bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo assessment of biomedical Mg–Ca alloys for bone implant applications
Authors: Makkar Preeti , Sarkar Swapan Kumar , Padalhin Andrew R. , Moon Byoung-Gi , Lee Young Seon , Lee Byong Taek 
Published: September 2018

Background: Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys are considered to be promising materials for implant application due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties close to bone. However, low corrosion resistance and fast degradation are limiting their application. Mg–Ca alloys have huge potential owing to a similar density to bone, good corrosion resistance, and as Mg is essential for Ca incorporation into bone. The objective of the present work is to determine the in vitro degradation and in vivo performance of binary Mg– xCa alloy ( x = 0.5 or 5.0 wt%) to assess its usability for degradable implant applications. Methods: Microstructural evolutions for Mg– xCa alloys were characterized by optical, SEM, EDX, and XRD. In vitro degradation tests were conducted via immersion test in phosphate buffer saline solution. In vivo performance in terms of interface, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of Mg– xCa alloys was examined by implanting samples into rabbit femoral condyle for 2 and 4 weeks. Results: Microstructural results showed the enhancement in intermetallic Mg2Ca phase with increase in Ca content. Immersion tests revealed that the dissolution rate varies linearly, with Ca content exhibiting more hydrogen gas evolution, increased pH, and higher degradation for Mg–5.0Ca alloy. In vivo studies showed good biocompatibility with enhanced bone formation for Mg–0.5Ca after 4 weeks of implantation compared with Mg–5.0Ca alloy. Higher initial corrosion rate with prolonged inflammation and rapid degradation was noticed in Mg–5.0Ca compared with Mg–0.5Ca alloy. Conclusions: The results suggest that Mg–0.5Ca alloy could be used as a temporary biodegradable implant material for clinical applications owing to its controlled in vivo degradation, reduced inflammation, and high bone-formation capability.
Load transfer of nanocomposite film on aluminum substrate
Authors: Her Shiuh-Chuan , Chien Pao-Chu 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Nanocomposite films have attracted much attention in recent years. Depending on the composition of the film and fabrication method, a large range of applications has been employed for nanocomposite films. Method: In this study, nanocomposite films reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were deposited on the aluminum substrate through hot press processing. A shear lag model and Euler beam theory were employed to evaluate the stress distribution and load carrying capability of the nanocomposite film subjected to tensile load and bending moment. Results: The influence of MWCNT on the Young’s modulus and load carrying capability of the nanocomposite film was investigated through a parametric study. The theoretical predictions were verified by comparison with experimental tests. A close agreement with difference less than 6% was achieved between the theoretical prediction and experimental measurements. Conclusions: The Young’s modulus and load transfer of the nanocomposite film reinforced with MWCNTs increases with the increase of the MWCNT loading. Compared to the neat epoxy film, nanocomposite film with 1 wt % of MWCNT exhibits an increase of 20% in both the Young’s modulus and load carrying capability.
Mix design of asphalt mixture used for the waterproof and anti-cracking layer in the rainy area of South China
Authors: Liu Fuming , Dong Aixia , Liu Chaoqun , Wu Wenqing 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: In this study, the asphalt mixture (porosity <2%) was tested for use between the upper and middle layers of the asphalt pavement to improve its interlayer structure and to enhance its related waterproof and anti-cracking ability. Methods: Considering the weather characteristics and traffic conditions in Jiangxi Province, appropriate raw materials were selected. Based on the technical indexes of the raw materials, expected porosity (<2%), and AC-5 standard for the asphalt mixture, experiments were conducted to determine the best gradation range of the waterproof and anti-cracking layer, and to obtain the optimum amount of the asphalt and fiber used based on Marshall tests. Results: The high-temperature rutting test, low-temperature cracking test, and water stability test were conducted to evaluate the pavement performance of the waterproof and anti-cracking layer. Conclusions: A waterproof and anti-cracking layer was added between the upper and middle layers of the asphalt pavement, which has excellent performance for avoiding cracks and water damage.
The influence of Ca substitution on LaFeO3 nanoparticles in terms of structural and magnetic properties
Authors: Lin Qing , Xu Jianmei , Yang Fang , Yang Xingxing , He Yun 
Published: September 2018

Background: The nanocrystalline structure of La1 -xCa xFeO3 was prepared by a sol–gel method involving an auto-combustion process. The incorporation of rare-earths in LaFeO3 induces strain in magnetic properties, especially in terms of the following parameters: replacement amount, oxygen partial pressure, and calcination temperature. Methods: To determine the effects of the amount of Ca2+ ion doping agent and the calcination temperature on the microstructure, particle morphology, and magnetic properties of LaFeO3 crystal, we performed the following respective analytical methods: X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer tests. Results: The orthorhombic structure of LaFeO3 perovskite did not change even when it was doped with Ca2+ ions, and its space group continued to be Pnma (No.62). FT-IR spectra confirmed that the main band appearing at 568 cm−1 is due to the antisymmetric stretching vibration of Fe–O–Fe bonds in FeO6. The introduction of Ca inhibits the growth of grains but the morphology of particles is improved. With an increasing concentration of Ca2+ ions, magnetic behavior of the samples also witnessed an increasing trend in a proportionate manner. With an increase in calcination temperature, the enclosed area of the magnetic hysteresis curve of the sample reduced remarkably. Conclusions: The growth of nanoparticles can be restrained with an increase of Ca content that is used as doping agent. The magnetic behavior of La1 -xCa xFeO3 tilts towards G-type antiferromagnetism; the magnetic orientation is achieved from the super exchange interaction of Fe3+ ions with oxygen ions.
Study on electromagnetic characteristics of the magnetic coupling resonant coil for the wireless power transmission system
Authors: Wang Zhongxian , Liu Yiping , Wei Yonggeng , Song Yilin 
Published: September 2018

Background: The resonant coil design is taken as the core technology in the magnetic coupling resonant wireless power transmission system, which achieves energy transmission by the coupling of the resonant coil. This paper studies the effect of the resonant coil on energy transmission and the efficiency of the system. Combining a two-coil with a three-coil system, the optimum design method for the resonant coil is given to propose a novel coil structure. Methods: First, the co-simulation methods of Pspice and Maxwell are used. When the coupling coefficient of the resonant coil is different, the relationship between system transmission efficiency, output power, and frequency is analyzed. When the self-inductance of the resonant coil is different, the relationship between the performance and frequency of the system transmission is analyzed. Then, two-coil and three-coil structure models are built, and the parameters of the magnetic field of the coils are calculated and analyzed using the finite element method. In the end, a dual E-type simulation circuit model is used to optimize the design of the novel resonance coil. Results: The co-simulation results show that the coupling coefficients of the two-coil, three-coil, and novel coil systems are 0.017, 0.17 and 0.0126, respectively. The power loss of the novel coil is 16.4 mW. Conclusions: There is an obvious improvement in the three-coil system, which shows that the magnetic leakage of the field and the energy coupling are relatively small. The new structure coil has better performance, and the load loss is lower; it can improve the system output power and transmission efficiency.
The examination of vegetable- and mineral oil-based inks’ effects on print quality: Green printing effects with different oils
Authors: Aydemir Cem , Yenidoğan Semiha , Karademir Arif , Arman Kandirmaz Emine 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Printing inks oil selection is related to the desired nature of the varnish in the ink production. Petroleum-derived mineral oils and vegetable oils can be used in offset inks. Methods: In this study, the behaviors of vegetable- and mineral oil-based inks on uncoated and coated paper surfaces were investigated in terms of printability. Solid tone test prints were done with offset printing of these inks. Print gloss of the printed samples was measured and a light fastness test was implemented on these samples in order to determine the resistance to fading. Absorption behavior and contact angles of the ink-printed films on the test papers were measured with the sessile water drop method depending on time, and surface energies were calculated. Results: On both paper types, linseed–soybean oil-based vegetable ink gave the highest brightness value. The lowest print gloss results on the paper were obtained from soybean oil-based inks. The lowest color change was recorded with mineral oil-based inks on gloss-coated papers. According to the ink-film–surface relation, when the contact angle is high, surface energy decreases and the absorbency of the ink-film is lower. Conclusions: In this study, the behaviors of vegetable- and mineral oil-based inks on different paper surfaces, and the effect on the quality of printability as well as differences, have been evaluated, taking environmental and health factors into consideration.
In vivo comparison of a fixed loop (EndoButton CL) with an adjustable loop (TightRope RT) device for femoral fixation of the graft in ACL reconstruction: A prospective randomized study and a literature review
Authors: Ranjan Rahul , Gaba Sahil , Goel Lakshay , Asif Naiyer , Kalra Mukesh , Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Arvind 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: There is a lack of in vivo studies comparing the functional outcome and knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using fixed loop (EndoButton (EB) CL) and adjustable loop (TightRope (TR) RT) devices for femoral fixation of soft tissue grafts. Materials and methods: Functional outcomes were assessed in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, knee stability by anteroposterior laxity and side-to-side difference (SSD) using KT-1000 arthrometer. The evaluation was performed preoperatively and post-operatively at 6 months and 2 years. Results: Both groups were matched in terms of demographic, preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative covariates. EB ( n = 52) appeared to have better IKDC and Lysholm scores at 6 months post-operative when compared to TR ( n = 50). However, at a final follow-up of 2 years, the results were similar. The anterior tibial translation and SSD were statistically insignificant between the two groups at 6 months and 2 years. Conclusion: ACLR using EB or TR for femoral fixation gives substantially equivalent functional results and knee stability at mid-term follow-up.
miR-125a and miR-34a expression predicts Richter syndrome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients
Authors: Balatti Veronica , Tomasello Luisa , Rassenti Laura Z. , Veneziano Dario , Nigita Giovanni , Wang Huan-You , Thorson John A. , Kipps Thomas J. , Pekarsky Yuri , Croce Carlo M. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia. It is characterized by the accumulation of CD19+/CD5+ lymphocytes and can have variable outcomes. Richter syndrome (RS) is a lethal complication in CLL patients that results in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, and there are no tests to predict its occurrence. Because alterations in microRNA expression can predict the development and progression of several cancers, we investigated whether dysregulation of specific microRNAs can predict RS in CLL patients. Thus, we compared microRNA expression levels in samples from 49 CLL patients who later developed RS with samples from 59 CLL patients who did not. We found that high expression of miR-125a-5p or low expression of miR-34a-5p can predict ∼50% of RS with a false positive rate of ∼9%. We found that CLL patients predicted to develop RS show either an increase of miR-125a-5p expression (∼20-fold) or a decrease of miR-34a-5p expression (∼21-fold) compared with CLL patients that are not predicted to develop RS. Thus, miR-125a-5p and miR-34a-5p can be valuable predictor markers of RS and have the potential to provide physicians with information that can indicate the best therapeutic strategy for CLL patients.
Rap1 binding to the talin 1 F0 domain makes a minimal contribution to murine platelet GPIIb-IIIa activation
Authors: Lagarrigue Frederic , Gingras Alexandre R. , Paul David S. , Valadez Andrew J. , Cuevas Monica N. , Sun Hao , Lopez-Ramirez Miguel A. , Goult Benjamin T. , Shattil Sanford J. , Bergmeier Wolfgang , Ginsberg Mark H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractActivation of platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa; integrin αIIbβ3) leads to high-affinity fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation during hemostasis. Whereas GTP-bound Rap1 GTPase promotes talin 1 binding to the β3 cytoplasmic domain to activate platelet GPIIb-IIIa, the Rap1 effector that regulates talin association with β3 in platelets is unknown. Rap1 binding to the talin 1 F0 subdomain was proposed to forge the talin 1–Rap1 link in platelets. Here, we report a talin 1 point mutant (R35E) that significantly reduces Rap1 affinity without a significant effect on its structure or expression. Talin 1 head domain (THD) (R35E) was of similar potency to wild-type THD in activating αIIbβ3 in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Coexpression with activated Rap1b increased activation, and coexpression with Rap1GAP1 reduced activation caused by transfection of wild-type THD or THD(R35E). Furthermore, platelets from Tln1R35E/R35E mice showed similar GPIIb-IIIa activation to those from wild-type littermates in response to multiple agonists. Tln1R35E/R35E platelets exhibited slightly reduced platelet aggregation in response to low doses of agonists; however, there was not a significant hemostatic defect, as judged by tail bleeding times. Thus, the Rap1–talin 1 F0 interaction has little effect on platelet GPIIb-IIIa activation and hemostasis and cannot account for the dramatic effects of loss of Rap1 activity on these platelet functions.
Comparison of low calorie high protein and low calorie standard protein diet on waist circumference of adults with visceral obesity and weight cycling
Authors: Witjaksono Fiastuti , Jutamulia Joan , Annisa Nagita Gianty , Prasetya Septian Ika , Nurwidya Fariz 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Objectives
Many individuals with visceral obesity who previously had succeeded in reducing body weight regain and this loss–gain cycle repeats several times which is called as weight cycling. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a low calorie high protein diet (HP) compared to a low calorie standard protein diet (SP) on waist circumference of visceral obese adults with history of weight cycling.

Results
In this open-randomized clinical trial, participants were asked to follow dietary plan with reduction in daily caloric intake ranging from 500 to 1000 kcal from usual daily amount with minimum daily amount of 1000 kcal for 8 weeks and were divided in two groups: HP group with protein as 22–30% total calorie intake; and SP group with protein as 12–20% total calorie intake. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between waist circumference before and after the dietary intervention among both groups. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean reduction of waist circumference between HP and SP groups (P = 0.073). Taken together, the protein proportion does not significantly affected waist circumference.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03374150, 11 December 2017
Deaths in custody in the Irish prison service: 5-year retrospective study of drug toxicology and unnatural deaths
Authors: Iqtidar Madeeha , Sharma Kapil , Mullaney Ronan , Kelly Enda , Keevans Mary , Cullinane Myra , Kennedy Harry , Mohan Damian 
Published: September 2018

SummaryMental health and substance misuse disorders are associated with unnatural deaths in prisoners. Deaths in Irish prisons between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively analysed using coroner's findings, including post-mortem toxicology. There were 69 deaths in custody, 38 of which met inclusion criteria. All deaths by overdose (16) were positive for illicit drugs; 53% of deaths (8 of 15) due to hanging were also positive for illicit drugs, and 29% of deaths (2 of 7) from other causes were toxicology positive. In conclusion, 26 unnatural deaths (68%) were associated with use of illicit drugs, which are a major contributory factor to deaths of prisoners.Declaration of interestNone.
It is ethical to diagnose a public figure one has not personally examined
Authors: Gartner John , Langford Alex , O'Brien Aileen 
Published: September 2018

SummaryShould psychiatrists be able to speculate in the press or social media about their theories? John Gartner argues the risk to warn the public of concerns about public figures overrides the duty of confidentiality; whereas Alex Langford suggests this is beyond the ethical remit of psychiatric practice.Declaration of interestA.O'B is joint debates and analysis Editor of the British Journal of Psychiatry. J.G. is the founder of Duty To Warn, an association of mental health professionals who advocate the president's removal under the 25th Amendment on the grounds that he is psychologically unfit and dangerous.
Multicenter Phase II Study of Lurbinectedin in BRCA-Mutated and Unselected Metastatic Advanced Breast Cancer and Biomarker Assessment Substudy
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Llop-Guevara Alba , Garber Judy E. , Arun Banu K. , Pérez Fidalgo José A. , Lluch Ana , Telli Melinda L. , Fernández Cristian , Kahatt Carmen , Galmarini Carlos M. , Soto-Matos Arturo , Alfaro Vicente , Pérez de la Haza Aitor , Domchek Susan M. , Antolin Silvia , Vahdat Linda , Tung Nadine M. , Lopez Rafael , Arribas Joaquín , Vivancos Ana , Baselga José , Serra Violeta , Balmaña Judith , Isakoff Steven J. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose This multicenter phase II trial evaluated lurbinectedin (PM01183), a selective inhibitor of active transcription of protein-coding genes, in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A unicenter translational substudy assessed potential mechanisms of lurbinectedin resistance. Patients and Methods Two arms were evaluated according to germline BRCA1/2 status: BRCA1/2 mutated (arm A; n = 54) and unselected ( BRCA1/2 wild-type or unknown status; arm B; n = 35). Lurbinectedin starting dose was a 7-mg flat dose and later, 3.5 mg/m2 in arm A. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The translational substudy of resistance mechanisms included exome sequencing (n = 13) and in vivo experiments with patient-derived xenografts (n = 11) from BRCA1/2-mutated tumors. Results ORR was 41% (95% CI, 28% to 55%) in arm A and 9% (95% CI, 2% to 24%) in arm B. In arm A, median progression-free survival was 4.6 months (95% CI, 3.0 to 6.0 months), and median overall survival was 20.0 months (95% CI, 11.8 to 26.6 months). Patients with BRCA2 mutations showed an ORR of 61%, median progression-free survival of 5.9 months, and median overall survival of 26.6 months. The safety profile improved with lurbinectedin dose adjustment to body surface area. The most common nonhematologic adverse events seen at 3.5 mg/m2 were nausea (74%; grade 3, 5%) and fatigue (74%; grade 3, 21%). Neutropenia was the most common severe hematologic adverse event (grade 3, 47%; grade 4, 10%). Exome sequencing showed mutations in genes related to the nucleotide excision repair pathway in four of seven tumors at primary or acquired resistance and in one patient with short-term stable disease. In vivo, sensitivity to cisplatin and lurbinectedin was evidenced in lurbinectedin-resistant (one of two) and cisplatin-resistant (two of three) patient-derived xenografts. Conclusion Lurbinectedin showed noteworthy activity in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. Response and survival was notable in those with BRCA2 mutations. Additional clinical development in this subset of patients with metastatic breast cancer is warranted.
Aberrant cerebellar Purkinje cell activity as the cause of motor attacks in a mouse model of episodic ataxia type 2
Authors: Tara Esra , Vitenzon Ariel , Hess Ellen , Khodakhah Kamran 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT
Many cerebellar-induced neurological disorders, such as ataxias and cerebellar-induced dystonias, are associated with abnormal Purkinje cell activity. In tottering mice, a well-established mouse model of episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), cerebellar Purkinje cells are required for the initiation of motor attacks. How Purkinje cells contribute to the initiation of attacks is not known, and to date there are no reports on the activity of Purkinje cells during motor attacks in the tottering mice. Here, we show that tottering Purkinje cells exhibit high-frequency burst firing during attacks, reminiscent of other mouse models of cerebellar-induced motor dysfunction. We recorded the activity of Purkinje cells in awake head-restrained tottering mice at baseline, or during caffeine-induced attacks. During motor attacks, firing of Purkinje cells transformed to high-frequency burst firing. Interestingly, the extent to which the activity of Purkinje cells was erratic was correlated with the severity of the motor dysfunction. In support of a causal role for erratic activity in generating motor dysfunction, we found that direct infusion of the small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activator NS309 into the cerebellum of tottering mice in the midst of an attack normalized the firing of Purkinje cells and aborted attacks. Conversely, we found that inducing high-frequency burst firing of Purkinje cells in wild-type animals is sufficient to produce severe motor signs. We report that erratic activity of wild-type Purkinje cells results in ataxia and dystonic postures. Moreover, this aberrant activity is the cause of motor attacks in the tottering mice.