bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s New Advancements in Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review
Authors: . Sakshi , Anand Pooja
Published: September 2024

Parkinsonism Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder. Although PD is associated with a variety of Non-motor symptoms (NMS) in virtually all patients including hyposmia, constipation, pain and sleep disturbances. It is age related disorder and affects more than 6 million population every year. It is associated with neuronal degeneration in substantia nigra and to lesser extent, in the globus pallidus, putamen and caudate nucleus. The degeneration of the neurons of the substantia nigra that send their axons to the corpus striatum results in reduction in the release of neurotransmitter dopamine with in corpus striatum. This leads to hypersensitivity of the dopamine receptors in the post synaptic neurons in the striatum. Individuals have characteristics signs and symptoms tremors, bradykinesia, postural instabilities, rigidity. Neither loss of sense nor muscle power is usually seen in such cases. Deep tendon, Superficial and Abdominal reflexes are well retained on evaluation. There has been various types of classification in Parkinsonism which are described later. Together with aging, genetics, environment and the role of biological sex as important factor in development of PD has been widely discussed in the past decade. Investigations in PD remains a challenge, recent studies included 7 Tesla MRI, PET and SPECT have proved to be confirmatory in diagnosis of PD. Parkinsonism disease treatment includes increasing the levels of dopamine in brain by giving its immediate precursor L-dopa which can easily cross blood brain barrier unlike dopamine. Evidence of slowing the process of degeneration has been seen with drug selegiline. Other than drugs surgical options include pallidotomy
Effect of Quality of Sleep on Choice Reaction Time, Coordination and Fatigue Level in Football Players
Authors: . Dimple , Sabharwal Roopika , Sahana A
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and athletic performance is an important but little-researched topic in the immense world of football. This study aims to provide insight into how sleep quality affect football players’ choice reaction time, coordination, and fatigue levels, providing important information for training optimisation and improving on-field performance. Aim: To examine the effects of sleep quality on the athletic performance of young football players. Materials and Methods: A total of 40, (U-17)-developmental stage male football players who were able to perform functional keys for choice reaction time task from Chandigarh Football Association were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Correlational design was employed to assess sleep quality and fatigue levels using Sleep Quality Scale-(SQS) and Fatigue Assessment Scale-(FAS). Choice reaction time and coordination was determined via Deary liewald reaction time task software and Hand-eye coordination test respectively. Quantitative analysis was conducted by Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation. Results: Study found a non significant weak positive relationship between sleep quality and choice reaction time, [r (40)=0.025, p=0.881], significant moderate positive relationship between sleep quality and coordination, [r (40)=0.433, p=0.005], and significant moderate negative relationship between sleep quality and fatigue level, [r (40)=-0.517, p=0.001]. Increased sleep quality improved coordination and reduced fatigue levels, while choice reaction time showed no significant improvements. Conclusion: Sleep quality significantly impacts coordination and fatigue levels, but no effect was observed on choice reaction time. Future research should explore various sports with a larger sample size.
Combined Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Yoga on Pain and Discomfort Associated with Dysmenorrhea
Authors: . Devanshi , Singh Amandeep , Pathania Shalika , Rani Monika
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a common problem with almost 50 to 90% of women affected worldwide. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and yoga is frequently used to treat dysmenorrhic pain and discomfort. Aim: To assess the combined effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and yoga on pain and discomfort associated with dysmenorrhea in university students. Materials and Methods: The study involved 60 subjects aged 18- 25 years female students divided into three groups via using chit box approach by using simple random sampling. An experimental design was employed to assess pain and discomfort through numeric pain rating scale. Quality of life was assessed by using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The necessary permission to use the questionnaire was also obtained. Results: Wilcoxon sign rank showed statistically significant difference between pre and post data for pain (<0.001) and quality of life (<0.001) in both first and second months. Kruskal-Wallis test showed non significant difference between groups for pain (mean difference of 5.32 in 1st month and 2.62 in 2nd month) and quality of life (mean difference of 5.4 in 1st month and 1.15 in 2nd month) indicating that all three groups were equally effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life. Conclusion: All three groups have shown statistically significant improvement among dysmenorrhic females but clinically more improvement was found out in group three that received combination of TENS and yoga.
Integrating Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Techniques with Adjunctive Therapies for Tension-type Headache: A Narrative Review
Authors: . Sandhya , Sharma Sunita
Published: September 2024

Objective: Tension Type Headache (TTH) recounted as ‘a band encircling the head’ which is mild to moderate in intensity and bilateral in location. Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique (SMIT) is one of the manual therapy procedures utilised for treating myofascial areas that have been compromised due to restriction. Aim: To determine the effect of SMI combined with other therapeutic approaches in patients with. Materials and Methods: The following researches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane and google scholar from year 2015-2024 with the keywords “Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition” and “Tension Type Headache”. The searches yielded 1,630 studies, out of which four randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were include in the narrative review. Results: This review summarise the literature of SMI technique, spinal manipulation and electrotherapy intervention in reducing headache intensity, disability and pericranial tenderness and increase in craniocervical flexion and extension in individuals with TTH. Conclusion: Integrating SMI techniques with adjunctive therapies holds great promise for the management of TTH. Clinicians should consider this multimodal approach in their treatment plans. TTH is a chronic condition and on amalgamating this technique with other therapeutic intervention shows better improvement in pain management.
Pelvic Floor Training, a Silent Enhancer of Pulmonary Function: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Mulepati Sadikshya , Saxena Akanksha , Jangra Mandeep Kumar
Published: September 2024

Objective: This review delves into the intricate relationship between pelvic floor training and its potential to enhance lung function across diverse health conditions. While the coordination between the pelvic floor and diaphragm is well-established, the specific advantages of pelvic floor strengthening in bolstering pulmonary health necessitate deeper investigation. Despite indications of pelvic floor training’s potential benefits for pulmonary issues, a comprehensive review is imperative to consolidate understanding. Aim: This review attempts to shed light on how pelvic floor activation influences various parameters of pulmonary function. Articles analysing pulmonary function improvements post pelvic floor activation constituted the participant pool for this review. Materials and Methods: An extensive search spanning from 2001 to 2024 across databases like PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Review, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) unearthed experimental and observational studies. Primary outcome measures included forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, Peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory flow, maximum voluntary ventilation and others. Results: Ten studies meeting inclusion criteria involved healthy subjects, individuals with pelvic floor weakness, and pulmonary impairment. Exercises like Kegels, hypopressive techniques and electrical stimulation, demonstrated positive impacts on pulmonary function parameters. Conclusion: This review underscores the significance of pelvic floor exercises in augmenting lung function. By exploring diverse interventions and their effects on pulmonary health outcomes, it addresses a critical gap in research, potentially informing recommendations for respiratory rehabilitation programs. Insights gleaned from this review hold promise for enhancing pulmonary rehabilitation programs by integrating pelvic floor exercises. Clinical recommendations could benefit from incorporating these findings, thereby optimising patient outcomes.
Geography of population migration of the Southern Federal District
Authors: Arkhipova O.E.
Published: September 2024

The article, based on state statistics, conducted a study of the transformation of geography and trends in the development of migration of the population of the Southern Federal District. Using an interdisciplinary integrated approach, an analysis of migration flows, their directions, scale and intensity was carried out, the geography of migrations of the most migratoryly attractive subject of the district - Krasnodar Territory - was determined, and mapping of migration indicators was carried out using modern information technologies for studying space and visualization.It is shown that, despite the decrease in migration turnover due to the coronavirus pandemic, the long- term trend of positive migration dynamics in the Southern Federal District has remained, and in terms of the intensity of net migration in 2021, the macroregion took first place among all Russian districts.There have been no major changes in the geography of incoming and outgoing migration flows. Intra- Russian migration is characterized by a migration outflow of the population to the Central and Northwestern federal districts, and migrants from all other districts, but most of all from Siberia and the Far East, come to the southern macroregion. The main flows of international migrants come from citizens of the CIS countries, primarily from Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.A comparative analysis of the migration movement of the subjects of the Southern Federal District showed that in the macroregion Krasnodar Territory ranks first in terms of the volume and effectiveness of migration, and in terms of the intensity of migration movement, it exceeds the Russian average. To date, the steady trend of positive dynamics in the migration balance that has developed in Kuban since the middle of the last century has been preserved. However, there has been a significant decline in net migration. The main modern vector of intra-Russian migration flows is movement to Kuban from the northern regions of Russia, Siberia and the Far East. Most international migrants arrived in the Krasnodar region from CIS countries. During the study period, the main suppliers of cross-border migrants were Ukraine, Armenia and Kazakhstan.
Geography and form of settlement of Russians of the near abroad (Baltic states, Belarus, Moldova): main trends of the first quarter of the 21st century
Authors: Sushchiy Sergey Ya.
Published: September 2024

The article identifies the main trends of the territorial dynamics of the Russian population of the Baltic states, Belarus, Moldova and Transnistria during 2000s-2010s. It was found that, correlating with the general decline, the geography of Russian population also decreased. However, in all the studied countries the fragmentation of the settlement system occurred at the expense of settlements of lower taxonomic ranks (farms, small villages). In larger settlements, Russian groups persisted even in Moldova and Lithuania, which demonstrated the highest rates of demographic decline of Russian communities in the post-Soviet period. The largest concentrations of the Russian population in all the considered countries remained in the capitals. Moreover, they were also the epicenters of assimilation, the main factor of Russian depopulation in the 2000s and the first half of the 2010s. The level of urbanization of Russian communities remained very high in all the countries (80-90%), but at the beginning of the 21st century it decreased. This process was related not so much to the increased rootedness of Russian villagers, but rather to the migration of the Russian population from peripheral regions to the rural outskirts of metropolitan agglomerations. Being a form of deurbanization, it represented a variant of the geodemographic metropolization of Russian communities (the increasing concentration in capital regions). Only in Moldova the increased demographic stability of rural Russians was determined by a small group of old believer villages amidst a high level of derussification of the rest of the settlement network. Only the Russian community of Transnistria demonstrated an increased territorial and quantitative stability in the 2000s and 2010s. It clearly illustrated the significant role of geocivilizational orientation of post-Soviet states in the demographic dynamics of the local Russian population.
From Consumer's Attitude towards Online Purchase Decision: Influence of Friends and Reference Groups
Authors: ZIRENA-BEJARANO PATRICIA PILAR , CHAVEZ ZIRENA ELBIA MYREYLE
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement of e-commerce has piqued researchers' interest in identifying the determining factors of online purchase decisions. They have found abundant information about the influence of consumer attitudes but still have divergent results, indicating a gap in studies with mediating variables. The study aims to examine the mediating effect of the opinions of friends and reference groups on the relationships between consumer attitudes and online purchase decisions. The study surveyed 654 respondents and analyzed the data using partial least squares structural equations (PLS-SEM). The results show that consumers' attitudes significantly positively influence their online purchase decisions, which are mediated by the opinions of friends and influence groups.  The opinions or recommendations of friends or other reference groups with similar purchasing experiences influence consumers.  The research establishes a connection between constructs that influence online purchase decisions, with the main theoretical contribution being the analysis of the effect of friends' opinions and reference groups on generating a better consumer predisposition to make decisions in the virtual environment.  The empirical contribution offers information that marketing managers should consider based on the results achieved, proposing strategies focused on reference groups that facilitate consumer decision-making.
Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and It's Application in Vegetable Crop Improvement
Authors: Shekhar Varun , Bahadur Vijay , Lal Lalita
Published: September 2024

Vegetable crop breeding has changed dramatically since the early 1980s due to technological breakthroughs, especially high-throughput sequencing and molecular marker technologies, which have made it possible to sequence many plant genomes, create dense genetic maps, and identify important genes and QTLs linked to traits like yield and disease resistance. ..These instruments have expedited genetic research and breeding programs in crops including tomato, pepper, eggplant, and cucumber, establishing marker-assisted selection (MAS) as a crucial component of contemporary breeding. The use of these technologies has improved crop characteristics significantly and is still influencing the development of vegetable crops in the future. .. For instance, in the majority of private and public tomato breeding projects, major-gene disease resistance traits like verticillium wilt and anthracnose are selected for using PCR-based markers such as SCAR and CAPS.Bs5 and Bs6 have broad-spectrum resistance against Xanthomonas spp. against chilli leaf spot thanks to marker-assisted gene pyramiding. Major QTLs associated to SSR marker CAMS451 on chromosome 1 (from Capsicum accession LS2341) and marker ID10-194305124 on chromosome 10 (from C. annuum BVRC1) have been mapped for resistance to Ralstonia bacterial wilt.Constantly searching crop germplasm for new resistance genes or alleles is essential to diversify the gene pool and stop resistance from breaking down. By using marker-assisted selection (MAS), it is possible to combine genes for resistance to different pathogens or several sources of resistance to the same pathogen to create novel cultivars.
Estimation of Community Land Model parameters for an improved assessment of net carbon fluxes at European sites
Authors: Post Hanna , Vrugt Jasper A. , Fox Andrew , Vereecken Harry , Hendricks Franssen Harrie‐Jan
Published: February 2017

The Community Land Model (CLM) contains many parameters whose values are uncertain and thus require careful estimation for model application at individual sites. Here we used Bayesian inference with the DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis (DREAM(zs)) algorithm to estimate eight CLM v.4.5 ecosystem parameters using 1 year records of half‐hourly net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) observations of four central European sites with different plant functional types (PFTs). The posterior CLM parameter distributions of each site were estimated per individual season and on a yearly basis. These estimates were then evaluated using NEE data from an independent evaluation period and data from “nearby” FLUXNET sites at ~600 km distance to the original sites. Latent variables (multipliers) were used to treat explicitly uncertainty in the initial carbon‐nitrogen pools. The posterior parameter estimates were superior to their default values in their ability to track and explain the measured NEE data of each site. The seasonal parameter values reduced with more than 50% (averaged over all sites) the bias in the simulated NEE values. The most consistent performance of CLM during the evaluation period was found for the posterior parameter values of the forest PFTs, and contrary to the C3‐grass and C3‐crop sites, the latent variables of the initial pools further enhanced the quality‐of‐fit. The carbon sink function of the forest PFTs significantly increased with the posterior parameter estimates. We thus conclude that land surface model predictions of carbon stocks and fluxes require careful consideration of uncertain ecological parameters and initial states.
Pn tomography with Moho depth correction from eastern Europe to western China
Authors: Lü Yan , Ni Sidao , Chen Ling , Chen Qi‐Fu
Published: February 2017

We proposed a modified Pn velocity and anisotropy tomography method by considering the Moho depth variations using the Crust 1.0 model and obtained high‐resolution images of the uppermost mantle Pn velocity and anisotropy structure from eastern Europe to western China. The tomography results indicate that the average Pn velocities are approximately 8.0 and 8.1 km/s under the western and eastern parts of the study area, respectively, with maximum velocity perturbations of 3%–4%. We observed high Pn velocities under the Adriatic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Arabian Plate, Indian Plate, and in the Tarim and Sichuan Basins but low Pn velocities under the Apennine Peninsula, Dead Sea fault zone, Anatolia, Caucasus, Iranian Plateau, Hindu Kush, and in the Yunnan and Myanmar regions. Generally, regions with stable structures and low lithospheric temperatures exhibit high Pn velocities. Low Pn velocities provide evidence for the upwelling of hot material, which is associated with plate subduction and continental collision processes. Our Pn velocity and anisotropy imaging results indicate that the Adriatic microplate dives to the east and west, the hot material upwelling caused by subduction beneath the Tibetan Plateau is not as significant as that in the Caucasus and Myanmar regions, the lithosphere exhibits coupled rotational movement around the Eastern Himalayan syntaxes, and the areas to the north and south of 26°N in the Yunnan region are affected by different geodynamic processes. Our newly captured images of the uppermost mantle velocity and anisotropy structure provide further information about continental collision processes and associated dynamic mechanisms.
REGARD: A new GNSS‐based real‐time finite fault modeling system for GEONET
Authors: Kawamoto Satoshi , Ohta Yusaku , Hiyama Yohei , Todoriki Masaru , Nishimura Takuya , Furuya Tomoaki , Sato Yudai , Yahagi Toshihiro , Miyagawa Kohei
Published: February 2017

The short‐period seismometer‐based magnitude saturation problem, especially for events with magnitude > 8, can be improved by a real‐time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning technique, which has enabled rapid estimation of a finite fault model for a large earthquake without any saturation. A new real‐time fault modeling system based on the GNSS Earth Observation Network (GEONET) is developed and is under experimental operation in Japan. In this paper, we present the newly developed system REGARD (the Real‐time GEONET Analysis system for Rapid Deformation monitoring), which consists of real‐time GNSS positioning, automatic detection of coseismic displacement by the event, and quasi real‐time finite fault model inversion routines. The performance of the automatic event detection system is tested through experimental real‐time operation based on GEONET data for 2 months. Furthermore, we also test the reliability of the finite fault model inversion routines using real raw GNSS data observed for past large earthquakes: the 2003 Tokachi‐oki earthquake (moment magnitude (Mw) 8.3), the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (Mw 9.0), and the 2011 off‐Ibaraki earthquake (Mw 7.7). A simulated 1707 Hoei‐type Nankai Trough earthquake (Mw 8.7) is also tested. The real‐time experimental operation shows that real‐time GNSS positioning is precise enough to detect all the tested earthquakes, and the inversion results demonstrate that the REGARD can reliably estimate the earthquake size and its extent within 3 min after the origin time. These results suggest that the REGARD system will complement the seismometer‐based magnitude determination system.
Geogrid‐Inspired Nanostructure to Reinforce a CuxZnySnzS Nanowall Electrode for High‐Stability Electrochemical Energy Conversion Devices
Authors: Chiu Jian‐Ming , Chen E‐Ming , Lee Chuan‐Pei , Shown Indrajit , Tunuguntla Venkatesh , Chou Jui‐Sheng , Chen Li‐Chyong , Chen Kuei‐Hsien , Tai Yian
Published: February 2017

Inspired by geogrids commonly applied in construction engineering to reinforce side slopes and retaining walls, the use of a “nano‐geogrid” to reinforce a CuxZnySnzS (CZTS) nanowall electrode for application in electrochemical reactions is demonstrated. The CZTS nanowall electrode reinforced by the nano‐geogrid (denoted as NWD) shows not only remarkable mechanical and electrochemical stability but also considerable electrochemical performances. The NWD demonstrated as a counter electrode in a dye‐sensitized solar cell shows a power conversion efficiency of 7.44 ± 0.04%, comparable with the device using Pt as electrode, and also significantly improves device stability as compared with that afforded by an electrode comprising a CZTS nanowall without the nano‐geogrid (denoted as NOD). In addition, applying the NWD electrode as a cathode in photo‐electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) yields a photocurrent density of −10 mA cm−2 at −0.162 V (vs RHE) under AM 1.5 illumination. Moreover, when HERs are conducted under extreme conditions, the NWD electrode remains intact, whereas the NOD electrode is completely peeled off after 10 min of reaction. Therefore, the concept of using a mimetic rational nanostructure could pave the way for the possibility of improving the performance and stability of various devices.
Halogenbrücken in der Organokatalyse
Authors: Huber Stefan
Published: February 2017

Halogenbrücken sind nichtkovalente Wechselwirkungen zwischen elektrophilen Halogensubstituenten und Lewis‐Basen. Mehrere Komponenten sind für die Gesamtenergie der Wechselwirkung relevant, insbesondere elektrostatische Anziehung, Ladungstransfer und Dispersionskräfte. In diesem Artikel wird der Einsatz von Halogenbrücken in der Organokatalyse beschrieben: Ein halogenbrücken‐basierter Katalysator abstrahierte in einer Testreaktion Chlorid von einem Substrat unter Ausbildung einer reaktiven Carbeniumzwischenstufe. Andere mögliche Aktivierungsmodi wurden durch mehrere Vergleichsexperimente ausgeschlossen.
Purification of Definitive Endoderm Generated from Pluripotent Stem Cells by Magnetic Cell Sorting
Authors: Diekmann Ulf , Davenport Claudia , Kresse Jasmin , Naujok Ortwin
Published: February 2017

Pluripotent stem cells have the capability to differentiate into any somatic cell type of the human body. The generation of surrogate cells for the treatment of liver, lung, and pancreatic diseases is of great medical interest. First, the in vitro formation into cells of the definitive endoderm is required. Upon commitment into this lineage, the cells express transcription factors such as FOXA2, SOX17, HNF1B; GATA family members; and the surface protein CXCR4. Unfortunately, some pluripotent stem cells resist the differentiation and contaminate the culture. Thus, we describe here an endoderm differentiation protocol, which yields endoderm‐committed cells in high numbers in a 4‐day treatment protocol. Second, a method for the purification of CXCR4‐positive endoderm cells by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) is described. The purification by MACS is quick and reliable and can be used to obtain pure endoderm cells either meant for downstream analysis such as omics or further differentiation experiments into endoderm‐derived somatic cells. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiazepine/Benzothiazepine Derivatives Through Intramolecular C‐2 Ring Expansion Pathway
Authors: Preet Simer , Cannoo Damanjt Singh
Published: February 2017

A facile and highly efficient one‐pot synthesis of novel thiazepine and benzothiazepine derivatives was established by ring expansion. With a greener methodology (ultrasonication), a polysubstituted ring system with the thiazepine core moiety can be easily synthesized from simple and easily available reactants in good yields. Moreover, the synthesized compounds show fluorescence and also antioxidant activity.
Comprehensive Interactions of ACE Inhibitors With Their Receptor by a Support Vector Machine Model and Molecular Docking
Authors: Liang Ya'nan , Qin Dongya , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Wanqian , Liang Guizhao
Published: February 2017

In this work, we characterize the interaction of angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with their receptor derived from the Binding Database by combining ligand‐based and structure‐based methods. The ligand‐based quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model by support vector machine (SVM) achieves an overall accuracy of 88.74%, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.678, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.914 with leave‐one‐out (LOO) cross‐validation on 444 training samples. The predictive ability of the model obtained is further verified by predictions on two test sets including 110 and 114 compounds. We show that the SVM‐based model, with 2D and 3D QSAR advantages, is simple, accurate, and robust and can be used to predict and identify new ACE inhibitors. The four descriptors, namely the capacity factor, volume, standard deviation, and hydrophilic–lipophilic features, in the QSAR model can well represent the SAR of these inhibitors. In parallel, the structure‐based molecular docking studies reveal that hydrogen bond is an important force for the binding affinities of the ACE inhibitors with the receptor. This work is useful in understanding the interaction mechanisms of ACE inhibitors with their receptor, as well as designing of new ACE inhibitors.
A spatial reading of urban political-religious conflict: contested urban landscapes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Stockmans Jep , Büscher Karen
Published: February 2017

This article presents a spatial approach to the recent history of conflict and confrontation between the Ethiopian Government and Ethiopian Muslim Communities in Addis Ababa. Based on original ethnographic data and inspired by existing academic studies on political-religious relationships in Addis Ababa, this study takes a closer look at the significance of the urban public landscape in power-struggles between the EPRDF and the Muslim communities. The article argues that political-religious struggle in Addis Ababa shapes the current urban landscape, as use of and control over urban public space and place forms a crucial element in the strategies of public authority of all involved actors.
Ethical considerations of transparency, informed consent, and nudging in a patient with paediatric aortic stenosis and symptomatic left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis
Authors: Mavroudis Constantine D. , Cook Thomas , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Mavroudis Constantine
Published: February 2017

A 9-year-old boy who was born with bicuspid aortic stenosis underwent two unsuccessful aortic valvuloplasty interventions, and by 2 years of age he developed restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis and diastolic dysfunction. The attending cardiologist referred the patient to a high-volume, high-profile congenital cardiac surgical programme 1000 miles away that has a team with considerable experience with left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis resection and a reputation of achieving good results. Owing to problems with insurance coverage, the parents sought other options for the care of their child in their home state. Dr George Miller is a well-respected local congenital and paediatric cardiac surgeon with considerable experience with the Ross operation as well as with right ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis resection. When talking with Dr Miller, he implied that there is little difference between right ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis and left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis resection, and stated that he would perform the operation with low mortality based on his overall experience. Dr Miller stated that the local institution could provide an equivalent surgical procedure with comparable outcomes, without the patient and family having to travel out of state. A fundamental dilemma that often arises in clinical surgical practice concerns the conduct of assessing and performing new procedures, especially in rare cases, for which the collective global experience is scant. Although Dr Miller has performed right ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis resection, this procedure differs from left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis resection, and he cannot be sure that he will indeed be able to perform the procedure better than the high-volume surgeon. This ethical situation is best understood in terms of the principles of respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The tension between the imperatives of beneficence and the obligation to respect the autonomy of the patient by acting only with the patient’s best interest in mind is discussed.
CALCB splice region pathogenic variants leading to plasma cell neurotropic enrichment in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Qi-cai , Chen Falin , Wu Chao-yang , Gao Feng , Zhuang Ze-hao , Chen Jin-tong , Cai Bin , Zhang Tianming , Guo Ling , Lin Li-qing , Zhao Cheng-fei , Lin Xin-hua
Published: February 2017

Recently, we have demonstrated that PRSS1 mutations cause ectopic trypsinogen activation and thereby result in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). However, the molecules involved in inducing obliterative vasculitis and perineural inflammation in the pancreas are not well-described. The present study applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the underlying etiology and revealed novel missense splice region variants, CALCB c.88T>C (p.Ser30Pro) and IR [1]-mutants, in 2 of the 3 families and 2 of 26 unrelated patients with type 1 AIP. In vitro, both of the mutants displayed decreased βCGRP, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and co-localized with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The novel pathogenic variant identified in this case should contribute to our understanding of the expanding spectrum of AIP.
A two-channel, spectrally degenerate polarization entangled source on chip
Authors: Sansoni Linda , Luo Kai Hong , Eigner Christof , Ricken Raimund , Quiring Viktor , Herrmann Harald , Silberhorn Christine
Published: February 2017

Integrated optics provides the platform for the experimental implementation of highly complex and compact circuits for quantum information applications. In this context integrated waveguide sources represent a powerful resource for the generation of quantum states of light due to their high brightness and stability. However, the confinement of the light in a single spatial mode limits the realization of multi-channel sources. Due to this challenge one of the most adopted sources in quantum information processes, i.e. a source which generates spectrally indistinguishable polarization entangled photons in two different spatial modes, has not yet been realized in a fully integrated platform. Here we overcome this limitation by suitably engineering two periodically poled waveguides and an integrated polarization splitter in lithium niobate. This source produces polarization entangled states with fidelity of $${\mathcal F} \mathrm{=0.973}\pm 0.003$$
F
= 0.973
±
0.003
and a test of Bell’s inequality results in a violation larger than 14 standard deviations. It can work both in pulsed and continuous wave regime. This device represents a new step toward the implementation of fully integrated circuits for quantum information applications.
The E3 ligase Mule protects the heart against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction through Myc-dependent inactivation of Pgc-1α and Pink1
Authors: Dadson Keith , Hauck Ludger , Hao Zhenyue , Grothe Daniela , Rao Vivek , Mak Tak W. , Billia Filio
Published: February 2017

Cardiac homeostasis requires proper control of protein turnover. Protein degradation is principally controlled by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. Mule is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates cellular growth, DNA repair and apoptosis to maintain normal tissue architecture. However, Mule’s function in the heart has yet to be described. In a screen, we found reduced Mule expression in left ventricular samples from end-stage heart failure patients. Consequently, we generated conditional cardiac-specific Mule knockout (Mule fl/fl(y);mcm) mice. Mule ablation in adult Mule fl/fl(y);mcm mice prevented myocardial c-Myc polyubiquitination, leading to c-Myc accumulation and subsequent reduced expression of Pgc-1α, Pink1, and mitochondrial complex proteins. Furthermore, these mice developed spontaneous cardiac hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction, and early mortality. Co-deletion of Mule and c-Myc rescued this phenotype. Our data supports an indispensable role for Mule in cardiac homeostasis through the regulation of mitochondrial function via maintenance of Pgc-1α and Pink1 expression and persistent negative regulation of c-Myc.
The impact of variable commitment in the Naming Game on consensus formation
Authors: Niu Xiang , Doyle Casey , Korniss Gyorgy , Szymanski Boleslaw K.
Published: February 2017

The Naming Game has proven to be an important model of opinion dynamics in complex networks. It is significantly enriched by the introduction of nodes committed to a single opinion. The resulting model is still simple but captures core concepts of opinion dynamics in networks. This model limitation is rigid commitment which never changes. Here we study the effect that making commitment variable has on the dynamics of the system. Committed nodes are assigned a commitment strength, w, defining their willingness to lose (in waning), gain (for increasing) or both (in variable) commitment to an opinion. Such model has committed nodes that can stick to a single opinion for some time without losing their flexibility to change it in the long run. The traditional Naming Game corresponds to setting w at infinity. A change in commitment strength impacts the critical fraction of population necessary for a minority consensus. Increasing w lowers critical fraction for waning commitment but increases this fraction for increasing commitment. Further, we show that if different nodes have different values of w, higher standard deviation of w increases the critical fraction for waning commitment and decrease this fraction for increasing commitment.
Engineering an endocrine Neo-Pancreas by repopulation of a decellularized rat pancreas with islets of Langerhans
Authors: Napierala H. , Hillebrandt K.-H. , Haep N. , Tang P. , Tintemann M. , Gassner J. , Noesser M. , Everwien H. , Seiffert N. , Kluge M. , Teegen E. , Polenz D. , Lippert S. , Geisel D. , Reutzel Selke A. , Raschzok N. , Andreou A. , Pratschke J. , Sauer I. M. , Struecker B.
Published: February 2017

Decellularization of pancreata and repopulation of these non-immunogenic matrices with islets and endothelial cells could provide transplantable, endocrine Neo- Pancreata. In this study, rat pancreata were perfusion decellularized and repopulated with intact islets, comparing three perfusion routes (Artery, Portal Vein, Pancreatic Duct). Decellularization effectively removed all cellular components but conserved the pancreas specific extracellular matrix. Digital subtraction angiography of the matrices showed a conserved integrity of the decellularized vascular system but a contrast emersion into the parenchyma via the decellularized pancreatic duct. Islets infused via the pancreatic duct leaked from the ductular system into the peri-ductular decellularized space despite their magnitude. TUNEL staining and Glucose stimulated insulin secretion revealed that islets were viable and functional after the process. We present the first available protocol for perfusion decellularization of rat pancreata via three different perfusion routes. Furthermore, we provide first proof-of-concept for the repopulation of the decellularized rat pancreata with functional islets of Langerhans. The presented technique can serve as a bioengineering platform to generate implantable and functional endocrine Neo-Pancreata.
Gestational Weight Gain and Fetal-Maternal Adiponectin, Leptin, and CRP: results of two birth cohorts studies
Authors: Logan Chad A. , Bornemann Rebecca , Koenig Wolfgang , Reister Frank , Walter Viola , Fantuzzi Giamila , Weyermann Maria , Brenner Hermann , Genuneit Jon , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: February 2017

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Unlike behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, the effect of GWG throughout pregnancy on fetal development and other outcomes has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of GWG with endocrine factors such as adiponectin, leptin, and C-reactive protein which may be associated with inflammatory response, fetal growth, and adiposity later in life. Data were obtained from the Ulm Birth Cohort Study (UBCS) and the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, two methodologically similar birth cohort studies including newborns and their mothers recruited from 11/2000–11/2001 and 04/2012–05/2013. In the two included birth cohorts we consistently observed statistically significant positive associations between GWG beginning as early as the second trimester with fetal cord blood leptin and stronger association beginning as early as the first trimester with post-delivery maternal serum leptin. Total weight gain exceeding commonly accepted recommended guidelines was consistently associated with higher leptin levels in both cord blood and post-delivery maternal serum. These results suggest a potential pathomechanistic link between fetal environment and surrogate markers of long-term health.
Methanol-Independent Protein Expression by AOX1 Promoter with trans-Acting Elements Engineering and Glucose-Glycerol-Shift Induction in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wang Jinjia , Wang Xiaolong , Shi Lei , Qi Fei , Zhang Ping , Zhang Yuanxing , Zhou Xiangshan , Song Zhiwei , Cai Menghao
Published: February 2017

Thealcohol oxidase 1promoter (PAOX1) ofPichia pastorisis commonly used for high level expression of recombinant proteins. While the safety risk of methanol and tough process control for methanol induction usually cause problems especially in large-scale fermentation. By testing the functions of trans-actingelements of PAOX1and combinatorially engineering of them, we successfully constructed a methanol-free PAOX1start-up strain, in which, three transcription repressors were identified and deleted and, one transcription activator were overexpressed. The strain expressed 77% GFP levels in glycerol compared to the wide-type in methanol. Then, insulin precursor (IP) was expressed, taking which as a model, we developed a novel glucose-glycerol-shift induced PAOX1start-up for this methanol-free strain. A batch phase with glucose of 40 g/L followed by controlling residual glucose not lower than 20 g/L was compatible for supporting cell growth and suppressing PAOX1. Then, glycerol induction was started after glucose used up. Accordingly, an optimal bioprocess was further determined, generating a high IP production of 2.46 g/L in a 5-L bioreactor with dramatical decrease of oxygen consumption and heat evolution comparing with the wild-type in methanol. This mutant and bioprocess represent a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional glycerol-repressed/methanol-induced PAOX1system.
Comparing non-fullerene acceptors with fullerene in polymer solar cells: a case study with FTAZ and PyCNTAZ
Authors: Bauer Nicole , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Jingbo , Ye Long , Kim Joo-Hyun , Constantinou Iordania , Yan Liang , So Franky , Ade Harald , Yan He , You Wei
Published: February 2017

Non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) are becoming a serious contender to fullerene-based electron acceptors in organic photovoltaics, due to their structural versatility and easily tunable optical and electronic properties.
A Comparative Study of the Precision of Carstens and Northern Digital Instruments Electromagnetic Articulographs
Authors: Savariaux Christophe , Badin Pierre , Samson Adeline , Gerber Silvain
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study compares the precision of the electromagnetic articulographs used in speech research: Northern Digital Instruments' Wave and Carstens' AG200, AG500, and AG501 systems.

Method

The fluctuation of distances between 3 pairs of sensors attached to a manually rotated device that can position them inside the measurement volumes was determined. For each device, 2 precision estimates made on the basis of the 95% quantile range of these distances (QR95) were defined: The local QR95 was computed for bins around specific rotation angles, and the global QR95 was computed for all angles pooled.

Results

For all devices, although the local precision lies around 0.1 cm, the global precision is much more worrisome, ranging from 0.03 cm to 2.18 cm, and displays large variations as a function of the position of the sensors in the measurement volume. No influence of the rotational speed was found. The AG501 produced—by far—the lowest errors, in particular concerning the global precision.

Conclusions

The local precision can be considered suitable for speech articulatory measurements, but the variations of the global precision need to be taken into account by the knowledge of the spatial distribution of errors. A guideline for good practice in EMA recording is proposed for each system.
Incidence of Secondary Hydrocephalus after Excision of Huge Encephaloceles in Neonates: Case Study
Authors: Refaat Mohamed , Reda Mohamed , Refaee Ehab
Published: February 2017

Background Encephaloceles presents as a protrusion of the cranial contents through a defect in the cranium. The most common sites of occurrence are the occipital and frontonasal regions. The surgical outcome is reported to be satisfactory; however, the incidence of hydrocephalus in patients with encephaloceles is variable in the literature. This study investigated the relationship between the size of the encephaloceles and the occurrence of hydrocephalus.

Patient and Methods Data of all neonates with encephaloceles who presented to our institution from September 2012 to September 2014 were collected. Surgery was performed during the first 2 weeks of age. Encephaloceles with a maximal diameter > 10 cm were included in the study, and the clinical picture, surgical technique, pre- and postoperative imaging, and follow-up were analyzed.

Results Nineteen cases were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 7 months. Sixteen cases were occipital; three were frontal. In all patients the maximum diameter was > 10 cm. However, in four patients it was > 18 cm. Postoperative ventriculomegaly occurred in seven cases. Of these, four patients needed a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation (21%). Wound dehiscence occurred in two patients who required secondary sutures with a favorable outcome. One patient died 2 weeks after the surgery due to a poor general condition and wound infection.

Conclusion Early surgical excision provides effective treatment of huge encephaloceles. Overall, 21% of cases require cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion afterward depending on associated anomalies. Despite their size, giant encephaloceles can have an excellent prognosis with no need for further treatment or CSF diversion.
Effects of forest width on fish use of fringing mangroves in a highly urbanised tropical estuary
Authors: Dunbar Kimberley , Baker Ronald , Sheaves Marcus
Published: February 2017

The size and shape of a habitat patch can influence patterns of species utilisation. The present study examined how the width of fringing mangrove habitats affects the composition and use patterns of the fish assemblage using mangrove edge habitats on the flooding tide. Underwater cameras surveyed fish approaching mangrove habitats, ranging from a thin fringe 5m wide to forests over 75m wide, in a highly modified tropical estuary. The fish assemblage composition was similar across all mangrove widths, although the temporal patterns of use varied among mangrove widths for some species. The mean maximum number of individuals in the field of view was similar among mangrove widths, but fish were visible for a significantly greater proportion of time in videos from narrow (<20m) than wide (≥20m) mangrove stands (15v. 3% respectively). At least some fish were visible in the field of view in narrow mangrove fringes throughout the first hour of the flood tide, whereas in wide mangroves areas the presence of fish declined over time. The findings suggest that estuarine fish are using mangrove edge habitat regardless of width, making narrow mangroves viable habitats for estuarine fish.