bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibration analysis of rectangular plates resting on four rigid supports
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to thoroughly investigate the free vibration characteristics of rectangular plates resting on symmetrically distributed four rigid supports by using a finite element (FE) method.

Design/methodology/approach
ANSYS parametric design language was used to generate the FE models and to run the analysis. The FE models were initially validated and were then used to solve for the plate first natural frequency and mode shape. The effect of the plate aspect ratio and support location on the free vibration properties of the plate was thoroughly studied by conducting several FE runs. Finally, simple empirical formulas were developed to conveniently calculate the plate first natural frequency based on the geometric parameters and support type, as well as support locations. Those well-formulated equations were in a great match with the FE data.

Findings
The results showed that the plate first natural frequency and mode shape are highly affected by the plate size and support locations. Specifically, the natural frequency deceases as the plates becomes larger. Also, the bending behavior of the first mode is highly affected by the support location, which results in a significant change in the natural frequency of the plate structure. In addition, the presently formulated empirical formulas are faithfully able to predict the natural frequency of the plate based on the geometric parameters and support location.

Originality/value
This paper provides numerous new data on the vibration properties of the rectangular plate resting on rigid supports. Also, it provides a simple way to easily calculate the natural frequency of this plate problem, unlike the very limited and complicated analytical solutions available in literature.
CD4+ T cell imbalance is associated with recurrent endometrial polyps
Authors: Zhu Yali , Du Miaomiao , Yi Lisha , Liu Zhihong , Gong Guifang , Tang Xiang 
Published: January 2018

SummaryEndometrial polyps (EPs) are localized benign overgrowths at the endometrium, with currently unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. Although symptoms of EP can be alleviated or resolved by hysteroscopic polypectomy, a significant fraction of individuals develop recurrent EPs after initial EP removal. In rare cases, EPs may also undergo malignant transformation. In‐depth understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in EP development is urgently needed. Recent works indicate that dysregulations in the immune system participate in the development of a variety of symptoms, such as aging, obesity and hypertension, many of which are EP risk factors. Based on these discoveries, we investigated the cellular immune system in premenopausal women with and without EP. Compared to EP‐free controls, the women with EP presented significantly higher RORC expression but unchanged TBX21 and FOXP3 expression in the circulating CD4+ T cells. When stimulated with PMA/ionomycin, CD4+ T cells from women with EP presented significantly higher interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐17 secretion, and lower transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β secretion. Hysteroscopic polypectomy did not significantly alter the composition of CD4+ T cells, as the women with EP presented a similar upregulation of Th17 inflammation and a downregulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) response postoperatively. Notably, in women that developed recurrent EP, the CD4+ T cells presented higher preoperative and postoperative RORC, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17 expression, as well as lower postoperative FOXP3 and TGF‐β expression, than hysteroscopic polypectomy‐treated women without EP recurrence. These data demonstrated an association between CD4+ T cell imbalance and recurrent EP development.
Roles of bacteria in the bark beetle holobiont – how do they shape this forest pest?
Authors: García‐Fraile P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBark beetles are well‐known forest pests, some species inducing massive attacks on trees, resulting in the devastation of entire woodlands. Bark beetles are associated with microorganisms, forming an entity known as ‘holobiont’. Beetles and fungi are the best‐studied members of this multipartite symbiosis. However, recent studies have shown that bacteria may play important roles in the bark beetle holobiont, such as providing certain nutrients, promoting the growth of beneficial fungi, detoxifying the environment by lowering the levels of phenolic compounds synthesised by the host tree or by inhibiting the growth of antagonistic fungi whereas some bacterial symbionts have the potential to kill beetles under certain conditions. Therefore, bacteria probably greatly affect the life cycle of bark beetles; hence, more research is needed to clarify the extent to which a bacterial associate is implicated in a bacterial bark beetle symbiosis and how much it determines host's performance. This review summarises all of the known activities of bacteria present in the bark beetle holobiont, indicates some important gaps in the knowledge of this symbiosis and provides some guidance for overcoming the difficulties in investigating this relationship in future studies.
Smartphone apps for skin cancer diagnosis: Implications for patients and practitioners
Authors: Abbott Lisa M , Smith Saxon D 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA research team at Stanford recently reported that their deep convolutional neural network had learned to classify skin cancer with a level of competence equivalent to that of board‐certified dermatologists. It is possible that in time, and using larger datasets, such software may surpass the average doctor in diagnostic ability, and that highly accurate technology may be available to both clinicians and patients via smartphones. This technology is poised to change the landscape of skin cancer diagnosis for both physicians and patients, but whether such changes are beneficial will depend on how they are regulated and implemented.
Comparison of skin cancers in liver and renal transplant recipients: Results of a prospective study in an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: Ge Ludi , Chee Shien‐Ning , Robledo Kristy P , Lowe Patricia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesOrgan transplant recipients (OTR) have an increased risk of skin cancers compared with the general population.MethodsA prospective study of renal (RTR) and liver transplant recipients (LTR) was conducted in a single New South Wales tertiary referral centre over 60 months. Initial and subsequent visit data were recorded in our transplant database. Only patients with a minimum of 11 months follow up were included.ResultsAltogether 142 RTR and 88 LTR were included in the analysis. Compared with RTR, the median age of liver transplant recipients was higher (64 vs 57 years), more men were patients (73 vs 60%) and there were higher rates of high‐risk skin types (54 vs 33%) and heavy sun exposure (43 vs 30%). RTR developed 304 non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) with a squamous cell carcinoma:basal cell carcinoma ratio of 1.7:1. LTR developed 205 NMSC with a squamous cell carcinoma:basal cell carcinoma ratio of 1.6:1. The odds ratio of developing NMSC in LTR:RTR was 1.8:1 (95% CI: 1.02–3.11, P = 0.044) on univariate analysis but there was no difference on multivariate analysis. A previous history of NMSC, age, time from transplant from first visit, skin phenotype and previous sun exposure were significant risk factors for developing NMSC.ConclusionsLiver transplant recipients are not at a lower risk of NMSC than RTR. Our study supports routine and regular post‐transplant skin surveillance of all LTR, like other OTR.
Adherence to guidance on registration of randomised controlled trials published in Anaesthesia
Authors: El‐Boghdadly K. , Wiles M. D. , Atton S. , Bailey C. R. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommends the prospective registration of interventional clinical trials. We aimed to assess the compliance with these guidelines for manuscripts submitted to and published by a single anaesthetic journal. We examined the rates of prospective trial registration, the incidence of discrepancies in primary outcome measure(s) and sample sizes, and the citation metrics of all randomised controlled trials published in Anaesthesia over a 3‐year period (2014–2016). Of the 422 randomised controlled trials submitted during the study period, 115 (27.3%) were accepted for publication, of which 90 (78.3%) were patient studies, with the remaining 25 comprising manikin, simulation, volunteer, bench, cadaver and other non‐patient intervention studies. Of the accepted patient studies, 64 (71.1%) were prospectively registered with a clinical trials registry, 20 (22.2%) were not registered and 6 (6.7%) were retrospectively registered after manuscript submission. There was no difference in the frequency of registration between accepted and rejected manuscripts (77.8% vs. 84.5%, respectively, p = 0.143). The median (IQR [range]) time from registration of accepted manuscripts to journal submission was 701 (331–1341 [99–2436]) days. There was no correlation between number of patients recruited to a study and time to submission. Fifty‐two (81.3%) of the prospectively registered studies reported the same primary outcomes in both registration and submission, and 34 (53.1%) studies were published with the same powered sample size as that described in the registry. Eleven (12.2%) studies recruited more patients and 19 (21.1%) recruited fewer patients than described in the registration protocol. There was no difference in the median (IQR [range]) number of citations per month since publication between prospectively (0.27 (0.15–0.46 [0.00–1.59]), and retrospectively (0.39 (0.15–0.62 [0.10–0.67]); p = 0.502) or unregistered (0.33 (0.10–0.52 [0.00–0.67]); p = 0.867) studies. Our results suggest that prospective clinical trial registration has no influence on acceptance for publication by Anaesthesia or subsequent citation metrics. The international recommendation for prospective trial registration appears to have not been universally incorporated into anaesthetic‐related research practice.
Antenatal vaccination against Group B streptococcus: attitudes of pregnant women and healthcare professionals in the UK towards participation in clinical trials and routine implementation
Authors: McQuaid Fiona , Jones Christine , Stevens Zoe , Meddaugh Gretchen , O'Sullivan Catherine , Donaldson Beverly , Hughes Rhona , Ford Carolyn , Finn Adam , Faust Saul N. , Gbesemete Diane , Bedford Helen , Hughes Stephen , Varghese Anu S. , Heath Paul T. , Snape Matthew D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionMaternal vaccination is increasingly part of antenatal care in the UK and worldwide. Trials of Group B streptococcus vaccines are ongoing. This study investigated the attitudes of pregnant women and healthcare professionals towards antenatal vaccination, both in routine care and a clinical trial setting.Material and methodsSurvey of 269 pregnant women, 273 midwives/obstetricians and 97 neonatal doctors across seven sites in the UK assessing attitudes towards antenatal vaccinations, knowledge of Group B streptococcus, a hypothetical Group B streptococcus vaccine, and participation in clinical vaccine trials.Results68% of pregnant women intended to receive a vaccine during their current pregnancy (183/269) and 43% (of all respondents, 115/269) reported they would be very/fairly likely to accept a vaccine against Group B streptococcus despite only 29% (55/269) knowing what Group B streptococcus was. This increased to 69% after additional information about Group B streptococcus was provided. Twenty‐four percent of pregnant women reported they would be likely to take part in a clinical trial of an unlicensed Group B streptococcus vaccine. Fifty‐nine percent of maternity professionals and 74% of neonatologists would be likely to recommend participation in a Group B streptococcus vaccine trial to women, with the vast majority (>99%) willing to be involved in such a study. Incentives to take part cited by pregnant women included extra antenatal scans and the opportunity to be tested for Group B streptococcus.ConclusionPregnant women and healthcare professionals were open to the idea of an antenatal Group B streptococcus vaccine and involvement in clinical trials of such a vaccine. Education and support from midwives would be key to successful implementation.
Effect of FH535 on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes by inhibiting WNT signaling pathway
Authors: Shi Meihong , Cheng Jianyong , He Yamei , Jiang Zhongliang , Bodinga Bello M. , Liu Boyang , Chen Huali , Li Qingwang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWingless‐int (WNT) signaling pathway is vital to modulate life processes, including cell fate determination, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and embryogenesis. To demonstrate the uncertain effect of the canonical WNT signaling pathway on oocyte maturation, immature porcine oocytes were collected and cultured in vitro with the WNT/β‐catenin inhibitor FH535. The concentrations of FH535 were selected as 0.00, 0.01, 0.10, 1.00 and 10.00 μmol/L. The results showed that the optimum concentration of FH535 on oocyte maturation was 1.00 μmol/L. In this concentration, the proportion of MII oocytes increased (P < 0.05). The rate of cleavage was the same with the control (P > 0.05), while the rate of blastocysts in the 1.00 μmol/L FH535 treated group was higher than that of control (P < 0.01). Additionally, the average number of nuclei in blastocysts raised significantly (P < 0.05). The inhibition of WNT could regulate expression of maturation‐related genes, including Cdc‐2, Bmp‐15, Gdf‐9 and Mos. In the 1.00 μmol/L FH535 treated group, the messenger RNA level of β‐catenin showed no significant change compared to the control (P > 0.05), but the protein abundance was decreased (P < 0.05). This study revealed that the inhibition of FH535 on the WNT signaling pathway could promote the maturation of porcine oocytes and altered gene expressions in vitro.
Semiparametric Estimation of the Accelerated Mean Model with Panel Count Data Under Informative Examination Times
Authors: Chiou Sy Han , Xu Gongjun , Yan Jun , Huang Chiung-Yu 
Published: December 2017

Summary
Panel count data arise when the number of recurrent events experienced by each subject is observed intermittently at discrete examination times. The examination time process can be informative about the underlying recurrent event process even after conditioning on covariates. We consider a semiparametric accelerated mean model for the recurrent event process and allow the two processes to be correlated through a shared frailty. The regression parameters have a simple marginal interpretation of modifying the time scale of the cumulative mean function of the event process. A novel estimation procedure for the regression parameters and the baseline rate function is proposed based on a conditioning technique. In contrast to existing methods, the proposed method is robust in the sense that it requires neither the strong Poisson-type assumption for the underlying recurrent event process nor a parametric assumption on the distribution of the unobserved frailty. Moreover, the distribution of the examination time process is left unspecified, allowing for arbitrary dependence between the two processes. Asymptotic consistency of the estimator is established, and the variance of the estimator is estimated by a model-based smoothed bootstrap procedure. Numerical studies demonstrated that the proposed point estimator and variance estimator perform well with practical sample sizes. The methods are applied to data from a skin cancer chemoprevention trial.
Meal‐related oscillations in the serum serotonin levels in healthy young men
Authors: Kwon Obin , Yu Ji Hee , Jeong Eunheui , Yoo Hyun Ju , Kim Min‐Seon 
Published: January 2018

SummaryContextSerotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and enteric nervous systems, modulating psychological, metabolic and gastrointestinal functions. Serotonin is also found in the serum or plasma, indicating its potential role as a hormone.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the 24‐hour diurnal profile of serum serotonin in relation to meal ingestion in healthy adult men.MethodsTen healthy (5 lean and 5 obese) male subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn every 30‐60 minutes throughout a 24‐hour period to determine the serotonin levels. Three meals were provided on a fixed schedule. To confirm the effect of meal intake on serum serotonin levels, 4 subjects underwent fasting until 1500 h and were then provided a meal without notice.ResultsSerum serotonin levels had distinct diurnal variations, with the highest levels early in the morning and the lowest levels in the midafternoon and during sleep. Notably, these diurnal oscillations were markedly reduced in obese subjects. Fluctuations in serum serotonin levels were associated with meal intake, and the levels peaked 30 minutes before meals and exhibited a trough during the postprandial period. Fasting blunted the meal‐related oscillations in serum serotonin levels. Moreover, unexpected meal intake did not lead to a premeal increase in serum serotonin levels.ConclusionsSerum serotonin levels displayed meal‐related diurnal oscillations, which were disrupted by fasting and obesity. These findings suggest the possibility that circulating serotonin modulates metabolic function in humans.
The International Alcohol Control Study: Methodology and implementation
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Casswell Sally , Mackintosh Anne‐Marie , Chaiyasong Surasak , Viet Cuong Pham , Morojele Neo , Parry Charles D. H. , Meier Petra , Holmes John , Callinan Sarah , Piazza Marina , Kazantseva Elena , Bayandorj Tsogzolmaa , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Haliday Sharon , Chun Sungsoo , Welch Miriam , Graydon‐Guy Thomas , Parker Karl 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe International Alcohol Control (IAC) Study is a multi‐country collaborative project to assess patterns of alcohol consumption and the impact of alcohol control policy. The aim of this paper is to report the methods and implementation of the IAC.Design and MethodsThe IAC has been implemented among drinkers 16–65 years in high‐ and middle‐income countries: Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, South Africa, Peru, Mongolia and Vietnam (the latter four samples were sub‐national). Two research instruments were used: the IAC survey of drinkers and the Alcohol Environmental Protocol (a protocol for policy analysis). The survey was administered via computer‐assisted interview and the Alcohol Environmental Protocol data were collected via document review, administrative or commercial data and key informant interviews.ResultsThe IAC instruments were readily adapted for cross‐country use. The IAC methodology has provided cross‐country survey data on key measures of alcohol consumption (quantity, frequency and volume), aspects of policy relevant behaviour and policy implementation: availability, price, purchasing, marketing and drink driving. The median response rate for all countries was 60% (range 16% to 99%). Where data on alcohol available for consumption were available the validity of survey consumption measures were assessed by calculating survey coverage found to be 86% or above. Differential response bias was handled, to the extent it could be, using post‐stratification weights.Discussion and ConclusionsThe IAC study will allow for cross‐country analysis of drinking patterns, the relationship between alcohol use and policy relevant behaviour in different countries.
Which is the most recommended medium for the storage and transport of avulsed teeth? A systematic review
Authors: Adnan Samira , Lone Maham M. , Khan Farhan R. , Hussain Syeda M. , Nagi Sana E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsA wide variety of materials has been researched for their use as potential storage media for avulsed teeth, but it is essential to recognize the medium most recommended for improvement of the prognosis of avulsed teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the most recommended medium to store and transport avulsed teeth based on the survival of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells as determined by in vitro studies.MethodsOnly laboratory‐based experimental studies on PDL cells found on adult permanent teeth were included. Data were collected using PubMed, CINAHL plus (EBSCO host), and the Cochrane Library, along with Google Scholar and a hand search. The key terms employed were permutations of [avulsed permanent teeth* OR dental avulsion* OR knocked out teeth*] AND [storage media* OR transport media* OR biological transport* OR PDL cell viability* OR PDL cell survival*]. A customized data extraction pro forma was used to extract the data and to evaluate the quality and risk of bias.ResultsThe initial search yielded 978 articles, but only 67 were selected. Milk was the most recommended individual medium followed by Hank's balanced salt solution. Among natural products other than milk, propolis and coconut water were most frequently recommended. Recommendations were based on maintenance of PDL cell viability followed by ease of availability, low cost, and long shelf life.ConclusionsNatural products are more effective in maintaining the PDL cell viability compared to synthetic products. Some storage media recommendations were also based upon practical aspects. Although natural products other than milk have more recommendations as a group, milk is the most recommended storage medium individually, based not only on PDL cell viability, but also practical considerations.
Tree cover shows strong sensitivity to precipitation variability across the global tropics
Authors: Xu Xiangtao , Medvigy David , Trugman Anna T. , Guan Kaiyu , Good Stephen P. , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Ignacio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimVegetation is sensitive to mean annual precipitation (MAP), but the sensitivity of vegetation to precipitation variability (PV) is less clear. Tropical ecosystems are likely to experience increased PV in the future. Here we assessed the importance, magnitude and mechanism of PV effects on tree cover in the context of covarying environmental drivers such as fire, temperature and soil properties.LocationTropical land.Time period2000–2010.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsWe compiled climate, soil and remotely‐sensed tree cover data over tropical land. We then comprehensively assessed the contribution of PV at different time‐scales to tropical tree cover variations and estimated the sensitivity of tree cover to PV changes by conducting rolling‐window regression and variance decomposition analyses. We further adopted a mechanistic modelling approach to test whether water competition between trees and grasses can explain the observed effect of PV.ResultsWe find that PV contributes 33–56% to the total explained spatial variation (65–79%) in tree cover. The contribution of PV depends on MAP and is highest under intermediate MAP (500–1,500 mm). Tree cover generally increases with rainy day frequency and wet season length but shows mixed responses to inter‐annual PV. Based on the estimated sensitivity, tropical tree cover can decrease by 3–5% overall and by up to 20% in Amazonia under a 20% decrease in rainy days. Mechanistic modelling analysis reproduced the continental differences in tree cover along an MAP gradient.Main conclusionsUnder intermediate rainfall regimes (500–1,500 mm), PV can be a more important determinant of tropical tree cover than conventionally proposed drivers such as MAP and fire. The effect of PV likely results from the sensitivity of tree–grass competition to the temporal distribution of water resources. These results show that climate variability can strongly shape the biosphere.