bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired thermoresponsive nanoscaled coatings: Tailor-made polymer brushes with bioconjugated arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-peptides
Authors: König Ulla , Psarra Evmorfia , Guskova Olga , Bittrich Eva , Eichhorn Klaus-Jochen , Müller Martin , Welzel Petra B. , Stamm Manfred , Uhlmann Petra
Published: May 2018

The development of bioengineered surface coatings with stimuli-responsive properties is beneficial for a number of biomedical applications. Environmentally responsive and switchable polymer brush systems have a great potential to create such smart biointerfaces. This study focuses on the bioconjugation of cell-instructive peptides, containing the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tripeptide sequence (RGD motif), onto well-defined polymer brush films. Herein, the highly tailored end-grafted homo polymer brushes are either composed of the polyelectrolyte poly(acrylic) acid (PAA), providing the reactive carboxyl functionalities, or of the temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm). Of particular interest is the preparation of grafted-to binary brushes using both polymers and their subsequent conversion to RGD-biofunctionalized PNIPAAm-PAA binary brushes by a carbodiimide conjugation method. The bioconjugation process of two linear RGD-peptides Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser and Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Lys and one cyclic RGD-peptide cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Lys) is comparatively investigated by complementary analysis methods. Both techniques, in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements and the in situ spectroscopic ellipsometric analysis, describe changes of the brush surface properties due to biofunctionalization. Besides, the bound RGD-peptide amount is quantitatively evaluated by ellipsometry in comparison to high performance liquid chromatography analysis data. Additionally, molecular dynamic simulations of the RGD-peptides themselves allow a better understanding of the bioconjugation process depending on the peptide properties. The significant influence on the bioconjugation result can be derived, on the one hand, of the polymer brush composition, especially from the PNIPAAm content, and, on the other hand, of the peptide dimension and its reactivity.
Theory and experiment on charging and discharging a capacitor through a reverse-biased diode
Authors: Roy Arijit , Mallick Abhishek , Adhikari Aparna , Guin Priyanka , Chatterjee Dibyendu
Published: May 2018

The beauty of a diode lies in its voltage-dependent nonlinear resistance. The voltage on a charging and discharging capacitor through a reverse-biased diode is calculated from basic equations and is found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. Instead of the exponential dependence of charging and discharging voltages with time for a resistor-capacitor circuit, a linear time dependence is found when the resistor is replaced by a reverse-biased diode. Thus, well controlled positive and negative ramp voltages are obtained from the charging and discharging diode-capacitor circuits. This experiment can readily be performed in an introductory physics and electronics laboratory.
The pre-Newtonian meaning of the word “weight”; a comment on “Kepler and the origins of pre-Newtonian mass” [Am. J. Phys. 85, 115–123 (2017)]
Authors: Browne K. M.
Published: May 2018

Ever since the beam balance was invented over three millennia ago, it has been used to measure what is now known as mass, but which, until the time of Newton, had always been known as “weight.” Eugene Hecht recently discussed the concept of “mass” from medieval times to Newton's Principia, including the gradual change from philosophical to evidence based scientific thinking, but did not discuss the pre-Newtonian meaning of “weight” which then had the meaning of both weight and mass. The distinction between weight and mass was initiated by Kepler and completed by Newton.
Electrical source of pseudothermal light
Authors: Kuusela Tom A.
Published: May 2018

We describe a simple and compact electrical version of a pseudothermal light source. The source is based on electrical white noise whose spectral properties are tailored by analog filters. This signal is used to drive a light-emitting diode. The type of second-order coherence of the output light can be either Gaussian or Lorentzian, and the intensity distribution can be either Gaussian or non-Gaussian. The output light field is similar in all viewing angles, and thus, there is no need for a small aperture or optical fiber in temporal coherence analysis.
On a nonlinear Newtonian gravity and charging a black hole
Authors: Good Michael R. R.
Published: May 2018

A scalar field gravitational analog of the Reissner-Nordstrom solution is investigated. The nonlinear Newtonian model has an upper-limit of charge for a central mass, which agrees with the general relativistic condition required for the existence of the black hole horizon. The maximum limit for accumulation by bombardment of charged particles is found. The aim is to investigate the resulting physics after severing the effects of curvature from the effects of energy-mass equivalence.
Evaluation of Telavancin Alone and Combined with Ceftaroline or Rifampin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an
In Vitro
Biofilm Model
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Seyedehameneh , Singh Nivedita B. , Yim Juwon , Rose Warren E. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: May 2018

Infections caused by biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteria are challenging due to increasing antibiotic resistance. Synergistic activities of lipopeptides and lipoglycopeptides with β-lactams have been demonstrated for MRSA, but little is known about biofilm-embedded organisms. Our objective was to evaluate two telavancin (TLV) dosage regimens (7.5 mg/kg of body weight and 10 mg/kg every 24 h [q24h]) alone and in combination with ceftaroline (CPT) (600 mg every 8 h [q8h]) or rifampin (RIF) (450 mg every 12 h [q12h]) against two biofilm-producing MRSA strains (494 and N315). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic CDC biofilm reactor models with polyurethane coupons were used to evaluate the efficacies of the antibiotic combinations over 72 h. Overall, there were no significant differences observed between the two TLV dosing regimens either alone or in combination with RIF or CPT against these strains. Both TLV dosing regimens and CPT alone demonstrated killing but did not reach bactericidal reduction at 72 h. However, both TLV regimens in combination with RIF demonstrated enhanced activity against both strains, with a rapid decrease in CFU/ml at 4 h that was bactericidal and maintained over the 72-h experiment (−Δ3.75 log
10
CFU/ml from baseline;
P
< 0.0001). Of interest, no enhanced activity was observed for TLV combined with CPT. No development of resistance was observed in any of the combination models. However, resistance to RIF developed as early as 24 h, with MIC values exceeding 32 mg/liter. Our results show that TLV plus RIF displayed therapeutic improvement against biofilm-producing MRSA. These results suggest that TLV at 7.5 and 10 mg/kg q24h are equally effective in eradicating biofilm-associated MRSA strains
in vitro
.
The effect of Nordmøre grid length and angle on codend entry of bycatch fish species and shrimp catches
Authors: Larsen Roger B. , Sistiaga Manu , Herrmann Bent , Brinkhof Jesse , Tatone Ivan , Santos Juan
Published: May 2018

The Nordmøre grid is regarded as an efficient bycatch-reducing device and is used in various shrimp trawl fisheries globally. However, in some shrimp fisheries, bycatch remains a problem that seriously impacts commercial trawl activities. This study tested and compared the performance of two versions of the Nordmøre grid in the northeast Arctic deepwater (northern) shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery, a standard version with an operating angle of approximately 45° and a longer version of the grid (40% longer) with an operating angle of approximately 30°. The grid passage probability for the bycatch of juvenile cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides), and redfish (Sebastes spp.) increased significantly for certain size ranges of fish when using the longer grid. The longer grid also resulted in a significant increase in grid passage probability for large shrimp. Previous studies have reported that a reduced operating angle can lead to a lower grid passage probability for bycatch fish species and shrimp; however, the results of the current study demonstrate that a longer Nordmøre grid more than compensates for the reduced operational angle.
Thermal Buckling and Postbuckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Concrete Slabs with Initial Imperfections
Authors: Zhang Huanqing , Zhang Zheng , Wu Helong , Kitipornchai Sritawat , Chai Guozhong , Yang Jie
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a novel functionally graded (FG) concrete slab and investigates its thermal buckling and postbuckling performance using the finite-element (FE) method. The concrete slab consists of three homogeneous thick layers — a fiber-reinforced concrete layer, a geopolymer concrete layer, and a plain Portland cement (PPC) layer — with a thin FG layer between the thick layers. The mechanical properties of the thin FG layers are exponentially graded across the thickness direction. The effects of initial imperfection, the self-weight of the slab, and the friction between the slab and rigid foundation are considered in the analysis. The FE model is validated against the results reported in the literature. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of the thickness and volume fraction index of the FG layer, initial imperfection, self-weight, friction, and slab slenderness ratio on the thermal buckling and postbuckling behaviors of the concrete slab. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed FG slab exhibits remarkably better buckling and postbuckling resistance than a conventional PPC concrete slab and that the influences of both self-weight and friction are important and cannot be neglected.
A new method of solving certain quartic and higher degree diophantine equations
Authors: Choudhry Ajai
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we present a new method of solving certain quartic and higher degree homogeneous polynomial diophantine equations in four variables. The method can also be applied to some diophantine systems in five or more variables. Under certain conditions, the method yields an arbitrarily large number of integer solutions of such diophantine equations and diophantine systems, two examples being a sextic equation in four variables and two simultaneous equations of degrees four and six in six variables. We also simultaneously obtain arbitrarily many rational solutions of certain related nonhomogeneous equations of high degree. We obtain these solutions without finding a curve of genus 0 or 1 on the variety defined by the equations concerned. It appears that there exist projective varieties on which there are an arbitrarily large number of rational points and which do not contain a curve of genus 0 or 1 with infinitely many rational points.
A note on primes in certain residue classes
Authors: Leonetti Paolo , Sanna Carlo
Published: May 2018

Given positive integers [Formula: see text], we prove that the set of primes [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] admits asymptotic density relative to the set of all primes which is at least [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Euler totient function. This result is similar to the one of Heilbronn and Rohrbach, which says that the set of positive integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] admits asymptotic density which is at least [Formula: see text].
Divisor function, inequalities and arithmetic progressions
Authors: Villacorta Jorge Luis Cimadevilla
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we prove some inequalities about the partial sums [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the divisor function.
Lack of tone in mouse small mesenteric arteries leads to outward remodeling, which can be prevented by prolonged agonist-induced vasoconstriction
Authors: Klein Anika , Joseph Philomeena Daphne , Christensen Vibeke Grøsfjeld , Jensen Lars Jørn , Jacobsen Jens Christian Brings
Published: May 2018

Inward remodeling of resistance vessels is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Thus far, the remodeling process remains incompletely elucidated, but the activation level of the vascular smooth muscle cell appears to play a central role. Accordingly, previous data have suggested that an antagonistic and supposedly beneficial response, outward remodeling, may follow prolonged vasodilatation. The present study aimed to determine whether 1) outward remodeling follows 3 days of vessel culture without tone, 2) a similar response can be elicited in a much shorter 4-h timeframe, and, finally, 3) whether a 4-h response can be prevented or reversed by the presence of vasoconstrictors in the medium. Cannulated mouse small mesenteric arteries were organocultured for 3 days in the absence of tone, leading to outward remodeling that continued throughout the culture period. In more acute experiments in which cannulated small mesenteric arteries were maintained in physiological saline without tone for 4 h, we detected a similar outward remodeling that proceeded at a rate several times faster. In the 4-h experimental setting, continuous vasoconstriction to ~50% tone by abluminal application of UTP or norepinephrine + neuropeptide Y prevented outward remodeling but did not cause inward remodeling. Computational modeling was used to simulate and interpret these findings and to derive time constants of the remodeling processes. It is suggested that depriving resistance arteries of activation will lead to eutrophic outward remodeling, which can be prevented by vascular smooth muscle cell activation induced by prolonged vasoconstrictor exposure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have established an effective 4-h method for studying outward remodeling in pressurized mouse resistance vessels ex vivo and have determined conditions that block the remodeling response. This allows for investigating the subtle but clinically highly relevant phenomenon of outward remodeling while avoiding both laborious 3-day organoid culture of cannulated vessels and in vivo experiments lasting several weeks.
Mirada a la Reforma Tributaria: un balance necesario
Authors: Henriquez Sergio
Published: May 2018

La reforma tributaria es el cambio más relevante en esta materia en los últimos 30 años. Como todo cambio de esta magnitud requiere de un tiempo razonable para que los actores involucrados se ajusten. Lo relevante, es que la reforma no es solo un cambio a nivel de régimen de renta para las empresas, sino que es una nueva mirada sobre el derecho tributario fundado en los principios de justicia y equidad, donde los que más tienen deben aportar más. Revisar algunos de los cambios menos destacados es de gran utilidad para hacer un análisis más comprensivo de la reforma.
Prospective Study of Coffee Consumption and Cancer Incidence in Non-White Populations
Authors: Park Song-Yi , Freedman Neal D. , Haiman Christopher A. , Le Marchand Loïc , Wilkens Lynne R. , Setiawan Veronica Wendy
Published: May 2018

Background: Coffee intake has been associated with risk of various cancers, but the findings, mostly from studies in white populations, are inconsistent. We examined the association of coffee consumption with overall cancer incidence and specific cancer sites in a large prospective study of African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and whites.

Methods: 167,720 participants of the Multiethnic Cohort Study in Hawaii and Los Angeles were included. Baseline coffee intake was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sixteen cancers associated with coffee intake were calculated using Cox regressions.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 15.3 years, 34,031 incident cancer cases were identified among study participants. Coffee intake was associated inversely with liver (≥4 cups/day vs. none: HR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38–0.87; Ptrend < 0.001), ovarian (HR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17–0.65; Ptrend = 0.007), and thyroid (HR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.87; Ptrend = 0.007) cancers and melanoma (HR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–0.99; Ptrend = 0.002). Coffee intake was also inversely associated with endometrial cancer among women with a body mass index >30 kg/m2 (HR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14–0.72; Ptrend = 0.04). The associations were similar across five ethnic groups (Pheterogeneity > 0.06) and were mainly observed among those who drank caffeinated coffee.

Conclusions: On the basis of our prospective data in diverse populations, we found a decreased risk of liver, ovarian, thyroid, and endometrial cancers and melanoma associated with higher coffee intake.

Impact: These results suggest that coffee drinking may protect against liver, ovarian, thyroid, and endometrial cancers, and melanoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 928–35. ©2018 AACR.
Bilaterale okuläre Dekompressionsretinopathie nach Implantation einer Ahmed-Drainage zur Behandlung eines uveitischen Glaukoms
Authors: Flores-Preciado Javier , Ancona-Lezama David Arturo , Valdés-Lara Carlos Andrés , Diez-Cattini Gian Franco , Coloma-González Itziar
Published: May 2018

Fallbericht: Vorgestellt wird der Fall eines 29-jährigen Mannes, der nach Implantation einer Ahmed-Drainage in beiden Augen zur Behandlung eines uveitischen Glaukoms postoperativ eine bilaterale okuläre Dekompressionretinopathie entwickelte. Diskussion: Die okuläre Dekompressionsretinopathie ist eine seltene Komplikation der filtrierenden Glaukomchirurgie; sie verläuft jedoch meist gutartig, die Blutungen bilden sich spontan zurück und es kommt zu einer Erholung der Sehschärfe. Übersetzung aus Case Rep Ophthalmol 2016;7:227-232
Verbesserte Fundusdiagnostik durch OCT-Angiographie?
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: May 2018

Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography provide information about the normal retinal and choroidal vascular perfusion. They allow the evaluation of different diseases and increase the capability to define and diagnose several pathological conditions. Fluorescein angiography is the “gold standard” in imaging the retinal vascular bed and its changes, although not all the different layers of the capillary network can be visualized in a bidimensional examination. Optical coherence tomography angiography allows a depth-resolved visualization of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature, by calculating the difference (decorrelation) between static and nonstatic tissue. Given that the main moving elements in the eye fundus are contained in vessels, determining a vascular decorrelation signal permits a three-dimensional visualization of the retinal and choroidal vascular network without the administration of an intravenous dye. Moreover, a complete morphofunctional assessment may help in defining both the origin and the clinical activity of different vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
Selten durchgeführt, doch sinnvoll: Makuläre Messungen bei glaukomatösen Veränderungen
Authors: Pfeiffer Norbert , Lamparter Julia
Published: May 2018

Objectives: To compare the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in glaucoma patients at different disease stages and to evaluate correlations between optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters with central visual function and visual field (VF) indexes. Patients and Methods: One hundred forty patients were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Subjects diagnosed with chronic open-angle glaucoma and 20/40 or better vision were recruited and classified as having early, moderate, or severe VF defects based on Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria. cpRNFL and macular GCIPL were measured using Cirrus high-definition OCT. Central retinal sensitivity and visual acuity were recorded. Results: All OCT measurements differed significantly between patients with early and severe VF defects (p < 0.001). Correla- tions between central vision and VF indexes with OCT measurements were moderate but significant; better-correlated OCT parameters were the inferior cpRNFL quadrant, average cpRNFL thickness, inferior and inferior temporal GCIPL sectors, and minimum GCIPL thickness (r = 0.63-0.71, p < 0.001). Visual acuity was not correlated with either circumpapillary or macular OCT measurements. Conclusions: Inner macular parameters performed as well as cpRNFL in patients with different stages of glaucoma. Inferior macular GCIPL sectors, minimum GCIPL thickness, and the inferior cpRNFL quadrant best differentiate disease severity and correlate with central visual function and VF indexes.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Metformin to Treat Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Seliger Stephen L. , Abebe Kaleab Z. , Hallows Kenneth R. , Miskulin Dana C. , Perrone Ronald D. , Watnick Terry , Bae Kyongtae Tae
Published: May 2018

Background: Metformin inhibits cyclic AMP generation and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which inhibits the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin pathways. Together these effects may reduce cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Methods: A phase II, double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial of 26 months duration. Participants will include nondiabetic adults (n = 96) aged 18–60 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥50 mL/min/1.73 m2 and ADPKD, recruited from university-based practices in Baltimore and Boston. Participants will be randomized in 1: 1 ratio to metformin or placebo at 500 mg once daily, increased every 2 weeks to a maximum of 1,000 mg twice daily as tolerated. Dose is decreased if eGFR falls to 30–45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and discontinued at eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results: The primary outcomes are safety, assessed by the rates of hypoglycemia, elevated lactic acid levels, adverse events, and tolerability assessed by the Gastrointestinal Severity Rating Scale and maximum tolerated dose of study medication. Secondary outcomes include changes in total kidney and liver volumes, pain, and health-related quality of life, and changes in urinary metabolomic biomarkers. Conclusions: Results of this trial will provide important information on the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of long-term use of metformin in patients with ­ADPKD and provide preliminary information regarding its efficacy in slowing disease progression. Furthermore, results may support or refute the hypothesis that metformin effects on disease progression are mediated through the activation of the AMPK pathway. These results will be essential for the justification and design of a full-scale efficacy trial.
Differential Determinants of Tubular Phosphate Reabsorption: Insights on Renal Excretion of Phosphates in Kidney Disease
Authors: Tabibzadeh Nahid , Mentaverri Romuald , Daroux Maïté , Mesbah Rafik , Delpierre Alexia , Paul Jean-Gabriel , Deken Valérie , Massy Ziad A. , Bataille Pierre
Published: May 2018

We assessed the tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) and maximal renal threshold for phosphate reabsorption to glomerular filtration rate (TmPi/GFR) and their determinants in 64 stages 2–4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in order to define the early changes in phosphate metabolism in CKD. In multivariable analysis, TmPi/GFR correlates were estimated GFR (eGFR), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and hemoglobin (R2 = 0.417), while TRP correlates were eGFR, iPTH, 24-h phosphaturia, and calcitriol (R2 = 0.72). This suggests that TmPi/GFR and TRP, respectively, assess hemoglobin-phosphate and bowel-kidney phosphate regulation axis. Iron supplementation based on TmPi/GFR or earlier phosphate restriction based on TRP should be investigated in view of modifying clinical outcomes in CKD.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Treatment of Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasia
Authors: Weber Matthias M. , Fottner Christian
Published: May 2018

Background: Well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are usually controlled by antiproliferative, local ablative and/or radionuclide therapies, whereas poorly differentiated NENs generally require cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, treatment options for patients with advanced/metastatic high-grade NENs remain limited. Method: Review of the literature and international congress abstracts on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibition in advanced/metastatic NENs. Results: Evidence points to an important role of immune phenomena in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) protein and its ligand are mainly expressed in poorly differentiated NENs. Microsatellite instability and high mutational load are more pronounced in high-grade NENs and may predict response to immunotherapy. Clinical experience of immune checkpoint blockade mainly exists for Merkel cell carcinoma, a high-grade cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), which has led to approval of the anti-PD-1 antibody avelumab. In addition, there is anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors in large-cell lung NECs, ovarian NECs and others, including gastroenteropancreatic NENs. Currently, phase II studies investigate PDR001, pembrolizumab, combined durvalumab and tremelimumab, and avelumab treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic NENs. Conclusion: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a promising therapeutic option, especially in progressive NECs or high-grade NETs with high tumor burden, microsatellite instability, and/or mutational load.
A Novel ex vivo Mouse Mesometrium Culture Model for Investigating Angiogenesis in Microvascular Networks
Authors: Suarez-Martinez Ariana D. , Bierschenk Susanne , Huang Katie , Kaplan Dana , Bayer Carolyn L.  , Meadows Stryder M. , Sperandio Markus , Murfee Walter L.
Published: May 2018

Background: The development of models that incorporate intact microvascular networks enables the investigation of multicellular dynamics during angiogenesis. Our laboratory introduced the rat mesentery culture model as such a tool, which would be enhanced with mouse tissue. Since mouse mesentery is avascular, an alternative is mouse mesometrium, the connective tissue of uterine horns. The study’s objective was to demonstrate that mouse mesometrium contains microvascular networks that can be cultured to investigate multicellular dynamics during angiogenesis. Methods: Harvested mesometrium tissues from C57Bl/6 female mice were cultured in media with serum for up to 7 days. PECAM, NG2, αSMA, and LYVE-1 labeling identified endothelial cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells, respectively. Results: These cells comprised microvascular networks with arterioles, venules, and capillaries. Compared to day 0, capillary sprouts per vascular length were increased by 3 and 5 days in culture (day 0, 0.08 ± 0.01; day 3, 3.19 ± 0.78; day 5, 2.49 ± 0.05 sprouts/mm; p < 0.05). Time-lapse imaging of cultured tissues from FlkEGFP mice showcases the use of the model for lineage studies. The impact is supported by the identification of endothelial cell jumping from one sprout to another. Conclusion: These results introduce a novel culture model for investigating multicellular dynamics during angiogenesis in real-time ex vivo microvascular networks.
High Intraperitoneal Interleukin-6 Levels Predict Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiao , Tong Yijing , Yan Hao , Ni Zhaohui , Qian Jiaoqi , Fang Wei
Published: May 2018

Background: To evaluate the predictive value of dialysate interleukin-6 (IL-6) representing local subclinical intraperitoneal inflammation for the development of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods: Stable prevalent CAPD patients were enrolled in this prospective study. IL-6 concentration in the overnight effluent was determined and expressed as the IL-6 appearance rate (IL-6AR). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median of IL-6AR and prospectively followed up until the first episode of peritonitis, cessation of PD, or the end of the study (December 30, 2017). The utility of IL-6AR in predicting peritonitis-free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 149 patients were enrolled, including 72 males (48%) with mean age 52.0 ± 13.6 years and median PD duration 26 (5.9–45.5) months. During follow-up, 7,923 patient months were observed and 154 episodes of peritonitis occurred in 82 patients. Previous peritonitis episodes were significantly associated with log dialysate IL-6AR levels (β = 0.187 [0.022–0.299], p = 0.023). Patients in the high IL-6AR group showed a significantly inferior peritonitis-free survival when compared with their counterparts in the low IL-6AR group (48.8 vs. 67.7 months, p = 0.026), as well as higher treatment failure percentage of peritonitis (20.3 vs. 9.3%, p = 0.049). A multivariate Cox regression showed that high dialysate IL-6AR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.247 [1.052–1.478]; p = 0.011) and high serum C-reactive protein (HR 1.072 [1.005–1.144]; p = 0.036) were independent risk factors for inferior peritonitis-free survival. Conclusion: This prospective study suggested that the intraperitoneal inflammation marker, dialysate IL-6 level, might be a potential predictor of peritonitis development in patients undergoing PD.
Is †Skleroptera (†Stephanastus) an order in the stemgroup of Coleopterida (Insecta)?
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Yan Evgeny V. , Kukalová-Peck Jarmila
Published: May 2018

The Carboniferous insect taxon †Stephanastus polinae was assigned to a monotypic new order †Skleroptera, which was postulated as the sister group of the clade Strepsiptera + Coleoptera (= Coleopterida). The placement of †Stephanastus in Holometabola and the proposed relationship with Coleopterida are very likely unjustified. Suggested shared derived features of Skleroptera + Coleopterida are vague, insufficiently documented (characters of proximal leg segments) or likely based on misinterpretation (wing veins). Based on the wing venation we suggest a position in the extinct hemimetabolous order †Protelytroptera.
Novel body positioning maximizes femoral venous size in adults: An ultrasonographic evaluation
Authors: Ahn Hong Joon , Lee Jun Wan , Yoo Seung Woo , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Kun Dong , Yoo In Sool , Kim Cuk‐Seong
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Increased femoral vein size may lead to a higher first pass success rate during central venous cannulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body position on femoral vein anatomy for cannulation.

Methods:

This prospective study examined the femoral vein of healthy volunteers by ultrasound scanner. The changes in cross‐sectional area and diameter of the femoral vein were evaluated. Right‐sided measurements were taken at four different leg positions: neutral, frog leg, back‐up, and back‐up/frog leg position.

Results:

A total of 50 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean femoral vein cross‐sectional area were 0.57 ± 0.29 cm2, 0.90 ± 0.26 cm2, 1.05 ± 0.33 cm2, and 1.47 ± 0.34 cm2, and the mean femoral vein diameter were 0.75 ± 0.20 cm, 1.05 ± 0.28 cm, 1.25 ± 0.21 cm, and 1.46 ± 0.25 cm in order of neutral, back‐up, frog leg, and back‐up/frog leg position (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Performing the right femoral vein catheterization in back‐up and frog leg position is associated with a greater cross‐sectional area of the femoral vein.
Walking with controlled breathing improves exercise tolerance, anxiety, and quality of life in heart failure patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Teng Hsiu-Chin , Yeh Mei-Ling , Wang Mei-Hua
Published: May 2018

Background:

Patients with heart failure experience not only impaired physical condition, but also their physical activity, moods, and quality of life may be diminished.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week walking with breathing program on physical activity tolerance considering time-dependent physiological factors and time-independent interoceptive awareness, as well as psychosocial factors.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial recruited 90 heart failure patients and randomly assigned them. The walking with breathing group received the walking and breathing intervention for 12 weeks but the control group did not. Outcomes included activity tolerance measured by 6-minute walk distance, moods assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life determined by the EuroQol 5-Dimensions, oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, and interoceptive awareness by the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness scale. Data were collected before the intervention at baseline and at Weeks 2, 4 and 12.

Results:

The results of the generalized estimating equation showed the 6-minute walk distance in the walking with breathing group was significantly different across time ( p<0.001) compared with the control group at baseline. Oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry ( p=0.04) and Trusting on the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness scale ( p=0.001) significantly and positively correlated with results of the 6-minute walk distance. There were significant between-group differences at Week 12 in anxiety ( p=0.03) and quality of life ( p=0.02) but not depression ( p=0.06).

Conclusions:

Walking with breathing improved heart failure patients’ tolerance of physical activity, probably because of improved oxygen saturation and trusting interoceptive awareness. Walking with breathing also improved patients’ anxiety and quality of life.
A Contagious Disorder: Folie à Deux and Dementia
Authors: Cipriani Gabriele , Abdel-Gawad Noha , Danti Sabrina , Di Fiorino Mario
Published: May 2018

Background:

Folie à deux is a clinical condition that was first described in 19th century. It is a psychotic disorder in which two closely associated individuals share a similar delusional system.

Objectives:

The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of folie à deux and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia.

Methods:

Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2017. Search terms used included dementia, folie à deux, induced delusional disorder, neurocognitive disorders, shared psychotic disorder. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references.

Results and Conclusion:

Cases of Folie à deux involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Most of the studies on the topic consist in case reports. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent this psychotic syndrome.
A new scheme for evaluating energy efficiency of data compression in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Liu Shaoqiang , Liu Yanfang , Chen Xiang , Fan Xiaoping
Published: May 2018

Data communication incurs the highest energy cost in wireless sensor networks, and restricts the application of wireless sensor networks. Data compression is a promising technique that can reduce the amount of data exchanged between nodes and results in energy saving. However, there is a lack of effective methods to evaluate the efficiency of data compression algorithms and to increase nodes’ energy efficiency. The energy saving of nodes is related to both hardware and software, this article proposes a new scheme for evaluating energy efficiency of data compression in wireless sensor networks according to the node’s hardware and software. The relationship between the energy efficiency and the hardware and software factors is expressed by a formula. In this formula, energy efficiency can be improved by increasing the compression ratio and decreasing the ratio of s/ k, in which k represents the node’s hardware factor related to energy consumption of processor, wireless module, and so on and s represents the software factor that reflects the energy consumption of the algorithm. Based on the scheme, a mechanism is proposed to improve the node’s energy efficiency by selecting effective algorithms in accordance with the node’s radio frequency power. The feasibility of the scheme is demonstrated with lossless data compression algorithms on the MSP430F2618 processor.
Impact of psychiatric comorbidities on health care utilization and cost of care in multiple myeloma
Authors: Niazi Shehzad , Frank Ryan D. , Sharma Mayank , Roy Vivek , Ames Steve , Rummans Teresa , Spaulding Aaron , Sher Taimur , Ailawadhi Meghna , Bhatia Kirtipal , Ahmed Salman , Tan Winston , Chanan-Khan Asher , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: May 2018

Key Points

Coexisting psychiatric comorbidities are associated with greater increased health care utilization and cost of care in patients with MM. Clinical complications of MM are seen more frequently in patients with coexisting psychiatric conditions.
β-Functionalization of 5,15-Diazaporphyrins with Phosphorus, Oxygen, and Sulfur-Containing Substituents
Authors: Sugai Takuma , Minoura Mao , Nakano Haruyuki , Matano Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

The β-functionalization of 5,15-diazaporphyrins (DAPs) with phosphoryl, phenoxy, sulfanyl, and sulfonyl groups was achieved by either cross-coupling or aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions of β-bromo- and β,β′-dibromo-DAPs. The heteroatom-containing functional groups at the β-positions strongly affected the redox properties of the DAP π-systems.
Training Metodology For Specialists Of Customs In The Field Of Staff Risks Management
Authors: Калмыкова О. , Kalmykova O. , Трубицын К. , Trubicyn K. , Хрящев В. , Hryaschev V.
Published: May 2018

Modern organization management strategies need in the formation of specifi c management approaches, based on the analysis of the mechanisms and processes of the organization of activities related to possible human risks in the service of customs offi cials. The article presents the results of various sociological studies conducted among students of the Samara State Technical University studying in the specialty “Customs” and offi cials of customs authorities on the topics of sources and causes of personnel risks in the activities of offi cials of customs authorities. The article substantiates the importance of the formation of professional competence in the fi eld of personnel risk management in future customs specialists and identifi es the necessary capabilities for this purpose of the disciplines “Personnel Management in Customs Authorities”, “Management of Confl icts and Stresses in Customs Bodies”, “Personnel Policy in Customs Authorities”. Suggested examples of assignments for the acquisition of funds of valuation tools.
El efecto del gobierno corporativo y la propiedad sobre el grado de orientación al mercado: evidencia empírica caso Chile.
Authors: Oliva Ismael , Alarcon Karen Cecilia
Published: May 2018

Este artículo investiga si el gobierno corporativo y la propiedad, actúan como determinantes del grado de orientación al mercado en un grupo de empresas en Chile. La muestra incluyó datos de 101 empresas chilenas registradas en la Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago en 2016, las cuales fueron procesadas por análisis de correlación y regresión múltiple. Los resultados empíricos mostraron que los coeficientes de las variables de concentración y presencia de directores independientes no son significativos; el coeficiente relativo al tamaño de la junta demostró desempeñar un papel importante sobre el grado de orientación al mercado y sobre dos de sus dimensiones internas (orientación al cliente y coordinación interfuncional), lo que sugiere que el efecto marginal del grado de orientación al mercado es mayor cuando el número de directores en el tablero aumenta. Este estudio verifica el papel estratégico de la junta directiva, poniendo en relieve el impacto que este órgano de gestión tiene sobre el desempeño empresarial. Los resultados de esta investigación pretenden servir de base para futuros estudios que den importancia a los aspectos empresariales y organizacionales en la implementación de actividades orientadas al marketing.
Oportunidades de negocio y tendencias medioambientales
Authors: Nájera Ochoa Jessica
Published: May 2018

Las tendencias medioambientales presentan amenazas pero también ofrecen oportunidades de negocio sustentables para las empresas por la generación de nuevos tipos de bienes y servicios. El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar cómo las empresas aprovechan las oportunidades de negocio derivadas del cambio medioambiental para el desarrollo de ventaja competitiva sostenible. Se determinó para una muestra de estudio de empresas mexicanas: si identifican las oportunidades de negocio derivadas de las tendencias medioambientales; si reconocen cómo aprovecharlas y si les es posible acceder a dichas oportunidades para su beneficio. El tipo de investigación es aplicada y tecnológica, de corte transversal y alcance correlacional. El enfoque es mixto, cualitativo y cuantitativo. Para el procesamiento y análisis de los datos se aplicaron pruebas de normalidad de la muestra y de confiabilidad del instrumento de investigación, así como pruebas estadísticas paramétricas y se obtuvieron los coeficientes de correlación y de determinación de las variables de investigación. Los resultados de esta investigación muestran una relación lineal positiva y alta entre las variables, lo que indica que: el conocimiento de las tendencias medioambientales, la disponibilidad de recursos y la actitud innovadora, permiten aprovechar las oportunidades de negocio derivadas del cambio medioambiental, independientemente del tamaño de la empresa.
Neural Network and Adaptive Feature Extraction Technique for Pattern Recognition
Authors: Khedr Wael M. , Awad Qamar A.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we propose adaptive K-means algorithm upon the principal component analysis PCA feature extraction to pattern recognition by using a neural network model. Adaptive k-means to discriminate among objects belonging to different groups based upon the principal component analysis PCA implemented for statistical feature extraction. The features extracted by PCA consistently reduction dimensional algorithm, thus demonstrating that the suite of structure detectors effectively performs generalized feature extraction. The classification accuracies achieved using feature learning process of back propagation neural network . A comparison of the proposed adaptive and previous non-adaptive ensemble is the primary goal of the experiments. We evaluated the performance of the clustering ensemble algorithms by matching the detected and the known partitions of the iris dataset. The best possible matching of clusters provides a measure of performance expressed as the misassignment rate.
Frontal Polymerization in Acrylic Acid System
Authors: Srivastava P. K. , Majhi S. S. , Sarkar B. K.
Published: May 2018

Moving wave front have been investigated in acrylic acid / benzoyl peroxide / N, N-dimethyl aniline system in a test tube at 30oC temperature. Dependence of front velocity on initial concentration of benzoyl peroxide, and effect of hydroquinone was determined. Consumption of acrylic acid and benzoyl peroxide have been found to decrease exponentially with respect to front position. The variation of reaction temperature with respect to front position at different initial concentration of benzoyl peroxide and different initial starting temperature have been investigated. It has been established that the reaction temperature increases and attains a maximum value by increasing both benzoyl peroxide and initial reaction temperature. The rate of polyacrylic acid chain propagation has been determined.
Various Designs of Solar Collectors for Enhancement of Thermal Performance
Authors: Lalji M. K. , Sarviya R. M. , Bhagoria J. L.
Published: May 2018

Solar energy is an economical alternative to the today's energy demand. Solar air heater is used for heating the air economically but produces low thermal efficiency. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the design of solar heaters to increase the thermal efficiency. The matrix solar air heater with a wire mesh produces higher thermal efficiency over the conventional flat plate solar air heater. The evaluation of different methods for increasing efficiency of packed bed solar air heater has been done . Effect of different parameters on thermal efficiency of solar heater has also been studied.
Optimum Design and Analysis of the Drive Shaft in Composite Material
Authors: Sivakandhan C. , Prabhu P. Suresh
Published: May 2018

In this work an attempt has been made for design optimization of composite drive shafts for power transmission applications. The one-piece composite drive shaft is designed to replace conventional steel drive shaft of an automobile using E-glass/epoxy and high modulus carbon/epoxy composites. A solution technique using ansys for design optimization of composites drive shafts is presented here. The purpose of using ansys to minimize the weight of shaft that is subjected to the constrains such as torque transmission. The weight savings of the E-glass/epoxy and corbon/epoxy shaft were 15%and 72%of the steel shaft respectively. Automotive drive Shaft is a very important component of vehicle. The present paper focuses on the design of such an automotive drive shaft by composite materials. Now a day's two pieces steel shaft are used as drive shaft. However the main advantages of the present design is; only one piece of composite drive shaft is possible that fulfill all the requirements of drive shaft. Two different designs are proposed one is purely from E-glass/epoxy and other is using Carbon/epoxy. The basic requirements considered here are torsional strength torsion buckling and bending natural frequency. An optimum design of the draft shaft is done which is cheapest and lightest but meets all of the above load requirements. Progressive failure analysis of the selected design is also done.
A Study on Ni-Fe Ball Milled Spark Plasma Sintered Sample
Authors: Rajadurai A. , Gouthama Gouthama , Ashokkumar T
Published: May 2018

Mechanical alloying through high energy ball milling was used to produce 40wt.%Ni-Fe alloy powder of average particle sizes 80 μm and 25 μm respectively. High Energy Planetary ball milling at room temperature was performed for various time durations of 16, 32 and 64 hours. Sintering was carried on DR.SINTER.LABTM (SPS 515S) machine. Samples were sintered at constant temperature of 650°C and pressure of 30 MPa for all samples. This study exhibits in same alloy, but increases of milling hours, the densification of the sintered samples decreases and also porosity of the sample increases. This may be due to the reasons of increases in the surface area of the milled nanopowder (ie. Reduction of particle size), low green body density of long milling powders by agglomeration of powders and oxidation of powders during a milling process. However, this study revealed that in the same alloy with increasing milling hours, required more temperature and pressure for perfect densification. Densification of 85.4 % was achieved in 16 hours milled sample.