bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Thrombin Inhibitors on Tissue Plasminogen Activator Induced Thrombolysis in a Rat Model
Authors: Klement Petr , Borm Anita , Hirsh Jack , Maraganore John , Wilson Gregory , Weitz Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

Successful coronary thrombolysis depends on rapidly restoring blood flow and maintaining patency of the infarct-related artery. Although widely used as an adjunct to lytic therapy, heparin is limited in its ability to produce these effects. Since the limitations of heparin may reflect its inability to inactivate clot-bound thrombin, we developed a rat model of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) induced thrombolysis to compare doses of heparin, hirudin, hirulog (a synthetic hirudin-derived peptide), and D-Phe-Pro-ArgCH2Cl (PPACK) that produced a 4-fold prolongation of the baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) with saline in terms of their ability to accelerate thrombolysis and to prevent reocclusion. A thrombus rich in red cells and fibrin was formed in the distal aorta by applying an external constrictor after denuding the endothelium with a balloon catheter. Thrombolysis was induced with t-PA (1 mg/kg bolus, followed by 1 mg kg–1 h–1 over 30 min) and the rats were then randomized to receive a concomitant 80 min infusion of a thrombin inhibitor or saline. By continuously monitoring blood flow and pre- and post-stenotic blood pressures, the time to clot lysis, and the number of reocclusions were determined. Compared to saline, heparin had no significant effect on these variables. In contrast, hirudin, hirulog, and PPACK significantly (p <0.01) increased the percentage of the time that the vessel remained patent from 63.9 ± 7.7 to 90.7 ± 2.2, 94.0 ± 0.9, and 94.7 ± 1.0%, respectively by significantly (p <0.01) decreasing the number of reocclusions. The superiority of the antithrombin III-independent inhibitors over heparin supports the hypothesis that the limited effectiveness of heparin in this setting reflects its inability to inactivate clot-bound thrombin. Compared to saline, hirulog and PPACK also significantly (p <0.02) accelerated the time to thrombolysis from 10.5 ± 2.3 to 4.4 ± 0.6, and 4.2 ± 0.8 min, respectively, whereas heparin and hirudin did not. The ability of the lower molecular weight inhibitors of thrombin to accelerate lysis may reflect their greater accessibility to clot-bound thrombin. These findings raise the possibility that the antithrombin III-independent inhibitors of thrombin may not be equally effective as adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy with t-PA.
Inhibition of Fibrinolytic Activity In-Vivo by Dexamethasone Is Counterbalanced by an Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation
Authors: van Giezen J J J , Jansen J W C M
Published: July 2018

Dexamethasone decreases the fibrinolytic activity in cultured medium of several cell types by an induction of PAI-1 synthesis. As a result of this enhanced PAI-1 synthesis a prothrombotic state is expected in patients treated with dexamethasone. However, such a prothrombotic state is not reported as a major adverse effect. We have studied the effects of dexamethasone (dose range: 0.1–3.0 mg/kg) on the fibrinolytic system of rats after a 5 day pretreatment period. It appeared that dexamethasone dose dependently decreased the fibrinolytic activity (a dose of 1 mg/kg showed a reduction of about 40%). This reduced fibrinolytic activity could be functionally translated into an increased thrombus size as measured with a venous thrombosis model: thrombus size was increased by 50% with 1 mg/kg dexamethasone. No effects could be measured on the coagulation system, but it appeared that ex-vivo measured platelet aggregation was dose dependently inhibited by dexamethasone treatment. This effect resulted in-vivo in prolonged obstruction times as measured with a modified aorta-loop model. These results indicate that the expected prothrombotic state due to a diminished fibrinolytic activity caused by dexamethasone is counterbalanced by an inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Defect of Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion Induced by Autoantibodies Against Platelet Glycoprotein IIIa
Authors: Balduini Carlo L , Bertolino Giampiera , Noris Patrizia , Piovella Franco , Sinigaglia Fabiola , Bellotti Vittorio , Samaden Anna , Torti Mauro , Mazzini Giuliano
Published: July 2018

A young patient developed chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Prednisone therapy normalized platelet number, but bleeding symptoms did not disappear. Platelet function was severely impaired, since platelet aggregation, ATP release and adhesion to collagen and subendothelial matrix were significantly reduced. Plasma and purified immunoglobulins of the patient reproduced the functional defects in normal platelets. Immunoblotting revealed that patient’s plasma contained an antibody reacting with a component of platelets with the same electrophoretic mobility of glycoproteins IIIa of normal platelets. Moreover, patient’s plasma inhibited the binding of an anti-GPIIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody to platelet surface. Additional immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone and azathioprine normalized platelet function and induced the disappearance of bleeding symptoms.
Studies of Fibrinogen Binding to Platelets by Flow Cytometry: An Improved Method for Studies of Platelet Activation
Authors: Lindahl Tomas L , Festin Roger , Larsson Anders
Published: July 2018

Platelet function is dependent upon membrane receptors and their interaction with other proteins. Platelet activation appears to cause a structural change of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex that exposes the fibrinogen binding site, which subsequently binds fibrinogen. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry (FACS) is an efficient method for studying membrane proteins. Flow cytometry gives single-cell data, allowing the detection of only a small proportion of labelled platelets in whole blood without any washing steps. One problem with this method is that the labelled antibodies and the antigen, if present in plasma, form an immune complex, which may cause false positive reactions due to interaction between mammalian IgG and Fcγ receptors on the platelets.

We show that immune complexes with chicken IgG do not activate human platelets. We have developed a method for measuring platelet-bound fibrinogen in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma utilising fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated chicken antibodies directed towards human fibrinogen. As low as 1% activated platelets could be detected without interference from Fc-interactions.
Chances of Improvement in Cases of Vestibular Schwannoma Presenting with Facial Nerve Weakness: Presentation of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Rizk Ahmed , Mehlitz Marcus , Bettag Martin
Published: July 2018

Background and Study Aim Facial nerve (FN) weakness as a presenting feature in vestibular schwannoma (VS) is extremely rare. We are presenting two different cases of VS with significant facial weakness and reviewed the literature for similar cases.

Methods and Results We are presenting two cases of VS with significant facial weakness. The first case was a 63-year-old male patient presented with 3 weeks' history of severe left-sided facial weakness (House–Brackmann [HB] grade V) and hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a tumor in the left internal auditory canal. Gross total removal with anatomical and physiological FN preservation was performed through a retrosigmoid approach under neurophysiological monitoring. FN function improved postoperatively to HB grade II after 16 months. The other case was 83-year-old male patient presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and severe facial weakness (HB grade V). MRI of the brain 2.5 years before showed a left-sided (Class-T3A) cystic VS. The tumor was asymptomatic; wait-and-scan strategy was advised by the treating neurologist. Recent MRI of the brain showed approximately three times enlargement of the tumor with brain stem compression, extensive cystic changes, and suspected intratumoral hemorrhage. Surgery was performed; the tumor was subtotally removed through a retrosigmoid approach with intraoperative FN monitoring. The FN was anatomically preserved; however, physiological preservation was not possible. Severe facial weakness with incomplete lid closure persisted postoperatively.

Conclusion Surgical treatment could be offered to cases of suspected VS presenting with facial weakness, as these cases may still have a chance for improvement especially in laterally located tumors.
Diffuse Loss of Vertebral Body Height and Marrow Changes in a 4-Year-Old with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Hostmeyer Sean , Massak Mark , Cauley Keith A.
Published: July 2018

Acute leukemia can present with a wide range of symptoms and with no classic osseous findings on radiographs. Recognizing subtle imaging abnormalities and raising the possibility of a lymphoproliferative or hematologic pathology may facilitate early diagnosis. Described here is a case of a 4-year-old with back pain that was found to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia with diffuse loss of vertebral body height on plain film radiographs, and with prominent discs, and diffusely abnormal marrow signal on magnetic resonance imaging.
Upper Extremity Catheter Angiography: Indications, Techniques, Anatomy, and Classic Cases
Authors: Shin David , Magill David , Johnson Guy , Ingraham Christopher , Kogut Matthew , Monroe Eric
Published: July 2018

Catheter arteriography of the upper extremity has become an infrequent procedure in modern practice given the advancements in computed tomography/magnetic resonance angiography (CT/MRA). However, catheter angiography continues to have major diagnostic and interventional roles in certain pathophysiologic conditions. This article discusses the indications and techniques of upper extremity catheter angiography, and presents classic cases to demonstrate key anatomic, diagnostic, and interventional considerations.
Pech mit der Gesundheit – Glück in der Krankheit
Authors: Leidinger Friedrich
Published: July 2018

Ausgehend von ihrer Begriffsgeschichte werden Gesundheit und Krankheit als unterschiedliche Formen menschlicher Existenz beschrieben, die sich nicht gegenseitig verneinen. Eine Kasuistik zeigt, dass auch von einer schweren Erkrankung mit eingeschränkter Lebensqualität und -zeit Betroffene Glück und Erfüllung erleben können. Als Voraussetzungen hierfür werden eine offene Suchhaltung („Serendipity“), Kohärenz, Empowerment und ein an den Erfahrungen der Selbsthilfe orientiertes Behandlungsziel („Recovery“) beschrieben. Die Herausforderungen für das psychiatrische Hilfesystem werden diskutiert.
The Grand Projet politics of an urban age: urban megaprojects in Asia and Europe
Authors: Hanakata Naomi C. , Gasco Anna
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a comprehensive study of large-scale, master-planned urban developments in Asia and Europe. Increasing in numbers all over the world since the 1980’s, these urban mega-projects—here referred to asGrands Projets—have become major drivers of urban intensification. Set forth to actuate urban renewal or to augment city expansion,Grands Projetshave become spatial manifestations of cities’ larger economic and political agendas. In their development process, they have triggered a change in the urban condition beyond the very boundaries of their sites. As such, they offer a productive means of investigating current urban trends in a globally connected form of concentrated urbanisation. This research, based at the ETH-Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) in Singapore, examines eight case studies in Asia and Europe through five analytical frames: a project’s conception, design, implementation, operation and implications. This approach addresses various spatial and temporal scales within different theoretical and material practices, allowing a comprehensive discussion ofGrands Projetswithin and across varying socio-political contexts. This paper sheds light on the specific urban conditions ofGrands Projetsdespite their global development trends, transnational owners or financing alliances and internationally regulated planning practices. Often dependent on exceptional regulations outside statutory planning procedures, they are subject to context-specific challenges, project-specific briefs and unique configurations of actors and stakeholders, all of which have created different manifestations ofGrands Projetsin space. This analytical framework, as presented in this paper, will form the basis of a larger comparative endeavour to be completed at a later stage in our work.
A torsional sub-milli-Newton thrust balance based on a spring leaf strain gauge sensor
Authors: Frieler T. , Groll R.
Published: July 2018

The development of a torsional thrust balance with a spring leaf sensor based on strain gauges is described in the present work. The balance is capable of measuring thrust forces up to 225 mN with micro-Newton resolution. Steady state thrust force is hereby measured via displacement of the balance arm, which in return leads to a displacement of the sensor. The strain induced by the force on the flexure member of the sensor is measured using strain gauges. The development of the sensor and the dynamic behavior of the balance are based on analytical analysis. The oscillatory motion of the balance arm is damped by a passive eddy current damper. An automated calibration mechanism with a pulley and calibration weights is used to calibrate the balance prior to measurement. Atmospheric as well as in situ calibration, single and multiple calibration runs with automatic averaging of calibration coefficients, is possible at all operational stages. The calibration of the balance exhibits excellent linearity and repeatability, while the dynamic behavior shows some deviations from the analytical prediction. The sensor exhibits low noise, with an estimated resolution within 15 μN. A state-of-the-art ratio of resolution to measurement range is achieved. As a conclusion, a series of thrust measurements in the range of 29 μN–37.04 mN are presented and briefly discussed.
Nonlinear spin-lattice relaxation of photoexcited organic single-chain-magnet
Authors: Zhang Long Long , Xie Shi Jie
Published: July 2018

In Heintze et al., Nat. Mater. 12(3), 202 (2013), photo-controlling the switching speed of the magnetization in an Ising-chain molecular magnet was experimentally reported, where a photoinduced domain-wall kick-off mechanism was proposed as the key ingredient. In this paper, we theoretically study the photoinduced spin-lattice dynamics in an organic single-chain-magnet with side radicals. We show that photoexcitations result in two different relaxation dynamics: one is the separated domain-wall pair and the other is the strongly bound self-trapped exciton. These two dynamics can be determinately achieved by photoexciting electrons of different spins. The minimally required light energy/intensity to trigger such nonlinear dynamics can be very low. Moreover, we theoretically devise a novel pure spin transfer from the magnetic chain to the side radicals, a promising mechanism for realizing the photoinduced pure spin current in organic ferromagnetic composites. These results provide the in-depth insight into the photoinduced nonlinear phenomenon in the organic single-chain-magnet and provide new ideas of exploring organic opto-magnetic materials.
Investigating the role of non-covalent interactions in conformation and assembly of triazine-based sequence-defined polymers
Authors: Ahn Surl-Hee , Grate Jay W. , Darve Eric F.
Published: July 2018

Grate and co-workers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently developed high information content triazine-based sequence-defined polymers that are robust by not having hydrolyzable bonds and can encode structure and functionality by having various side chains. Through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the triazine polymers have been shown to form particular sequential stacks, have stable backbone-backbone interactions through hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, and conserve their cis/trans conformations throughout the simulation. However, we do not know the effects of having different side chains and backbone structures on the entire conformation and whether the cis or trans conformation is more stable for the triazine polymers. For this reason, we investigate the role of non-covalent interactions for different side chains and backbone structures on the conformation and assembly of triazine polymers in MD simulations. Since there is a high energy barrier associated with the cis-trans isomerization, we use replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) to sample various conformations of triazine hexamers. To obtain rates and intermediate conformations, we use the recently developed concurrent adaptive sampling (CAS) algorithm for dimers of triazine trimers. We found that the hydrogen bonding ability of the backbone structure is critical for the triazine polymers to self-assemble into nanorod-like structures, rather than that of the side chains, which can help researchers design more robust materials.
Formation of H2 on graphene using Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood processes
Authors: Petucci J. , Semone S. , LeBlond C. , Karimi M. , Vidali G.
Published: July 2018

A hydrogen atom can either physisorb or chemisorb onto a graphene surface. To describe the interaction of H with graphene, we trained the C—C, H—H, and C—H interactions of the ReaxFF CHO bond order potential to reproduce Density Functional Theory (DFT) generated values of graphene cohesive energy and lattice constant, H2 dissociation energy, H on graphene adsorption potentials, and H2 formation on graphene using the Eley-Rideal (ER) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) processes. The results, generated from the trained H-graphene potentials, are in close agreement with the corresponding results from DFT. The advantage of using optimized CH potentials is, for example, the inclusion of physisorption interactions and quantum mechanical features of chemical bonding in the functional forms of the potentials. The trained CH potentials are utilized to study the energetics of formation of an H2 molecule on graphene using the Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood processes. Potential energy surfaces for the formation of H2 through ER are generated for the collinear and oblique approach of the second hydrogen atom. Energetics of the formation of H2 through LH is studied for a variety of cases such as when hydrogen atoms are chemisorbed or physisorbed and when hydrogen occupies ortho, meta, or para chemisorption sites. The likelihood of H2 formation through LH for various configurations is discussed. Furthermore, the tunneling probability of an atom through a continuous symmetric/asymmetric barrier is calculated and applied to an adsorbed hydrogen atom on graphene.
Improved performance of 1.3-μm InAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers by direct Si doping
Authors: Lv Zun-Ren , Zhang Zhong-Kai , Yang Xiao-Guang , Yang Tao
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate significantly enhanced performances of 1.3-μm InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) lasers by directly Si-doped QDs. The lasers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Following Si doping, the ridge waveguide laser, with uncoated facets, showed a remarkably reduced continuous-wave threshold current density of 71.6 A/cm2 (14.3 A/cm2 per QD layer), compared with 167.3 A/cm2 (33.5 A/cm2 per QD layer) for an undoped device with an identical structure, measured at 20 °C. Moreover, doping improved the single-side slope efficiency from 0.28 to 0.42 W/A. In addition, the Si-doped QD laser exhibited a higher lasing temperature of up to 140 °C compared with 120 °C for the undoped QD laser.
Features of interferometry of small-sized plasma channels obtained during nanosecond discharge
Authors: Khirianova A. I. , Parkevich E. V. , Tkachenko S. I.
Published: July 2018

The applicability of the method of smooth perturbations for processing interferograms of small (5–100 μm) objects by taking into account the diffraction is investigated. The test problems showed the consistency of the method to the range of parameters that are interesting for us. The requirements for preliminary processing of experimental data are determined, adhering to which it is possible to improve the accuracy of the final results. The analysis of experimental interferograms by assuming the cylindrical symmetry of the plasma object is carried out: the two-dimensional map of the electron density for the plasma object formed at the initial stage of nanosecond discharge was obtained from the phase map.
Enhanced n-doping of epitaxial graphene on SiC by bismuth
Authors: Hu Tingwei , Fang Qinglong , Zhang Xiaohe , Liu Xiangtai , Ma Dayan , Wei Ran , Xu Kewei , Ma Fei
Published: July 2018

Doping in epitaxial graphene (EG) is challenging because of the high-temperature process and the ultra-thin nature of graphene. In this work, a facile one-step method is demonstrated to generate doping in EG with bismuth (Bi) during thermal decomposition of SiC, in which Bi atom flux acts as the doping source. Raman spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy are employed to characterize the quality, morphology and electronic properties of Bi doped EG. Both the intercalated and incorporated Bi atoms can be considered as dopants. It was found that the Dirac point shifts away from the Fermi level as a result of electron transfer from Bi to EG, and thus enhances the n-doping behavior of EG significantly. First principles calculations were done to address the enhanced n-doping of EG by Bi. This in-situ doping procedure can be extended to other metals, showing great potential applications in tailoring the performance of EG and significance to electronics in the future.
Physical investigation of gate capacitance in In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As quantum-well metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors
Authors: Jo Hyeon-Bhin , Park Jung-Ho , Son Seung-Woo , Baek Ji-Min , Yun Do-Young , Kang Yeonsung , Seo Yong-Hyun , Yung Lee Min , Lee Jung-Hee , Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Dae-Hyun
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we aim to decompose gate capacitance components in InGaAs/InAlAs quantum-well (QW) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs), in an effort to physically investigate their gate capacitance (Cg). First, we verified their validity with 1-D simulation and experimental Cg data in various types of InGaAs/InAlAs QW MOSFETs with different channel thickness (tch). Both quantum capacitance (CQ) and centroid capacitance (Ccent) were highly relevant to total gate capacitance (Cg) of the InGaAs/InAlAs QW MOSFETs. Second, the total Cg did not saturate at a strong inversion regime. This is a consequence of the second subband inversion layer capacitance (Cinv_2) and, more importantly, its increase with VG. Lastly, we studied the role of channel thickness (tch) scaling, which helps to increase the total gate capacitance by enhancing both CQ and Ccent.
Viscoelastic shear flow past an infinitely long and freely rotating cylinder
Authors: Housiadas Kostas D. , Tanner Roger I.
Published: July 2018

We study analytically the effect of steady shear flow on an infinitely long and freely rotating circular cylinder using asymptotic methods. The ambient fluid is assumed viscoelastic and modeled with the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation under isothermal and creeping flow conditions. The solution for all the dependent variables is expanded as an asymptotic power series with the small parameter being the Weissenberg number, Wi, which is defined as the product of the single relaxation time of the fluid times the externally imposed shear rate. The resulting sequence of equations is solved analytically up to the eighth order in the Weissenberg number, leading to a series solution, the accuracy and validity of which is shown to be linked to the loss of positive definiteness of the conformation tensor. The solution derived here is the first analytical result in the literature for viscoelastic fluids past a freely rotating cylinder. It reveals the slowdown of the rotation of the cylinder with respect to the Newtonian case, as previously found for the same type of flow past a rigid sphere. It is also seen that the first correction to the velocity profile is of second order in Wi, while that for the pressure is of first order. This contrasts with the solution for the viscoelastic flow past a sphere for which the correction for both the velocity and pressure profiles are of first order in Wi. The analytical solution also shows that the region of closed streamlines around the cylinder is enlarged compared to the Newtonian case. Last, it is seen that the up-and-down and fore-and-aft symmetries of the streamlines and the vorticity contours, observed for Newtonian fluids, break in the viscoelastic case.
Hybrid energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations and magnetic field
Authors: Xu Xueping , Zhang Chunlong , Han Qinkai , Chu Fulei
Published: July 2018

This letter proposes a hybrid energy harvesting scheme to collect the energy from mechanical vibrations and the magnetic field simultaneously. The structure consists of a magnetostrictive substrate bonded with a piezoelectric sheet. The theoretical modeling and experimental investigations are conducted and their results are in good agreement. The effects of phase differences between the harmonic vibration and the AC magnetic field on the behaviors of the energy harvester are investigated. The open circuit voltages are larger than those from either vibration energy or magnetic energy in most phase values, and the energy capacity is mainly determined by the dominant component. The energy harvesting performances of the Galfenol alloy and the nickel alloy are examined, respectively. The results show that the Galfenol alloy is more sensitive to the AC magnetic field, which can enhance the root mean square of the output voltage. Furthermore, the existence of the bias magnetic field (DC magnetic field) can significantly increase the output voltages of the cantilever. The optimal output power of the hybrid energy harvester can increase to 14.82% and 30.40% when compared with the vibration and magnetic excitations, respectively. These findings demonstrate a feasible energy harvesting idea of taking advantage of the ambient vibration and the magnetic energy simultaneously. This letter presents advancements in improving the energy capacity and the reliability.
Porous carbon-based adsorption systems for natural gas (methane) storage
Authors: Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Aksyutin Oleg E. , Ishkov Alexander G. , Men’shchikov Ilya E. , Fomkin Anatoly A. , Shkolin Andrey V. , Khozina Elena V. , Grachev Vladimir A.
Published: July 2018

The use of gas fuel has considerable environmental advantages over traditional types of fuel based on petroleum products or fossil coal. The adsorption technology for methane (natural gas) uptake, storage and transportation can serve as a connecting link in gas supply to customers. The review considers characteristics of adsorption systems for methane storage. The key methods used for the synthesis of microporous carbon adsorbents based on various organic and inorganic carbon-containing compounds are described. Methods for increasing the efficiency of methane storage systems based on carbon adsorbents are analyzed. Theoretical approaches to optimization of the properties of methane – carbon adsorbent systems are discussed.

The bibliography includes 174 references.
Inchworm movement of two rings switching onto a thread by biased Brownian diffusion represent a three-body problem
Authors: Benson Christopher R. , Maffeo Christopher , Fatila Elisabeth M. , Liu Yun , Sheetz Edward G. , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Singharoy Abhishek , Flood Amar H.
Published: July 2018

Significance

This article describes a molecular realization of the classical three-body problem, where the motion of three or more bodies is directed by a set of pairwise forces. Surprisingly, motion of the components of the three-body molecular systems is found to be highly choreographed by differences in strength of intercomponent interactions, promoting a rare inchworm-like loading of molecular rings onto a molecular thread. Our work demonstrates the utility of an integrative approach to design and develop functional molecular machines.
Eosinophils suppress Th1 responses and restrict bacterially induced gastrointestinal inflammation
Authors: Arnold Isabelle C. , Artola-Borán Mariela , Tallón de Lara Paulino , Kyburz Andreas , Taube Christian , Ottemann Karen , van den Broek Maries , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans-Uwe , Müller Anne
Published: July 2018

Eosinophils are predominantly known for their contribution to allergy. Here, we have examined the function and regulation of gastrointestinal eosinophils in the steady-state and during infection with Helicobacter pylori or Citrobacter rodentium. We find that eosinophils are recruited to sites of infection, directly encounter live bacteria, and activate a signature transcriptional program; this applies also to human gastrointestinal eosinophils in humanized mice. The genetic or anti–IL-5–mediated depletion of eosinophils results in improved control of the infection, increased inflammation, and more pronounced Th1 responses. Eosinophils control Th1 responses via the IFN-γ–dependent up-regulation of PD-L1. Furthermore, we find that the conditional loss of IFN-γR in eosinophils phenocopies the effects of eosinophil depletion. Eosinophils further possess bactericidal properties that require their degranulation and the deployment of extracellular traps. Our results highlight two novel functions of this elusive cell type and link it to gastrointestinal homeostasis and anti-bacterial defense.
Vibration and Mode Shape Analysis of Functionally Graded Nanocomposite Plates Reinforced by Aggregated Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Tahouneh Vahid
Published: July 2018

In the present work, by considering the agglomeration effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes, free vibration characteristics of functionally graded (FG) nanocomposite plates is presented. The volume fractions of randomly oriented agglomerated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction. To determine the effect of CNT agglomeration on the elastic properties of CNT-reinforced composites, a two-parameter micromechanical model of agglomeration is employed. The effects of geometrical and material parameters on the frequency parameters of the FG nanocomposite plates are investigated. For an overall comprehension on 3-D vibration of rectangular plates, some mode shape contour plots are reported in this research work.
Last resort lending before Henry Thornton? The Bank of England’s role in containing the 1763 and 1772–1773 British credit crises
Authors: Kosmetatos Paul
Published: July 2018

Claims that the Bank of England began to act as a Lender of Last Resort as early as the mid-eighteenth century date back to Adam Smith and Henry Thornton. This article presents evidence on the Bank’s financial market interventions during the 1763 and 1772–1773 crises, and concludes that although the former was too gradual to be truly representative of last resort lending by 1772 the means of intervention described by Thornton were largely in place. Although direct evidence for the Bank’s decision making process on either occasion is lacking, the universal contemporary conviction of its unique resources and obligations make it unlikely that it was entirely motivated by political considerations or cronyism. Its actions are instead consistent with Thornton’s crisis containment narrative of banknote loans to London bankers, which in turn was the optimal response for containing financial contagion by ensuring the continued health of the bills of exchange network.
A solution method for treatment scheduling in rehabilitation hospitals with real-life requirements
Authors: Xiao Liyang , Dridi Mahjoub , Hajjam El Hassani Amir , Lin Wanlong , Fei Hongying
Published: July 2018

In this study, we aim to minimize the total waiting time between successive treatments for inpatients in rehabilitation hospitals (departments) during a working day. Firstly, the daily treatment scheduling problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model, taking into consideration real-life requirements, and is solved by Gurobi, a commercial solver. Then, an improved cuckoo search algorithm is developed to obtain good quality solutions quickly for large-sized problems. Our methods are demonstrated with data collected from a medium-sized rehabilitation hospital in China. The numerical results indicate that the improved cuckoo search algorithm outperforms the real schedules applied in the targeted hospital with regard to the total waiting time of inpatients. Gurobi can construct schedules without waits for all the tested dataset though its efficiency is quite low. Three sets of numerical experiments are executed to compare the improved cuckoo search algorithm with Gurobi in terms of solution quality, effectiveness and capability to solve large instances.
Association of Metabolic, Inflammatory, and Tumor Markers With Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Lohmann Ana Elisa , Dowling Ryan J O , Ennis Marguerite , Amir Eitan , Elser Christine , Brezden-Masley Christine , Vandenberg Theodore , Lee Elma , Fazaee Kamran , Stambolic Vuk , Goodwin Pamela J , Chang Martin C
Published: July 2018

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with worse prognosis in metastatic breast cancer (BC). We evaluated the association of metabolic, inflammatory, and tumor markers with CTCs in women with metastatic BC before commencing a new systemic therapy.

Methods

Ninety-six patients with newly diagnosed or progressing metastatic BC without current diabetes or use of anti-inflammatory agents were recruited from four Ontario hospitals. Women provided fasting blood for measurement of metabolic, inflammatory, and tumor markers and CTCs. CTCs were assayed within 72 hours of collection using CellSearch. Other blood was frozen at –80°C, and assays were performed in a single batch. Associations between CTC counts with study factors were evaluated using Spearman correlation, and the chi-square or Fisher exact test. All statistical tests were two-sided and P value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The median age was 60.5 years; 90.6% were postmenopausal. The cohort included hormone receptor–positive (87.5%), HER2–positive (15.6%), and triple-negative (10.4%) BCs. Patients were starting firstline (35.5%), second-line (26.0%), or third-or-later-line therapy (38.5%). CTC counts (per 7.5 mL of blood) ranged from 0 to 1238 (median 2); an elevated CTC count, defined as five or more CTCs, was detected in 42 (43.8%) patients. Those with liver metastases (vs not) more frequently had an elevated CTC count (59.0% vs 33.3%, P = .02). CTCs were significantly associated with C-reactive protein (R = .22, P = .02), interleukin (IL)-6 (R = .25, P = .01), IL-8 (R = .38, P = .0001), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (R = .31, P = .001), carcinoembryonic antigen (R = .31, P = .002), and cancer antigen 15-3 (R = .40, P = .0001) and inversely associated with body mass index (R = –.23, P = .02) and leptin (R = –.26, P = .01).

Conclusions

CTC counts were positively associated with tumor and inflammatory markers and inversely associated with some metabolic markers, potentially reflecting tumor burden and cachexia.
The Relationship Between Census Tract Poverty and Shiga Toxin–Producing E. coli Risk, Analysis of FoodNet Data, 2010–2014
Authors: Hadler James L , Clogher Paula , Huang Jennifer , Libby Tanya , Cronquist Alicia , Wilson Siri , Ryan Patricia , Saupe Amy , Nicholson Cyndy , McGuire Suzanne , Shiferaw Beletshachew , Dunn John , Hurd Sharon
Published: July 2018

Background

The relationship between socioeconomic status and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is not well understood. However, recent studies in Connecticut and New York City found that as census tract poverty (CTP) decreased, rates of STEC increased. To explore this nationally, we analyzed surveillance data from laboratory-confirmed cases of STEC from 2010–2014 for all Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) sites, population 47.9 million.

Methods

Case residential data were geocoded and linked to CTP level (2010–2014 American Community Survey). Relative rates were calculated comparing incidence in census tracts with <20% of residents below poverty with those with ≥20%. Relative rates of age-adjusted 5-year incidence per 100 000 population were determined for all STEC, hospitalized only and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) cases overall, by demographic features, FoodNet site, and surveillance year.

Results

There were 5234 cases of STEC; 26.3% were hospitalized, and 5.9% had HUS. Five-year incidence was 10.9/100 000 population. Relative STEC rates for the <20% compared with the ≥20% CTP group were >1.0 for each age group, FoodNet site, surveillance year, and race/ethnic group except Asian. Relative hospitalization and HUS rates tended to be higher than their respective STEC relative rates.

Conclusions

Persons living in lower CTP were at higher risk of STEC than those in the highest poverty census tracts. This is unlikely to be due to health care–seeking or diagnostic bias as it applies to analysis limited to hospitalized and HUS cases. Research is needed to better understand exposure differences between people living in the lower vs highest poverty-level census tracts to help direct prevention efforts.
Bridging the academic and practice/policy gap in public health: perspectives from Scotland and Canada
Authors: McAteer J , Di Ruggiero E , Fraser A , Frank J W
Published: July 2018

This article presents a critical commentary of specific organizational models and practices for bridging ‘the gap’ between public health research and policy and practice. The authors draw on personal experiences of such models in addition to the wider knowledge translation and exchange literature to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as implemented in Scotland and Canada since the early 1990s.
Development, Validation, and Re-selection of Wheat Lines with Pyramided Genes Yr64 and Yr15 Linked on the Short Arm of Chromosome 1B for Resistance to Stripe Rust
Authors: Qie Yanmin , Liu Yan , Wang Meinan , Li Xing , See Deven R. , An Diaoguo , Chen Xianming
Published: July 2018

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat worldwide. The disease is most preferably managed by developing and growing cultivars with high-level, durable resistance. To achieve high-level and long-lasting resistance, we developed a wheat line, RIL-Yr64/Yr15, by pyramiding Yr64 and Yr15, both on the chromosome 1BS and providing high resistance to all tested Pst races. To validate RIL-Yr64/Yr15 possessing both genes, we crossed it to Avocet S (AvS). The F4 RILs from this cross were phenotyped with Pst races under controlled greenhouse conditions and also under natural Pst infection in the field. The population was genotyped with SSR markers previously reported to be linked to the resistance gene loci and with additional SSR and SNP-KASP markers along chromosome 1B. Both phenotype and genotype data confirmed the copresence of Yr64 and Yr15 in RIL-Yr64/Yr15, and the high-resolution linkage map dissected the chromosomal regions and traced their origins. New lines possessing these genes were selected from the F5 population of cross AvS × RIL-Yr64/Yr15 by marker-assisted selection. These lines with the two highly effective genes should be more useful than individual gene lines for developing high-level, durable resistant wheat cultivars.
Managing Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon with Delayed Transplanting and Cultivar Resistance
Authors: Keinath Anthony P. , Coolong Timothy W. , Lanier Justin D. , Ji Pingsheng
Published: July 2018

Fusarium wilt of watermelon caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum is a serious, widespread disease of watermelon throughout the southern United States. To investigate whether soil temperature affects disease development, three cultivars of triploid watermelon were transplanted March 17 to 21, April 7 to 11, and April 26 to May 2 in 2015 and 2016 at Charleston, SC, and Tifton, GA into fields naturally infested with F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum. Incidence of Fusarium wilt was lower with late-season than with early and midseason transplanting in all four experiments (P ≤ 0.01). Cultivar Citation had more wilted plants than the cultivars Fascination and Melody in three of four experiments (P ≤ 0.05). In South Carolina, planting date did not affect weight and number of marketable fruit ≥4.5 kg apiece. In Georgia in 2016, weight and number of marketable fruit were greater with late transplanting than with early and midseason transplanting. In both states, yield and value for Fascination and Melody were higher than for Citation. Soil temperature averaged over the 4-week period after transplanting was negatively correlated with disease incidence for all four experiments (r = –0.737, P = 0.006). Transplanting after mid-April and choosing a cultivar with resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum race 1, like Fascination, or tolerance, like Melody, can help manage Fusarium wilt of watermelon and increase marketable yields in the southern United States.
Novel Insights Into the Early Stages of Ratoon Stunting Disease of Sugarcane Inferred from Transcript and Protein Analysis
Authors: Cia Mariana Cicarelli , de Carvalho Giselle , Azevedo Ricardo Antunes , Monteiro-Vitorello Claudia Barros , Souza Glaucia Mendes , Nishiyama-Junior Milton Yutaka , Lembke Carolina Gimiliani , Antunes de Faria Raphael Severo da Cunha , Marques João Paulo Rodrigues , Melotto Maeli , Camargo Luis Eduardo Aranha
Published: July 2018

Despite of the importance of ratoon stunting disease, little is known on the responses of sugarcane to its causal agent, the vascular bacterial endophyte Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli. The transcriptome and proteome of young plants of a susceptible cultivar with no symptoms of stunting but with relative low and high bacterial titers were compared at 30 and 60 days after inoculation. Increased bacterial titers were associated with alterations in the expression of 267 cDNAs and in the abundance of 150 proteins involved in plant growth, hormone metabolism, signal transduction and defense responses. Some alterations are predicted to benefit the pathogen, such as the up-regulation of genes involved in the synthesis of methionine. Also, genes and proteins of the cell division cycle were all down-regulated in plants with higher titers at both times. It is hypothesized that the negative effects on cell division related to increased bacterial titers is cumulative over time and its modulation by other host and environmental factors results in the stunting symptom.
Validation of 2 Submaximal Cardiorespiratory Fitness Tests in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Mijwel Sara , Cardinale Daniele , Ekblom-Bak Elin , Sundberg Carl Johan , Wengström Yvonne , Rundqvist Helene
Published: July 2018

Background:

Patients with breast cancer have an impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, in part, due to the toxic effects of anticancer therapy. Physical exercise as a means of rehabilitation for patients with cancer is an emerging area of research and treatment, emphasizing the need for accurate and feasible physical capacity measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of peak oxygen consumption (

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2peak) predicted by the Ekblom-Bak test (E-B) and the Åstrand-Rhyming prediction model (A-R).

Methods:

Eight patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy participated in the study. Submaximal exercise tests were performed at 2 different submaximal workloads. Estimated

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2peak values were obtained by inserting the heart rate (HR) from the 2 workloads into the E-B prediction model and the HR of only the higher workload into the Åstrand nomogram. A 20-W incremental cycle test-to-peak effort was performed to obtain

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2peak values.

Results:

Results from A-R overestimated

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2peak by 6% (coefficient of variation = 7%), whereas results from E-B overestimated

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2peak with 42% (coefficient of variation = 21%) compared with measured

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2peak. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a significant strong relationship between the estimated

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2peak from A-R and the measured

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2peak (r = 0.86; P < .05), whereas the relationship between the estimated

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2peak from E-B and the measured

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2peak resulted in a nonsignificant weak correlation (r = 0.21).

Conclusion:

In a situation where maximal exercise testing is not practical or undesirable from a patient safety perspective, submaximal exercise testing provides an alternative way of estimating

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2peak. The A-R prediction model appears to be a valid submaximal exercise test for determining cardiorespiratory fitness in this population.
HIV, Chronic Pain, and Health Disparities: The Increasing Role of Physical Therapy in a National Public Health Priority
Authors: Pullen Sara D.
Published: July 2018

Chronic pain is estimated to affect more than 100 million people in the United States. Recent legislation has called for restrictions of narcotic-based prescriptions to treat chronic pain. HIV-related chronic pain has emerged as a major symptom burden among people living with HIV (PLH) and can have a deleterious effect on quality of life. The overall costs of chronic pain (estimated between $560 billion and $630 billion per year) are especially illuminative when considering the comparatively low costs of physical therapy interventions. The increased chronicity and symptom burden of HIV disease call for an increasing role of physical therapy in the continuum of care for people with HIV and AIDS–related impairments; physical therapy should be an integral part of the multidisciplinary pain intervention recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Identification of improved therapeutic options to treat chronic pain and increasing physical therapy access to PLH in vulnerable communities is consistent with this national public health priority and could greatly improve quality of life in this patient population.