bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo quantification of aortic stiffness using MR elastography in hypertensive porcine model
Authors: Dong Huiming , Mazumder Ria , Illapani Venkata Sita Priyanka , Mo Xiaokui , White Richard D. , Kolipaka Arunark 
Published: February 2017

PurposeAortic stiffness plays an important role in evaluating and predicting the progression of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). The aim of this study is to determine the stiffness of aortic wall using MR elastography (MRE) in a hypertensive porcine model and compare it against invasive aortic pressure measurements.MethodsRenal wrapping surgery was performed on eight pigs to induce SAH. Aortic MRE was performed at baseline and 2 months postsurgery using a retrospectively pulse‐gated gradient‐echo MRE sequence on a 1.5 tesla scanner. Mechanical waves of 70 Hz were introduced into the aorta. Invasive central aortic pressure measurements were obtained prior to each scan to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP). MRE data were analyzed to obtain effective aortic stiffness. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between MAP and MRE‐derived aortic stiffness.ResultsSignificant increase in effective aortic stiffness was observed between baseline and 2 months postsurgery measurements (paired t test; P = 0.004). The average MAP, determined by pooling all animals, was 65.24 ± 9.42 mm Hg at baseline and 92.57 ± 11.80 mm Hg 2 months postsurgery with P < 0.0001. Moderate linear correlation was observed between MAP and effective aortic stiffness (ρ = 0.52; P = 0.046).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that, in a SAH porcine model, MRE‐derived aortic stiffness increased with increase in MAP. Magn Reson Med 78:2315–2321, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1C: Clinical and electrophysiological findings for the c.334G>a (p.Gly112Ser) Litaf/Simple mutation
Authors: Jerath Nivedita U. , Shy Michael E. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionCharcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1C (CMT1C) is a rare, dominantly inherited neuropathy caused by mutations in the lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumor necrosis factor (LITAF) or small integral membrane protein of the lysosome/late endosome (SIMPLE) gene.MethodsWe present a case series comprised of 10 patients in whom CMT1C is caused by a Gly112Ser substitution in the encoded protein. We focus on clinical presentation, electrodiagnostic analyses, and our findings in the context of previously described cases.ResultsThe Gly112Ser mutation causing CMT1C is a mild form of CMT, as patients walked on time, had less weakness than those with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), had a CMT neuropathy score (CMTNS) indicative of mild disease, and had faster ulnar and median motor nerve conduction velocities compared to those with CMT1A.DiscussionThe G112S mutation in LITAF seems to be clinically indistinguishable from a mild presentation of CMT1A. Muscle Nerve 56: 1092–1095, 2017
Multiparametric CMR imaging of infarct remodeling in a percutaneous reperfused Yucatan mini‐pig model
Authors: Lopez David , Pan Jonathan A. , Pollak Peter M. , Clarke Samantha , Kramer Christopher M. , Yeager Mark , Salerno Michael 
Published: February 2017

To further understanding of the temporal evolution and pathophysiology of adverse ventricular remodeling over the first 60 days following a myocardial infarction (MI) in both the infarcted and remote myocardium, we performed multi‐parametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in a closed‐chest chronic Yucatan mini‐pig model of reperfused MI.Ten animals underwent 90 min left anterior descending artery occlusion and reperfusion. Three animals served as controls. Multiparametric CMR (1.5T) was performed at baseline, Day 2, Day 30 and in four animals on Day 60 after MI. Left ventricular (LV) volumes and infarct size were measured. T1 and T2 mapping sequences were performed to measure values in the infarct and remote regions. Remote region collagen fractions were compared between infarcted animals and controls.Procedure success was 80%. The model created large infarcts (28 ± 5% of LV mass on Day 2), which led to significant adverse myocardial remodeling that stabilized beyond 30 days. Native T1 values did not reliably differentiate remote and infarct regions acutely. There was no evidence of remote fibrosis as indicated by partition coefficient and collagen fraction analyses. The infarct T2 values remained elevated up to 60 days after MI.Multiparametric CMR in this model showed significant adverse ventricular remodeling 30 days after MI similar to that seen in humans. In addition, this study demonstrated that remote fibrosis is absent and that infarct T2 signal remains chronically elevated in this model. These findings need to be considered when designing preclinical trials using CMR endpoints.
Improved multiparametric MRI discrimination between low‐risk prostate cancer and benign tissues in a small cohort of 5α‐reductase inhibitor treated individuals as compared with an untreated cohort
Authors: Starobinets Olga , Kurhanewicz John , Noworolski Susan M. 
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 5α‐reductase inhibitors (5‐ARIs) affect the discrimination between low‐grade prostate cancer and benign tissues on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Twenty men with biopsy‐proven Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer and 3 T mpMRI were studied. Ten patients (Tx) had been receiving 5‐ARIs for at least a year at scan time. Ten untreated patients (Un) were matched to the treated cohort. For each subject two regions of interest representing cancerous and benign tissues were drawn within the peripheral zone of each prostate, MR measures evaluated, and cancer contrast versus benign (contrast = (MRTumor − MRHealthy)/MRHealthy) calculated. Decreased cancer contrast was noted on T2‐weighted images: 0.4 (Un) versus 0.3 (Tx). However, for functional MR measures, a better separation of cancerous and benign tissues was observed in the treated group. Cancer contrast on high‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) was 0.61 (Un) versus 0.99 (Tx). Logistic regression analysis yielded higher AUC (area under the curve) values for distinguishing cancerous from benign regions in treated subjects on high‐b DWI (0.71 (Un), 0.94 (Tx)), maximal enhancement slope (0.95 (Un), 1 (Tx)), peak enhancement (0.84 (Un), 0.93 (Tx)), washout slope (0.78 (Un), 0.99 (Tx)), Ktrans (0.9 (Un), 1 (Tx)), and combined measures (0.86 (Un), 0.99 (Tx)). Coefficients of variation for MR measures were lower in benign and cancerous tissues in the treated group compared with the untreated group. This study's results suggest an increase in homogeneity of benign and malignant peripheral zone prostatic tissues with 5‐ARI exposure, observed as reduced variability of MR measures after treatment. Cancer discrimination was lower with T2‐weighted imaging, but was higher with functional MR measures in a 5‐ARI‐treated cohort compared with controls.
COFFEE: control‐free noninvasive fetal chromosomal examination using maternal plasma DNA
Authors: Sun Kun , Chan K. C. Allen , Hudecova Irena , Chiu Rossa W. K. , Lo Y. M. Dennis , Jiang Peiyong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to develop an approach for analyzing plasma DNA sequencing data for noninvasive fetal chromosomal aneuploidy testing that does not require the comparison with control samples or a series of selected genomic regions.ResultsWe developed the control‐free noninvasive fetal chromosomal examination (COFFEE) algorithm by utilizing the size differences between the fetally derived and maternally derived DNA molecules in maternal plasma. We applied COFFEE on three datasets generated in different experimental settings. COFFEE showed 100% accuracy in trisomy 21 testing on these datasets. In contrast, samples analyzed using an existing control‐based z‐score method would introduce a false‐positive result because of batch‐to‐batch variation, when the tested samples were analyzed using control samples from other batches. We believe that COFFEE is useful for enhancing the cost‐effectiveness of noninvasive fetal chromosomal aneuploidy testing particularly in laboratories with small caseloads. Source code and testing datasets for COFFEE are available for download at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/med/cpy/Research/COFFEE/.ConclusionControl‐free noninvasive fetal chromosomal examination is demonstrated to be a versatile data analysis approach and could enhance the application of noninvasive fetal chromosomal aneuploidy detection. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The feasibility of a physical activity intervention for adults within routine diabetes care: a process evaluation
Authors: Matthews Lynsay , Kirk Alison , McCallum Mary , Mutrie Nanette , Gold Ann , Keen Andrew 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPhysical activity is an important factor in diabetes management but is rarely implemented within routine diabetes care. The purpose of this process evaluation was to explore the feasibility of a 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention delivered for adults within routine diabetes care.A 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention was delivered, including face‐to‐face consultations at baseline, and at six and 12 months. Additional brief consultations were conducted monthly between baseline and six months via telephone, email or face‐to‐face. Consultations were led by a physical activity consultant trained and experienced in health psychology and lifestyle behaviour change. Multiple process evaluation measures were conducted including: interviews; email communication; online survey; and intervention session summaries. Additional outcomes explored participant characteristics (n = 89), attendance, adherence and the feasibility of collecting measurable outcomes for physical activity, BMI, HbA1c and psychological wellbeing. Appropriate methods and outcomes were used to facilitate implementation in a ‘real‐life’ setting, as opposed to typical research settings.The intervention was feasible with high protocol fidelity, adoption by staff, and positive participant feedback. The role of ‘champions’ (consultant diabetologist and two health psychologists) was identified as a key factor in the positive evaluation of the intervention. Three changes were made to the intervention to address the complex support needs of the sample. Challenges were identified with collecting questionnaire data within the time allocation of consultations. Although not reaching statistical significance, findings suggest improvements in physical activity levels, BMI and several aspects of psychological wellbeing.It was concluded that physical activity consultation is a feasible method of promoting physical activity to adults with diabetes in routine diabetes care. The challenge lies in the translation of physical activity interventions for everyday practice while balancing the need for measurable outcomes with effective delivery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Das Gautam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn recent times there has been a growing interest in the non‐classical effects of vitamin D as receptors for vitamin D have been abundantly identified in tissues other than bone, gut and kidneys. Strong evidence has emerged that vitamin D alters glucose metabolism through its action on synthesis and transport of insulin and its signalling pathways, and it also has a widespread role in regulating insulin sensitivity and resistance. Obese people have been found to have lower stores of vitamin D which predispose them to inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to alteration in glucose homeostasis and the development of type 2 diabetes. Results from several cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies have established a potential link between vitamin D status and type 2 diabetes but the cause–effect relationship still remains an open issue for intense debate. In addition, intervention trials based on vitamin D supplementation in patients with high risk of developing diabetes, or in patients with established diabetes, with the aim of improving metabolic parameters have shown conflicting results.This article gives an overview about the intriguing relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes and explores the mechanisms which can potentially confirm the hypothesis of altered vitamin D levels and dysglycaemic status, and whether vitamin D replacement could possibly become a therapeutic strategy in managing people with type 2 diabetes in the future. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Dimedone‐decorated conjugated polymer: Tandem knoevenagel‐michael post‐modification synthesis and its application as optical probe for Hg2+ and ClO− in high‐water‐fraction mediums
Authors: Zhai Dalong , Shi Wei , Hui Yonghai , Xie Zhengfeng 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTHigh‐efficiency, mild‐conditioned tandem Knoevenagel–Michael reaction was utilized to post‐modify aldehyde‐containing, triphenylamine‐based precursor conjugated polymer (CP1) to afford dimedone‐decorated aimed polymer (CP2). The chemical structure of CP2 was verified by FTIR and 1H NMR analyses. With the introduction of aqueous Hg2+, fluorescence of CP2 in THF‐water mixture (VTHF/Vwater = 1/100) (buffered with 5 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate‐disodium hydrogen phosphate (PB), pH = 7.4) altered significantly, with the emission changed from blue to orange. Besides this, CP2 also displayed specific optical response to ClO− in another probing medium (VTHF/Vwater = 1/100, buffered with 50 mM PBS (with NaCl in PB, pH = 7.4). The detailed probing process and the plausible detection mechanism of CP2 to Hg2+ and ClO− were systematically investigated here. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1067–1076
StopGap: elastic VMs to enhance server consolidation
Authors: Nitu Vlad , Teabe Boris , Fopa Leon , Tchana Alain , Hagimont Daniel 
Published: February 2017

SummaryVirtualized cloud infrastructures (also known as IaaS platforms) generally rely on a server consolidation system to pack virtual machines (VMs) on as few servers as possible. However, an important limitation of consolidation is not addressed by such systems. Because the managed VMs may be of various sizes (small, medium, large, etc.), VM packing may be obstructed when VMs do not fit available spaces. This phenomenon leaves servers with a set of unused resources (‘holes’). It is similar to memory fragmentation, a well‐known problem in operating system domain. In this paper, we propose a solution which consists in resizing VMs so that they can fit with holes. This operation leads to the management of what we call elastic VMs and requires cooperation between the application level and the IaaS level, because it impacts management at both levels. To this end, we propose a new resource negotiation and allocation model in the IaaS, called HRNM. We demonstrate HRNM's applicability through the implementation of a prototype compatible with two main IaaS managers (OpenStack and OpenNebula). By performing thorough experiments with SPECvirt_sc2010 (a reference benchmark for server consolidation), we show that the impact of HRNM on customer's application is negligible. Finally, using Google data center traces, we show an improvement of about 62.5% for the traditional consolidation engines. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting the structural collapse of a 52.3 m composite wind turbine blade in a full‐scale bending test
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhao Xiaolu , Xu Jianzhong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFull‐scale structural tests enable an in‐depth understanding of how composite blades respond to specific applied loads. Blade strength can be validated, and necessary modifications can be made to improve structural performance and/or reduce blade weight. This study revisits the structural collapse of a 52.3 m composite blade with new research content. Specifically, the present work examines the chain of events captured in the video record of the blade collapse and provides direct phenomenological evidence of how the blade collapsed in its ultimate limit state. In addition, three‐dimensional strains are investigated by reconstructing the root transition region of the blade using solid brick elements in a finite element analysis. The strain components responsible for particular failure characteristics are identified. The structural response of the blade is investigated numerically. Interactive failure phenomena associated with strains, local buckling and material failure are examined in detail. The study shows that local buckling of the sandwich panels with unbalanced construction drives progressive failure of the composite materials and eventually leads to blade collapse owing to significant failure of the load‐carrying spar cap. Design modifications of the blade are proposed and validated with the test of a new blade. With respect to the latest DNV GL standard, this study notes a possible method to predict delamination and skin/core debonding failures. This study also recommends the use of three‐dimensional solid elements in finite element analysis, especially when the strength and failure of large blades are of concern. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of salt water immersion caused by a tsunami on δ13C and δ18O values of Pinus thunbergii tree‐ring cellulose
Authors: Kubota Tayoko , Kagawa Akira , Kodama Naomi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPinus thunbergii trees growing on Pacific coastal sand dunes in Japan were immersed by the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011. Even trees that survived direct physical damage began to die during the following summer, probably because of the physiological stress of salt water immersion. The objectives of this study were to analyze the relationship between the carbon and oxygen isotope values (δ13C and δ18O, respectively) of P. thunbergii tree‐ring cellulose and the effects of salt water immersion caused by the tsunami. Pinus thunbergii trees were sampled in Yamamoto, Miyagi Prefecture, and in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture. Each tree‐ring that formed between 2008 and 2012 was sliced into four to eight equal subdivisions, and the isotope values were analyzed at a high time‐scale resolution. Tree rings that were immersed in seawater from the tsunami had higher δ13C values in the earlywood that formed in the spring following the tsunami than those formed prior to the disaster. This increase in δ13C values was likely caused by osmotic stress from root immersion in salt water. We did not observe a clear change in tree‐ring δ18O values after the tsunami. This lack of variance might have resulted from the post‐photosynthetic exchange of carbonyl oxygens with non‐18O‐enriched xylem water.
ACMG 2016 Update on Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidy: Implications for India
Authors: Verma I. C. , Dua-Puri R. , Bijarnia-Mahay S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractACMG 2016 guidelines for noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) are examined in the Indian context, and recommendation made for their adoption. Currently in India, NIPS is not a test that can or should be offered directly to patients. Proper pre-test counseling is essential, during which, the different options should be explained so that the patients can choose the test most appropriate for their situation. NIPS has a greater detection rate than other screening methods (like biochemical screening or ultrasound markers of aneuploidy), and can be performed in place of conventional screening for Patau, Edwards, and Down syndromes, if the patient can afford the cost, and the ultrasound does not show a malformation that is not a part of aneuploidies. The NIPS should be performed at 12 weeks of gestation or later, to reduce ‘no calls’ due to low fetal fraction. In samples that contain less than 4% fetal fraction the confidence in the report is reduced. Testing for sex chromosomes can be included, as these abnormalities are associated with unpredictable prognosis (that is often burdensome), which proves unacceptable to most Indian couples. However, patients should be provided balanced information on the abnormality that has been detected and left to choose the course of action most suited to their situation. Screening for microdeletions can be done if the patient can afford the cost, as microdeletions are more frequent than aneuploidies in young mothers. In some cases diagnosis of a microdeletion is helpful in management of the disorder in the neonatal period leading to a better outcome. The vendors should fulfill their responsibility of educating the patients before offering the test, and giving clear reports in simple understandable language. It is hoped that more vendors will perform the tests locally so that they become cheaper and affordable, as they have greater detection rate than other screening methods.
Aristotle on Accidental Causation
Authors: HUISMANN TYLER 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT:I offer a new analysis of Aristotle's concept of an accidental cause. Using passages fromMetaphysicsΔ andΕ, as well asPhysicsII, I argue that accidental causes are causally inert. After defending this reading against some objections, I draw some conclusions about Aristotle's basic understanding of causation.
Assessment and Rehabilitation of Social Cognition Impairment after Brain Injury: Surveying Practices of Clinicians
Authors: Kelly Michelle , McDonald Skye , Frith Matthew HJ 
Published: February 2017

Objectives: This study examined the current assessment practices of clinicians working with people with social cognition impairment following traumatic brain injury.Method: Two hundred and sixty clinicians completed an on-line survey that was disseminated through professional brain injury organisations. Of respondents around 90% were allied health clinicians, with the remainder comprising medical, nursing and academia.Main outcomes: The four areas of social cognition that were routinely assessed across the disciplines were insight, disinhibition, anger and social adjustment. The least routinely assessed areas were theory of mind and alexithymia. The test suggested most likely to identify social cognition impairments was The Awareness of Social Inference Test, although only 8% of clinicians responded to this question. Clinicians preferred informal assessment methods over standardised assessment methods for identifying social cognition rehabilitation goals. Higher levels of education were associated with greater use of standardised assessment modalities. Whilst there was paucity of responses overall, TBI Express was most commonly used for social cognition rehabilitation.Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of social cognition impairments in this population, formal assessment is extremely limited. The under-utilisation of assessment tools is problematic for the assessment and rehabilitation initiatives offered to people with TBI. These results have implications for the training of clinicians working in brain injury rehabilitation.