bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave-induced response of a floating two-dimensional body with a moonpool
Authors: Fredriksen Arnt G. , Kristiansen Trygve , Faltinsen Odd M.
Published: December 2014

Regular wave-induced behaviour of a floating stationary two-dimensional body with a moonpool is studied. The focus is on resonant piston-mode motion in the moonpool and rigid-body motions. Dedicated two-dimensional experiments have been performed. Two numerical hybrid methods, which have previously been applied to related problems, are further developed. Both numerical methods couple potential and viscous flow. The semi-nonlinear hybrid method uses linear free-surface and body-boundary conditions. The other one uses fully nonlinear free-surface and body-boundary conditions. The harmonic polynomial cell method solves the Laplace equation in the potential flow domain, while the finite volume method solves the Navier–Stokes equations in the viscous flow domain near the body. Results from the two codes are compared with the experimental data. The nonlinear hybrid method compares well with the data, while certain discrepancies are observed for the semi-nonlinear method. In particular, the roll motion is over-predicted by the semi-nonlinear hybrid method. Error sources in the semi-nonlinear hybrid method are discussed. The moonpool strongly affects heave motions in a frequency range around the piston-mode resonance frequency of the moonpool. No resonant water motions occur in the moonpool at the piston-mode resonance frequency. Instead large moonpool motions occur at a heave natural frequency associated with small damping near the piston-mode resonance frequency.
Influence of motion coupling and nonlinear effects on parametric roll for a floating production storage and offloading platform
Authors: Greco M. , Lugni C. , Faltinsen O. M.
Published: December 2014

Occurrence and features of parametric roll (PR) on a weather-vaning floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) platform with a turret single-point mooring-line system are examined. The main focus is on the relevance of motions coupling and nonlinear effects on this phenomenon and on more general unstable conditions as well as on the occurrence and severity of water on deck. This work was motivated by recent experiments on an FPSO model without mooring systems highlighting the occurrence of parametric resonance owing to roll–yaw coupling. A three-dimensional numerical hybrid potential-flow seakeeping solver was able to capture this behaviour. The same method, extended to include the mooring lines, is adopted here to investigate the platform behaviour for different incident wavelengths, steepnesses, headings, locations of the turret and pretensions. From the results, sway and yaw tend to destabilize the system, also bringing chaotic features. The sway–roll–yaw coupling widens the existence region of PR resonance and increases PR severity; it also results in a larger amount of shipped water, especially at smaller wavelength-to-ship length ratio and larger steepness. The chaotic features are excited when a sufficiently large yaw amplitude is reached. Consistently, a simplified stability analysis showed the relevance of nonlinear-restoring coefficients, first those connected with the sway–yaw coupling then those associated with the roll–yaw coupling, both destabilizing. From the stability analysis, the system is unstable for all longitudinal locations of the turret and pre-tensions examined, but the instability weakens as the turret is moved forward, and the pre-tension is increased. The use of a suitable dynamic-positioning system can control the horizontal motions, avoiding the instability.
The interaction between steep waves and a surface-piercing column
Authors: Swan C. , Sheikh R.
Published: December 2014

Experimental observations are presented of a single surface-piercing column subject to a wide range of surface gravity waves. With the column diameter,
D
, chosen such that the flow lies within the drag-inertia regime, two types of high-frequency wave scattering are identified. The first is driven by the run-up and wash-down on the surface of the column in the vicinity of the upstream and downstream stagnation points. The second concerns the circulation of fluid around the column, leading to the scattering of a pair of non-concentric wavefronts. The phasing of the wave cycle at which this second mode evolves is dependent upon the time taken for fluid to move around the column. This introduces an additional time-scale, explaining why existing diffraction solutions, based upon a harmonic analysis of the incident waves, cannot describe this scattered component. The interaction between the scattered waves and the next (steep) incident wave can produce a large amplification of the scattered waves, particularly the second type. Evidence is provided to show that these interactions can produce highly localized free-surface effects, including vertical jetting, with important implications for the setting of deck elevations, the occurrence of wave slamming and the development of large run-up velocities.
Tissue-specific cancer paradox and mutation rates
Authors: Agoni Valentina
Published: December 2014

Some genes have ubiquitous expression patterns in an individual’s cells, thus a paradox exists whereby mutations in such genes are only strongly associated with cancers of specific tissues. As these genes are ubiquitously expressed in the body’s cells and thereby have functions in -potentially- all tissue types, then surely their resulting defects would manifest as cancers in all tissues?

We hypothesize that the different susceptibility to mutations could explain the ‘tissue-specific’ paradox for cancer.
Transcriptional analysis of a whole-body form of long-term habituation inAplysia californica
Authors: Holmes Geraldine , Herdegen Samantha , Schuon Jonathan , Cyriac Ashly , Lass Jamie , Conte Catherine , Calin-Jageman Irina E. , Calin-Jageman Robert J.
Published: December 2014

Habituation is the simplest form of learning, but we know little about the transcriptional mechanisms that encode long-term habituation memory. A key obstacle is that habituation is relatively stimulus-specific and is thus encoded in small sets of neurons, providing poor signal/noise ratios for transcriptional analysis. To overcome this obstacle, we have developed a protocol for producing whole-body long-term habituation of the siphon-withdrawal reflex (SWR) ofAplysia californica. Specifically, we constructed a computer-controlled brushing apparatus to apply low-intensity tactile stimulation over the entire dorsal surface ofAplysiaat regular intervals. We found that 3 d of training (10 rounds of stimulation/day; each round = 15 min brushing at a 10-sec ISI; 15-min rest between rounds) produces habituation with several characteristics favorable for mechanistic investigation. First, habituation is widespread, with SWR durations reduced whether the reflex is evoked by tactile stimulation to the head, tail, or the siphon. Second, long-term habituation is sensitive to the pattern of training, occurring only when brushing sessions are spaced out over 3 d rather than massed into a single session. Using a custom-designed microarray and quantitative PCR, we show that long-term habituation produces long-term up-regulation of an apparentAplysiahomolog of cornichon, a protein important for glutamate receptor trafficking. Our training paradigm provides a promising starting point for characterizing the transcriptional mechanisms of long-term habituation memory.
Hippocampus contributes to the maintenance but not the quality of visual information over time
Authors: Warren David E. , Duff Melissa C. , Cohen Neal J. , Tranel Daniel
Published: December 2014

The hippocampus has recently been implicated in the brief representation of visual information, but its specific role is not well understood. We investigated this role using a paradigm that distinguishes quantity and quality of visual memory as described in a previous study. We found that amnesic patients with bilateral hippocampal damage (N = 5) were less likely to remember test stimuli than comparison participants despite a brief maintenance interval (900 msec). However, estimates of memory quality were similar for all groups. Our findings suggest that the hippocampus contributes to brief maintenance of visual information but does not contribute to the quality of that information.
Genome-Based Metabolic Mapping and 13C Flux Analysis Reveal Systematic Properties of an Oleaginous Microalga Chlorella protothecoides
Authors: Wu Chao , Xiong Wei , Dai Junbiao , Wu Qingyu
Published: December 2014

Integrated and genome-based flux balance analysis, metabolomics, and 13C-label profiling of phototrophic and heterotrophic metabolism in Chlorella protothecoides, an oleaginous green alga for biofuel. The green alga Chlorella protothecoides, capable of autotrophic and heterotrophic growth with rapid lipid synthesis, is a promising candidate for biofuel production. Based on the newly available genome knowledge of the alga, we reconstructed the compartmentalized metabolic network consisting of 272 metabolic reactions, 270 enzymes, and 461 encoding genes and simulated the growth in different cultivation conditions with flux balance analysis. Phenotype-phase plane analysis shows conditions achieving theoretical maximum of the biomass and corresponding fatty acid-producing rate for phototrophic cells (the ratio of photon uptake rate to CO2 uptake rate equals 8.4) and heterotrophic ones (the glucose uptake rate to O2 consumption rate reaches 2.4), respectively. Isotope-assisted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry reveals higher metabolite concentrations in the glycolytic pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in heterotrophic cells compared with autotrophic cells. We also observed enhanced levels of ATP, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate), reduced, acetyl-Coenzyme A, and malonyl-Coenzyme A in heterotrophic cells consistently, consistent with a strong activity of lipid synthesis. To profile the flux map in experimental conditions, we applied nonstationary 13C metabolic flux analysis as a complementing strategy to flux balance analysis. The result reveals negligible photorespiratory fluxes and a metabolically low active tricarboxylic acid cycle in phototrophic C. protothecoides. In comparison, high throughput of amphibolic reactions and the tricarboxylic acid cycle with no glyoxylate shunt activities were measured for heterotrophic cells. Taken together, the metabolic network modeling assisted by experimental metabolomics and 13C labeling better our understanding on global metabolism of oleaginous alga, paving the way to the systematic engineering of the microalga for biofuel production.
Crystal structure of 2,2-dichloro-1-(piperidin-1-yl)ethanone
Authors: Schwierz Markus , Görls Helmar , Imhof Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

In the title compound, C7H11Cl2NO, the piperidine ring shows a chair conformation and the bond-angle sum at the N atom is 359.9°. The H atom of the dichloromethyl group is in an eclipsed conformation with respect to the carbonyl group (H—C—C=O = −5°). In the crystal, inversion dimers are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds between the dichloromethyl group and the carbonyl O atom, which generateR22(8) loops. The dimers are linked into a ladder-like structure propagating in the [100] direction by short O...Cl [3.1084 (9) Å] contacts.
Crystal structure ofN1,N1-diethyl-N4-[(quinolin-2-yl)methylidene]benzene-1,4-diamine
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Siddiqui Nazia , Javed Saleem
Published: December 2014

The title compound, C20H21N3, is non-planar with a dihedral angle between the planes of the quinoline and phenylenediamine rings of 9.40 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by C—H...π interactions, generating a chain extending along thea-axis direction. Weak C—H...π interactions also occur.
1,1′-{(Hexane-1,6-diyl)bis[(azaniumylylidene)methanylylidene]}bis(naphthalen-2-olate)
Authors: Ouari Kamel , Bendia Sabrina , Merzougui Moufida , Bailly Corinne
Published: December 2014

The whole molecule of the title Schiff base compound, C28H28N2O2, is generated by inversion symmetry. It is formed from two units ofortho-hydroxynaphthaldehyde bridged with 1,6-diaminohexane. The N atoms are protonated and, thus, the structure is a bis-zwitterionic compound in the solid state. The zwitterion shows strong intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the iminium N and the naphthalenolate O atoms.
Modelling the reasons for the use of vocational training in Australian enterprises
Authors: Smith Andrew , Oczkowski Edward
Published: December 2014

This paper analyses a unique data set to examine the determinants of the explicit reasons employers give for training employees in Australia. The nature of the data requires the use of multinomial logit methods to uncover how certain strategic, recruitment and organizational variables impact on the reasons employers provide for their training choices. The results highlight the complexity of training decision‐making in enterprises and show that numerous reasons are cited by employers for undertaking training. The most commonly identified training drivers relate to training strategy variables capturing the status of the organization as a registered training organization (RTO), the use of a business plan and strategic importance of training. In contrast, the relatively least important drivers are the level of staff permanence, occupational structure, occupational status and the number of employees. The complexity of training decisions suggests that policy‐makers should be cautious in following generic and simple solutions in trying to promote employer training.
The Buen Vivir: A Policy to Survive the Anthropocene?
Authors: Calisto Friant Martin , Langmore John
Published: December 2014

This article examines the ideology and the politics of buen vivir as the government of Rafael Correa in Ecuador has implemented them from 2007 to 2013. The analysis focuses on the implications of this model, which is based on a traditional Andean world view. The article first explores the main components of buen vivir including its focus on strengthening democratic participation and environmental justice. Second, the implementation of this ideology is analysed through a review of the new constitution and government policies. Third, key outcomes are assessed through various social and economic indicators. Fourth, a critical approach to the government's interpretation of buen vivir is taken and the many contradictions and inconsistencies in its implementation are unfolded. Nevertheless, the policies of buen vivir have the potential to create innovative and inspiring solutions, especially in the face of the environmental and social challenges brought by the anthropocene.
Hypoxia disrupts proteostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Fawcett Emily M. , Hoyt Jill M. , Johnson Jenna K. , Miller Dana L.
Published: December 2014

Oxygen is fundamentally important for cell metabolism, and as a consequence, O2 deprivation (hypoxia) can impair many essential physiological processes. Here, we show that an active response to hypoxia disrupts cellular proteostasis – the coordination of protein synthesis, quality control, and degradation that maintains the functionality of the proteome. We have discovered that specific hypoxic conditions enhance the aggregation and toxicity of aggregation‐prone proteins that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Our data indicate this is an active response to hypoxia, rather than a passive consequence of energy limitation. This response to hypoxia is partially antagonized by the conserved hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor, hif‐1. We further demonstrate that exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects animals from hypoxia‐induced disruption of proteostasis. H2S has been shown to protect against hypoxic damage in mammals and extends lifespan in nematodes. Remarkably, our data also show that H2S can reverse detrimental effects of hypoxia on proteostasis. Our data indicate that the protective effects of H2S in hypoxia are mechanistically distinct from the effect of H2S to increase lifespan and thermotolerance, suggesting that control of proteostasis and aging can be dissociated. Together, our studies reveal a novel effect of the hypoxia response in animals and provide a foundation to understand how the integrated proteostasis network is integrated with this stress response pathway.
Relationship of Impaired‐Driving Enforcement Intensity to Drinking and Driving on the Roads
Authors: Fell James C. , Waehrer Geetha , Voas Robert B. , Auld‐Owens Amy , Carr Katherine , Pell Karen
Published: December 2014

Background

It is principally the area of enforcement that offers the greatest opportunity for reducing alcohol‐impaired driving in the near future. How much of a reduction in drinking and driving would be achieved by how much improvement in enforcement intensity?

Methods

We developed logistic regression models to explore how enforcement intensity (6 different measures) related to the prevalence of weekend nighttime drivers in the 2007 National Roadside Survey who had been drinking (blood alcohol concentration [BAC] ≥ 0.00 g/dl), who had BACs ≥ 0.05 g/dl, and who were driving with an illegal BAC ≥ 0.08 g/dl.

Results

Drivers on the roads in our sample of 30 communities who were exposed to fewer than 228 traffic stops per 10,000 population aged 18 and older had 2.4 times the odds of being BAC positive, 3.6 times the odds of driving with a BAC ≥ 0.05, and 3.8 times the odds of driving with a BAC ≥ 0.08 compared to those drivers on the roads in communities with more than 1,275 traffic stops per 10,000 population. Drivers on the roads in communities with fewer than 3.7 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests per 10,000 population had 2.7 times the odds of BAC‐positive drivers on the roads compared to communities with the highest intensity of DUI arrest activity (>38 DUI arrests per 10,000 population).

Conclusions

The number of traffic stops and DUI arrests per capita were significantly associated with the odds of drinking and driving on the roads in these communities. This might reflect traffic enforcement visibility. The findings in this study may help law enforcement agencies around the country adjust their traffic enforcement intensity to reduce impaired driving in their community.
Exposure to Alcohol Outlets in Rural Towns
Authors: Morrison Christopher
Published: December 2014

Background

Lower‐income populations are exposed to excess risks related to the presence of greater concentrations of alcohol outlets in their communities. Theory from economic geography suggests this is due to dynamic processes that shape urban retail markets (as outlets are attracted to areas of higher population density due to the increased demand but are excluded from higher‐income areas due to land and structure rents). This mechanism may explain increased exposure to alcohol outlets for lower‐income populations in rural areas. This study tests the hypothesis that the distribution of outlets between rural towns will reflect these market dynamics, such that outlets are concentrated in towns with (i) greater resident and temporary populations, (ii) with lower income, and (iii) which are adjacent to towns with higher income.

Method

Bayesian conditional autoregressive Poisson models examined counts of bars, restaurants, and off‐premise outlets within 353 discrete towns of rural Victoria, Australia (mean population = 4,236.0, SD = 15,754.1). Independent variables were each town's total resident population, net changes to population (due to commuter flow, visitors, and the flow of local residents to other towns [spatial interaction]), and income for the local and adjacent towns.

Results

Lower local income and increased income in adjacent towns were associated with more outlets of all types. Greater resident populations and greater net population due to commuters also predicted greater numbers of all outlets. Bars and restaurants were positively related to greater net population due to visitors and negatively related to spatial interaction.

Conclusions

The economic geographic processes that lead to greater concentrations of alcohol outlets in lower‐income areas are common to all retail markets. Lower‐income populations are exposed to increased risk associated with the presence of additional outlets that service demand from nonresidents. In rural areas, these processes appear to operate between discrete towns.
Efficacy of a smoking prevention programme in Catalan secondary schools: a cluster‐randomized controlled trial in Spain
Authors: Valdivieso López Empar , Rey‐Reñones Cristina , Rodriguez‐Blanco Teresa , Ferre Grau Carmen , Arija Victoria , Barrera Uriarte Maria Luisa , Granado‐Font Esther , Flores‐Mateo Gemma ,   the TAB_ES Study Group
Published: December 2014

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of a school‐based educational programme in reducing the incidence and prevalence of smoking in secondary school students (compulsory secondary education: CSE) in Catalonia (Spain).

Design

Cluster‐randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Schools in the Tarragona Health Care Region of Spain.

Participants

All students enrolled in the first year of CSE during the 2007–08 school year in the 29 participating schools (n = 2245); 1583 students completed the follow‐up over the 4‐year study period (804 and 779 in the control and intervention groups, respectively).

Measures

Self‐reported questionnaires were administered during the first quarter of the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 school years. A smoker was defined as ‘smoking cigarettes daily or occasionally within the past 30 days’. Multi‐level logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse the prevalence and incidence of smoking between the intervention and control groups.

Intervention

A school‐based educational programme comprising seven modules, each with a different approach to smoking habits. Each module included activities, work‐shops and/or class sessions.

Findings

The initial prevalence of smokers in the control and intervention groups who completed the follow‐up was 3.9% and 4.2%, respectively. At the end of the study, the prevalence of smokers was 24.4% in the control group and 19.9% in the intervention group. The accumulated incidence of new smokers was 230.57/1000 in the control group and 183.65/1000 in the intervention group. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the intervention group with the control group was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49, 1.15] for smoking prevalence, and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.48, 1.14) for smoking incidence.

Conclusions

A school‐based educational intervention for secondary school students in Catalonia, Spain was not found to lead to a statistically significant reduction of smoking prevalence and incidence.
Cloud‐Based Privacy‐Preserving Remote ECG Monitoring and Surveillance
Authors: Page Alex , Kocabas Ovunc , Soyata Tolga , Aktas Mehmet , Couderc Jean‐Philippe
Published: December 2014

Background

The number of technical solutions for monitoring patients in their daily activities is expected to increase significantly in the near future. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, BMI, oxygen saturation, and electrolytes are few of the physiologic factors that will soon be available to patients and their physicians almost continuously. The availability and transfer of this information from the patient to the health provider raises privacy concerns. Moreover, current data encryption approaches expose patient data during processing, therefore restricting their utility in applications requiring data analysis.

Methods

We propose a system that couples health monitoring techniques with analytic methods to permit the extraction of relevant information from patient data without compromising privacy. This proposal is based on the concept of fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). Since this technique is known to be resource‐heavy, we develop a proof‐of‐concept to assess its practicality. Results are presented from our prototype system, which mimics live QT monitoring and detection of drug‐induced QT prolongation.

Results

Transferring FHE‐encrypted QT and RR samples requires about 2 Mbps of network bandwidth per patient. Comparing FHE‐encrypted values—‐for example, comparing QTc to a given threshold—runs quickly enough on modest hardware to alert the doctor of important results in real‐time.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that FHE could be used to securely transfer and analyze ambulatory health monitoring data. We present a unique concept that could represent a disruptive type of technology with broad applications to multiple monitoring devices. Future work will focus on performance optimizations to accelerate expansion to these other applications.
Pulsatile Venoarterial Perfusion Using a Novel Synchronized Cardiac Assist Device Augments Coronary Artery Blood Flow During Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Cremers Bodo , Link Andreas , Werner Christian , Gorhan Holger , Simundic Ivo , Matheis Georg , Scheller Bruno , Böhm Michael , Laufs Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Patients with cardiogenic shock have a very high mortality. Here we report the first use of a percutaneous pulsatile cardiac assist device, based on a diagonal pump synchronized with the heart cycle by means of an electrocardiographic signal in adult pigs. Eight domestic pigs underwent mandatory ventilation. During sinus rhythm, there were no differences between pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion with regard to pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulse pressure, and mean coronary artery flow (CAF). After 2 min of complete cardiac arrest (ventricular fibrillation), circulatory support with the i‐cor in venoarterial nonpulsatile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) mode (3 L/min) restored systemic circulation, with an increase of MAP to 78.3 mm Hg and CAF to 5.27 mL/min. After changing from ECMO settings to pulsatile mode (3 L/min, 75 bpm, pulse amplitude range 3500 rpm), MAP did not change significantly (75.6 mm Hg); however, CAF increased to 8.45 mL/min. After changing back to nonpulsatile mode, MAP remained stable (83.6 mm Hg), but CAF decreased to 4.85 mL/min. Thereafter, pulsatile cardiac assist was established with a reduced blood flow of 2.5 L/min, and the pulse amplitude range was extended to 4500 rpm. Under these conditions, MAP remained stable (71.0 mm Hg), but CAF significantly increased to 15.2 mL/min (P < 0.05). Percutaneous cardiac support using a venoarterial cardiac assist device equipped with a novel diagonal pump is able to restore and increase systemic and coronary circulation during ventricular fibrillation. Electrocardiographically triggered synchronized cardiac assist provides an additional increase of coronary artery flow. These promising results are to be confirmed in humans.
Advances in reduced port laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Ban Daisuke , Kudo Atsushi , Irie Takumi , Ochiai Takanori , Aihara Arihiro , Matsumura Satoshi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: December 2014

Reduced port surgery has been attracting attention in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Although the use of SILS is becoming widespread, technical difficulty has delayed its adoption for laparoscopic liver resection. Recently, advances in laparoscopic liver resection have been made in tandem with advances in surgical skill and devices. The main driver in conventional laparoscopic liver resection's evolution to become less surgically invasive seems to be single‐incision laparoscopic liver resection (SILLR). To date, most reports on SILLR have been single case reports or case series. Only a few cohort studies on conventional laparoscopic surgery and SILLR have been conducted. Recent reports have described the use of SILLR for well‐localized lesions and solitary tumors located in the anterolateral segments of the liver or left liver lobe, but its application remains limited to partial resection and left lateral sectionectomy. The feasibility and safety of SILLR have been demonstrated, but additional work is needed for standardization of the procedure.
Metabolic response to selenium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Jamilian Mehri , Razavi Maryamalsadat , Fakhrie Kashan Zohreh , Ghandi Yasser , Bagherian Tayebeh , Asemi Zatollah
Published: December 2014

Objective

We are aware of no study examining the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid concentrations in women with PCOS.

Design, patients and measurements

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 70 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 200 μg per day selenium supplements (N = 35) or placebo (N = 35) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks intervention to quantify glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations.

Results

After 8 weeks of intervention, subjects who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum insulin levels (−29·83 ± 47·29 vs +9·07 ± 77·12 pmol/l, P = 0·013), homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (−1·15 ± 1·81 vs +0·42 ± 3·09, P = 0·011), homeostatic model assessment‐beta‐cell function (HOMA‐B) (−19·06 ± 30·95 vs +4·55 ± 47·99, P = 0·017) and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0·03 ± 0·04 vs +0·0009 ± 0·05, P = 0·032) compared with placebo. In addition, supplementation with selenium resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (−0·14 ± 0·55 vs +0·11 ± 0·30 mmol/l, P = 0·025) and VLDL‐C concentrations (−0·03 ± 0·11 vs +0·02 ± 0·06 mmol/l, P = 0·025) compared with placebo.

Conclusions

In conclusion, 200 microgram per day selenium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism parameters, triglycerides and VLDL‐C levels; however, it did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.
Possible benefits of robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery regarding urological and sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Broholm M. , Pommergaard H.‐C. , Gögenür I.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Robot‐assisted surgery for rectal cancer may result in lower rates of urogenital dysfunction compared with laparoscopic surgery. A systematic review was conducted of studies reporting urogenital dysfunction after robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery.

Method

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched in February 2014. All studies investigating urogenital function after robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery were identified. The inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis studies required comparison of robot‐assisted with laparoscopic surgery and the evaluation of urological and sexual function by validated questionnaire. The outcome was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

Ten studies including 689 patients were included. For the meta‐analysis this fell to four including 152 patients in the robotic group and 161 in the laparoscopic group, without heterogeneity. The IPSS score at 3 and 12 months favoured robot‐assisted surgery [mean difference (MD) −1.58; 95% CI (−3.1, −0.0), [P = 0.04; and MD −0.90 (−1.81, −0.02), P = 0.05]. IIEF scores at 3 months’ follow‐up [MD −2.59 (−4.25, −0.94),] P = 0.002] and 6 months’ follow‐up [MD −3.06 (−4.53, −1.59), P = 0.0001] were better after robot‐assisted than laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion

Although there were few data and no randomized controlled trials the results of the review suggested that robot‐assisted surgery resulted in improved urogenital function than after laparoscopy.
Modernity and Matrifocality: The Feminization of Kinship?
Authors: Jackson Cecile
Published: December 2014

The extensive analytical focus on how gender relations in working lives, employment, education, political engagement and public life change under modernity needs extension into a consideration of the ways in which kinship and relatedness have also been changing. This article argues that relatedness under modernity tends towards matrifocality. This is explored through looking at broad patterns of social change in kinship practices across a range of societies experiencing transitions towards modernities over the past fifty years, and at how state and NGO development and social protection programmes contribute to this matrifocal turn.
New reports of Bursaphelenchus species associated with conifer trees in Romania
Authors: Calin M. , Costache C. , Braasch H. , Zaulet M. , Buburuzan L. , Petrovan V. , Dumitru M. , Mota M. , Vieira P.
Published: December 2014

The 2013 annual monitoring programme for the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, analysed a total of 267 wood samples collected from declining or symptomatic coniferous trees distributed among national forests, gardens, public parks, distribution centres, wood‐processing industries, as well as 104 samples collected from wood packing material originated from several other countries. From a total of eight species found, five have been previously reported from Romania, while three other species (Bursaphelenchus abietinus, Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus and Bursaphelenchus fuchsi) represent new findings for Romania. In addition, B. mucronatus was found in packing wood originated from Russia. Herein, we provide a morphological, morphometric and molecular characterization for the new species found for Romania. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was not detected.
Observational cohort study on correlates of mortality in older community‐dwelling outpatients: The value of functional assessment
Authors: Bahat Gulistan , Tufan Fatih , Bahat Zumrut , Tufan Asli , Aydin Yucel , Akpinar Timur Selcuk , Erten Nilgun , Karan Mehmet Akif
Published: December 2014

Aim

To analyze correlates of mortality with admission features/factors in older community‐dwelling outpatients.

Method

This is an observational cohort study including 608 patients aged >60 years admitted to the geriatrics outpatient clinics of a university hospital. On admission, demographic characteristics, history of smoking‐alcohol consumption, individual comorbidities, individual drugs, number of comorbidities, number of drugs and the components of comprehensive geriatric assessment (functional status, nutritional status, depression and cognition screening) of the patients were recorded. Survival status was assessed through the related official website. The relationship between mortality and recorded parameters were analyzed individually by univariate analyses. Consequently, stepwise forward Cox regression analysis was carried out to detect independent correlates for mortality (for those variables statistically significantly related to mortality.)

Results

The mean age was 73.8 ± 6.9 years. 66.6% of participants were female. The mean follow‐up time was 40.4 ± 25.3 months. The mortality rate was 17.8%. Correlates of mortality were calculated using univariate analysis. They were age, sex, nutritional status, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001 for all), suspected dementia (P = 0.002), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.048) and total number of diseases (P = 0.025). Independent correlates of mortality were advanced age (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.13; P < 0.001, low ADL score (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12–1.32; P < 0.001), the presence of diabetes (HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.78–3.91, P < 0.001), male sex (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13–2.49; P = 0.01) and suspected dementia (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.22; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In the present study – taking many factors into consideration – the variables associated with mortality were advanced age, low ADL score, presence of diabetes, male sex and suspected dementia. Functional status emerged as the second most significant factor associated with higher mortality – after advanced age. The present study highlights the importance of functional assessment in geriatric outpatient clinics. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1219–1226.
Hot Pressing of Infrared‐Transparent Y2O3–MgO Nanocomposites Using Sol–Gel Combustion Synthesized Powders
Authors: Xu Shengquan , Li Jiang , Li Chaoyu , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun
Published: December 2014

A sol–gel combustion method has been used to synthesize Y2O3–50 vol%MgO composite nanopowders. Solutions of the precursor nitrates were mixed with citric acid and ethylene glycol, heated from 200°C to a predetermined temperature gradually, giving nanocrystalline ceramic powders. The influence of the ratio of yttrium nitrate to the whole precursor mixture and the holding temperature on the properties of the composite nanopowder was investigated using a combination of thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, specific surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. When the ratio of yttrium nitrate to the whole precursor mixture reaches 22.5 mol%, the average particle size of synthesized composite nanopowder is 13 nm and the specific surface area is 45.9 m2/g. Then the synthesized Y2O3–MgO composite nanopowder was consolidated by the hot‐pressing technique at 1200°C with different dwell time. As a result, the nanocomposite ceramic prepared with a dwell time of 60 min got the highest transmittance of 75% at 5 μm wavelength. The cut‐off wavelength of Y2O3–MgO nanocomposite ceramic reaches 9.8 μm, which is superior to other mid‐IR transparent materials. In addition, the fabricated sample is more or less transparent in visible wavelengths and the transmittance at 0.8 μm is as high as 14.5%.
Effects of Tow‐Scale Holes on the Mechanical Performance of a 3D Woven C/SiC Composite
Authors: Shaw John H. , Rossol Michael N. , Marshall David B. , Zok Frank W.
Published: December 2014

This article addresses the effects of small holes (1–2 mm in diameter) on the tensile properties of a woven C/SiC composite. Holes are introduced by one of two methods: by insertion of fugitive rods into the woven preform before adding the matrix or by drilling after panel fabrication. The tensile strength exhibits only a weak sensitivity to the presence of holes, regardless of the manner in which the holes are introduced. Nevertheless, woven holes appear to be somewhat less detrimental to strength. The effects are attributed to the fact that the tows in specimens with woven holes are locally intact and thus contribute to load‐bearing. Full‐field strain maps reveal strong spatial periodicity, reflecting the underlying crack pattern and weave geometry. Even when averaged over lengths equal to the unit cell dimensions, the strains exhibit periodicity, with a wavelength dictated by the unit cell dimensions. When holes are present, the strain patterns reflect a convolution of the effects of weave geometry and strain concentrations near the holes. The results have implications for development of high‐fidelity models for these composites: notably, in selection of a suitable representative volume element and for modeling schemes that capture the stochastic nature of cracking.
Acoustic Signal Emission Monitoring as a Novel Method to Predict Steam Pops During Radiofrequency Ablation: Preliminary Observations
Authors: CHIK WILLIAM W.B. , KOSOBRODOV ROMAN , BHASKARAN ABHISHEK , BARRY MICHAEL ANTHONY (TONY) , NGUYEN DOAN TRANG , POULIOPOULOS JIM , BYTH KAREN , SIVAGANGABALAN GOPAL , THOMAS STUART P. , ROSS DAVID L. , MCEWAN ALISTAIR , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA
Published: December 2014

Acoustic Emissions to Predict Steam Pops During RFA

Steam pop is an explosive rupture of cardiac tissue caused by tissue overheating above 100 °C, resulting in steam formation, predisposing to serious complications associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablations. However, there are currently no reliable techniques to predict the occurrence of steam pops. We propose the utility of acoustic signals emitted during RF ablation as a novel method to predict steam pop formation and potentially prevent serious complications.

Methods

Radiofrequency generator parameters (power, impedance, and temperature) were temporally recorded during ablations performed in an in vitro bovine myocardial model. The acoustic system consisted of HTI‐96‐min hydrophone, microphone preamplifier, and sound card connected to a laptop computer. The hydrophone has the frequency range of 2 Hz to 30 kHz and nominal sensitivity in the range −240 to −165 dB. The sound was sampled at 96 kHz with 24‐bit resolution. Output signal from the hydrophone was fed into the camera audio input to synchronize the video stream. An automated system was developed for the detection and analysis of acoustic events.

Results

Nine steam pops were observed. Three distinct sounds were identified as warning signals, each indicating rapid steam formation and its release from tissue. These sounds had a broad frequency range up to 6 kHz with several spectral peaks around 2–3 kHz. Subjectively, these warning signals were perceived as separate loud clicks, a quick succession of clicks, or continuous squeaking noise. Characteristic acoustic signals were identified preceding 80% of pops occurrence. Six cardiologists were able to identify 65% of acoustic signals accurately preceding the pop. An automated system identified the characteristic warning signals in 85% of cases. The mean time from the first acoustic signal to pop occurrence was 46 ± 20 seconds. The automated system had 72.7% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for predicting pops.

Conclusions

Easily identifiable characteristic acoustic emissions predictably occur before imminent steam popping during RF ablations. Such acoustic emissions can be carefully monitored during an ablation and may be useful to prevent serious complications during RF delivery.
Transcriptional responses of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larvae to benzoxazinoids
Authors: Miller N. J. , Zhao Z.
Published: December 2014

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera is a specialist pest of maize. As such, D. v. virgifera may be expected to have adaptations to cope with maize defences, including benzoxazinoids, the major defensive secondary metabolites of Poaceae. Exposure of D. v. virgifera larvae to benzoxazinoids was manipulated by rearing them on benzoxazinoid biosynthesis deficient mutant maize or a related wild‐type maize line. The transcriptional profiles of larvae fed on wild‐type or mutant maize were analysed by second generation sequencing. Nine transcripts were identified as differentially expressed between larvae fed on the two maize lines. Five transcripts were expressed at a higher level in larvae exposed to benzoxazinoids, including putative cytochrome P450 and cathepsin protease genes. These results support the hypothesis of an inducible counter defence to benzoxazinoids in D. v. virgifera, possibly involving cytochrome P450‐mediated detoxification.
Effects of benzoxazinoids on specialist and generalistDiabroticaspecies
Authors: Alouw J. C. , Miller N. J.
Published: December 2014

Benzoxazinoids are constitutively produced secondary metabolites in maize that protect the plant from the negative effects of insect herbivores. In this study, we determined the effects of benzoxazinoids on the maize specialistDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaand a congeneric generalistDiabrotica undecimpunctata howardi. We compared the survival, growth and development of larvae fed on maize line 428G, which is defective in benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, and H88, the wild‐type parental line of 428G with normal benzoxazinoid production. There were no negative effects of benzoxazinoids on survival, growth and development of either western corn rootworm or southern corn rootworm. Western corn rootworms gained more weight than southern corn rootworms when feeding on benzoxazinoid‐containing corn. Our results support the hypothesis that specialist and generalist insects respond distinctly to benzoxazinoids.
Development of insects under fluctuating temperature: a review and case study
Authors: Wu T.‐H. , Shiao S.‐F. , Okuyama T.
Published: December 2014

The relationship between temperature and the developmental rate of organisms is crucial for understanding a variety of biological processes. It is common to use an average‐based index of temperature, for example degree‐days, for examining the relationship; and relatively little attention has been given to the variance of temperature. In this study, we examined the importance of temperature fluctuation on the development of organisms by compiling published studies. Published studies have shown highly variable results where the developmental rate was sometimes higher and sometimes lower under static temperature compared with variable temperature. A laboratory experiment on Megaselia scalaris showed that M. scalaris developed faster under fluctuating temperature than static temperature. We tested an additive model to predict the effect of fluctuating temperature on development and found that the model was inadequate for making quantitative predictions. However, some qualitative predictions, for example temperature fluctuation has a positive or negative effect, can be successfully predicted by the additive model. Our results show that the effect of temperature on developmental rate is not completely additive and average‐based indices such as degree‐days cannot be used when quantitative predictions are required.
Egg cannibalism by ladybird larvae is less frequent than expected from the nutritional benefit accrued to cannibals
Authors: Martini X. , Garrigues J.‐F. , Hemptinne J.‐L.
Published: December 2014

Egg cannibalism is a widespread phenomenon in predatory arthropods. However, conflicting results have been reported regarding the nutritional value of conspecific eggs. Therefore, evaluation of the value of a mixed diet of conspecific eggs and aphids for survival and growth of Adalia bipunctata (Coccinellidae) larvae was tested. Subsequently, the propensity for cannibalism of naive and experienced larvae was assessed in two experiments in which the relative density and quality of conspecific eggs were manipulated in an experimental arena. It was found that larvae that were fed a mixed diet of conspecific eggs and aphids moulted into larger adults than those fed either aphids or eggs, and those that fed on conspecific eggs lost less mass than those fed only aphids during pupal stage. Additionally, in an experimental arena, attacks on aphids were more frequent than expected when conspecific eggs occupied 50% and 75% of the patches. When 50% of patches were occupied by conspecific eggs, the preference for aphids was less marked when larvae had previously experienced cannibalism (76% vs. 52% respectively) or when offered in the arena conspecific egg the cuticular hydrocarbons of which had been removed (76% vs. 48%, respectively). However, cannibalism was not enhanced if larvae experienced heterospecific prey shortages, but were supplemented with an artificial diet. Given that prey choice in A. bipunctata larvae is driven by chemical cues and that hydrocarbons on the egg surfaces and in larval tracks are very similar, we hypothesize that the naive larvae avoid eggs because of the uncertainty that those hydrocarbons indicate either eggs or conspecific larvae.
The State of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Training: A Survey of Faculty from Accredited Couple and Family Therapy Programs
Authors: McGeorge Christi R. , Stone Carlson Thomas
Published: December 2014

This study explored the state of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative training in the couple and family therapy field. LGB affirmative refers to holding positive views of LGB identities and relationships. A total of 117 faculty members completed the online survey for this study. Participants were asked to respond to items on the following topics: LGB affirmative stances, LGB affirmative program environment, LGB affirmative course content, self‐of‐the‐therapist work, and professional opportunities to work with LGB topics and clients. The findings of this study were encouraging as participants reported holding positive beliefs about LGB individuals, that their training programs had fairly affirmative program environments, and that LGB affirmative course content was included in their program curriculum.