bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Perceived Health Nonimprovement in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Favorable Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Steunebrink L. M. M. , Oude Voshaar M. A. H. , Taal E. , Vonkeman H. E. , Zijlstra T. R. , van de Laar M. A. F. J. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the association between achieving favorable clinical outcomes and patients’ perceived change in overall health status after 12 months of treat‐to‐target in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify determinants of subjective nonimprovement.MethodsBaseline and 12‐month data of patients included in the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring remission induction cohort study with at least a moderate response (by European League Against Rheumatism criteria) after 1 year were selected for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with nonimproved perceived overall health status at 12 months.ResultsAt 12 months, 75 of 210 patients (35%) did not consider their health to have improved despite having achieved favorable clinical outcomes. Relative change from baseline in pain (Wald = 20.20; P < 0.01) and fatigue (Wald = 5.58; P = 0.02) was independently associated with nonimproved perceived overall health status. The results were similar when only patients with ≤1 swollen joint were analyzed. An improvement of 55% in pain measured on a visual analog scale was found to discriminate reasonably well between patients who considered their health to have improved versus patients who did not, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.78).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that clinical improvements do not equate with improved subjective health for all patients. The association of nonimprovement with changes in pain and fatigue suggest that it might be worthwhile to monitor and address pain and fatigue in addition to and independently of disease activity in early RA.
Three‐Dimensional Binder‐Free Nanoarchitectures for Advanced Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Kang Jianli , Zhang Shaofei , Zhang Zhijia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe ever‐increasing energy demands for electrification of transportation and powering of portable electronics are driving the pursuit of energy‐storage technologies beyond the current horizon. Pseudocapacitors have emerged as one of the favored contenders to fill in this technology gap, owing to their potential to deliver both high power and energy densities. The high specific capacitance of pseudocapacitive materials is rooted in the various available oxidation states for fast surface or near‐surface redox charge transfer. However, the practical implementation of pseudocapacitors is plagued by the insulating nature of most pseudocapacitive materials. The wealth of the research dedicated to addressing these critical issues has grown exponentially in the past decade. Here, we briefly survey the current progress in the development of pseudocapacitive electrodes with a focus on the discussion of the recent most exciting advances in the design of three‐dimensional binder‐free nanoarchitectures, including porous metal/graphene‐based electrodes, as well as metal‐atom/ion‐doping‐enhanced systems, for advanced supercapacitors with comparable energy density to batteries, and high power density.
Biomimetically Engineered Demi‐Bacteria Potentiate Vaccination against Cancer
Authors: Ni Dezhi , Qing Shuang , Ding Hui , Yue Hua , Yu Di , Wang Shuang , Luo Nana , Su Zhiguo , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFailure in enhancing antigen immunogenicity has limited the development of cancer vaccine. Inspired by effective immune responses toward microorganisms, demi‐bacteria (DB) from Bacillus are engineered as carriers for cancer vaccines. The explored hydrothermal treatment enables the Bacillus to preserve optimal pathogen morphology with intrinsic mannose receptor agonist. Meanwhile, the treated Bacillus can be further endowed with ideal hollow/porous structure for efficient accommodation of antigen and adjuvant, such as CpG. Therefore, this optimal engineered nanoarchitecture allows multiple immunostimulatory elements integrate in a pattern closely resembling that of bacterial pathogens. Such pathogen mimicry greatly enhances antigen uptake and cross‐presentation, resulting in stronger immune activation suitable for cancer vaccines. Indeed, DB‐based biomimetic vaccination in mice induces synergistic cellular and humoral immune responses, achieving potent therapeutic and preventive effects against cancer. Application of microorganism‐sourced materials thus presents new opportunities for potent cancer therapy.
Interlayer Nanoarchitectonics of Two‐Dimensional Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides Nanosheets for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Junjun , Zhang Wenjun , Lee Chun‐Sing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLamellar transition‐metal dichalcogenides (MX2) have promising applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices due to their two‐dimensional structure, ultrathin thickness, large interlayer distance, tunable bandgap, and transformable phase nature. Interlayer engineering of MX2 nanosheets with large specific surface area can modulate their electronic structures and interlayer distance as well as the intercalated foreign species, which is important for optimizing their performance in different devices. In this review, a summary on recent progress of MX2 nanosheets and the significance of their interlayer engineering is presented firstly. Synthesis of interlayer‐expanded MX2 nanosheets with various strategies is then discussed in detail. Emphasis is focused on their applications in rechargeable batteries, pseudocapacitors, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis and treatments of environmental contaminants, demonstrating the importance of interlayer engineering on controlling performance of MX2. The current challenges of the interlayer‐expanded MX2 and outlooks for further advances are finally discussed.
Selective Photooxidation Reactions using Water‐Soluble Anthraquinone Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Wuyuan , Gacs Jenő , Arends Isabel W. C. E. , Hollmann Frank 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe aerobic organocatalytic oxidation of alcohols was achieved by using water‐soluble sodium anthraquinone sulfonate. Under visible‐light activation, this catalyst mediated the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. The photo‐oxyfunctionalization of alkanes was also possible under these conditions.
Covariance eigenpairs neighbour distance for fault detection in chemical processes
Authors: Shang Jun , Chen Maoyin , Zhou Donghua 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a new data‐driven fault detection method called covariance eigenpairs neighbour distance (CEND) for monitoring chemical processes. It processes measured data in one‐step sliding windows to estimate covariance, and the eigenpairs of each sample covariance matrix are recursively calculated using rank‐one modification. The eigenvalues and selected elements of eigenvectors are stacked into reference vectors. For each window data containing the latest measurement vector, the neighbour distance of eigenpairs from the reference matrix can be effectively calculated by virtue of k‐d tree. The neighbour distance serves as the detection index, whose control limit can be determined by validation dataset with assigning a significance level. A high neighbour distance exceeding the control limit implies the occurrence of fault. Simulations on the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and the Tennessee Eastman process (TEP) both indicate the superior fault detectability of the proposed method, compared with conventional multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM) methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA).
Methods for cell volume measurement
Authors: Model Michael A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVolume is an essential characteristic of a cell, and this review describes the main methods of its measurement that have been used in the past several decades. The discussed methods include various implementations of light scattering, estimates based on one or two cell dimensions, surface scanning, fluorescence confocal and transmission slice‐by‐slice imaging, intracellular volume markers, displacement of extracellular solution, quantitative phase imaging, radioactive methods, and some others. Suitability of these methods to some typical samples and applications is discussed. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Drill and blast excavation forecasting using 3D laser scanning
Authors: Amvrazis Seraphim , Voit Klaus , Cordes Tobias , Bergmeister Konrad 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe application of 3D laser scanning technology in tunnelling has gained increasing significance in recent years. Laser scanning is an innovative holistic approach for data acquisition in tunnelling regarding the geometrical parameters. It is a distance‐based imaging technique for three‐dimensional and high‐resolution illustration (3D point cloud) of the surrounding rock that can be applied at various times to provide a variety of visualization and analysis possibilities. A new approach deals with excavation forecasting by linking the acquisition of the 3D geometry of previously excavated rounds with the geological documentation of the tunnel face. This approach enables the gathering of information about the expected overbreak or underprofile of subsequent excavation in similar rock conditions. Using this information, an optimization of the borehole positions (especially of the peripheral boreholes) can achieve the best possible excavation profile. This approach offers an improvement of excavation performance and saving potential with regard to excavation quantity and shotcrete consumption. The uniform excavation shape and consistent shotcrete thickness improve tunnel stability and finally increases the service life the tunnel structure.
The Mont Cenis Base Tunnel
Authors: Bufalini Maurizio , Dati Gianluca , Rocca Manuela , Scevaroli Riccardo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe New Lyon‐Turin Line (NLTL) is an essential component of the ”Mediterranean Corridor“, one of the nine TEN‐T network corridors, the future ”European metropolitan railway“ that will promote the movement of people and goods by rail, an ecological mode of transport. The goal is to reduce road transport, which increases pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The core element of the new line is the 57.5 km Mont Cenis Base Tunnel. The reference geological model is based on the data obtained during the excavation of the inclined access adits at Saint‐Martin‐La‐Porte, La Praz and Modane, including the La Maddalena exploratory tunnel. With the planned investigations completed, all the collected data will allow a technical and economical optimization of the construction phase and operation and maintenance of the line. The impact on water resources is minimized by using a full‐round waterproofing system up to a hydrostatic pressure of 10 bar. The expected residual water flows at the portals will be exploited for both drinking water and heating purposes. With 12 % of the tunnels already excavated, there are currently 800 people working on the NLTL. This unique project, with its extraordinary history and innovative features, has been proposed as the subject of an international case study.
A TBM assembly cavern in the French Alps
Authors: Gamba Francesco , Brino Lorenzo , Triclot Jacques , Hugot Elsa , Barla Giovanni , Martinotti Giorgio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper deals with the cross‐border section of the Lyon‐Turin Line, i.e. the 57.5 km long Mont Cenis Base Tunnel between Saint Jean de Maurienne in France and the Susa valley in Italy. Works at Saint Martin La Porte started in 2015 including the 9 km TBM excavation along the south tube of the base tunnel between the access adits of Saint Martin La Porte and La Praz. In order to assemble the TBM, a large underground cavern has been excavated at the end of the Saint Martin La Porte access adit. The size of this cavern, with a length of approximately 45 m, a span of 23 m and a height of 22.2 m, and the geological and geomechanical conditions in the Carboniferous Formation at a depth of about 600 m made this work a challenge. The excavation and support methods adopted are described, together with the rock mass conditions and the observed ground behaviour. The monitoring data obtained during excavation are briefly presented, including the works schedule.
Incorporating the joint toxicity of co-applied pesticides into the ecological risk assessment process
Authors: Belden Jason B , Brain Richard A 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Pesticides are frequently formulated as mixtures of active ingredients. Although traditionally ecological risk assessments (ERAs) have focused on individual active ingredients, there is an ongoing effort in many jurisdictions to more formally include assessment of mixtures. The overall goal of this project was to describe an approach for conducting ERA of jointly applied pesticides. We suggest that standard testing of formulation mixtures is not warranted due to the low probability of synergy occurring at a high-enough magnitude to be measurable above experimental variability. Thus, empirical testing should focus on formulations for which there is a greater likelihood of synergy due to known toxicological interactions of the pesticide class or a priori knowledge of synergy, such as intellectual property claims. Additionally, empirical testing should focus on species that are above levels of concern and limit testing on species for which it is unlikely that synergy would significantly change the outcome of the ERA. If empirical testing is warranted, we suggest that results be compared to the concentration addition model (CA). If the empirical data deviates from the model by a factor of greater than 5, then synergy is considered likely and the ERA is based on the empirical data. Otherwise, the ERA may use CA to calculate risk quotients or be based on the most toxic active ingredient. To evaluate the approach, we reviewed formulation mixtures for which data were available. Only 3 of 24 mixture studies were found to deviate from CA by more than 5. The majority of the studies had a single component that dominated toxicity, suggesting that the ERA for these formulations will not be meaningfully different if based on the most toxic active ingredient. Overall, this approach balances risk assessment conservatism and reduces testing that would likely not result in improvement of the ERA. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:79–91. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points
Expanded standard testing of formulation mixtures is not warranted due to the low probability of synergy occurring at a high-enough magnitude to be measurable above experimental variability. Empirical testing should focus on formulations for which there is a greater likelihood of synergy due to known toxicological interactions of the pesticide class or a priori knowledge of synergy, such as from intellectual property claims. If empirical testing is warranted, we suggest that results be compared to the concentration addition model (CA). Only 3 of 24 case studies deviated from the CA model by more than 5×, and the majority had a single component that dominated toxicity, suggesting the ERA for 21 of 24 studies would not greatly change if it is based on the most toxic component.
Effect of Ions on Clogging and Biofilm Formation in Drip Emitters Applying Secondary Sewage Effluent
Authors: Hao Fengzhen , Li Jiusheng , Wang Zhen , Li Yanfeng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOn‐site drip irrigation experiments that were continued for 54 days with a daily operation of 12 h with sewage effluent and groundwater application were conducted to investigate the effect of two typical ions (Fe2+ and Ca2+) on emitter clogging. At the end of the experiment, several representative emitters were sampled to investigate the clogging mechanism through measuring the dry weight of biofilm substances (DW) and analysing the mineral constituents of clogging solids and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of attached biofilm. The plain emitters demonstrated significantly better anti‐clogging performance than the labyrinth emitters. For sewage application, the ions added increased the EPS and DW compared with sewage without ions added. Moreover, clogging in the labyrinth emitters increased with an increasing ion complex and concentration. Different irrigation water qualities produced similar mineral constituents of clogging solids: quartz, Ca + Mg carbonate, silicate, and iron oxide. However, the clogging risk and inducing mechanism varied with the types of ion added. Fe2+ promoted production of microorganisms and precipitation of solid particles, increasing the risk of biochemical clogging, while Ca2+ mainly caused chemical precipitation. A complex of Fe2+ and Ca2+ increased the risk of biochemical clogging under sewage application, while it caused chemical clogging for groundwater application. Therefore, the strategies for protecting emitter clogging should be developed through comprehensively considering water quality and emitter type used. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of scale economies in US banking
Authors: Wheelock David C. , Wilson Paul W. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryContinued consolidation of the US banking industry and a general increase in the size of banks have prompted some policymakers to consider policies that discourage banks from getting larger, including explicit caps on bank size. However, limits on the size of banks could entail economic costs if they prevent banks from achieving economies of scale. This paper presents new estimates of returns to scale for US banks based on nonparametric, local‐linear estimation of bank cost, revenue, and profit functions. We report estimates for both 2006 and 2015 to compare returns to scale some 7 years after the financial crisis and 5 years after enactment of the Dodd–Frank Act with returns to scale before the crisis. We find that a high percentage of banks faced increasing returns to scale in cost in both years, including most of the 10 largest bank holding companies. Also, while returns to scale in revenue and profit vary more across banks, we find evidence that the largest four banks operate under increasing returns to scale.
Tendons and Ligaments: Connecting Developmental Biology to Musculoskeletal Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Asahara Hiroshi , Inui Masafumi , Lotz Martin K 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Tendons and ligaments provide connections between muscle and bone or bone and bone to enable locomotion. Damage to tendons and ligaments caused by acute or chronic injury or associated with aging and arthritis is a prevalent cause of disability. Improvements in approaches for the treatment of these conditions depend on a better understanding of tendon and ligament development, cell biology, and pathophysiology. This review focuses on recent advances in the discovery of transcription factors that control ligament and tendon cell differentiation, how cell and extracellular matrix homeostasis are altered in disease, and how this new insight can lead to novel therapeutic approaches. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
From intricate to integrated: Biofabrication of articulating joints
Authors: Groen Wilhelmina Margaretha , Diloksumpan Paweena , van Weeren Paul René , Levato Riccardo , Malda Jos 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTArticulating joints owe their function to the specialized architecture and the complex interplay between multiple tissues including cartilage, bone and synovium. Especially the cartilage component has limited self‐healing capacity and damage often leads to the onset of osteoarthritis, eventually resulting in failure of the joint as an organ. Although in its infancy, biofabrication has emerged as a promising technology to reproduce the intricate organization of the joint, thus enabling the introduction of novel surgical treatments, regenerative therapies, and new sets of tools to enhance our understanding of joint physiology and pathology. Herein, we address the current challenges to recapitulate the complexity of articulating joints and how biofabrication could overcome them. The combination of multiple materials, biological cues and cells in a layer‐by‐layer fashion, can assist in reproducing both the zonal organization of cartilage and the gradual transition from resilient cartilage toward the subchondral bone in biofabricated osteochondral grafts. In this way, optimal integration of engineered constructs with the natural surrounding tissues can be obtained. Mechanical characteristics, including the smoothness and low friction that are hallmarks of the articular surface, can be tuned with multi‐head or hybrid printers by controlling the spatial patterning of printed structures. Moreover, biofabrication can use digital medical images as blueprints for printing patient‐specific implants. Finally, the current rapid advances in biofabrication hold significant potential for developing joint‐on‐a‐chip models for personalized medicine and drug testing or even for the creation of implants that may be used to treat larger parts of the articulating joint. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:2089–2097, 2017.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and risk of preeclampsia
Authors: Rani Alka , Chavan‐Gautam Preeti , Joshi Sadhana 
Published: June 2017

SummaryOmega‐3 fatty acids are crucial for fetal brain and retina development and are transferred to the fetus from the mother. This transfer of omega‐3 fatty acids depends on the development and function of the placenta, which is a connecting organ between the mother and the fetus. However, lower levels of maternal omega‐3 fatty acids can alter early developmental processes of the placenta leading to pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia (PE). Future studies are required to understand the effect of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation on placental oxidative stress and inflammation in women with PE.