bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate Maintains Normal Vascular Permeability by Preserving Endothelial Surface Glycocalyx in Intact Microvessels
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zeng Min , Fan Jie , Tarbell John M. , Curry Fitz‐Roy E. , Fu Bingmei M.
Published: March 2016

Objective

S1P was found to protect the ESG by inhibiting MMP activity‐dependent shedding of ESG in cultured endothelial cell studies. We aimed to further test that S1P contributes to the maintenance of normal vascular permeability by protecting the ESG in intact microvessels.

Methods

We quantified the ESG in post‐capillary venules of rat mesentery and measured the vascular permeability to albumin in the presence and absence of 1 μM S1P. We also measured permeability to albumin in the presence of MMP inhibitors and compared the measured permeability with those predicted by a transport model for the inter‐endothelial cleft.

Results

We found that in the absence of S1P, the fluorescence intensity of the FITC‐anti–HS‐labeled ESG was ~10% of that in the presence of S1P, whereas the measured permeability to albumin was ~6.5‐fold of that in the presence of S1P. Similar results were observed with MMP inhibition. The predictions by the mathematical model further confirmed that S1P maintains microvascular permeability by preserving ESG.

Conclusions

Our results show that S1P contributes to the maintenance of normal vascular permeability by protecting the ESG in intact microvessels, consistent with parallel observation in cultured endothelial monolayers.
Evaluation of recombinant P23 protein as a vaccine for passive immunization of newborn calves against Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Askari N. , Shayan P. , Mokhber‐Dezfouli M.R. , Ebrahimzadeh E. , Lotfollahzadeh S. , Rostami A. , Amininia N. , Ragh M.J.
Published: March 2016

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic protozoan disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. Diarrhoea as the most important indication of the infection leads to high economic losses in livestock industries and is a life threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals. In the absence of the effective drugs, vaccine has an effective role in the prevention of infection. For this purpose we developed a vaccine utilizing recombinant P23 protein and immunized pregnant cows four times from 70 days to parturition every 2 weeks. After parturition, each calf received his dam colostrum and challenged with 1 × 107 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at 12 h of age. Results showed that in contrast with the control group, the antibody titre in the sera and first milking colostra of the immunized cows significantly increased and calves fed hyperimmune colostrum did not show cryptosporidiosis signs. Moreover, enriched colostrum not only reduced significantly the amount of oocyst excretion but also delayed its onset. Our study showed that recombinant P23 protein could be used for passive immunization of newborn calves against Cryptosporidium parvum.
PyMIF enhances the inflammatory response in a rodent model by stimulating CD11b+Ly6C+ cells accumulation in spleen
Authors: Liu J. , Shao D. , Lin Y. , Luo M. , Wang Z. , Yao M. , Hao X. , Wei C. , Gao Y. , Deng W. , Wang H.
Published: March 2016

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (PMIF) expressed by Plasmodium parasites has been proved to be similar to the mammalian MIF in both structure and biological activity and is a critical upstream regulator in antimalaria innate immunity. In this work, using a genetically modified (MIF‐KO) strain of highly lethal rodent Plasmodium yoelii 17XL (Py17XL), we found that PyMIF could increase the secretion of pro‐inflammatory factors by eliciting the CD11b+Ly6C+ cells accumulated in the spleen of infected mouse. In addition, the chemotactic effect of PyMIF was demonstrated to associate with cell receptors CXCR2, CXCR4 and the cell surface markers ICAM‐1, LFA‐4.
Infection site is predictive of outcome in acute lung injury associated with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Fujishima Seitaro , Gando Satoshi , Daizoh Saitoh , Kushimoto Shigeki , Ogura Hiroshi , Mayumi Toshihiko , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Kotani Joji , Yamashita Norio , Tsuruta Ryosuke , Takeyama Naoshi , Shiraishi Shin‐ichiro , Araki Tsunetoshi , Suzuki Koichiro , Ikeda Hiroto , Miki Yasuo , Suzuki Yasushi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Aikawa Naoki ,   Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Sepsis Registry (JAAM SR) Study Group
Published: March 2016

Background and objective

Sepsis is a leading cause of acute lung injury (ALI); however, the characteristics and outcome of sepsis‐associated ALI are poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate factors that predict patient outcome in sepsis‐associated ALI.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study was performed.

Results

Among 624 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, 251 (40.2%) fulfilled the definition of American–European Consensus Conference definition of ALI. All‐cause 28‐day and in‐hospital mortalities were 30.7% and 38.6%, respectively. More than 40% of ALI patients had neurological, cardiovascular and haematological dysfunctions or disseminated intravascular coagulation, all of which were associated with higher mortality. We report a significant correlation between infection site and mortality in patients with ALI, but not in those without ALI. The proportion of ALI was significantly higher in pulmonary sepsis; further, a complication of ALI was associated with higher mortality in sepsis from pulmonary and other sources, but not in abdominal sepsis. Among the other sepsis sites, urinary tract, central nervous system, catheter‐related and undetermined foci of infection had worse outcomes when associated with ALI. None of the individual severe sepsis bundles, including fluid resuscitation and early antibiotic administration, correlated with mortality. Compliance with a set of sepsis management bundles was associated with better outcomes.

Conclusion

In severe sepsis and septic shock, the proportion and effect on outcome was not uniform among infection sites. The infection site was predictive of outcome in patients with ALI but not in those without ALI.
Ex Vivo Biomechanical Comparison of 4 Suture Materials for Laparoscopic Bladder Closure in the Horse
Authors: Ruzickova Pavlina , Burns Patrick , Piat Perrine , Frasch Martin G. , Beauchamp Guy , Elce Yvonne A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To compare a knotless, barbed suture to standard suture using laparoscopic suturing methods in an ex vivo model of equine bladder repair.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Sample Population: Equine cadaver bladders (n=42).

Methods

A 5‐cm incision was created and repaired in a laparoscopic training box with 4 different suture materials. Groups 1 and 2 used 2‐0 poliglecaprone and 2‐0 glycomer knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using laparoscopic instruments. Groups 3 and 4 used 0 and 2‐0 polyglyconate knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using an automated laparoscopic suturing device. All groups used a double‐layer inverting pattern. Time for suture placement was recorded. Bladders were inflated with water and bursting strength pressures recorded, including a control group of intact bladders. Statistical analysis using a linear model and taking into account the unequal variances was followed by a post‐hoc Tukey's test. Significance was set atP<.05.

Results

Bursting strength did not vary significantly between treatment groups, but was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<.001). Time to place the sutures with the 2 automated suture device groups (groups 3 and 4) was significantly faster than those in which the suture was placed using laparoscopic needle holders and forceps (groups 1 and 2;P=.001).

Conclusion

Knotless, barbed suture may be a viable alternative to standard suture material for laparoscopic closure of the urinary bladder in horses. Further cyclic and in vivo testing should be performed before use in clinical cases.
Current concepts related to hypertrophic scarring in burn injuries
Authors: Chiang Ryan S. , Borovikova Anna A. , King Kassandra , Banyard Derek A. , Lalezari Shadi , Toranto Jason D. , Paydar Keyianoosh Z. , Wirth Garrett A. , Evans Gregory R. D. , Widgerow Alan D.
Published: March 2016

Scarring following burn injury and its accompanying aesthetic and functional sequelae still pose major challenges. Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) can greatly impact patients' quality of life related to appearance, pain, pruritus and even loss of function of the injured body region. The identification of molecular events occurring in the evolution of the burn scar has increased our knowledge; however, this information has not yet translated into effective treatment modalities. Although many of the pathophysiologic pathways that bring about exaggerated scarring have been identified, certain nuances in burn scar formation are starting to be recognized. These include the effects of neurogenic inflammation, mechanotransduction, and the unique interactions of burn wound fluid with fat tissue in the deeper dermal layers, all of which may influence scarring outcome. Tension on the healing scar, pruritus, and pain all induce signaling pathways that ultimately result in increased collagen formation and myofibroblast phenotypic changes. Exposure of the fat domes in the deep dermis is associated with increased HTS, possibly on the basis of altered interaction of adipose‐derived stem cells and the deep burn exudate. These pathophysiologic patterns related to stem cell‐cytokine interactions, mechanotransduction, and neurogenic inflammation can provide new avenues of exploration for possible therapeutic interventions.
Insulin resistance: a new consequence of altered carotid body chemoreflex?
Authors: Conde Silvia V. , Ribeiro Maria J. , Melo Bernardete F. , Guarino Maria P. , Sacramento Joana F.
Published: March 2016

Metabolic diseases affect millions of individuals across the world and represent a group of chronic diseases of very high prevalence and relatively low therapeutic success, making them suitable candidates for pathophysiological studies. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) contributes to the regulation of energy balance and energy expenditure both in physiological and pathological states. For instance, drugs that stimulate sympathetic activity decrease food intake, increase resting metabolic rate and increase the thermogenic response to food, while pharmacological blockade of the SNS has opposite effects. Likewise, dysmetabolic features such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and obesity are characterized by a basal overactivation of the SNS. Recently, a new line of research linking the SNS to metabolic diseases has emerged with the report that the carotid bodies (CBs) are involved in the development of insulin resistance. The CBs are arterial chemoreceptors that classically sense changes in arterial blood O2, CO2and pH levels and whose activity is known to be increased in rodent models of insulin resistance. We have shown that selective bilateral resection of the nerve of the CB, the carotid sinus nerve (CSN), totally prevents diet‐induced insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and sympathoadrenal overactivity. These results imply that the beneficial effects of CSN resection on insulin action and glucoregulation are modulated by target‐related efferent sympathetic nerves through a reflex that is initiated in the CBs. It also highlights modulation of CB activity as a putative future therapeutic intervention for metabolic diseases.

image
An Analytical Model of Four-Point Contact Rolling Element Ball Bearings
Authors: Halpin Jacob D. , Tran Anh N.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this work is to establish an analytical model and standard way to predict the performance characteristics of a four-point contact, or gothic arch type, rolling element ball bearing. Classical rolling element bearing theory, as developed by Jones, has been extended to include the complex kinematics of the four-point contact bearing; thereby providing complete elementwise attitude and internal load distribution of the bearing under operating conditions. Standard performance parameters, such as element contact stresses, contact angles, inner ring deflections, nonlinear stiffness's, torque, and L10 life, are solved explicitly via standard Newton–Raphson techniques. Race control theory is replaced with a minimum energy state theory to allow both spin and slip to occur at the ball-to-raceway contact. The developed four-point model was programed within the orbis software program. Various test cases are analyzed and key analytical results are compared with the Jones four-point contact ball bearing analysis program, the Wind Turbine Design Guideline, DG03, and traditional two-point (angular contact) analysis codes. Model results for the internal distribution of ball loads and contact angles match the Jones program extremely well for all cases considered. Some differences are found with the DG03 analysis methods, and it is found that modeling a four-point contact bearing by overlaying two opposed angular contact bearings can result in gross errors.
Performance of Surface Texturing During Start-Up Under Starved and Mixed Lubrication
Authors: Gu Chunxing , Meng Xianghui , Xie Youbai , Kong Xiaoli
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the start-up process of the ring/liner system with surface texturing is studied. By employing a thermal-mixed lubrication model considering the oil supply, the tribological behavior of the textured surface under the cold and hot start-up conditions is investigated. It is found that the friction coefficient curve under the cold start-up condition is different from the hot start-up result. The textured surface is easier to form the hydrodynamic lubrication than the smooth surface, which is helpful to separate the mixed lubricated contact surfaces. With the textured features on the ring face, the less friction heat is generated at the start-up phase. These effects could prove beneficial in applications with the frequent start and stop conditions. Besides, the inlet wedge of ring can also influence the start-up performance.
A New Correlation for the Turbulent Prandtl Number in Upward Rounded Tubes in Supercritical Fluid Flows
Authors: Mohseni Mahdi , Bazargan Majid
Published: March 2016

Numerical results show that at supercritical pressures, once the buoyancy force increases, the effect of the turbulent Prandtl number, Prt, on convective heat transfer becomes considerable. This phenomenon has not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, the effect of the turbulent Prandtl number on the rate of heat transfer in both enhanced and deteriorated regimes of heat transfer to supercritical fluid flows has been extensively investigated. Having realized that variations of the turbulent Prandtl number can affect the model predictions so greatly, a new correlation to express the changes of Prt with respect to flow conditions in a supercritical environment is developed. Effects of various important parameters such as heat flux, mass flux, and fluid pressure are included in the proposed correlation. This correlation has been modified to be applicable for different supercritical fluids. The comparison with various experimental data shows that by implementing the new correlation of Prt in the numerical code, it is possible to significantly improve the simulation results. Such a correlation seems to be the first one introduced in the literature for a supercritical fluid flow.
Numerical Investigations on the Sealing Effectiveness of Turbine Honeycomb Radial Rim Seal
Authors: Li Jun , Gao Qing , Li Zhigang , Feng Zhenping
Published: March 2016

This paper presented a numerical comparison of the sealing performance between conventional radial rim seal and new-designed honeycomb radial rim seal with three sealing flow rates. Three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations, coupled with a fully developed shear stress transport (SST) turbulent model from ansys-cfx, were utilized to investigate the sealing effectiveness of rim seal and flow characteristics in the wheel-space of gas turbines. First, the numerical method for analysis the sealing performance of the rim seal was validated on the basis of published experimental data. Pressure distributions on the vane hub, sealing effectiveness distributions on the stator disk surface and swirl ratio distributions in the wheel-space of the experimental models were numerically computed and compared to the experimental data. The additional scalar variable was adopted in calculation to simulate the distribution of tracer gas concentration in experiment. The numerical results were in excellent agreement with experimental data. Then the sealing effectiveness of conventional and new-designed honeycomb radial rim seal are compared. The flow field in the wheel-space of the new-designed honeycomb and conventional turbine radial rim seal was illustrated and analyzed. Furthermore, three cases with different honeycomb cell depths were selected to investigate the influence of honeycomb cell depth on sealing performance of honeycomb radial rim seal. Compared with conventional radial rim seal, the honeycomb radial rim seal could improve the sealing effectiveness by 9–14% at the same sealing flow rate. The honeycomb cell depth has a pronounced effect on sealing performance of honeycomb radial rim seal. It shows that sealing effectiveness of the honeycomb radial rim seal increases with the increase of the honeycomb cell depth, as honeycomb cell depth increases from 1.6 mm to 4.8 mm, the sealing effectiveness is increased by about 8% at most. In addition, the flow pattern of the rim seal and wheel-space is provided to describe sealing flow characteristics.
Experimental Investigation Into Creep Buckling of a Stainless Steel Plate Column Under Axial Compression at Extremely High Temperatures
Authors: Jo Byeongnam , Okamoto Koji
Published: March 2016

This study aims to investigate the creep buckling behavior of a stainless steel column under axial compressive loading at extremely high temperatures. Creep buckling failure time of a slender column with a rectangular cross section was experimentally measured under three different temperature conditions, namely, 800, 900, and 1000 °C. At each temperature, axial compressive loads with magnitudes ranging between 15% and 80% of the buckling loads were applied to the top of the column, and the creep buckling failure time was measured to examine its relationship with the compressive load. The stainless steel column was found to fail within a relatively short time compared to that of creep deformation under tensile loading. An increase in the temperature of the column was found to accelerate creep buckling failure. The in-plane and out-of-plane column displacements, which respectively, corresponded to the axial and lateral displacements, were monitored during the entire experiment. The creep buckling behavior of the column was also visualized by a high-speed camera. Based on the Larson–Miller parameters (LMP) determined from the experimental results, an empirical correlation for predicting the creep buckling failure time was developed. Another empirical correlation for predicting the creep buckling failure time based on the lateral deflection rate was also derived.
Study on the Generalized Holo-Factors Mathematical Model of Dimension-Error and Shape-Error for Sheet Metal in Stamping Based on the Back Propagation (BP) Neural Network
Authors: Gu Lizhi , Zheng Tianqing
Published: March 2016

Precision improvement in sheet metal stamping has been the concern that the stamping researchers have engaged in. In order to improve the forming precision of sheet metal in stamping, this paper devoted to establish the generalized holo-factors mathematical model of dimension-error and shape-error for sheet metal in stamping based on BP neural network. Factors influencing the forming precision of stamping sheet metal were divided, altogether ten factors, and the generalized holo-factors mathematical model of dimension-error and shape-error for sheet metal in stamping was established using the back-propagation algorithm of error based on BP neural network. The undetermined coefficients of the model previously established were soluble according to the simulation data of sheet punching combined with the specific shape based on the BP neural network. With this mathematical model, the forecast data compared with the validate data could be obtained, so as to verify the fine practicability that the previously established mathematical model had, and then, it was shown that the generalized holo-factors mathematical model of size error and shape-error had fine practicality and versatility. Based on the generalized holo-factors mathematical model of error exemplified by the cylindrical parts, a group of process parameters could be selected, in which forming thickness was between 0.713 mm and 1.335 mm, major strain was between 0.085 and 0.519, and minor strain was between −0.596 and 0.319 from the generalized holo-factors mathematical model prediction, at the same time, the forming thickness, the major strain, and the minor strain were in good condition.
Motion/Force Transmission Analysis of Planar Parallel Mechanisms With Closed-Loop Subchains
Authors: Marlow Kristan , Isaksson Mats , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: March 2016

Singularities are one of the most important issues affecting the performance of parallel mechanisms. Therefore, analysis of their locations and closeness is essential for the development of a high-performance mechanism. The screw theory based motion/force transmission analysis provides such a closeness measure in terms of the work performed between specific mechanism twists and wrenches. As such, this technique has been applied to many serial chain parallel mechanisms. However, the motion/force transmission performance of parallel mechanisms with mixed topology chains is yet to be examined. These chains include linkages in both series and parallel, where the parallel portion is termed a closed-loop subchain (CLSC). This paper provides an analysis of such chains, where the CLSC is a planar four-bar linkage. In order to completely define the motion/force transmission abilities of these mechanisms, adapted wrench definitions are introduced. The proposed methodology is applied to a family of two degrees-of-freedom planar axis-symmetric parallel mechanisms, each with a different CLSC configuration. The presented analysis provides the first complete motion/force transmission analysis of such mechanisms.
Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow Near the Lower Stagnation Point of a Cylinder Embedded in a Porous Medium Using a Thermal Nonequilibrium Model
Authors: Rosali Haliza , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: March 2016

The present paper analyzes the problem of two-dimensional mixed convection boundary layer flow near the lower stagnation point of a cylinder embedded in a porous medium. It is assumed that the Darcy's law holds and that the solid and fluid phases of the medium are not in thermal equilibrium. Using an appropriate similarity transformation, the governing system of partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations, before being solved numerically by a finite-difference method. We investigate the dependence of the Nusselt number on the solid–fluid parameters, thermal conductivity ratio and the mixed convection parameter. The results indicate that dual solutions exist for buoyancy opposing flow, while for the assisting flow, the solution is unique.
Role of pH-responsiveness in the design of chitosan-based cancer nanotherapeutics: A review
Authors: Suarato Giulia , Li Weiyi , Meng Yizhi
Published: March 2016

There is a continuous demand for sensitive and efficient cancer drug delivery systems that, when administered at low concentrations, are capable of detecting early-stage pathological conditions and increasing patient survival without adverse side effects. Recent developments in the design of chitosan-based smart drug delivery nanocomplexes are able to respond to the distinctive features of the tumor microenvironment and have provided powerful tools for cancer targeted treatment. Due to its biocompatibility and pH-responsiveness, chitosan has emerged as a promising candidate for the formulation of novel, supramolecular multifunctional materials. This review will first present an overview of the characteristics of solid tumors and their microenvironment, with a particular emphasis on the role of pH as a key factor. In the second part of the review, the stimuli-responsive potential of chitosan-based micelles, current challenges in delivery, and strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy will be discussed.
Simulation of pseudo‐CT images based on deformable image registration of ultrasound images: A proof of concept for transabdominal ultrasound imaging of the prostate during radiotherapy
Authors: van der Meer Skadi , Camps Saskia M. , van Elmpt Wouter J. C. , Podesta Mark , Sanches Pedro Gomes , Vanneste Ben G. L. , Fontanarosa Davide , Verhaegen Frank
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

Imaging of patient anatomy during treatment is a necessity for position verification and for adaptive radiotherapy based on daily dose recalculation. Ultrasound (US) image guided radiotherapy systems are currently available to collect US images at the simulation stage (USsim), coregistered with the simulation computed tomography (CT), and during all treatment fractions. The authors hypothesize that a deformation field derived from US‐based deformable image registration can be used to create a daily pseudo‐CT (CTps) image that is more representative of the patients’ geometry during treatment than the CT acquired at simulation stage (CTsim).

Methods:

The three prostate patients, considered to evaluate this hypothesis, had coregistered CT and US scans on various days. In particular, two patients had two US–CT datasets each and the third one had five US–CT datasets. Deformation fields were computed between pairs of US images of the same patient and then applied to the corresponding USsim scan to yield a new deformed CTps scan. The original treatment plans were used to recalculate dose distributions in the simulation, deformed and ground truth CT (CTgt) images to compare dice similarity coefficients, maximum absolute distance, and mean absolute distance on CT delineations and gamma index (γ) evaluations on both the Hounsfield units (HUs) and the dose.

Results:

In the majority, deformation did improve the results for all three evaluation methods. The change in gamma failure for dose (γDose, 3%, 3 mm) ranged from an improvement of 11.2% in the prostate volume to a deterioration of 1.3% in the prostate and bladder. The change in gamma failure for the CT images (γCT, 50 HU, 3 mm) ranged from an improvement of 20.5% in the anus and rectum to a deterioration of 3.2% in the prostate.

Conclusions:

This new technique may generate CTps images that are more representative of the actual patient anatomy than the CTsim scan.
Technical Note: Cortical thickness and density estimation from clinical CT using a prior thickness‐density relationship
Authors: Humbert Ludovic , Hazrati Marangalou Javad , del Río Barquero Luis Miguel , van Lenthe G. Harry , van Rietbergen Bert
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

Cortical thickness and density are critical components in determining the strength of bony structures. Computed tomography (CT) is one possible modality for analyzing the cortex in 3D. In this paper, a model‐based approach for measuring the cortical bone thickness and density from clinical CT images is proposed.

Methods:

Density variations across the cortex were modeled as a function of the cortical thickness and density, location of the cortex, density of surrounding tissues, and imaging blur. High resolution micro‐CT data of cadaver proximal femurs were analyzed to determine a relationship between cortical thickness and density. This thickness‐density relationship was used as prior information to be incorporated in the model to obtain accurate measurements of cortical thickness and density from clinical CT volumes. The method was validated using micro‐CT scans of 23 cadaver proximal femurs. Simulated clinical CT images with different voxel sizes were generated from the micro‐CT data. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the simulated images using the proposed method and compared with measurements obtained using the micro‐CT images to evaluate the effect of voxel size on the accuracy of the method. Then, 19 of the 23 specimens were imaged using a clinical CT scanner. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the clinical CT images using the proposed method and compared with the micro‐CT measurements. Finally, a case‐control study including 20 patients with osteoporosis and 20 age‐matched controls with normal bone density was performed to evaluate the proposed method in a clinical context.

Results:

Cortical thickness (density) estimation errors were 0.07 ± 0.19 mm (−18 ± 92 mg/cm3) using the simulated clinical CT volumes with the smallest voxel size (0.33 × 0.33 × 0.5 mm3), and 0.10 ± 0.24 mm (−10 ± 115 mg/cm3) using the volumes with the largest voxel size (1.0 × 1.0 × 3.0 mm3). A trend for the cortical thickness and density estimation errors to increase with voxel size was observed and was more pronounced for thin cortices. Using clinical CT data for 19 of the 23 samples, mean errors of 0.18 ± 0.24 mm for the cortical thickness and 15 ± 106 mg/cm3 for the density were found. The case‐control study showed that osteoporotic patients had a thinner cortex and a lower cortical density, with average differences of −0.8 mm and −58.6 mg/cm3 at the proximal femur in comparison with age‐matched controls (p‐value < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This method might be a promising approach for the quantification of cortical bone thickness and density using clinical routine imaging techniques. Future work will concentrate on investigating how this approach can improve the estimation of mechanical strength of bony structures, the prevention of fracture, and the management of osteoporosis.
How deaf are French speakers to stress?
Authors: Michelas Amandine , Frauenfelder Ulrich Hans , Schön Daniele , Dufour Sophie
Published: March 2016

This event-related potential study examined whether French listeners use stress at a phonological level when discriminating between stressed and unstressed words in their language. Participants heard five words and made same/different decisions about the final word (male voice) with respect to the four preceding words (different female voices). Compared to the first four context words, the target word was (i) phonemically and prosodically identical (/ʃu/-/ʃu/; control condition), (ii) phonemically identical but differing in the presence of a primary stress (/ʃu'/-/ʃu/), (iii) prosodically identical but phonemically different (/ʃo/-/ʃu/), or (iv) both phonemically and prosodically different (/ʃo'/-/ʃu/). Crucially, differences on the P200 and the following N200 components were observed for the /ʃu'/-/ʃu/ and the /ʃo/-/ʃu/ conditions compared to the /ʃu/-/ʃu/ control condition. Moreover, on the N200 component more negativity was observed for the /ʃo/-/ʃu/ condition compared to the /ʃu'/-/ʃu/ conditions, while no difference emerged between these two conditions on the earlier P200 component. Crucially, the results suggest that French listeners are capable of creating an abstract representation of stress. However, as they receive more input, participants react more strongly to phonemic than to stress information.
Tuning the activity of Pt alloy electrocatalysts by means of the lanthanide contraction
Authors: Escudero-Escribano María , Malacrida Paolo , Hansen Martin H. , Vej-Hansen Ulrik G. , Velázquez-Palenzuela Amado , Tripkovic Vladimir , Schiøtz Jakob , Rossmeisl Jan , Stephens Ifan E. L. , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: March 2016

A lanthanide boost for platinum

High loadings of precious platinum are needed for automotive fuel cells, because the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are relatively slow. Escudero-Escribano
et al.
studied a series of platinum alloys with lanthanides and alkaline earth elements. When the surfaces were leached to leave pure platinum, they developed compressive strain that boosted the ORR activity—up to a factor of 6 for terbium. Enthalpy effects helped to stabilize these alloys under operating conditions.

Science
, this issue p.
73
Long-read sequence assembly of the gorilla genome
Authors: Gordon David , Huddleston John , Chaisson Mark J. P. , Hill Christopher M. , Kronenberg Zev N. , Munson Katherine M. , Malig Maika , Raja Archana , Fiddes Ian , Hillier LaDeana W. , Dunn Christopher , Baker Carl , Armstrong Joel , Diekhans Mark , Paten Benedict , Shendure Jay , Wilson Richard K. , Haussler David , Chin Chen-Shan , Eichler Evan E.
Published: March 2016

Improving on the gorilla genome

Access to complete, high-quality genomes of nonhuman primates will also help us understand human biology. Gordon
et al.
used long-read sequencing technology to improve genome data on our close relative the gorilla. Sequencing from a single individual decreased assembly fragmentation and recovered previously missed genes and noncoding loci. Mapping short-read sequences from additional gorillas helped reconstruct a “pan” gorilla sequence documenting genetic variation. Comparison with human genomes revealed species-specific differences ranging in size from one to thousands of bases in length, including some that are likely to affect gene regulation.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aae0344
A large Rab GTPase encoded by
CRACR2A

is a component of subsynaptic vesicles that transmit T cell activation signals
Authors: Srikanth Sonal , Kim Kyun-Do , Gao Yuanyuan , Woo Jin Seok , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Calmettes Guillaume , Paz Aviv , Abramson Jeff , Jiang Meisheng , Gwack Yousang
Published: March 2016

Recruitment of intracellular vesicles containing the large GTPase CRACR2A to the immunological synapse mediates T cell receptor signaling.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Turicibacter
sp. Strain H121, Isolated from the Feces of a Contaminated Germ-Free Mouse
Authors: Auchtung T. A. , Holder M. E. , Gesell J. R. , Ajami N. J. , Duarte R. T. D. , Itoh K. , Caspi R. R. , Petrosino J. F. , Horai R. , Zárate-Bladés C. R.
Published: March 2016

Turicibacter
bacteria are commonly detected in the gastrointestinal tracts and feces of humans and animals, but their phylogeny, ecological role, and pathogenic potential remain unclear. We present here the first complete genome sequence of
Turicibacter
sp. strain H121, which was isolated from the feces of a mouse line contaminated following germ-free derivation.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
406 Isolated from the Traditional Fermented Mare Milk Airag in Tuv Aimag, Mongolia
Authors: Morita Hidetoshi , Toh Hidehiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Nakano Akiyo , Hano Chihiro , Yoshida Saki , Nguyen Tien Thi Thuy , Wulijideligen  , Tashiro Kosuke , Arakawa Kensuke , Miyamoto Taku
Published: March 2016

Leuconostoc mesenteroides
406 was isolated from the traditional fermented mare milk airag in Tuv Aimag, Mongolia. This strain produces an antilisterial bacteriocin. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this organism.
Commutability of Cytomegalovirus WHO International Standard in Different Matrices
Authors: Jones Sara , Webb Erika M. , Barry Catherine P. , Choi Won S. , Abravaya Klara B. , Schneider George J. , Ho Shiaolan Y.
Published: March 2016

Commutability of quantitative standards allows patient results to be compared across molecular diagnostic methods and laboratories. This is critical to establishing quantitative thresholds for use in clinical decision-making. A matrix effect associated with the 1st cytomegalovirus (CMV) WHO international standard (IS) was identified using the Abbott RealTime CMV assay. A commutability study was performed to compare the CMV WHO IS and patient specimens diluted in plasma and whole blood. Patient specimens showed similar CMV DNA quantitation values regardless of the diluent or extraction procedure used. The CMV WHO IS, on the other hand, exhibited a matrix effect. The CMV concentration reported for the WHO IS diluted in plasma was within the 95% prediction interval established with patient samples. In contrast, the reported DNA concentration of the CMV WHO IS diluted in whole blood was reduced approximately 0.4 log copies/ml, and values fell outside the 95% prediction interval. Calibrating the assay by using the CMV WHO IS diluted in whole blood would introduce a bias for CMV whole-blood quantitation; samples would be reported as having higher measured concentrations, by approximately 0.4 log IU/ml. Based on the commutability study with patient samples, the RealTime CMV assay was standardized based on the CMV WHO IS diluted in plasma. A revision of the instructions for use of the CMV WHO IS should be considered to alert users of the potential impact from the diluent matrix. The identification of a matrix effect with the CMV WHO IS underscores the importance of assessing commutability of the IS in order to achieve consistent results across methods.
Mapping the Specific Amino Acid Residues That Make Hamster DPP4 Functional as a Receptor for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: van Doremalen Neeltje , Miazgowicz Kerri L. , Munster Vincent J.
Published: March 2016

The novel emerging coronavirus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) binds to its receptor, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), via 14 interacting amino acids. We previously showed that if the five interacting amino acids which differ between hamster and human DPP4 are changed to the residues found in human DPP4, hamster DPP4 does act as a receptor. Here, we show that the functionality of hamster DPP4 as a receptor is severely decreased if less than 4 out of 5 amino acids are changed.

IMPORTANCE
The novel emerging coronavirus MERS-CoV has infected >1,600 people worldwide, and the case fatality rate is ∼36%. In this study, we show that by changing 4 amino acids in hamster DPP4, this protein functions as a receptor for MERS-CoV. This work is vital in the development of new small-animal models, which will broaden our understanding of MERS-CoV and be instrumental in the development of countermeasures.
Culture-Independent Metagenomic Surveillance of Commercially Available Probiotics with High-Throughput Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Patro Jennifer N. , Ramachandran Padmini , Barnaba Tammy , Mammel Mark K. , Lewis Jada L. , Elkins Christopher A.
Published: March 2016

The rapidly growing supplement industry operates without a formal premarket approval process. Consumers rely on product labels to be accurate and true. Those products containing live microbials report both identity and viability on most product labels. This study used next-generation sequencing technology as an analytical tool in conjunction with classic culture methods to examine the validity of the labels on supplement products containing live microbials found in the United States marketplace. Our results show the importance of testing these products for identity, viability, and potential contaminants, as well as introduce a new culture-independent diagnostic approach for testing these products.
Relative Contributions of Prenylation and Postprenylation Processing in Cryptococcus neoformans Pathogenesis
Authors: Esher Shannon K. , Ost Kyla S. , Kozubowski Lukasz , Yang Dong-Hoon , Kim Min Su , Bahn Yong-Sun , Alspaugh J. Andrew , Nichols Connie B.
Published: March 2016

Cryptococcus neoformans
is an important human fungal pathogen that causes disease and death in immunocompromised individuals. The growth and morphogenesis of this fungus are controlled by conserved Ras-like GTPases, which are also important for its pathogenicity. Many of these proteins require proper subcellular localization for full function, and they are directed to cellular membranes through a posttranslational modification process known as prenylation. These studies investigate the roles of one of the prenylation enzymes, farnesyltransferase, as well as the postprenylation processing enzymes in
C. neoformans
. We demonstrate that the postprenylation processing steps are dispensable for the localization of certain substrate proteins. However, both protein farnesylation and the subsequent postprenylation processing steps are required for full pathogenesis of this fungus.
A qualitative study of sleep quality in children and their resident parents when in hospital
Authors: Stickland Alice , Clayton Esther , Sankey Ruth , Hill Catherine M
Published: March 2016

Objective

Poor sleep quality impairs immune responses and pain tolerance, both key to recovery from acute illness. Hospitalised children and their co-sleeping parents also risk emotional lability and impaired coping skills when sleep-deprived. We aimed to study the experiences of children and parents during hospital admissions.

Design

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents within a week of their child's discharge. Questions explored parent and child sleep quality, factors contributing to this, perceived impact on day-time functioning and suggested improvements to ward sleep environment.

Setting

Southampton Children's Hospital, UK.

Patients

17 co-sleeping parents of 16 children aged 3–12 years completed interviews. Children admitted for surgical procedures and those with established sleep disorders or nocturnal seizures were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Constant comparative methods identified themes within the data using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Parents reported that they, and to a lesser extent their children, experienced reduced sleep quality. Noise and light as well as ward schedules were identified as key factors disrupting sleep. Parents reported that lack of sleep caused difficulties with their own emotional regulation and that of their child, affecting daytime parent–child relationships. Furthermore, they reported a negative impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making about their child's medical care.

Conclusions

Parents identified poor sleep in hospital as a significant additional burden to their child's hospital admission. Importantly, they identified potential improvements to the ward sleep environment. Intervention studies that target modifiable, child-centred alterations to night-time ward culture are recommended, focusing on measurable child and parental outcomes.
Implementation of the trigger review method in Scottish general practices: patient safety outcomes and potential for quality improvement
Authors: de Wet Carl , Black Chris , Luty Sarah , McKay John , O'Donnell Catherine A , Bowie Paul
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To report the implementation of a trigger review method (TRM) in primary care, with a particular focus on its impact on patient safety-related findings.

Design

Cross-sectional structured review of random samples (n=25) of electronic records of ‘high-risk’ patient groups conducted twice per year (each for a retrospective review period of 3 months).

Setting

274 general practices in two regions of Scotland.

Intervention

Contractual incentivisation of TRM implementation.

Main outcome measures

Practice participation rate; characteristics of patient safety incidents (PSIs), for example, their prevalence, type, perceived severity and preventability; and actions or intended actions undertaken during and after trigger reviews.

Results

274 of 318 eligible practices (86.2%) returned 536 TRM Summary Reports, which outlined findings from reviews of 13 351 electronic patient records. 1887 (14.1%) PSIs were recorded, with a mean of 3.5 (536/1887) per Summary Report (SD±1.6). Of these, 830 (44.0%) were judged to have caused mild to moderate harm, with 262 (13.9%) cases resulting in more severe harm. A total of 852 PSIs (46.2%) were rated as preventable or potentially preventable. In 459 Summary Reports (85.6%), reviewers indicated implementing one or more improvement actionsduringthe actual TRM process; and 2177 actionsaftercompletion of the TRM process (mean 4.1 (SD±3.3) actions per review).

Conclusions

The great majority of clinician reviewers ‘successfully’ applied the TRM, uncovering important but previously undetected PSIs, which prompted care teams to take action during and after the trigger reviews. The method and data generated have the potential to drive improvements in related care processes at the practice, regional and national health system level. TRM arguably increased ‘ownership’ of the safety challenge and clinician engagement in implementing their solutions to specific problems identified. Our results suggest that the TRM has potential as a feasible, pragmatic approach to improving primary care safety and quality.
Maternal autoantibody profiles at risk for autoimmune congenital heart block: a prospective study in high-risk patients
Authors: Tonello Marta , Ruffatti Amelia , Favaro Maria , Tison Tiziana , del Ross Teresa , Calligaro Antonia , Hoxha Ariela , Mattia Elena , Punzi Leonardo
Published: March 2016

Objective

This prospective study aimed to identify antibody profiles characterising mothers with fetuses developing congenital heart block (CHB) by comparing their antibody frequencies and levels with those in unaffected mothers.

Methods

Eighty-one consecutive pregnant patients positive to anti-Ro±anti-La antibodies, at high risk of developing fetal CHB were prospectively studied. The 16 patients with fetal CHB outcome were considered the study population and the 65 patients with normal pregnancy outcomes were considered the control cohort. Anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60, anti-p200 and anti-La antibodies were assayed using home-made ELISA assays.

Results

The prevalence of anti-p200 antibodies was significantly higher in the fetal CHB affected patients than in the controls (p=0.03). Combinations of anti-p200 with anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies were significantly more frequent in the women with fetuses developing CHB than in the controls (p=0.03 for all combinations). The women with fetal CHB had significantly higher mean anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-p200 levels than the controls (p=0.003, p=0.0001 and p=0.04, respectively); mean anti-La/SSB level was not significantly different in the two cohorts (p=0.25).

Conclusions

Since anti-p200, anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies, especially at high level, seem to identify patients at increased risk of developing fetal CHB, their detection could recognise anti-Ro/La positive women at risk for having an infant with this rare, potentially dangerous disorder.
WSN-Based Vibration Characteristic Research for Various Railway Track Structures for Pattern Classification
Authors: Yue Guo-dong , Xu Zheng , Wang Liding , Liu Chong , Ren Tongqun
Published: March 2016

To effectively study vibration characteristics of tracks under different track structures, wavelet transforms of the vibration data are used for pattern classification of vibration feature. First, acceleration data of the track are collected with running speed of 150[Formula: see text]km/h at 26 positions respectively on a slab tangent track, ballast tangent track and ballast curve track by a wireless sensor network (WSN). Then they are analyzed using the power spectral densities (PSDs) and wavelet-based energy spectrum analysis. The paper elaborates on the reasons for the differences of vibration energy and excitation frequencies due to the mechanism of different frequency bands and the corresponding track structures. Based on these, the instantaneous frequencies, vibration energies and durations in the low, medium, and high frequency bands are selected as the features for three track structures. A function curve representing the features is proposed to detect the abnormal track structure by a correlation analysis. Finally, the proposed method of pattern classification has been validated by experimental testings.