bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Reduction of Large Unbalanced Rotor Supported by Externally Pressurized Gas Journal Bearings With Asymmetrically Arranged Gas Supply Holes (Verification of the Effectiveness of a Supply Gas Pressure Control System)
Authors: Ise Tomohiko , Osaki Mitsuyoshi , Matsubara Masami , Kawamura Shozo
Published: September 2018

A rotor supported by gas bearings vibrates within the clearance. If the static imbalance of the rotor is large, even if the rotation speed is low, large amplitude vibration is generated by the centrifugal force. This is a serious problem because the risk of bearing damage increases. In order to solve this problem, an externally pressurized gas journal bearing with asymmetrically arranged gas supply holes has been developed. This type of bearing has a large load capacity as compared with the conventional symmetric gas supply bearing because pressurized gases are supplied to the loaded and counter-loaded side bearing surfaces via asymmetrically arranged gas supply holes. The bearing has a new gas supply mechanism in which gas is supplied from the rotor through inherent orifices. The characteristics of the developed bearing are beneficial from the viewpoint of using the bearing in rotational-type vibration exciters. In other words, this rotor has a large static imbalance. Numerical calculations of the characteristics of this bearing were performed, and the resulting characteristics were compared with those of a conventional symmetric gas supply journal bearing. The bearing load capacity of the developed bearing is considerably larger than that of conventional symmetric type bearings. The load capacity increases owing to the asymmetry of the gas supply holes. In the controlled gas supply pressure condition, rotor radial vibration during rotation can theoretically be zero. A test rig and gas control system to realize vibration reduction was constructed. A rotational test under the gas pressure control condition was conducted using a large unbalanced rotor taking advantage of this property. The control program was constructed using matlab and simulink. The devices were driven by a digital signal processor. The magnitude of the unbalance of the rotor is 13.5 × 10−3 kg m. The bearing diameter and length were 60 and 120 mm, respectively. The rotational vibration amplitude decreased at a high rotational frequency under the proposed bearing configuration, although the amplitude increases monotonically with the frequency in the conventional bearing. When the gas supply pressure was controlled synchronously with the rotation frequency modulation of the large unbalanced rotor, the amplitude of the vibration amplitude was greatly reduced. The rotor of the test rig was safely supported by this bearing, and effective data for practical operation were obtained.
Enhanced photodesorption from near- and mid-infrared plasmonic nanocrystal thin films
Authors: Hu Weize , Filler Michael A.
Published: September 2018

The authors show that the desorption rate of two model molecules, indole and benzoic acid, from thin films of indium tin oxide nanocrystals supporting near- and mid-infrared (0.33–0.48 eV) localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) is enhanced by as much as 60% upon illumination with broadband infrared light. The desorption rate increases linearly with light intensity. No increase in the desorption rate is detected for undoped In2O3 nanocrystal thin films or when photons resonant with the LSPR are blocked. The authors study the desorption rate enhancement as a function of illumination intensity, LSPR energy, and isotopic substitution. Importantly, the authors demonstrate the accelerated desorption via in-coupling of light to LSPRs with energies well within the mid-infrared. Their work opens the door to using these low energy photons as choreographers of chemical processes and sets the stage for future mechanistic studies.
Early Holocene human presence in Madagascar evidenced by exploitation of avian megafauna
Authors: Hansford James , Wright Patricia C. , Rasoamiaramanana Armand , Pérez Ventura R. , Godfrey Laurie R. , Errickson David , Thompson Tim , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: September 2018

Radiocarbon dates of perimortem tool marks reveal human presence in Madagascar 6000 years earlier than previously thought.
Breaking through the barrier: Finally hope for patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Lavine Kory
Published: September 2018

Tafamidis improves survival, reduces hospitalizations, and preserves quality of life and exercise tolerance for patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
Graft-versus-host disease: Tread carefully on T cell suppression
Authors: Zeng Hu
Published: September 2018

CD28-targeting synergizes with mTOR inhibition to prevent graft-versus-host disease but increases infection-related fatality in nonhuman primates.
Sonication versus Tissue Sampling for Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint and Other Orthopedic Device-Related Infections
Authors: Dudareva Maria , Barrett Lucinda , Figtree Mel , Scarborough Matthew , Watanabe Masanori , Newnham Robert , Wallis Rachael , Oakley Sarah , Kendrick Ben , Stubbs David , McNally Martin A. , Bejon Philip , Atkins Bridget A. , Taylor Adrian , Brent Andrew J.
Published: September 2018

Current guidelines recommend collection of multiple tissue samples for diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Sonication of explanted devices has been proposed as a potentially simpler alternative; however, reported microbiological yield varies.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Campylobacter hyointestinalis subsp. lawsonii Strains
Authors: Bian Xiaoming , Huynh Steven , Chapman Mary H. , Szymanski Christine M. , Parker Craig T. , Miller William G.
Published: September 2018

With increasing reports of
Campylobacter hyointestinalis
species associated with human diseases, more genome sequences are required to understand the virulence mechanisms of this emerging pathogen. Here, we describe the genome sequences of nine
C. hyointestinalis
subsp.
lawsonii
strains.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two
Arthrobacter
sp. Strains, 4041 and 4042, Potentially Usable in Agriculture and Environmental Depollution
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Grizard Damien , Chablais Romain , Cochard Bastien , Blanc Philippe , Lefort François
Published: September 2018

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Arthrobacter
sp. strains 4041 and 4042, both of which possibly belong to the diverse
Arthrobacter agilis
species and are potentially usable as plant biostimulants for agriculture and as depolluting bacteria for the environment.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida Strain 1312, a Potential Biostimulant Developed for Agriculture
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Grizard Damien , Cochard Bastien , Chablais Romain , Blanc Philippe , Lefort François
Published: September 2018

We report the draft genome sequence of strain 1312 of
Pseudomonas putida
, which could be interesting to develop as a biostimulant for agriculture and soil depollution treatments.
Severe disease due to CCDC40 gene variants and the perils of late diagnosis in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Ghandourah Hasan , Dell Sharon D
Published: September 2018

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) can manifest in the neonatal period with severe respiratory distress. We describe a child with PCD who presented at term with severe neonatal respiratory distress, persistent right upper lobe collapse and failure to thrive who underwent lobectomy prior to the diagnosis of PCD at the age of 3 years. This case report illustrates the severe spectrum of lung disease associated with coiled-coil domain containing protein 40 (CCDC40) gene variants in patients with PCD.
Prevalence and causes of vision loss in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections
Authors: Leasher Janet L , Braithwaite Tasanee , Furtado João M , Flaxman Seth R , Lansingh Van Charles , Silva Juan Carlos , Resnikoff Serge , Taylor Hugh R , Bourne Rupert R A
Published: September 2018

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment for distance and near in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 2015 and to forecast trends to 2020.

Methods

A meta-analysis from a global systematic review of 283 cross-sectional, population-representative studies from published and unpublished sources from 1980 to 2014 in the Global Vision Database included 17 published and 6 unpublished studies from LAC.

Results

In 2015, across LAC, age-standardised prevalence was 0.38% in all ages and 1.56% in those over age 50 for blindness; 2.06% in all ages and 7.86% in those over age 50 for moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI); 1.89% in all ages and 6.93% in those over age 50 for mild vision impairment and 39.59% in all ages and 45.27% in those over 50 for near vision impairment (NVI). In 2015, 117.86 million persons were vision impaired; of those 2.34 million blind, 12.46 million with MSVI, 11.34 million mildly impaired and 91.72 million had NVI. Cataract is the most common cause of blindness. Undercorrected refractive-error is the most common cause of vision impairment.

Conclusions

These prevalence estimates indicate that one in five persons across LAC had some degree of vision loss in 2015. We predict that from 2015 to 2020, the absolute numbers of persons with vision loss will increase by 12% to 132.33 million, while the all-age age-standardised prevalence will decrease for blindness by 15% and for other distance vision impairment by 8%. All countries need epidemiologic research to establish accurate national estimates and trends. Universal eye health services must be included in universal health coverage reforms to address disparities, fragmentation and segmentation of healthcare
Visual acuity outcomes in cytomegalovirus retinitis: early versus late diagnosis
Authors: Ausayakhun Somsanguan , Yen Michael , Jirawison Choeng , Ausayakhun Sakarin , Khunsongkiet Preeyanuch , Leenasirimakul Prattana , Kamphaengkham Siripim , Snyder Blake M , Heiden David , Holland Gary N , Margolis Todd P , Keenan Jeremy D
Published: September 2018

Aims

To determine if early dilated fundus examination for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis leads to better visual outcomes in areas with limited HIV care, where patients may have long-standing retinitis before they are diagnosed with HIV.

Methods

Twenty-four eyes of 17 patients with CMV retinitis who were seen at an urban HIV clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Participants were divided into two groups based on the amount of time from the first documented CD4 count below 100 cells/mm3 to the first eye examination for CMV retinitis. Average visual acuity in each group was calculated at the time CMV retinitis was first detected, and then at 3, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis.

Results

The group of patients who received an eye examination within approximately 4 months of the initial low CD4 count measurement had better baseline visual acuity (median 20/30,IQR 20/20 to 20/60) compared with patients who presented later (median 20/80, 20/60 to hand motion); p=0.03). Visual acuity did not change significantly during the 12-month study period in either the early group (p=0.69) or late group (p=0.17).

Conclusion

In this study, patients who were examined sooner after a low CD4 count had better vision than patients who were examined later. Routine early screening of patients with CD4 counts under below 100 cells/mm3 may detect earlier disease and prevent vision loss.
Compliance with requirement to report results on the EU Clinical Trials Register: cohort study and web resource
Authors: Goldacre Ben , DeVito Nicholas J , Heneghan Carl , Irving Francis , Bacon Seb , Fleminger Jessica , Curtis Helen
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To ascertain compliance rates with the European Commission’s requirement that all trials on the EU Clinical Trials Register (EUCTR) post results to the registry within 12 months of completion (final compliance date 21 December 2016); to identify features associated with non-compliance; to rank sponsors by compliance; and to build a tool for live ongoing audit of compliance.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

EUCTR.

Participants

7274 of 11 531 trials listed as completed on EUCTR and where results could be established as due.

Main outcome measure

Publication of results on EUCTR.

Results

Of 7274 trials where results were due, 49.5% (95% confidence interval 48.4% to 50.7%) reported results. Trials with a commercial sponsor were substantially more likely to post results than those with a non-commercial sponsor (68.1%
v
11.0%, adjusted odds ratio 23.2, 95% confidence interval 19.2 to 28.2); as were trials by a sponsor who conducted a large number of trials (77.9%
v
18.4%, adjusted odds ratio 18.4, 15.3 to 22.1). More recent trials were more likely to report results (per year odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.07). Extensive evidence was found of errors, omissions, and contradictory entries in EUCTR data that prevented ascertainment of compliance for some trials.

Conclusions

Compliance with the European Commission requirement for all trials to post results on to the EUCTR within 12 months of completion has been poor, with half of all trials non-compliant. EU registry data commonly contain inconsistencies that might prevent even regulators assessing compliance. Accessible and timely information on the compliance status of each individual trial and sponsor may help to improve reporting rates.
Intensification of older adults’ outpatient blood pressure treatment at hospital discharge: national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Anderson Timothy S , Wray Charlie M , Jing Bocheng , Fung Kathy , Ngo Sarah , Xu Edison , Shi Ying , Steinman Michael A
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To assess how often older adults admitted to hospital for common non-cardiac conditions were discharged with intensified antihypertensive treatment, and to identify markers of appropriateness for these intensifications.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

US Veterans Administration Health System.

Participants

Patients aged 65 years or over with hypertension admitted to hospital with non-cardiac conditions between 2011 and 2013.

Main outcome measures

Intensification of antihypertensive treatment, defined as receiving a new or higher dose antihypertensive agent at discharge compared with drugs used before admission. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were used to control for characteristics of patients and hospitals.

Results

Among 14 915 older adults (median age 76, interquartile range 69-84), 9636 (65%) had well controlled outpatient blood pressure before hospital admission. Overall, 2074 (14%) patients were discharged with intensified antihypertensive treatment, more than half of whom (1082) had well controlled blood pressure before admission. After adjustment for potential confounders, elevated inpatient blood pressure was strongly associated with being discharged on intensified antihypertensive regimens. Among patients with previously well controlled outpatient blood pressure, 8% (95% confidence interval 7% to 9%) of patients without elevated inpatient blood pressure, 24% (21% to 26%) of patients with moderately elevated inpatient blood pressure, and 40% (34% to 46%) of patients with severely elevated inpatient blood pressure were discharged with intensified antihypertensive regimens. No differences were seen in rates of intensification among patients least likely to benefit from tight blood pressure control (limited life expectancy, dementia, or metastatic malignancy), nor in those most likely to benefit (history of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, or renal disease).

Conclusions

One in seven older adults admitted to hospital for common non-cardiac conditions were discharged with intensified antihypertensive treatment. More than half of intensifications occurred in patients with previously well controlled outpatient blood pressure. More attention is needed to reduce potentially harmful overtreatment of blood pressure as older adults transition from hospital to home.
Use of scratchcards for allocation concealment in a prehospital randomised controlled trial
Authors: Keen Leigh , Bulger Jenna Katherine , Rees Nigel , Snooks Helen , Fegan Greg , Ford Simon , Evans Bridie Angela , Longo Mirella
Published: September 2018

Background

Rapid Analgesia for Prehospital Hip Disruption was a small study designed to determine the feasibility of undertaking a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedics administering Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block as early prehospital pain relief to patients with a fractured hip. The objective was to devise a simple and effective method of random allocation concealment suitable for use by paramedics while in the emergency prehospital setting.

Methods

Scratchcards were produced using scratch-off silver stickers which concealed the trial arm allocation. Paramedics were each allocated a unique range of consecutive numbers, used as both the scratchcard number and the patient’s study ID. The cards were designed to allow the paramedic to write on the incident number, date and signature. A small envelope holding the cards was prepared for each paramedic. The study took place between 28 June 2016 and 31 July 2017 in the Swansea area.

Results

Nineteen trial paramedics used 71 scratchcards throughout the study and reported no problems randomly allocating patients using the scratchcards. Five protocol deviations were reported in relation to scratchcard use. On auditing the scratchcards, all unused cards were located, and no evidence of tampering with the silver panel was found.

Conclusion

Paramedics can use scratchcards as a method of randomly allocating patients in trials in prehospital care. In the future, a method that allows only the top card to be selected and a more protective method of storing the cards should be used. Scratchcards can be considered for wider use in RCTs in the emergency prehospital setting.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN60065373; Post-results.
Digoxin and clinical outcomes in the Global Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry
Authors: Karthikeyan Ganesan , Devasenapathy Niveditha , Zühlke Liesl , Engel Mark Emmanuel , Rangarajan Sumathy , Teo Koon K , Mayosi Bongani M , Yusuf Salim
Published: September 2018

Objective

Digoxin is widely used in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) despite a lack of data on its impact on clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the association of digoxin use on clinical outcomes in patients with RHD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the association of digoxin use with mortality at 2 years in a large RHD registry. Secondary outcomes were recurrent heart failure (HF) and hospitalisation for any cause. We assessed associations using multivariable logistic regression in the entire cohort and in subgroups of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and HF. We also estimated average treatment effects from propensity-adjusted analyses using inverse probability treatment weighting.

Results

Information on digoxin use at baseline was available for 98.7% (3298/3343) of patients. In the overall population, digoxin was significantly associated with mortality (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.04, p<0.0001) and recurrent HF (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.04, p=0.019). On propensity-weighted analyses, this effect was markedly attenuated (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09, p=0.005). Patients in sinus rhythm without HF had a higher propensity-adjusted odds of death with digoxin use (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12, p=0.015), but those with both AF and HF had lower mortality (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98, p=0.019).

Conclusion

Digoxin use is associated with higher mortality in patients with RHD, but this is greatly attenuated on propensity adjustment, indicating the presence of substantial treatment bias. The adjusted estimates may therefore not be reliable, and large randomised trials are needed to determine the true effect of digoxin in patients with RHD.
Organic geochemistry at varying scales: from kilometres to ångstroms
Authors: Walters Clifford C.
Published: September 2018

Petroleum geochemistry has historically relied on the analysis of field samples – source rocks, oils and gases. Data collected for individual samples are considered characteristic of a specific geographical location and geological position that, when aggregated with data from other samples, can be extrapolated to larger scales. These scale-ups may be as small as a few metres, such as a detailed characterization of source rocks penetrated by a single well, to global, such as petroleum systems that now span continents due to plate tectonics. However, a single sample contains a wealth of information at smaller scales.
In situ
analytical techniques have improved significantly over the last decade, allowing us to examine sedimentary rocks at ever higher spatial (areal and temporal) resolution. Mass spectrometric imaging is an emerging, enabling technology that can be performed at
c.
200 µm (matrix-assisted laser desorption) to 50 nm (nanoSIMS) resolution. X-ray microcomputed tomography (µ-CT) is being applied to examine the storage and transport of petroleum in low-permeability shales and carbonates at spatial resolutions as low as
c.
8 µm. Pore architecture in shale, both organic and inorganic, can be modelled from small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data and imaged directly with helium ion microscopy at
c.
1 nm resolution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can now resolve the molecular structure of individual asphaltene molecules. Information obtained with these techniques is now revealing the fundamental nature of geological organic materials, opening the span of petroleum geochemistry from atoms to continents.
Shelterin-Mediated Telomere Protection
Authors: de Lange Titia
Published: September 2018

For more than a decade, it has been known that mammalian cells use shelterin to protect chromosome ends. Much progress has been made on the mechanism by which shelterin prevents telomeres from inadvertently activating DNA damage signaling and double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways. Shelterin averts activation of three DNA damage response enzymes [the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)], blocks three DSB repair pathways [classical nonhomologous end joining (c-NHEJ), alternative (alt)-NHEJ, and homology-directed repair (HDR)], and prevents hyper-resection at telomeres. For several of these functions, mechanistic insights have emerged. In addition, much has been learned about how shelterin maintains the telomeric 3′ overhang, forms and protects the t-loop structure, and promotes replication through telomeres. These studies revealed that shelterin is compartmentalized, with individual subunits dedicated to distinct aspects of the end-protection problem. This review focuses on the current knowledge of shelterin-mediated telomere protection, highlights differences between human and mouse shelterin, and discusses some of the questions that remain.
Intracranial pressure influences the level of sympathetic tone
Authors: Guild Sarah-Jane , Saxena Utkarsh A. , McBryde Fiona D. , Malpas Simon C. , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: September 2018

Sympathetic overdrive is associated with many diseases, but its origin remains an enigma. An emerging hypothesis in the development of cardiovascular disease is that the brain puts the utmost priority on maintaining its own blood supply; even if this comes at the “cost” of high blood pressure to the rest of the body. A critical step in making a causative link between reduced brain blood flow and cardiovascular disease is how changes in cerebral perfusion affect the sympathetic nervous system. A direct link between decreases in cerebral perfusion pressure and sympathetic tone generation in a conscious large animal has not been shown. We hypothesized that there is a novel control pathway between physiological levels of intracranial pressure (ICP) and blood pressure via the sympathetic nervous system. Intracerebroventricular infusion of saline produced a ramped increase in ICP of up to 20 mmHg over a 30-min infusion period (baseline 4.0 ± 1.1 mmHg). The ICP increase was matched by an increase in mean arterial pressure such that cerebral perfusion pressure remained constant. Direct recordings of renal sympathetic nerve activity indicated that sympathetic drive increased with increasing ICP. Ganglionic blockade, by hexamethonium, preventing sympathetic transmission, abolished the increase in arterial pressure in response to increased ICP and was associated with a significant decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure. This is the first study to show that physiological elevations in ICP regulate renal sympathetic activity in conscious animals. We have demonstrated a novel physiological mechanism linking ICP levels with sympathetic discharge via a possible novel intracranial baroreflex.
Caveolae facilitate TRPV4-mediated Ca2+signaling and the hierarchical activation of Ca2+-activated K+channels in K+-secreting renal collecting duct cells
Authors: Li Yue , Hu Hongxiang , O’Neil Roger G.
Published: September 2018

Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4)-mediated Ca2+signaling induces early activation of small/intermediate Ca2+-activated K+channels, SK3 (KCNN3) and IK1 (KCNN4), which leads to membrane hyperpolarization and enhanced Ca2+influx, which is critical for subsequent activation of the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel BK (KCNMA1) and K+secretion in kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. The focus of the present study was to determine if such coordinated hierarchical/sequential activation of these channels in CCD was orchestrated within caveolae, a known microcompartment underlying selective Ca2+-signaling events in other cells. In K+-secreting mouse principal cell (PC) line, mCCDcl1 cells, knockdown of caveolae caveolin-1 (CAV-1) depressed TRPV4-mediated Ca2+signaling and activation of SK3, intermediate conductance channel (IK1), and BK. Immunofluorescence colocalization analysis and coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated direct coupling of TRPV4 with each of the KCa channels in both mCCDcl1 and whole mouse kidney homogenates. Likewise, extending this analysis to CAV-1 demonstrates colocalization and direct coupling of CAV-1 with TRPV4, SK3, IK1, and BK, providing strong support for coupling of the channels in caveolae microdomains. Furthermore, differential expression of CAV-1 along the CCD was apparent where CAV-1 was strongly expressed within and along the cell borders of kidney PCs and intercalated cells (ICs), although significantly less in ICs. It is concluded that caveolae provide a key microdomain in PCs and ICs for coupling of TRPV4 with SK3, IK1, and BK that directly contributes to TRPV4-mediated Ca2+signaling in these domains leading to rapid and sequential coupling of TRPV4-SK3/IK1-BK that may play a central role in mediating Ca2+-dependent regulation of BK and K+secretion.
Enhanced renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in aging and diabetes
Authors: Muroya Yoshikazu , He Xiaochen , Fan Letao , Wang Shaoxun , Xu Rui , Fan Fan , Roman Richard J.
Published: September 2018

The incidence and severity of acute kidney injury is increased in patients with diabetes and with aging. However, the mechanisms involved have not been clearly established. The present study examined the effects of aging and diabetes on the severity of renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in Sprague-Dawley (SD) and type 2 diabetic (T2DN) rats. T2DN rats develop diabetes at 3 mo of age and progressive proteinuria and diabetic nephropathy as they age from 6 to 18 mo. Plasma creatinine levels after bilateral IR were significantly higher (3.4 ± 0.1 mg/dl) in 18-mo-old elderly T2DN rats than in middle-aged (12 mo) T2DN rats with less severe diabetic nephropathy or young (3 mo) and elderly (18 mo) control SD rats (1.5 ± 0.2, 1.8 ± 0.1, and 1.7 ± 0.1 mg/dl, respectively). Elderly T2DN rats exhibited a greater fall in medullary blood flow 2 h following renal IR and a more severe and prolonged decline in glomerular filtration rate than middle-aged T2DN and young or elderly SD rats. The basal expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and E-selectin and the number of infiltrating immune cells was higher in the kidney of elderly T2DN than age-matched SD rats or young and middle-aged T2DN rats before renal IR. These results indicate that elderly T2DN rats with diabetic nephropathy are more susceptible to renal IR injury than diabetic animals with mild injury or age-matched control animals. This is associated with increased expression of ICAM-1, E-selectin and immune cell infiltration, renal medullary vasocongestion, and more prolonged renal medullary ischemia.
Visual information processing in older adults: reaction time and motor unit pool modulation
Authors: Kwon MinHyuk , Christou Evangelos A.
Published: September 2018

Presently, there is no evidence that magnification of visual feedback has motor implications beyond impairments in force control during a visuomotor task. We hypothesized that magnification of visual feedback would increase visual information processing, alter the muscle activation, and exacerbate the response time in older adults. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether magnification of visual feedback during a reaction time task alters the premotor time and the motor unit pool activation of older adults. Participants responded as fast as possible to a visual stimulus while they maintained a steady ankle dorsiflexion force (15% maximum) either with low-gain or high-gain visual feedback of force. We quantified the following: 1) response time and its components (premotor and motor time), 2) force variability, and 3) motor unit pool activity of the tibialis anterior muscle. Older adults exhibited longer premotor time and greater force variability than young adults. Only in older adults, magnification of visual feedback lengthened the premotor time and exacerbated force variability. The slower premotor time in older adults with high-gain visual feedback was associated with increased force variability and an altered modulation of the motor unit pool. In conclusion, our findings provide novel evidence that magnification of visual feedback also exacerbates premotor time during a reaction time task in older adults, which is correlated with force variability and an altered modulation of motor unit pool. Thus these findings suggest that visual information processing deficiencies in older adults could result in force control and reaction time impairments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is unknown whether magnification of visual feedback has motor implications beyond impairments in force control for older adults. We examined whether it impairs reaction time and motor unit pool activation. The findings provide novel evidence that magnification of visual feedback exacerbates reaction time by lengthening premotor time, which implicates time for information processing in older adults, which is correlated with force variability and an altered modulation of motor unit pool.
Effect of cervicolumbar coupling on spinal reflexes during cycling after incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhou R. , Parhizi B. , Assh J. , Alvarado L. , Ogilvie R. , Chong S. L. , Mushahwar V. K.
Published: September 2018

Spinal networks in the cervical and lumbar cord are actively coupled during locomotion to coordinate arm and leg activity. The goals of this project were to investigate the intersegmental cervicolumbar connectivity during cycling after incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) and to assess the effect of rehabilitation training on improving reflex modulation mediated by cervicolumbar pathways. Two studies were conducted. In the first, 22 neurologically intact (NI) people and 10 people with chronic iSCI were recruited. The change in H-reflex amplitude in flexor carpi radialis (FCR) during leg cycling and H-reflex amplitude in soleus (SOL) during arm cycling were investigated. In the second study, two groups of participants with chronic iSCI underwent 12 wk of cycling training: one performed combined arm and leg cycling (A&L) and the other legs only cycling (Leg). The effect of training paradigm on the amplitude of the SOL H-reflex was assessed. Significant reduction in the amplitude of both FCR and SOL H-reflexes during dynamic cycling of the opposite limbs was found in NI participants but not in participants with iSCI. Nonetheless, there was a significant reduction in the SOL H-reflex during dynamic arm cycling in iSCI participants after training. Substantial improvements in SOL H-reflex properties were found in the A&L group after training. The results demonstrate that cervicolumbar modulation during rhythmic movements is disrupted in people with chronic iSCI; however, this modulation is restored after cycling training. Furthermore, involvement of the arms simultaneously with the legs during training may better regulate the leg spinal reflexes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work systematically demonstrates the disruptive effect of incomplete spinal cord injury on cervicolumbar coupling during rhythmic locomotor movements. It also shows that the impaired cervicolumbar coupling could be significantly restored after cycling training. Actively engaging the arms in rehabilitation paradigms for the improvement of walking substantially regulates the excitability of the lumbar spinal networks. The resulting regulation may be better than that obtained by interventions that focus on training of the legs only.
Automatic spike sorting for high-density microelectrode arrays
Authors: Diggelmann Roland , Fiscella Michele , Hierlemann Andreas , Franke Felix
Published: September 2018

High-density microelectrode arrays can be used to record extracellular action potentials from hundreds to thousands of neurons simultaneously. Efficient spike sorters must be developed to cope with such large data volumes. Most existing spike sorting methods for single electrodes or small multielectrodes, however, suffer from the “curse of dimensionality” and cannot be directly applied to recordings with hundreds of electrodes. This holds particularly true for the standard reference spike sorting algorithm, principal component analysis-based feature extraction, followed by k-means or expectation maximization clustering, against which most spike sorters are evaluated. We present a spike sorting algorithm that circumvents the dimensionality problem by sorting local groups of electrodes independently with classical spike sorting approaches. It is scalable to any number of recording electrodes and well suited for parallel computing. The combination of data prewhitening before the principal component analysis-based extraction and a parameter-free clustering algorithm obviated the need for parameter adjustments. We evaluated its performance using surrogate data in which we systematically varied spike amplitudes and spike rates and that were generated by inserting template spikes into the voltage traces of real recordings. In a direct comparison, our algorithm could compete with existing state-of-the-art spike sorters in terms of sensitivity and precision, while parameter adjustment or manual cluster curation was not required.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present an automatic spike sorting algorithm that combines three strategies to scale classical spike sorting techniques for high-density microelectrode arrays: 1) splitting the recording electrodes into small groups and sorting them independently; 2) clustering a subset of spikes and classifying the rest to limit computation time; and 3) prewhitening the spike waveforms to enable the use of parameter-free clustering. Finally, we combined these strategies into an automatic spike sorter that is competitive with state-of-the-art spike sorters.
Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with Preservation of Splenic Vessels: An Inferior-Posterior Approach
Authors: Hua Yong Fei , Yadav Dipesh Kumar , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: September 2018

Objective. To summarize the operation experience of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with preservation of splenic vessels by an inferior-posterior dissection of the pancreatic body and evaluate its feasibility. Methods. Patients undergoing LSPDS at Ningbo Li Huili Hospital and Ningbo Li Huili Eastern Hospital from January 2014 to April 2017 were recruited in this study and were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the inferior-posterior approach group and the other approach group. We sought to compare outcomes of the two groups. Results. The LSPDP procedure was completed successfully in 49 cases, and 48 patients had their splenic artery and vein preserved, including 26 cases in the inferior-posterior approach group and 22 cases in the other approach group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age (p=0.18), sex (p=0.56), preoperative diabetes (p=1.00), ASA grading (p=1.00), tumor size (p=0.91), intraoperative blood loss (t=−0.01, p=0.99), hospital stay (t=−0.02, p=0.98), and pancreatic fistula rates (p=1.00). Patients undergoing LSPDP by the inferior-posterior approach had a shorter operative time (t=−4.13, p<0.001) than the other approach group. Conclusions. LSPDS by the inferior-posterior approach associated with shorter operative time is safe and feasible.
Extension Dependent Degree Method with Mapping Transformation for Three-Parameter Interval Number Decision Making
Authors: Xu Li-Bo , Li Xing-Sen , Shao Jun-kai , Wang Kai-jie
Published: September 2018

In view of the multiattribute decision making problem that the attribute values and weights are both three-parameter interval numbers, a new decision making approach and framework based on extension simple dependent degree are proposed. According to traditional extension simple dependent function, the new approach proposes a new extension dependent function for three-parameter interval number. Then through an interval mapping transformation method, the process for obtaining dependent degree for the interval with its optimal value not being the endpoint is transformed to the monotonous process for the interval with its optimal value being the endpoint. The method can not only perform uncertain analysis of decision results by different settings of attitude coefficients, but also take dynamic analysis and rule finding by some extension transformation. At last, an example is presented to examine the effectiveness and stability of our method.
Reduction of Vehicle‐Induced Vibration of Railway Bridges due to Distribution of Axle Loads through Track
Authors: Jin Zhibin , Huang Bo , Ren Juanjuan , Pei Shiling
Published: September 2018

Short span railway bridges are prone to resonate caused by dynamic train axle loads, which were usually modeled as moving point loads on the bridge in many numerical studies. In reality, the axle weight of the train is a spread load for the bridge deck because of the transfer of the track structure. Previous numerical studies indicated that the spread axle load distributed through the track structure significantly reduces bridge responses compared to the point load model. In this study, the reduction effect is investigated analytically by solving the moving load problem for both the point load and the spread load cases. The analytical solution reveals that bridge responses from the spread load model can be obtained by filtering bridge responses from the point load model. The filter function is exactly the Fourier transform (FT) of the load spreading function. Based on this relationship, a reduction coefficient reflecting the load spreading effect on bridge responses is derived. Through numerical examples, the accuracy of this proposed reduction coefficient is validated not only for the moving load models but also for vehicle‐bridge interaction (VBI) problems.
Slant and Semi-Slant Submanifolds in Metallic Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Hretcanu Cristina E. , Blaga Adara M.
Published: September 2018

The aim of our paper is to focus on some properties of slant and semi-slant submanifolds of metallic Riemannian manifolds. We give some characterizations for submanifolds to be slant or semi-slant submanifolds in metallic or Golden Riemannian manifolds and we obtain integrability conditions for the distributions involved in the semi-slant submanifolds of Riemannian manifolds endowed with metallic or Golden Riemannian structures. Examples of semi-slant submanifolds of the metallic and Golden Riemannian manifolds are given.
An Alternative Approach to the Static Spherically Symmetric, Vacuum Global Solution to the Einstein Equations
Authors: Herrera Luis , Witten Louis
Published: September 2018

We propose an alternative description of the Schwarzschild black hole based on the requirement that the solution is static not only outside the horizon but also inside it. As a consequence of this assumption, we are led to a change of signature implying a complex transformation of an angle variable. There is a “phase transition” on the surface R=2m, producing a change in the symmetry as we cross this surface. Some consequences of this situation on the motion of test particles are investigated.
Optimizing Physiochemical and Sensory Properties of Infrared-Hot Air Roasted Sunflower Kernels Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mosayebi Mahdis , Kashaninejad Mahdi , Najafian Leila
Published: September 2018

Roasting sunflower kernels is a key process in production of nuts. In this study, the effect of roasting conditions, including hot air temperature (120–160°C), infrared (IR) power (400–600 W) and roasting time (3–10 min) on energy and specific energy consumption, color parameters (L∗, a∗, b∗, ΔE, BI, SI, WI, and h°), texture, moisture content, chemical properties (pH and total phenolic contents, peroxide value (PV), and sensory properties of sunflower kernel were investigated. In addition, the best models for the responses were obtained, and the proper roasting conditions were determined using response surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic model was proposed for color change (L∗, ΔE, SI, and WI), moisture and total phenol contents, linear relation for a∗, b∗, h°, and 2FI for BI, texture, PV, and pH. Roasting at 425.7 W IR power and 124.3°C for 3.7 min was found to be convenient or proper roasting conditions.
A Novel Scanning Method Applied to New-Style Solar Telescope Based on Autoguiding System
Authors: Song Zhi-ming , Qu Zhong-quan
Published: September 2018

To expand field of view (FOV) of telescope, the method of special scanning often is used, but, for some telescopes with special structure in optics and machine, the conventional scanning methods are unsuitable. This paper proposes a novel scanning method based on autoguiding system so as to expand the FOV of fiber array solar optical telescope (FASOT) in possession of the special structure in optics and machine. Meanwhile, corresponding experiments are conducted in the FASOT prototype, FASOT-1B, in order to demonstrate that, for both FASOT and FASOT-1B, the proposed scanning method is feasible. First of all, on the basis of the software and hardware characteristics of FASOT and FASOT-1B, the three key technologies related to the proposed scanning method are described: quickly locating and pointing the first scanning step, the closed-loop controlling of multistep scanning, and the disturbance suppression of every scanning step based on Kalman filter. Afterwards, experiments are conducted and corresponding results show that the proposed scanning method is robust for the random disturbances forced on every scanning step and able to meet the scanning requirement of both FASOT and FASOT-1B .
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Epidemiology of Cystic Echinococcosis: A Complex Socioecological Emerging Infectious Disease in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Province of Pakistan
Authors: Haleem Sumbal , Niaz Sadaf , Qureshi Naveeda Akhtar , Ullah Riaz , Alsaid Mansour S. , Alqahtani Ali S. , Shahat Abdelaaty A.
Published: September 2018

Cystic echinococcosis is a serious zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus species complex. The current study is the first attempt to determine the level of infection in domestic livestock and to explore the CE-related knowledge and awareness among livestock farmers in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, province of Pakistan. A total of 1297 animals were examined for hydatid cysts including 538 cows, 428 buffaloes, 208 sheep, and 123 goats, at different slaughter houses in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2 years from September 2015 to September 2017. For epidemiological investigations, prevalence in association with various factors (climate, age, and gender), organ specificity, types of cysts (fertile, sterile, or calcified), and viability of cysts parameters was recorded. Basing on the results obtained, areas with high prevalence were selected for further follow-ups and administration of questionnaires to the farmers and dog owners, to provide baseline data about this parasitic disease and to identify potential areas of emergence with correspondence animal and of public health significance. The finding of this study revealed the presence of CE in livestock of KP, Pakistan. The prevalence of hydatid cysts was the highest in buffaloes (15.88%) followed by cows (15.79%), sheep (15.38%), and goats (3.25%). Our investigation revealed close relationship between prevalence and animal age and gender in different months of the year. These findings also showed the highest prevalence of hydatid cysts in liver (63.49%), followed by lungs (23.80%) and mesentery (2.64%). Fertile and viable cysts were observed in all animal species except goats. The highest percentage of fertile and viable cysts was reported from the liver and lungs of sheep. For evaluation of risk factors, a total of 384 respondents were investigated. The results of current study revealed that 97.9% of farmers are not familiar with CE and transmission of this infection from dogs to human and livestock. The present study shows that CE will continue to be of medical and veterinary importance in Pakistan.
Knockdown of Fibromodulin Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of RPE Cell via the VEGFR2-AKT Pathway
Authors: Hu He , Li Shanshan , Li Jianqiao , Huang Chao , Zhou Fang , Zhao Li , Yu Wenzhen , Qin Xiao
Published: September 2018

Purpose. Recent research has provided novel insight into the function of fibromodulin (FMOD) in wound healing and angiogenesis. The role of FMOD in initiation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has not been studied. This study investigated the effect of FMOD on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell, which plays an essential role in the progression of PVR, and the possible mechanisms. Methods. Small interfering (si) RNA-based gene transfer technology was used to decrease FMOD expression and to study its effects on RPEs in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, transwells, and flow cytometry analysis were used to measure cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Western blot was used to measure expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K/AKT). Results. After transfection of RPEs with a FMOD-specific siRNA, cell proliferation and migration were inhibited to the percentage of 65% ± 5% and 39% ± 10%, respectively, compared to the control group. Depletion of FMOD induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in RPE cells. Downregulation of VEGF, VEGFR2, and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) were detected in transfected RPEs. Conclusion. Depletion of FMOD selectively downregulated the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 and inhibited the signaling pathway of AKT phosphorylation, which consequently inhibited the proliferation and migration of RPE Cell.