bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A family-group name correction in Aves: Tachurisidae instead of Tachurididae Ohlson, Irestedt, Ericson & Fjeldså, 2013
Authors: FRANZ ISMAEL
Published: April 2015

The genus Tachuris Lafresnaye, 1836 was recently placed in a new monotypic family rank taxon, Tachurididae Ohlson, Irestedt, Ericson & Fjeldså, 2013, proposed to reflect the molecular recovery of this taxon as an independent lineage related to Tyrannidae Vigors, 1825 and Rhynchocyclidae Berlepsch, 1907 (Ohlson et al. 2013). The purpose of this paper is to propose a correction in the original spelling of the family name Tachurididae used by Ohlson et al. (2013) to agree with the rulings of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999; hereafter “Code”), taking account of the complex etymology of the name.
Structure and Variability of Internal Tides in Luzon Strait
Authors: Pickering Andy , Alford Matthew , Nash Jonathan , Rainville Luc , Buijsman Maarten , Ko Dong Shan , Lim Byungho
Published: April 2015

The Luzon Strait is the generation region for strong internal tides that radiate westward into the South China Sea and eastward into the western Pacific. Intrusions of the Kuroshio and strong mesoscale variability in the Luzon Strait can influence their generation and propagation. Here, the authors use eight moorings and two numerical models to investigate these relationships by quantifying the coherence of the diurnal and semidiurnal internal tides in the Luzon Strait. This study finds that the level of coherence of internal tide generation, energy, and energy flux is quite variable, depending on the specific location within the Luzon Strait. Large-scale spatial patterns in internal tide pressure and velocity exist across the region, shaped by the bathymetry, mean flow, and stratification. Internal tide coherence is lower (<30%) near large gradients in this pattern (predominantly along the eastern ridge), which are shifted by the variable Kuroshio and mesoscale fields. At other locations within the Luzon Strait, the internal tide is largely coherent (>80%), and simple calculations suggest that remote sources of internal tides could account for these small decreases in coherence. To the west of the Luzon Strait (away from the primary generation regions), the model suggests that diurnal internal tide energy is more coherent than semidiurnal.
Intercomparison of Independent Calibration Techniques Applied to the Visible Channel of the ISCCP B1 Data
Authors: Inamdar Anand K. , Knapp Kenneth R.
Published: April 2015

The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) B1 data, which were recently rescued at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climatic Data Center (NOAA/NCDC), are a resource for the study of the earth’s climate. The ISCCP B1 data represent geostationary satellite imagery for all channels, including the infrared (IR), visible, and IR water vapor sensors. These are global 3-hourly snapshots from satellites around the world, covering the time period from 1979 to present at approximately 10-km spatial resolution. ISCCP B1 data will be used in the reprocessing of the cloud products, resulting in a higher-resolution ISCCP cloud climatology, surface radiation budget (SRB), etc. To realize the promise of a higher-resolution cloud climatology from the B1 data, an independent assessment of the calibration of the visible band was performed. The present study aims to accomplish this by cross-calibrating with the intercalibrated Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) reflectance data from the AVHRR Pathfinder Atmospheres–Extended (PATMOS-x) dataset. Since the reflectance calibration approach followed in the PATMOS-x dataset is radiometrically tied to the absolute calibration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imager instrument, the present intercalibration scheme yields calibration coefficients consistent with MODIS. Results from this study show that the two independent sets (this study and the ISCCP) of results agree to within their mutual uncertainties. An independent approach to calibration based on multiyear observations over spatially and temporally invariant desert sites has also been used for validation. Results reveal that for most of the geostationary satellites, the mean difference with ISCCP calibration is less than 3% with the random errors under 2%. Another result is that this extends the intercalibrated record to beyond what ISCCP provides (prior to 1983 and beyond 2009).
A project-oriented approach for power electronics and motor drive courses
Authors: Rodriguez-Ponce Rafael , Gomez-Loenzo Roberto A , Rodriguez-Resendiz Juvenal
Published: April 2015

Power electronics and motor drives are major topics covered in undergraduate electrical engineering courses. Nevertheless, current teaching methods are usually based on intensive mathematical analysis, which can be difficult for students to understand but mainly to apply. This article provides ideas and practical experiences of a project-oriented approach implemented in power electronics and motor drives courses at the Automation and Control Department of the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, México. By using a microcontroller-based motor drive and a more practical approach in class, it is possible to introduce students to these courses in a more attractive and efficient way. The results presented prove that this methodology improves student competency, increases motivation and promotes teamwork in such technical courses.
Induction of experimental obstructive cholestasis in mice
Authors: Tag CG , Weiskirchen S , Hittatiya K , Tacke F , Tolba RH , Weiskirchen R
Published: April 2015

The induction of experimental obstructive cholestasis is a reliable model for cholestatic liver diseases in rodents. Bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice provokes typical time-dependent morphological and structural changes in the liver, ranging from liver cell injury and elevated serum enzyme levels after several days, to a severe inflammatory response in the liver after 5–7 days, up to an advanced hepatic fibrosis as soon as three to four weeks after surgical ligation of the common biliary duct. Upon BDL induction, hepatic stellate cells become activated and transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen. In principle, the periportal fibrosis induced by BDL in rat livers is reversible. After the relief of a biliary obstruction, the liver has the capacity to revert to a nearly normal histological architecture and a fully normal biochemical function. When BDL surgery is performed by an experienced scientist, this model has very high reproducibility among all fibrotic models. All these factors corroborate the outstanding value of this model for basic and translational research in biomedicine and hepatology. Nevertheless, this model can result in significant variations when surgery is carried out by untrained personnel or when unconscious modifications are implemented that affect the quality of the intervention. A detailed protocol is provided here for the provision of reliable and reproducible BDL in mice.
Partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Nevzorova YA , Tolba R , Trautwein C , Liedtke C
Published: April 2015

The surgical procedure of two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) in rodents was first described more than 80 years ago by Higgins and Anderson. Nevertheless, this technique is still a state-of-the-art method for the community of liver researchers as it allows the in-depth analysis of signalling pathways involved in liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis. The importance of PH as a key method in experimental hepatology has even increased in the last decade due to the increasing availability of genetically-modified mouse strains. Here, we propose a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the implementation of PH in mice, which is based on our experience of more than 10 years. In particular, the SOP offers all relevant background information on the PH model and provides comprehensive guidelines for planning and performing PH experiments. We provide established recommendations regarding optimal age and gender of animals, use of appropriate anaesthesia and biometric calculation of the experiments. We finally present an easy-to-follow step-by-step description of the complete surgical procedure including required materials, critical steps and postoperative management. This SOP especially takes into account the latest changes in animal welfare rules in the European Union but is still in agreement with current international regulations. In summary, this article provides comprehensive information for the legal application, design and implementation of PH experiments.
Improving the Utility of Laryngeal Adductor Reflex Testing
Authors: Shock Leslie A. , Gallemore Brandon C. , Hinkel Cameron J. , Szewczyk Marlena M. , Hopewell Bridget L. , Allen Mitchell J. , Thombs Lori A. , Lever Teresa E.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Evaluation of the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) entails delivering air through an endoscope positioned 1 to 2 mm from the arytenoid mucosa to elicit bilateral vocal fold (VF) closure. This short working distance limits visualization to only the ipsilateral arytenoid and results in quantification of a single LAR metric: threshold pressure that evokes the LAR. Our goal was to evolve the LAR procedure to optimize its utility in clinical practice and translational research.

Study Design

Prospective translational experiment.

Setting

Academic institution.

Subjects

Young healthy human adults (n = 13) and 3 groups of mice: healthy, primary aging mice (n = 5), a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; n = 4), and young healthy controls (n = 10).

Methods

The VFs were visualized bilaterally during supramaximal air stimulation through an endoscope. Responses were analyzed to quantify 4 novel metrics: VF adduction phase duration, complete glottic closure duration, VF abduction phase duration, and total LAR duration.

Results

The 4 LAR metrics are remarkably similar between healthy young humans and mice. Compared to control mice, aging mice have shorter glottic closure durations, whereas ALS‐affected mice have shorter VF abduction phase durations.

Conclusions

We have established a new LAR protocol that permits quantification of novel LAR metrics that are translatable between mice and humans. Using this protocol, we showed that VF adduction is impaired in primary aging mice, whereas VF abduction is impaired in ALS‐affected mice. These preliminary findings highlight the enhanced diagnostic potential of LAR testing.
Forgiving the terrorists of the Years of Lead in Italy: The role of restorative justice beliefs and sociocognitive determinants
Authors: Regalia Camillo , Pelucchi Sara , Paleari Francesca Giorgia , Manzi Claudia , Brambilla Maria
Published: April 2015

The period of political terrorism named the “Years of Lead” ( Anni di Piombo) started in Italy at the end of the 1960s and lasted until the late 1980s. The social wounds of this bloody time are still not healed, and there is a social debate about the opportunity to concede forgiveness to those responsible for those crimes. Drawing from the intergroup forgiveness literature, we tested a model explaining under which conditions forgiveness towards terrorists could be supported by Italian citizens. The model was tested in two generations: 331 Italian citizens who were adolescents or adults during the terrorism period and 208 Italian young adults born after the end of the Years of Lead. Findings showed that restorative justice beliefs and sociocognitive variables, like outgroup empathy and trust, were uniquely linked to forgiveness towards the terrorists.
Learning anxiety in interactions with the outgroup: Towards a learning model of anxiety and stress in intergroup contact
Authors: Paolini Stefania , Harris Nicholas C. , Griffin Andrea S.
Published: April 2015

While “knowledge learning” about the outgroup has been regarded as one of the key mechanisms for the contact–prejudice relation since the contact hypothesis’ first inception (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2008), “learning,” more broadly, has rarely been used as an explanatory framework to investigate the consequences of intergroup contact. In this article, we lay the foundation of a learning model of anxiety and stress in ingroup–outgroup interactions. We distinguish between episodic and chronic anxiety responses to the outgroup and recommend investigations on the complexities of their dynamic interplay, as individuals accumulate and dynamically integrate their experiences with the outgroup over time. Through a review of established and emerging psychophysiological and behavioral research of anxiety during ingroup–outgroup interactions, we identify evidence consistent with this dynamic outlook of intergroup contact effects. In this context, we also advance novel and untested predictions for future investigations onto the temporal integration of contact effects during an individual’s lifespan.
‘Mommy that's the exit.’: Empowering homeless mothers to support their children's daily literacy experiences
Authors: Di Santo Aurelia , Timmons Kristy , Pelletier Janette
Published: April 2015

The present study examined how a six-week family literacy programme contributed to supporting the efforts 12 mothers living in a residential shelter were making to foster their preschool children's literacy development. We compared pre- and post-programme interviews to explore whether the mothers applied the literacy strategies discussed in the programme during their daily interactions with their children. Guided by our theoretical perspective, funds of knowledge, data, were analysed through the lens of a Family Strengths Model and thus focused on how learning opportunities were embedded within the families' daily experiences. Findings are presented under two main themes: (1) the mothers' use of the environment as a tool for literacy teaching and (2) use of programme materials and activity ideas in the home environment. Overall, findings indicate that the mothers applied strategies they learned in the programme to their daily interactions with their children, which indicate that the families participating in this study increased their involvement in their children's literacy learning. Our experiences with this transient population illustrate the importance of educators partnering with families, respecting what they are doing to support their children's literacy learning, and building on these efforts by providing them with resources and ideas that support literacy learning. Consideration should be given to the types of resources provided to families living in non-permanent housing in order to maintain their access to literacy activities.
Higher light intensity induces modulations in brain activity even during regular daytime working hours
Authors: Smolders KCHJ , de Kort YAW , Cluitmans PJM
Published: April 2015

We investigated the effect of exposure to bright white light as compared to a commonly experienced illuminance (1000 lx vs. 200 lx at eye level, 4000 K) on electroencephalography spectral power density during daytime. Spectral power density was measured during one hour of exposure in the morning and in the afternoon. Results showed a lower relative power density in the theta range under bright light. In the morning, relative alpha power was also lower under exposure to 1000 lx. The current findings extend earlier results on the effect of illuminance on alertness and arousal in the late evening and at night. Moreover, they largely corroborate results on subjective experience and sustained attention during daytime, and together suggest higher alertness under brighter light even for daytime exposure in everyday situations.
Pastoral Care of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease: A Medical and Canonical Opinion about Pastoral Visits to Patients with Contagious and Highly Fatal Diseases
Authors: Hannan Stephen E. , Nguyen Benedict T.
Published: April 2015

The Ebola Virus Disease is a contagious and highly fatal illness that up until recently had been geographically limited to remote areas of Africa. In 2014, Ebola patients have been transported to the United States for care or have been newly diagnosed in the United States. With the intensive medical care and isolation policies usually needed by these patients, we inquired whether pastoral care would be possible.

Using clinical and canonical considerations, we analyzed the permissibility and logistical challenges pastoral care presents to the priests and lay ministers, as well as the healthcare system.

We conclude that with the approval of local, state, and federal health officials, pastoral care, including provision of the sacraments, is possible. It would require proper training, proper equipment and policies, and a significant commitment of time. While the risk to the pastoral team is difficult to define, it seems low in an Ebola-capable medical system. These risks to priests and ministers seem reasonable given the inestimable benefits of receiving the sacraments during critical illness.

Lay summary

Traditional pastoral visits to hospitalized patients might prove difficult or impossible for diseases that are contagious and highly fatal. This inquiry examines the feasibility, challenges, and logistical solutions to these visits. With input from bishops, priests, a canon lawyer, an epidemiologist, a physician, the CDC, and others, we conclude that pastoral visits are possible. Visits will require permission of health authorities, commitments of time, training, and a small but significant risk to the health of priests and others who volunteer for this ministry.
Strengthening spot weld joint by autotempering acceleration at heat affected zone
Authors: Wakabayashi C. , Furusako S. , Miyazaki Y.
Published: April 2015

High tensile strength steel sheets in automotive body are composed of high weight fraction carbon and other additional elements. Therefore, securing the joint strength is difficult in spot welding. This study proposes a new technique for improving the spot weld joint strength. Typically, high joint strength can be obtained by prolonging the post-heating duration. This post-heating is expected to prevent propagation of crack into the nugget and improve the toughness of the heat affected zone. Compared to the conventional spot welding and other methods, the heat input is higher, thereby increasing the highest reaching temperature of heat affected zone. Hence, the austenite grain size becomes larger and martensite start temperature increases. Consequently, autotempering is promoted, resulting in stronger joint strength.
Effect of gas ratio on p type phosphorus doped ZnO film
Authors: Xie Y. P. , Wang X. D. , Lang C.
Published: April 2015

Phosphorus-doped ZnO (ZnO:P) films were grown on quartz substrate by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique using mixture gas of Ar and O2 with different mass ratios, and then the films were annealed rapidly in air ambient, the properties of ZnO:P film and p-type mechanism were investigated. A stable p type ZnO:P film was obtained by using the mixture gas with mass ratio of Ar to O2 of 1 to 0·05 at a temperature of 750°C in air ambient, which had a resistivity of 59·75∼59·86 Ωcm, a hole concentration of 2·34 × 1017∼2·11 × 1018 cm− 3 and a mobility of 0·05∼0·47 cm2 V− 1 s− 1 respectively. The shallow acceptor level was estimated to be located at 113∼125 meV above the valence band. The formation mechanism of p type ZnO:P film was related to the PZn–2VZn complex acceptors. The p-n homojunction showed typical rectification behaviour.
Synthesis of nanoscale oxide scaffold on Nitinol surface using hydrothermal treatment
Authors: Sekhar C. , Roy B. , Aich S.
Published: April 2015

Nanostructured scaffolds were synthesized on the surface of equiatomic NiTi alloy (Nitinol) via hydrothermal treatment at 120 ± 1°C and 250 kPa using alkali (NaOH) solution of different strength. The scaffolds were found to be composed of intermingled nanopetals with varying morphology and phase content depending on the treatment time and alkali concentration. Single or mixed Ni3Ti3O, NiTiO3, H2Ti3O7 and TiO2 (anatase and rutile) phases were observed in the scaffold by X-ray diffraction study. Standard hemolysis testing showed significant biocompatibility improvement of the scaffolds grown in low strength alkali. Measurement of Ni release in the simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed that Ni release can be decreased from ∼60 μg L− 1 for the mechanically polished bare NiTi surface to ∼2·7 μg L− 1 for the scaffolded surface (scaffolds grown in low strength alkali).
Identification of novel therapeutic targets in acute leukemias with NRAS mutations using a pharmacologic approach
Authors: Nonami Atsushi , Sattler Martin , Weisberg Ellen , Liu Qingsong , Zhang Jianming , Patricelli Matthew P. , Christie Amanda L. , Saur Amy M. , Kohl Nancy E. , Kung Andrew L. , Yoon Hojong , Sim Taebo , Gray Nathanael S. , Griffin James D.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

We report a cell-based pharmacologic screening strategy to identify new therapeutic targets in mutant NRAS transformed leukemia cells. The screen and mechanistic analysis identified a previously unknown synergy between germinal center kinase and ACK1/AKT in mutant NRAS transformed cells.
Characterization of CLL exosomes reveals a distinct microRNA signature and enhanced secretion by activation of BCR signaling
Authors: Yeh Yuh-Ying , Ozer Hatice Gulcin , Lehman Amy M. , Maddocks Kami , Yu Lianbo , Johnson Amy J. , Byrd John C.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

CLL exosomes exhibit a disease-relevant microRNA signature. B-cell receptor signaling enhances exosome secretion in CLL that can be antagonized by ibrutinib.
Molecular insights into regulation of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Silvennoinen Olli , Hubbard Stevan R.
Published: April 2015

The critical role of Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) in regulation of myelopoiesis was established 2 decades ago, but identification of mutations in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and in other hematologic malignancies highlighted the role of JAK2 in human disease. These findings have revolutionized the diagnostics of MPNs and led to development of novel JAK2 therapeutics. However, the molecular mechanisms by which mutations in the pseudokinase domain lead to hyperactivation of JAK2 and clinical disease have been unclear. Here, we describe recent advances in the molecular characterization of the JAK2 pseudokinase domain and how pathogenic mutations lead to constitutive activation of JAK2.
Case-control study of ADARB1 and ADARB2 gene variants in migraine
Authors: Gasparini Claudia F , Sutherland Heidi G , Maher Bridget , Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Khlifi Elhame , Haupt Larisa M , Griffiths Lyn R
Published: April 2015

Background

Migraine causes crippling attacks of severe head pain along with associated nausea, vomiting, photophobia and/or phonophobia. The aim of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1 (ADARB1) and adenosine deaminase, RNA specific, B2 (ADARB2) genes in an Australian case–control Caucasian population for association with migraine. Both candidate genes are highly expressed in the central nervous system and fit criteria for migraine neuropathology. SNPs in the ADARB2 gene were previously found to be positively associated with migraine in a pedigree-based genome wide association study using the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island, Australia. The ADARB1 gene was also chosen for investigation due to its important function in editing neurotransmitter receptor transcripts.

Methods

Four SNPs in ADARB1 and nine in ADARB2 were selected by inspecting blocks of linkage disequilibrium in Haploview for genotyping using either TaqMan or Sequenom assays. These SNPs were genotyped in two-hundred and ninety one patients who satisfied the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II 2004 diagnostic criteria for migraine, and three-hundred and fourteen controls, and PLINK was used for association testing.

Results

Chi-square analysis found no significant association between any of the SNPs tested in the ADARB1 and ADARB2 genes in this study and the occurrence of migraine.

Conclusions

In contrast to findings that SNPs in the ADARB2 gene were positively associated with migraine in the Norfolk Island population, we find no evidence to support the involvement of RNA editing genes in migraine susceptibility in an Australian Caucasian population.
The cellular signature of urinary immune cells in Lupus nephritis: new insights into potential biomarkers
Authors: Kopetschke Katharina , Klocke Jan , Grießbach Anna-Sophie , Humrich Jens Y , Biesen Robert , Dragun Duska , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Enghard Philipp , Riemekasten Gabriela
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Urinary T cells represent a reliable noninvasive biomarker for proliferative Lupus nephritis (LN). Little is known about the presence of T cell subsets, B cells and macrophages in the urine although they may further improve the validity of urinary cellular biomarkers for LN.

Methods

We analyzed contemporaneous blood and urine samples of patients with active LN (n = 19), other Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients (n = 79) and urine samples of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN; n = 14) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV; n = 11) by flow cytometry.

Results

Numbers of urinary T cells, B cells and macrophages correlated with disease activity and were significantly higher in the active LN group. Urinary T cells showed excellent distinction of patients with active LN, CD8+ T cells (AUC of ROC = 1.000) and CD4+ T cells (AUC = 0.9969) alike. CD19+ B cells (AUC = 0.7823) and CD14+ macrophages (AUC = 0.9066), as well as the clinical standard proteinuria (AUC = 0.9201), failed to reach these high standards. Patients with DN or AAV also showed increased urinary cell counts, although the CD4/CD8-ratio was significantly lower in SLE compared to in DN (p = 0.0006). Urinary CD4+ T cells of active LN patients proved to be mainly of effector memory phenotype and expressed significantly more CD40L and ki67 than corresponding blood cells. Urinary Treg counts correlated with disease activity.

Conclusions

Despite of detectable urinary cell counts for B cells and macrophages, T cells remain the best urinary cellular biomarker for LN. A low CD4/CD8-ratio seems to be characteristic for LN.
Differential effects of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil on cellular and serological parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fassbinder Till , Saunders Ute , Mickholz Eva , Jung Elisabeth , Becker Heidemarie , Schlüter Bernhard , Jacobi Annett Marita
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Disease activity and therapy show an impact on cellular and serological parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was performed to compare the influence of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy on these parameters in patients with flaring, organ-threatening disease.

Methods

SLE patients currently receiving CYC (n = 20), MMF (n = 25) or no immunosuppressive drugs (n = 22) were compared using a cross-sectional design. Median disease activity and daily corticosteroid dose were similar in these treatment groups. Concurrent medication, organ manifestations, and disease activity were recorded, and cellular and serological parameters were determined by routine diagnostic tests or flow cytometric analysis. In addition follow-up data were obtained from different sets of patients (CYC n = 24; MMF n = 23).

Results

Although both drugs showed a significant effect on disease activity and circulating B cell subsets, only MMF reduced circulating plasmablasts and plasma cells as well as circulating free light chains within three months of induction therapy. Neither MMF nor CYC were able to reduce circulating memory B cells. MMF lowered IgA levels more markedly than CYC. We did not observe a significant difference in the reduction of IgG levels or anti-dsDNA antibodies comparing patients receiving MMF or CYC. In contrast to MMF, induction therapy with CYC was associated with a significant increase of circulating CD8+ effector T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) after three months.

Conclusions

The results indicate differences between MMF and CYC with regard to the mechanism of action. MMF, but not CYC, treatment leads to a fast and enduring reduction of surrogate markers of B cell activation, such as circulating plasmablasts, plasma cells and free light chains but a comparable rate of hypogammaglobulinemia.
Safety of intravenous insulin aspart compared to regular human insulin in patients undergoing ICU monitoring post cardiac surgery: an Indian experience
Authors: Chawla Manoj , Malve Harshad , Shah Harshvi , Shinde Shwetal , Bhoraskar Anil
Published: April 2015

Background

Poor perioperative glycemic control increases risk of infection, cardiovascular accidents and mortality in patients undergoing surgery. Tight glycemic control by insulin therapy is known to yield better outcomes in such patients. Intravenous (IV) insulin therapy with or without adjunctive subcutaneous insulin therapy is the mainstay of managing hyperglycemia in perioperative period. This observational study assessed the safety of IV Insulin Aspart (IAsp) as compared to Regular Human Insulin (RHI) in patients undergone cardiac surgery at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

203 patients received IV IAsp (n = 103) and RHI (n = 100) respectively. Safety was assessed by frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) & serious adverse events (SAEs) during hospitalization.

Results

IAsp effectively controlled mean blood glucose levels to 159.87 ± 41.41 mg/dl similar to RHI (160.77 ± 44.39 mg/dl). No serious adverse event was reported. The incidence of hypoglycemia was similar in both the groups. The insulin infusion rate, time for which insulin infusion was withheld and mean blood glucose during hypoglycemia was significantly high in RHI group.

Conclusion

This study has shown similar safety of IV IAsp as compared to IV RHI in the post cardiac surgery patients. However physicians preferred IAsp as it offers advantage during transition. IV IAsp offers an effective and safe option for managing hyperglycemia in patients in ICU post cardiac procedures.
Reservoir geochemistry: Evaluation of thermal maturity from gasoline-range hydrocarbons
Authors: Isaksen Gary H.
Published: April 2015

Oils and condensates with high concentrations of gasoline-range hydrocarbons typically lack adequate quantities of [Formula: see text] biomarkers used for thermal maturity and organic facies evaluations. I attempted a calibration of rock-based thermal maturity parameters between gasoline-range molecular parameters and nonmolecular maturity parameters such as Rock-Eval Tmax, vitrinite reflectance, and downhole temperatures. This enables maturity evaluation of volatile oils and condensates whose biomarker concentrations are at low or trace levels. The rock-based calibration data were used to assess thermal maturity of nonvolatile oils, volatile oils, and condensates from the Central Graben area of the UK North Sea and includes samples from high-pressure (gradients [Formula: see text]) and high-temperature ([Formula: see text]) hydrocarbon systems. Source rocks for theses North Sea oils and condensates are the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay and Heather shales, with a predominance of marine, algal type II organic matter.
OTC 2015 and offshore technology
Authors: Knobloch Charles
Published: April 2015

On 4–8 May 2015, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) will return to Houston, Texas, where it has been held annually since 1969. OTC is sponsored by 13 industry organizations and societies, of which SEG is one, which work cooperatively to develop the technical program each year. OTC is the world's foremost event for development of offshore resources in drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection.
Quality control of surface-consistent deconvolution on land dynamite data
Authors: Zhang Jingfeng , Klemm Carlyn , Michell Scott , Gangopadhyay Abhijit , Mei Jiawei , Connor Jeff , Ahmed Shoaib
Published: April 2015

Seismic data with reliable amplitude and phase can significantly impact drilling programs by providing valuable descriptions of the reservoir and overburden, especially for complicated or subtle plays. Processing steps such as velocity tomography and amplitude-preserving migration are critical for producing high-quality seismic images, but equally important are surface-related premigration processing steps that can significantly alter seismic amplitude and phase information, such as deconvolution. During land dynamite seismic acquisition, source and receiver responses are affected by surface conditions and inhomogeneous weathering layers. For example, even with the exact charge size, the response from each shot can vary greatly as the medium around the charge changes. Receiver recordings are affected similarly by near-surface conditions. An improper correction or a lack of correction for near-surface anomalies during seismic preprocessing will reduce the subsurface resolution and negatively bias subsurface descriptions that are dependent on reliable amplitude and phase information. Surface-consistent deconvolution can help to attenuate surface-consistent biases. There are several ways to quality-control (QC) this processing step. Different consequences result from various choices of deconvolution parameters.
SEAM Update
Authors: Oristaglio Michael
Published: April 2015

In February 2015, the Arid Model became the second digital earth model to enter production simulations under direction of the SEAM Phase II consortium on land seismic challenges. Numerical “shooting” on the first Phase II model, the Barrett Unconventional Model (see the April 2014 issue of TLE), was completed in June 2014, and classic data sets comprising nearly 40 terabytes (TB) of compressed data from nearly 45,000 simulated shots, with three-component recordings made in a variety of surface and borehole arrays, were distributed to members in the fall.
Professional Development
Authors: Presson Melissa
Published: April 2015

For 17 years, SEG has recognized prominent geophysicists as instructors for the SEG Distinguished Instructor Short Course (DISC), formerly known as the SEG/EAGE Distinguished Instructor Short Course. Established in 1998, the DISC has reached more than 30,000 participants and has expanded into one of SEG's most popular offerings. Selection as the DISC instructor is viewed as a major honor and recognition of distinction by SEG. The instructor is a prominent geophysicist whose work and presentation appeal to a wide audience, ranging from students to professionals, and the course is based on a topic of current and widespread interest.
Reprogramming Mouse Cells With a Pancreatic Duct Phenotype to Insulin-Producing β-Like Cells
Authors: Yamada Takatsugu , Cavelti-Weder Claudia , Caballero Francisco , Lysy Philippe A. , Guo Lili , Sharma Arun , Li Weida , Zhou Qiao , Bonner-Weir Susan , Weir Gordon C.
Published: April 2015

Reprogramming technology has opened the possibility of converting one cell type into another by forced expression of transgenes. Transduction of adenoviral vectors encoding 3 pancreatic transcription factors, Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA, into mouse pancreas results in direct reprogramming of exocrine cells to insulin-producing β-like cells. We hypothesized that cultured adult pancreatic duct cells could be reprogrammed to become insulin-producing β-cells by adenoviral-mediated expression of this same combination of factors. Exocrine were isolated from adult mouse insulin 1 promoter (MIP)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice to allow new insulin-expressing cells to be detected by GFP fluorescence. Cultured cells were transduced by an adenoviral vector carrying a polycistronic construct Ngn3/Pdx1/MafA/mCherry (Ad-M3C) or mCherry sequence alone as a control vector. In addition, the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, exendin-4 (Ex-4) on the reprogramming process were examined. GFP+ cells appeared 2 days after Ad-M3C transduction; the reprogramming efficiency was 8.6 ± 2.6% by day 4 after transduction. Ad-M3C also resulted in increased expression of β-cell markers insulin 1 and 2, with enhancement by Ex-4. Expression of other β-cell markers, neuroD and GLP-1 receptor, were also significantly up-regulated. The amount of insulin release into the media and insulin content of the cells were significantly higher in the Ad-M3C-transduced cells; this too was enhanced by Ex-4. The transduced cells did not secrete insulin in response to increased glucose, indicating incomplete differentiation to β-cells. Thus, cultured murine adult pancreatic cells with a duct phenotype can be directly reprogrammed to insulin-producing β-like cells by adenoviral delivery of 3 pancreatic transcription factors.
Not So Giants: Mice Lacking Both Somatostatin and Cortistatin Have High GH Levels but Show No Changes in Growth Rate or IGF-1 Levels
Authors: Pedraza-Arévalo S. , Córdoba-Chacón J. , Pozo-Salas A. I. , L.-López F. , de Lecea L. , Gahete M. D. , Castaño J. P. , Luque R. M.
Published: April 2015

Somatostatin (SST) and cortistatin (CORT) are two highly related neuropeptides involved in the regulation of various endocrine secretions. In particular, SST and CORT are two primary negative regulators of GH secretion. Consequently, single SST or CORT knockout mice exhibit elevated GH levels; however, this does not lead to increased IGF-1 levels or somatic growth. This apparent lack of correspondence has been suggested to result from compensatory mechanisms between both peptides. To test this hypothesis, in this study we explored, for the first time, the consequences of simultaneously deleting endogenous SST and CORT by generating a double SST/CORT knockout mouse model and exploring its endocrine and metabolic phenotype. Our results demonstrate that simultaneous deletion of SST and CORT induced a drastic elevation of endogenous GH levels, which, surprisingly, did not lead to changes in growth rate or IGF-1 levels, suggesting the existence of additional factors/systems that, in the absence of endogenous SST and CORT, could counteract GH actions. Notably, elevation in circulating GH levels were not accompanied by changes in pituitary GH expression or by alterations in the expression of its main regulators (GHRH and ghrelin) or their receptors (GHRH receptor, GHS receptor, or SST/CORT receptors) at the hypothalamic or pituitary level. However, although double-SST/CORT knockout male mice exhibited normal glucose and insulin levels, they had improved insulin sensitivity compared with the control mice. Therefore, these results suggest the existence of an intricate interplay among the known (SST/CORT), and likely unknown, inhibitory components of the GH/IGF-1 axis to regulate somatic growth and glucose/insulin homeostasis.
The Economic Freedom Fighters and the Politics of Memory and Forgetting
Authors: Nieftagodien Noor
Published: April 2015

This article critically examines the first year in the existence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the newest left-wing party in South Africa. It argues that the EFF is a product of the post-Marikana massacre political landscape, characterized by serious questioning of the African National Congress’s (ANC) hegemony and a reconfiguration of left forces. The new party is arguably best comprehended as a paradox, reflecting the fragmented and fluid character of contentious politics at this conjuncture. The EFF is the most significant youth movement and the first major left split from the ANC in the post-1994 era. It has an explicitly anticapitalist program that has attracted considerable support. Yet, in both its style and political substance the new party remains shackled to its history in the ruling alliance of the ANC. In particular, its commitment to a vanguardism inspired by Stalinism threatens to limit the EFF’s potential of becoming an integral part of the mass-based struggles and left realignment in the country.
Sox7 controls arterial specification in conjunction withhey2andefnb2function
Authors: Hermkens Dorien M. A. , van Impel Andreas , Urasaki Akihiro , Bussmann Jeroen , Duckers Henricus J. , Schulte-Merker Stefan
Published: April 2015

SoxF family members have been linked to arterio-venous specification events and human pathological conditions, but in contrast to Sox17 and Sox18, a detailed in vivo analysis of a Sox7 mutant model is still lacking. In this study we generated zebrafish sox7 mutants to understand the role of Sox7 during vascular development. By in vivo imaging of transgenic zebrafish lines we show that sox7 mutants display a short circulatory loop around the heart as a result of aberrant connections between the lateral dorsal aorta (LDA) and either the venous primary head sinus (PHS) or the common cardinal vein (CCV). In situ hybridization and live observations in flt4:mCitrine transgenic embryos revealed increased expression levels of flt4 in arterial endothelial cells at the exact location of the aberrant vascular connections in sox7 mutants. An identical circulatory short loop could also be observed in newly generated mutants for hey2 and efnb2. By genetically modulating levels of sox7, hey2 and efnb2 we demonstrate a genetic interaction of sox7 with hey2 and efnb2. The specific spatially confined effect of loss of Sox7 function can be rescued by overexpressing the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in arterial cells of sox7 mutants, placing Sox7 upstream of Notch in this aspect of arterial development. Hence, sox7 levels are crucial in arterial specification in conjunction with hey2 and efnb2 function, with mutants in all three genes displaying shunt formation and an arterial block.
Temporal ordering and registration of images in studies of developmental dynamics
Authors: Dsilva Carmeline J. , Lim Bomyi , Lu Hang , Singer Amit , Kevrekidis Ioannis G. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: April 2015

Progress of development is commonly reconstructed from imaging snapshots of chemical or mechanical processes in fixed tissues. As a first step in these reconstructions, snapshots must be spatially registered and ordered in time. Currently, image registration and ordering are often done manually, requiring a significant amount of expertise with a specific system. However, as the sizes of imaging data sets grow, these tasks become increasingly difficult, especially when the images are noisy and the developmental changes being examined are subtle. To address these challenges, we present an automated approach to simultaneously register and temporally order imaging data sets. The approach is based on vector diffusion maps, a manifold learning technique that does not require a priori knowledge of image features or a parametric model of the developmental dynamics. We illustrate this approach by registering and ordering data from imaging studies of pattern formation and morphogenesis in three model systems. We also provide software to aid in the application of our methodology to other experimental data sets.
Ocean acidification impacts on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential bring sperm swimming behaviour near its tipping point
Authors: Schlegel Peter , Binet Monique T. , Havenhand Jonathan N. , Doyle Christopher J. , Williamson Jane E.
Published: April 2015

Broadcast spawning marine invertebrates are susceptible to environmental stressors such as climate change, as their reproduction depends on the successful meeting and fertilization of gametes in the water column. Under near-future scenarios of ocean acidification, the swimming behaviour of marine invertebrate sperm is altered. We tested whether this was due to changes in sperm mitochondrial activity by investigating the effects of ocean acidification on sperm metabolism and swimming behaviour in the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii. We used a fluorescent molecular probe (JC-1) and flow cytometry to visualize mitochondrial activity (measured as change in mitochondrial membrane potential, MMP). Sperm MMP was significantly reduced in ΔpH −0.3 (35% reduction) and ΔpH −0.5 (48% reduction) treatments, whereas sperm swimming behaviour was less sensitive with only slight changes (up to 11% decrease) observed overall. There was significant inter-individual variability in responses of sperm swimming behaviour and MMP to acidified seawater. We suggest it is likely that sperm exposed to these changes in pH are close to their tipping point in terms of physiological tolerance to acidity. Importantly, substantial inter-individual variation in responses of sperm swimming to ocean acidification may increase the scope for selection of resilient phenotypes, which, if heritable, could provide a basis for adaptation to future ocean acidification.
Jacket-Cage: Dual-Use the Jacket Foundation of Offshore Wind Turbine for Aquaculture Farming
Authors: He Wei
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a new concept: the dual-use of the jacket foundation of wind turbines for both energy extraction and aquaculture farming. Fish will be housed within a jacket foundation that is covered by fishnets. This new Jacket-Cage concept has two promising potential applications. First, the Jacket-Cage, utilizing the strong jacket foundation of wind turbines, has potential for operation under harsh offshore conditions. It requires no extra seabed footprint and no mooring systems. Due to the dual-use, the cost of the Jacket-Cage has potential to be competitive with the conventional fish cage. This study case demonstrates that the fish farming within the offshore wind farm could provide an important revenue stream for the offshore wind farm, e.g. the annual yield from the co-use increases by 44% compared to the pure offshore wind farm. The operation and maintenance of the fish farming by using Jacket-Cage has the potential to use the existing facilities from the offshore wind farm and to create new effective aquaculture functionality. The proposed installation procedures reveal no additional time and no special bottlenecks in its installation compared to the installation of the jacket foundation. The risks of the dual-use of the foundation of the wind turbine are indicated and the further investigations, including the important additional loads from the attached fishnets, are recommended. This study case demonstrates many promising features of this innovative Jacket-Cage to integrate the offshore wind farm with aquaculture farm. Second, the Jacket-Cage itself provides an entirely new aquaculture farming structure for operation under harsh offshore conditions.
Followership among UK Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Francis Andrew
Published: April 2015

This paper reports the preliminary findings of an exploratory study which investigates the followership of longstanding, classroom-based school teachers working in the UK secondary education sector. Using Gronn’s (1999) educational leadership formation model as a frame of reference, the study employs a multiple case study methodology with data collected using semi- structured biographical interviews and Kelley’s (1992) followership questionnaire. Focusing on those individuals that have not embraced a formal leadership or management role as part of their teaching career (teacher-followers), the study investigates how these teachers follow and how the characteristics of their life and career have influenced their followership journey. The preliminary findings indicate that followership is characterised by two of Kelley’s five classifications, i.e., pragmatic and exemplary followers. Further, the reported experiences and influences of the teacher-followers in the formative stages of their career are aligned with those reported for teacher-leaders (Ribbins, 1997; Gronn, 1999; Inman, 2007; Mackensie-Batterbury, 2012). Finally, self-belief and confidence; opportunity to lead; and pragmatism are reported as differentiating factors in shaping the nature of the career journeys of the teacher-followers engaged in this study.