bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretarsus and distal margin of the terminal tarsomere as an unexplored character system for higher‐level classification in Cholevinae (Coleoptera, Leiodidae)
Authors: ANTUNES‐CARVALHO CAIO , GNASPINI PEDRO
Published: December 2015

Cholevinae are well founded as a monophylum, but their internal phylogenetic relationships constitute a matter of longstanding dispute. The morphology has been the main source of information in most available phylogenetic studies on the subfamily. Most of the characters used, however, were limited to easily visible external structures and genitalia. Here we investigate the informative power of an unexplored character system for the higher‐level systematics of Cholevinae: the morphology of the pretarsus and distal margin of the terminal tarsomere. We analysed and documented these structures in representatives of the five most species‐rich tribes of Cholevinae (encompassing 13 subtribes) using scanning electron microscopy. We identified several diagnostic features and recognize potential synapomorphies at the tribal, subtribal and generic levels. The architecture of the median and empodial sclerites (including the empodial setae), the shape and composition of the medial projection of the distal margin of the terminal tarsomere, and the armature of the claws were considered a promising source of information for delimiting tribes and subtribes. Our data challenge the traditional view of a close proximity of Eucatopini and Ptomaphagini as well as a previously suggested synapomorphy of Leptodirini, and reinforce the monophyly of Ptomaphagini. This contribution is one of the rare comparative studies on the coleopteran pretarsus and one of very few evaluating the systematic usefulness of the distal margin of the terminal tarsomere in insects.
Prevalence and Characterization of Salmonella Isolated from Feral Pigs Throughout Texas
Authors: Cummings K. J. , Rodriguez‐Rivera L. D. , Grigar M. K. , Rankin S. C. , Mesenbrink B. T. , Leland B. R. , Bodenchuk M. J.
Published: November 2015

Feral pigs are one of the most abundant free‐roaming ungulates in the United States, yet their role in the ecology and transmission of foodborne pathogens is poorly understood. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella shedding among feral pigs throughout Texas, to identify risk factors for infection, and to characterize the isolates. Faecal samples were collected from feral pigs in Texas from June 2013 through May 2015. Standard bacteriologic culture methods were used to isolate Salmonella from samples, and isolates were characterized via serotyping and anti‐microbial susceptibility testing. The prevalence of faecal Salmonella shedding among sampled pigs was 43.9% (194/442), with positive pigs originating from 50 counties. Pigs sampled during fall and summer were significantly more likely to be shedding Salmonella than pigs sampled during winter. High serovar diversity was evident among the isolates, and many of the detected serovars are leading causes of human salmonellosis. The most common serovars were Montevideo (10.0%), Newport (9.1%), and Give (8.2%). Resistance to anti‐microbial agents was rare. The burgeoning feral pig population in the United States may represent an emerging threat to food safety.
THE USEFULNESS OF T2 RELAXOMETRY IN DIFFERENTIATING INFECTIVE FROM NEOPLASTIC RIM ENHANCING BRAIN LESIONS: EARLY EXPERIENCE
Authors: Hanafiah Mohammad , Syazarina Sharis Osman , Hazlenah Hanafiah , Shahizon Azura Muhamed Mukari
Published: November 2015

Characterizing a rim enhancing brain lesion remains a challenge and conventional MRI sequences may not be adequate. The aim of our study was to determine whether or not rim enhancing brain lesions of infective origin could be differentiated from neoplasm using MR T2 relaxometry. T2 relaxation times were measured in the central core of 29 rim-enhancing lesions from 23 patients. (10 female, 13 male, age range 12-73 years old). The mean T2 relaxation time of infective lesions was 194.6ms (range 89.5- 498.7ms; SD 144.8) and that of tumour was 893.7 ms (range 147.8-1540.0 ms; SD 431.5). Our early experience showed that T2 relaxometry is a potential quantitative MR technique that can differentiate infective from neoplastic rim enhancing brain lesions.
ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR MRI HUMAN SPINE IMAGES
Authors: Huddin Aqilah Baseri , W Zaki W Mimi Diyana , Wai Mun Agnes Chung , Siong Ling Chei , Abdul Hamid Hamzaini
Published: November 2015

The quality of Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) determines the accuracy of clinical diagnosis. It provides information about the human soft tissue anatomy. MRI of spine is used by the physicians to evaluate any presence of diseases including slipped disk, herniated disk, trauma and disk degeneration. Existence of noises and artifacts can degrade the quality of the MR images. Thus, appropriate image processing techniques may help to improve the quality of the acquired image. Preprocessing is usually done to remove the noise, enhance an image boundary and adjust the image contrast. Current techniques to enhance and reduce noise in MRI human spine are discussed and a method using discrete wavelet transform to enhance the MRI of human spine is proposed. The resultant images are evaluated quantitatively. This study shows that the proposed method has better results as compared to other existing method based on evaluation tests.
BOUNDARY SEGMENTATION AND DETECTION OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY (DR) IN FUNDUS IMAGE
Authors: Samad R. , Nasarudin M. S. F. , Mustafa M. , Pebrianti D. , Abdullah N. R. H.
Published: November 2015

Recently, the automatic detection system or Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is widely developed in the medical field to screen or diagnose the medical image. This paper presents the boundary segmentation and detection of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in fundus image. The proposed method uses Fuzzy C-Means for clustering and detect the boundary of the DR object. The number of cluster used in this work is 3 and the average number of iterations is 28.The DR region is successfully detected by FCM and the average processing time is 1.235s.
HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IMPLEMENTATION ON ACUTE LEUKEMIA SLIDE IMAGES
Authors: Bin Toh Leow , Mashor M.Y. , Ehkan Phaklen , Rosline H. , Junoh A.K. , Harun N.H.
Published: November 2015

Conventional diagnosis of acute leukemia is based on examining the morphology of the blood and bone marrow smear under the microscope and the process can be tedious, time intensive and highly skilled resources dependent. Over recent years, features fusion techniques base on statistical and morphological features had been explored in computer vision studies to enhance the capability of acute leukemia diagnosis task. However, microscopic image capture from the light microscope usually has poor quality due to the limited dynamic range of the camera. Thus, image regions with intensity levels outside the dynamic range captured by the camera sensor suffer from lack of details, appearing either underexposed or overexposed. This paper proposed a High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging techniques to solve the problem of limited dynamic range and enhance the morphological features of blast cells. The proposed method consists of two main parts: implementing HDR techniques on acute leukemia slide images and comparing the dynamic range between HDR image and original images with different exposure time based on the intensity histograms obtained. The results presented showed that the HDR implementation has enhanced the morphological features of blast cells and increase the dynamic range, hence may benefit in the feature extraction and classification process of acute leukemia.
IMPROVEMENT OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Y-TZP VIA CERIA ADDITION AND COLD ISOSTATIC PRESSING METHOD
Authors: Aboras Mohamed , Muchtar Andanastuti , Azhari Che Husna , Yahaya Norziha , Chuin Hao Chin
Published: November 2015

Fabrication and composition of tetragonal zirconia have been extensively studied to enhance its mechanical properties. The present study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of yttrium-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) with ceria addition consolidated via cold isostatic pressing (CIP). 3Y-TZP was prepared by slip casting. Another batch of samples was fabricated via slip casting with the addition of 5 wt% of ceria, followed by CIP. All samples were sintered at 1600 °C. Results showed that the density and hardness of Y-TZP increased with the addition of ceria and use of CIP. The density increased from 91.8% to 98% of theoretical density, and the hardness increased from 10.33 GPa to 14.14 GPa. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that Y-TZP with ceria and consolidated via CIP had more homogenous grain structure with lower porosity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the phase was 100% tetragonal for both materials. Ceria addition consolidated via CIP are an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of Y-TZP.
AN OVERVIEW: INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROPORATION TECHNIQUE ON CELL PROPERTIES CULTURED ON MICROPATTERNED SURFACE.
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Adilah , Buhari Mamman Hassan , Abdul Jamil M. Mahadi
Published: November 2015

Electroporation (EP) is a method of controlling cell function by using pulses of electrical fields to create pore through a cell membrane and causes other substance around it to be absorbed into the cell. Where This method had been led to variety of medical applications. While, microcontact printing (μCP) is a quite useful technique for patterning extracellular matrix as an adhesion molecule for cells that works for controlling the cell growth. This study focuses on reviewing the basic concepts and techniques of electroporation and Microcontact printing, as applied to molecular biology & cancer treatment. The combination of these two technique might be a new technique for wound healing process treatment.
IMAGE SEGMENTATION TECHNIQUES FOR RED BLOOD CELL : ON OVERVIEW
Authors: Oussama Laghouiter , Abdul Jamil M. Mahadi , Wan Mahmud Wan Mahani Hafiza Bt.
Published: November 2015

Image processing technique applies in different domains, such as medical, remote sensing and security. This techniques Aims to get a simple image called -image processed- should retain maximum useful information. The sensitive step in image processing is segmentation of image. Segmentation is first stage in medical image analysis seeded to two categories supervised and unsupervised technique. Accuracy of this stage affects the whole system performance. This paper present some methods applied for blood cell image segmentation and compares previous studies of overlapping cell division method. The common goal about this area is accuracy of counting the number of red blood cells (RBC) or white blood cells (WBC), which decrease with effect of some diseases such as anemia and leukemia. And makes it a critical factor in patient treatments.
PARAMETERS ESTIMATION OF DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING FOR HAND JITTER REDUCTION USING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: Zakaria Nor Farizan , Zulkifley Mohd Asyraf , Mustafa Mohd Marzuki
Published: November 2015

Hand jitter is a natural tremor that has become a concern in many areas such as microsurgery, collaborative environment and tele-tutoring as it can cause imprecision, inaccuracy and misleading pointer information. Over the recent years, many researches have been done to reduce hand jitter but they are either too complex or too time consuming. Hence, to overcome the limitations, Double Exponential Smoothing (DES) has been used as an alternative, which is a simple and fast prediction algorithm. However, estimating the parameter values of DES is a difficult process that requires juggling between several criteria. In this paper, an optimal parameter estimation technique of DES using Genetic Algorithm was developed to find the optimal parameter values. Thorough comparisons have been made with previous methods to prove the magnitude of improvement. Our study found that the proposed method is able to reduce the hand jitter by 52% compared to the benchmarked methods. Hence, DES is suitable to be implemented in many applications that require precise and accurate hand-based pointing system.
THE EFFECT OF CANNULATED HIP SCREW SIZE IN THE TREATMENT OF FEMORAL NECK FRACTURE
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Farhan , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Ab. Rahman Shaifuzain
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical performance of different cannulated hip screw size in the treatment of femoral neck fracture via finite element method. The 3D model of a proximal femur was constructed CT data of human lower limb. The femoral neck fracture was stimulated with a 40o cut from the anatomical femoral axis. This model was treated with multiple cannulated hip screws with three different sizes – 6.5, 7.0 and 7.3mm. The chosen arrangement for this particular study was a triangle configuration. All analyses were performed using stair climbing loads. The results showed for different sizes different stress distribution. The 7.3 mm cannulated hip screw option for treatment of femoral neck fracture
DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED MULTIPLE ANKLE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE AND APPS DATABASE FOR NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL
Authors: Mohd Latip Hadafi Fitri , Omar Abdul Hafidz , Azmy Mohd Fakhrizal , Shahrom Ardyansyah
Published: November 2015

Rehabilitation technology device has attracted many researchers in this field, whereas the development of technology device for rehabilitation of sprained ankle is relatively new. During past few years, plenty of technology device have been proposed for ankle rehabilitation. To date, however no market products could be efficiently utilized to meet people’s ankle rehabilitation need in daily life. According to the development significance, this paper presents the background and details of existing devices for rehabilitation of ankle sprained, and proposes a new device based on existing product mechanism, gives a brief description of the new design specification of Integrated Multiple Ankle Technology Device (IMATD) and discusses the existing problems and the developing prospects in this field
NON-IONIZING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION EFFECT ON NERVE FIBER ACTION POTENTIAL OF HUMAN BODY – A REVIEW
Authors: Noor Azizi Muhammad Syafiq , Aris Nor Azlan , Salleh Azahari , Othman Adib , Mohamad Najmiah Radiah
Published: November 2015

The use of electromagnetic radiations (EM) has been increased manifold in recent times mainly due to technological advances. Electromagnetic energy was absorbed by some proportion in the human body which results to an undesirable side-effect. There is a concern on the effect of the electromagnetic   radiation on biological systems in general and particularly on human nervous systems. This paper presents a review on non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation effect that has been conducted by various researchers. Through this review, we hope to provide better understanding and awareness on what is essentially happening to action potentials on electrical nerve fiber of human body if there is a presence of interference from non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation
OBSERVATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PLAYING GAMES WITH THE HUMAN BRAIN WAVES
Authors: Mustafa Mahfuzah , Mustafar Rul Azreen , Samad Rosdiyana , Abdullah Nor Rul Hasma , Sulaiman Norizam
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to observe the human brain waves when a person playing video games. The game proposed is Counter Strike (CS) 1.6. There are 30 samples of human brain wave will be collected. The EEG signal will be recorded before playing a game and after playing a game. The threshold value is used to filter the data collected to acquire clean brain waves. Then, extraction of sub-band Alpha and Beta is done by Band-pass filter. Power Spectral Density (PSD) is performed in analysing the brain waves to acquire peak amplitude of the Alpha and Beta sub-band frequencies. The pattern of Alpha and Beta is carried out by using the histogram to observe the relationship between games and mind state of humanity. It is observed that the Beta-band increase and Alpha-band decrease after the samples playing game.
A NOBLE MOLECULAR IMPRINT POLYMER BIOSENSOR FOR CAFFEIC ACID DETECTION IN ORTHOSIPHON STAMINEUS EXTRACTS
Authors: Shafiqul Islam A.K.M. , Krishnan Hemavathi , Singh Harbant , Ahmad Mohd Noor
Published: November 2015

A molecular imprint polymer (MIP) biosensor has been developed to determine caffeic acid in misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) samples. The simulation of HyperChem 8.0 software gave a suitable template and functional monomer ratio for the MIP preparation. The MIPs were prepared by non-covalent bulk polymer approach. The analytical performance of MIP and NIP studies were based on the frequency change of mass sensitive quartz crystal microbalance sensor. The MIP biosensor showed good sensitivity to caffeic acid from 1.5 ng/ml - 12.5 ng/ml with a R2 value of 0.98 whereas NIP sensor showed very low response. The caffeic acid in O. stamineus extract and two commercial products were quantified using the MIP biosensor
INSTRUMENTED PILE LOAD TESTING WITH DISTRIBUTED OPTICAL FIBRE STRAIN SENSOR
Authors: Mohamad Hisham , Pin Tee Bun
Published: November 2015

An instrumented pile load test was conducted for a 1.2m diameter bored pile at Putrajaya to verify pile performance towards geotechnical design. This test pile was instrumented with new monitoring technique using distributed strain sensing known as Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) and compared with conventional sensors, i.e. vibrating wire strain gauge, LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) and dial gauge. This manuscript includes the description of subsurface conditions consisting of weathered granitic residual soils, test pile installation and instrumentation setup of Maintain Load Test (MLT). Field measurement results such as the load transfer response and average unit shaft resistance using the distributed fibre optic strain sensor were well matched with the results using the conventional sensors. However, the distributed fibre optic strain sensor has the added advantage of detecting the localized defect such as pile necking, bending, and overall behaviour of bored pile effectively.
ROCK SLOPE ASSESSMENT USING KINEMATIC AND NUMERICAL ANALYSES
Authors: Mohammed Al-Bared Mohammed Ali , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , Mohd Amin Mohd For , Awang Haryati
Published: November 2015

This paper presents stability assessment of rock slopes at Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The site is a disused quarry slope where a low cost residential area of Pangsapuri Intan was built very close to it, frequent instability at the rock slope have been reported.  A detailed discontinuity assessment was carried at the site, then, the kinematic and numerical analyses were performed in order to determine the stability of the rock slope. The kinematic analysis was carried out using DIPS 5.0 software and the results showed that about 19% is the percentage of the wedge failure that is encountered for the rock slope. Meanwhile, the finite element method of analysis in Phase2 showed that the slope is in stable condition, with the Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) of 2.0. The difference between the results of the kinematic and the finite element analyses is because, the kinematic analysis considered the discontinuities volume and orientations with regards to the slope face, while the finite element, analysed the slope with respect to strength properties. Since the slope is a disused quarry, where previous blasting work had produced fractures on the rock face, these discontinuities and fractures are more influencing the instability and the result from kinematic analysis shows a good agreement with the field observation.
FULL SCALE STATIC LOAD TEST ON THE SPIDER NET SYSTEM
Authors: Darjanto Helmy , Irsyam Masyhur , Retno Sri Prabandiyani
Published: November 2015

The Spider Net System Footing (SNSF) is a raft foundation system that commonly used in Indonesia. It contains a plate, downward ribs system for reinforcement, and the compacted filled soil. The ribs are in longitudinal and transversal, called as settlement rib and in diagonal direction, named as construction rib. This paper explores the load transfer mechanism along the plate, the ribs, filled soil and the base soil under the footing system. The mechanism is investigated by conducting full scale static load test on SNSF. Strain gauges were installed to monitor the strain increment of each footing elements during loading. 3D numerical analysis was also conducted to verify the experimental results. To analyze the results, Load-Ultimate Ratio Factor (L-URF) was proposed. L-URF was a ratio between ultimate soil bearing capacity of the SNSF and the applied loading at specific element. Higher the L-URF value means higher loading applied at its associate element. Both experimental and numerical results show that at the first stage the loading was fully carried out by the tip of the ribs and transferred to the soil stratum under the footing system. Increasing the loading, the ribs, plate, and filled soil altogether sustain the loading and then transferred to the soil stratum below the footing system. The results also affirm that SNSF generate higher bearing capacity compare with simple shallow footing.
EVALUATION OF VS,30 ESTIMATING MODELS FOR INDONESIA
Authors: A. Prakoso Widjojo , Sukanta I Nyoman
Published: November 2015

Series of strong-motion instruments are being installed as part of the seismic hazard reduction program. One of the required information for an instrument station is the geotechnical characteristics, particularly the 30 m deep weighted average of shear wave velocity, VS,30.  The VS,30 values of 25 strong-motion instrument stations in western part of Java Island and western-southern part of Sumatra Island were used to evaluate the topographical information and the geomorphological information based VS,30 estimation models.  The ratio of the measured VS,30 to the estimated VS,30 is evaluated, and the simple statistical parameters could not suggest the better model. No apparent geographical and/or geological factors could be identified as the affecting factor as well.  Furthermore, the ratio is found to decrease with increasing the estimated values.  Based on these observations, several recommendations are proposed, including to develop a new VS,30 estimation model, specifically for Indonesia
DEVELOPMENT OF SEISMIC MICROZONATION MAPS OF SEMARANG, INDONESIA
Authors: Partono Windu , Retno Wardani Sri Prabandiyani , Irsyam Masyhur , Maarif Syamsul
Published: November 2015

The new Indonesian Code for seismic resistance design for building has been issued recently. It follows the concept of Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER). Seismic risk microzonation of Semarang is analyzed using the new concept.  Seismic risk microzonation study for hazard mitigation is also performed for the whole city based on deterministic approach, considering the closes distance fault (Lasem Fault). Interpretation of local site effects is performed by carrying one-dimensional ground response analysis. Depth of bedrock is estimated based on single station feedback seismometer measurement. Geotechnical parameters are interpreted from recent and previous measurements. The result of deterministic microzonation study includes the distribution of surface peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration due to Lasem Fault. The obtained results are compared with the distribution of surface PGA and spectral acceleration obtained through new code.
SEISMIC TIME-HISTORY GROUND-MOTIONS FOR A SPECIFIC SITE IN JAKARTA
Authors: Sengara I Wayan , Yulman Muhammad Addifa , Mulia Andri
Published: November 2015

Indonesia has developed new seismic building code based on risk-targeted ground-motions adopting 1 % probability of building collapse in 50 years. The new seismic design criterion, which is presented in the code, have combined both seismic hazard and building fragility. For performance-based analysis of high-rise buildings, a complex non-linear time-history analysis is needed. This paper presents results of study on development of the time-history with emphasing on procedure of developing pairs of time-history at ground surface for spesific site in Jakarta with reference to 2012 International Building Codes and ASCE-SEI-7-10. The study involves generation of time-history from reference base-rock through site-response analysis to ground surface. Development of time-history at ground surface with a procedure involving Square Root of the Sum of the Square method (SRSS) in order to reasonably scaled time-histories through spectral matching technique is presented herein. The matched time-histories are developed from various strong-motion records representing different earthquake sources dominant to control the site evaluated from de-aggregation within seismic hazard analysis. This work also adopts baseline corrections in which velocity and displacement components of matched time-histories can be drifted to zero at the end of recorded seismic time.
EFFECT OF DRYING-WETTING PROCESS ON FRICTION CAPACITY AND ADHESION FACTOR OF PILE FOUNDATION IN CLAYEY SOIL
Authors: Tjandra Daniel , Indarto Indarto , Aryani Soemitro Ria Asih
Published: November 2015

Clayey soils had a seasonal water content change, which occurred in the zone known as active zone. This change happen due to the seasonal drying and wetting cycles, which affects the fluctuation of water table. The water content variation causes the change in undrained shear strength and these changes have an impact to the friction capacity and adhesion factor of pile foundation. This paper discusses the undrained shear strength, friction capacity of pile and adhesion factor of piles under drying and wetting cycles. Research was conducted on two different types of clayey soils. Laboratory experiments for varying soil water content were done. Soil samples were placed in a cylinder tube, the concrete pile model was then inserted into the soil. The diameter of the tube was about 15 times of the pile diameter. Loading test was carried out to investigate pile friction capacity. The result of this study showed that there was great effect of seasonal water content change on undrained shear strength, friction capacity and also adhesion factor of pile in the clayey soils.
Direct effect of chronic hypoxia in suppressing large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel activity in ovine uterine arteries via increasing oxidative stress
Authors: Hu Xiang‐Qun , Huang Xiaohui , Xiao Daliao , Zhang Lubo
Published: November 2015

Key points

Chronic hypoxia has a direct effect in down‐regulating the BKCa channel β1 subunit and inhibiting the BKCa channel activity in uterine arteries of pregnant sheep.

Oxidative stress plays a causal role in hypoxia‐mediated suppression of BKCa channel function.

The steroid hormone‐induced effect on BKCa channels is a target of hypoxia‐mediated oxidative stress.

Inhibition of oxidative stress ameliorates the adverse effect of hypoxia both ex vivo and in vivo in pregnant sheep exposed to long‐term high‐altitude hypoxia.

Our findings provide novel evidence of a causative role of oxidative stress in hypoxia‐mediated inhibition of the BKCa channel activity in uterine arteries and new insights in understanding and alleviating pregnancy complications associated with gestational hypoxia such as pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Uterine arteries of pregnant sheep acclimatized to long‐term high‐altitude hypoxia were associated with a decrease in large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channel activity. The present study tested the hypothesis that prolonged hypoxia has a direct effect in suppressing BKCa channel activity by increasing oxidative stress. Uterine arteries were isolated from non‐pregnant and near‐term (∼142 days) pregnant sheep, and were treated ex vivo with 21.0 or 10.5% O2 for 48 h. The hypoxia treatment significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species in uterine arteries, which was blocked by N‐acetylcysteine. In uterine arteries of pregnant sheep, hypoxia significantly inhibited BKCa channel current density, decreased NS1619‐induced relaxations and increased pressure‐dependent tone, which were annulled by N‐acetylcysteine. In accordance, hypoxia resulted in down‐regulation of BKCa channel β1 subunit, which was restored in the presence of N‐acetylcysteine. In addition, the N‐acetylcysteine treatment significantly increased BKCa channel β1 subunit abundance and BKCa channel current density in uterine arteries from pregnant sheep exposed to high‐altitude hypoxia (3801 m, : 60 mmHg) for 110 days. In uterine arteries of non‐pregnant animals, hypoxia inhibited steroid hormone‐induced up‐regulation of BKCa channel current density and NS1619‐mediated relaxations, which were reversed by N‐acetylcysteine. Furthermore, the synthetic superoxide dismutase and catalase mimetic EUK‐134 also ablated the effects of hypoxia on BKCa channel currents in uterine arteries. The results demonstrate a direct effect of hypoxia in inhibiting the BKCa channel activity in uterine arteries via increased oxidative stress.
Dynorphin inhibits basal forebrain cholinergic neurons by pre‐ and postsynaptic mechanisms
Authors: Ferrari L. L. , Agostinelli L. J. , Krashes M. J. , Lowell B. B. , Scammell T. E. , Arrigoni E.
Published: November 2015

Key points

The basal forebrain is an important component of the ascending arousal system and may be a key site through which the orexin neurons promote arousal.

It has long been known that orexin‐A and ‐B excite basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, but orexin‐producing neurons also make the inhibitory peptide dynorphin.

Using whole‐cell recordings in brain slices, we found that dynorphin‐A directly inhibits basal forebrain cholinergic neurons via κ‐opioid receptors, and decreases afferent excitatory synaptic input to these neurons.

While the effects of dynorphin‐A and orexin‐A desensitize over multiple applications, co‐application of dynorphin‐A and orexin‐A produces a sustained response that reverses depending on the membrane potential of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. At −40 mV the net effect of the co‐application is inhibition by dynorphin‐A, whereas at −70 mV the excitatory response to orexin‐A prevails.

The basal forebrain (BF) is an essential component of the ascending arousal systems and may be a key site through which the orexin (also known as hypocretin) neurons drive arousal and promote the maintenance of normal wakefulness. All orexin neurons also make dynorphin, and nearly all brain regions innervated by the orexin neurons express kappa opiate receptors, the main receptor for dynorphin. This is remarkable because orexin excites target neurons including BF neurons, but dynorphin has inhibitory effects. We identified the sources of dynorphin input to the magnocellular preoptic nucleus and substantia innominata (MCPO/SI) in mice and determined the effects of dynorphin‐A on MCPO/SI cholinergic neurons using patch‐clamp recordings in brain slices. We found that the orexin neurons are the main source of dynorphin input to the MCPO/SI region, and dynorphin‐A inhibits MCPO/SI cholinergic neurons through κ‐opioid receptors by (1) activation of a G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium current, (2) inhibition of a voltage‐gated Ca2+ current and (3) presynaptic depression of the glutamatergic input to these neurons. The responses both to dynorphin‐A and to orexin‐A desensitize, but co‐application of dynorphin‐A and orexin‐A produces a sustained response. In addition, the polarity of the response to the co‐application depends on the membrane potential of BF neurons; at −40 mV the net effect of the co‐application is inhibition by dynorphin‐A, whereas at −70 mV the excitatory response to orexin‐A prevails. This suggests that depending on their state of activation, BF cholinergic neurons can be excited or inhibited by signals from the orexin neurons.
Within the Fourfold: Dwelling and Being upon the Marae
Authors: Aikman Pounamu Jade William Emery
Published: December 2015

This article explores how Heidegger’s (1971) concepts of dwelling and the fourfold are embodied within the marae (community meeting plaza of ancestral significance), as meeting centres for functioning Māori communities, and how kin who are regularly involved in their marae ‘dwell’ within their ancestral landscapes. Through careful analysis, I examine how the metaphysically complex nature of wharenui (meeting houses) and marae can be understood and appreciated through the alignment of the fourfold conditions of existence. Thus, wharenui uniquely reify the gathering of earth, sky, mortals, and divinities, allowing an investigation into the multifaceted nature of the marae. I conclude by discussing the primary challenge for marae today—the irregular return of kin and physically distanced whānau—and whether the process of dwelling can continue as kin negotiate the struggles of living in the twenty-first century.
Prehension Combined With Gait in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Manciopi Priscila Abbári Rossi , Rinaldi Natalia Madalena , Moraes Renato
Published: December 2015

Low back pain (LBP) can affect performance in the combined task (CT) of gait and prehension, since it increases muscle activity amplitude during voluntary movements, impairs the anticipatory postural adjustments and reduces gait speed. We analyzed and compared the effect of adding the prehension movement toward a dowel located at three different heights (80, 100 and 120% of the lower limb length) on gait of individuals with and without LBP. The CT caused anticipatory adjustments, showing that gait changes started during the approach phase and continued on the step corresponding to grasping, especially for the lowest dowel height. Furthermore, individuals with LBP reduced walking speed, increased the width of the base of support, increased electromyography activity of low back trunk muscles, and increased the margin of dynamic stability compared with control group. These results suggest that individuals with LBP used a strategy to reduce threat to body stability due to addition of the manual task.
The burrowing origin of modern snakes
Authors: Yi Hongyu , Norell Mark A.
Published: November 2015

Modern snakes originated from burrowing ancestors, predicted from the evolution of their inner ear.
High–energy density nonaqueous all redox flow lithium battery enabled with a polymeric membrane
Authors: Jia Chuankun , Pan Feng , Zhu Yun Guang , Huang Qizhao , Lu Li , Wang Qing
Published: November 2015

An all redox flow lithium battery with strikingly high energy density is successfully demonstrated.
Energy-level alignment at organic heterointerfaces
Authors: Oehzelt Martin , Akaike Kouki , Koch Norbert , Heimel Georg
Published: November 2015

Quantitative modeling demystifies the complex and diverse energetics observed at interfaces between organic semiconductors.
Identifying three-dimensional structures of autophosphorylation complexes in crystals of protein kinases
Authors: Xu Qifang , Malecka Kimberly L. , Fink Lauren , Jordan E. Joseph , Duffy Erin , Kolander Samuel , Peterson Jeffrey R. , Dunbrack Roland L.
Published: December 2015

Structural bioinformatics reveals autophosphorylation complexes hidden in published crystals of protein kinases.
Every sperm needs Wnt
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: December 2015

Activation of Wnt signaling in sperm transiting through the epididymis promotes their maturation and motility.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation via Amp-Activated Protein Kinase (Ampk) Activation in Obese Rats
Authors: Gong Meirong , Cao Chen , Chen Fengli , Li Qian , Bi Xiaolin , Sun Yinong , Zhan Zhen
Published: December 2015

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) may offer an effective alternative approach for the treatment of obesity. EA mobilizes energy stores, but its effect on hepatic lipid metabolism is unknown, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

To examine the effect of EA on hepatic lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats, and to explore potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet (control group, n=10) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Those exhibiting diet-induced obesity were subdivided into two groups, one receiving EA (DIO+EA group, n=10) and one left untreated (DIO group, n=10) and observed for a further 4 weeks. Body, liver and fat pad weight were measured, and liver injury was assessed histologically as well as by measuring serum values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol were quantified by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Expression of liver AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-1) was measured by Western blotting.

Results

EA treatment led to a reduction in body, liver and fat pad weight in DIO rats. This was accompanied by decreases in hepatic TG and total cholesterol values, fatty droplet accumulation, and serum concentrations of ALT and AST. Furthermore, EA treatment restored phosphorylation levels of AMPK (Thr172) and ACC (Ser79) inhibited by HFD, and increased CPT-1 expression.

Conclusions

EA reduces HFD-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, an effect that appears to be mediated through AMPK signalling pathways. Our results shed new light on the mechanisms by which EA may reduce obesity.
Life-threatening haemorrhage in patients without pulmonary embolism who received anticoagulants
Authors: van den Oever Huub , Schreurs John W G M , Huisman Menno
Published: December 2015

Local and international guidelines recommend that anticoagulation should be initiated before diagnostic work up has been completed, in patients with high clinical probability of pulmonary embolism (PE). However, many patients receiving anticoagulants for suspected PE do not have this disease. We present three cases of life-threatening bleeding complications after treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins for suspected PE. A 35-year-old woman had acute chest pain and died of a ruptured thoracic aneurysm. A man with herpes encephalitis developed acute dyspnoea, and died of intracerebral haemorrhage. And a woman with mild chest trauma had a complicated recovery after life-threatening intrapleural haemorrhage. Neither of these patients had PE. These cases emphasise that delaying diagnostics may pose a risk in patients with acute chest symptoms. An early CT scan may avoid unnecessary anticoagulation in patients without PE, and may help to direct attention to the actual cause.
Live kidney donation from a person with haemophilia
Authors: McCauley Christopher , Masengu Agnes , Courtney Aisling E , Benson Gary
Published: December 2015

There are many documented cases of a person with haemophilia successfully receiving a solid organ transplant, including liver and kidney. However, there is no literature reporting live organ donation by a person with haemophilia. Presumably, this is because the associated risks of excessive bleeding, inhibitor development after a period of intensive treatment with factor replacement and the possibility of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease transmission in those previously treated with blood products, are considered excessive. This case describes a 24-year-old man who was diagnosed with mild haemophilia A during his pretransplant work up as a potential live kidney donor to his sister. He then went on to successfully donate his kidney, without complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a person with haemophilia being a living organ donor.
Leucapheresis for management of retinopathy in chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Mohamed Muhajir , Oakley Carmen , McEwen Fiona , Connelley Georgina
Published: December 2015

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterised by granulocytic hyperplasia in the bone marrow and the presence of a specific cytogenetic abnormality known as Philadelphia chromosome with fusion of breakpoint cluster region (BCR) and ableson (ABL) genes. Retinopathy is a rare sight-threatening complication of chronic myeloid leukaemia, which occurs due to leucostasis in retinal blood vessels. We report a case of a patient who presented with visual impairment due to leucostasis, who was successfully managed by leucapheresis along with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
“It's not healthy and it's decidedly not masculine”: a media analysis of UK newspaper representations of eating disorders in males
Authors: MacLean Alice , Sweeting Helen , Walker Laura , Patterson Chris , Räisänen Ulla , Hunt Kate
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Recent qualitative research found young men reporting that an expectation that eating disorders (EDs) mainly affect young women led them, and others, to only recognise their symptoms when their ED had become entrenched. This raises questions about how these stereotypes persist. We therefore explored how EDs in males were represented in articles published in UK newspapers over a 10-year period (7.12.2002–7.12.2012), specifically attending to whether newsprint media represent EDs in males as ‘gender appropriate’, ‘gender anomalous’ or ‘gender neutral’.

Design

A qualitative thematic analysis of UK newspaper articles.

Methods

We searched two databases, Newsbank and LexisNexis, for newspaper articles including ED and male terms in the lead/first paragraph. Following de-duplication, 420 articles were scrutinised; 138 met inclusion criteria for detailed textual analysis and were imported into NVivo10.

Findings

The number of articles peaked in 2008 when a UK politician announced that he had experienced bulimia nervosa. Analysis of how the articles portrayed male ED-related characterisations and experiences revealed that they conveyed ambiguous messages about EDs in males. Despite apparently aiming to dispel stereotypes that only young women experience EDs and to address stigma surrounding EDs in males, many aspects of the articles, including repetition of phrases such as ‘a young woman's illness’, serve to reinforce messages that EDs are inherently ‘female’ and so ‘anomalous’ for men.

Conclusions

Newspaper articles represent men with EDs asatypical of men, as a result of having an ED (and any feminising or demasculinising characteristics associated with this),andasatypical of people with EDs, who are still usually portrayed as teenage girls. Such media representations frame a cultural paradigm in which there is an expectation that men may feel shame about or strive to conceal EDs, potentially contributing to men with EDs delaying help-seeking, gaining late access to treatments and reducing chances of successful outcomes.
Alcohol use, socioeconomic deprivation and ethnicity in older people
Authors: Rao Rahul , Schofield Peter , Ashworth Mark
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This study explores the relationship between alcohol consumption, health, ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation.

Participants

27 991 people aged 65 and over from an inner-city population, using a primary care database.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures were alcohol use and misuse (>21 units per week for men and >14 for units per week women).

Results

Older people of black and minority ethnic (BME) origin from four distinct ethnic groups comprised 29% of the sample. A total of 9248 older drinkers were identified, of whom 1980 (21.4%) drank above safe limits. Compared with older drinkers, older unsafe drinkers contained a higher proportion of males, white and Irish ethnic groups and a lower proportion of Caribbean, African and Asian groups. For older drinkers, the strongest independent predictors of higher alcohol consumption were younger age, male gender and Irish ethnicity. Independent predictors of lower alcohol consumption were Asian, black Caribbean and black African ethnicity. Socioeconomic deprivation and comorbidity were not significant predictors of alcohol consumption in older drinkers. For older unsafe drinkers, the strongest predictor variables were younger age, male gender and Irish ethnicity; comorbidity was not a significant predictor. Lower socioeconomic deprivation was a significant predictor of unsafe consumption whereas African, Caribbean and Asian ethnicity were not.

Conclusions

Although under-reporting in high-alcohol consumption groups and poor health in older people who have stopped or controlled their drinking may have limited the interpretation of our results, we suggest that closer attention is paid to ‘young older’ male drinkers, as well as to older drinkers born outside the UK and those with lower levels of socioeconomic deprivation who are drinking above safe limits.
Exploring threats to generalisability in a large international rehabilitation trial (AVERT)
Authors: Bernhardt Julie , Raffelt Audrey , Churilov Leonid , Lindley Richard I , Speare Sally , Ancliffe Jacqueline , Katijjahbe Md Ali , Hameed Shahul , Lennon Sheila , McRae Anna , Tan Dawn , Quiney Jan , Williamson Hannah C , Collier Janice , Dewey Helen M , Donnan Geoffrey A , Langhorne Peter , Thrift Amanda G
Published: December 2015

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to examine potential threats to generalisability of the results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial using data from A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT).

Design

AVERT is a prospective, parallel group, assessor-blinded randomised clinical trial. This paper presents data assessing the generalisability of AVERT.

Setting

Acute stroke units at 44 hospitals in 8 countries.

Participants

The first 20 000 patients screened for AVERT, of whom 1158 were recruited and randomised.

Model

We use the Proximal Similarity Model, which considers the person, place, and setting and practice, as a framework for considering generalisability. As well as comparing the recruited patients with the target population, we also performed an exploratory analysis of the demographic, clinical, site and process factors associated with recruitment.

Results

The demographics and stroke characteristics of the included patients in the trial were broadly similar to population-based norms, with the exception that AVERT had a greater proportion of men. The most common reason for non-recruitment was late arrival to hospital (ie, >24 h). Overall, being older and female reduced the odds of recruitment to the trial. More women than men were excluded for most of the reasons, including refusal. The odds of exclusion due to early deterioration were particularly high for those with severe stroke (OR=10.4, p<0.001, 95% CI 9.27 to 11.65).

Conclusions

A model which explores person, place, and setting and practice factors can provide important information about the external validity of a trial, and could be applied to other clinical trials.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12606000185561) and Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01846247).