and theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are in accordance with each other, which verifies the effectiveness of the approach. Lastly, the proposed chaotic system is used for image encryption. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme has an excellent performance.
Experimental and theoretical study of ultraviolet-induced structural/optical instability in nano silicon-based luminescence
Authors: Malloy James , Mantey Kevin , Maximenko Yulia , Bahceci Ersin , Morgan Huw , Yamani Zain , Boparai Jack , Puthalath Krithik , Nayfeh Munir H.
Published: July 2018

Nano silicon is emerging as an active element for UV applications due to quantum confinement-induced widening of the Si bandgap, amenability to integration on Si, and less sensitivity to temperature. NanoSi-based UV applications include deep space exploration, high temperature propulsion, solar photovoltaics, and particle detection in high energy accelerators. However, the viability of the technology is limited by a complex nanoSi optical quenching instability. Here, we examined the time dynamics of UV-induced luminescence of sub 3-nm nanoSi. The results show that luminescence initially quenches, but it develops a stability at ∼50% level with a time characteristic of minutes. Upon isolation, partial luminescence recovery/reversibility occurs with a time characteristics of hours. To discern the origin of the instability, we perform first principles atomistic calculations of the molecular/electronic structure in 1-nm Si particles as a function of Si structural bond expansion, using time dependent density functional theory, with structural relaxation applied in both ground and excited states. For certain bond expansion/relaxation, the results show that the low-lying triplet state dips below the singlet ground state, providing a plausible long-lasting optical trap that may account for luminescence quenching as well as bond cleavage and irreversibility. Time dynamics of device-operation that accommodates the quenching/recovery time dynamics is suggested as a means to alleviate the instability and allow control of recovery, which promises to make it an effective alternative to UV-enhanced Si or metal-based wide-bandgap sensing technology.
Energy band engineering of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-well solar cells via AlGaN electron- and hole-blocking layers
Authors: Huang Xuanqi , Chen Hong , Fu Houqiang , Baranowski Izak , Montes Jossue , Yang Tsung-Han , Fu Kai , Gunning Brendan P. , Koleske Daniel D. , Zhao Yuji
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we perform a comprehensive study on energy band engineering of InGaN multi-quantum-well (MQW) solar cells using AlGaN electron- and hole-blocking layers. InGaN MQW solar cells with AlGaN layers were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, and high crystal quality was confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction measurements. Time-resolved photoluminescence results showed that the carrier lifetime on the solar cells with AlGaN layers increased by more than 40% compared to that on the reference samples, indicating greatly improved carrier collections. The illuminated current-density (J–V) measurements further confirmed that the short-circuit current density (Jsc) of the solar cells also benefited from the AlGaN layer design and increased 46%. At room temperature, the InGaN solar cells with AlGaN layers showed much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE), by up to two-fold, compared to reference devices. At high temperatures, these solar cells with AlGaN layers also delivered superior photovoltaic (PV) performance such as PCE, Jsc, and fill factor than the reference devices. These results indicate that band engineering with AlGaN layers in the InGaN MQW solar cell structures can effectively enhance the carrier collection process and is a promising design for high efficiency InGaN solar cells for both room temperature and high temperature PV applications.
Analytical and numerical study of the non-linear noisy voter model on complex networks
Authors: Peralta A. F. , Carro A. , San Miguel M. , Toral R.
Published: July 2018

We study the noisy voter model using a specific non-linear dependence of the rates that takes into account collective interaction between individuals. The resulting model is solved exactly under the all-to-all coupling configuration and approximately in some random network environments. In the all-to-all setup, we find that the non-linear interactions induce bona fide phase transitions that, contrary to the linear version of the model, survive in the thermodynamic limit. The main effect of the complex network is to shift the transition lines and modify the finite-size dependence, a modification that can be captured with the introduction of an effective system size that decreases with the degree heterogeneity of the network. While a non-trivial finite-size dependence of the moments of the probability distribution is derived from our treatment, mean-field exponents are nevertheless obtained in the thermodynamic limit. These theoretical predictions are well confirmed by numerical simulations of the stochastic process.
Asymptotics for a class of oscillating fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Saanouni T.
Published: July 2018

The asymptotic behavior of solutions to a fourth-order Schrödinger equation with a time oscillating non-linearity is investigated. Precisely, for large time, such solutions are close to some solutions to the associated semi-linear fourth-order Schrödinger problem with average of the oscillation.
Influence of vacancy defect concentration on the combustion of reactive Ni/Al nanolaminates
Authors: Witbeck Brandon , Sink Jake , Spearot Douglas E.
Published: July 2018

Self-propagating reactions in Ni/Al nanolaminates have been widely studied for their high combustion temperatures surpassing 1900 K and rapid combustion wave speeds exceeding 10 m/s. These combustion characteristics have motivated unique industrial applications, such as soldering of electrical components, and possible military applications. Unfortunately, there is a limited understanding of the effect of lattice defects on combustion characteristics. This work explores the effect of vacancy concentration on the combustion rate and peak temperature of reactive Ni/Al nanolaminates. Increasing vacancy concentration increases both reaction rates and peak reaction temperatures. For the reaction rate, vacancy concentration effects are shown to be interdependent with bilayer thickness, initial temperature, and hydrostatic pressure. The effects on reaction peak temperature are independent of these other system parameters. A new method for mapping vacancy and composition profiles is presented to demonstrate the formation and migration of vacancies during the self-propagating reaction.
Scintillating fiber detectors for time evolution measurement of the triton burnup on the Large Helical Device
Authors: Pu Neng , Nishitani Takeo , Ogawa Kunihiro , Isobe Mitsutaka
Published: July 2018

Two scintillating fiber (Sci-Fi) detectors have been operated in the first deuterium plasma campaign of the Large Helical Device in order to investigate the time evolution of the triton burnup through secondary 14 MeV neutron measurement. Two detectors use scintillating fibers of 1 mm diameter embedded in an aluminum matrix with a length of 10 cm connected to the magnetic field resistant photomultiplier. A detector with 91 fibers was developed in the Los Alamos National Laboratory and has been employed on JT-60U. Another detector with 109 fibers has been developed in the National Institute for Fusion Science. The signals are fed into a discriminator of 300 MHz bandwidth with a pulse counter module for online measurement and a digitizer of 1 GHz sampling with 14 bits to acquire pulse shape information for offline data analysis. The triton burnup ratio has been evaluated shot-by-shot by the 14 MeV neutron measurement of Sci-Fi detectors which are calibrated by using the neutron activation system and the total neutron measurement of the neutron flux monitor using 235U fission chambers.
The effect of chain stiffness and salt on the elastic response of a polyelectrolyte
Authors: Stevens Mark J. , Berezney John P. , Saleh Omar A.
Published: July 2018

We present simulations of the force-extension curves of strong polyelectrolytes with varying intrinsic stiffness as well as specifically treating hyaluronic acid, a polyelectrolyte of intermediate stiffness. Whereas fully flexible polyelectrolytes show a high-force regime where extension increases nearly logarithmically with force, we find that the addition of even a small amount of stiffness alters the short-range structure and removes this logarithmic elastic regime. This further confirms that the logarithmic regime is a consequence of the short-ranged “wrinkles” in the flexible chain. As the stiffness increases, the force-extension curves tend toward and reach the wormlike chain behavior. Using the screened Coulomb potential and a simple bead-spring model, the simulations are able to reproduce the hyaluronic acid experimental force-extension curves for salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 mM. Furthermore, the simulation data can be scaled to a universal curve like the experimental data. The scaling analysis is consistent with the interpretation that, in the low-salt limit, the hyaluronic acid chain stiffness scales with salt with an exponent of −0.7, rather than either of the two main theoretical predictions of −0.5 and −1. Furthermore, given the conditions of the simulation, we conclude that this exponent value is not due to counterion condensation effects, as had previously been suggested.
On the validity and applicability of models of negative capacitance and implications for MOS applications
Authors: Kittl J. A. , Obradovic B. , Reddy D. , Rakshit T. , Hatcher R. M. , Rodder M. S.
Published: July 2018

The observation of room temperature sub-60 mV/dec subthreshold slope (SS) in MOSFETs with ferroelectric (FE) layers in the gate stacks or in series with the gate has attracted much attention. Recently, we modeled this effect in the framework of a FE polarization switching model. However, there is a large amount of literature attributing this effect to a stabilization of quasi-static (QS) negative capacitance (NC) in the FE. The technological implications of a stabilized non-switching QSNC model vs a FE switching model are vastly different; the latter precluding applications to sub-60 mV/dec SS scaled CMOS due to speed limitations and power dissipated in switching. In this letter, we provide a thorough analysis assessing the foundations of models of QSNC, identifying which specific assumptions (ansatz) may be unlikely or unphysical, and analyzing their applicability. We show that it is not reasonable to expect QSNC for two separate capacitors connected in series [with a metal plate between dielectric (DE) and FE layers]. We propose a model clarifying under which conditions a QS “apparent NC” for a FE layer in a FE-DE bi-layer stack may be observed, quantifying the requirements of strong interface polarization coupling in addition to capacitance matching. In this regime, our model suggests the FE layer does not behave as a NC layer, simply, the coupling leads to both the DE and FE behaving as high-k DE with similar permittivities. This may be useful for scaled equivalent oxide thickness devices, but does not lead to sub-60 mV/dec SS.
Hole barrier height reduction in inverted quantum-dot light-emitting diodes with vanadium(V) oxide/poly(N-vinylcarbazole) hole transport layer
Authors: Park Young Ran , Choi Won Kook , Hong Young Joon
Published: July 2018

This study demonstrates superior electrical and electroluminescence performance of inverted quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) with a V2O5/poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) hole conduction layer. Hole- and electron-only device measurements reveal a more balanced charge carrier injection as well as the higher hole conduction capability in the inverted QD-LED than the standard one. Smooth stepwise hole conduction energy levels with a remarkably reduced hole barrier height (Δh) from 1.74 to 0.89 eV at QD/PVK are found to be responsible for high hole conduction and high luminous efficiency in the inverted QD-LED, which is validated by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The down-shifted electronic energy levels of PVK for reducing the Δh are discussed from the point of view of molecular orientation of PVK governed by interfacial atomic interaction with underlayers of V2O5 and QD for standard and inverted device structures, respectively.
Transient anomalous diffusion with Prabhakar-type memory
Authors: Stanislavsky Aleksander , Weron Aleksander
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we derive the general properties of anomalous diffusion and non-exponential relaxation from the Fokker-Planck equation with the memory function related to the Prabhakar integral operator. The operator is a generalization of the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral and permits one to study transient anomalous diffusion processes with two-scale features. The aim of this work is to find a probabilistic description of the anomalous diffusion from the Fokker-Planck equation, more precisely from the memory function. The temporal behavior of such phenomena exhibits changes in time scaling exponents of the mean-squared displacement through time domain—a more general picture of the anomalous diffusion observed in nature.
The initial-boundary value problem for the Sasa-Satsuma equation on a finite interval via the Fokas method
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhu Qiaozhen , Fan Engui
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the initial-boundary value problem for the Sasa-Satsuma equation on the finite interval is studied by using the Fokas method (or called unified transform method). We show that the solution of this problem can be expressed in terms of the solution of a 3 × 3 Riemann-Hilbert problem. The relevant jump matrices are explicitly given in terms of the three matrix-value spectral functions s(k), S(k), and SL(k), which in turn are defined in terms of the initial values u0(x), boundary values at x = 0, i.e, {g0(t), g1(t), g2(t)}, and boundary values at x = L, i.e, {f0(t), f1(t), f2(t)}, respectively. However, for a well-posed problem, only part of the boundary values can be prescribed, and the remaining boundary data cannot be independently specified but are determined by the so-called global relation. As the Lax pair is 3 × 3 and the derivative order of the Sasa-Satsuma equation is three, the analysis of the global relation is more complicated. We show that if we know the initial and partial boundary values {g0(t), f0(t), f1(t)}, then we can characterize the unknown boundary values {g1(t), g2(t), f2(t)} via a Gelfand-Levitan-Marchenko representation of the eigenfunctions {Φij(t, k), ϕij(t, k)} though analyzing the global relation.
Multiplicity results for stationary Kirchhoff problems involving fractional elliptic operator and critical nonlinearity in RN
Authors: Song Yueqiang , Shi Shaoyun
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we study a class of stationary Kirchhoff problems involving a fractional elliptic operator and critical nonlinearity in RN: g[u]s2(−Δ)su=αk(x)|u|q−2u+β|u|2s*−2u. By using a fractional version of Lions’ second concentration compactness principle and concentration compactness principle at infinity to prove that the (PS)c condition holds locally and by minimax methods and Krasnoselskii genus theory, we establish the multiplicity of solutions for suitable positive parameters α, β.
New MOSFET modeling study raises questions about negative capacitance
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: July 2018

A new modeling study of metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) suggests that quasi-static negative capacitance in a ferroelectric stabilized by a dielectric is unphysical.
Vestibulo-ocular function in patients with sporadic ataxia
Authors: Zeigelboim Bianca Simone , Kronbauer Kairone Fernandes , Von Scheidt Anylize Wachholz , Teive Hélio , Fonseca Vinicius , Marques Jair
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To identify vestibular alterations in patients with sporadic ataxia (SA).

Materials and methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out. Eleven patients, four females and seven males, 35–58 years of age (mean age, 46.6 ± 8 years) were evaluated, and they underwent the following procedures: anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological assessment to exclude any kind of middle ear impairments that may hinder exam results, and vestibular evaluation to verify the existence of vestibular disorders, kind and site of the lesion. Significance criterion by comparing the result of the vestibular screening (analysing normal and altered results) was p < .05.

Results:

Clinically, patients evidenced greater occurrence of gait imbalance (81.8%), dysarthria (63.8%) and dysphagia (54.5%). Dizziness was reported in 45.4% of the cases. In the vestibular testing, prevalence of alterations occurred in the caloric test (54.5%), in the rotation test (45.5%), and in the search for gaze and optokinetic nystagmus (27.3%, each). The presence of testing alteration was observed in 73% of the patients, central vestibular disorder was the greatest occurrence in 64% of the exams.

Conclusions:

Vestibular function disorder occurred in 73% of the patients, detected in the caloric test, central vestibular system disorder, deficit kind, was prevalent. The high number of alterations, diagnosed in the test, point to the relevance of the labyrinth screening in this rare kind of ataxia, and evidence the importance of patients’ early diagnosis and follow-up.
Use of Prescription Medications That Potentially Interfere With Blood Pressure Control in New-Onset Hypertension and Treatment-Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Hwang Andrew Y , Dave Chintan V , Smith Steven M
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Withdrawing medications that interfere with blood pressure (BP) is recommended in patients with uncontrolled BP, yet real-world use of such agents is not well characterized among individuals with hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the use of BP-interfering prescription medications among US patients with hypertension.

METHODS

This retrospective drug utilization study used medical and prescription claims (January 2008 to December 2014) in the MarketScan commercial claims database. We included adults, aged 18–65 years, with a hypertension diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 401) and ≥1 antihypertensive medication fill. Two hypertension cohorts were examined—new antihypertensive drug users (incident hypertension) and patients requiring titration to a fourth antihypertensive (incident treatment-resistant hypertension [TRH]). Patient-level exposure to BP-interfering medications was assessed 6 months before and after the index date, defined as the first prescription fill of an antihypertensive drug or the first occurrence of overlapping use of ≥4 antihypertensive drugs.

RESULTS

We identified 521,028 patients with incident hypertension and 131,764 patients with incident TRH. The most prevalent BP-interfering prescription medications were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophens, and hormones. Overall, 18.3% of the incident hypertension cohort and 17.6% of the incident TRH cohort initiated a BP-interfering medication following antihypertensive titration. Among patients previously taking a BP-interfering medication, 57.6% with incident hypertension and 64.9% with incident TRH refilled that medication after antihypertensive intensification.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of prescription BP-interfering medications, especially NSAIDs, is prevalent among patients requiring intensification of their antihypertensive regimen. Greater efforts to limit the use of these medications, where feasible, may be required among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
WAVES: a web application for versatile enhanced bioinformatic services
Authors: Chakiachvili Marc , Milanesi Sylvain , Arigon Chifolleau Anne-Muriel , Lefort Vincent
Published: July 2018

WAVES is a web application dedicated to bioinformatic tool integration. It provides an efficient way to implement a service for any bioinformatic software. Such services are automatically made available in three ways: web pages, web forms to include in remote websites and a RESTful web services single application programing interface to access remotely from applications. In order to fulfill the service’s computational needs, WAVES can perform computation on various resources and environments, such as Galaxy instances.

Availability and implementation

WAVES was developed with Django, a Python-based web framework. It was designed as a reusable web application. It is fully portable, as only a Python installation is required to run Django. It is licensed under GNU General Public License. Source code, documentation with examples and demo are available from http://www.atgc-montpellier.fr/waves/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GPseudoRank: a permutation sampler for single cell orderings
Authors: Strauß Magdalena E , Reid John E , Wernisch Lorenz
Published: July 2018

Motivation

A number of pseudotime methods have provided point estimates of the ordering of cells for scRNA-seq data. A still limited number of methods also model the uncertainty of the pseudotime estimate. However, there is still a need for a method to sample from complicated and multi-modal distributions of orders, and to estimate changes in the amount of the uncertainty of the order during the course of a biological development, as this can support the selection of suitable cells for the clustering of genes or for network inference.

Results

In applications to scRNA-seq data we demonstrate the potential of GPseudoRank to sample from complex and multi-modal posterior distributions and to identify phases of lower and higher pseudotime uncertainty during a biological process. GPseudoRank also correctly identifies cells precocious in their antiviral response and links uncertainty in the ordering to metastable states. A variant of the method extends the advantages of Bayesian modelling and MCMC to large droplet-based scRNA-seq datasets.

Availability and implementation

Our method is available on github: https://github.com/magStra/GPseudoRank.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
WebMetabase: cleavage sites analysis tool for natural and unnatural substrates from diverse data source
Authors: Radchenko Tatiana , Fontaine Fabien , Morettoni Luca , Zamora Ismael
Published: July 2018

More than 150 peptide therapeutics are globally in clinical development. Many enzymatic barriers should be crossed by a successful drug to be prosperous in such a process. Therefore, the new peptide drugs must be designed preventing the potential protease cleavage to make the compound less susceptible to protease reaction. We present a new data analysis tool developed in WebMetabase, an approach that stores the information from liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based experimental data or from external sources such as the MEROPS database. The tool is a chemically aware system where each peptide substrate is presented as a sequence of structural blocks (SBs) connected by amide bonds and not being limited to the natural amino acids. Each SB is characterized by its pharmacophoric and physicochemical properties including a similarity score that describes likelihood between a SB and each one of the other SBs in the database. This methodology can be used to perform a frequency analysis to discover the most frequent cleavage sites for similar amide bonds, defined based on the similarity of the SB that participate in such a bond within the experimentally derived and/or public database.

Availability and implementation

http://webmetabase.com:8182/WebMetabaseBioinformatics/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
eModel-BDB: a database of comparative structure models of drug-target interactions from the Binding Database
Authors: Naderi Misagh , Govindaraj Rajiv Gandhi , Brylinski Michal
Published: July 2018

Background

The structural information on proteins in their ligand-bound conformational state is invaluable for protein function studies and rational drug design. Compared to the number of available sequences, not only is the repertoire of the experimentally determined structures of holo-proteins limited, these structures do not always include pharmacologically relevant compounds at their binding sites. In addition, binding affinity databases provide vast quantities of information on interactions between drug-like molecules and their targets, however, often lacking structural data. On that account, there is a need for computational methods to complement existing repositories by constructing the atomic-level models of drug-protein assemblies that will not be determined experimentally in the near future.

Results

We created eModel-BDB, a database of 200,005 comparative models of drug-bound proteins based on  1,391,403 interaction data obtained from the Binding Database and the PDB library of 31 January 2017. Complex models in eModel-BDB were generated with a collection of the state-of-the-art techniques, including protein meta-threading, template-based structure modeling, refinement and binding site detection, and ligand similarity-based docking. In addition to a rigorous quality control maintained during dataset generation, a subset of weakly homologous models was selected for the retrospective validation against experimental structural data recently deposited to the Protein Data Bank. Validation results indicate that eModel-BDB contains models that are accurate not only at the global protein structure level but also with respect to the atomic details of bound ligands.

Conclusions

Freely available eModel-BDB can be used to support structure-based drug discovery and repositioning, drug target identification, and protein structure determination.
Digital Microscopy, Image Analysis, and Virtual Slide Repository
Authors: Aeffner Famke , Adissu Hibret A , Boyle Michael C , Cardiff Robert D , Hagendorn Erik , Hoenerhoff Mark J , Klopfleisch Robert , Newbigging Susan , Schaudien Dirk , Turner Oliver , Wilson Kristin
Published: July 2018

Advancements in technology and digitization have ushered in novel ways of enhancing tissue-based research via digital microscopy and image analysis. Whole slide imaging scanners enable digitization of histology slides to be stored in virtual slide repositories and to be viewed via computers instead of microscopes. Easier and faster sharing of histologic images for teaching and consultation, improved storage and preservation of quality of stained slides, and annotation of features of interest in the digital slides are just a few of the advantages of this technology. Combined with the development of software for digital image analysis, digital slides further pave the way for the development of tools that extract quantitative data from tissue-based studies. This review introduces digital microscopy and pathology, and addresses technical and scientific considerations in slide scanning, quantitative image analysis, and slide repositories. It also highlights the current state of the technology and factors that need to be taken into account to insure optimal utility, including preanalytical considerations and the importance of involving a pathologist in all major steps along the digital microscopy and pathology workflow.
The NASSAU (New ASSessment of cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations yet Unruptured) Analysis: Are the Results From The ARUBA Trial Also Applicable to Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations Deemed Suitable for Gamma Knife Surgery?
Authors: Karlsson Bengt , Jokura Hidefumi , Yang Huai-Che , Yamamoto Masaaki , Martinez Roberto , Kawagishi Jun , Guo Wan-Yuo , Beute Guus , Pan David H C , Aiyama Hitoshi , Chung Wen-Yuh , Söderman Michael , Yeo Tseng Tsai
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is controversial after the ARUBA trial.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm or repudiate the ARUBA conclusion that “medical management only is superior to medical management with interventional therapy for unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations.”

METHODS

Data were collected from 1351 patients treated with Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS; Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) for unruptured and untreated AVMs The follow-up was 8817 yr (median 5.0 and mean 6.5). The results of the analyses were compared to that found in patients randomized to medical management only in the ARUBA trial and extrapolated to a 10-yr time period. Our data were also compared to the natural course in a virtual AVM population for a 25-yr time period.

RESULTS

The incidence of stroke was similar among ARUBA and our patients for the first 5 yr. Thereafter, the longer the follow-up, the relatively better outcome following treatment. Both the mortality rate and the incidence of permanent deficits in patients with small AVMs were the same as in untreated patients for the first 2 to 3 yr after GKS, after which GKS patients did better. Patients with large AVMs had a higher incidence of neurological deficits in the first 3 yr following GKS. The difference decreased thereafter, but the time until break even depended on the analysis method used and the assumed risk for hemorrhage in patent AVMs.

CONCLUSION

The ARUBA trial conclusion that medical management is superior to medical management with interventional therapy for all unruptured AVMs could be repudiated.
Glasgow
Authors: Mullen Stephen
Published: July 2018

Glasgow was a leading port in the British-Atlantic world for around 200 years. The granting of Royal Burgh status in 1611 facilitated a transformation from market town into the principal Scottish center for transatlantic trade. The first Atlantic voyages undertaken by Glasgow’s merchants most likely occurred in the 1630s, departing—due to the shallowness of the river Clyde—from the deep-water port of Ayr. To enable transatlantic trade along the Clyde basin, in 1667 Glasgow merchants constructed Port Glasgow. Along with Greenock, these outport towns became departure points for the New World. Despite being technically barred from the plantations due to the English Navigation Acts, Glasgow’s early Atlantic traders flourished. By 1700, sugar refineries at the Trongate generated large fortunes, although overall trade was small scale in comparison with later events. In 1707, the incorporating Union joined the English and Scottish parliaments. Article IV of the Union allowed Scots free trade in the British Atlantic Empire. Glasgow’s merchants, assisted by factors who crossed the Atlantic, monopolized the trade in slave-grown produce: tobacco, and to a much lesser extent, sugar and cotton. Briefly the global center of the Virginia trade, the War of American Independence (1775–1783) ended Glasgow merchants’ tobacco monopoly, though these entrepreneurs focused their commercial attentions elsewhere. By 1790, more import and export goods from the West Indies passed through Clyde ports than from either America or Europe. The Atlantic exchange of goods promoted an integrated economy that transformed the Royal Burgh of Glasgow into a metropolis and Scotland’s largest city (Glasgow became accepted as a “city” through long usage of the term). The city of Glasgow thus underwent successive phases of improvement based on the Atlantic trades, eras referred to as the “golden age of tobacco” (1740–1783) and the “golden age of sugar” (1790–1838). David Armitage’s three concepts of the contours of Atlantic history provides a conceptual framework that allows analysis of relevant historiography. Cisatlantic studies—especially the early work of T. C. Smout—traced the development of Glasgow, its mercantile community, and their operations in the west of Scotland with little contextualization of colonial activities. Other historians such as Allan Karras have examined Scottish networks in North American and West Indian colonies. More recently, in studies of the Scottish diaspora in the Caribbean, historians such as Douglas Hamilton adopted transatlantic approaches. Study of abolition and pro-slavery groups is a developing field. Despite (or perhaps because of) Glasgow’s economic dependency on slavery and its commerce, philosophers and opponents critiqued the system and campaigned for abolition, thus attacking the very foundation on which the British Empire was based. Glasgow is one of several cities on the west coast of Great Britain (others include Bristol and Liverpool) that was dramatically transformed while integrated with the Atlantic world. By 1825 Glasgow was described as “The Second City of Empire.”
Post-processual Archaeology
Authors: Preucel Robert W.
Published: July 2018

Post-processual archaeology refers to an intellectual movement in Anglo-American archaeology that emerged in the 1980s. As its name implies, it grew out of critiques of processual archaeology and advocated alternative interpretive perspectives, especially those encompassing questions of meaning, history, politics, and practice. At the broadest level, post-processual archaeology can be seen as a response to the widespread influences of post-structuralism, feminism, postcolonialism, and postmodernism on the humanities and social sciences. Significantly, post-processual archaeology expanded the reach of the field by opening up spaces for the investigation of gender, practice, materiality, and identity. It also encouraged archaeologists to acknowledge the relationships of humans and their object worlds and the different possible trajectories they travel. A key insight is that studies of materiality cannot simply focus upon the characteristics of objects; they must engage in the dialectic of people and things. Although post-processual archaeology per se no longer is the focus of contemporary debates, its legacy continues through these ongoing projects and interventions.
Using Dog Scent Detection as a Point-of-Care Tool to Identify Toxigenic Clostridium difficile in Stool
Authors: Taylor Maureen T , McCready Janine , Broukhanski George , Kirpalaney Sakshi , Lutz Haydon , Powis Jeff
Published: July 2018

We evaluated the operating characteristics of 2 comparably trained dogs as a “point-of-care” diagnostic tool to detect toxin gene-positive Clostridium difficile. Although each dog could detect toxin gene-positive C difficile in stool specimens with sensitivities of 77.6 and 92.6 and specificities of 85.1 and 84.5, respectively, interrater reliability is only modest (Cohen’s kappa 0.52), limiting widespread application.
Determinants of support for government involvement in obesity control among American adults
Authors: Moore Ami R , Amey Foster , Mpofu Elias
Published: July 2018

Obesity takes a substantial toll on society as a whole. Obesity and its health-related complications contribute significantly to healthcare costs and negatively affects almost every aspect of human life. It is therefore reasonable for the government to be involved in finding solutions to control the epidemic. This article examined factors that influence support for government intervention in the obesity epidemic in the United States. We used data from Obesity in the United States: Public Perceptions, a survey of a nationally representative sample of American adults. We conducted OLS regression analysis, to understand how three main covariates that described beliefs about causes of obesity and a series of controls impact support for government intervention in obesity control. There was a significant negative relationship between support for government intervention and beliefs about causes of obesity. Also, political ideology and party affiliation significantly influenced support for government intervention. For instance, while Democrats were more supportive of government interventions to control obesity, Republicans were not supportive of such intervention. Additionally, race and environmental characteristics of place of residence significantly influenced support for government intervention. Further, there were significant joint effects of political affiliation, race, and weight status on support for government intervention. Unlike previous studies, we find that one of the important factors that drive people to either support or abhor government intervention is the perception of what causes obesity. It is important that public health officials and other stakeholders understand the intricacies of public support for obesity control.