bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdifferentiation of adipocytes to osteoblasts: potential for orthopaedic treatment
Authors: Lin Daphne P L , Dass Crispin R
Published: January 2018

Objectives

As both adipocytes and osteoblasts originate from the same pool of mesenchymal stem cells, increasing clinical evidence has emerged of the plasticity between the two lineages. For instance, the downregulation of osteoblast differentiation and upregulation of adipogenesis are common features of conditions such as multiple myeloma, obesity and drug-induced bone loss in diabetes mellitus. However, despite in-vitro and in-vivo observations of adipocyte transdifferentiation into osteoblasts, little is known of the underlying mechanisms.

Key findings

This review summarises the current knowledge of this particular transdifferentiation process whereby the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and Runx2 overexpression have been postulated to play a critical role.

Furthermore, due to the possibility of a novel therapy in the treatment of bone conditions, a number of agents with the potential to induce adipo-to-osteoblast transdifferentiation have been investigated such as all-trans retinoic acid, bone morphogenetic protein-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor.
The effects of dietary calcium iodate on productive performance, egg quality and iodine accumulation in eggs of laying hens
Authors: Bakhshalinejad R. , Hassanabadi A. , Nassiri‐Moghaddam H. , Zarghi H.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various levels of supplemental calcium iodate (CI) on productive performance, egg quality, blood indices and iodine (I) accumulation in the eggs in commercial laying hens. A total of 240 White Leghorn layers (Hy‐line W36) were divided through a completely randomized design into six treatments with five replicates and eight hens per each at 32 weeks of age. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Concentrations of I in the mash diets were 0.74, 3.13, 5.57, 8.11, 10.65 and 12.94 mg I/kg of feed in treatments 1–6 respectively. The added doses of CI were included 0.0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mg/kg of diet for treatments 1–6 respectively. There were no significant differences in productive performance among the treatments. The highest eggshell strength was observed in group fed diet containing 3.13 mg I/kg (p = .014). The highest percentage of calcium and lowest percentage of phosphorus in eggshell were observed in group fed diet containing 12.94 mg I/kg (p = .0001). Feeding hens with diet containing 12.94 mg I/kg increased serum triiodothyronine‐to‐thyroxine ratio (p = .0001). Serum alanine aminotransferase activity in hens fed diet containing 12.94 mg I/kg was significantly more than control (p = .041). Blood Serum triglycerides in hens fed diet containing 8.11 mg I/kg were significantly higher than control (p = .0001). Edible fraction of the eggs of birds fed diet containing 12.94 mg I/kg was enriched by I almost 3 times more than those fed diet containing 0.74 mg I/kg. The results suggested that egg production, egg mass, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by dietary I levels. Iodine accumulation in the eggs were increased by increasing dietary I levels and the level of 10 mg/kg CI could supply I enrichment of the eggs.
Looking Beyond the Church Tax: Families and the Disaffiliation of Austrian Roman Catholics
Authors: Berghammer Caroline , Zartler Ulrike , Krivanek Desiree
Published: January 2018

This study aims to understand the reasons why Roman Catholics leave the church based on the example of Austria, a country with high rates of disaffiliation since the 1980s. Although previous research focused mainly on the church tax, this study provides a more comprehensive analysis based on a mixed‐methods approach that reveals the central relevance of the family in the process. We began by conducting and analyzing 19 qualitative interviews with former Catholics. Next we used the Generations and Gender Survey (two‐wave representative panel data) to study the characteristics of Catholics who disaffiliated in the intersurvey period (2008–2012). Two types could be distinguished in the qualitative and the quantitative sample: attached and distant leavers. Both rarely attended religious services and were critical of the church, but attached leavers held a private form of religiosity and engaged in religious practices whereas distant leavers self‐identified as agnostics or atheists. The church tax was the main reason for disaffiliation among attached leavers while distant leavers disaffiliated on ideological grounds. One identical factor, however, was of major importance for explaining church‐leaving behavior among both types: family‐related matters and experiences. We conclude that family members and family transitions play a major role in the process of religious disaffiliation.
Understanding hepatitis C intervention success—Qualitative findings from the HepCATT study
Authors: Harris M. , Bonnington O. , Harrison G. , Hickman M. , Irving W. ,   the HepCATT team
Published: January 2018

The United Kingdom has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Innovative interventions for marginalized populations are required to realize this goal. In 2016, the HepCATT study team implemented a complex hepatitis C (HCV) intervention in three English drug treatment services, with five controls. We report qualitative study findings from two intervention sites to explore intervention success and transferability potential. The intervention comprised multiple components, including a nurse facilitator, peer support and education initiatives. Qualitative data were generated at baseline (2014) and post‐intervention (2016) at two sites through in‐depth interviews, focus groups and observations. The 96 participants comprised drug service and intervention providers and clients with an injecting history. Data were triangulated and thematically analysed. Client engagement with a HCV treatment service rose from 16 at baseline to 147 in 2016. There was no comparable increase at the five control sites. Baseline testing and treatment barriers included the following: limited HCV knowledge; fear of diagnosis and treatment; precarious living circumstances and service‐specific obstacles. Treatment engagement was aided by intervention timeliness; improved communication structures; personalized care; streamlined testing and treatment pathways; peer support. Multiple interrelated components influenced the increased levels of treatment engagement documented in HepCATT. The nurse facilitator, involved in implementation and innovation, was key to intervention success. Baseline barriers correspond with international literature—indicating transferability potential. Control data indicate that biomedical innovation alone is not sufficient to increase engagement among the most marginalized. Sustainable resourcing of community services is crucial to effect change.
Extreme environments and the origins of biodiversity: Adaptation and speciation in sulphide spring fishes
Authors: Tobler Michael , Kelley Joanna L. , Plath Martin , Riesch Rüdiger
Published: January 2018

Organisms adapted to physiochemical stressors provide ideal systems to study evolutionary mechanisms that drive adaptation and speciation. This review study focuses on livebearing fishes of the Poecilia mexicana species complex (Poeciliidae), members of which have repeatedly colonized hydrogen sulphide (H2S)‐rich springs. H2S is a potent respiratory toxicant that creates extreme environmental conditions in aquatic ecosystems. There is also a rich history of research on H2S in toxicology and biomedicine, which has facilitated the generation of a priori hypotheses about the proximate mechanisms of adaptation. Testing these hypotheses through the application of high‐throughput genomic and transcriptomic analyses has led to the identification of the physiological underpinnings mediating adaptation to H2S‐rich environments. In addition, systematic natural history studies have provided a nuanced understanding of how the presence of a physiochemical stressor interacts with other sources of selection to drive evolutionary change in a variety of organismal traits, including physiology, morphology, behaviour and life history. Adaptation to extreme environments in P. mexicana also coincides with ecological speciation, and evolutionarily independent lineages span almost the full range of the speciation continuum from panmixia to complete reproductive isolation. Multiple mechanisms of reproductive isolation are involved in reducing gene flow between adjacent populations that are adapted to contrasting environmental conditions. Comparative studies among evolutionarily independent lineages within the P. mexicana species complex and, more recently, other members of the family Poeciliidae that have colonized H2S‐rich environments will provide insights into the factors facilitating or impeding convergent evolution, providing tangible links between micro‐evolutionary processes and macro‐evolutionary patterns.
Between the Christ of Deep Incarnation and The African Jesus of Tinyiko Maluleke: An Improvised Dialogue
Authors: Urbaniak Jakub
Published: January 2018

All differences considered, the Christ of deep incarnation and the African Jesus of Tinyiko Maluleke share at least one fundamental dimension: they both stand out as signs of God's radical embodiment in the world of creation/of African culture(s). Put crudely, while the deep incarnation theologians extend Jesus’ body into social and cosmic bodies, Maluleke locates Jesus’ body in the bodies of his fellow Africans. This study first identifies major convergences and tensions between these two christological perspectives and, second, posits that the scandal of reciprocity, seen as a characteristic feature of African christologies, can be translated into a twofold guiding principle for approaching and assessing African Christianity theologically.
The Weak Will as Cause in Acts of the Incontinent: A Response to Bonnie Kent
Authors: Lendman Daniel
Published: January 2018

This article has three parts. The first two explore contemporary philosopher Bonnie Kent's important contributions to the role of the weakness of the will in actions of the morally incontinent in Thomas Aquinas treatment of human action. While Kent's treatment gives many important insights, nevertheless, she fails to recognize that the weakness of the will does in fact have role in the actions of the morally incontinent. Kent is correct that, for Aquinas, the passions cause the incontinent act to act as such. She fails, however, to recognize that the role of the passions does not exclude the weakness of the will as a cause, and even a principal cause. The third part takes up the criticisms of Gary Watson to which Kent's remarks were meant as a reply and shows that even with the causative role of the weak will, Aquinas' account does not fall prey to Watson's criticisms.
Analogy and Apophaticism: Neglected Themes in Feminist Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Tromans Oliver
Published: January 2018

Taking the important work of Grace Jantzen as its starting-point, this article challenges the dominant pan-metaphoricism of Feminist philosophy of religion. Throughout, I defend an apophatic interpretation of analogy – analogy as a dynamic rhythm between affirmation and negation, praise and silence. I argue that Jantzen's negative position on apophaticism is related to her negative stance on the infinite ontological difference between creatures and creator. However, Jantzen's rejection of “traditional theology” is really, it is shown, a rejection of “dialectical theology”. Without analogy, moreover, we are ironically left with a (metaphorical) theology of dialectical opposition. By contrast, the way of analogy guarantees that there is no dichotomy between the divine and the human. The “logic” of analogy is one of no contrast.
Ecological causes and consequences of flower color polymorphism in a self‐pollinating plant (Boechera stricta)
Authors: Vaidya Priya , McDurmon Ansley , Mattoon Emily , Keefe Michaela , Carley Lauren , Lee Cheng‐Ruei , Bingham Robin , Anderson Jill T.
Published: January 2018

Intraspecific variation in flower color is often attributed to pollinator‐mediated selection, yet this mechanism cannot explain flower color polymorphisms in self‐pollinating species. Indirect selection mediated via biotic and abiotic stresses could maintain flower color variation in these systems.

The selfing forb,Boechera stricta, typically displays white flowers, but some individuals produce purple flowers. We quantified environmental correlates of flower color in natural populations. To disentangle plasticity from genotypic variation, we performed a multiyear field experiment in five gardens. In controlled conditions, we evaluated herbivore preferences and the effects of drought stress and soil pH on flower color expression.

In natural populations, purple‐flowered individuals experienced lower foliar herbivory than did their white‐flowered counterparts. This pattern also held in the common gardens. Additionally, low‐elevation environments induced pigmented flowers (plasticity), and the likelihood of floral pigmentation decreased with source elevation of maternal families (genetic cline). Viability selection favored families with pigmented flowers. In the laboratory, herbivores exerted greater damage on tissue derived from white‐ vs purple‐flowered individuals. Furthermore, drought induced pigmentation in white‐flowered lineages, and white‐flowered plants had a fecundity advantage in the well‐watered control.

Flower color variation in selfing species is probably maintained by herbivory, drought stress, and other abiotic factors that vary spatially.
Reproductive behaviour indicates specificity in resource use: phylogenetic examples from temperate and tropical insects
Authors: Holm Sille , Javoiš Juhan , Õunap Erki , Davis Robert B. , Kaasik Ants , Molleman Freerk , Tasane Tõnis , Tammaru Toomas
Published: January 2018

Specificity (= the degree of ecological specialisation) is one of the fundamental concepts of the science of ecology. Ambiguities on how to define and measure specificity have however complicated respective research efforts. Here we propose that, in insects, a behavioural trait – adult oviposition latency in captivity without a favourable host plant – correlates with a species’ specificity in larval host use. In the absence of a suitable host, monophagous insects are expected to wait for a long time before commencing oviposition, with the long waiting time corresponding to careful host location behaviour in nature. Polyphagous insects, in contrast, should be selected for an increased oviposition rate at the expense of the quality of oviposition substrate encountered and will on average have a short latency time. Using experimentally derived data on oviposition latency, we performed a phylogenetically informed analysis based on Bayesian inference to show that this variable correlates with host specificity (larval diet breadth) in a sample of north European species of geometrid moths. A closely related index – the probability to lay any eggs on an unfavourable substrate – shows an analogous pattern. To provide an example of how these indices can be applied, we compare our sample of geometrid moths from northern Europe with a sample from equatorial Africa. A comparative analysis based on an original phylogenetic reconstruction found no differences between the two study sites in parameters of oviposition behaviour. We conclude that behavioural tests can provide information about ecological interactions when the latter can not be directly recorded. Our example study also hints at the possibility that host specificity of herbivores is not necessarily higher in a tropical region compared to a temperate one.
Rethinking Standardization: the Social Meanings of Mycenaean Metal Cups
Authors: Aulsebrook Stephanie
Published: January 2018

Standardization can be conceptualized as a scale, from unique bespoke artefacts to uniform items produced on a factory line. It is usually analyzed in terms of whole objects, but is also applicable to their individual traits, such as shape, material, size, decoration or colour. Objects combining different levels of standardization across these traits are able to transmit more complex social meanings.

Through the analysis of the standardization of their form and material, three metal cup types (shallow, stemmed and Vapheio) are singled out as having particular significance within elite Mycenaean culture. The combination of varying degrees of standardization in these vessels created gradients of value that expressed nuances of social identity whilst retaining their core message of high status. Differences in these combinations indicate that whilst shallow and Vapheio cups shared similar roles, the stemmed cup may have been intended to convey individuality within the elite community.
Clinical outcomes after upgrading from pacemakers to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Leyva Francisco , Zegard Abbasin , Patel Kiran , Panting Jonathan , Marshall Howard , Qiu Tian
Published: January 2018

Background and aims

Right ventricular pacing may lead to heart failure (HF). Upgrades from pacemakers to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were excluded from most randomized, controlled trials. We sought to determine the long‐term outcomes of upgrading from pacemakers to CRT with (CRT‐D) or without (CRT‐P) defibrillation in patients with no history of sustained ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods and results

In this observational study, clinical events were quantified in relation to the type of implant (de novo or upgrade) and device type at upgrade (CRT‐P or CRT‐D). Patients underwent CRT implantation (n = 1,545; 1,314 [85%] de novo implants and 231 [15%] upgrades) over a median of 4.6 years [interquartile range: 2.4–7.0]. In analyses of crude event rates, upgrades had a higher total mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–1.61), a higher total mortality or HF hospitalization (aHR: 1.26; 95% CI 1.05–1.51), but similar mortality or hospitalization for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, aHR: 1.15; 95% CI 0.96–1.38). No group differences emerged in any of these endpoints after propensity score matching. After inverse probability weighting in upgrades, total mortality (HR: 0.55; 95% CI 0.36–0.73), total mortality or HF hospitalization (HR: 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.79), and total mortality or hospitalization for MACEs (HR: 0.61; 95% CI 0.40–0.82) were lower after CRT‐D than after CRT‐P.

Conclusion

Upgrading from pacemakers to CRT was associated with a similar long‐term risk of mortality and morbidity to de novo CRT. After upgrade, CRT‐D was associated with a lower mortality than CRT‐P.
Ecological modernization through servitization: EU regulatory support for sustainable product–service systems
Authors: Hojnik Janja
Published: January 2018

The objective of this article is to analyse, from a regulatory vantage point, the deliberations on whether (or to what extent) servitization of the European industry can contribute to ecological modernization, in which new technology and business models lead to reduced consumption of natural resources. The article examines how regulatory institutions, in particular at the European Union level, can encourage potentials of servitization business models for ecologically sustainable growth. The article finds that while there are a number of legally binding and soft law frameworks, mechanisms and initiatives related to sustainability, their impact upon servitized European industry remains to be fully discovered. In the future, it will be important to move from incentives for resource efficiency and recycling towards mandatory standards, considering that currently several aspects of the servitization business trend are not bound by mandatory standards for assuring a green and sustainable industry. The challenge facing Europe will be the ability of Member States to agree on environmental standards and not to use them as a basis for regulatory competition.
Religiousness as a Predictor of Suicide: An Analysis of 162 European Regions
Authors: Stack Steven , Laubepin Frederique
Published: January 2018

Research on religion as a protective factor has been marked by four recurrent limitations: (1) an overemphasis on the United States, a nation where religiosity is relatively high; (2) a neglect of highly secularized zones of the world, where religiousness may be too weak to affect suicide; (3) restriction of religiousness to religious affiliation, a construct which may miss capturing other dimensions of religiousness such as the importance of religion in one's life; and (4) an overwhelming use of the nation as a unit of analysis, which masks variation in religiousness within nations. The present article addresses these limitations by performing a cross‐national test of the following hypothesis: The greater the strength of subjective religiousness, the lower the suicide rate, using small units of analysis for a secularized area of the world. All data refer to 162 regions within 22 European nations. Data were extracted from two large databases, EUROSTAT and the European Social Surveys (ESS Round 4), and merged using NUTS‐2 (Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units) regions as the unit of analysis. Controls are incorporated for level of economic development, education, and measures of economic strain. The results of a multiple regression analysis demonstrated that controlling for the other constructs in the model, religiousness is associated with lower suicide rates, confirming the hypothesis. Even in secularized European nations, where there is a relatively weak moral community to reinforce religion, religiousness acts as a protective factor against suicide. Future work is needed to explore the relationship in other culture zones of the world.
Wrinkle and roughness measurement by the Antera 3D and its application for evaluation of cosmetic products
Authors: Messaraa C. , Metois A. , Walsh M. , Hurley S. , Doyle L. , Mansfield A. , O'Connor C. , Mavon A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Skin topographic measurements are of paramount importance in the field of dermo‐cosmetic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate how the Antera 3D, a multi‐purpose handheld camera, correlates with other topographic techniques and changes in skin topography following the use of a cosmetic product.

Methods

Skin topographic measurements were collected on 26 female volunteers aged 45‐70 years with the Antera 3D, the DermaTOP and image analysis on parallel‐polarized pictures. Different filters for analysis from the Antera 3D were investigated for repeatability, correlations with other imaging techniques and ability to detect improvements of skin topography following application of a serum.

Results

Most of Antera 3D parameters were found to be strongly correlated with the DermaTOP parameters. No association was found between the Antera 3D parameters and measurements on parallel‐polarized photographs. The measurements repeatability was comparable among the different filters for analysis, with the exception of wrinkle max depth and roughness Rt. Following a single application of a tightening serum, both Antera 3D wrinkles and texture parameters were able to record significant improvements, with the best improvements observed with the large filter.

Conclusion

The Antera 3D demonstrated its relevance for cosmetic product evaluation. We also provide recommendations for the analysis based on our findings.
The role of HLA‐G in parasitic diseases
Authors: Sabbagh A. , Sonon P. , Sadissou I. , Mendes‐Junior C. T. , Garcia A. , Donadi E. A. , Courtin D.
Published: January 2018

Little attention has been devoted to the role of HLA‐G gene and molecule on parasitic disorders, and the available studies have focused on malaria, African and American trypanosomiasis, leishmaniosis, toxoplasmosis and echinococcosis. After reporting a brief description regarding the role of the cells of innate and adaptive immune system against parasites, we reviewed the major features of the HLA‐G gene and molecule and the role of HLA‐G on the major cells of immune system. Increased levels of soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) have been observed in patients presenting toxoplasmosis and in the active phase of echinococcosis. In addition, increased sHLA‐G has also been associated with increased susceptibility to malaria and increased susceptibility to develop human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In contrast, decreased membrane‐bound HLA‐G has been reported in placenta of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum and in heart and colon of patients presenting Chagas disease. The 3′ untranslated region of the HLA‐G gene has been the main focus of studies on malaria, HAT and Chagas disease, exhibiting distinct patterns of associations. Considering that HLA‐G is an immune checkpoint molecule, inhibiting the activity of several cells of the immune system, the excessive neoexpression and the increased sHLA‐G levels together with the decreased constitutive tissue expression of membrane‐bound HLA‐G may be detrimental to the host infected with parasite agents.
Potential evidence for slab detachment from the flexural backstripping of a foredeep: Insight on the evolution of the Pescara basin (Italy)
Authors: Mancinelli Paolo , Pauselli Cristina , Minelli Giorgio , Barchi Massimiliano R. , Simpson Guy
Published: January 2018

The discrepancy between the size of the Apenninic chain and the depth of the Adriatic foredeep is investigated using 2D flexural backstripping on well‐constrained depth‐converted cross‐sections in the Pescara basin (Central Italy). The procedure consisted of removal, uplift, unfolding and unfaulting of the Pliocene–Pleistocene foreland deposits to produce a palaeogeographic map of the basin at the end of the Messinian and to constrain sedimentary rates since the Miocene. Results are found to support the contribution of an external load to the foreland evolution together with the Apenninic chain load. The interplay of the two types of loads resulted in spatial and temporal variations of the foredeep evolution that are quantified by palaeogeographic maps and sedimentation rates obtained through backstripping. Results are interpreted as representing the effects of a southward‐migrating wave linked to slab detachment beneath the Adriatic foredeep. This procedure can be useful to investigate similar problems on other chains worldwide.
Best practice in critical care: anaemia in acute and critical illness
Authors: Docherty A. B. , Turgeon A. F. , Walsh T. S.
Published: January 2018

Anaemia is common in critical illness, and standard treatment is red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, typically using a restrictive transfusion threshold of 70 g L−1. However, there are subgroups of patients in whom it is biologically plausible that a higher transfusion threshold may be beneficial, namely, acute sepsis, traumatic brain injury and coexisting cardiovascular disease. In this review article, we will discuss the pathophysiology of anaemia, as well as its prevalence and time course. We will explore the limitations of using haemoglobin concentration as a surrogate for oxygen delivery and the concept of the critical haemoglobin concentration. We will then discuss transfusion thresholds for the general intensive care unit (ICU) population and specific subgroups.
English in a multilingual Algeria
Authors: Belmihoub Kamal
Published: January 2018

The presence of English in the former French colony of Algeria has been dramatically increasing. The impact of the language in Algeria has fluctuated due to sociopolitical instability in the late 1980s and 1990s. Prior to describing the impact of English, some general background about the country is provided, along with a brief historical overview of the linguistic diversity. Historical highlights of the spread of English in Algeria are also described. A profile of the users of English in the Maghreb nation is detailed as well, before discussing the various uses of English in various domains. The competition between English and French for linguistic territory is also discussed.
Tackling Infrastructural Gap in Nigeria: The Pension Fund Option
Authors: Ifeanyi Onuka Onwuka, , Michael Nwafor,
Published: January 2018

The paper reviewed the prospect of using the hugely untapped pension funds to bridge infrastructural financing gap in Nigeria. Infrastructure financing is estimated to cost Nigeria a total investment of USD2.9 trillion over the next 30 years to bring it to the level that can be competitive and self-sustaining. This huge investment outlay is clearly beyond the yearly fiscal operations of government. However, there is a glimmer of hope by way of pension funds, which as at August, 2016, is in excess of N5.9 trillion. This phenomenal growth in pension funds presents a rare opportunity to bridge the nation’s current infrastructure gap by leveraging part of the huge pension assets for developmental purposes. The authors argued that there is need to review the regulatory and institutional framework in pension funds administration to make way for a creative use of some of the pension funds to fund infrastructure – creating a veritable profitable investment outlay for the pension funds contributors and at the same time providing the needed funding for critical infrastructure financing in the country.
The role of nitric oxide in the cardiopulmonary response to hypoxia in highland and lowland newborn llamas
Authors: Reyes Roberto V. , Díaz Marcela , Ebensperger Germán , Herrera Emilio A. , Quezada Sebastián A. , Hernandez Ismael , Sanhueza Emilia M. , Parer Julian T. , Giussani Dino A. , Llanos Aníbal J.
Published: January 2018

Key points

Perinatal hypoxia causes pulmonary hypertension in neonates, including humans. However, in species adapted to hypoxia, such as the llama, there is protection against pulmonary hypertension.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilatator with an established role in the cardiopulmonary system of many species, but its function in the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstrictor response in the newborn llama is unknown. Therefore, we studied the role of NO in the cardiopulmonary responses to acute hypoxia in high‐ and lowland newborn llamas.

We show that high‐ compared to lowland newborn llamas have a reduced pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to acute hypoxia. Protection against excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction in the highland llama is mediated via enhancement of NO pathways, including increased MYPT1 and reduced ROCK expression as well as Ca2+ desensitization.

Blunting of pulmonary hypertensive responses to hypoxia through enhanced NO pathways may be an adaptive mechanism to withstand life at high altitude in the newborn llama.

Llamas are born in the Alto Andino with protection against pulmonary hypertension. The physiology underlying protection against pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to acute hypoxia in highland species is unknown. We determined the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiopulmonary responses to acute hypoxia in high‐ and lowland newborn llamas. The cardiopulmonary function of newborn llamas born at low (580 m) or high altitude (3600 m) was studied under acute hypoxia, with and without NO blockade. In pulmonary arteries, we measured the reactivity to potassium and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and in lung we determined the content of cGMP and the expression of the NO‐related proteins: BKCa, PDE5, PSer92‐PDE5, PKG‐1, ROCK1 and 2, MYPT1, PSer695‐MYPT1, PThr696‐MYPT1, MLC20 and PSer19‐MLC20. Pulmonary vascular remodelling was evaluated by morphometry and based on α‐actin expression. High‐ compared to lowland newborn llamas showed lower in vivo pulmonary arterial pressor responses to acute hypoxia. This protection involved enhanced NO function, as NO blockade reverted the effect and the pulmonary arterial dilatator response to SNP was significantly enhanced in highland neonates. The pulmonary expression of ROCK2 and the phosphorylation of MLC20 were lower in high‐altitude llamas. Conversely, MYPT1 was up‐regulated whilst PSer695‐MYPT1 and PThr695‐MYPT1 did not change. Enhanced NO‐dependent mechanisms were insufficient to prevent pulmonary arterial remodelling. Combined, the data strongly support that in the highland newborn llama reduced ROCK, increased MYPT1 expression and Ca2+ desensitization in pulmonary tissue allow an enhanced NO biology to limit hypoxic pulmonary constrictor responses. Blunting of hypoxic pulmonary hypertensive responses may be an adaptive mechanism to life at high altitude.
A calcium optimum for cytotoxic T lymphocyte and natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Friedmann Kim S. , Lyrmann Hélène , Zhou Yan , Schoppmeyer Rouven , Knörck Arne , Mang Sebastian , Hoxha Cora , Angenendt Adrian , Backes Christian S. , Mangerich Carmen , Zhao Renping , Cappello Sabrina , Schwär Gertrud , Hässig Carmen , Neef Marc , Bufe Bernd , Zufall Frank , Kruse Karsten , Niemeyer Barbara A. , Lis Annette , Qu Bin , Kummerow Carsten , Schwarz Eva C. , Hoth Markus
Published: January 2018

Key points

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are required to eliminate cancer cells.

We analysed the Ca2+ dependence of CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity and found that in particular CTLs have a very low optimum of [Ca2+]i (between 122 and 334 nm) and [Ca2+]o (between 23 and 625 μm) for efficient cancer cell elimination, well below blood plasma Ca2+ levels.

As predicted from these results, partial down‐regulation of the Ca2+ channel Orai1 in CTLs paradoxically increases perforin‐dependent cancer cell killing.

Lytic granule release at the immune synapse between CTLs and cancer cells has a Ca2+ optimum compatible with this low Ca2+ optimum for efficient cancer cell killing, whereas the Ca2+ optimum for CTL migration is slightly higher and proliferation increases monotonously with increasing [Ca2+]o.

We propose that a partial inhibition of Ca2+ signals by specific Orai1 blockers at submaximal concentrations could contribute to tumour elimination.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are required to protect the human body against cancer. Ca2+ is a key metabolic factor for lymphocyte function and cancer homeostasis. We analysed the Ca2+ dependence of CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells and found that CTLs have a bell‐shaped Ca2+ dependence with an optimum for cancer cell elimination at rather low [Ca2+]o (23–625 μm) and [Ca2+]i (122–334 nm). This finding predicts that a partial inhibition of Orai1 should increase (rather than decrease) cytotoxicity of CTLs at [Ca2+]o higher than 625 μm. We tested this hypothesis in CTLs and indeed found that partial down‐regulation of Orai1 by siRNA increases the efficiency of cancer cell killing. We found two mechanisms that may account for the Ca2+ optimum of cancer cell killing: (1) migration velocity and persistence have a moderate optimum between 500 and 1000 μm [Ca2+]o in CTLs, and (2) lytic granule release at the immune synapse between CTLs and cancer cells is increased at 146 μm compared to 3 or 800 μm, compatible with the Ca2+ optimum for cancer cell killing. It has been demonstrated in many cancer cell types that Orai1‐dependent Ca2+ signals enhance proliferation. We propose that a decrease of [Ca2+]o or partial inhibition of Orai1 activity by selective blockers in the tumour microenvironment could efficiently reduce cancer growth by simultaneously increasing CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity and decreasing cancer cell proliferation.

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A Solar Tracking System Based on Local Solar Time Integrated to Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Ferreira Luiz A. S. , Loschi Hermes J. , Rodriguez Abel A. D. , Iano Yuzo , do Nascimento Douglas A.
Published: January 2018

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems is highly influenced by the tilt angle of PV modules and the incidence of global solar irradiance, which may change the solar to electrical conversion efficiency. Some authors have addressed these uncertainties arising from PV solar generation by using mechanisms and methods in which solar tracking systems are integrated to PV systems. Since the advent of the internet of things (IoT), this solar tracking strategy has yet to meet the requirements of scalable distributed power systems that can seamlessly support the PV solar generation, mainly for remote monitoring and control. In this context, this paper aims at developing a prospective study devoted to examine fundamental concepts to implement solar tracking algorithms based on local solar time by using embedded technology from the IoT platform. Preliminary results evidenced an improvement of up to 38% in power generation performance for algorithm-driven PV modules compared to fixed PV modules.
Assessment of the Energy Gain of Photovoltaic Systems by Using Solar Tracking in Equatorial Regions
Authors: Ordóñez Freddy , Morales Carlos , López-Villada Jesús , Vaca Santiago
Published: January 2018

Solar tracking is a major alternative to increase the electric output of a photovoltaic (PV) module, and therefore, improves the global energy collected by PV systems. Nonetheless, solar-tracking PV systems require more resources and energy than static systems. Additionally, the presence of cloudiness and shadows from near buildings may reduce the profitability of these systems. Therefore, their feasibility must be assessed in order to justify their application. In equatorial latitudes, the sun's movement through the sky is in the zenith East–West axis. It may be advantageous, since the best tilt in such latitudes is the horizontal. In these terms, the main objective of this research is to numerically assess the performance of a PV array with solar tracking and under typical operation conditions in equatorial latitudes. For this, the assessment of the solar resource in Quito was analyzed in first place. Then, the comparison between three solar arrays was studied to evaluate the feasibility of solar tracking (two-axes tracking, horizontal one-axis tracking, and horizontal fixed). Additionally, the impact of cloudiness and shadows in the system was analyzed. The results showed that the horizontal one-axis tracking is the most beneficial option for equatorial latitudes as the two-axes tracking system only surpasses the gains of the one-axis tracking marginally. Furthermore, the use of a strategy to place the PV modules horizontally in cloudy conditions seems to be marginally advantageous. Finally, the shadows created from neighboring buildings in the East and West of the system may reduce considerably the solar irradiation on the PV-array (not the ones in the north and south).
Dual-Axis Solar Tracker Design Based on a Digital Hemispherical Imager
Authors: El Jaouhari Zakaria , Zaz Youssef , Moughyt Salah , El Kadmiri Omar , El Kadmiri Zakaria
Published: January 2018

A design of a solar tracker with a new tracking method based on computer vision techniques is presented in this paper. The proposed method extracts the sun position (orientation θ, elevation φ) in real time from hemispherical sky images using a processing techniques and then drives a pair of motors to move solar panels (or heliostats) toward the sun. To ensure a wide field of view, a camera equipped with a fisheye lens is used to acquire whole sky images. The advantages of such a system are the high sensitivity to brightness compared to traditional photosensors-based trackers. Thus, the system becomes more efficient and able to determine the sun position even during cloudy days. It also operates independently of time and position which makes it reliable in case of mobile solar stations, contrary to systems based on astronomical equations.
New Formulation of Magnetization Equation for Flowing Nuclear Spin Under Nuclear Magnetic Resonance/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Excitation
Authors: De Dilip K.
Published: January 2018

We have obtained from the Bloch nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equations the correct dependence of the single component My and Mz at resonance (NMR/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) on relaxation times, rf B1 field (pulsed or continuous), blood(nuclear spin) flow velocity, etc., in the rotating frame of reference. We find that the new formulation for the first time uniquely describes the true relationship between individual single component My or Mz of magnetization of flowing nuclear spin with the above quantities (excluding diffusion and gradient fields) during NMR/MRI excitation. The equations are applicable for both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed NMR experiments with or without flow of spins. Our approaches can be extended easily to include gradient fields and diffusion of spins, if needed in NMR/MRI experiments. We also discuss the application of our equations to a specific case of magnetic resonance (MR) excitation scheme: Free induction decay. The new equations and further equations that can be derived with the methodologies used here can advance the techniques of noninvasive blood flow estimation by MR and also accurate extraction of parameters of clinical importance by enabling accurate simulation of the MR images (of blood flow and tissue) and comparison with experimental MR images. The detailed simulations from the equations will be published in the next paper.
MAGMASOFT Simulation of Sand Casting Process With EV31A Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Jarosz Robert , Kiełbus Andrzej , Dybowski Bartłomiej
Published: January 2018

Magnesium alloys with rare earth (RE) elements addition, modified with zirconium are used for cast, light-weight solutions for components applied at temperature up to 250–300 °C. Computational methods are often used by the foundries to decrease the cost of a new product start-up. The commercially available magmasoft software is widely used to simulate a casting process. Nevertheless, its database does not contain complete data for modern alloys. We present the results of our investigations on the thermo-physical properties of a EV31A magnesium alloy and the simulation of a sand casting process with applied data. We compared the simulation and technological trials, recognized problems occurring during the simulation, and applied corrections. Our final simulations gave acceptable results. The differences between the technological tests and the simulation were caused by factors that are difficult to model in the simulation, such as the presence of nonmetallic inclusions and the degree of modification of the liquid alloy.
Ultrasonic Welding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon 66 Composite Without Energy Director
Authors: Gao Yu-Hao , Zhi Qian , Lu Lei , Liu Zhong-Xia , Wang Pei-Chung
Published: January 2018

In this study, weldability of ultrasonic welding of 4-mm-thick fiber carbon/nylon 66 composite in lap configuration was investigated. Ultrasonic welding tests were performed, and the weld appearance, microstructure, and fractography of the welded joints were examined using optical and scanning electron microscope. The transient temperatures near the faying surfaces and horn-workpiece interfaces were recorded to understand the weld growth mechanism. It was found that it is feasible to join 4-mm-thick lapped carbon fiber reinforced nylon 66 composite with ultrasonic welding. Under the ultrasonic vibration, the weld initiated and grew at the faying surfaces, while the weld indentation developed at the horn-workpiece interface. The pores observed in the regions between the heat-affected-zone (HAZ) and the fusion zone (FZ), and the severe weld indentation on the surface of upper workpieces decreased the loading capacity of the ultrasonic welded (UW) joints and caused the welded carbon/nylon 66 composite fractured prematurely. The strengths of the ultrasonic welds were determined by the balance of positive effect of the weld area and negative effects of the weld indentation and porosity near the FZ. To ensure the joint strength, it is necessary to apply the proper weld schedules (i.e., welding time and horn pressure) in ultrasonic welding of 4-mm-thick carbon fiber reinforced nylon 66 composite, which were developed based on the joint strength criterion.
Coupled Effects of Heating Method and Rate on the Measured Nonisothermal Austenization Temperature of Steel SUS420J1 in Heat Treatment
Authors: Wang Hongze , Kawahito Yosuke , Nakashima Yuya , Shiokawa Kunio
Published: January 2018

Steel SUS420J1, which is the key material of turbine blade, is generally treated by heat to improve the strength prior to use. And the austenization process at different heating rates would determine the depth and width of heat treatment. In this paper, the austenization temperatures in heat treatment with the heat from induction wire, infrared lamp, and laser are measured, respectively. The effect of heating rate on the austenization temperature has been investigated. The research results show that the measured austenization temperature increases with the heating rate. And this trend is specially enlarged in the heat treatment method with larger gradient of temperature distribution, e.g., laser. The calculated phase transformation threshold shows that negative linear relationship exists between the logarithmic heating rate and the logarithmic austenization threshold for both induction heating and infrared heating, while abnormal relationship exists for laser heating. Thermal finite element analysis (FEA) models are then developed to calculate the temperature distributions in these three heating methods, and the calculated results show that the nonuniform temperature distribution leads to the gap between the measured austenization temperature and that of the material, which also leads to the abnormal variation law of austenization threshold in laser heating. The measured austenization temperature in induction heating method is thought to be the closest to the actual austenization temperature of the material among these three methods. This paper provides a guide for choosing the proper parameters to heat the steel SUS420J1 in hardening.
Investigation on Mechanical Properties of S30403 Austenitic Stainless Steel at Different Temperatures
Authors: Lu Yaqing , Hui Hu
Published: January 2018

In order to study the influence of cryogenic temperature on the mechanical properties, a series of uniaxial tensile experiments were performed at different temperatures (20 °C, 0 °C, −20 °C, −40 °C, −80 °C, −120 °C, −196 °C) for the austenitic stainless steel S30403 (both the base material and weld joint). Rp0.2 (0.2% proof strength), Rp1.0 (1% proof strength), Rm (tensile strength), A (elongation after fracture), Z (reduction of area), σcr (a critical threshold stress for onset of discontinuous yielding), and Rh (second hardening ratio, Rm/σcr) were taken into consideration. It was found that in GB150, ASME VIII-1, and EN13445, the maximum allowable stress for austenitic stainless steel at low temperature (≤20 °C) was dependent on the yielding strength at room temperature (20 °C). Compared with Rp0.2, Rp1.0 had a linear relationship with temperature. Synthetically considering the first hardening and the second hardening, both the base material and weld joint presented a better strength performance at low temperatures. The plasticity of base material dropped as the temperature decreased, and it was kept at an acceptable level. Nonetheless, the plasticity of weld joint was nonlinear because of the nonuniform structure components.
Experimental and Numerical Studies on Inelastic Dynamic Behavior of Stainless Steel Elbow Under Harmonic Base Excitation
Authors: Ravi Kiran A. , Reddy G. R. , Agrawal M. K.
Published: January 2018

In the present work, inelastic dynamic behavior of a pressurized stainless steel elbow is studied under harmonic base excitation with the emphasis on strain accumulation known as ratcheting. Initially, sine sweep test is carried out on the long radius stainless steel (SS 304L) elbow to evaluate the free vibration characteristics. Then, incremental harmonic base excitation with the first resonant frequency is applied to the elbow till failure and the resulting response is studied. The tested elbow is analyzed using a simplified method and the simulated ratcheting strain is compared with experimental results. The effect of thickness variation in the elbow on strain accumulation is also studied. Levels of base excitation corresponding to different failure criteria are evaluated and the details are provided in the paper.