bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The catalytic mechanism of cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS) and implications for innate immunity and inhibition
Authors: Hall Justin , Ralph Erik C. , Shanker Suman , Wang Hong , Byrnes Laura J. , Horst Reto , Wong Jimson , Brault Amy , Dumlao Darren , Smith James F. , Dakin Leslie A. , Schmitt Daniel C. , Trujillo John , Vincent Fabien , Griffor Matt , Aulabaugh Ann E.
Published: September 2017

Cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS) is activated by ds‐DNA binding to produce the secondary messenger 2′,3′‐cGAMP. cGAS is an important control point in the innate immune response; dysregulation of the cGAS pathway is linked to autoimmune diseases while targeted stimulation may be of benefit in immunoncology. We report here the structure of cGAS with dinucleotides and small molecule inhibitors, and kinetic studies of the cGAS mechanism. Our structural work supports the understanding of how ds‐DNA activates cGAS, suggesting a site for small molecule binders that may cause cGAS activation at physiological ATP concentrations, and an apparent hotspot for inhibitor binding. Mechanistic studies of cGAS provide the first kinetic constants for 2′,3′‐cGAMP formation, and interestingly, describe a catalytic mechanism where 2′,3′‐cGAMP may be a minor product of cGAS compared with linear nucleotides.
Crystal structure of the Legionella pneumophila Lpg2936 in complex with the cofactor S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine reveals novel insights into the mechanism of RsmE family methyltransferases
Authors: Pinotsis Nikos , Waksman Gabriel
Published: September 2017

The methylation of U1498 located in the 16S ribosomal RNA of Escherichia coli is an important modification affecting ribosomal activity. RsmE methyltransferases methylate specifically this position in a mechanism that requires an S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (AdoMet) molecule as cofactor. Here we report the structure of Apo and AdoMet‐bound Lpg2936 from Legionella pneumophila at 1.5 and 2.3 Å, respectively. The protein comprises an N‐terminal PUA domain and a C‐terminal SPOUT domain. The latter is responsible for protein dimerization and cofactor binding. Comparison with similar structures suggests that Lpg2936 is an RsmE‐like enzyme that can target the equivalent of U1498 in the L. pneumophila ribosomal RNA, thereby potentially enhancing ribosomal activity during infection‐mediated effector production. The multiple copies of the enzyme found in both structures reveal a flexible conformation of the bound AdoMet ligand. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements suggest an asymmetric two site binding mode. Our results therefore also provide unprecedented insights into AdoMet/RsmE interaction, furthering our understanding of the RsmE catalytic mechanism.
Field Electron Emission From CVD Nanocarbon Films Containing Scrolled Graphene Structures
Authors: Kleshch Victor I. , Bandurin Denis A. , Serbun Pavel , Ismagilov Rinat R. , Lützenkirchen‐Hecht Dirk , Müller Günter , Obraztsov Alexander N.
Published: September 2017

Electron field emission properties of nanocarbon films produced by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were investigated. The films contained nanostructured diamond and graphitic components in different ratios depending on the parameters of the deposition process. Low threshold fields in the range of 1–2 V μm−1 (at 0.1 mA cm−2) are detected for all types of the studied films. It is found that the scrolled graphene structures, contained in the film material, are responsible for the field emission. The individual graphene scrolls show standard Fowler–Nordheim behavior and sustained maximum field emission currents of several microamperes. Long‐time field emission at moderate currents causes partial destruction of the scrolls that significantly changed the threshold field and emission site density of the films. Obtained results show that PECVD growth and post‐treatments allow monitoring of the amount and heights of emission centers providing tailored field emission properties of nanocarbon films for particular applications in vacuum electronic devices.
Sedimentation analysis of small ice crystals by the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Giovacchini Juan P.
Published: September 2017

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used to simulate and analyze the sedimentation of small (15–80 μm) columnar ice particles in the atmosphere. We are especially interested in evaluating the terminal falling velocity of columnar ice crystals with hexagonal crosssections. The main objective is to apply the LBM to solve ice‐crystal sedimentation problems. This numerical method is evaluated as a powerful numerical tool to solve ice‐crystal sedimentation problems in a variety of sizes. LBM results are presented in comparison with laboratory experimental results and theoretical approaches well known in the literature. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental and theoretical results for the geometrical configurations analyzed.
Structural, Magnetic, Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theory (DFT) Analysis of Bis((1‐((E)‐2‐pyridinylmethylidene)semicarbazone)copper(II)sulfate) Dihydrate Complex.
Authors: Soek Rafael N. , da C. Gouveia Tiago L. , Garbelini Ellery R. , dos R. Crespan Estela , Pineider Francesco , Poneti Giordano , Machado Guilherme S. , Ribeiro Ronny R. , Hörner Manfredo , Nunes Fábio S.
Published: September 2017

Herein we describe the synthesis, structural, spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of a new pentacoordinated bicopper(II) complex containing 2‐formylpyridine semicarbazone (HSCpy), referred as complex 1. Each copper core is bound to one N,N,O‐tridentate HSCpy ligand and connected to the second metal ion by two μ‐oxygen sulfato‐bridges. The compound shows an extensive association between the neutral complex molecule and water as crystallization solvate through classical N−H⋅⋅⋅O, O−H⋅⋅⋅O and, non‐classical C−H⋅⋅⋅O intermolecular hydrogen bonding generating a supramolecular 3‐D assembly in the solid state. Jahn‐Teller stabilization energies at 5144 cm−1 and spin orbit coupling constants λ=−442 cm−1 were estimated using the electronic spectra and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance data. The variable‐temperature (2‐300 K) magnetic measurements showed isotropic magnetic interaction between the two copper ions, according to the spin Hamiltonian yielding 2 J values at −0.34 cm−1 for complex 1, in accordance with a very small antiferromagnetic interaction between copper ions kept apart by 3.24 Å. The results are compared to the thiosemicarbazone analogue.
Copper‐Catalyzed ortho‐Thiomethylation of Benzamides via 8‐Aminoquinoline‐Assisted C‐H Activation with Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Cui Xinfeng , Liu Xingxing , Wang Xiajun , Tian Wanfa , Wei Daidong , Huang Guosheng
Published: September 2017

An efficient and facile protocol concerning Cu(II)‐catalyzed methylthiolation of 8‐aminoquinoline amides under air atmosphere with widely available DMSO as the terminal thiomethyl source has been developed. The reaction exhibits excellent functional group tolerance and highly regioselectivity, which provides an attractive approach for aryl methyl thioethers preparation.
Catalytic Conversion of Biomass into Hydrocarbons over Noble‐Metal‐Free VO‐Substituted Potassium Salt of Phosphotungstic Acid
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Zhou Xiao , Ullah Naseeb , Liu Ya‐Nan , Zeb Akif , Jiang Nan , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Yuan Cheng‐Zong , Xu An‐Wu
Published: September 2017

Bio‐fuels emerge as a promising candidate for a sustainable and cheap energy source that can replace diminishing fossil fuels. Among various methods used for the production of bio‐fuel, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is one of the most efficient route due to high conversion efficiency, easy handling and flexibility of using raw biomass. In this context, we present the use of noble‐metal‐free oxo‐vanadium‐substituted potassium salt of phosphotungstic acid as a catalyst for HDO of pine sawdust into hydrocarbons and valuable chemicals with a high carbon yield (73.5%) and excellent conversion efficiency (86.2%). The high Brønsted acidity of phosphotungstic acid greatly favors deoxygenation reactions of lignocellulosic components. Moreover, the synergistic effect between keggin‐anion, potassium and vanadium entities supports fast multi‐electron redox transformations and much improves thermal stability. The cellulosic components are selectively converted into pentanes and hexanes. The lignin fraction of biomass is converted into phenolic compounds. It is worth mentioning that raw biomass is directly utilized as obtained without pretreatment, separation and hydrolysis processes in comparison with the existing approaches, thus saving tremendous amount of energy and reducing the cost for large scale production.
Structural, Morphological, Thermal, and Pasting Properties of Starches From Diverse Indian Potato Cultivars
Authors: Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Shevkani Khetan , Ezekiel Rajrathnam , Kaur Prabhjot , Isono Naoto , Noda Takahiro
Published: September 2017

Starches from 42 diverse Indian potato cultivars are evaluated for diversity in structural (amylose content and amylopectin chain length distribution), morphological (granules size distribution), thermal, and pasting properties. Amylose content varied between 6.5 and 32.2% while the proportion of short (DP 6–12), medium (DP 13–18), and long (DP 19–30) amylopectin chains varied in the range from 37.2 to 45.4%, 35.6 to 39.1%, and 17.8 to 24.5%, respectively. Starches with higher transition temperature showed lower enthalpy of gelatinization. The proportion of small granules (<10 μm) correlated negatively to short amylopectin chains (DP 6–12), peak viscosity, and breakdown viscosity. Transition and pasting temperature related negatively to the proportion of short and medium chains of amylopectin (DP 6–12 and 13–18, respectively), while positively to that of long chains (DP 19–30). Peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity has a negative relation while the final and setback viscosity have a positive relation with long amylopectin chains.
Utilization of Foxtail Millet Starch Film Incorporated with Clove Leaf Oil for the Packaging of Queso Blanco Cheese as a Model Food
Authors: Yang So‐Young , Cao Luyen , Kim Hyeri , Beak Song‐Ee , Song Kyung Bin
Published: September 2017

Clove leaf oil was incorporated into foxtail millet starch (FMS) for developing an active packaging material with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The FMS films that contained clove leaf oil exhibited changes in tensile strength (6.78–4.00 MPa) and elongation at break (66.26–99.48%) with the addition of increasing concentrations of the essential oil, and possessed ultraviolet‐light barrier properties. Moreover, the FMS films that contained clove leaf oil inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The addition of clove leaf oil resulted in excellent ABTS and DPPH radical‐scavenging activity of the films. The FMS film packaging that contained 1% clove leaf oil led to a decrease in the population of Listeria monocytogenes in queso blanco cheese by 1.19 log CFU g−1 after storage for 24 days, compared with that in the control samples. In addition, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances decreased by 54%. Thus, these results suggest that the FMS films that contain clove leaf oil can be used as a new packaging material for enhancing the shelf life of queso blanco cheese.
Ethyl acetate fraction from methanol extraction of Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana induced G0/G1 phase arrest via inhibition of cyclins D and E and induction of apoptosis through caspase‐dependent and ‐independent pathways in human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hsin , Chan Hsiao‐Sung , Tsay Hsin‐Sheng , Funayama Shinji , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: September 2017

Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana (VTT) is a wild grape native to Taiwan, belonging to the Vitaceae family and Vitis genus, and widely used as folk herbal medicine. It is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, hypertension, neuroprotection, jaundice, and arthritis. We used the wild‐collected VTT and sterilized them to establish the plant tissue culture, and then took the leaves for DNA sequencing to determine its original base. We use methanol to extract VTT in four different solvents: 1‐butanol, n‐hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. These four preliminary extracts were used to treat human prostate cancer DU145 cells in vitro. We use the flow cytometry to check the cell survival situation. Finally, we found the ethyl acetate layer roughing product (referred VTEA) in human prostate cancer apoptotic effects of cell line DU‐145. In the present studies, we use the crude extract of VTT to examine whether or not it can induce apoptosis of DU145 cells in vitro. Viability assays for extracts of VTT treatment showed that it had dose‐dependent effect on human prostate cancer DU145 cells. We also found that the extract of VTT induces time‐dependent mitochondrial and intrinsic‐dependent apoptosis pathways. The in vitro cytotoxic effects were investigated by cell cycle analysis and the determination of apoptotic DNA fragmentation in DU145 cells. The cell cycle analysis showed that extracts of VTT induced a significant increase in the number of cells in G0/G1 phase. The extract of VTT induced chromatin changes and apoptosis of DU145 cells also were confirmed by DAPI and PI staining that were measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, the expression of relevant proteins was analyzed by Western blot analysis. These results promoted us to further evaluate apoptosis associated proteins and elucidate the possible signal pathway in DU‐145 cells after treated with the extract of VTT.
Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder: a global systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Firth Joseph , Schuch Felipe B. , Rosenbaum Simon , Mugisha James , Hallgren Mats , Probst Michel , Ward Philip B. , Gaughran Fiona , De Hert Marc , Carvalho André F. , Stubbs Brendon
Published: September 2017

People with severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder) die up to 15 years prematurely due to chronic somatic comorbidities. Sedentary behavior and low physical activity are independent yet modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in these people. A comprehensive meta‐analysis exploring these risk factors is lacking in this vulnerable population. We conducted a meta‐analysis investigating sedentary behavior and physical activity levels and their correlates in people with severe mental illness. Major electronic databases were searched from inception up to April 2017 for articles measuring sedentary behavior and/or physical activity with a self‐report questionnaire or an objective measure (e.g., accelerometer). Random effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regression analyses were conducted. Sixty‐nine studies were included (N=35,682; 39.5% male; mean age 43.0 years). People with severe mental illness spent on average 476.0 min per day (95% CI: 407.3‐545.4) being sedentary during waking hours, and were significantly more sedentary than age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (p=0.003). Their mean amount of moderate or vigorous physical activity was 38.4 min per day (95% CI: 32.0‐44.8), being significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p=0.002 for moderate activity, p<0.001 for vigorous activity). People with severe mental illness were significantly less likely than matched healthy controls to meet physical activity guidelines (odds ratio = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1‐2.0, p<0.001, I2=95.8). Lower physical activity levels and non‐compliance with physical activity guidelines were associated with male gender, being single, unemployment, fewer years of education, higher body mass index, longer illness duration, antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use, lower cardiorespiratory fitness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. People with bipolar disorder were the most physically active, yet spent most time being sedentary. Geographical differences were detected, and inpatients were more active than outpatients and those living in the community. Given the established health benefits of physical activity and its low levels in people with severe mental illness, future interventions specifically targeting the prevention of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are warranted in this population.
The efficacy of smartphone‐based mental health interventions for depressive symptoms: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Firth Joseph , Torous John , Nicholas Jennifer , Carney Rebekah , Pratap Abhishek , Rosenbaum Simon , Sarris Jerome
Published: September 2017

The rapid advances and adoption of smartphone technology presents a novel opportunity for delivering mental health interventions on a population scale. Despite multi‐sector investment along with wide‐scale advertising and availability to the general population, the evidence supporting the use of smartphone apps in the treatment of depression has not been empirically evaluated. Thus, we conducted the first meta‐analysis of smartphone apps for depressive symptoms. An electronic database search in May 2017 identified 18 eligible randomized controlled trials of 22 smartphone apps, with outcome data from 3,414 participants. Depressive symptoms were reduced significantly more from smartphone apps than control conditions (g=0.38, 95% CI: 0.24‐0.52, p<0.001), with no evidence of publication bias. Smartphone interventions had a moderate positive effect in comparison to inactive controls (g=0.56, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.74), but only a small effect in comparison to active control conditions (g=0.22, 95% CI: 0.10‐0.33). Effects from smartphone‐only interventions were greater than from interventions which incorporated other human/computerized aspects along the smartphone component, although the difference was not statistically significant. The studies of cognitive training apps had a significantly smaller effect size on depression outcomes (p=0.004) than those of apps focusing on mental health. The use of mood monitoring softwares, or interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy, or apps incorporating aspects of mindfulness training, did not affect significantly study effect sizes. Overall, these results indicate that smartphone devices are a promising self‐management tool for depression. Future research should aim to distil which aspects of these technologies produce beneficial effects, and for which populations.
Validation of a four items version of the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia scale (the mini-FROGS) to capture the functional benefits of clinical remission
Authors: Mallet J. , Lancrenon S. , Llorca P.-M. , Lançon C. , Baylé F.-J. , Gorwood P.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

We previously developed the Functional Remission Of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale demonstrating first, reliable assessment in a cross-sectional study and second, good time-stability. The purpose of the present analysis was to propose a shorter version (mini-FROGS), more compatible with the limited time available in a psychiatric visit, focusing on the functional domains that have higher likelihood of being improved with higher and/or longer symptomatic remission in different cultural backgrounds.

Methods

We used multiple regressions to find the most informative items explaining increased length of symptomatic remission, using prospective data from a national observational multicenter survey. Then, the mini-FROGS was used in different European countries to test its between-center reliability, compared to other scales.

Results

Four domains were retained as capturing the maximum of symptomatic remission, namely (1) travel and communication, (2) management of illness and treatment, (3) self-esteem and sense of independence and (4) respect of biological rhythms. First, the mini-FROG was evaluated in 443 French patients with clinical remission and 22 without, and 12/18 months later in 140 patients still in clinical remission and 23 in relapse. In Europe, 295 schizophrenia patients were assessed with the mini-FROGS and other scales devoted to functional remission, allowing comparisons. The mini-FROGS showed good correlations with other scales in different countries and demonstrated good psychometric properties.

Conclusion

These results give evidence that a 4 items-only version of the FROGS scale may be useful to assess important aspects of functional remission, tightly linked to the length of clinical remission.
Incidence of dementia in elderly Latin Americans: Results of the Maracaibo Aging Study
Authors: Maestre Gladys E. , Mena Luis J. , Melgarejo Jesus D. , Aguirre‐Acevedo Daniel C. , Pino‐Ramírez Gloria , Urribarrí Milady , Chacon Inara J. , Chávez Carlos A. , Falque‐Madrid Luis , Gaona Ciro A. , Terwilliger Joseph D. , Lee Joseph H. , Scarmeas Nikolaos
Published: September 2017

Introduction

There are few longitudinal studies of dementia in developing countries. We used longitudinal data from the Maracaibo Aging Study to accurately determine the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence of dementia in elderly Latin Americans.

Methods

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) was used to diagnose dementia, which was classified as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or other. Age‐ and sex‐specific incidence was estimated as the number of new cases of dementia divided by person‐years (p‐y) of follow‐up.

Results

The incidence of all dementia diagnoses was 9.10 per 1000 p‐y (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.13–11.44; 8026 total p‐y), 5.18 for Alzheimer's disease (95% CI 3.72–7.03; 7916 total p‐y), and 3.35 for vascular dementia (95% CI 2.19–4.91; 7757 total p‐y).

Discussion

Among Maracaibo Aging Study participants younger than 65 years, the incidence of dementia was higher than that of US Whites. Among individuals older than 65 years, the incidence was comparable to the mean of previous incidence estimates for other populations worldwide.
An Evolving Role for Cancer Rehabilitation in the Era of Low‐Dose Lung Computed Tomography Screening
Authors: Smith Sean Robinson , Khanna Ashish , Wisotzky Eric M.
Published: September 2017

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, and is often detected in the later stages. Use of low‐dose chest computed tomography in at‐risk patients provides earlier detection and is being adopted as the standard screening tool, replacing less precise methods of radiography and sputum cytology. In the past, late detection of disease meant that rehabilitation interventions attempted to salvage function and to improve aerobic capacity to the point where patients could tolerate the sometimes‐extensive oncologic treatment, including lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Earlier detection may shift this toward more often addressing specific neuromusculoskeletal impairments, such as postthoracotomy pain or peripheral neuropathy, as patients with early‐stage disease may not be as debilitated by chronic disease or metastases as those with late‐stage lung cancer. Patients with advanced disease, however, will still require rehabilitation interventions, and this fragile population creates unique challenges. Rehabilitation professionals should look for ways to expand care to lung cancer patients, as both the number of those treated and the 5‐year survival rate are expected to increase.
Making Cancer Rehabilitation Services Work for Cancer Patients: Recommendations for Research and Practice to Improve Employment Outcomes
Authors: Alfano Catherine M. , Kent Erin E. , Padgett Lynne S. , Grimes Melvin , de Moor Janet S.
Published: September 2017

Cancer and its treatment can result in impairments that limit physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning, interfering with patients' ability to perform work‐related functions. Because these work limitations can carry significant personal and societal costs, there is a timely need to identify and refer patients to cancer rehabilitation services to manage adverse consequences of treatment and to preserve employment. Coordinated efforts in 3 key areas will better connect patients to rehabilitation interventions that will help optimize employment. These include the following: planning for the impact of cancer on the ability to work; implementing routine screening for impairments and facilitating referrals to cancer rehabilitation specialists; and focusing rehabilitation interventions on preserving employment. Coordinated strategies are presented to achieve these 3 goals, including the following: implementing changes to clinical practice to routinely screen for impairments; working with oncology providers and patients to better understand the benefits of cancer rehabilitation to facilitate referrals and uptake; training more cancer rehabilitation providers to handle the increased need; better coordination of care across providers and with employers; and filling research gaps needed to proactively anticipate how cancer treatment would affect work for a given patient and deploy personalized interventions to preserve the ability to work.
The Case for Prehabilitation Prior to Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Santa Mina Daniel , Brahmbhatt Priya , Lopez Christian , Baima Jennifer , Gillis Chelsia , Trachtenberg Lianne , Silver Julie K.
Published: September 2017

Cancer rehabilitation in breast cancer survivors is well established, and there are many studies that focus on interventions to treat impairments as well as therapeutic exercise. However, very little is known about the role of prehabilitation for people with breast cancer. In this narrative review, we describe contemporary clinical management of breast cancer and associated treatment‐related morbidity and mortality considerations. Knowing the common short‐ and long‐term sequelae, as well as less frequent but serious sequelae, informs our rationale for multimodal breast cancer prehabilitation. We suggest 5 core components that may help to mitigate short‐ and long‐term sequelae that align with consensus opinion of prehabilitation experts: total body exercise; locoregional exercise pertinent to treatment‐related deficits; nutritional optimization; stress reduction/psychosocial support; and smoking cessation. In each of these categories, we review the literature and discuss how they may affect outcomes for women with breast cancer.
Feedback Facility−Assisted Balance Training in a Patient With Multiple System Atrophy: A Case Presentation
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Lee Ko Eun , Yi Tae Im , Kim Hyun Young
Published: September 2017

Multiple system atrophy is a rare neurodegenerative disease with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, there are no pharmacological or notable rehabilitation strategies available to prevent the worsening of the disease. This case presentation assessed the outcome of feedback facility−assisted balance training in combination with physical therapy in a 61‐year‐old man. The patient participated in 30 training sessions over 6 weeks for 30 minutes each that involved balance training. His static and dynamic balance abilities were improved on the Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, Functional Independence Measure, and Functional Reach. Although this patient's gait speed and muscle strength did not show improvement after training, feedback facility−assisted balance training might be a potential strategy to help reduce the rate of symptom deterioration in patients with multiple system atrophy.

Level of Evidence

V
Descriptive Cadaveric Study Comparing the Accuracy of Ultrasound Versus Fluoroscopic Guidance for First Sacral Transforaminal Injections: A Comparison Study
Authors: Thompson Bradley F. , Pingree Matthew J. , Qu Wenchun , Murthy Naveen S. , Lachman Nirusha , Hurdle Mark Friedrich
Published: September 2017

Background

Ultrasound is rarely used for guiding lumbosacral epidural steroid injections due to its technical limitations. For example, sonographic imaging lacks the ability to confirm epidural spread and identify vascular uptake. The perceived risk that these limitations pose to human subjects has precluded any large scale clinical trials to date.

Objective

To compare the accuracy of ultrasound versus fluoroscopic guidance for first sacral transforaminal epidural injections.

Design

Cadaveric comparative study using dichotomous outcomes.

Setting

A fluoroscopy suite and anatomic laboratory at an academic medical center.

Subjects

Four unembalmed adult human cadavers with no history of spinal surgery.

Methods

Eight sites were injected twice by one interventionalist, using fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. In the fluoroscopy arm, contrast spread was assessed using computed tomography. In the ultrasound arm, latex spread was assessed using gross anatomic dissection. Any visible evidence of epidural spread constituted a positive result.

Main Outcome Measurements

Comparison of the success of obtaining epidural contrast flow was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included average duration, rate of intravascular uptake, and quantity of intravascular uptake.

Results

All injections performed in both the ultrasound arm and the fluoroscopy arm had positive epidural spread. The average duration was 3.03 minutes with fluoroscopy and 4.76 minutes with ultrasound. The rate of intravascular uptake was 37.5% with fluoroscopy and 50% with ultrasound. Within the ultrasound arm, greater intravascular spread and duration variability were recorded.

Conclusion

Although ultrasonography can provide reliable image guidance for cannulating the first sacral foramen in cadavers, it would have limited clinical utility due to its inability to visualize relevant neurovascular structures deep to the osseus roof and exclude intravascular uptake.

Level of Evidence

IV
Cephalotrichum and related synnematous fungi with notes on species from the built environment
Authors: Woudenberg J.H.C. , Sandoval-Denis M. , Houbraken J. , Seifert K.A. , Samson R.A.
Published: September 2017

A recent taxonomic revision of Microascaceae with an emphasis on synnematous fungi enabled re-identification of previously isolated indoor strains of Cephalotrichum. All available Cephalotrichum strains from the culture collection of the Westerdijk Institute were
studied, 20 originating from the built environment. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), and parts of β-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1)
genes. Additionally, herbarium material of 14 Cephalotrichum species described from soil in China was studied, and the taxonomy of C. album, not considered in recent revisions, was reevaluated. Sixteen phylogenetic species in Cephalotrichum are distinguished, five
described as new species: C. domesticum, C. lignatile, C. telluricum, C. tenuissimum and C. transvaalense. Five Cephalotrichum species occur in the built environment: C. domesticum, C. gorgonifer (formerly
known as Trichurus spiralis), C. microsporum, C. purpureofuscum, and C. verrucisporum. Based on the number of isolates, C. gorgonifer (nine strains) is the most common indoor species. The study of the Chinese herbarium material resulted
in the acceptance of three additional Cephalotrichum species: C. casteneum, C. ellipsoideum, and C. spirale. Four species are considered nomena dubia (C. cylindrosporum, C. macrosporum, C. ovoideum, and C. robustum),
five are placed in synonymy with other Cephalotrichum species (C. acutisporum, C. inflatum, C. longicollum, C. oblongum, C. terricola) and one species, C. verrucipes, is probably a synonym of Penicillium clavigerum.
Cephalotrichum columnare, former Doratomyces columnaris, is transferred to Kernia. Cephalotrichum album, formerly known as Doratomyces putredinis, is transferred to Acaulium and redescribed.
A virtual engineering approach to the ship-helicopter dynamic interface – a decade of modelling and simulation research at the University of Liverpool
Authors: Owen I. , White M. D. , Padfield G. D. , Hodge S. J.
Published: September 2017

This paper reviews some of the research that has been carried out at the University of Liverpool where the Flight Science and Technology Research Group has developed its Heliflight-R full-motion research simulator to create a simulation environment for the launch and recovery of maritime helicopters to ships. HELIFLIGHT-R has been used to conduct flight trials to produce simulated Ship-Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOLs). This virtual engineering approach has led to a much greater understanding of how the dynamic interface between the ship and the helicopter contributes to the pilot's workload and the aircraft's handling qualities and will inform the conduct of future real-world SHOL trials. The paper also describes how modelling and simulation has been applied to the design of a ship's superstructure to improve the aerodynamic flow field in which the helicopter has to operate. The superstructure aerodynamics also affects the placement of the ship's anemometers and the dispersion of the ship's hot exhaust gases, both of which affect the operational envelope of the helicopter, and both of which can be investigated through simulation.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulent slope flows up to Grashof number
Authors: Giometto M. G. , Katul G. G. , Fang J. , Parlange M. B.
Published: September 2017

Stably stratified turbulent flows over an unbounded, smooth, planar sloping surface at high Grashof numbers are examined using direct numerical simulations (DNS). Four sloping angles ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}=15^{\circ },30^{\circ },60^{\circ }$ and $90^{\circ }$) and three Grashof numbers ($\mathit{Gr}=5\times 10^{10},1\times 10^{11}$ and $2.1\times 10^{11}$) are considered. Variations in mean flow, second-order statistics and budgets of mean- (MKE) and turbulent-kinetic energy (TKE) are evaluated as a function of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ and $Gr$ at fixed molecular Prandtl number $(Pr=1)$. Dynamic and energy identities are highlighted, which diagnose the convergence of the averaging operation applied to the DNS results. Turbulent anabatic (upward moving warm fluid along the slope) and katabatic (downward moving cold fluid along the slope) regimes are identical for the vertical wall set-up (up to the sign of the along-slope velocity), but undergo a different transition in the mechanisms sustaining turbulence as the sloping angle decreases, resulting in stark differences at low $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$. In addition, budget equations show how MKE is fed into the system through the imposed surface buoyancy, and turbulent fluctuations redistribute it from the low-level jet (LLJ) nose towards the boundary and outer flow regions. Analysis of the TKE budget equation suggests a subdivision of the boundary layer of anabatic and katabatic flows into four distinct thermodynamical regions: (i) an outer layer, corresponding approximately to the return flow region, where turbulent transport is the main source of TKE and balances dissipation; (ii) an intermediate layer, bounded below by the LLJ and capped above by the outer layer, where the sum of shear and buoyant production overcomes dissipation, and where turbulent and pressure transport terms are a sink of TKE; (iii) a buffer layer, located at $5\lessapprox z^{+}\lessapprox 30$, where TKE is provided by turbulent and pressure transport terms, to balance viscous diffusion and dissipation; and (iv) a laminar sublayer, corresponding to $z^{+}\lessapprox 5$, where the influence of viscosity is significant. $(\cdot )^{+}$ denotes a quantity rescaled in inner units. Interestingly, a zone of global backscatter (energy transfer from the turbulent eddies to the mean flow) is consistently found in a thin layer below the LLJ in both anabatic and katabatic regimes.
Numerical study of variable density turbulence interaction with a normal shock wave
Authors: Tian Yifeng , Jaberi Farhad A. , Li Zhaorui , Livescu Daniel
Published: September 2017

Accurate numerical simulations of shock–turbulence interaction (STI) are conducted with a hybrid monotonicity-preserving–compact-finite-difference scheme for a detailed study of STI in variable density flows. Theoretical and numerical assessments of data confirm that all turbulence scales as well as the STI are well captured by the computational method. Linear interaction approximation (LIA) convergence tests conducted with the shock-capturing simulations exhibit a similar trend of converging to LIA predictions to shock-resolving direct numerical simulations (DNS). The effects of density variations on STI are studied by comparing the results corresponding to an upstream multi-fluid mixture with the single-fluid case. The results show that for the current parameter ranges, the turbulence amplification by the normal shock wave is much higher and the reduction in turbulence length scales is more significant when strong density variations exist. Turbulent mixing enhancement by the shock is also increased and stronger mixing asymmetry in the postshock region is observed when there is significant density variation. The turbulence structure is strongly modified by the shock wave, with a differential distribution of turbulent statistics in regions having different densities. The dominant mechanisms behind the variable density STI are identified by analysing the transport equations for the Reynolds stresses, vorticity, normalized mass flux and density specific volume covariance.
Model of kinematic waves for gas–liquid segregation with phase transition in porous media
Authors: Zaleski Stephane , Panfilov Mikhail
Published: September 2017

We consider the problem of gas–liquid flow with phase transition in a porous medium, governed by the buoyancy force. Free gas releases due to continuous pressure decrease. We take into account the gas expansion and the dissolution of chemical components in both phases controlled by the local phase equilibrium. We have developed an asymptotic model of flow for low pressure gradients in the form of a nonlinear hyperbolic system of first order with respect to the liquid saturation and the total flow velocity, which is the extended non-homogeneous Buckley–Leverett model. In two asymptotic cases determined by two different ratios between the characteristic times, this model is completely decoupled from pressure, i.e. the pressure enters in this model as a parameter determined through an independent formula. The segregation problem with phase transition in a bounded domain is solved for two cases of boundary conditions. The saturation behaviour is described in terms of nonlinear kinematic waves, whose evolution follows a complex segregation scenario, which includes the wave reflection and formation of shocks. The macroscopic gas–liquid interfaces are described in terms of shock waves. The comparison with numerical simulations shows satisfactory results.
Vorticity transport mechanisms governing the development of leading-edge vortices
Authors: Akkala James M. , Buchholz James H. J.
Published: September 2017

The sequence of events constituting the formation of a leading-edge vortex (LEV) has been investigated for a periodically plunging nominally two-dimensional flat plate and a similarly articulated plate of aspect ratio two. Particle image velocimetry applied in multiple parallel planes and unsteady surface pressure measurements were used to quantify the sources and sinks of vorticity governing the growth of circulation in a control region moving with the plate in each case. In the two-dimensional case, the initial accumulation of (negative) vorticity in the nascent LEV produces a strong surface diffusive flux of vorticity that erodes the connection between the LEV and downstream boundary layer through cross-cancelation, initiating the ‘roll up’ of the LEV. Despite the significant diffusive flux earlier in the vortex development, there is no significant accumulation of secondary vorticity until after the severing occurs. The growth of the secondary vortex reduces the suction near the leading edge, such as to result in a self-limiting mechanism on the diffusive flux. In the finite-aspect-ratio case, a similar development is observed, except that the formation process is regulated or reversed by the spanwise convection of vorticity, which opposes the action of the surface diffusive flux. The physical mechanisms of vortex formation or reversal identified here can provide a basis for the design of passive or active flow control strategies to regulate vortex development.
Q&A with Leaders and Practitioners: Steve Phillips
Authors: Ramakrishnan S. Karthick
Published: September 2017

Our understanding of the politics of race, indigeneity, and ethnicity is informed not only by the work of scholars, but also by the work of leaders and practitioners, many of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. The Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics (JREP) is proud to continue our Q&A series with Steve Phillips, founder of Democracy in Color, an organization focused on race and politics, and author of the New York Times and Washington Post bestselling book, Brown Is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority. Our hope is that forums like these will help advance our collective scholarship by better informing our research agendas, validating some of our claims, and building more bridges between the worlds of research, politics, and policy.
Finitude, Phenomenology, and Theology in Heidegger'sSein und Zeit
Authors: Dika Tarek R.
Published: September 2017

Any purely phenomenological description of the human being as in some sense “finite” must avail itself of a concept of finitude that does not rely, implicitly or explicitly, on the concept of God. Theologically motivated descriptions, however, face no such dilemma; they can and, indeed, must avail themselves of some concept of the human creature as a finite being created in God's image (Gen 1:27 KJV). For there to be a meaningful difference between these two descriptions, the concept of finitude common to both must have a different sense in each. These are some of the methodological requirements Heidegger lays down inSein und Zeit§10: “The Delimitation [Abgrenzung] of Phenomenology from Anthropology, Psychology, and Biology.” Heidegger's strategy for distinguishing the analytic ofDasein, in which the concept of finitude (Endlichkeit) plays a foundational role, from what he refers to as “the anthropology of Christianity” consists in distinguishing between two concepts of finitude: (1) finitude as lack or imperfection, defined asens finitumrelative to God asens infinitum, and (2) an original concept of finitude, which, not being defined relative to God, is purely phenomenological and constitutes the horizon of any and all understanding of Being.
Exegesis and Appropriation: Reading Rashi in Late Medieval Spain
Authors: Lawee Eric
Published: September 2017

Scholarship in the humanities has seen a recent burgeoning interest in the processes of “appropriation,” a conceptual category that moves us away from the idea of one-way transmission or “influence” and allows us to explore the complex ways in which intellectual, literary, and material expressions or artifacts come to represent something “different from their original purposes.” Though the term has not acquired much currency in studies of medieval Jewish biblical scholarship, its fruitful deployment is amply attested in broader explorations of premodern exegetical literature. This investigation takes “exegesis and appropriation” as a revelatory integrating perspective on a neglected body of Hebrew scriptural scholarship: commentaries on the most important and influential work of Jewish biblical interpretation ever written, theCommentary on the Torahof Rashi (Solomon Yitzhaki; 1040–1105). The focus falls on “Rashi supercommentaries” (as glosses on Rashi'sCommentaryare usually called) from medieval Spain and on some striking religio-intellectual dynamics evident in their pages. The study thereby addresses Moshe Idel's call for scholarship to engage more with questions about “the meaning of the arrival of a corpus of writings in a new cultural environment.”
Paul's Place in a First-Century Revival of the Discourse of “Equality”
Authors: Welborn L. L.
Published: September 2017

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul appeals to the principle of “equality” (ἰσότης) in order to encourage the Corinthians to contribute to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. What is this “equality” of which Paul speaks and to which he exhorts his readers? Is it a principle of fairness, an equitable balance between the “haves” and the “have-nots” that might find expression in spirited generosity and charitable initiatives? Or is it “a regulative principle of mutual assistance,” which sets in motion a process of equalization between those who have surplus and those who have need? Or does Paul intend something more radical, more democratic? Is Paul asserting that all believers in Christ Jesus are “equal” and on this basis (ἐξ ἰσότητος) should engage in redistributive action, “so that there may be equality” (ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης)?
A Man for the Times: Jesus and the Abgar Correspondence in Eusebius of Caesarea'sEcclesiastical History
Authors: Corke-Webster James
Published: September 2017

Perhaps the most extraordinary story about Jesus to survive from antiquity is one of the least often told. It runs as follows: Towards the end of his life, Jesus's reputation has spread out from Palestine and reached the terminally ill Abgar V (also known as Abgar the Black), toparch of Edessa, the capital city of the kingdom of Osroëne. Abgar writes to Jesus requesting that he visit Edessa and heal him. In return he offers sanctuary from the Jews and shared rule of his city. The story preserves the text of both this letter and Jesus's reply, in which he declines to visit (citing his upcoming engagements in Jerusalem), but promises to send a disciple in his stead. After Jesus's death, the apostle Thomas, moved by divine impulse, sends Thaddaeus, one of the seventy (Luke 10:1–24), to Edessa. Escorted to Abgar's court, Thaddaeus cures him along with one Abdu son of Abdu. The newly converted Abgar gathers his citizens to hear Thaddaeus preach, and the story ends with the Christianization of Abgar's kingdom.
Do Chimeras Have Minds?
Authors: CAPPS BENJAMIN
Published: September 2017

Suppose that a colleague proposed a fantastic experiment: to introduce human stem cells into a neonatal mouse so that its entire brain developed into “human-like” neuronal structures. The colleague claimed it would still be a mouse, and that its chimeric brain would be nothing like a “human” one. It would not, as a result, have a moral status beyond its nonhuman animal origins. Thus, the “human neuron mouse” would allow scientists to tinker with human-like neurology in ways that would be precluded if it were a human being, and that would promise to lead to substantial understanding of the destructive and incurable brain diseases that befall humanity. The colleague does admit, however, that for reasons of comparative fidelity, experiments in human patients would be scientifically preferable, although in this case, neither ethically justified nor legally permitted. For that reason, it might be desirable to create a human brain in a nonhuman primate, where it would be more likely that significant human-like neuronal development would occur, but still could not become a person. This article explores the significance of a “human neuron chimpanzee,” and suggests that contradictions in the design of the experiment make it unethical to proceed in either murine or primate models.