bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cytogenetic identification of a wheat–rye 1R addition line with multiple spikelets and resistance to powdery mildew
Authors: Yang Wujuan , Wang Changyou , Chen Chunhuan , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Hong , Liu Xinlun , Ji Wanquan
Published: February 2016

Alien addition lines are important for transferring useful genes from alien species into common wheat. Rye is an important and valuable gene resource for improving wheat disease resistance, yield, and environment adaptation. A new wheat–rye addition line, N9436B, was developed from the progeny of the cross of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) cultivar Shaanmai 611 and rye (Secale cereal L., 2n = 2x = 14, RR) accession Austrian rye. We characterized this new line by cytology, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), molecular markers, and disease resistance screening. N9436B was stable in morphology and cytology, with a chromosome composition of 2n = 42 + 2t = 22II. GISH investigations showed that this line contained two rye chromosomes. GISH, FISH, and molecular maker identification suggested that the introduced R chromosome and the missing wheat chromosome arms were 1R chromosome and 2DL chromosome arm, respectively. N9436B exhibited 30–37 spikelets per spike and a high level of resistance to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Bgt) isolate E09 at the seedling stage. N9436B was cytologically stable, had the trait of multiple spikelets, and was resistant to powdery mildew; this line should thus be useful in wheat improvement.
A Survey on Decidable Equivalence Problems for Tree Transducers
Authors: Maneth Sebastian
Published: February 2016

The decidability of equivalence for three important classes of tree transducers is discussed. Each class can be obtained as a natural restriction of deterministic macro tree transducers (MTTs): (1) no context parameters, i.e., top-down tree transducers, (2) linear size increase, i.e., MSO definable tree transducers, and (3) monadic input and output ranked alphabets. For the full class of mtts, decidability of equivalence remains a long-standing open problem.
Returning Parallel Communicating Finite Automata with Communication Bounds: Hierarchies, Decidabilities, and Undecidabilities
Authors: Bordihn Henning , Kutrib Martin , Malcher Andreas
Published: February 2016

Systems of deterministic finite automata communicating by sending their states upon request are investigated, when the amount of communication is restricted, that is, when the number of necessary communications during the computations of the system is bounded by a function depending on the length of the input. The computational power and decidability problems are studied for returning systems, where components are set back to their initial states after having answered communication requests. It is proved that an infinite, strict hierarchy of language families exists, induced by the number of messages sent by their most economical acceptors. It is shown that at least one gap in this hierarchy exists. Some levels in the hierarchy are investigated in more detail.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES BETWEEN BONE AND VARIOUS ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT SURFACES — IMPLANT STABILITY
Authors: Dannaway Jasan , Dabirrahmani Danè , Sonnabend David , Martin Andrew , Appleyard Richard
Published: February 2016

Background: The frictional properties between bone and uncemented orthopedic implants are important for initial stability. Accurate frictional data are used in computer modeling to improve implant design. Unfortunately, friction data derived from standardized testing methods is rare. We aimed to validate two testing methods and to provide friction data. Method: Two experimental designs for testing friction (Sled and Rotation) were investigated. One (Sled) employed a friction testing standard (ASTM D4518) while the other (Rotation) was a novel design. Both designs were initially validated using metal and polymer surfaces of known friction coefficients. The effect of variables, speed and normal force was evaluated. Finally trabecular bone from fresh frozen cadaveric femurs ([Formula: see text]) was tested against four commonly used orthopedic surfaces. Porosity of each bone sample was obtained using micro-CT and we reviewed the correlation between porosity and friction coefficient. Results: Based on the validation experiments, the Rotation method delivered more accurate friction estimates, and was less affected by normal force and speed, than the Sled method. The testing of bone against implant surfaces produced a variety of different force displacement curves and a wide range of friction coefficients (range 0.19–0.78). Bone excised from the lateral femoral condyle produced a higher friction coefficient than bone from the medial femoral condyle (p-value [Formula: see text]). Trabecular bone samples yielded a range of porosities (91.30–79.03%) as determined by micro-CT. A weak positive correlation was observed between bone porosity and friction coefficient. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of a validated testing method when determining frictional properties between bone and orthopedic implants. Specific testing standards should therefore be created, to ensure accurate and reproducible data. The data produced in this study will be utilized for further experimental studies and computer modeling.
Sparse Non-Negative Matrix Factorization for Mesh Segmentation
Authors: McGraw Tim , Kang Jisun , Herring Donald
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present a method for 3D mesh segmentation based on sparse non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Image analysis techniques based on NMF have been shown to decompose images into semantically meaningful local features. Since the features and coefficients are represented in terms of non-negative values, the features contribute to the resulting images in an intuitive, additive fashion. Like spectral mesh segmentation, our method relies on the construction of an affinity matrix which depends on the geometric properties of the mesh. We show that segmentation based on the NMF is simpler to implement, and can result in more meaningful segmentation results than spectral mesh segmentation.
A novel semi-supervised learning framework for hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Ye Zhijing , Li Hong , Song Yalong , Wang Jianzhong , Benediktsson Jon Atli
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel semi-supervised learning classification framework using box-based smooth ordering and multiple 1D-embedding-based interpolation (M1DEI) in [J. Wang, Semi-supervised learning using multiple one-dimensional embedding-based adaptive interpolation, Int. J. Wavelets Multiresolut. Inf. Process. 14(2) (2016) 11 pp.] for hyperspectral images. Due to the lack of labeled samples, conventional supervised approaches cannot generally perform efficient enough. On the other hand, obtaining labeled samples for hyperspectral image classification is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, while unlabeled samples are easily available. The proposed method can effectively overcome the lack of labeled samples by introducing new labeled samples from unlabeled samples in a label boosting framework. Furthermore, the proposed method uses spatial information from the pixels in the neighborhood of the current pixel to better catch the features of hyperspectral image. The proposed idea is that, first, we extract the box (cube data) of each pixel from its neighborhood, then apply multiple 1D interpolation to construct the classifier. Experimental results on three hyperspectral data sets demonstrate that the proposed method is efficient, and outperforms recent popular semi-supervised methods in terms of accuracies.
X-ray diffraction analysis of the effects of myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation and butanedione monoxime on skinned skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Yamaguchi Maki , Kimura Masako , Li Zhao-bo , Ohno Tetsuo , Takemori Shigeru , Hoh Joseph F. Y. , Yagi Naoto
Published: February 2016

The phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) is an important modulator of skeletal muscle performance and plays a key role in posttetanic potentiation and staircase potentiation of twitch contractions. The structural basis for these phenomena within the filament lattice has not been thoroughly investigated. Using a synchrotron radiation source at SPring8, we obtained X-ray diffraction patterns from skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibers before and after phosphorylation of myosin RLC in the presence of myosin light chain kinase, calmodulin, and calcium at a concentration below the threshold for tension development ([Ca2+] = 10−6.8 M). After phosphorylation, the first myosin layer line slightly decreased in intensity at ∼0.05 nm−1 along the equatorial axis, indicating a partial loss of the helical order of myosin heads along the thick filament. Concomitantly, the (1,1/1,0) intensity ratio of the equatorial reflections increased. These results provide a firm structural basis for the hypothesis that phosphorylation of myosin RLC caused the myosin heads to move away from the thick filaments towards the thin filaments, thereby enhancing the probability of interaction with actin. In contrast, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), known to inhibit contraction by impeding phosphate release from myosin, had exactly the opposite effects on meridional and equatorial reflections to those of phosphorylation. We hypothesize that these antagonistic effects are due to the acceleration of phosphate release from myosin by phosphorylation and its inhibition by BDM, the consequent shifts in crossbridge equilibria leading to opposite changes in abundance of the myosin-ADP-inorganic phosphate complex state associated with helical order of thick filaments.
Aurora kinase A activates the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) in kidney carcinoma cells
Authors: Al-bataineh Mohammad M. , Alzamora Rodrigo , Ohmi Kazuhiro , Ho Pei-Yin , Marciszyn Allison L. , Gong Fan , Li Hui , Hallows Kenneth R. , Pastor-Soler Núria M.
Published: February 2016

Extracellular proton-secreting transport systems that contribute to extracellular pH include the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). This pump, which mediates ATP-driven transport of H+across membranes, is involved in metastasis. We previously showed (Alzamora R, Thali RF, Gong F, Smolak C, Li H, Baty CJ, Bertrand CA, Auchli Y, Brunisholz RA, Neumann D, Hallows KR, Pastor-Soler NM. J Biol Chem 285: 24676–24685, 2010) that V-ATPase A subunit phosphorylation at Ser-175 is important for PKA-induced V-ATPase activity at the membrane of kidney intercalated cells. However, Ser-175 is also located within a larger phosphorylation consensus sequence for Aurora kinases, which are known to phosphorylate proteins that contribute to the pathogenesis of metastatic carcinomas. We thus hypothesized that Aurora kinase A (AURKA), overexpressed in aggressive carcinomas, regulates the V-ATPase in human kidney carcinoma cells (Caki-2) via Ser-175 phosphorylation. We found that AURKA is abnormally expressed in Caki-2 cells, where it binds the V-ATPase A subunit in an AURKA phosphorylation-dependent manner. Treatment with the AURKA activator anacardic acid increased V-ATPase expression and activity at the plasma membrane of Caki-2 cells. In addition, AURKA phosphorylates the V-ATPase A subunit at Ser-175 in vitro and in Caki-2 cells. Immunolabeling revealed that anacardic acid induced marked membrane accumulation of the V-ATPase A subunit in transfected Caki-2 cells. However, anacardic acid failed to induce membrane accumulation of a phosphorylation-deficient Ser-175-to-Ala (S175A) A subunit mutant. Finally, S175A-expressing cells had decreased migration in a wound-healing assay compared with cells expressing wild-type or a phospho-mimetic Ser-175-to-Asp (S175D) mutant A subunit. We conclude that AURKA activates the V-ATPase in kidney carcinoma cells via phosphorylation of Ser-175 in the V-ATPase A subunit. This regulation contributes to kidney carcinoma V-ATPase-mediated extracellular acidification and cell migration.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis during Pregnancy: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rohilla Minakshi , Joshi Bharti , Jain Vanita , Kalra Jasvinder , Prasad G. R. V.
Published: February 2016

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is identified from the time of introduction of antituberculosis treatment and is a known worldwide public health crisis affecting women of reproductive age group. Management issues raised by pregnant women with MDR tuberculosis are challenging due to the limited clinical experience available with the use of second line drugs. We hereby report two cases of MDR-TB during pregnancy: one patient was on second line drugs, while another one was evaluated and diagnosed to have MDR-TB in last trimester. At 6 months of follow-up both mothers and babies are doing well. The approach to such cases along with review of the literature is discussed.
The Impact of Noise Models on Capacity Performance of Distribution Broadband over Power Lines Networks
Authors: Lazaropoulos Athanasios G.
Published: February 2016

This paper considers broadband potential of distribution Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) networks when different well-known noise models of the BPL literature are applied. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, the seven most representative and used noise models of the BPL literature are synopsized in this paper. With reference to this set, the broadband performance of a great number of distribution BPL topologies either Overhead (OV) or Underground (UN), either Medium-Voltage (MV) or Low-Voltage (LV), is investigated in terms of suitable capacity metrics. Second, based on the proposed capacity metrics, a comparative capacity analysis is performed among various well-validated noise models. Through the careful study of its results, it is demonstrated that during capacity computations of distribution BPL networks, the flat Additive White Gaussian Noise (FL noise model) can be comfortably assumed as an efficient noise model either in 3–30 MHz or in 3–88 MHz frequency range since its capacity differences with the other well-proven noise models are negligible.
Optimal Layout of Sensors on Wind Turbine Blade Based on Combinational Algorithm
Authors: Gu Guimei , Zhao Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2016

This work proposes a comprehensive combinational algorithm for sensor layout to solve the problem that unreasonable sensor layout affects the effectiveness of data selection and reduces the accuracy of monitoring system in healthy monitoring system of wind turbine blade structure. This algorithm integrates the advantages of kinetic energy method, effective independence method, modal assurance criterion (MAC), and many other optimal methods. In order to avoid information redundancy caused by partial concentration of test spots, Euclidean distance was introduced as the iteration condition of algorithm. Finite element simulation and experimental results show that the layout obtained by this method is beneficial to improving signal-to-noise ratio and can maximize the crossing angle between target vibration modes. Therefore, relatively complete characteristics of actual wind turbine blade structure can be obtained.
Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Stroke Interventional Laboratory Consensus (SILC) Criteria: A 7M Management Approach to Developing a Stroke Interventional Laboratory in the Era of Stroke Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusions
Authors: Shams Tanzila , Zaidat Osama , Yavagal Dileep , Xavier Andrew , Jovin Tudor , Janardhan Vallabh
Published: February 2016

Brain attack care is rapidly evolving with cutting-edge stroke interventions similar to the growth of heart attack care with cardiac interventions in the last two decades. As the field of stroke intervention is growing exponentially globally, there is clearly an unmet need to standardize stroke interventional laboratories for safe, effective, and timely stroke care. Towards this goal, the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Writing Committee has developed the Stroke Interventional Laboratory Consensus (SILC) criteria using a 7M management approach for the development and standardization of each stroke interventional laboratory within stroke centers. The SILC criteria include: (1) manpower: personnel including roles of medical and administrative directors, attending physicians, fellows, physician extenders, and all the key stakeholders in the stroke chain of survival; (2) machines: resources needed in terms of physical facilities, and angiography equipment; (3) materials: medical device inventory, medications, and angiography supplies; (4) methods: standardized protocols for stroke workflow optimization; (5) metrics (volume): existing credentialing criteria for facilities and stroke interventionalists; (6) metrics (quality): benchmarks for quality assurance; (7) metrics (safety): radiation and procedural safety practices.
Use of an Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex) in a Case with Accidental Foveal Photocoagulation by Alexandrite Laser
Authors: Bulut Muhammed Nurullah , Çallı Ümit , Göktaş Eren , Bulut Kezban , Kandemir Baran , Özertürk Yusuf
Published: February 2016

Alexandrite laser is one of the most common methods of hair removal. Its utilization is gradually increasing due to easy accessibility and high effectiveness. However, the disuse of protective goggles during the application of this laser is a serious problem. In this case report, we presented a 35-year-old male patient who had foveal injury by alexandrite laser. The inflammatory process secondary to the foveal injury and subsequent macular edema were treated with Ozurdex because of its potent antiedematous effect.
The Critical Role of Innate Immunity in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Cucchiari David , Podestà Manuel Alfredo , Ponticelli Claudio
Published: February 2016

For a long time now, kidney transplant rejection has been considered the consequence of either cellular or antibody-mediated reaction as a part of adaptive immunity response. The role of innate immunity, on the other hand, had been unclear for many years and was thought to be only ancillary. There is now consistent evidence that innate immune response is a condition necessary to activate the machinery of rejection. In this setting, the communication between antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes is of major importance. Indeed, T cells are unable to cause rejection if innate immunity is not activated. This field is currently being explored and several experiments in animal models have proved that blocking innate immunity activation can promote tolerance of the graft instead of rejection. The aim of this review is to systematically describe all the steps of innate immunity response in kidney transplant rejection, from antigen recognition to T-cells activation, with a focus on clinical consequences and possible future perspectives.
Case Reports Showing a Long-Term Effect of Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusion in Reducing L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesias
Authors: Sherman Scott J. , Estevez Miguel , Magill Ari B. , Falk Torsten
Published: February 2016

Ketamine is an FDA-approved drug with a known safety profile. Low-dose subanesthetic intravenous ketamine infusion treatment has led to long-term reduction of treatment-resistant depression and of chronic pain states. We report on low-dose subanesthetic intravenous ketamine infusion treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients by 5 case studies and show a long-lasting therapeutic benefit to reduce L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), improve on time, and reduce depression. Based on the literature we hypothesize that low-dose ketamine may act as a ‘chemical deep brain stimulation', by desynchronizing hypersynchronous oscillatory brain activity, including in the basal ganglia and the motor cortex. The presented PD case reports indicate tolerability, safety and long-term beneficial effects of low-dose ketamine infusion that should be further investigated in a properly controlled prospective clinical trial for treatment of LID, as well as the prevalent nonmotor features pain and depression in PD patients.
Japan and 100 Years of Antarctic Legal Order: Any Lessons for the Arctic?
Authors: Shibata Akiho
Published: February 2016

This paper examines whether core foundational principles can be distilled from the 100 years of history of the legal order-making in the polar regions. Despite differences in geo-physical, socio-historical, and legal circumstances conditioning the Antarctic and the Arctic regions, the examination of the processes of legal order-making in both polar regions demonstrates that there are some foundational principles being assessed and applied in designing their respective legal regimes. The identification of those core foundational principles would not necessarily lead to similar end products, nor would such examination necessarily advocate, for example, an Arctic Treaty System. This paper, instead, submits that between the Antarctic and the Arctic there are mutual learning processes already discernible at the foundational level of process legitimacy in international legal order-making. This examination also provides a broader framework to assess the existing literature that sees certain interactions between the two regimes at the level of substantive principles and rules.
The Consequences of the ICJ Decision in the Whaling Case for Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty System
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: February 2016

This paper identifies parts of the International Court of Justice’s judgment in Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia v. Japan: New Zealand intervening) that might hold broader relevance beyond the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, and explores what that might entail for the Antarctic Treaty System. There are four aspects explored. First, an analysis of the Court’s treatment of Japan’s challenge to jurisdiction that touched upon the relevance or otherwise of Antarctic sovereignty to the issues at hand in the case. Second, the Court’s drawing of important conclusions from the Whaling Convention’s status as an ‘evolving instrument’, in light of it having a treaty body with ongoing decision making responsibility will be discussed. Third, to what extent might the Court’s assessment of the concept of ‘science’ in a legal context find relevance in Antarctic obligations will be analysed. Finally, the success of the claim brought by Australia, and the manner in which the Court addressed the issues before it, and whether they bear any consequences for potential, future environmental cases, will be discussed.
Human and Fundamental Rights of the Sámi
Authors: Niemivuo Matti
Published: February 2016

I will begin this article by saying a few words about the role of human and fundamental rights in Finland, one of the countries where the Sámi live. Following this general review, I will deal with the guarantees that International Human Rights Law and the Constitutions of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia provide for the Sámi as an indigenous people. After that I will then go on to examine how fundamental rights of the Sámi have been implemented in Finland. And finally, I will ask whether human and fundamental rights can be invoked in order to improve the position of the Sámi in an increasingly globalised world.
International Governance of the Antarctic – Participation, Transparency and Legitimacy
Authors: Barrett Jill
Published: February 2016

This article explores the principal institutions of international governance of the Antarctic region, their members, and how open they are to new participants. It considers the relationship between the openness of these institutions to new participation and their long-term international legitimacy and efficacy. Taking as its starting point the Antarctic Treaty System, each constituent part is examined for participation, transparency and legitimacy. It applies these criteria to both State and non-State actors and to parties and non-parties. Ultimately it seeks to determine what factors have contributed to its success over five decades in a radically changing world, and what factors might contribute to its future vulnerability. The examination and conclusions might have resonance for what happens in the Arctic.
Taxonomy and typification of Hoya meliflua (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae)
Authors: RODDA MICHELE
Published: February 2016

Hoya meliflua, H. treubiana and H. luzonica are typified. A recent neotypification of Hoya meliflua ssp. fraterna is considered invalid, the original type is reinstated and an epitype is designated. Upon examination of the type specimens, H. davaoensis, H. luzonica, H. meliflua ssp. fraterna and H. treubiana are considered conspecific with H. meliflua.
A New Method for Fast Computation of Three-Dimensional Atmospheric Infrared Radiative Transfer in a Nonscattering Medium, with an Application to Dynamical Simulation of Radiation Fog in a Built Environment
Authors: Makké Laurent , Musson-Genon Luc , Carissimo Bertrand , Plion Pierre , Milliez Maya , Douce Alexandre
Published: February 2016

The atmospheric radiation field has seen the development of more accurate and faster methods to take into account absorption. Modeling fog formation, where infrared radiation is involved, requires accurate methods to compute cooling rates. Radiative fog appears under clear-sky conditions owing to a significant cooling during the night where absorption and emission are the dominant processes. Thanks to high-performance computing, high-resolution multispectral approaches to solving the radiative transfer equation are often used. Nevertheless, the coupling of three-dimensional radiative transfer with fluid dynamics is very computationally expensive. Radiation increases the computation time by around 50% over the pure computational fluid dynamics simulation. To reduce the time spent in radiation calculations, a new method using analytical absorption functions fitted by Sasamori on Yamamoto’s radiation chart has been developed to compute an equivalent absorption coefficient (spectrally integrated). Only one solution of the radiative transfer equation is needed against Nband × Ngauss for an Nband model with Ngauss quadrature points on each band. A comparison with simulation data has been done and the new parameterization of radiative properties proposed in this article shows the ability to handle variations of gas concentrations and liquid water.
Probabilistic Inference Coupled with Possibilistic Reasoning for Robust Estimation of Hydrologic Parameters and Piecewise Characterization of Interactive Uncertainties
Authors: Wang S. , Huang G. H. , Baetz B. W. , Huang W.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a factorial possibilistic–probabilistic inference (FPI) framework for estimation of hydrologic parameters and characterization of interactive uncertainties. FPI is capable of incorporating expert knowledge into the parameter adjustment procedure for enhancing the understanding of the nature of the calibration problem. As a component of the FPI framework, a Monte Carlo–based fractional fuzzy–factorial analysis (MFA) method is also proposed to identify the best parameter set and its underlying probability distributions in a fuzzy probability space. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) coupled with its multivariate extensions are performed to explore potential interactions among model parameters and among hydrological metrics in a systematic manner. The proposed methodology is applied to the Xiangxi River watershed by using the conceptual hydrological model (HYMOD) to demonstrate its validity and applicability. Results reveal that MFA is capable of deriving probability density functions (PDFs) of hydrologic model parameters. Moreover, the sequential inferences derived from the F test and its multivariate approximations disclose the statistical significance of parametric interactions affecting individual and multiple hydrological metrics, respectively. The findings presented here indicate that parametric interactions are complex in a fuzzy stochastic environment, and the magnitude and direction of interaction effects vary in different regions of the parameter space as well as vary temporally because of the dynamic behavior of hydrologic systems.
Thrombin Activates Latent TGFβ1 via Integrin αvβ1 in Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Yang W.H. , Deng Y.T. , Hsieh Y.P. , Wu K.J. , Kuo M.Y.P.
Published: February 2016

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix production. It also plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of gingival overgrowth. Thrombin is a key player in tissue repair, remodeling, and fibrosis after an injury, and it exerts profibrotic effects by activating protease-activated receptors. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2) modulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, matrix production, and wound healing. It is overexpressed in many fibrotic disorders, including gingival overgrowth, and it is positively associated with the degree of fibrosis in gingival overgrowth. In human gingival fibroblasts, we previously found that TGFβ1 induced CCN2 protein synthesis through c-jun N-terminal kinase and Smad3 activation. Thrombin stimulates CCN2 synthesis through protease-activated receptor 1 and c-jun N-terminal kinase signaling. Curcumin inhibited TGFβ1- and thrombin-induced CCN2 synthesis. In this study, we demonstrated that thrombin and protease-activated receptor 1 agonist SFLLRN induced latent TGFβ1 activation and Smad3 phosphorylation in human gingival fibroblasts. Pretreatment with a TGFβ-neutralizing antibody, TGFβ type I receptor inhibitor SB431542, and Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 inhibited approximately 86%, 94%, and 100% of thrombin-induced CCN2 synthesis, respectively. Furthermore, blocking integrin subunits αv and β1 with antibodies effectively inhibited SFLLRN-induced Smad3 phosphorylation and CCN2 synthesis and increased activated TGFβ1 levels; however, similar effects were not observed for integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5. These results suggest that protease-activated receptor 1–induced CCN2 synthesis in human gingival fibroblasts is mediated through integrin αvβ1–induced latent TGFβ1 activation and subsequent TGFβ1 signaling. Moreover, curcumin dose dependently decreased thrombin-induced activated TGFβ1 levels. Curcumin-inhibited thrombin-induced CCN2 synthesis in human gingival fibroblasts is caused by the suppression of latent TGFβ1 activation.
Children-at-Risk and the Whole Gospel: Integral Mission ‘To, For, and With’ Vulnerable Agents of God
Authors: Greener Susan Hayes
Published: February 2016

The author encourages the Church to conceptualize children-at-risk as whole, complex humans, who actively participate in their own development and experience multi-directional influences within the contexts of families, communities, cultures, and histories. This view of children requires an expanded understanding of the whole gospel moving past children-at-risk as subjects of evangelism and advocacy. Children are seen as vulnerable agents of God, participants in their own development, and co-participants with the Church in the missio Dei. Using a hermeneutic of inclusion, a model of integral mission ‘to, for, and with’ children-at-risk is offered.
Oral anticoagulants, effect on thrombus resolution and post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Rennenberg Roger JMW
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism is a frequently occurring phenomenon with a high risk of acute and chronic complications. To prevent these, subjects are treated with surgical options to restore venous blood flow combined with medical treatment or medical treatment alone. Despite great therapeutic advances considerable morbidity still persists. For example, thrombosis of the leg can result in post-thrombotic syndrome, which has a great impact on quality of life. The best management to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome is a topic of research and debate. In this study, we searched the literature to identify studies that used oral anticoagulants and evaluated their properties for resolution of thrombus and hence prevention of the post-thrombotic syndrome.

Methods

We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and four international medical journals frequently reporting on venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, we looked at Clinicaltrials.gov for current research on this topic.

Results

Only three suitable articles were identified.

Discussion

We found experimental evidence that direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors have an influence on clot lysis favoring a quicker recanalization compared to warfarin. Future studies investigating these effects in humans are warranted.
Treatment of upper-extremity outflow thrombosis
Authors: van den Houten Marijn ML , van Grinsven Regine , Pouwels Sjaak , Yo Lonneke SF , van Sambeek Marc RHM , Teijink Joep AW
Published: February 2016

Approximately 10% of all cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occur in the upper extremities. The most common secondary cause of upper-extremity DVT (UEDVT) is the presence of a venous catheter. Primary UEDVT is far less common and usually occurs in patients with anatomic abnormalities of the costoclavicular space causing compression of the subclavian vein, called venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS). Subsequently, movement of the arm results in repetitive microtrauma to the vein and its surrounding structures causing apparent ‘spontaneous’ thrombosis, or Paget-Schrötter syndrome. Treatment of UEDVT aims at elimination of the thrombus, thereby relieving acute symptoms, and preventing recurrence. Initial management for all UEDVT patients consists of anticoagulant therapy. In patients with Paget-Schrötter syndrome the underlying VTOS necessitates a more aggressive management strategy. Several therapeutic options exist, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, surgical decompression through first rib resection, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the vein. However, several controversies exist regarding their indication and timing.
Up: The rise of nitrous oxide abuse. An international survey of contemporary nitrous oxide use
Authors: Kaar Stephen J , Ferris Jason , Waldron Jon , Devaney Madonna , Ramsey John , Winstock Adam R
Published: February 2016

In recent years the recreational use of inhaled nitrous oxide gas (N2O) is becoming increasingly popular, yet little is known about the characteristics of its users or the effects they experience. This paper presents original research from the 2014 Global Drug Survey (GDS) ( n=74,864). GDS runs the largest survey of recreational drug use in the world. The findings confirm N2O as a very common drug of use, in particular in the UK and US (38.6% and 29.4% lifetime prevalence). In the UK N2O was reported to be the eighth most commonly used substance. N2O was generally consumed via gas-filled balloons, at festivals and clubs where use of other substances was common. The vast majority of users use infrequently, and their use is not associated with significant harm. However, there appears to be a subpopulation of heavy users who may be using in a dependent pattern. Analysis of last year N2O users ( n=4883), confirms that N2O is associated with hallucinations and confusion (which may be the desired effects) and persistent numbness and accidental injury (27.8%, 23.9%, 4.3% and 1.2% of last year users, respectively). Accidental injury is associated with the highest number of ‘hits’ per session, suggesting a dose–response relationship. The presence of significant harm is discussed in the light of public education on the risks of N2O use and harm-reduction strategies appropriate to N2O use. Further work needs to be completed to confirm the presence of persistent neurological symptoms in recreational users.
How Young Girls Change Their Landing Technique Throughout the Adolescent Growth Spurt
Authors: Wild Catherine Y. , Munro Bridget J. , Steele Julie R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Despite the rapid musculoskeletal changes experienced by girls throughout the adolescent growth spurt, little is known about how their lower limb landing technique changes during this time.

Purpose:

To investigate the longitudinal changes in the 3-dimensional lower limb kinematics, joint moments, and muscle activation patterns displayed by girls when performing a horizontal landing task throughout their adolescent growth spurt.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 33 healthy 10- to 13-year-old girls, in Tanner stage II, with a maturity offset of −6 to −4 months (time from peak height velocity) were recruited. According to her maturity offset, each participant was tested up to 4 times during the 12 months of her growth spurt (maturity offset: test 1 = −6 to −4 months; test 2 = 0 months; test 3 = 4 months; test 4 = 8 months). During each test session, participants performed a horizontal leap movement, during which ground-reaction forces (1000 Hz), lower limb muscle activity (1000 Hz), and kinematic data (100 Hz) were collected.

Results:

Throughout the growth spurt, girls displayed a decrease in knee flexion ( P = .028), increase in hip flexion ( P = .047), increase in external knee abduction moments ( P = .008), and decrease in external hip adduction moments ( P = .003) during the landing movement.

Conclusion:

During their adolescent growth spurt, pubescent girls displayed a change in the strategy with which they controlled their lower limb to land after performing a horizontal leap movement. This change in the landing strategy has the potential to increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries toward the latter stages of the adolescent growth spurt.

Clinical Relevance:

The outcomes of this research provide a greater understanding of the changes in the landing strategy used by pubescent girls throughout the adolescent growth spurt. This can assist in the development of screening tools designed to determine “at-risk” landing biomechanics during puberty.
The “Flipped Classroom” Model for Teaching in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tainter Christopher R. , Wong Nelson L. , Cudemus-Deseda Gaston A. , Bittner Edward A.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a dynamic and complex learning environment. The wide range in trainee’s experience, specialty training, fluctuations in patient acuity and volume, limitations in trainee duty hours, and additional responsibilities of the faculty contribute to the challenge in providing a consistent experience with traditional educational strategies. The “flipped classroom” is an educational model with the potential to improve the learning environment. In this paradigm, students gain exposure to new material outside class and then use class time to assimilate the knowledge through problem-solving exercises or discussion. The rationale and pedagogical foundations for the flipped classroom are reviewed, practical considerations are discussed, and an example of successful implementation is provided.

Methods:

An education curriculum was devised and evaluated prospectively for teaching point-of-care echocardiography to residents rotating in the surgical ICU.

Results:

Preintervention and postintervention scores of knowledge, confidence, perceived usefulness, and likelihood of use the skills improved for each module. The quality of the experience was rated highly for each of the sessions.

Conclusion:

The flipped classroom education curriculum has many advantages. This pilot study was well received, and learners showed improvement in all areas evaluated, across several demographic subgroups and self-identified learning styles.
Theoretical and experimental studies on the motion and thermal states of oil droplet in a bearing chamber
Authors: Sun Hengchao , Chen Guoding , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Li’na
Published: February 2016

Study on the motion and thermal states of oil droplet is an important part of research on the oil/air two-phase flow and heat transfer in an aero engine bearing chamber. In this paper, dimensional analysis is applied to the airflow analysis of bearing chamber. That makes the analysis model suitable for a wide range of geometric and operating conditions. Moreover, the temperature solution is added to the oil droplet motion analysis. That could promote the calculation accuracy of the droplet trajectory, velocity, and temperature. Firstly, the similarity criteria of the airflow in a bearing chamber are determined based on the dimensional analysis. The airflow distribution general formulas are proposed based on the numerical results of airflow velocity and temperature. The general formulas include 14 similarity criteria and are suitable for various geometric and operating conditions. The reliability of the general formulas is verified by some available experimental results. Secondly, the difference equations of the oil droplet velocity and temperature are listed by the difference method. The velocity and temperature of the droplet are obtained using a step-by-step method. The influence of droplet diameter, shaft rotational speed, air flow rate, and temperature on the oil droplet trajectory, velocity, and temperature are discussed. Thirdly, a test facility is built in order to investigate into the oil droplet motion and thermal states in a bearing chamber. The trajectory and velocity of the oil droplet are measured by the high-speed photography. Lastly, the proposed theoretical method about the oil droplet motion and thermal states is verified by above measurement results. The work in this paper may have a certain significance for perfecting the research system and improving the research level on the oil/air two-phase flow and heat transfer in an aero engine bearing chamber.
An evaluation of a service to keep children safe in families with mental health and/or substance abuse issues
Authors: Coates Dominiek , Howe Deborah
Published: February 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate a specialised service designed to improve parenting capacity, child safety and family functioning in the context of parental mental health, drug and alcohol and child protection concerns.

Method:

Client data was collected over a period of 3 years and 3 months, including demographic characteristics, service usage, presenting issues and pre and post revised North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS-G) scores.

Results:

A significant improvement between intake and discharge occurred on the majority of the 58 NCFAS-G subscale items (32/58). In particular, most significant change occurred in the domains ‘family safety’ ( p < 0.001) and ‘family interactions’ ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Specialised programs can assist families with child safety concerns suffering from mental health and/or drug and alcohol problems.
Patient Needs and Satisfaction With Nursing Care After Day Surgery Based on a Patient-Centered Care Framework
Authors: Jun Eun-Young , Oh Hyunjin
Published: February 2016

This cross-sectional study explored the level of patient needs and satisfaction in women with day surgery. A consecutive sample of 233 women was recruited from a women’s health care center in South Korea. Demographic and disease-specific characteristics, patient needs, and satisfaction were measured. Patient needs were evaluated based on patient-centered care framework; the average mean was 4.21 (.7) out of a possible 5. The mean score for overall patient satisfaction was 3.70 (.5) out of a possible 5. Among the five subdomains of patient needs, involvement of family and friends presented the highest mean score. The focus of day surgery care should respond to the care shift from hospital to home care, so that it should prepare family and friends to provide appropriate home care. This study reports high levels of patient needs and adds to the body of knowledge on perioperative nursing care interventions for women undergoing outpatient day surgery.
Phosphorylation of Nonmuscle Myosin Light Chain Promotes Endothelial Injury in Hyperlipidemic Rats Through a Mechanism Involving Downregulation of Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 2
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhang Jie-Jie , Li Ting-Bo , Liu Wei-Qi , Li Lian-Sheng , Luo Xiu-Ju , Jiang Jun-Lin , Ma Qi-Lin , Yang Zhi-Chun , Peng Jun
Published: February 2016

Suppression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) activation is related to endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemia, and nonmuscle myosin regulatory light chain (nmMLC20) has been show to exert transcriptional function in regulation of gene expression. This study aims to explore whether the suppression of DDAH activation promotes endothelial injury under the condition of hyperlipidemia and whether nmMLC20 can regulate DDAH expression in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The rats were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish a hyperlipidemic model, which showed an increase in plasma lipids and endothelial injury, accompanied by an elevation in myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity, phosphorylated nmMLC20 (p-nmMLC20) level, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) content as well as a reduction in DDAH2 expression, DDAH activity, and nitric oxide (NO) content. Next, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL; 100 μg/mL) for 24 hours to establish a cellular injury model in vitro. Consistent with the finding in vivo, ox-LDL induced HUVECs injury (apoptosis and necrosis) concomitant with an increase in MLCK activity, p-nmMLC20 level (in total or nuclear proteins), and ADMA content as well as a reduction in DDAH2 expression, DDAH activity, and NO content; these phenomena were attenuated by MLCK inhibitor. Either in hyperlipidemic rats or in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, there was not significant change in DDAH1 expression. Based on these observations, we conclude that the suppression of DDAH2 expression might account for, at least partially, the vascular endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemia, and nmMLC20 plays a role in suppression of DDAH2 expression in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.
Irinotecan-induced dysarthria: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ramirez Krista G , Koch Marla D , Edenfield William J
Published: February 2016

Irinotecan-induced dysarthria has been reported in the literature, but the underlying mechanism of this neurotoxicity remains unclear. Here, we present a 35-year-old female with metastatic colon cancer who experienced dysarthria during irinotecan infusion. Her symptoms were decreased and eventually eliminated with subsequent increases in infusion time. When the patient returned to original 90 min infusion time, symptoms were significantly reduced in both severity and duration as compared to the first infusion. We suggest infusion time as a potential intervention for patients experiencing dysarthria, and we review the existing literature, explore treatment options, and discuss proposed mechanisms surrounding this unusual adverse drug reaction.
Mixed lubrication of piston compression ring with deformed cylinder liner during warm-up of spark ignition engine
Authors: Usman Ali , Park Cheol Woo
Published: February 2016

Emerging clearances caused by out-of-round cylinder bores alter the tribological performance of piston compression rings. This change in performance intensifies during engine warm-up. To analyze the development of tribo-characteristics, a 2D mixed lubrication model is considered in the simulation of piston ring conjunction with a distorted bore during the entire warm-up period of a four-stroke spark ignition engine. Piston ring axial dynamics and conformability analyses are incorporated in the simulation. Oil film thickness, frictional loss, asperity interaction, and lubricant flow to the combustion chamber are investigated. The effect of the magnitude of bore distortion on ring conformability, oil transport, and energy loss per warm-up is also evaluated. Variations in oil transport and energy loss per warm-up per unit change in bore distortion are subsequently analyzed. Results show that despite the high film thickness, frictional losses remain substantially high during the initial warm-up phase. An uneven lubricating film resulting from bore non-circularity reduces this energy loss, but drastically increases the already augmented oil transport during the cold engine start-up. The temperature-dependent variation in performance is sensitive to bore distortions.