bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Microstructure and Properties of Coating on the Surface of Fe14Mn6Si5Ni Alloy
Authors: Shen Y. , Wang Hong Xiang
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the coating was prepared by the slurry pack cementation on the surface of Fe-14Mn-6Si-5Ni alloy at 900°C for 10 h. A slurry pack cementation mixture was composed of Cr2O3 used as chrominizing source, pure Al powder as reducer, an activator of NH4Cl and albumen (egg white) as cohesive agent. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of coating has been studied. The results showed that the microstructure of the coating is composed of solid solution with Al and Cr; the microhardness of coating with a value of 460 HV was 1.4 time than that of the matrix alloy, friction coefficient of the coating was 0.35, 1/2 of that of matrix alloy, and the rate of corrosion of coating was lower one order of magnitude than that of the FeMnSi based alloy.
Study on Performances of Plasma Sprayed Ceramic Coatings on Die Wear Surface
Authors: Guo You Dan
Published: May 2016

Microscopic observation and testing were carried out on the structure & texture, bonding form and performances of different plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings on the wear surface of Cr12MoV dies by KYKY-2800B SEM. The result indicates that the bonding between the coating and the die matrix surface is mainly of mechanical form, the bonding strength of coating is higher than that of the matrix material, the coating has a low structural porosity and the hardness and friction performance of the die surface are somewhat improved. Compared with the original dies, not only their dimensional accuracy and quality standard are no lower but also their performance such as wear resistance and corrosion resistance are better, fully satisfying the requirements of die repair & remanufacture.
An Experimental Investigation of Cutting Forces in Micro End-Milling Process
Authors: Yuan Yan Jie , Jing Xiu Bing , Li Huai Zhong , Wang Jun
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an experimental study of cutting forces during micro end-milling of brass. The influences of cutting speed and feed per tooth on cutting forces have been researched. The results show that the resultant force Fr and feed force Fx significantly increase with increasing the feed per tooth. The resultant force Fr, feed force Fxand normal force Fy increase with increasing cutting speed. The specific shear energy is also investigated. It is observed that the specific shear energy increases greatly with decreasing the feed per tooth when the feed per tooth is less than minimum chip thickness.
Finite Element Simulation of Ceramics Machining
Authors: Xue J.X. , Wu H.B. , Sun Q.P.
Published: May 2016

The evolution of crack models based on fracture mechanics is reviewed. The brittle cracking model in Abaqucs is used to simulate the machining process of Al2O3. The result shows that it’s appropriate to simulate the machining process of ceramics with fracture energy cracking criterion and post-failure constitutive relation in a smeared cracking representation. Although more works are needed in the future to resolve the mesh sensitivity. The material removal mechanism of ceramics is confirmed to be the brittle fracture regime.
Optimization of End Mill Geometry Parameters Based on Oblique Cutting Theory
Authors: Wang Lei , Lin Bin , Guo Yu , Yao Ji Ming
Published: May 2016

An optimization method of end mill geometry parameters is presented for minimizing cutting energy. The helical end mill geometry is established at first. Then, the helical flutes are decomposed a set of infinitesimal oblique cutting edges. At every oblique cutting element, the differential cutting energy, which consists of differential shear energy and differential friction energy, is calculated using oblique cutting theory. By integrating the differential cutting energy along each cutting edge in the end mill, the cutting energy can be predicted during end milling. The effects on cutting energy of end mill geometry parameters are analyzed. Finally, the end mill geometry can be optimized in order to minimizing cutting energy.
Study on Micro Milling Tool with Hot-Pressed Sintered Ti(C7N3)-Based Cermet
Authors: Xu Kai Tao , Zou Bin , Huang Chuan Zhen , Zhou Hui Jun , Liu Han Lian , Wang Jun , Zhu Hong Tao
Published: May 2016

Micro milling is most flexible to create 3D features for application. However, how to design and fabrication of high precision micro milling tools are one of big challenges for mechanical micro milling. Commercially available micro milling tools are usually simply made from downsizing of macro milling tools, which have negative impact on milling performance. Therefore, in this paper, firstly, various structural of micro milling tools were optimized with abaqus that investigated stress and strain under certain static load on the cutting edges. Then, results showed the minimum stress and strain was a micro hexagonal end mill. Finally, a Ti (C7N3) cermet micro hexagonal end mill with a radius of 0.5mm was fabricated by wire electrical discharge machining, and the evaluation experiments for the hexagonal mill have been processed on a micro milling centre.
Study on Ultrasonic-Assisted Laser Machining of Si3N4
Authors: Yao Yan Sheng , Wang Yuan Yuan , Li Xiu Yu , Chen Xue Hui , Yuan Gen Fu , Zhang Feng Jun
Published: May 2016

Si3N4 is difficult to be machined due to its hard and brittle nature. In order to improve its machining quality, a new method of ultrasonic-assisted laser machining is proposed. The machining device is established including Nd: YAG pulsed laser, ultrasonic vibration stage and water flow system. Etching experiments of laser machining with and without sample vibration in anhydrous conditions and in water conditions are studied respectively. A VM-3030E two-dimensional image measuring instrument is applied to detect shape and measure dimension of the sample. Microstructure morphology of the sample is observed by a JSM-7500F scanning electron microscope. Experimental results show that there are fewer slags on inner surfaces of V-shaped grooves when laser machining with water flow. The surface quality and depth-to-width ratio of grooves machined by laser with vibration on sample are improved significantly in comparison with those without vibration. The depth-to-width ratio of groove machined by laser with 90.1W vibration power is near twice than that without vibration.
The NC Machining Method and Application of Three Axial Impeller Based on Cimatron Software
Authors: Li Qing
Published: May 2016

With the development of China's manufacturing industry, the multi axis NC Machining Technology is rapidly popular. In the case of impeller shaft processing, this paper introduces the NC machining method and of three axial impeller based on Cimatron software, It is important practical significance and reference value to realize multi axis machining by the three axis CNC equipment.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanofiber with Reinforced Polymer Resin Matrix Composite
Authors: Nallusamy S. , Prabu N. Manikanda
Published: May 2016

Polymer composite with reinforced fiber is a remarkable development in the field of engineering materials. The applications of composite materials have significantly increased in Defense, Aeronautical and Automobiles because of its specific modulus and high strength characteristics. In composite material development, nano particles reinforcement and nano fiber reinforcement are the most recent methods developed. In this research electrospun carbon nanofiber reinforced mat with polymer epoxy resin composites was prepared. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and ultrasonic scanning were used to study the morphology and the defect on the specimens for analyzing the structural conditions of the samples for determining the mechanical properties. The result clearly indicates that the Carbon Nanofiber (CNF)/ Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) mat improves the flexural strength of the epoxy resin and that 0.015% CNF in PVA gives a better mechanical strength.
Article Commentary: Activity in Pregnancy for Patients with a History of Preterm Birth
Authors: Satterfield Nichelle , Newton Edward R. , May Linda E.
Published: May 2016

Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Numerous risk factors for preterm birth have been identified, including non-Hispanic black race, a variety of social and behavioral factors, infections, and history of a prior preterm delivery. Of these, a history of prior spontaneous preterm birth is one of the strongest risk factors. Traditionally, women with a history of preterm birth or those deemed at high risk for preterm delivery have been placed on bed rest or a reduced activity regimen during their pregnancy. However, there is little evidence to support this recommendation. Recent research has suggested that regular physical activity and exercise during pregnancy is safe and does not increase the risk of preterm delivery. Therefore, physicians should encourage women with a history of preterm birth to exercise throughout pregnancy according to guidelines published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as long as they are receiving regular prenatal care and their current health status permits exercise. However, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise prescription in women with a history of preterm birth, hence additional research is needed in this area.
Common rs5918 (PlA1/A2) polymorphism in the ITGB3 gene and risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Khatami Mehri , Heidari Mohammad Mehdi
Published: May 2016

Introduction:  The T to C transition at nucleotide 1565 of the human glycoprotein IIIa (ITGB3) gene represents a genetic polymorphism (PlA1/A2) that can influence both platelet activation and aggregation and that has been associated with many types of disease. Here, we present a newly designed multiplex tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system – polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) for genotyping a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (dbSNP ID: rs5918) in the human ITGB3 gene.

Material and methods: We set up T-ARMS-PCR for the rs5918 SNP in a single-step PCR and the results were validated by the PCR-RFLP method in 132 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and 122 unrelated healthy individuals.

Results: Full accordance was found for genotype determination by the PCR-RFLP method. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of the rs5918 polymorphism and CAD according to dominant and recessive models (dominant model OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.33–4.35; p = 0.003, recessive model OR: 4.71, 95% CI: 1.32–16.80; p = 0.0067).

Conclusions: Our T-ARMS-PCR in comparison with RFLP and allele-specific PCR is more advantageous because this PCR method allows the evaluation of both the wild type and the mutant allele in the same tube. Our results suggest that the rs5918 (PlA1/A2) polymorphism in the ITGB3 gene may contribute to the susceptibility of sporadic Iranian coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.
Usefulness of serum procalcitonin as a diagnostic biomarker of infection in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fadel Fatina I. , Elshamaa Manal F. , Elghoroury Eman A. , Badr Ahmed M. , Kamel Solaf , El-Sonbaty Marwa M. , Raafat Mona , Farouk Hebatallh
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are known to be low in healthy individ­uals in healthy subjects but are increased in patients with a severe bacterial infection. It has not been extensively studied in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), treated either with hemodialysis (HD) or with renal transplantation.

Material and methods: During a 6-month period, blood samples were taken from 102 (55 HD children and 47 renal transplant recipients) children with a strong clinical suspicion of infection. Procalcitonin levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:  Thirty-four/102 cases had proven infections as defined previously. Children with proven infections had a significantly higher PCT (0.920 ±0.24 ng/ml) than those without (0.456 ±0.53 ng/ml), p = 0.04. The ideal cutoff value derived for serum PCT was 0.5 ng/ml. This threshold value established a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 87.9%.

Conclusions: This study indicates that significantly increased PCT concentration is a promising predictor of systemic bacterial infection in children with CKD, with good sensitivity and specificity. This study proposes that serum PCT is a convenient index of infection in CKD children at a cutoff value of 0.5 ng/ml.
Levels of brain natriuretic peptide as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Sayan Saadet , Kotan Dilcan
Published: May 2016

Introduction: The relationships between plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and severity and location of stroke, prognosis, and infarct volume were investigated in acute ischemic stroke patients who presented within the first 24 hours (h) of stroke.

Material and methods: Brain natriuretic peptide levels were tested in 40 patients and 30 healthy controls. Infarct volume was automatically calculated by multi-slice computed tomography. Disease severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation, 24 h, 72 h and the 28th day. Progression was defined as an increase of more than two points in the NIHSS scores.

Results: The mean BNP levels were 284.16 ±382.79 at presentation and 273.78 ±451.91 at 72 h in the patient group, whereas the mean BNP level was 25.29 ±13.47 in controls. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). Differences in BNP levels among patient subgroups according to the TOAST and OCSP classifications were not statistically significant (p = 0.534, p = 0.943, respectively). There was no significant correlation between plasma BNP level and infarct volume or NIHSS scores (p = 0.5, p = 0.07). A positive correlation was found between BNP levels and the length of the hospitalization period (p = 0.03 and r = 0.33). There was no statistically significant relationship between elevated plasma BNP levels and progression of disease (p = 0.08).

Conclusions: Plasma BNP levels were increased in the acute phase of stroke; therefore, BNP could be used as a biomarker for morbidity and mortality, even in patients without cardiac failure.
Potential for agricultural production on disturbed soils mined for apatite using legumes and beneficial microbe
Authors: Swift Rebecca , Parkinson Liza , Edwards Thomas , Carr Regina , McComb Jen , O'Hara Graham W. , Hardy Giles E. St. John , Bräu Lambert , Howieson John
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Christmas Island has been mined for rock phosphate for over 100 years, and as mining will finish in the next few decades there is a need to develop alternative economies on the island, such as high value crop production. However, to conserve the unique flora and fauna on the island, only land previously mined will be considered for this purpose. As these soils have been severely perturbed by mining, strategies to improve soil quality parameters need to be undertaken before plant based industries can be considered. For instance, legumes and beneficial microbes have demonstrated a positive role in the remediation of degraded soils. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the scientific basis upon which agriculture can effectively be developed on s oils post phosphate mining. Six legume species (Glycine max (Soybean), Vigna radiata (Mungbean), V. unguiculata (Cowpea), Phaseolus vulgaris (Navybean), Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea), and Lablab purpureus (Lablab)) were sown onto a two ha rehabilitated site t hat had previously been mined for rock phosphate. The soil had a pH of 7.0, and was high in P but low in Bo, Cu, K, Mg, N and S and had low organic C. The legumes were inoculated with their respective rhizobial inoculant or co-inoculated with the rhizobia and a plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) at three different fertilizer rates (nil, a low rate, and five times the low rate). With the exception of P. vulgaris, all the legume species survived. The application of fertilizer was essential for maximum biomass yields 18 weeks after sowing, however the lower fertilizer rate was sufficient to obtain maximum yields for some cultivars. The PGPB increased yields and nodulation of some of the legumes at different fertilizer levels. Although the legumes (except P. vulgaris) grew in the Christmas Island environment, selection of appropriate legume cultivars and inoculants plus optimization of the fertilizer regime is required for reliable agricultural productivity on the island.
A Fatal Mycotic Sepsis after Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cindolo Luca , Berardinelli Francesco , Castellan Pietro , Castellucci Roberto , Pellegrini Fabrizio , Schips Luigi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a procedure that sees an increase in its use every day and is supported by excellent results in terms of safety and feasibility. We report the first case of fatal mycotic septic complication in a neurological patient for renal stone disease.

Case Presentation

The case of a woman 44 year-old, with left solitary kidney and history of advanced multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, bedridden and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was described. She was hospitalized for the presence of recurrent lower urinary tract infections. The computed tomography (CT) scan control revealed a 1.7 cm obstructive renal pelvic stone and multiple stones in the bladder. After the refusal of a percutaneous approach, a RIRS was planned and done. No intraoperative complications were observed. In the postoperative period, she developed a urinary sepsis with progressive deterioration of the general conditions. She died 6 days after the RIRS for septic shock with a blood culture positive for Candida glabrata.

Discussion

A Pubmed search for fatal complications after RIRS shows only two cases not fully elucidated.

Conclusions

The use of flexible ureteroscopes and holmium lasers has a high succes rate;nevertheless, the possibility of a major complication should be kept in mind in order to evaluate all the risk factors, to adopt all the preventive measures for the safety of the patients.
The Other: een introductie
Authors: Geelhoed Fiore , Siegel Dina
Published: May 2016

The Other: an introduction

This introductory article describes who ‘the other’ is and what the place of ‘the other’ is in social scientific studies. The concept of ‘the other’ became the central object of study with the emergence of anthropology. In sociology and criminology the focus of study has been on ‘the other’ in ‘our’ midst. Although there are ‘positive others’, such as significant others, the other is more often perceived as unwanted, dangerous, threatening and even as an enemy. The other is socially constructed, usually on the basis of cultural and socio-economic differences that set ‘the other’ apart from the powerful. Critical and cultural criminologists have therefore since the 1960s focused on ‘the other’ and how they are created in processes of marginalization and how they are subjected to criminalization.
Othering refugees: exclusion, containment and spaces of hope
Authors: Musiol Lynn
Published: May 2016

Othering refugees: exclusion, containment and spaces of hope

The article examines mechanisms of othering the refugees illustrated on one refugee camp in Germany. Based on the theoretical strand of the foreigner dispositif, I analyze spatial and architectural compositions of the camp to outline the differentiation of ‘we’ (nation state) and ‘others’ (refugees). In the process of othering space excludes, controls and identifies refugees as ‘others’. However, being identified as the other, space can also be conceived as a specific space of hope. The findings shed some light on the link between othering, space and identity.
‘Boeven vangen’
Authors: Kleijer-Kool Lianne , Landman Wouter
Published: May 2016

‘Catching crooks’: the game between police officers and the Other

This article is based on ethnographic research over recent years in eight Dutch police teams. It focuses on the othering process in which police officers define ‘crooks’ as the Other and chase, catch and arrest them. Catching crooks is perceived as an assignment as well as a game. Street cops construct detailed subcategories of the crook which influence their daily practices. They select crooks by recognition (the permanent suspects), by abnormalization (out of placeness) and by profiling (regardless of place). In addition to the discussion on ethnic profiling, we argue that profiling is a contextual practice. The contents of the profiles depend on the demographic characteristics of the district in which a police team operates. Interacting mediaframes of both the crook and the police reinforce the mutual caricatures and tense relationships.
Moving beyond the other
Authors: Taylor Stuart
Published: May 2016

Moving beyond the other: A critique of the reductionist drugs discourse

This paper uses the UK as a vehicle through which to argue that a dominant reductionist drugs discourse exists which simplifies understandings of drug use and drug users leading to socio-cultural misrepresentations of harm, risk and dangerousness. It contends that at the centre of this discourse lies the process of othering – the identification of specific substances and substance users as a threat to UK society. Interestingly, within the wider context of global drug policy reform this othering process appears to be expanding to target a wider variety of factors and actors – those policies, research findings and individuals which contest normative notions, resulting in the marginalisation of ‘alternative voices’ which question the entrenched assumptions associated with drug prohibition. The paper concludes that there is a need for collective action by critical scholars to move beyond the other, calling for academics to be innovative in their research agendas, creative in their dissemination of knowledge and resolute despite the threat of being othered themselves.
Analysis of Impact of Disruptions Coming from a Ship on the Accuracy of Determining the Location of the Tracked Air Target by The Modified Optoelectronic Scanning and Tracking Ir Seeker
Authors: Gapiński Daniel
Published: May 2016

The paper presents the results of research whose aim was to specify the impact of disruptions coming from the movement of a ship on the accuracy of determining the location of the tracked target by the modified, optoelectronic scanning and tracking seeker (OSTS). The basic task of OSTS consists in detecting and then tracking closely the detected air target, emitting infrared radiation.
Let's Have a Tweetup: The Case for Using Twitter Professionally
Authors: Fuller Maren Y. , Allen Timothy Craig
Published: May 2016

Social media use is very common and can be an effective way for professionals to discuss information and interact with colleagues. Twitter (Twitter, Inc, San Francisco, California) is a social media network where posts, termed tweets, are limited to 140 characters. Professional use of Twitter is ideal for physicians interested in both networking and education and is optimally used to facilitate in-person networking. Live-tweeting (posting real-time reactions to events) at professional meetings is also a popular and highly successful use of Twitter. Physicians report patient privacy as the top concern preventing use of social media for professional reasons, and although generally social media use is safe, it is essential to understand how to protect patient confidentially. Other social media platforms with potential for professional use include Facebook (Facebook, Inc, Menlo Park, California), Instagram (Facebook, Inc), YouTube (YouTube, LLC, San Bruno, California), and Periscope (Twitter, Inc). With Twitter and other social media options, now is the time for pathologists to increase our visibility on social media and worldwide.
Multiple layered metallic nanostructures for strong surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy enhancement
Authors: Xia Ming , Qiao Kuan , Cheng Zhiyuan , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: May 2016

We report a systematic study on a practical way of patterning metallic nanostructures to achieve high surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enhancement factors (EFs) and high hot-spot density. By simply superimposing a 1-layer Au nanotriangle array on another to form a multilayer nanotriangle array, the SERS signal can be enhanced by 2 orders of magnitude compared with a 1-layer nanotriangle array. The drastic increases in the SERS EF and the hot spot density of the multilayer Au nanotriangle array are due to the increase in the number of gaps formed between Au nanotriangles and the decrease of the gap width.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Based Music (CBT-Music) Group for Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Trimmer Chris , Tyo Richard , Naeem Farooq
Published: May 2016

Cognitive behavioural therapy-based music (CBT-Music) group is a nine-week guided self-help group for individuals with mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. This is a novel treatment developed for use in a community-based mental health setting. A feasibility study (a randomized control trial) has shown promising results for the CBT-Music group.
Method for direct detection of pitch angle scattering of energetic electrons caused by whistler mode chorus emissions
Authors: Kitahara M. , Katoh Y.
Published: May 2016

The Wave‐Particle Interaction Analyzer (WPIA), a new instrument proposed by Fukuhara et al. (2009), measures the relative phase angle between the wave magnetic field vector and the velocity vector of each particle and calculates the energy exchange from waves to particles. In this study, we expand its applicability by proposing a method of using the WPIA to directly detect pitch angle scattering of resonant particles by plasma waves by calculating the g values. The g value is defined as the accumulation value of the Lorentz force acting on each particle and indicates the lost momentum of waves. We apply the proposed method to the results of a one‐dimensional electron hybrid simulation reproducing the generation of whistler mode chorus emissions around the magnetic equator. Using the wave and particle data obtained at fixed observation points assumed in the simulation system, we conduct a pseudo‐observation of the simulation result using the WPIA and analyze the g values. Our analysis yielded significant values indicating the strong pitch angle scattering for electrons in the kinetic energy and pitch angle ranges satisfying the cyclotron resonance condition with the reproduced chorus emissions. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed method enables us to directly and quantitatively identify the location at which pitch angle scattering occurs in the simulation system and that the method can be applied to the results of space‐based observations by the forthcoming Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite.
Exploring historical and future urban climate in the Earth System Modeling framework: 1. Model development and evaluation
Authors: Li Dan , Malyshev Sergey , Shevliakova Elena
Published: May 2016

A number of recent studies investigated impacts of Land‐Use and Land‐Cover Changes (LULCC) on climate with global Earth System Models (ESMs). Yet many ESMs are still missing a representation of the most extreme form of natural landscape modification – urban settlements. Moreover, long‐term (i.e., decades to century) transitions between build‐up and other land cover types due to urbanization and de‐urbanization have not been examined in the literature. In this study we evaluate a new urban canopy model (UCM) that characterizes urban physical and biogeochemical processes within the subgrid tiling framework of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) land model, LM3. The new model LM3‐UCM is based on the urban canyon concept and simulates exchange of energy, water (liquid and solid), and carbon between urban land and the atmosphere. LM3‐UCM has several unique features, including explicit treatment of vegetation inside the urban canyon and dynamic transition between urban, agricultural and unmanaged tiles. The model is evaluated using observational data sets collected at three urban sites: Marseille in France, Basel in Switzerland and Baltimore in the United States. It is found that LM3‐UCM satisfactorily reproduces canyon air temperature, surface temperatures, radiative fluxes, and turbulent heat fluxes at the three urban sites. LM3‐UCM can capture urban features in a computationally efficient manner and is incorporated into the land component of GFDL ESMs. This new capability will enable improved understanding of climate change effects on cities and the impacts of urbanization on climate.
Whole exome sequencing in congenital pain insensitivity identifies a novel causative intronic NTRK1‐mutation due to uniparental disomy
Authors: Kurth Ingo , Baumgartner Manuela , Schabhüttl Maria , Tomni Cecilia , Windhager Reinhard , Strom Tim M. , Wieland Thomas , Gremel Kurt , Auer‐Grumbach Michaela
Published: May 2016

Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA), also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV (HSAN IV), is characterized by recurrent episodes of unexplained high fever, loss of pain perception and temperature sensation, absent sweating, repeated traumatic and thermal injuries, and mild mental retardation. After exclusion of obviously pathogenic mutations in NTRK1, the most common cause of CIPA, whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out in a CIPA patient with unrelated parents. No mutations in known HSAN genes were identified. However, filtering for genes carrying two rare sequence variations detected 13 homozygous single nucleotide variants (SNV), all being located on chromosome 1. Further analysis strongly suggested that this finding might be best explained by uniparental disomy of chromosome 1. Because NTRK1 is also located on chromosome 1, we re‐evaluated WES data and detected a novel intronic sequence variation at position c.2188‐12 C>A, homozygously because of uniparental disomy. Subsequent analysis of NTRK1 transcripts in peripheral blood cells of the patient revealed an influence of the variant on mRNA splicing. The C>A transversion generated a novel splice‐site, which led to the incorporation of 10 intronic bases into the NTRK1 mRNA and consequently to a non‐functional gene product. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Confined placental mosaicism and its impact on confirmation of NIPT results
Authors: Mardy Anne , Wapner Ronald J.
Published: May 2016

Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been widely used to screen for common aneuploidies since 2011. While NIPT is highly sensitive and specific, false positive results can occur. One important cause of false positive results is confined placental mosaicism (CPM). This can occur through a mitotic nondisjunction event or through aneuploidy rescue. CPM is usually associated with normal fetal outcomes, but has been associated with intrauterine growth restriction, pregnancy loss, or perinatal death in some cases. CPM may also be a marker for uniparental disomy. Given that NIPT can result in false positives, positive results should be confirmed with invasive testing before any irreversible procedure is performed. Whether to perform CVS or amniocentesis to confirm a positive NIPT result is controversial. While CVS can be performed earlier than amniocentesis, CPM can also cause false positive results. Our practice is to proceed with CVS, and to examine all cell lines using both an uncultured sample using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or short‐term culture, as well as long‐term culture of the sample. If the results all show aneuploidy, the results are reported to the patient. Otherwise, if the results are also mosaic, amniocentesis is recommended and analyzed by both FISH and karyotype. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐traumatic hypopituitarism: report of a child case
Authors: Aoki Makoto , Hagiwara Shuichi , Murata Masato , Kaneko Minoru , Kanbe Masahiko , Nakajima Jun , Sawada Yusuke , Ohyama Yoshio , Tamura Jun'ichi , Oshima Kiyohiro
Published: May 2016

Case

We report a case of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism in a 9‐year‐old boy who was injured in a car accident.

Outcome

Post‐traumatic hypopituitarism might be caused by moderate to severe head trauma, and while this possibility has recently drawn attention in adults, few reports are available regarding children. Our patient experienced head and facial injury, resulting in post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Six hours after injury he suffered from diabetes insipidus and hormone replacement therapy was started. On day 12 he underwent facial fracture reduction under general anesthesia. On day 24 he was discharged from the hospital. One year after the injury, secretory function and water dehydration tests suggested the possibility of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism.

Conclusion

We experienced a child case of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Emergency physicians should pay attention to the possibility of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism in cases of traumatic brain injury.
Protein‐Framed Multi‐Porphyrin Micelles for a Hybrid Natural–Artificial Light‐Harvesting Nanosystem
Authors: Liu Yannan , Jin Jiyang , Deng Hongping , Li Ke , Zheng Yongli , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: May 2016

A micelle‐like hybrid natural–artificial light‐harvesting nanosystem was prepared through protein‐framed electrostatic self‐assembly of phycocyanin and a four‐armed porphyrin star polymer. The nanosystem has a special structure of pomegranate‐like unimolecular micelle aggregate with one phycocyanin acceptor in the center and multiple porphyrin donors in the shell. It can inhibit donor self‐quenching effectively and display efficient transfer of excitation energy (about 80.1 %) in water. Furthermore, the number of donors contributing to a single acceptor could reach as high as about 179 in this nanosystem.
Highly efficient and reusable polystyrene‐supported copper(II) catalytic system for S‐arylation of potassium thiocyanate by aryl halides in water
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Jajarmi Saeideh
Published: May 2016

An inexpensive, efficient and environmentally friendly copper(II) catalyst supported on polystyrene was successfully synthesized and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for S‐arylation of potassium thiocyanate by aryl halides. Also this catalyst could be recovered and reused several times without any noticeable decrease in its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Estrogen Receptor 1 is Related to Sex Dimorphism in the Gerbil Prostate Development
Authors: Sanches Bruno D.A. , Maldarine Juliana S. , Zani Bruno C. , Biancardi Manoel F. , Santos Fernanda C.A. , Góes Rejane M. , Vilamaior Patricia S.L. , Taboga Sebastião R.
Published: May 2016

The development of the prostate gland in females has not yet been clearly elucidated, and the sexual dimorphism associated with such gland development in general is far from being understood. In the present study, we used tridimensional (3D) reconstructions and histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to describe the sexual dimorphism and its causes in the early postnatal development of the prostate in male and female Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We observed that the female prostate was smaller, had fewer branches throughout the development, and underwent differentiation earlier than that in males. Also, the expression of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1 or ER‐alpha) and fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) was decreased in the periductal region, and the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) was increased in the epithelium. All together, these changes decreased proliferation and branching and led to an earlier prematuration of the female prostate. These new data shed light on the underlying mechanisms involved with the sexual dimorphism in the development of the prostate. Anat Rec, 299:1130–1139, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical outcomes following bifurcation double‐stenting with bioresorbable scaffolds
Authors: Tanaka Akihito , Latib Azeem , Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Jabbour Richard J. , Mangieri Antonio , Pagnesi Matteo , Montalto Claudio , Regazzoli Damiano , Ancona Marco , Chieffo Alaide , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Colombo Antonio
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To investigate outcomes following bifurcation double‐stenting utilizing a bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) in the main branch (MB) and either a BRS or metallic drug‐eluting stent (DES) in the side branch (SB).

Backgrounds

Data on outcomes of bifurcation lesions treated with BRSs, especially with double‐stenting, are currently lacking.

Methods

Data were examined from 42 de novo bifurcation lesions (41 patients) treated with double‐stenting utilizing Absorb BRS in MB and BRS/DES in SB. Clinical outcomes including cardiac death, follow‐up myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and definite scaffold/stent thrombosis (ST) were investigated.

Results

The majority of target lesions were left anterior descending artery (LAD) bifurcations, and intravascular imaging was used in the majority of cases (92.9%). In SBs, BRSs were utilized in 19 lesions (19 patients) and DESs in 23 lesions (22 patients). Angiographic success was achieved in all lesions. The median follow‐up was 594 days (interquartile range 214 − 838 days). The overall TLR‐rates were 9.7% at 1 year and 14.0% at 2 years (MB‐TLR: 6.9% at 1 year and 11.1% at 2 years; SB TLR: 9.7% at 1 year and 14.0% at 2 years). No definite ST was observed during follow‐up. TLR rates in both the MB and SB tended to be higher in the SB‐BRS group when compared to the SB‐DES group.

Conclusion

Mid‐term clinical outcomes following double‐stenting using BRS were acceptable. Bifurcation lesions treated with DES in SB tended to have lower TLR rates in both the MB and SB when compared to implanting BRS in both branches. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapidly progressed aortic stenosis in a patient with previous diagnosis of polycythemia vera and post‐polycythemia vera myelofibrosis
Authors: Kiso Shohei , Naito Ryo , Fukao Kosuke , Hiki Makoto , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Takagi Atsutoshi , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

Key Clinical Message

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disease that is often complicated with thromboembolism. However, aortic stenosis (AS) could be a manifestation of the cardiovascular complications of PV possibly through shear stress and atherosclerosis. We report a rare case of rapidly progressed AS in a patient with PV.
Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Addition of Phenols to Alkyne Cobalt Cluster Stabilized Carbocations
Authors: Valderas Carolina , Casarrubios Luis , Lledos Agusti , Ortuño Manuel A. , de la Torre María C. , Sierra Miguel A.
Published: May 2016

A smooth catalytic method to use phenols as the nucleophilic partner in the Nicholas reaction has been developed. The method uses either AgI or AuI catalysts with AgClO4 or AgBF4 as the most efficient catalysts tested. Neither additional additives nor cocatalysts were required and the formation of the corresponding phenol adducts occurred in excellent yields. The process has the single limitation of the inability of less nucleophilic phenols (4‐nitrophenol) to generate the corresponding adducts. Additionally, the reaction is highly diastereoselective. DFT calculations allow a catalytic cycle to be proposed that involves trimetallic intermediates; the rate‐determining step of the reaction is hydroxy‐group elimination in a cobalt–silver trimetallic intermediate.
Octopaminergic system in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Limax
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Tanaka Marin , Fukata Rena , Kobayashi Suguru , Aonuma Hitoshi , Matsuo Yuko
Published: May 2016

The terrestrial slug Limax can learn to avoid the odor of some food (e.g., carrot juice) by the simultaneous presentation of an aversive stimulus (e.g., bitterness of quinidine). This type of associative memory critically depends on the higher olfactory center, the procerebrum in the central nervous system. The modulation of the local field potential (LFP) oscillation recorded on the procerebrum has been thought to reflect the information processing of the odor that elicits the behavioral change, such as avoidance of the aversively learned odor or approaching an attractive food's odor. Here we focused on octopamine, an important neuromodulator involved in learning and memory in invertebrates, and considered to be the invertebrate equivalent of noradrenaline. We identified a few octopaminergic neurons in the subesophageal and buccal ganglia, and a larger number near the procerebrum in the cerebral ganglia, using immunohistochmical staining and in situ hybridization of tyramine β‐hydroxylase, an octopamine‐synthesizing enzyme. Application of octopamine reduced the frequency of LFP oscillation in a dose‐dependent manner, and this effect was inhibited by preincubation with phentolamine. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of octopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in the central nervous system. Unexpectedly, noradrenaline and adrenaline both accelerated the LFP oscillation, in contrast to octopamine. Our results suggest that octopamine and noradrenaline have distinct functions in olfactory information processing, in spite of their structural similarity. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3849–3864, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The search for true numbers of neurons and glial cells in the human brain: A review of 150 years of cell counting
Authors: von Bartheld Christopher S. , Bahney Jami , Herculano‐Houzel Suzana
Published: May 2016

For half a century, the human brain was believed to contain about 100 billion neurons and one trillion glial cells, with a glia:neuron ratio of 10:1. A new counting method, the isotropic fractionator, has challenged the notion that glia outnumber neurons and revived a question that was widely thought to have been resolved. The recently validated isotropic fractionator demonstrates a glia:neuron ratio of less than 1:1 and a total number of less than 100 billion glial cells in the human brain. A survey of original evidence shows that histological data always supported a 1:1 ratio of glia to neurons in the entire human brain, and a range of 40–130 billion glial cells. We review how the claim of one trillion glial cells originated, was perpetuated, and eventually refuted. We compile how numbers of neurons and glial cells in the adult human brain were reported and we examine the reasons for an erroneous consensus about the relative abundance of glial cells in human brains that persisted for half a century. Our review includes a brief history of cell counting in human brains, types of counting methods that were and are employed, ranges of previous estimates, and the current status of knowledge about the number of cells. We also discuss implications and consequences of the new insights into true numbers of glial cells in the human brain, and the promise and potential impact of the newly validated isotropic fractionator for reliable quantification of glia and neurons in neurological and psychiatric diseases. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3865–3895, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved energy‐based approach for selecting pulse‐like ground motions
Authors: Chang Zhiwang , Sun Xiaodan , Zhai Changhai , Zhao John X. , Xie Lili
Published: May 2016

This study proposes an improved energy‐based approach for quantitative classification of velocity‐pulse‐like ground motions. The pulse amplitude is determined, in its value and in time location, by the amplitude of the half‐cycle pulse having the largest seismic energy. After conducting statistical analyses, a newly‐determined threshold level for selecting pulse‐like ground motions is derived; and then what followed is a comparison analysis of three pulse‐detecting schemes, one using the wavelet analysis, the other two using the energy concept. It is believed that other than providing a useful way of classifying pulse‐like ground motions for structural demand analysis, knowledge of this work could also benefit the development of the ground motion prediction equations accounting for pulse effects, and further to aid the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in a near‐fault environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quaternary seismic facies of the South Yellow Sea shelf: depositional processes influenced by sea‐level change and tectonic controls
Authors: Li X. S. , Zhao Y. X. , Feng Z. B. , Liu C. G. , Xie Q. H. , Zhou Q. J.
Published: May 2016

The South Yellow Sea (SYS) is a semi‐closed epicontinental sea, where voluminous material input and regional tectonic subsidence facilitate preservation of depositional strata, making it an ideal place for studying the regional responses to global sea‐level changes during the Quaternary. Based on high‐resolution single‐channel seismic data, we conducted a detailed study of the SYS shelf in terms of its stratigraphic architecture and seismic facies. In combination with borehole data, we analysed the depositional processes of the SYS shelf since the Quaternary. A minimum of 14 seismic sequences were identified on the seismic profiles, which primarily show four typical seismic reflection facies: progradational reflection facies, parallel reflection facies, chaotic reflection facies and incised valley facies, with the former two seismic facies usually alternating with the latter two vertically. Borehole and seismic data revealed that the SYS shelf has been basically controlled by global sea‐level changes since the Quaternary, and three significant transgression events had occurred over the SYS shelf since the Middle Pleistocene (ca. 730 ka BP–Present), taking place in the early Middle Pleistocene, the early Late Pleistocene and at the end of the Late Pleistocene–Holocene, respectively, with their products corresponding to seismic sequences U90, U50 and U10, respectively. Seismic data showed that, in a previous division of the main boundaries for holes EY02‐2, NHH01 and QC2, the Holocene and the Upper Pleistocene bottom boundaries are concordant, while the Middle Pleistocene bottom boundary is discordant, and our study indicated that the division scheme for the Middle Pleistocene bottom boundary related to holes EY02‐2 and NHH01 is more reasonable. The turning point of variation in the depositional environment of the SYS is at the end of the Middle Pleistocene, before which global sea‐level change and tectonic subsidence controlled the shelf deposition. The shelf was inclined westwards and the tectonic topography of the southern margin of the shelf‐forced seawater to invade via passages during sea‐level rise. This resulted in a limited stratigraphic distribution formed by short‐duration transgression events with low‐amplitude sea‐level rise; thereafter, the shelf deposition was predominated by global sea‐level and rivers, and the shelf sediments were mainly derived from mainland China on the west of the shelf and were primarily accumulated on the middle and western parts of the shelf. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Centenary of Emanuel Gil‐Av, Former Professor of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Pioneer of Enantioselective Chromatography
Authors: Schurig Volker
Published: May 2016

Emanuel Gil‐Av (Zimkin) was born in 1916 and passed away in 1996. The introduction of chemical selectivity into the chromatographic separation process constitutes his main scientific contribution. This approach culminated in the first enantiomeric separation of racemic amino acids by gas chromatography on an optically active chiral stationary phase in 1966, together with Binyamin Feibush and Rosita Charles‐Sigler. Thus the year 2016 marks an important date to remember and to appreciate the invaluable achievements of Gil‐Av in the realm of chirality carried out at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel.