bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D BUILDING MODELS SEGMENTATION BASED ON K-MEANS++ CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Authors: Zhang C. , Mao B.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. 3D mesh model segmentation is drawing increasing attentions from digital geometry processing field in recent years. The original 3D mesh model need to be divided into separate meaningful parts or surface patches based on certain standards to support reconstruction, compressing, texture mapping, model retrieval and etc. Therefore, segmentation is a key problem for 3D mesh model segmentation. In this paper, we propose a method to segment Collada (a type of mesh model) 3D building models into meaningful parts using cluster analysis. Common clustering methods segment 3D mesh models by K-means, whose performance heavily depends on randomized initial seed points (i.e., centroid) and different randomized centroid can get quite different results. Therefore, we improved the existing method and used K-means++ clustering algorithm to solve this problem. Our experiments show that K-means++ improves both the speed and the accuracy of K-means, and achieve good and meaningful results.
IMPLICIT THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEO-MODELLING BASED ON HRBF SURFACE
Authors: Gou J. , Zhou W. , Wu L.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Three-dimensional (3D) geological models are important representations of the results of regional geological surveys. However, the process of constructing 3D geological models from two-dimensional (2D) geological elements remains difficult and time-consuming. This paper proposes a method of migrating from 2D elements to 3D models. First, the geological interfaces were constructed using the Hermite Radial Basis Function (HRBF) to interpolate the boundaries and attitude data. Then, the subsurface geological bodies were extracted from the spatial map area using the Boolean method between the HRBF surface and the fundamental body. Finally, the top surfaces of the geological bodies were constructed by coupling the geological boundaries to digital elevation models. Based on this workflow, a prototype system was developed, and typical geological structures (e.g., folds, faults, and strata) were simulated. Geological modes were constructed through this workflow based on realistic regional geological survey data. For extended applications in 3D modelling of other kinds of geo-objects, mining ore body models and urban geotechnical engineering stratum models were constructed by this method from drill-hole data. The model construction process was rapid, and the resulting models accorded with the constraints of the original data.
Involvement, Collaboration and Engagement – Social Networks through a Pedagogical Lens
Authors: Seifert Tami
Published: October 2016

Social networks facilitate activities that promote involvement, collaboration and engagement. Modelling of best practices using social networks enhances its usage by participants, increases participants confidence as to its implementation and creates a paradigm shift to a more personalized, participatory and collaborative learning and a more positive attitude towards its implementation. The contribution of the study described in this paper resides in the enhancement of teaching and learning methods that make use of the social network environment and shifts the focus of learning from the teacher to the learner. This breaks down the boundaries of time and place for teaching and learning. Another contribution is the strengthening of teachers’ personal and professional capabilities and the promotion of teaching-learning processes transpiring beyond the classroom boundaries by sharing contents, current communication, active learning and collaborative work. 
Vivencias de las jóvenes diagnosticadas de escoliosis idiopática
Authors: Bonilla Carrasco Maria Isabel , Solano Ruiz Maria Carmen
Published: October 2016

Justificación: Durante la adolescencia y la juventud acontecen cambios psicológicos y fisiológicos que forman parte del desarrollo normal de la persona. La irrupción de la escoliosis en esta edad influye en la vivencia de la autopercepción corporal.

Objetivo: Conocer cómo una deformidad corporal influye en la estabilidad emocional de las jóvenes diagnosticadas de escoliosis.

Diseño: Metodología cualitativa fenomenológicas situada en la hermenéutica.

Método: Se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada y dirigida a mujeres jóvenes con escoliosis idiopática ingresadas en la unidad de raquis del Hospital Vall d´Hebron en Barcelona.

Resultados: Los principales resultados señalan un compromiso emocional que afecta a las actividades de la vida diaria de las jóvenes, manifestándose, en algunas ocasiones, con sentimientos de vergüenza, tristeza, preocupación, miedo, amargura, complejo y rabia. La experiencia se vive como un duelo ante la pérdida de expectativas futuras.

Conclusiones: Los sentimientos y las emociones vividas y referidas por estas pacientes comprometen su estabilidad emocional.  
Lower is better: ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibition join the mainstream of lipid‑lowering therapy
Authors: Wójcik Cezary
Published: October 2016

The focus of 2013 cholesterol guidelines to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) released by American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) is the administration of high intensity statin therapy to specific four groups of patients, which were found to benefit the most from such therapy. They no longer promote achieving specific LDL-C goals with a combination therapy involving statins and other drugs, as advocated by the former ATP-III guidelines as well as current guidelines of European Atherosclerosis Society, International Atherosclerosis Society or National Lipid Association. Such approach has been dictated by the strict reliance on randomized controlled trials as the only acceptable level of evidence. However, since publication of the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines, cardiovascular benefits of ezetimibe added to statin therapy have been established. Moreover, the advent of PCSK9 inhibitors, providing a powerful supplement and/or alternative to statin therapy, further complicates the therapeutic horizon in dyslipdiemias. It is very likely that a new set of ACC/AHA guidelines will be published in 2016, with a return of specific LDL-C and Non-HDL-C goals of therapy as well as integration of drugs other than statins. As the treatment of dyslipidemias becomes more complex, the need for the subspecialty of clinical lipidology to be officially recognized becomes more evident.
Cholesterol activates the G-protein coupled receptor Smoothened to promote Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Luchetti Giovanni , Sircar Ria , Kong Jennifer H , Nachtergaele Sigrid , Sagner Andreas , Byrne Eamon FX , Covey Douglas F , Siebold Christian , Rohatgi Rajat
Published: October 2016

Cholesterol is necessary for the function of many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). We find that cholesterol is not just necessary but also sufficient to activate signaling by the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, a prominent cell-cell communication system in development. Cholesterol influences Hh signaling by directly activating Smoothened (SMO), an orphan GPCR that transmits the Hh signal across the membrane in all animals. Unlike many GPCRs, which are regulated by cholesterol through their heptahelical transmembrane domains, SMO is activated by cholesterol through its extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD). Residues shown to mediate cholesterol binding to the CRD in a recent structural analysis also dictate SMO activation, both in response to cholesterol and to native Hh ligands. Our results show that cholesterol can initiate signaling from the cell surface by engaging the extracellular domain of a GPCR and suggest that SMO activity may be regulated by local changes in cholesterol abundance or accessibility.
Preferential 5‐Methylcytosine Oxidation in the Linker Region of Reconstituted Positioned Nucleosomes by Tet1 Protein
Authors: Kizaki Seiichiro , Zou Tingting , Li Yue , Han Yong‐Woon , Suzuki Yuki , Harada Yoshie , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

Tet (ten–eleven translocation) family proteins oxidize 5‐methylcytosine (mC) to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC), 5‐formylcytosine (fC), and 5‐carboxycytosine (caC), and are suggested to be involved in the active DNA demethylation pathway. In this study, we reconstituted positioned mononucleosomes using CpG‐methylated 382 bp DNA containing the Widom 601 sequence and recombinant histone octamer, and subjected the nucleosome to treatment with Tet1 protein. The sites of oxidized methylcytosine were identified by bisulfite sequencing. We found that, for the oxidation reaction, Tet1 protein prefers mCs located in the linker region of the nucleosome compared with those located in the core region.
Development of Tetrachlorophthalimides as Liver X Receptor β (LXRβ)‐Selective Agonists
Authors: Nomura Sayaka , Endo‐Umeda Kaori , Makishima Makoto , Hashimoto Yuichi , Ishikawa Minoru
Published: October 2016

Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists are candidates for the treatment of atherosclerosis via induction of ABCA1 (ATP‐binding cassette A1) gene expression, which contributes to reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and to cholesterol efflux from the liver and intestine. However, LXR agonists also induce genes involved in lipogenesis, such as SREBP‐1c (sterol regulatory binding element protein 1c) and FAS (fatty acid synthase), thereby causing an undesirable increase in plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Recent studies indicate that LXRα contributes to lipogenesis in liver, and selective LXRβ activation improves RCT in mice. Therefore, LXRβ‐selective agonists are promising candidates to improve atherosclerosis without increasing plasma or hepatic TG levels. However, the ligand‐binding domains in the two LXR isoforms α/β share high sequence identity, and few LXR ligands show subtype selectivity. In this study we identified a tetrachlorophthalimide analogue as an LXRβ‐selective agonist. Structural development led to (E)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrachloro‐2‐(2‐styrylphenyl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione (24 a), which shows potent and selective LXRβ agonistic activity in reporter gene assays. In binding assays, compound 24 a bound to LXRβ preferentially over LXRα. It also induced the expression of ABCA1 mRNA but not SREBP‐1c mRNA in cells. Compound 24 a appears to be a promising lead compound for therapeutic agents to treat atherosclerosis without the side effects induced by LXRα/β dual agonists.
THE EFFECT OF MILITARY CONQUEST ON PRIVATE OWNERSHIP IN JEWISH AND ISLAMIC LAW
Authors: Gilat Israel Zvi , Jabareen Amal Mohammad
Published: October 2016

This article presents the legal outlooks of two fundamental religious judicial systems—the halakha of Judaism and the shari'a of Islam—on the effect of war on private ownership. Specifically, we address the situation in which the conquered inhabitants are Jews or Muslims and halakha or shari'a are the legal systems of their religions, respectively, but the conqueror is a nonbeliever or secular sovereign. Such situations evoke the following questions: To what extent the transfer of ownership by the conquering sovereign is recognized by the religious laws of the conquered population? May a member of the conquered religion acquire property that was seized by the nonbeliever sovereign from a member of the conquered religion? Is transfer of ownership by virtue of conquest permanent or reversible, so once the conquest ends, ownership reverts to the pre-conquest owner? Various approaches to those questions within each of two religious legal systems are presented. Some of the similarities and the differences between halakha and shari'a are pointed out.
Determination of the closed-form workspace area expression and dimensional optimization of planar parallel manipulators
Authors: Ganesh M. , Bihari Banke , Rathore Vijay Singh , Kumar Dhiraj , Kumar Chandan , Sree Apelagunta Ramya , Sowmya Karanam Naga , Dash Anjan Kumar
Published: October 2016

Optimization is an important step in the design and development of a planar parallel manipulator. For optimization processes, workspace analysis is a crucial and preliminary objective. Generally, the workspace analysis for such manipulators is carried out using a non-dimensional approach. For planar parallel manipulators of two degrees of freedom (2-DOF), a non-dimensional workspace analysis is very advantageous. However, it becomes very difficult in the case of 3-DOF and higher DOF manipulators because of the complex shape of the workspace. In this study, the workspace shape is classified as a function of the geometric parameters, and the closed-form area expressions are derived for a constant orientation workspace of a three revolute–revolute–revolute (3-RRR) planar manipulator. The approach is also shown to be feasible for different orientations of a mobile platform. An optimization procedure for the design of planar 3-RRR manipulators is proposed for a prescribed workspace area. It is observed that the closed-form area expression for all the possible shapes of the workspace provides a larger solution space, which is further optimized considering singularity, mass of the manipulator, and a force transmission index.
Clinical management of restless legs syndrome in end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Sahli Zeyad T. , Jo Jae , Mousa Shaker A. , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: October 2016

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological movement disorder, characterized by restless and unpleasant sensations in the deep inside of legs. The symptoms of RLS are less noticeable during daytime, but more prevalent at night. Therefore, the disorder can induce low quality of life, insomnia, and impairment of daytime activity. RLS in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is especially problematic due to premature discontinuation of dialysis and increased mortality. The prevalence of RLS among dialysis patients is much higher compared to the prevalence of the same disorder in patients with normal renal functions. Even though there are recommended treatment guidelines for the general population established by Medical Advisory Board of the RLS foundation, which include the use of dopamine agonists, levodopa, gabapentin, benzodiazepines, and opioids, limited information is available on the effects of these therapies in ESRD patients. Since the existing clinical data were extrapolated from small sample sizes in short-term clinical trials, further clinical studies are still needed to better assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of these medications in patients with ESRD.
Struggles and Silences: Young People and the ‘Troubled Families Programme’
Authors: Wenham Aniela
Published: October 2016

Despite ‘troubled lives’ increasingly coming under the gaze of (powerful) others, our understanding of the issues at hand seems somewhat detached from the experiences of those subject to policy intervention. Due to the deficit model that presents ‘problem families’ as pathological, the voices of those that experience multiple disadvantages and severe material hardship are rarely heard, or, at worst, silenced. Within the context of hardening public attitudes that increasingly vilify the poor, understanding the connection between the personal and public is both timely and valuable. Drawing upon qualitative research, this paper seeks to listen to the voices of young people who currently reside within a ‘troubled family’. Through an exploration of how young people perceive their biographies, their status as ‘troubled’ or troublesome’, their relationships with significant others and their thoughts and feelings towards the future, we are able to recapture and reclaim contemporary depictions of ‘troubled lives’. Uncovering such lived experiences can also act as a springboard through which to explore how young lives (are likely to) unfold when interpreted against the background of restricted opportunities and social censure.
A social-leverage mechanism on the Silk Road: the private emergence of institutions in central Asia, from the 7th to the 9th century
Authors: ZHANG YANLONG , ELSNER WOLFRAM
Published: October 2016

We explain archaeological evidence ofSogdianmerchants in central Asia in early medieval, remote long-distance trade on the emerging Silk Road. In fact, it began as barter, but was based on the social organization that Sogdians developed in their communities when migrating east. Their particular way of generating trust and institutionalized cooperation was by social leverage, involving third parties as contract witnesses and/or guarantors. These usually had own commercial relations with the contractors, facilitating crediting and exchange – and credible threat to defectors. While Greif (1989) had been criticized for overlooking courts in the Maghribi case, we discuss a differentiated (latent) role for courts. We also discuss property rightsversuspossession, transactions costs and price implications. We analyze the mechanism in historical cases and game-theoretical reconstructions, and explain trade flourishing under strong uncertainty.
Experimental determination of excitonic band structures of single-walled carbon nanotubes using circular dichroism spectra
Authors: Wei Xiaojun , Tanaka Takeshi , Yomogida Yohei , Sato Naomichi , Saito Riichiro , Kataura Hiromichi
Published: October 2016

Experimental band structure analyses of single-walled carbon nanotubes have not yet been reported, to the best of our knowledge, except for a limited number of reports using scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. Here we demonstrate the experimental determination of the excitonic band structures of single-chirality single-walled carbon nanotubes using their circular dichroism spectra. In this analysis, we use gel column chromatography combining overloading selective adsorption with stepwise elution to separate 12 different single-chirality enantiomers. Our samples show higher circular dichroism intensities than the highest values reported in previous works, indicating their high enantiomeric purity. Excitonic band structure analysis is performed by assigning all observed Eii and Eij optical transitions in the circular dichroism spectra. The results reproduce the asymmetric structures of the valence and conduction bands predicted by density functional theory. Finally, we demonstrate that an extended empirical formula can estimate Eij optical transition energies for any (n,m) species.
Erratum: Magnetic measurements with atomic-plane resolution
Authors: Rusz Ján , Muto Shunsuke , Spiegelberg Jakob , Adam Roman , Tatsumi Kazuyoshi , Bürgler Daniel E. , Oppeneer Peter M. , Schneider Claus M.
Published: October 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12672 (2016); Published: 31 August 2016; Updated: 5 October 2016 In the originally published version of the Article, an incorrect reference number was cited. The final sentence of the first paragraph of the Introduction section should read: ‘The likely reasons are technical difficulties in generating atomic size electron vortex beams, together with fine control of their resulting orbital angular momentum in the case of electron vortex beams, and a low EMCD signal fraction in the case of astigmatic beams21.
Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy (ESS): an Instrument-Concept for Dynamics of Complex (Bio-) Systems From Elastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Benedetto Antonio , Kearley Gordon J.
Published: October 2016

A new type of neutron-scattering spectroscopy is presented that is designed specifically to measure dynamics in bio-systems that are difficult to obtain in any other way. The temporal information is largely model-free and is analogous to relaxation processes measured with dielectric spectroscopy, but provides additional spacial and geometric aspects of the underlying dynamics. Numerical simulations of the basic instrument design show the neutron beam can be highly focussed, giving efficiency gains that enable the use of small samples. Although we concentrate on continuous neutron sources, the extension to pulsed neutron sources is proposed, both requiring minimal data-treatment and being broadly analogous with dielectric spectroscopy, they will open the study of dynamics to new areas of biophysics.
A novel three-axis cylindrical hohlraum designed for inertial confinement fusion ignition
Authors: Kuang Longyu , Li Hang , Jing Longfei , Lin Zhiwei , Zhang Lu , Li Liling , Ding Yongkun , Jiang Shaoen , Liu Jie , Zheng Jian
Published: October 2016

A novel ignition hohlraum for indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion is proposed, which is named three-axis cylindrical hohlraum (TACH). TACH is a kind of 6 laser entrance holes (LEHs) hohlraum, which is orthogonally jointed of three cylindrical hohlraums. Laser beams are injected through every entrance hole with the same incident angle of 55°. A view-factor simulation result shows that the time-varying drive asymmetry of TACH is less than 1.0% in the whole drive pulse period without any supplementary technology. Coupling efficiency of TACH is close to that of 6 LEHs spherical hohlraum with corresponding size. Its plasma-filling time is close to that of typical cylindrical ignition hohlraum. Its laser plasma interaction has as low backscattering as the outer cone of the cylindrical ignition hohlraum. Therefore, TACH combines most advantages of various hohlraums and has little predictable risk, providing an important competitive candidate for ignition hohlraum.
Maternal Fructose Exposure Programs Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Bladder Overactivity in Young Adult Offspring
Authors: Lee Wei-Chia , Tain You-Lin , Wu Kay L. H. , Leu Steve , Chan Julie Y. H.
Published: October 2016

Maternal fructose exposure (MFE) programs the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in young adult offspring. Epidemiological data indicate that MetS may increase the risks of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. However, it remains unknown whether MFE programs MetS-associated bladder dysfunction in adult offspring. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, we investigated the effects of MFE during pregnancy and lactation on developmental programming of MetS-associated bladder dysfunction. In addition, next generation sequencing technology was used to identify potential transcripts involved in the programmed bladder dysfunction in adult male offspring to MFE. We found that MFE programmed the MetS-associated OAB symptoms (i.e., an increase in micturition frequency and a shortened mean inter-contractile interval) in young adult male offspring, alongside significant alterations in bladder transcripts, including Chrm2, Chrm3, P2rx1, Trpv4, and Vipr2 gene expression. At protein level, the expressions of M2-, M3-muscarinic and P2X1 receptor proteins were upregulated in the MFE bladder. Functionally, the carbachol-induced detrusor contractility was reduced in the MFE offspring. These data suggest that alterations in the bladder transcripts and impairment of the bladder cholinergic pathways may underlie the pathophysiology of programmed bladder dysfunction in adult offspring to MFE.
Correction: Corrigendum: A regulatory loop between miR-132 and miR-125b involved in gonadotrope cells desensitization to GnRH
Authors: Lannes Jérôme , L’hôte David , Fernandez-Vega Ambra , Garrel Ghislaine , Laverrière Jean-Noël , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle , Quérat Bruno
Published: October 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31563; published online: 19 August 2016; updated: 05 October 2016
LC-MS Based Sphingolipidomic Study on A2780 Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line and its Taxol-resistant Strain
Authors: Huang Hao , Tong Tian-Tian , Yau Lee-Fong , Chen Cheng-Yu , Mi Jia-Ning , Wang Jing-Rong , Jiang Zhi-Hong
Published: October 2016

Drug resistance elicited by cancer cells continue to cause huge problems world-wide, for example, tens of thousands of patients are suffering from taxol-resistant human ovarian cancer. However, its biochemical mechanisms remain unclear. Sphingolipid metabolic dysregulation has been increasingly regarded as one of the drug-resistant mechanisms for various cancers, which in turn provides potential targets for overcoming the resistance. In the current study, a well-established LC-MS based sphingolipidomic approach was applied to investigate the sphingolipid metabolism of A2780 and taxol-resistant A2780 (A2780T) human ovarian cancer cell lines. 102 sphingolipids (SPLs) were identified based on accurate mass and characteristic fragment ions, among which 12 species have not been reported previously. 89 were further quantitatively analyzed by using multiple reaction monitoring technique. Multivariate analysis revealed that the levels of 52 sphingolipids significantly altered in A2780T cells comparing to those of A2780 cells. These alterations revealed an overall increase of sphingomyelin levels and significant decrease of ceramides, hexosylceramides and lactosylceramides, which concomitantly indicated a deviated SPL metabolism in A2780T. This is the most comprehensive sphingolipidomic analysis of A2780 and A2780T, which investigated significantly changed sphingolipid profile in taxol-resistant cancer cells. The aberrant sphingolipid metabolism in A2780T could be one of the mechanisms of taxol-resistance.
4-Аminopyridine sequesters intracellular Ca2+ which triggers exocytosis in excitable and non-excitable cells
Authors: Kasatkina Ludmila A.
Published: October 2016

4-aminopyridine is commonly used to stimulate neurotransmitter release resulting from sustained plasma membrane depolarization and Ca2+-influx from the extracellular space. This paper elucidated unconventional mechanism of 4-aminopyridine-stimulated glutamate release from neurons and non-neuronal cells which proceeds in the absence of external Ca2+. In brain nerve terminals, primary neurons and platelets 4-aminopyridine induced the exocytotic release of glutamate that was independent of external Ca2+ and was triggered by the sequestration of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The initial level of 4-aminopyridine-stimulated glutamate release from neurons in the absence or presence of external Ca2+ was subequal and the difference was predominantly associated with subsequent tonic release of glutamate in Ca2+-supplemented medium. The increase in [Ca2+]i and the secretion of glutamate stimulated by 4-aminopyridine in Ca2+-free conditions have resulted from Ca2+ efflux from endoplasmic reticulum and were abolished by intracellular free Ca2+ chelator BAPTA. This suggests that Ca2+ sequestration plays a profound role in the 4-aminopyridine-mediated stimulation of excitable and non-excitable cells. 4-Aminopyridine combines the properties of depolarizing agent with the ability to sequester intracellular Ca2+. The study unmasks additional mechanism of action of 4-aminopyridine, an active substance of drugs for treatment of multiple sclerosis and conditions related to reduced Ca2+ efflux from intracellular stores.
A Cretaceous origin for fire adaptations in the Cape flora
Authors: He Tianhua , Lamont Byron B. , Manning John
Published: October 2016

Fire has had a profound effect on the evolution of worldwide biotas. The Cape Floristic Region is one of the world’s most species-rich regions, yet it is highly prone to recurrent fires and fire-adapted species contribute strongly to the overall flora. It is hypothesized that the current fire regimes in the Cape could be as old as 6–8 million years (My), while indirect evidence indicates that the onset of fire could have reached 18 million years ago (Ma). Here, we trace the origin of fire-dependent traits in two monocot families that are significant elements in the fire-prone Cape flora. Our analysis shows that fire-stimulated flowering originated in the Cape Haemodoraceae 81 Ma, while fire-stimulated germination arose in the African Restionaceae at least 70 Ma, implying that wildfires have been a significant force in the evolution of the Cape flora at least 60 My earlier than previous estimates. Our results provide strong evidence for the presence of fire adaptations in the Cape from the Cretaceous, leading to the extraordinary persistence of a fire-adapted flora in this biodiversity hotspot, and giving support to the hypothesis that Cretaceous fire was a global phenomenon that shaped the evolution of terrestrial floras.
Rapid detection of abrin in foods with an up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow assay
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhao Yong , Sun Chongyun , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Xinrui , Zhang Pingping , Qiu Jingfu , Yang Ruifu , Zhou Lei
Published: October 2016

Abrin is a natural plant toxin found in the seeds of Abrus precatorius. It may be used for food poisoning or bioterrorism, seriously endangering public health. In this study, a reliable method for the rapid detection of abrin in foods was developed, based on an up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow assay (abrin-UPT-LFA). Nine high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against abrin were prepared, and the optimum mAbs (mAb-6F4 and mAb-10E11) were selected for use in the assay in double-antibody-sandwich mode. The assay was confirmed to be specific for abrin, with a detection sensitivity of 0.1 ng mL−1 for standard abrin solutions. Good linearity was observed for abrin quantitation from 0.1 to 1000 ng mL−1 (r = 0.9983). During the analysis of various abrin-spiked food samples, the assay showed strong sample tolerance and a satisfactory limit of detection for abrin (0.5–10 ng g−1 for solid and powdered samples; 0.30–0.43 ng mL−1 for liquid samples). The analysis of suspected food samples, from sample treatment to result feed-back, could be completed by non-professionals within 20 min. Therefore, the abrin-UPT-LFA is a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for the on-site detection of abrin in foods.
Enhanced UV transparency in phosphate glasses via multi-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jiménez José A. , Sendova Mariana , Fachini Esteban Rosim , Zhao Chunqing
Published: October 2016

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are demonstrated to be valuable for producing glasses with enhanced UV transparency relevant to high-performance optics.
Evaluation of numerical indices for the assessment of transformer frequency response
Authors: Samimi Mohammad Hamed , Tenbohlen Stefan , Shayegani Akmal Amir Abbas , Mohseni Hossein
Published: October 2016

This study is an effort to evaluate the numerical indices for the assessment of frequency response analysis (FRA) to provide a deeper understanding of their characteristics. First, the study introduces the indices in the literature and categorises them into three groups. Then, the results of 11 case studies from an experimental setup, two transformer models, and a power transformer real case are employed to examine the indices from the monotonicity aspect. Moreover, a short review on the interpretation experiences with indices is reported for further understanding. This contribution continues with a novel uncertainty analysis on the measurement setup and, finally, evaluates the indices based on their vulnerability to these uncertainties. Although the results show the advantage of some indices over the others in the FRA interpretation, further studies, especially with large transformers in the field, are needed to reach a general conclusion.
Diebstahlserie: Raub der Endoskope
Authors: vom Lehn Birgitta
Published: October 2016

Zurzeit gibt es in deutschen Kliniken eine Diebstahlserie von bisher ungekanntem Ausmaß. Noch verdrängen die Kliniken das Thema Sicherheit. Doch die Frage ist: Wie lange spielen die Versicherer noch mit?
Erfolgreiche Behandlung von rezidivierenden Rektumvarizenblutungen mittels perkutaner paraumbilikaler Embolisation bei Pfortaderhochdruck
Authors: Stuber Tina , Schmitz Bernd , Brambs Hans
Published: October 2016

Einleitung Bei Leberzirrhose mit Pfortaderhochdruck kann es zu lebensbedrohlichen gastrointestinalen Blutungen kommen.

Fallvorstellung Wir berichten über einen 67-jährigen Patienten mit äthyltoxischer Leberzirrhose und endoskopisch nicht kontrollierbaren Rektalvarizenblutungen. Beschrieben wird eine im interdisziplinären Konsens getroffene Entscheidung eines Therapieversuchs mittels perkutaner paraumbilikaler Embolisation.

Diskussion Bei gastrointestinalen Blutungen bei Pfortaderhochdruck stehen als Therapiemöglichkeiten die endoskopische oder chirurgische Intervention, medikamentöse Therapie oder die TIPS (transjugulärer intrahepatischer portosystemischer Shunt)-Anlage im Vordergrund. Sollten diese Optionen nicht infrage kommen oder frustran verlaufen sein, besteht die Möglichkeit einer radiologischen Intervention mit perkutaner transumbilikaler Embolisation des die Blutung speisenden Pfortaderumgehungskreislaufs. Sowohl in unserem Fall als auch bei den in der Literatur beschriebenen Embolisationen von Ösophagusvarizen kam es zu einem Sistieren der Blutungen, ohne dass für den jeweiligen Patienten ein großer Eingriff nötig gewesen war.
3D printed auto-mixing chip enables rapid smartphone diagnosis of anemia
Authors: Plevniak Kimberly , Campbell Matthew , Myers Timothy , Hodges Abby , He Mei
Published: October 2016

Clinical diagnosis requiring central facilities and site visits can be burdensome for patients in resource-limited or rural areas. Therefore, development of a low-cost test that utilizes smartphone data collection and transmission would beneficially enable disease self-management and point-of-care (POC) diagnosis. In this paper, we introduce a low-cost iPOC3D diagnostic strategy which integrates 3D design and printing of microfluidic POC device with smartphone-based disease diagnosis in one process as a stand-alone system, offering strong adaptability for establishing diagnostic capacity in resource-limited areas and low-income countries. We employ smartphone output (AutoCAD 360 app) and readout (color-scale analytical app written in-house) functionalities for rapid 3D printing of microfluidic auto-mixers and colorimetric detection of blood hemoglobin levels. The auto-mixing of reagents with blood via capillary force has been demonstrated in 1 second without the requirement of external pumps. We employed this iPOC3D system for point-of-care diagnosis of anemia using a training set of patients (nanemia = 16 and nhealthy = 6), which showed consistent measurements of blood hemoglobin levels (a.u.c. = 0.97) and comparable diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, compared with standard clinical hematology analyzer. Capable of 3D fabrication flexibility and smartphone compatibility, this work presents a novel diagnostic strategy for advancing personalized medicine and mobile healthcare.
Real-time analysis of RAG complex activity in V(D)J recombination
Authors: Zagelbaum Jennifer , Shimazaki Noriko , Esguerra Zitadel Anne , Watanabe Go , Lieber Michael R. , Rothenberg Eli
Published: October 2016

Significance

Recombination-activating genes 1 and 2 (RAG1/2) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) create dsDNA breaks at recombination signal sequences (RSSs), initiating the variable, diversity, and joining [V(D)J] recombination pathway for antigen–receptor gene assembly. We have discovered that RAG complex binds and bends RSS DNA at the heptamer, with different binding modes for 12RSS and 23RSS substrates. Our experimentally derived binding kinetics have established that binding, bending, and synapsis precede catalysis. We have also directly observed the dynamics of the synaptic complex, revealing that RAG1/2 bending places the nonamers at nearly perpendicular orientations and that the RAG:12RSS:23RSS synaptic complex is very stable. We provide a kinetic model that integrates physical binding, bending, and synapsis steps of the RAG1/2 pathway.
The way to a double degenerate: ∼15–20 per cent of 1 M⊙ ≤ M ≤ 8 M⊙ stars have an M > 1 M⊙ companion
Authors: Klein Ygal Y. , Katz Boaz
Published: October 2016

We find that ∼15–20 per cent of A-type stars or red giants are bound with a massive companion (Msecondary > 1 M⊙) in an intermediate wide orbit (0.5 < P < 5000 yr). These massive binaries are expected to form wide-orbit, double-degenerate systems (WODDs) within ≲10 Gyr implying that ∼10 per cent of white dwarfs (WDs) are expected to be part of a WODD with a lighter WD companion. These findings are based on an analysis of previous adaptive optics observations of A-type stars and radial velocity measurements of red giants and shed light on the connection between multiplicity function of stars and detected double degenerates. We expect that Gaia will find ∼10 new WODDs within 20 pc from the sun. These results put a stringent constraint on the collision model of Type Ia supernovae in which triple stellar systems that include a WODD as the inner binary are required to be abundant.
Adoption of Robotic Technology for Treating Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Schootman Mario , Hendren Samantha , Ratnapradipa Kendra , Stringer Lisa , Davidson Nick O.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Debate exists regarding the role of robotic-assisted surgery in colorectal cancer. Robotic-assisted surgery has been promoted as a strategy to increase the availability of minimally invasive surgery, which is associated with improved short-term morbidity; however, robotic-assisted surgery is much more expensive than laparoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to understand hospital and patient trends in the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery.

DESIGN:

The study used cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.

SETTINGS:

The study included 2010 and 2012 American Hospital Association surveys, as well as the 2010–2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

PATIENTS:

US hospitals responding to the American Hospital Association survey were included to measure patients with colorectal cancer who were undergoing elective minimally invasive surgery or open resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Robotic-assisted surgery adoption by US hospitals was measured, regarding specifically patients with colorectal cancer who were treated with robotic surgery.

RESULTS:

In 2010, 20.1% of hospitals adopted robotic-assisted surgery, increasing to 27.4% by 2012. Hospitals more likely to adopt robotic-assisted surgery included teaching hospitals, those with more advanced imaging services, those in metropolitan rather than rural areas, and those performing the highest inpatient surgery volume. Robotic-assisted surgery only accounted for 1.3% of colorectal cancer operations during 2010–2012, but patient probability of robotic-assisted surgery ranged from 0.1% to 15.2%. The percentage of patients with colorectal cancer who were treated robotically among those undergoing minimally invasive surgery increased over time (2010, 1.5%; 2012, 3.6%). Robotic-assisted surgery is increasing more rapidly for patients with rectal cancer with minimally invasive surgery (2010, 5.5%; 2012, 13.3%) versus patients with colon cancer treated with minimally invasive surgery (2010, 1.3%; 2012, 3.3%).

LIMITATIONS:

The study was limited by its observational study design.

CONCLUSIONS:

Robotic-assisted surgery uptake remains low for colon cancer but higher for rectal cancer surgery, suggesting a more thoughtful adoption of robotic-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer by focusing its use on more technically challenging cases.
Combined ultrasound and exome sequencing approach recognizes Opitz G/BBB syndrome in two malformed fetuses
Authors: Pinto Anna Maria , Imperatore Valentina , Bianciardi Laura , Baldassarri Margherita , Galluzzi Paolo , Furini Simone , Centini Giovanni , Renieri Alessandra , Mari Francesca
Published: October 2016

Orofacial clefts are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies and can occur as an isolated defect or be associated with other anomalies such as posterior fossa anomalies as a part of several genetic syndromes. We report two consecutive voluntary pregnancy interruptions in a nonconsanguineous couple following the fetal ultrasound finding of cleft lip and palate and posterior fossa anomalies confirmed by means of post-termination examination on the second fetus. The quantitative fluorescent PCR, the karyotype, and the comparative genomic hybridization-array analysis after amniocentesis were normal. Exome sequencing on abortive material from both fetuses detected a missense mutation in MID1, resulting in a clinical diagnosis of Opitz G/BBB syndrome. The same mutation was found in the mother and in her brother, who both revealed cerebellar anomalies at an MRI examination. Our study supports the efficacy of exome sequencing in the presence of both a family history suggestive of an inherited disorder and well-documented ultrasound findings. It reveals the importance of a synergistic effort between gynecologists and geneticists aimed at the integration of the most sophisticated ultrasound techniques with the next-generation sequencing tools to provide a definite diagnosis essential to orient the final decision and to estimate a proper recurrence risk.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms Predictors of Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Varni James W. , Shulman Robert J. , Self Mariella M. , Saeed Shehzad A. , Patel Ashish S. , Nurko Samuel , Neigut Deborah A. , Saps Miguel , Franciosi James P. , Denham Jolanda M. , Zacur George M. , Dark Chelsea V. , Bendo Cristiane B. , Pohl John F. ,   Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module Testing Study Consortium
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to investigate the multidimensional gastrointestinal symptoms predictors of generic health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the perspectives of pediatric patients and parents.

Methods:

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales were completed in a 9‐site study by 260 families of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales measuring stomach pain, food and drink limits, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in stool, and diarrhea were identified as clinically important symptom differentiators from healthy controls based on prior findings, and subsequently tested for bivariate and multivariate linear associations with overall HRQOL (Generic Core Scales).

Results:

Stomach pain, food and drink limits, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in stool, and diarrhea were significantly associated with decreased HRQOL in bivariate analyses (P < 0.001). In predictive models utilizing hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, gastrointestinal symptoms accounted for an additional 40% of the variance in patient self‐reported HRQOL (P < 0.001) and 37% of the variance in parent proxy‐reported HRQOL (P < 0.001), reflecting large effect sizes. Stomach pain, food and drink limits, and constipation were significant individual patient‐reported predictors after controlling for the other gastrointestinal symptoms in the predictive models.

Conclusions:

Patient‐reported gastrointestinal symptoms differentially predicted HRQOL. Identifying the specific gastrointestinal symptoms from a standardized multidimensional gastrointestinal symptoms profile that are the most important predictors from the patient perspective facilitates a patient‐centered approach for interventions designed to ameliorate impaired HRQOL.
Predictive Factors of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Long-term Survival in Chinese Adults Undergoing Laparoscopic Splenectomy
Authors: Xu Tao , Li Ning , Jin Fa , Wu Keren , Ye Zhipeng
Published: October 2016

The study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in Chinese patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This was a retrospective analysis of 114 patients with ITP who underwent LS from 2001 to 2013. Patients were classified according to response at last contact: complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and no response (NR). Patients with CR had the highest platelet levels and patients with NR had the lowest. A correlation was observed between postoperative peak platelet count and platelet count on 2-month postoperative (r=0.829, P<0.01). In total, 27 patients showed NR to LS. Ten patients recurred within 3 years. The 140-month response rate to LS was 68%. Multivariate analysis showed that age and postoperative platelet count were independently associated with CR/PR. In conclusion, LS achieved good outcomes in Chinese patients with ITP. Age and postoperative peak platelet were independently associated with response.
Enlarging the bounds of moral philosophy: Why did Isaac Newton conclude the
Opticks
the way he did?
Authors: Henry John
Published: October 2016

This paper draws attention to the remarkable closing words of Isaac Newton's
Optice
(1706) and subsequent editions of the
Opticks
(1718, 1721), and tries to suggest why Newton chose to conclude his book with a puzzling allusion to his own unpublished conclusions about the history of religion. Newton suggests in this concluding passage that the bounds of moral philosophy will be enlarged as natural philosophy is ‘perfected’. Asking what Newton might have had in mind, the paper first considers the idea that he was foreshadowing the ‘moral Newtonianism’ developed later in the eighteenth century; then it considers the idea that he was perhaps pointing to developments in natural theology. Finally, the paper suggests that Newton wanted to at least signal the importance of attempting to recover the true original religion, and perhaps was hinting at his intention to publish his own extensive research on the history of the Church.
Curriculum development through critical collaborative professional enquiry
Authors: Drew Valerie , Priestley Mark , Michael Maureen K.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

– In recent years, there has been considerable interest within education policy in collaborative professional enquiry/inquiry methodologies, both as an alternative to top-down implementation of change and for the purpose of fostering educational improvement. However, researchers have been critical of this approach, pointing to various concerns: these include the risk of reducing a developmental methodology to an instrumental means for delivering policy, as well as issues around sustainability of practices. The purpose of this paper is to describe a Scottish university/local authority partnership, which developed an approach entitled Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry, designed to address some of these concerns. The paper also reports on empirical outcomes related to the partnership project.

Design/methodology/approach

– This interpretivist study generated qualitative data from multiple sources, utilising a range of methods including semi-structured interviews with teachers and school leaders, evaluation surveys and analysis of artefacts developed during the inquiry phases of the project.

Findings

– This programme exerted a powerful effect on the teachers who participated. The research suggests that teachers developed better understandings of the curriculum, and of curriculum development processes. There is evidence of innovation in pedagogy, some sustained and radical in nature, and further evidence of changes to the cultures of the participating schools, for example, a shift towards more democratic ways of working.

Originality/value

– This paper reports upon an original approach to curriculum development, with considerable potential to transform the ways in which schools approach innovation.
Cohort patterns in Rana tadpole metamorphosis
Authors: Loman J.
Published: October 2016

This study explores the cohort patterns in a size versus time plot of individual metamorphs of Rana tadpoles. This meta‐study was based on a number of studies where any of three species of Rana tadpoles were raised in tanks under various treatments (variation in source pond, tadpole density, drying regime, hatching date, food level and competitors). A frequent pattern was found where there was an initial decrease in metamorph size as more slowly developing tadpoles metamorphosed. This negative trend sometimes changed to positive as later metamorphs appeared. The later metamorphs were often as large, or even larger, than those first to metamorphose, giving the plot a U‐shaped pattern. Also, a number of field studies of two of the Rana species’ were analysed for the same aspect. The U‐shaped pattern was much rarer but it did occur. A positive linear slope, rather than a negative one, was also found occasionally. A large number of factors affect the growth and development rates in tadpoles, adaptively and non‐adaptively, and thus determine their size at the time of metamorphosis. How these can contribute to the found metamorphosis patterns is discussed.