bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipopolysaccharide and cytokines modulate leukotriene (LT)B4 and LTC4 production by porcine endometrial endothelial cells
Authors: Czarzasta J , Meller K , Andronowska A , Jana B
Published: September 2017

Contents

Uterine inflammatory response is mediated by inflammatory mediators including eicosanoids and cytokines produced by immune and endometrial cells. Interactions between lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines, and leukotrienes (LTs) in endothelium, important for the host defence during the inflammation, are unknown. We studied the effect of LPS, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4 and IL‐10 on 5‐lipooxygenase (5‐LO), LTA4 hydrolase (LTAH) and LTC4 synthase (LTCS) mRNA and protein expression, LTB4 and LTC4 release from porcine endometrial endothelial cells, and cell viability. For 24 hr, cells were exposed to LPS (10 or 100 ng/ml of medium) and cytokines (each 1 or 10 ng/ml). 5‐LO mRNA/protein expression augmented after incubation with larger doses of LPS, TNF‐α, IL‐4 and IL‐10 and smaller dose of IL‐1β. Larger dose of TNF‐α, smaller doses of LPS and IL‐1β and both doses of IL‐10 increased LTAH mRNA/protein expression. LTAH protein content was up‐regulated by larger dose of LPS, but it was reduced in response to both doses of IL‐4. LTCS mRNA expression was elevated by larger doses of LPS, IL‐4 and IL‐10 or both doses of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. LTCS protein level increased after treatment with both doses of IL‐1β, IL‐4 and IL‐10, smaller dose of LPS and larger dose of TNF‐α. Both doses of LPS and larger doses of TNF‐α and IL‐10 increased LTB4 release. LPS, IL‐1β and IL‐10 at smaller doses, or TNF‐α and IL‐4 at larger doses stimulated LTC4 release. Smaller doses of TNF‐α and IL‐1β or both doses of IL‐4 enhanced the cell viability. This work provides new insight on the participation of LPS, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐4 and IL‐10 in LTB4 and LTC4 production/release from porcine endometrial endothelial cells, and the effect of above factors on these cells viability. The used cellular model gives the possibility to further establish the interactions between inflammatory mediators.
Prostate vascular flow: The effect of the ejaculation on the power doppler ultrasonographic examination
Authors: Alonge S , Melandri M , Fanciullo L , Lacalandra GM , Aiudi G
Published: September 2017

Contents

Power Doppler sonography (PD) can accurately depict tissue perfusion, recognize slow flows, and is relatively angle independent. The monitoring of local blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography is helpful in differentiating prostatic physio‐pathological conditions, but the recognizing of physiological variables that could affect it is crucial to apply this technique in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate if ejaculation affects blood flow to the prostate and to state how long this effect lasts. Serial PD examinations of prostate were performed in 18 dogs (1–5 years, 6–40 kg) immediately before (T0) and after (T1) the ejaculation, and repeated 6 (T2), 18 (T3) and 24 (T4) hours later. For each examination, two representative PD images were chosen and ranked by two independent observers according to the following scoring system: 0 = mild subcapsular (S) vascularization without clear evidence of parenchymal (P) vascularization; 1 = moderate P and S vascularization; 2 = severe S and moderate P vascularization; 3 = severe P and moderate S vascularization; 4 = severe P and S vascularization. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Kappa of Cohen. Ranked data, grouped according to time, were compared by ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p < .05). Variations in the vascular flow pattern at different times were observed for all dogs. The statistical analysis evidenced a significant difference for T0 vs T1 and vs T2 and vs T3 (p < .01), with no significant difference for T0 vs T4 (p > .05). Interobserver agreement was very good (Kappa of Cohen = 0.86). This study demonstrated a definite increase in vascular flow to the prostate after ejaculation. The present results suggest a minimum of 24 hr sexual rest before the PD examination of the gland. This result should be taken into account whenever Doppler sonography is used to evaluate potential hyperaemia in dogs suspected of having prostate abnormalities.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with lymphoedema – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Klernäs Pia , Johnsson Aina , Horstmann Vibeke , Johansson Karin
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Lymphoedema may cause complex problems that can strongly influence patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of lymphoedema on HRQoL in patients with varying forms of lymphoedema.

Methods

The Lymphoedema Quality of Life Inventory (LyQLI), measuring three domains, physical, psychosocial and practical, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF‐36), measuring eight health domains, were sent to 200 lymphoedema patients. Out of those who answered both questionnaires, 88 patients had lymphoedema secondary to cancer treatment and they additionally received the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale‐General (FACT‐G). The relation between continuous variables and the three domains were analysed by Spearman's correlation coefficients, and Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyse categorical variables.

Results

Altogether 129 patients completed the LyQLI and SF‐36 and 79 of them also completed FACT‐G. Twenty per cent had a high mean score (≥2.0) in at least one domain of the LyQLI, thus having a low HRQoL. Lower HRQoL was found in the practical domain of LyQLI in patients with lower limb lymphoedema compared to patient with lymphoedema in upper limb or head/neck (p = 0.002) and in patients working part‐time compared to patients working full‐time (p = 0.005). The impact on HRQoL tended to decrease with age, with a significant correlation in the psychosocial domain (rs = 0.194, p = 0.028). Compared with the general Swedish population, patients with lymphoedema scored significantly lower in general health (p = 0.006), vitality (p = 0.002) and social functioning (p = 0.025) assessed by the SF‐36. From a cancer‐specific view, HRQoL was similar to other Swedish studies using the FACT‐G.

Conclusions

This study indicates that about 20% of the patients with lymphoedema had major impact on their HRQoL. More effort and research is needed to identify, understand and support groups of patients with severe lymphoedema‐related problems.
Composition and Variation Analysis of the T Cell Receptor β‐Chain Complementarity Determining Region 3 Repertoire in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Sun J. , Sun B. , Gao Y. , He F. , Yang L. , Wang M. , Zhou W.
Published: September 2017

T cell receptor (TCR) diversity is clearly related to protection from infection. However, the characteristics of TCR diversity in neonates are not clear. In this study, we investigated the TCR diversity of neonates with sepsis. Twenty neonates with severe sepsis and eight matched neonates without infection were enrolled in the study. For the neonates with sepsis, EDTA‐anticoagulated blood was collected on day 1 after the diagnosis of sepsis and on day 7 of treatment. For the neonates without infection, blood was collected one time. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) gene was analysed by multiplex PCR and high‐throughput sequencing. The CDR3 types and lengths were similar in patients and healthy controls. There was a significant difference in VJ gene usage among the three groups. Compared to the healthy neonates, the neonates with sepsis had different VJ pairs and generated different clonotypes. Although the TCR β‐chain diversity was generally lower in the neonates with sepsis, there was no significant difference in TCR β‐chain diversity between the patients and the healthy controls. Our data showed the characteristics of the TCR repertoire in neonates with sepsis, which represents a potentially valuable data set. This result is useful for understanding neonatal susceptibility to infection.
Thinking for themselves? The effect of informant independence on children's endorsement of testimony from a consensus
Authors: Einav Shiri
Published: September 2017

Testimony agreement across a number of people can be a reassuring sign of a claim's reliability. However, reliability may be undermined if informants do not respond independently. In this case, social consensus may be a result of indiscriminate copying or conformity and does not necessarily reflect shared knowledge or opinion. We examined children's emerging sensitivity to consensus independence by testing whether it affected their judgements in a social learning context. Children ages 5, 6, and 8–9 years (N = 92), and 20 adults for comparison received conflicting testimony about an unfamiliar country from two consensual groups of informants: An independent group who responded privately and a nonindependent group who had access to each other's answers. We found increasing levels of trust in independent consensus with age. Adults and 8–9‐year olds preferred to accept the claims of the independent consensus, whereas 5‐year olds favored the claims of the nonindependent consensus and 6‐year olds were mixed. Although previous work has shown that children trust a consensus over a lone dissenter as young as 2 years, the developmental shift in this study indicates that children's reasoning about the nature of consensus and what makes it reliable continues to develop throughout middle childhood.
Aeromagnetic signature of an exhumed double dome system in the SW Grenville Province (Canada)
Authors: Dufréchou Grégory
Published: September 2017

Analysis of aeromagnetic data in the Grenville Province reveals the presence of two regional‐scale unmapped structural domes (the Morin and Mékinac‐Taureau domes) with an oval‐shaped magnetic pattern bounded by regional‐scale shear zones and a geometry that is similar to that produced in crustal flow models under extension, which predict two upright domes of foliation (double dome) separated by a steep shear zone. The Mékinac‐Taureau dome, a metamorphic core complex, and the Morin dome may have been exhumed by channel flow. Exhumation occurred by a combination of thrust, normal‐sense and wrench shear zones. The preservation of paragneisses in the Morin dome suggests that it underwent a lesser degree of exhumation than did the Mékinac‐Taureau dome. This study shows how the integration of local field information with magnetic data in a regional tectonic setting can reveal and delineate concealed gneiss domes and highlights a role for strike‐slip tectonics in the creation of regional structures involving the exhumation of deep crust.
Hepatitis E in transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia patients, in Greece: a single centre experience
Authors: Klonizakis P. , Gioula G. , Exindari M. , Apostolou C. , Kotsiafti A. , Vlachaki E.
Published: September 2017

Hepatitis E is considered an emerging disease that may be a threat in both developing and industrialized countries all over the world. The risk of chronic hepatitis E virus infection is higher among immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to assess the status of hepatitis E infection in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia from a single centre, in Greece. Our results suggest that the prevalence of hepatitis E infection in this group of patients is low.
Acoustic Analogy for Multiphase or Multicomponent Flow
Authors: Mao Yijun , Hu Zhiwei
Published: September 2017

The Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) equation is widely used to predict sound generated from flow and its interaction with impermeable or permeable surfaces. Owing to the Heaviside function used, this equation assumes that sound only propagates outside the surface. In this paper, we develop a generalized acoustic analogy to account for sound generation and propagation both inside and outside the surface. The developed wave equation provides an efficient mathematical approach to predict sound generated from multiphase or multicomponent flow (MMF) and its interaction with solid boundaries. The developed wave equation also clearly interprets the physical mechanisms of sound generation, emphasizing that the monopole and dipole sources are dependent on the jump in physical quantities across the interface of MMF rather than the physical quantities on one-side surface expressed in the FW-H equation. The sound generated from gas bubbles in water is analyzed by the newly developed wave equation to investigate parameters affecting the acoustic power output, showing that the acoustic power feature concluded from the Crighton and Ffowcs Williams (C-FW) equation is only valid in a specific case of all bubbles oscillating in phase.
Impact of Patient-Specific Inflow Velocity Profile on Hemodynamics of the Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Youssefi Pouya , Gomez Alberto , Arthurs Christopher , Sharma Rajan , Jahangiri Marjan , Alberto Figueroa C.
Published: September 2017

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides a noninvasive method to functionally assess aortic hemodynamics. The thoracic aorta has an anatomically complex inlet comprising of the aortic valve and root, which is highly prone to different morphologies and pathologies. We investigated the effect of using patient-specific (PS) inflow velocity profiles compared to idealized profiles based on the patient's flow waveform. A healthy 31 yo with a normally functioning tricuspid aortic valve (subject A), and a 52 yo with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), aortic valvular stenosis, and dilated ascending aorta (subject B) were studied. Subjects underwent MR angiography to image and reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) geometric models of the thoracic aorta. Flow-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired above the aortic valve and used to extract the patient-specific velocity profiles. Subject B's eccentric asymmetrical inflow profile led to highly complex velocity patterns, which were not replicated by the idealized velocity profiles. Despite having identical flow rates, the idealized inflow profiles displayed significantly different peak and radial velocities. Subject A's results showed some similarity between PS and parabolic inflow profiles; however, other parameters such as Flowasymmetry were significantly different. Idealized inflow velocity profiles significantly alter velocity patterns and produce inaccurate hemodynamic assessments in the thoracic aorta. The complex structure of the aortic valve and its predisposition to pathological change means the inflow into the thoracic aorta can be highly variable. CFD analysis of the thoracic aorta needs to utilize fully PS inflow boundary conditions in order to produce truly meaningful results.
A fully automated approach for baby cry signal segmentation and boundary detection of expiratory and inspiratory episodes
Authors: Abou-Abbas Lina , Tadj Chakib , Fersaie Hesam Alaie
Published: September 2017

The detection of cry sounds is generally an important pre-processing step for various applications involving cry analysis such as diagnostic systems, electronic monitoring systems, emotion detection, and robotics for baby caregivers. Given its complexity, an automatic cry segmentation system is a rather challenging topic. In this paper, a framework for automatic cry sound segmentation for application in a cry-based diagnostic system has been proposed. The contribution of various additional time- and frequency-domain features to increase the robustness of a Gaussian mixture model/hidden Markov model (GMM/HMM)-based cry segmentation system in noisy environments is studied. A fully automated segmentation algorithm to extract cry sound components, namely, audible expiration and inspiration, is introduced and is grounded on two approaches: statistical analysis based on GMMs or HMMs classifiers and a post-processing method based on intensity, zero crossing rate, and fundamental frequency feature extraction. The main focus of this paper is to extend the systems developed in previous works to include a post-processing stage with a set of corrective and enhancing tools to improve the classification performance. This full approach allows to precisely determine the start and end points of the expiratory and inspiratory components of a cry signal, EXP and INSV, respectively, in any given sound signal. Experimental results have indicated the effectiveness of the proposed solution. EXP and INSV detection rates of approximately 94.29% and 92.16%, respectively, were achieved by applying a tenfold cross-validation technique to avoid over-fitting.
Combinatorial CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA Interference Attack on HIV-1 DNA and RNA Can Lead to Cross-Resistance
Authors: Zhao Na , Wang Gang , Das Atze T. , Berkhout Ben
Published: September 2017

Many potent antiviral drugs have been developed against HIV-1, and their combined action is usually successful in achieving durable virus suppression in infected individuals. This success is based on two effects: additive or even synergistic virus inhibition and an increase in the genetic threshold for development of drug resistance. More recently, several genetic approaches have been developed to attack the HIV-1 genome in a gene therapy setting. We set out to test the combinatorial possibilities for a therapy based on the CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms that attack the viral DNA and RNA, respectively. When two different sites in the HIV-1 genome were targeted, either with dual CRISPR-Cas9 antivirals or with a combination of CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi antivirals, we observed additive inhibition, much like what was reported for antiviral drugs. However, when the same or overlapping viral sequence was attacked by the antivirals, rapid escape from a CRISPR-Cas9 antiviral, assisted by the error-prone nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair machinery, accelerated the development of cross-resistance to the other CRISPR-Cas9 or RNAi antiviral. Thus, genetic antiviral approaches can be combined, but overlap should be avoided.
ROC-king onwards: intraepithelial lymphocyte counts, distribution & role in coeliac disease mucosal interpretation
Authors: Rostami Kamran , Marsh Michael N , Johnson Matt W , Mohaghegh Hamid , Heal Calvin , Holmes Geoffrey , Ensari Arzu , Aldulaimi David , Bancel Brigitte , Bassotti Gabrio , Bateman Adrian , Becheanu Gabriel , Bozzola Anna , Carroccio Antonio , Catassi Carlo , Ciacci Carolina , Ciobanu Alexandra , Danciu Mihai , Derakhshan Mohammad H , Elli Luca , Ferrero Stefano , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Fiorino Marilena , Ganji Azita , Ghaffarzadehgan Kamran , Going James J , Ishaq Sauid , Mandolesi Alessandra , Mathews Sherly , Maxim Roxana , Mulder Chris J , Neefjes-Borst Andra , Robert Marie , Russo Ilaria , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Sidoni Angelo , Sotoudeh Masoud , Villanacci Vincenzo , Volta Umberto , Zali Mohammad R , Srivastava Amitabh
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Counting intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) is central to the histological diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD), but no definitive ‘normal’ IEL range has ever been published. In this multicentre study, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off between normal and CD (Marsh III lesion) duodenal mucosa, based on IEL counts on >400 mucosal biopsy specimens.

Design

The study was designed at the International Meeting on Digestive Pathology, Bucharest 2015. Investigators from 19 centres, eight countries of three continents, recruited 198 patients with Marsh III histology and 203 controls and used one agreed protocol to count IEL/100 enterocytes in well-oriented duodenal biopsies. Demographic and serological data were also collected.

Results

The mean ages of CD and control groups were 45.5 (neonate to 82) and 38.3 (2–88) years. Mean IEL count was 54±18/100 enterocytes in CD and 13±8 in normal controls (p=0.0001). ROC analysis indicated an optimal cut-off point of 25 IEL/100 enterocytes, with 99% sensitivity, 92% specificity and 99.5% area under the curve. Other cut-offs between 20 and 40 IEL were less discriminatory. Additionally, there was a sufficiently high number of biopsies to explore IEL counts across the subclassification of the Marsh III lesion.

Conclusion

Our ROC curve analyses demonstrate that for Marsh III lesions, a cut-off of 25 IEL/100 enterocytes optimises discrimination between normal control and CD biopsies. No differences in IEL counts were found between Marsh III a, b and c lesions. There was an indication of a continuously graded dose–response by IEL to environmental (gluten) antigenic influence.
Generic sections of essentially isolated determinantal singularities
Authors: Brasselet Jean-Paul , Chachapoyas Nancy , Ruas Maria A. S.
Published: September 2017

We study the essentially isolated determinantal singularities (EIDS), defined by Ebeling and Gusein-Zade [S. M. Guseĭn-Zade and W. Èbeling, On the indices of 1-forms on determinantal singularities, Tr. Mat. Inst. Steklova 267 (2009) 119–131], as a generalization of isolated singularity. We prove in dimension [Formula: see text], a minimality theorem for the Milnor number of a generic hyperplane section of an EIDS, generalizing the previous results by Snoussi in dimension [Formula: see text]. We define strongly generic hyperplane sections of an EIDS and show that they are still EIDS. Using strongly general hyperplanes, we extend a result of Lê concerning the constancy of the Milnor number.
Polymer nanocomposite dielectric and electrical properties with quantum dots nanofiller
Authors: Ahmed R. M. , Morsi R. M. M.
Published: September 2017

Nanocomposite films of different contents of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots nanoparticles embedded in hosting matrix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were prepared by simple solution casting method. Electrical and dielectric properties of nanocomposites films were investigated in the temperature range 323–393 (K) and at frequencies (50–2000) kHz. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity was following the universal power law. The values of the frequency exponent, s, revealed that the conduction mechanism at low temperature is considered by small polaron tunneling model, whereas at high temperature, it is related to CBH model. The activation energy values [Formula: see text] were depending on nanoparticle concentration as well as frequency. Also, X-ray diffraction (XRD) enabled approximately estimating the average particle size of the nanoparticles incorporated in PVC.
Einstein’s quadrupole formula from the kinetic-conformal Hořava theory
Authors: Bellorín Jorge , Restuccia Alvaro
Published: September 2017

We analyze the radiative and nonradiative linearized variables in a gravity theory within the family of the nonprojectable Hořava theories, the Hořava theory at the kinetic-conformal point. There is no extra mode in this formulation, the theory shares the same number of degrees of freedom with general relativity. The large-distance effective action, which is the one we consider, can be given in a generally-covariant form under asymptotically flat boundary conditions, the Einstein-aether theory under the condition of hypersurface orthogonality on the aether vector. In the linearized theory, we find that only the transverse-traceless tensorial modes obey a sourced wave equation, as in general relativity. The rest of variables are nonradiative. The result is gauge-independent at the level of the linearized theory. For the case of a weak source, we find that the leading mode in the far zone is exactly Einstein’s quadrupole formula of general relativity, if some coupling constants are properly identified. There are no monopoles nor dipoles in this formulation, in distinction to the nonprojectable Horava theory outside the kinetic-conformal point. We also discuss some constraints on the theory arising from the observational bounds on Lorentz-violating theories.
C, Si, Ge AND Sn SURFACE DOPING OF WURTZITE AlN NANOCRYSTALS: Ab INITIO STUDY USING WURTZOIDS STRUCTURES
Authors: ABDULSATTAR MUDAR AHMED , ABDULSAHIB ASEEL MUHAMMEDNOORI , ALMAROOF NOORULDEEN MUDHER , ALMAROOF NAZAR MUDHER , ALRUBAI ALI SADIQ
Published: September 2017

Wurtzite nanostructures have been recently described using molecular building blocks called wurtzoids. These wurtzoids are utilized in the present work to describe aluminum mononitride (AlN) nanostructures including its surface doping with group IV elements i.e. C Si, Ge and Sn. Calculations are performed for bare, and hydrogen surface passivated wurtzoids. Results show that hydrogen-passivated (HP) AlN-wurtzoids have energy gaps that are very near to the experimental bulk AlN. Longitudinal optical (LO) vibrational frequencies are also very near to bulk experimental value with blue and red frequency shifting for bare, and hydrogen surface passivated wurtzoids. Doped AlN-wurtzoid2c with group IV elements show a reduction of the energy gap. The gap generally decreases as the atomic number of the dopant increases. The electronic and vibrational properties can be interpreted using the charge transfer between atoms. Minimum atomic charge transfer is for carbon atom doping that leads to a maximum reduction of the energy gap of bare and entirely hydrogen surface passivated wurtzoids. The doped carbon atom charge transfer also induces the highest increase in LO vibrational mode.
INFLUENCE OF SURFACE POLISHING ON THE FRICTION BEHAVIORS OF NBR
Authors: JIANG BINGQI , JIA XIAOHONG , GUO FEI , WANG YUMING
Published: September 2017

An experimental study on the tribology behavior and mechanism of NBR-Steel pair has been carried out. Abrasive paper was used to polish the NBR surface. The influences of surface topography on the friction coefficient were investigated based on the block-on-ring tribometer. Results show that polishing with abrasive paper is an effective method to reduce the friction coefficient of NBR on steel. Superlubricity was also found in the test. A new method to explain the superlubricity based on the contact angle and surface molecular structure was put forward in this work. Abrasive paper polishing changes the surface asperities, so affects the contact angle, so as to influence the boundary limiting shearing strength, and then causes the superlubricity. During the friction process the microstructure obviously changed, along with mechanical breaking of the molecular chain.
A characterization of rings whose unitary Cayley graphs are planar
Authors: Su Huadong , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: September 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a ring with identity. The unitary Cayley graph of [Formula: see text] is the simple graph with vertex set [Formula: see text], where two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are linked by an edge if and only if [Formula: see text] is a unit of [Formula: see text]. A graph is said to be planar if it can be drawn on the plane in such a way that its edges intersect only at their endpoints. In this paper, we completely characterize the rings whose unitary Cayley graphs are planar.
Testing the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model for Mobile Payments Across Germany and South Africa
Authors: Martens Miriam , Roll Oliver , Elliott Roger
Published: September 2017

The acceptance of mobile payments has been limited. This paper, therefore, attempts to investigate the determinants of mobile payment adoption. To this end, it examines the relationships between the personality trait dimensions of the Technology Readiness Index 2.0 and the system-specific dimensions of the Technology Acceptance Model in Germany and South Africa. The model was tested using structural equation modeling. Results show that some, but not all, of the Technology Readiness Index 2.0 variables had a significant influence on the dimensions of the Technology Acceptance Model. Perceived Usefulness was the strongest predictor of the intention to use mobile payments. The factor “country” did not moderate the structural relationships.
Automated Ski Velocity and Jump Length Determination in Ski Jumping Based on Unobtrusive and Wearable Sensors
Authors: Groh Benjamin H. , Warschun Frank , Deininger Martin , Kautz Thomas , Martindale Christine , Eskofier Bjoern M.
Published: September 2017

Although ski jumping is a widely investigated sport, competitions and training sessions are rarely supported by state-of-the-art technology. Supporting technologies could focus on a continuous velocity determination and visualization for competitions as well as on an analysis of the velocity development and the jump length for training sessions. In the literature, there are several approaches for jump analysis. However, the majority of these approaches aim for a biomechanical analysis instead of a support system for frequent use. They do not fulfill the requirements of unobtrusiveness and usability that are necessary for a long-term application in competitions and training. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for ski velocity calculation and jump length determination based on the processing of unobtrusively obtained ski jumping data. Our algorithm is evaluated with data from eleven athletes in two different acquisitions. The results show an error of the velocity measurement at take-off of (which equals -3.0 % ± 4.7 % in reference to the estimated average take-off velocity) compared to a light barrier system. The error of the jump length compared to a video-based system is 0.8 m ± 2.9 m (which equals 0.9 % ± 3.4 % of the average jump length of the training jumps in this work). Although our proposed system does not outperform existing camera-based methods of jump length measurements at competitions, it provides an affordable and unobtrusive support for competitions and has the potential to simplify analyses in standard training.
Resveratrol Modulation of Protein Expression in parkin‐Mutant Human Skin Fibroblasts: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: Vergara Daniele , Gaballo Antonio , Signorile Anna , Ferretta Anna , Tanzarella Paola , Pacelli Consiglia , Di Paola Marco , Cocco Tiziana , Maffia Michele
Published: September 2017

In this study, we investigated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis the effects of resveratrol treatment on skin primary fibroblasts from a healthy subject and from a parkin‐mutant early onset Parkinson’s disease patient. Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is the most frequently mutated gene in hereditary Parkinson’s disease. Functional alteration of parkin leads to impairment of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, resulting in the accumulation of misfolded or aggregated proteins accountable for the neurodegenerative process. The identification of proteins differentially expressed revealed that resveratrol treatment can act on deregulated specific biological process and molecular function such as cellular redox balance and protein homeostasis. In particular, resveratrol was highly effective at restoring the heat‐shock protein network and the protein degradation systems. Moreover, resveratrol treatment led to a significant increase in GSH level, reduction of GSSG/GSH ratio, and decrease of reduced free thiol content in patient cells compared to normal fibroblasts. Thus, our findings provide an experimental evidence of the beneficial effects by which resveratrol could contribute to preserve the cellular homeostasis in parkin‐mutant fibroblasts.
A Case of C5 Vertebral Chordoma in a 73-Year-Old Patient with More Than 8 Years of Follow-Up after Total Piecemeal Spondylectomy
Authors: Tanaka Keigo , Sakakima Harutoshi , Hida Kazutoshi , Hatanaka Kanako , Ijiri Kosei
Published: September 2017

Chordoma arising from the cervical spine is rare and the traditional long-term prognosis is typically poor. Total en bloc spondylectomy with a wide margin is generally accepted to be the most appropriate management for thoracic and lumbar malignant tumors. However, this method is still challenging for the cervical spine because of the proximity of the tumor to the vertebral arteries and neural elements. Here, we report a 73-year-old man with a C5 vertebral chordoma treated with total piecemeal spondylectomy. Histological examination revealed pathognomonic physaliphorous cells with mucus-filled cytoplasm in the tumor, and the ratio of Ki-67-positive cells within the tumor was high (19.0%), showing active proliferation rate. Local recurrences were found at 9 months, 4 years and 2 months, and 6 years after the initial surgery. All the recurrences were encapsulated and isolated and treated with an additional en bloc resection successfully at each stage. Eight years after the initial total piecemeal spondylectomy, the patient maintained his intact neurological status without local recurrence or metastasis. The prognosis of cervical chordoma depends on the patient’s age, surgical procedures, and histological features. In this report, we present that piecemeal spondylectomy is an alternative management for aged patients with cervical chordoma, even for those with high MIB-1 index.
Analysis of the Load Sharing Behaviour and Cushion Failure Mode for a Disconnected Piled Raft
Authors: Zhu Xiao-jun
Published: September 2017

Disconnected piled raft (DPR) foundations are characterized by having no structural connection to a raft. The raft-pile gap is filled with a granular cushion, which creates a more uniform pressure distribution on the raft and reduces the differential settlement. A series of tests has been performed to investigate the load transfer mechanisms of a DPR. The effects of the thickness and stiffness of the cushion and the pile diameter are presented and discussed. A simple failure mode of the cushion is also put forward according to the cushion slip plane obtained by using the digital image correlation technique that tracks the pixels in the images and generates a displacement field. Then a new theoretical analysis has been presented for rigid pile composite foundation. Through comparative studies, it is found that the present method is validated as reasonable by laboratory tests and is in agreement with several current design methods.
Estimation of phylogenetic divergence times in Panagrolaimidae and other nematodes using relaxed molecular clocks calibrated with insect and crustacean fossils
Authors: McGill Lorraine M. , Fitzpatrick David A. , Pisani Davide , Burnell Ann M.
Published: September 2017

This study presents the use of relaxed molecular clock methods to infer the dates of divergence betweenPanagrolaimusspecies. Autocorrelated relaxed tree methods, combined with well characterised fossil calibration dates, yield estimates of nematode divergence dates in accordance with the palaeontological age of fossil ascarid eggs and with the previously estimated date of 18 Ma (range 11.6 to 29.9 Ma) for the divergence of theCaenorhabditislineage. Our data indicate thatPanagrolaimus davidifrom Antarctica separatedca21.98 Ma from its currently known, most closely related strain. Thus,P. davidimay have existed in Antarctica prior to the Last Glacial Maximum, although this seems unlikely as it shares physiological and life history traits with closely related nematodes from temperate climates. These traits may have facilitated colonisation of Antarctica byP. davidiafter the quaternary glaciation, analogous to the colonisation of Surtsey Island, Iceland, byP. superbusafter its volcanic formation. This study demonstrates that autocorrelated relaxed tree methods combined with well characterised fossil calibration dates may be used as a method to estimate the divergence dates within nematodes in order to gain insight into their evolutionary history.
A new species of Thysanoptyx Hampson, 1894 from India (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , JOSHI RAHUL , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , VOLYNKIN ANTON V.
Published: September 2017

The genus Thysanoptyx Hampson, 1894 is a member of the subtribe Lithosiina, tribe Lithosiini (Arctiinae). It was described as a monotypic genus for Lithosia tetragona Walker, 1854 from Silhet [Sylhet], [Bangladesh].Hampson (1900) treated Thysanoptyx as a synonym of Eilema Hübner. Daniel (1954) placed it under Lithosia Fabricius, whereas Birket-Smith (1965) treated it as a junior subjective synonym of Teulisna Walker. Later, Kishida (1993) considered Thysanoptyx Hampson as a valid genus. Fang (2000) reported four species from China: Thysanoptyx tetragona (Walker, 1854), T. fimbriata (Leech, 1890), T. signata (Walker, 1854), and T. brevimacula (Alphéraky, 1897). However, the male genitalia of T. tetragona figured by Fang (2000) belong to a probably new species (Singh, pers. obs.). Holloway (2001) considered four species, Thysanoptyx tetragona, T. oblonga (Butler, 1877), T. sordida (Butler, 1881), and T. incurvata Wileman & West, 1928 from Oriental region. Kirti & Singh (2015) described a new species, T. pseudotetragona Joshi, Singh & Kirti from South India (Kerala) and reported T. incurvata for the first time from India. However, the new reporting of T. incurvata seems to be incorrect (see the remark below). Recently, Volynkin & Dubatolov (2017) subdivided Thysanoptyx into five species groups: tetragona species group, oblonga species group, sordida species group, signata species group, and fimbriata species group, with the description of two new species: T. indosinica Volynkin & Dubatolov, 2017 from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and T. mirifica Volynkin & Dubatolov, 2017 from Vietnam. At present the genus comprises 10 valid species distributed from China, Taiwan to India and South East Asia.
Mechanisms Linking Global 5-Day Waves to Tropical Convection
Authors: King Malcolm J. , Wheeler Matthew C. , Lane Todd P.
Published: September 2017

Reanalysis data and satellite-derived rainfall measurements are examined to determine possible mechanisms linking the “5 day” Rossby–Haurwitz wave to localized variations of tropical convection. The mechanisms in all regions rely on the modulation of zonal winds near the equator by the wave, but the nature of these mechanisms depends strongly on local topography and local climate. In the upper Amazon basin, the wave modulates the strength of prevailing easterlies and thus the upslope flow and associated convection on the eastern edge of the Andes. Similar modulation of upslope flow is involved off the Panamanian and Colombian Pacific coasts, but the deflection and confluence of low-level wind in the presence of the Andes and moisture transports across the Andes from the Amazon basin are also factors. Similar deflection and confluence of winds around and through the Maritime Continent lead to low-level divergence and convection anomalies over the eastern Indian Ocean. Anomalous moisture transports from the Congo basin to the eastern and northeastern Gulf of Guinea due to the wave affect atmospheric moisture over the Gulf of Guinea and thus convection in the region. Over oceanic convergence zones, modulations of the prevailing winds by the wave affect the overall wind magnitude, changing evaporation from the ocean surface and atmospheric moisture. Most of these mechanisms arise from the nonuniform nature of Earth’s surface and suggest that other external Rossby–Haurwitz waves may have similar interactions with convection.
A Dipole Pattern of Summertime Rainfall across the Indian Subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Ting Mingfang
Published: September 2017

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) has long been regarded as a key driver for the formation and variations of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). Recent studies, however, have indicated that the ISM also exerts a considerable impact on rainfall variations in the TP, suggesting that the ISM and the TP should be considered as an interactive system. From this perspective, the covariability of the July–August mean rainfall across the Indian subcontinent (IS) and the TP is investigated. It is found that the interannual variation of IS and TP rainfall exhibits a dipole pattern in which rainfall in the central and northern IS tends to be out of phase with that in the southeastern TP. This dipole pattern is associated with significant anomalies in rainfall, atmospheric circulation, and water vapor transport over the Asian continent and nearby oceans. Rainfall anomalies and the associated latent heating in the central and northern IS tend to induce changes in regional circulation that suppress rainfall in the southeastern TP and vice versa. Furthermore, the sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical southeastern Indian Ocean can trigger the dipole rainfall pattern by suppressing convection over the central IS and the northern Bay of Bengal, which further induces anomalous anticyclonic circulation to the south of TP that favors more rainfall in the southeastern TP by transporting more water vapor to the region. The dipole pattern is also linked to the Silk Road wave train via its link to rainfall over the northwestern IS.
Effects of Surface Orography and Land–Sea Contrast on the Madden–Julian Oscillation in the Maritime Continent: A Numerical Study Using ECHAM5-SIT
Authors: Tseng Wan-Ling , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Keenlyside Noel , June Chang Chiung-Wen , Tsuang Ben-Jei , Tu Chia-Ying , Jiang Li-Chiang
Published: September 2017

This study uses the atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) ECHAM5 coupled with the newly developed Snow–Ice–Thermocline model (ECHAM5-SIT) to examine the effects of orography and land–sea contrast on the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in the Maritime Continent (MC) during boreal winter. The ECHAM5-SIT is one of the few AGCMs that realistically simulate the major characteristics of the MJO. Three experiments are conducted with realistic topography, without orography, and with oceans only in the MC region to evaluate the relative effects of orography and land–sea contrast. Orography and land–sea contrast have the following effects on the MJO in the MC: 1) a larger amplitude, 2) a smaller zonal scale, 3) more realistic periodicity and stronger eastward-propagating signals, 4) a stronger southward detour during the eastward propagation, 5) a distorted coupled Kelvin–Rossby wave structure, and 6) larger low-level moisture convergence. The existence of mountainous islands also enhances the mean westerly in the eastern Indian Ocean and the western MC, as well as the moisture content over the MC. This enhancement of mean states contributes to the stronger eastward-propagating MJO. The findings herein suggest that theoretical and empirical studies, which are largely derived from an aquaplanet framework, have likely provided an oversimplified view of the MJO. The effects of mountainous islands should be considered for better understanding and more accurate forecast of the MJO.
Expanding crimmigration: The detention and deportation of New Zealanders from Australia
Authors: Stanley Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

The significant concept of ‘crimmigration’ has evolved to explain how criminal and immigration laws have begun to merge, expanding state powers to surveil, control and punish. States use crimmigration processes to reinforce cultural, political and moral boundaries. In doing so, states frequently displace principles of punishment or rights in favour of promoting compliance, security or belonging. In relation to the case of New Zealanders detained–deported from Australia, this article illustrates new forms of crimmigration. First, crimmigration is expanding in a context of neoliberal responsibilization. Given the gradual removal of economic supports or political inclusion, ‘non-citizens’ share a deeply precarious space, and more groups are being made ‘at risk’ of crimmigration interventions. Once likely to focus upon certain populations, especially on ‘race’ or nationality grounds, crimmigration now engages all ‘non-citizens’. Second, crimmigration has expanded to include pre-emption – ‘non-citizens’ are targeted not just on account of their criminal behaviours but also their perceived associations, ‘risky’ behaviours or suspicious associations. Finally, and third, crimmigration strategies have expanded across borders, in ways that fundamentally distort established legal principles on the ever-shifting grounds of security. The contagion of crimmigration creates multiple punishments for ‘non-citizens’ that far surpass the nature of their offending or their ‘risk’ to society.
Effect of microstructure on the plasma surface treatment of carbon fibres
Authors: Corujeira-Gallo Santiago , Dong Hanshan
Published: September 2017

Carbon fibres are leading reinforcements in composite materials because of their outstanding mechanical and physical properties. However, the graphitic surface of these fibres is relatively inert, and the weak interaction between the carbon fibres and the polymeric matrix has negative consequences for the mechanical properties of composite materials. Surface treatments have been used to increase the surface roughness, remove contaminants or weakly bonded layers, and to alter the surface chemistry and wettability of the fibres. In this article, the authors review the effect of the microstructure on the response of the carbon fibres to the surface treatments. The observations from conventional carbon fibres and functionalisation techniques are extrapolated to plasma surface treatments and to novel carbon fibres produced from bio-precursors.
Functional Odontoblastic-Like Cells Derived from Human iPSCs
Authors: Xie H. , Dubey N. , Shim W. , Ramachandra C.J.A. , Min K.S. , Cao T. , Rosa V.
Published: September 2017

The induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have an intrinsic capability for indefinite self-renewal and large-scale expansion and can differentiate into all types of cells. Here, we tested the potential of iPSCs from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to differentiate into functional odontoblasts. DPSCs were reprogrammed into iPSCs via electroporation of reprogramming factors OCT-4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and L-MYC. The iPSCs presented overexpression of the reprogramming genes and high protein expressions of alkaline phosphatase, OCT4, and TRA-1-60 in vitro and generated tissues from 3 germ layers in vivo. Dentin discs with poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds containing iPSCs were implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. After 28 d from implantation, the iPSCs generated a pulp-like tissue with the presence of tubular dentin in vivo. The differentiation potential after long-term expansion was assessed in vitro. iPSCs and DPSCs of passages 4 and 14 were treated with either odontogenic medium or extract of bioactive cement for 28 d. Regardless of the passage tested, iPSCs expressed putative markers of odontoblastic differentiation and kept the same mineralization potential, while DPSC P14 failed to do the same. Analysis of these data collectively demonstrates that human iPSCs can be a source to derive human odontoblasts for dental pulp research and test bioactivity of materials.
The ties that bind
Authors: Cohen Dara Kay
Published: September 2017

How do armed groups use violence to create social ties? What are the conditions under which such violence takes place? In this article, I describe how armed groups use one type of atrocity, wartime rape, to create social bonds between fighters through a process of combatant socialization. As a form of stigmatizing, public, and sexualized violence, gang rape is an effective method to communicate norms of masculinity, virility, brutality, and loyalty between fighters. Drawing on literature about socialization processes, I derive a set of hypotheses about individual-level factors that may influence vulnerability to violent socialization, including age, previous socialization experiences, and physical security. I analyze the support for these hypotheses using newly available survey data from former fighters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The results show the broad applicability of considering group violence as a form of social control within armed groups, suggest some of the limits of violent socialization, and have implications for both theory and policy.