bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐healing materials: what can nature teach us?
Authors: Dooley C. , Taylor D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNatural materials such as bone and insect cuticle are capable of self‐repair, a facility that greatly increases their durability and safe working stress. Some engineering materials have also been designed to be self‐healing, although currently they cannot match the performance of natural materials as regards the efficiency and longevity of the healing process. In this paper, we review the state of the art regarding these two types of materials. We discuss the role of fracture mechanics in the development of theoretical models of self‐healing; we identify certain crucial parameters that make natural materials successful and discuss how these lessons can be applied to improve the performance of self‐healing materials for engineering applications.
Ultrastructural Study of Vitiligo
Authors: Galadari Ebrahim , Mehregan Amir H. , Hashimoto Ken 
Published: February 2017

Background. Vitiligo is a relatively common skin disease characterised by development of patchy depigmented macules. A comparative ultrastructural study was undertaken between early developing (2–6 months duration) and long standing (1–5 years duration) lesions of vitiligo in a series of ten patients.Methods. Skin biopsy specimens from the ten patients were fixed, stained, and examined under an electron microscope.Results. No melanocytes were found in the sections taken from long standing lesions. The sections from early lesions showed junctional melanocytes exhibiting various cellular abnormalities. The epidermal keratinocytes were normal in all sections; however, some sections from the periphery of early lesions exhibited minor degenerative changes.Conclusions. We can assume that because of the absence of melanocytes in long standing lesions, repigmentation may occur only from the melanocytic reservoir in the hair follicles. Repigmentation may also occur in lesions of short duration by reactivation of melanocytes present in the area, so an attempt should be made to treat vitiligo lesions in their early stage.
Cournot, Bertrand or Chamberlin: Toward a reconciliation
Authors: Parenti Mathieu , Sidorov Alexander V. , Thisse Jacques‐François , Zhelobodko Evgeny V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper compares the market equilibria in a differentiated industry under Cournot, Bertrand, and monopolistic competition. This is accomplished in a one‐sector economy where consumers are endowed with separable preferences. When firms are free to enter the market, monopolistically competitive firms charge lower prices than oligopolistic firms, while the mass of varieties provided by the market is smaller under the former than the latter. If the economy is sufficiently large, Cournot, Bertrand and Chamberlin solutions converge toward the same market outcome, which may be a competitive or a monopolistically competitive equilibrium, depending on the nature of preferences.
Induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived gamete‐associated proteins incite rejection of induced pluripotent stem cells in syngeneic mice
Authors: Kim Eun‐Mi , Manzar Gohar , Zavazava Nicholas 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe safety of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in autologous recipients has been questioned after iPSCs, but not embryonic stem cells (ESCs), were reported to be rejected in syngeneic mice. This important topic has remained controversial because there has not been a mechanistic explanation for this phenomenon. Here, we hypothesize that iPSCs, but not ESCs, readily differentiate into gamete‐forming cells that express meiotic antigens normally found in immune‐privileged gonads. Because peripheral blood T cells are not tolerized to these antigens in the thymus, gamete‐associated‐proteins (GAPs) sensitize T cells leading to rejection. Here, we provide evidence that GAPs expressed in iPSC teratomas, but not in ESC teratomas, are responsible for the immunological rejection of iPSCs. Furthermore, silencing the expression of Stra8, ‘the master regulator of meiosis’, in iPSCs, using short hairpin RNA led to significant abrogation of the rejection of iPSCs, supporting our central hypothesis that GAPs expressed after initiation of meiosis in iPSCs were responsible for rejection. In contrast to iPSCs, iPSC‐derivatives, such as haematopoietic progenitor cells, are able to engraft long‐term into syngeneic recipients because they no longer express GAPs. Our findings, for the first time, provide a unifying explanation of why iPSCs, but not ESCs, are rejected in syngeneic recipients, ending the current controversy on the safety of iPSCs and their derivatives.
Optimization of logistics services in hospitals
Authors: Rais Abdur , Alvelos Filipe , Figueiredo João , Nobre Ana 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHealth‐care costs are increasing rapidly in the developed countries. For many years, logistics has been identified as one of the major cost factors. Such escalating cost is a serious concern for most hospitals as providers of affordable health care but many time‐sensitive logistics services are essential and indispensable. In this paper, we discuss various logistics issues that are cost concerns for most hospitals and address a particular hospital‐internal courier service logistics as an example. Applying optimization‐based approaches on real‐world data from a particular hospital in Portugal, we demonstrate how efficiency and effectiveness can be improved. Computational results show that solution approach based on optimization and process re‐engineering can not only improve the performance measure by more than 50% but also reduce resources necessary to maintain the same level of service as before by 16.67%. We have developed and implemented a fully functional decision‐support system that is now used daily at the Hospital of Braga in Portugal for not only handling the courier service function more efficiently but also for increased flexibility to manage urgent and high‐priority service needs that could not be handled before.
Two Independent Mapping Techniques Identify Rotational Activity Patterns at Sites of Local Termination During Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ALHUSSEINI MAHMOOD , VIDMAR DAVID , MECKLER GABRIELA L. , KOWALEWSKI CHRISTOPHER A. , SHENASA FATEMAH , WANG PAUL J. , NARAYAN SANJIV M. , RAPPEL WOUTER‐JAN 
Published: February 2017

Comparing Mapping Techniques at AF TerminationIntroductionThe mechanisms for atrial fibrillation (AF) are unclear in part because diverse mapping techniques yield diverse maps, ranging from stable organized sources to highly disordered waves. We hypothesized that AF mechanisms may be clarified if mapping techniques were compared in the same patients, and referenced to a clinical endpoint. We compared two independent AF mapping techniques in patients in whom ablation terminated persistent AF before pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods and ResultsWe identified 12 patients with persistent AF (61.2 ± 10.8 years, four female) in whom mapping with 64 pole baskets and technique 1 (activation/phase mapping, FIRM) identified rotational activation patterns during at least 50% of the 4‐second mapping interval and targeted ablation at these rotational sites terminated AF to sinus rhythm (n = 10) or atrial tachycardia. We analyzed the unipolar electrograms of these patients to determine phase maps of activation by an independent technique 2 (Kuklik, Schotten et al., IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2015). Compared to technique 1, technique 2 revealed a source in 12 of 12 (100%) cases with spatial concordance in all cases (P <0.05) and similar rotational characteristics.ConclusionAt sites where ablation terminated persistent AF, two independent mapping techniques identified stable rotational activation for multiple cycles that drove peripheral disorder. Future comparative studies referenced to a clinical endpoint may help reconcile if discrepancies between AF mapping studies reports represent techniques, patient populations or models of AF, and improve mapping to better guide ablation.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation With or Without Contact Force Sensing
Authors: HUSSEIN AYMAN A. , BARAKAT AMR F. , SALIBA WALID I. , TARAKJI KHALDOUN G. , BASSIOUNY MOHAMED , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , TCHOU PATRICK , BHARGAVA MANDEEP , DRESING THOMAS , CALLAHAN THOMAS , CANTILLON DANIEL , KANJ MOHAMED , LINDSAY BRUCE D. , WAZNI OUSSAMA M. 
Published: February 2017

Contact Force Sensing for Persistent AF AblationIntroductionArrhythmia recurrences remain common after ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF). Contact force (CF)‐sensing catheters have been introduced for objective assessment of contact during radiofrequency application and have been suggested to improve outcomes in ablation of paroxysmal AF, but little is known about their role in PersAF ablation. We aimed to compare the procedural profiles and outcomes of (PersAF) ablation with or without using CF‐sensing catheters.MethodsAll consecutive patients undergoing first time ablation for PersAF between April 2014 and January 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic were included. Substrate modification was performed in addition to isolation of the pulmonary veins. Success rates were determined off antiarrhythmics over 1 year of follow‐up.ResultsThe study included 174 patients (77 CF and 97 non‐CF). Ablation with CF‐sensing catheters resulted in shorter procedures (median 204 vs. 216 minutes, P = 0.04) and shorter fluoroscopy time (36 vs. 48 minutes, P = 0.0005), without statistical difference in radiation dose (225 vs. 270 milligrays, P = 0.1). Arrhythmia recurrences were less likely to be observed in the CF‐sensing group (27.6% vs. 46.4%, P = 0.01, log‐rank P = 0.004). In multivariable Cox analyses, the use of CF‐sensing catheters was associated with a lower risk of arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.85, P = 0.01).ConclusionsCompared to non‐CF sensing, the use of CF‐sensing catheters for PersAF ablation is associated with shorter procedures, shorter fluoroscopy time, and reduction in arrhythmia recurrences.
Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With MitraClip Device: Preliminary Findings
Authors: HAEGELI LAURENT M. , D'ANGELO GIUSEPPE , TREVISI NICOLA , STELLA STEFANO , BREITENSTEIN ALEXANDER , DURU FIRAT , BRUNCKHORST CORINNA , DELLA BELLA PAOLO 
Published: February 2017

VT Ablation in MitraClip PatientsIntroductionPatients with mitral regurgitation are increasingly treated by percutaneous implantation of a MitraClip device (Abbott Park, IL, USA). We investigate the feasibility and safety of the transmitral catheter route for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in these patients.MethodsThe mitral valve with the MitraClip in situ was crossed under transesophageal 3‐dimensional echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance using a steerable sheath for ablation of the left ventricle.ResultsFive patients (all males, median age 74.0 ± 16.0 years) who had previously a MitraClip implanted were referred for catheter ablation of VT. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 29.0% ± 24.0%. One patient had both an atrial septal defect and a left atrial appendage occluder device in addition to a MitraClip. The duration between MitraClip implantation and ablation was 1019.0 ± 783.0 days. After transseptal puncture, ablation catheter was successfully steered through the mitral valve with the use of fluoroscopy. A complete high‐density map of the substrate in sinus rhythm could be obtained in all patients using multipolar mapping catheters. In 1 patient, mapping was carried out using a mini‐basket catheter. Procedural endpoints, noninducibility of all VTs, and abolition of all late potentials were achieved in all patients. Procedure time was 255.0 ± 52.5 minute, fluoroscopy time was 23.0 ± 7.3, and the radiation dose was 61.0 ± 37.5 Gycm2. No mitral insufficiency or worsening of regurgitation was documented after the procedure.ConclusionsThis is the first report demonstrating the feasibility and safety of VT ablation in patients with a MitraClip device using the anterograde transmitral catheter route.
Where is the ‘subjective straight ahead’ in Williams syndrome?
Authors: Saj A. , Heiz J. , Barisnikov K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Williams Syndrome (WS) are known to have particular difficulties when performing visuo‐spatial tasks, which could be related to their difficulties in using a specific reference system to determine spatial relations.The aim of the present study was to assess the internal representation of the body's sagittal plane, which is an important benchmark for an egocentric frame of reference.MethodThe results of 18 WS individuals (mean age = 20.5 ± 9.2 years) on the subjective straight ahead (SSA) task were compared with those of two healthy control groups composed of 36 participants matched on chronological age matched on chronological age (CA) and 30 young children matched on non‐verbal intellectual ability (YC).ResultsIndividuals with WS showed a significant left deviation on the SSA body's sagittal plane representation compared with the chronological age control group and a marginal left deviation compared with the young children control group. A comparison with the objective SA (0°) showed a significant leftward deviation in the WS group but not in the two control groups.ConclusionsIndividuals with WS showed a significant leftward deviation in the SSA task. This bias of the body's longitudinal axe representation could have a negative impact on the use of an egocentric reference system, which could be the cause for their difficulties in defining spatial relations (e.g. location and orientation) necessary for performing spatial tasks.
Spontaneous telangiectatic osteosarcoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Goldschmidt B. , Calado M.I.Z. , Resende F.C. , Caldas R.M. , Pinto L.W. , Lopes C.A.A. , França F.G.O. , Meireles B.S. , Souza I.V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of bone cancer, especially in young. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TO) is a rare variant of OS, and hence, its occurrence, presentation, and prognosis are poorly understood. A 4‐year‐old female rhesus monkey presenting lameness and swelling was examined for a mass on the right humerus. Radiography revealed fracture and disorganized structure of bone tissue. Histopathological examination revealed malignant neoplasm composed of anaplastic osteoblasts, which invaded the bone marrow and surrounded blood‐filled cysts in the epiphysis and diaphysis forming septa. Cytogenetic analysis showed aneuploid cells, supernumerary AgNORs, and a marker fragment. The neoplasm was diagnosed as TO. To our knowledge, the occurrence of TO and its cytogenetic analysis were reported for the first time in non‐human primates.
A staging system for correct phenotype interpretation of mouse embryos harvested on embryonic day 14 (E14.5)
Authors: Geyer Stefan H. , Reissig Lukas , Rose Julia , Wilson Robert , Prin Fabrice , Szumska Dorota , Ramirez‐Solis Ramiro , Tudor Catherine , White Jacqui , Mohun Timothy J. , Weninger Wolfgang J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe present a simple and quick system for accurately scoring the developmental progress of mouse embryos harvested on embryonic day 14 (E14.5). Based solely on the external appearance of the maturing forelimb, we provide a convenient way to distinguish six developmental sub‐stages. Using a variety of objective morphometric data obtained from the commonly used C57BL/6N mouse strain, we show that these stages correlate precisely with the growth of the entire embryo and its organs. Applying the new staging system to phenotype analyses of E14.5 embryos of 58 embryonic lethal null mutant lines from the DMDD research programme (https://dmdd.org.uk) and its pilot, we show that homozygous mutant embryos are frequently delayed in development. To demonstrate the importance of our staging system for correct phenotype interpretation, we describe stage‐specific changes of the palate, heart and gut, and provide examples in which correct diagnosis of malformations relies on correct staging.
p16 and p53 in HPV‐positive versus HPV‐negative oral squamous cell carcinoma: do pathways differ?
Authors: Singh Vineeta , Husain Nuzhat , Akhtar Naseem , Khan Mohammad Yahia , Sonkar Abhinav A. , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2017

Backgroundp16 overexpression and wild‐type p53 expression are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. Role of HPV‐related carcinogenesis in the etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still vague in Indian population. We aimed to explore the expression pattern of p16 and p53 in HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative OSCC to elicit differences, if any. Further their effect on survival of patients was studied.MethodsThirty‐one consecutive HPV‐positive as well as 31 age and sex‐matched HPV‐negative OSCC cases from a case series of 369 histologically diagnosed cases of OSCC were included in this study. HPV was detected by two methods, viz. real‐time PCR and conventional PCR in biopsy samples. p16 and p53 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and p16 mRNA expression was quantified with real‐time PCR using SYBR Green assay.Resultsp16 was expressed in six (19.4%) HPV‐positive and in four (12.9%) HPV‐negative cases. Overall mutant‐type p53 expression in 62 OSCC cases was 54.8%. Out of ten p16‐positive cases, eight expressed mutant‐type p53 and only two cases expressed wild‐type p53. Risk factors including oral tobacco consumption and alcohol were present in all these ten p16‐positive cases. Survival of patients was not affected by HPV, p16 and p53 status.ConclusionPresence of mutant‐type p53 and exposure to tobacco‐related risk factors in both HPV‐positive and negative cases suggest existence of p53‐related carcinogenesis in HPV‐positive cases in Indian population.
Early Sexual Initiation and Mental Health: A Fleeting Association or Enduring Change?
Authors: Wesche Rose , Kreager Derek A. , Lefkowitz Eva S. , Siennick Sonja E. 
Published: February 2017

The present research examined how the within‐person association between sexual initiation and internalizing symptoms decays over time, using data with annual measurement occasions across adolescence (N = 1,789) and statistical models of within‐person change. Sexual initiation was associated with increased levels of internalizing symptoms for early‐initiating girls (ninth grade, approximately age 15), but not for on‐time‐initiating girls or for boys. The association between girls' early sexual initiation and internalizing symptoms declined precipitously over time. Indeed, 1 year after sexual debut, early‐initiating girls were similar to on‐time or noninitiating girls on internalizing symptoms, suggesting early sexual initiation does not produce lasting detriments to girls' mental health. Findings inform how researchers perceive sexual initiation, both as a developmental milestone and as a prevention target.
Investigating self‐efficacy, disease knowledge and adherence to treatment in adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Faint Nicholas R , Staton Janelle M , Stick Stephen M , Foster Juliet M , Schultz André 
Published: February 2017

AimPatient adherence is integral to the effectiveness of prescribed treatment, and is associated with beneficial disease outcomes, yet in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, adherence is often sub‐optimal. Multiple factors may contribute to treatment adherence, including disease knowledge and self‐efficacy. In adolescents with cystic fibrosis: (i) to compare the disease knowledge of adolescents and their parents before transition to adult care; (ii) to determine the relationship between disease knowledge (adolescent, parent) and adherence; and (iii) to evaluate self‐efficacy and its association with disease knowledge and adherence.MethodsAdolescents with cystic fibrosis and their parents were recruited from a tertiary children's hospital. Disease knowledge and self‐efficacy was assessed using the Knowledge of Disease Management‐CF and General Self‐Efficacy Scales respectively. Using pharmacy records, medication possession ratio was calculated to measure treatment adherence in the preceding year.ResultsThirty‐nine adolescent (aged 12–17 (median 14) years) and parent pairs were recruited. Adherence to hypertonic saline, but not other medications, was significantly associated with disease knowledge in adolescents (r

2
= 0.40, P = 0.029). Mean (SD) adolescent self‐efficacy was 30.8 (4.0), and not associated with disease knowledge or adherence. Mean (SD) disease knowledge was less in adolescents than parents (55 (16)% and 72 (14)% respectively, P < 0.001).ConclusionDisease knowledge is sub‐optimal in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, even in the 2 years immediately before transition to adult care. Given that adherence with some treatments has been associated with disease knowledge our results suggest the need for educational interventions in adolescents with cystic fibrosis to optimise self‐management and health outcomes.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy as a Diagnostic Marker of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Authors: Toedebusch C.M. , Bachrach M.D. , Garcia V.B. , Johnson G.C. , Katz M.L. , Shaw G. , Coates J.R. , Garcia M.L. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundNo definitive, antemortem diagnostic test for canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is available. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNF‐H) is a promising biomarker for nervous system diseases.Hypothesis/ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum pNF‐H is a detectable biological marker for diagnosis of canine DM.AnimalsFifty‐three DM‐affected, 27 neurologically normal, 7 asymptomatic at‐risk, and 12 DM mimic dogs.MethodsArchived CSF and serum pNF‐H concentrations were determined by a commercially available ELISA. A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated with CSF values.ResultsCompared with old control dogs, median CSF pNF‐H concentration was increased in all stages of DM; old dogs 5.1 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 1.4–9.3) versus DM stage 1 23.9 ng/mL (IQR 20.8–29.6; P < .05) versus DM stage 2 36.8 ng/mL (IQR 22.9–51.2; P < .0001) versus DM stage 3 25.2 ng/mL (IQR 20.2–61.8; P < .001) versus DM stage 4 38.0 ng/mL (IQR 11.6–59.9; P < .01). Degenerative myelopathy stage 1 dogs had increased median CSF pNF‐H concentrations compared with asymptomatic, at‐risk dogs (3.4 ng/mL [IQR 1.5–10.9; P < .01]) and DM mimics (6.6 ng/mL [IQR 3.0–12.3; P < .01]). CSF pNF‐H concentration >20.25 ng/mL was 80.4% sensitive (confidence interval [CI] 66.09–90.64%) and 93.6% specific (CI 78.58–99.21%) for DM. Area under the ROC curve was 0.9467 (CI 0.92–0.9974). No differences in serum pNF‐H concentration were found between control and DM‐affected dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancepNF‐H concentration in CSF is a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis of DM. Although there was high specificity for DM in this cohort, further study should focus on a larger cohort of DM mimics, particularly other central and peripheral axonopathies.