bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic and static sealing performance of elastic check valve spool
Authors: Cao Chao , Zhao Jiyun , Li Gulin , Jin Xin , Cao Zijian 
Published: October 2018

The non‐metallic valve spool has the advantages of safety, stability, and biocompatibility. In order to expand the application of non‐metallic elastic valve spool in medical water jet, a check valve spool structure with double‐protrusion structure of polyurethane is designed to replace the metal valve spool and the spring thus achieves control of the fluid. Based on the non‐linear mechanical response of elastic materials, ANSYS Workbench was used to calculate the stress and deformation under the different friction coefficient and pre‐compression. The results show that the static sealing effect of the valve spool is best when the pre‐compression is 0.1 mm and the friction coefficient between the spool and the valve sleeve is 0.2. Then, based on bidirectional fluid–solid coupling analysis through Fluent, the flow field changes during the interaction between fluid and elastic material and the key bearing position of the valve spool are clarified. The results shows that size, processing quality, and material properties of the inner ring protrusion will determine the dynamic sealing performance of elastic valve spool.
Combined IR and XPS characterization of organic refractory residues obtained by ion irradiation of simple icy mixtures
Authors: Accolla M. , Pellegrino G. , Baratta G. A. , Condorelli G. G. , Fedoseev G. , Scirè C. , Palumbo M. E. , Strazzulla G. 
Published: October 2018

Context. Multi-year laboratory experiments have demonstrated that frozen icy mixtures containing simple organic and inorganic molecules (such as H2O, N2, CH4, CO, CO2, C2H6, etc.), if exposed to a flux of energetic ions or UV photons, give rise to new more complex molecules at low temperatures (10–50 K). A fraction of the new synthesized molecules is volatile while the remaining fraction is refractory and therefore it is preserved after the warm-up of the substrate to room temperature. Moreover, a part of the refractory material is formed during the annealing to room temperature, when molecules and radicals into the processed ice become mobile and react to form non-volatile molecules. By means of similar mechanisms, complex organic materials may be formed on the icy surfaces of some objects in the outer solar system, such as trans-Neptunian objects, comets and some satellites of the giant planets: in fact the interaction with solar wind and solar flares ions, solar photons and galactic cosmic rays could produce more refractory materials, analogous to those produced in the laboratory. In some cases, the materials thus synthesized may contain functional groups considered relevant to the pre-biotic chemistry in the hypothesis that interplanetary dust particles, comets and meteoroids contributed to seed the early Earth with the building blocks of life.
Aims. The aim of this work is to investigate the chemical similarities and differences between some organic residues left over after ion bombardment (200 keV H+) of different ice mixtures followed by subsequent warm up under vacuum to room temperature.
Methods. Seven organic residues have been prepared in our laboratory following a procedure involving the proton irradiation of seven different icy mixtures and their warm-up to room temperature. All the organic samples were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy with measurements performed in situ, in the ultra-high vacuum condition preventing any sample degradation. Three of them were selected to be characterized by XPS spectroscopy as well.
Results. Among the organic residues presented in this paper, only those containing nitrogen and carbon exhibit the multi-component band centred at 2200 cm−1. This multi-component band presents interest from the astrobiological point of view due to its attribution to nitriles (–C≡N) and isonitriles (–N≡C). Our results demonstrate that this band is present in the IR spectra of organic nitrogen residues regardless the use of oxygen-bearing species in the icy mixture. This finding is of interest since the 2200 cm−1 band has been observed in some extraterrestrial samples (micro-meteorites) collected in the Antarctica.
Ageism and Health in Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Procedures
Authors: Pearl Rebecca L , Percec Ivona 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Ageism is a common form of prejudice that negatively affects the health of older adults. Anti-aging procedures are increasingly popular among patients seeking aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive treatments.

Objectives
This study aimed to identify the prevalence of age-based discrimination, and its relationship to health, among patients seeking cosmetic procedures.

Methods
Patients from a university-based, single-surgeon, aesthetic plastic surgery clinic completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale, which assesses the frequency with which individuals have experienced “microaggressions” and the main reason(s) for discrimination (including age). Participants also completed: measures of perceived age discrimination across interpersonal, romantic, work, and healthcare contexts and anticipation of age-based discrimination in the future; a single-item measure of self-rated health (rated 1-5); and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Results
Fifty patients consented to participate in the study (94% women, 78% white, mean age 49.4 ± 13.5 years). More than 30% of participants reported age as the main reason for everyday discrimination. Participants who reported experiencing age-based discrimination, compared with those who did not, had worse self-rated health, lower self-esteem, and greater anticipated age-based discrimination. Participants most frequently endorsed experiencing age-based discrimination in an interpersonal context (36.0%) followed by work settings (20.0%).

Conclusions
A significant portion of patients seeking cosmetic procedures may experience age-based discrimination, which could negatively affect their health and well-being. Patients might benefit from expectation management about how their procedure may or may not address their concerns about age-based discrimination. More research is needed to determine whether cosmetic procedures help to mitigate discrimination in aging patients.
Long-term context-dependent genetic adaptation of the viral genetic cloud
Authors: Braun Tzipi , Bordería Antonio V , Barbezange Cyril , Vignuzzi Marco , Louzoun Yoram 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Motivation
RNA viruses generate a cloud of genetic variants within each host. This cloud contains high-frequency genotypes, and many rare variants. The dynamics of these variants is crucial to understand viral evolution and their effect on their host.

Results
We use an experimental evolution system to show that the genetic cloud surrounding the Coxsackie virus master sequence slowly, but steadily, evolves over hundreds of generations. This movement is determined by strong context-dependent mutations, where the frequency and type of mutations are affected by neighboring positions, even in silent mutations. This context-dependent mutation pattern serves as a spearhead for the viral population’s movement within the adaptive landscape and affects which new dominant variants will emerge. The non-local mutation patterns affect the mutated dinucleotide distribution, and eventually lead to a non-uniform dinucleotide distribution in the main viral sequence. We tested these results on other RNA viruses with similar conclusions.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Open Source Software Reliability Model with the Decreasing Trend of Fault Detection Rate
Authors: Wang Jinyong , Mi Xiaoping 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Software reliability assessment methods have been changed from closed to open source software (OSS). Although numerous new approaches for improving OSS reliability are formulated, they are not used in practice due to their inaccuracy. A new proposed model considering the decreasing trend of fault detection rate is developed in this study to effectively improve OSS reliability. We analyse the changes of the instantaneous fault detection rate over time by using real-world software fault count data from two actual OSS projects, namely, Apache and GNOME, to validate the proposed model performance. Results show that the proposed model with the decreasing trend of fault detection rate has better fitting and predictive performance than the traditional closed source software and other OSS reliability models. The proposed model for OSS can further accurately fit and predict the failure process and thus can assist in improving the quality of OSS systems in real-world OSS projects.
Partial migration and early size of southern hake Merluccius australis: a journey between estuarine and oceanic habitats off Northwest Patagonia
Authors: Toledo Pamela , Darnaude Audrey M , Niklitschek Edwin J , Ojeda Vilma , Voué Raphaël , Leiva Félix P , Labonne Maylis , Canales-Aguirre Cristian B 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPartial migration is a key adaptive strategy, increasingly observed across multiple taxa. To investigate partial migration and life-cycle diversity of Merluccius australis in northwestern Patagonia, we analysed isotopic (δ13C, δ18O) and elemental (11B, 23Na, 24 Mg, 55Mn, 86Sr, 138Ba) compositions of otoliths from juveniles, sub-adults, and adults to identify nursery origins, habitats used, and migratory behaviours of multiple cohorts (1990–2005). Influence of early size upon migration was assessed by comparing back-calculated sizes at demersal recruitment between resident and migratory adults. Although partial migration occurred at both estuarine and oceanic nursery habitats, migratory behaviour was more frequent in fish of estuarine origin (59%) than in fish of oceanic origin (17%). Adults of estuarine origin dominated both estuarine (92%) and oceanic (77%) sampling areas. Although we found no significant differences in size at demersal recruitment between oceanic-resident and oceanic-migratory fish, a strong relationship between size at demersal recruitment and migratory behaviour appeared in fish of estuarine origin, whose probability of migration increased from 5% to 95% as demersal recruitment size increased from 18.8 to 23.6 cm. Further research on M. australis life cycle is required to incorporate sub-population processes into the stock assessment and management models being used for this overexploited species.
Increased urinary miR-196a level predicts the progression of renal injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: An Yu , Zhang Changming , Xu Feng , Li Wei , Zeng Caihong , Xie Lu , Liu Zhihong 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Recent data suggest that miR-196a is predominantly expressed in the kidney and plays an inhibitory role in the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis (IF). However, the predictive value of miR-196a in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unknown. We validated the role of urinary miR-196a in the progression of renal injury in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
Our study included 209 patients with biopsy-proven DN. The mean follow-up time was 54.03 ± 32.94 months. Histological lesions were assessed using the pathological classification established by the Renal Pathology Society. Percentages of IF and tubular atrophy were assessed using the Aperio ScanScope system. We measured the correlation of urinary miR-196a with clinical and pathological parameters using the Spearman’s correlation test. The influence of urinary miR-196a on renal outcomes was assessed using Cox regression analysis.

Results
Urinary miR-196a levels correlated positively with proteinuria (ρ = 0.385, P &lt; 0.001), duration of diabetes mellitus (ρ = 0.255, P &lt; 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.267, P &lt; 0.001). The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hemoglobin level showed a negative correlation with urinary miR-196a (ρ = −0.247, P &lt; 0.001 and ρ = −0.236, P = 0.001, respectively). Pathologically, urinary miR-196a levels correlated with glomerular sclerosis and IF in patients with DN. Urinary miR-196a was significantly associated with progression to end-stage renal disease [hazard ratio (HR) 2.03, P &lt; 0.001] and a 40% reduction of baseline eGFR (HR 1.75, P = 0.001), independent of age, gender, body mass index, mean arterial pressure and hemoglobinA1c level. However, urinary miR-196a did not improve predictive power to proteinuria and eGFR in DN patients.

Conclusions
Increased urinary miR-196a was significantly associated with the progression of renal injury and might be a noninvasive prognostic marker of renal fibrosis in DN patients.
Age-related renal function decline in Fabry disease patients on enzyme replacement therapy: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Madsen Christoffer V , Granqvist Henrik , Petersen Jørgen H , Rasmussen Åse K , Lund Allan M , Oturai Peter , Sørensen Søren S , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Nephropathy is common in Fabry disease (FD). Prior studies of renal function during enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) have primarily used estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We studied the attrition of renal function in FD by measured GFR (mGFR) and urine protein excretion, and explored the influence of age.

Methods
This was a long-term observational study of a nationwide, family-screened cohort of FD patients. All Danish genetically verified FD patients on ERT, without end-stage renal disease at baseline and with three or more mGFR values were included.

Results
In all, 52 patients with consecutive mGFR values (n = 841) over median 7 years (range 1–13) were evaluated. Blood pressure remained normal and urine protein excretion was unchanged. Plasma globotriaosylceramide (Gb-3) levels normalized while plasma lyso-Gb-3 remained abnormal in 34% of patients. Baseline mGFR was 90 ± 3 mL/min/1.73 m2 and rate of renal function loss 0.9 ± 0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Baseline eGFR was 97 ± 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and rate of renal function loss 0.8 ± 0.3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. mGFR was age- adjusted to renal healthy non-FD subjects, giving a standard deviation score of −0.8 ± 0.2 with an annual slope of −0.03 ± 0.01 (P = 0.099), without differences between genders. Age grouping of age-adjusted data showed exaggerated renal function loss with age. Urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) &gt;300 mg/g was associated with faster renal function loss, independent of baseline mGFR, age and gender.

Conclusions
ERT-treated FD patients did not have a faster attrition of renal function than renal healthy non-FD subjects (background population). The rate of renal function loss with age was independent of gender and predicted by high UACR. We suggest cautious interpretation of non-age-adjusted FD renal data.
Emergence of Cytomegalovirus Mononucleosis Syndrome Among Young Adults in Hong Kong Linked to Falling Seroprevalence: Results of a 14-Year Seroepidemiological Study
Authors: Sridhar Siddharth , Chung Tom W H , Chan Jasper F W , Cheng Vincent C C , Lau Susanna K P , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Woo Patrick C Y 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) mononucleosis is a manifestation of primary CMV infection. This study aims to establish the link between long-term population CMV seroepidemiological trends and incidence of CMV mononucleosis requiring hospitalization. Furthermore, by analyzing serial laboratory data of patients hospitalized with CMV mononucleosis, we aim to provide insights into the natural history of this syndrome.MethodsWe conducted a 14-year observational study in a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G data of 2349 adults were analyzed for trends in CMV susceptibility during the study period. The clinical features, risk factors, antiviral treatment data, and laboratory findings of 25 adult patients presenting with CMV mononucleosis during this period were retrieved.ResultsSusceptibility to CMV infection among the adult population aged 18–45 in Hong Kong increased from 14.5% in 2004 to 32.2% in 2012–2017 (P &lt; .001), and this led to doubling of observed CMV mononucleosis incidence among inpatients in our center during the study period. All patients with CMV mononucleosis were hospitalized for investigation of fever of unknown origin. Household contact with young children was the most common risk factor followed by recent overseas travel. Derangement of liver function tests was universally observed and was more severe than in previously published western CMV mononucleosis patient cohorts. Most patients showed clinical improvement within the third week of illness.ConclusionsWe conclude that increasing CMV susceptibility among young adults in Hong Kong has resulted in a rising observed incidence of CMV mononucleosis, which is typically a self-limited illness characterized by anicteric hepatitis.
Predictors of Surgical Intervention in Dialysis Patients With Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Woller III John A , Walsh Victoria L , Robichaux Chad , Thourani Vinod H , Jacob Jesse T 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
The use of valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may be different than in the general population. We assessed predictors of early surgery in ESRD patients with IE.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study among dialysis patients with left-sided IE between 2005 and 2015. Indications for surgery were based on current endocarditis guidelines. Patients were categorized as early valve replacement surgery or delayed/no surgery. We used logistic regression to determine independent predictors of early surgery.

Results
Among 229 patients, 67 (29.3%) underwent early surgery. New congestive heart failure was the only high level of evidence indication independently associated with early surgery (odds ratio [OR], 12.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4–43.6). Transfer from outside hospital (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.2–13.3), valve rupture (OR, 6.9; 95% CI, 2.6–17.9), coagulase-negative staphylococcus etiology (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4–10.6), and presence of any low level of evidence indication (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.2–15.5) predicted early surgery. Preexisting valve disease (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12–0.82) and surgical contraindications (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.005–0.4) predicted nonsurgical treatment.

Conclusions
Among ESRD patients with IE, most surgical indications are not predictive of early surgery.
T790M mutation in stage IV EGFR-mutated NSCLC patient with acquired resistance reverted to original 19Del mutation after administration of a series of precision treatments: a case report
Authors: Han Jialong , Wang Ya , Zhong Lili , Zhou Huijie , Yu Min , Li Yanying , Lu You , Wang Yan , Zhu Jiang 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Existing studies have yet to elucidate clearly the mechanisms of secondary resistance to third generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), neither is there any established standard therapy for patients resistant to third generation EGFR-TKIs. This case report demonstrates a rare mutation pattern in a male patient with a pathologic diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an EGFR exon 19 deletion (19Del) mutation, who then acquired an EGFR-T790M mutation after developing resistance to the first generation EGFR-TKI (gefitinib). The mutation reverted to the original EGFR-19Del mutation after the patient developed secondary resistance against the third generation TKI (osimertinib). This patient eventually achieved partial response (PR) with second generation TKI (afatinib) as a fourth-line treatment.
Evaluating the impact of an international short-term medical mission through diabetic glycemic control
Authors: Mach John C , Barone Hope , Boni Christopher , Jimenez Humberto , Tinglin Michael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis prospective observational study evaluated the impact of a primary care-based, international, short-term medical mission’s (STMM) impact on diabetes disease burden as represented through reductions in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).MethodsFrom November 2016 to May 2017, we tracked the HbA1c’s of diabetic individuals in Dajabon, Dominican Republic through care provided by Waves of Health (WOH). Participants were provided counseling, glucose monitoring equipment, a 6-month supply of anti-diabetic medications, and received a ‘check-in’ phone call at 3 months. HbA1c’s were re-measured at 6-month follow up. We hypothesized WOH diabetic care would have a modest impact of reducing mean HbA1c by 0.5%.ResultsIn total, 75% (n = 76) of 101 participants presented for follow-up care. Mean and median HbA1c decreased from 8.71 (SD 2.0) and 8.5% to 8.36 (SD 2.1) and 7.7%, respectively (P = 0.07). The percentage of individuals with HbA1c ≤7.5 increased by 10.4% at follow-up. The mean HbA1c decrease was 1.1%.ConclusionsThough limited by sample size, our results suggest that medical STMM’s may have a clinically meaningful impact in chronic disease management when utilizing a systematic combination of education, medical therapy, clearly documented medication instructions and regular trip intervals.
Severe gastrointestinal disease in very early systemic sclerosis is associated with early mortality
Authors: Richard Nicolas , Hudson Marie , Wang Mianbo , Gyger Geneviève , Proudman Susanna , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG), Baron M , Hudson M , Gyger G , Pope J , Larché M , Khalidi N , Masetto A , Sutton E , Robinson D , Rodriguez-Reyna T S , Smith D , Thorne C , Fortin P R , Fritzler M ,   Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG), Croyle L , de Jager J , Ferdowsi N , Hill C , Laurent R , Lester S , Major G , Morrisroe K , Nash P , Ngian G , Nikpour M , Proudman S , Rischmueller M , Roddy J , Sahhar J , Schrieber L , Stevens W , Strickland G , Sturgess A , Thakkar V , Tymms K , Walker J , Youseff P , Zochling J , Baron Murray 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To examine the incidence, predictors and outcomes associated with severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease in a large inception SSc cohort.

Methods
SSc subjects with <2 years of disease duration were identified from two multicentre cohorts. Severe GI disease was defined as: malabsorption, hyperalimentation, pseudo-obstruction and/or ⩾10% weight loss in association with the use of antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or oesophageal stricture. Kaplan–Meier, multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to determine the cumulative incidence rate, independent clinical correlates and mortality rate associated with severe GI disease. A longitudinal mixed model was used to assess the impact of severe GI disease on the Short Form Health Survey.

Results
In this inception SSc cohort, the probability of developing severe GI disease was estimated at 9.1% at 2 years and 16.0% at 4 years. In multivariate analysis, severe GI disease was associated with inflammatory myositis (odds ratio 4.68, 95% CI 1.65, 13.24), telangiectasias (odds ratio 2.45, 95% CI 1.19, 5.04) and modified Rodnan skin score (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.07). Severe GI disease was associated with a >2-fold increase in the risk of death (hazard ratio 2.27, 95% CI 1.27, 4.09) and worse health-related quality of life [Short Form Health Survey physical (β = −2.37, P = 0.02) and mental (β = −2.86, P = 0.01) component summary scores].

Conclusion
Severe GI disease is common in early SSc and is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. More research is needed to understand, prevent and mitigate severe GI disease in SSc.