bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetry in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sokai Akihiko , Tanizawa Kiminobu , Handa Tomohiro , Kubo Takeshi , Hashimoto Seishu , Ikezoe Kohei , Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Aihara Kensaku , Taguchi Yoshio , Muro Shigeo , Oga Toru , Nagai Sonoko , Izumi Takateru , Hirai Toyohiro , Chin Kazuo , Mishima Michiaki
Published: April 2017

Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) results in poor survival. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the impact of asymmetrical ground-glass opacity (GGO) and/or consolidation on outcomes in patients with AE-IPF.

The cases of 59 consecutive patients with AE-IPF were retrospectively reviewed. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) at diagnosis of an AE was assessed to determine the disease extent and asymmetry. Asymmetrical AE was defined as a right-to-left ratio of GGO and consolidation ≥2.0 or ≤0.5. The impacts of HRCT indices and other clinical parameters on 180-day mortality were analysed.

The overall 180-day mortality rate was 59.2%, and asymmetrical AE was observed in 13 patients (22.0%). A multivariate analysis revealed that asymmetrical AE was a significant predictor of 180-day mortality (hazard ratio=0.36, p=0.047), long-term oxygen therapy before AE and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. The 180-day mortality of patients with asymmetrical AE was significantly lower than that of patients with symmetrical AE (asymmetrical AE 30.8%versussymmetrical AE 68.2%, p=0.03).

An asymmetrical distribution of GGO and/or consolidation is a predictor of survival in patients with AE-IPF.
Transcriptome profiling reveals expression signatures of cranial neural crest cells arising from different axial levels
Authors: Lumb Rachael , Buckberry Sam , Secker Genevieve , Lawrence David , Schwarz Quenten
Published: April 2017

Background

Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) are a unique embryonic cell type which give rise to a diverse array of derivatives extending from neurons and glia through to bone and cartilage. Depending on their point of origin along the antero-posterior axis cranial NCCs are rapidly sorted into distinct migratory streams that give rise to axial specific structures. These migratory streams mirror the underlying segmentation of the brain with NCCs exiting the diencephalon and midbrain following distinct paths compared to those exiting the hindbrain rhombomeres (r). The genetic landscape of cranial NCCs arising at different axial levels remains unknown.

Results

Here we have used RNA sequencing to uncover the transcriptional profiles of mouse cranial NCCs arising at different axial levels. Whole transcriptome analysis identified over 120 transcripts differentially expressed between NCCs arising anterior to r3 (referred to as r1-r2 migratory stream for simplicity) and the r4 migratory stream. Eight of the genes differentially expressed between these populations were validated by RT-PCR with 2 being further validated by in situ hybridisation. We also explored the expression of the Neuropilins (Nrp1 and Nrp2) and their co-receptors and show that the A-type Plexins are differentially expressed in different cranial NCC streams.

Conclusions

Our analyses identify a large number of genes differentially regulated between cranial NCCs arising at different axial levels. This data provides a comprehensive description of the genetic landscape driving diversity of distinct cranial NCC streams and provides novel insight into the regulatory networks controlling the formation of specific skeletal elements and the mechanisms promoting migration along different paths.
Role of Osteoblast Gi Signaling in Age-Related Bone Loss in Female Mice
Authors: Millard Susan M. , Wang Liping , Wattanachanya Lalita , O’Carroll Dylan , Fields Aaron J. , Pang Joyce , Kazakia Galateia , Lotz Jeffrey C. , Nissenson Robert A.
Published: April 2017

Age-related bone loss is an important risk factor for fractures in the elderly; it results from an imbalance in bone remodeling mainly due to decreased bone formation. We have previously demonstrated that endogenous G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven Gi signaling in osteoblasts (Obs) restrains bone formation in mice during growth. Here, we launched a longitudinal study to test the hypothesis that Gi signaling in Obs restrains bone formation in aging mice, thereby promoting bone loss. Our approach was to block Gi signaling in maturing Obs by the induced expression of the catalytic subunit of pertussis toxin (PTX) after the achievement of peak bone mass. In contrast to the progressive cancellous bone loss seen in aging sex-matched littermate control mice, aging female Col1(2.3)+/PTX+ mice showed an age-related increase in bone volume. Increased bone volume was associated with increased bone formation at both trabecular and endocortical surfaces as well as increased bending strength of the femoral middiaphyses. In contrast, male Col1(2.3)+/PTX+ mice were not protected from age-related bone loss. Our results indicate that Gi signaling markedly restrains bone formation at cancellous and endosteal bone surfaces in female mice during aging. Blockade of the relevant Gi-coupled GPCRs represents an approach for the development of osteoporosis therapies—at least in the long bones of aging women.
Causes and consequences of nuclear gene positioning
Authors: Shachar Sigal , Misteli Tom
Published: April 2017

The eukaryotic genome is organized in a manner that allows folding of the genetic material in the confined space of the cell nucleus, while at the same time enabling its physiological function. A major principle of spatial genome organization is the non-random position of genomic loci relative to other loci and to nuclear bodies. The mechanisms that determine the spatial position of a locus, and how position affects function, are just beginning to be characterized. Initial results suggest that there are multiple, gene-specific mechanisms and the involvement of a wide range of cellular machineries. In this Commentary, we review recent findings from candidate approaches and unbiased screening methods that provide initial insight into the cellular mechanisms of positioning and their functional consequences. We highlight several specific mechanisms, including tethering of genome regions to the nuclear periphery, passage through S-phase and histone modifications, that contribute to gene positioning in yeast, plants and mammals.
A novel ATP-synthase-independent mechanism coupling mitochondrial activation to exocytosis in insulin-secreting cells
Authors: De Marchi Umberto , Hermant Aurelie , Thevenet Jonathan , Ratinaud Yann , Santo-Domingo Jaime , Barron Denis , Wiederkehr Andreas
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic β-cells sense glucose, promoting insulin secretion. Glucose sensing requires the sequential stimulation of glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism and Ca2+ entry. To elucidate how mitochondrial activation in β-cells contributes to insulin secretion, we compared the effects of glucose and the mitochondrial substrate methylsuccinate in the INS-1E insulin-secreting cell line at the respective concentrations at which they maximally activate mitochondrial respiration. Both substrates induced insulin secretion with distinct respiratory profiles, mitochondrial hyperpolarization, NADH production and ATP-to-ADP ratios. In contrast to glucose, methylsuccinate failed to induce large [Ca2+] rises and exocytosis proceeded largely independently of mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Both glucose- and methylsuccinate-induced secretion was blocked by diazoxide, indicating that Ca2+ is required for exocytosis. Dynamic assessment of the redox state of mitochondrial thiols revealed a less marked reduction in response to methylsuccinate than with glucose. Our results demonstrate that insulin exocytosis can be promoted by two distinct mechanisms one of which is dependent on mitochondrial ATP synthesis and large Ca2+ transients, and one of which is independent of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and relies on small Ca2+ signals. We propose that the combined effects of Ca2+ and redox reactions can trigger insulin secretion by these two mechanisms.
Wings as impellers: Honey bees co-opt flight system to induce nest ventilation and disperse pheromones
Authors: Peters Jacob M. , Gravish Nick , Combes Stacey A.
Published: April 2017

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are remarkable fliers that regularly carry heavy loads of nectar and pollen, supported by a flight system – the wings, thorax and flight muscles - that one might assume is optimized for aerial locomotion. However, honey bees also use this system to perform other crucial tasks that are unrelated to flight. When ventilating the nest, bees grip the surface of the comb or nest entrance and fan their wings to drive airflow through the nest, and a similar wing-fanning behavior is used to disperse volatile pheromones from the Nasonov gland. In order to understand how the physical demands of these impeller-like behaviors differ from those of flight, we quantified the flapping kinematics and compared the frequency, amplitude and stroke plane angle during these non-flight behaviors to values reported for hovering honey bees. We also used a particle-based flow visualization technique to determine the direction and speed of airflow generated by a bee performing Nasonov scenting behavior. We found that ventilatory fanning behavior is kinematically distinct from both flight and scenting behavior. Both impeller-like behaviors drive flow parallel to the surface to which the bees are clinging, at typical speeds of just under 1 m/s. We observed that the wings of fanning and scenting bees frequently contact the ground during the ventral stroke reversal, which may lead to wing wear. Finally, we observed that bees performing Nasonov scenting behavior sometimes display “clap-and-fling” motions, in which the wings contact each other during the dorsal stroke reversal and fling apart at the start of the downstroke. We conclude that the wings and flight motor of honey bees comprise a multifunctional system, which may be subject to competing selective pressures due to its frequent use as both a propeller and as an impeller.
Costs of immunity and their role in the range expansion of the house sparrow in Kenya
Authors: Martin Lynn B. , Kilvitis Holly J. , Brace Amber J. , Cooper Laken , Haussmann Mark F. , Mutati Alex , Fasanello Vincent , O'Brien Sara , Ardia Daniel R.
Published: April 2017

There are at least two reasons to study traits that mediate successful range expansions. First, dispersers will found new populations and thus impact the distribution and evolution of species. Second, organisms moving into new areas will influence the fate of resident communities, directly competing with or indirectly affecting residents by spreading non-native or spilling-back native parasites. The success of invaders in new areas is likely mediated by a counterbalancing of costly traits. In new areas where threats are comparatively rare, individuals that grow rapidly and breed prolifically should be at an advantage. High investment in defenses should thus be disfavored. In the present study, we compared the energetic, nutritional and collateral damage costs of an inflammatory response among Kenyan house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations of different ages, asking whether costs were related to traits of individuals from three different capture sites. Kenya is among the world's most recent range expansions for this species, and we recently found that the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), leukocyte receptors that instigate inflammatory responses when bound to microbial elements, was related to the range expansion across the country. Here, we found (contrary to our expectations) that energetic and nutritional costs of inflammation were higher, but damage costs were lower, in range-edge compared to core birds. Moreover, at the individual level, TLR-4 expression was negatively related to commodity costs (energy and a critical amino acid) of inflammation. Our data thus suggest that costs of inflammation, perhaps mediated by TLR expression, might mitigate successful range expansions.
When less means more: dehydration improves innate immunity in rattlesnakes
Authors: Brusch George A. , DeNardo Dale F.
Published: April 2017

Immune function can vary based on availability of resources, and most studies of such influences have focused on the co-investment of energy into immune and other physiological functions. When energy resources are limited, trade-offs exist, which can compromise immunity for other functions. As with energy, water limitation can also alter various physiological processes, yet water has received little consideration for its role in possibly modulating immune functions. We examined the relationship between immunocompetence and hydration state using the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). This species is known to undergo substantial seasonal fluctuations in water availability with extreme limitations during the hot, dry season. We collected blood samples from free-ranging C. atrox to compare osmolality and innate immune function (lysis, agglutination, bacterial growth inhibition) during the milder and relatively moister early spring season, the hot-dry season, and the hot-wet season. To isolate effects of dehydration from other possible seasonal influences, we complemented this field study with a laboratory study in which we withheld food and water from individually housed adult C. atrox for up to 16 weeks. We collected blood samples from each snake as it dehydrated and collected a final sample after the snake was given ad lib water at the end of the experiment. Our results demonstrate that C. atrox experience significant dehydration during the hot-dry season, and that, in general, innate immune function is highly correlated with osmolality, whether natural or artificially manipulated.
Not flying blind: A comparative study of photoreceptor function in flying and non-flying cockroaches
Authors: Frolov Roman V. , Matsushita Atsuko , Arikawa Kentaro
Published: April 2017

Flying is often associated with superior visual performance since good vision is crucial for detection and implementation of rapid visually-guided aerial movements. To understand the evolution of insect visual systems it is therefore important to compare phylogenetically related species with different investments into flight capability. Here, we describe and compare morphological and electrophysiological properties of photoreceptors from the habitually flying green cockroach Panchlora nivea, and the American cockroach Periplaneta americana, which flies only at high ambient temperatures. In contrast to Periplaneta, ommatidia in Panchlora were characterized by two-tiered rhabdom, which might facilitate detection of polarized light while flying in the dark. In patch-clamp experiments, we assessed the absolute sensitivity to light, elementary and macroscopic light-activated current and voltage responses, voltage-activated potassium (Kv) conductances, and information transfer. Both species are nocturnal, and their photoreceptors were similarly sensitive to light. However, a number of important differences were found, including the presence in Panchlora of a prominent transient Kv current and a generally low variability in photoreceptor properties. The maximal information rate in Panchlora was one-third higher than in Periplaneta, due to a substantially higher gain and membrane corner frequency. The differences in performance could not be completely explained by dissimilarities in the light-activated or Kv conductances; instead, we suggest that the superior performance of Panchlora photoreceptors mainly originates from better synchronization of elementary responses. These findings raise a question whether evolutionary tuning of photoreceptor properties to visual demands proceeded differently in Blattodea than in Diptera.
Recent advances in the management of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chang Philip , Prabhakaran Shyam
Published: April 2017

In recent years, several landmark trials have transformed acute ischemic stroke care. The most dramatic results from the field of acute endovascular intervention demonstrate unequivocal benefit for a select group of patients with moderate to severe deficits presenting within 7 hours from onset and with occlusions of proximal arteries in the anterior circulation. In addition, technological advances and workflow efficiencies have facilitated more rapid delivery of acute stroke interventions. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the management of acute ischemic stroke.
Partially Observable Risk-Sensitive Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Bäauerle Nicole , Rieder Ulrich
Published: April 2017

We consider the problem of minimizing a certainty equivalent of the total or discounted cost over a finite and an infinite time horizon that is generated by a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). In contrast to a risk-neutral decision maker, this optimization criterion takes the variability of the cost into account. It contains as a special case the classical risk-sensitive optimization criterion with an exponential utility. We show that this optimization problem can be solved by embedding the problem into a completely observable Markov decision process with extended state space and give conditions under which an optimal policy exists. The state space has to be extended by the joint conditional distribution of current unobserved state and accumulated cost. In case of an exponential utility, the problem simplifies considerably and we rediscover what in previous literature has been named information state. However, since we do not use any change of measure techniques here, our approach is simpler. A simple example, namely, a risk-sensitive Bayesian house selling problem, is considered to illustrate our results.
Disciplining the graphic design discipline: The role of external engagement, mediating meaning, and transparency as catalysts for change
Authors: Littlejohn Deborah
Published: April 2017

The singular mission of graphic design schools is to prepare students for a life in professional practice, primarily as creative form-givers of design artefacts and communications. Such a practice-oriented monoculture in the curriculum leaves the field lacking the knowledge-building capacity for producing a diverse body of disciplinary scholarship by academic researchers – who are sorely needed if graphic design is to ever emerge as a true discipline. Meanwhile, several stakeholder organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Icograda, among others, have challenged design education to address shifts underway in the field towards a more user-centric, evidence-based practice. In the United States, a few graduate programmes have taken steps to bridge graphic design’s knowledge gap by accommodating different pathways into the field that focus on research skills. This article presents findings from a twelve-month grounded theory study investigating the teaching environments of four such programmes, illuminating some of the factors that enabled a programme’s ability to adapt their approaches to curricula design and pedagogic strategies. An integrated model – a grounded theory – is proposed that emphasizes three core categories emerging from the data – External engagement, Mediating meaning and Transparency. Programme strategies that informed these three categories highlight numerous processes shaping faculty relationships, as well as the role of the teaching environment in coordinating between internal pedagogic objectives and external changes in the wider landscape of the graphic design field. Specifically, these processes promoted sense-making, engagement and transformation in the four programmes that participated in the study. This report aims to increase awareness about faculty beliefs and behaviours that affect graphic design education’s ability to remain relevant.
#AlternativeArtschool // an interstitial space for creative dissent
Authors: Gale Cathy
Published: April 2017

The Alternative Art School (AAS) is conceived as an open-ended pedagogic tool through which to interrogate the conditions and consequences of contemporary education. It is interdisciplinary in scope, but focuses on the values of design education, while challenging assumptions of the academic status quo. As a ‘school’ within a school the AAS exploits the opportunities of art school to envisage alternatives in a staff−student collaboration. Extra-curricular and unmarked, the AAS is framed as a case study here employing a dialogic process that aims to disrupt reductive government policy and challenge the fusion of commerce and culture. In this way students are encouraged to reframe their experiences and ambitions from a more critical position and to inspire change through creative dissent.
A inércia institucional nos processos de integração regional: o método do Path Dependence aplicado aos casos da União Europeia e do Mercosul
Authors: Szucko Angélica Saraiva
Published: April 2017

Este artigo tem o objetivo de demonstrar, por meio do método histórico do path dependence, o desenrolar dos processos de integração da União Europeia e do Mercosul e a consequente inércia institucional dos mesmos, bem como comparar suas dificuldades e seus avanços. Primeiramente, será apresentado um breve panorama das teorias de integração regional. Posteriormente, mediante uma análise histórico-comparativa de path dependence, serão identificadas as conjunturas críticas, o processo de reprodução institucional e as sequências reativas de cada um dos casos. Em seguida, será avaliada a inércia institucional resultante desses processos de integração.
Em nome da autonomia da União: algumas considerações sobre um parecer polémico
Authors: Pacheco Fátima
Published: April 2017

A União Europeia é uma União de Direito. Sendo certo que os Tratados iniciais não enunciavam os direitos fundamentais o Tribunal de Justiça da União Europeia incorporou-os como princípios gerais. Todavia, não estando assegurada a sua identificação a União Europeia dotou-se de uma Carta de Direitos Fundamentais da União Europeia. Ora, apontando o Tratado de Lisboa a obrigação de aderir à Convenção Europeia dos Direitos do Homem e concluído tal empreendimento, o Tribunal Justiça da União Europeia afirmou que o Acordo não era compatível nem o Protocolo (N.º8) relativo ao n.º2 do art. 6.º, nem com a Dec. ad n.º 2 do art. 6.º Tratado da União Europeia. Neste quadro, analisa-se o conteúdo do projecto e do Parecer e apontam-se as razões pelas quais o Tribunal deve desenvolver a sua jurisprudência de forma coerente com a Carta.
Em que medida a proximidade linguística influencia as exportações portuguesas. Um estudo aplicado à União Europeia e ao Mercosul
Authors: Ribeiro Sandra , Ferro Maria João
Published: April 2017

A intensa integração económica mundial das últimas décadas veio aumentar as trocas comerciais entre os diversos países. No entanto, ainda existem barreiras que dificultam a realização das trocas comerciais. Vários estudos confirmaram já que a variável língua influencia a escolha de parceiros internacionais, uma vez que pode aumentar ou diminuir os custos da transação. Examinamos a relação entre as exportações portuguesas e a língua dominante no país de destino, analisando também a influência da pertença à UE ou ao Mercosul. Concluímos que a proximidade linguística desempenha um papel importante na escolha de parceiros comerciais estrangeiros, tal como o facto de pertencer à UE.
Praktische Anwendung einer hybriden ereignisbasierten Regelung an einer industriellen Kläranlage
Authors: Stöcker Christian , Roth Matthias
Published: April 2017

Dieser Beitrag behandelt die praktische Umsetzung einer Regelung der Ammoniumkonzentration in der biologischen
Abwasserreinigung der Kläranlage der BASF. Das System wird über zwei Typen von Aktoren beeinflusst, die kontinuierlich
bzw. diskret arbeiten, und weist damit das Verhalten hybrider dynamischer Systeme auf. Es wird die praktische
Anwendung eines Ansatzes zur hybriden ereignisbasierten Regelung vorgestellt, der um Mechanismen zur besseren
Störkompensation und zum Umgang mit Stellgrößenbeschränkungen erweitert wird. Die Ergebnisse der praktischen Erprobung
dieses Regelungsansatzes zeigen, dass der Arbeitspunkt des Systems an die Störung adaptiert und somit die Regelgüte
gegenüber einem heuristischen Regelungsansatz deutlich verbessert wird.
Recruitment in Ulva blooms in relation to temperature, salinity and nutrients in a subtropical bay of the Gulf of California
Authors: Chávez-Sánchez Tonatiuh , Piñón-Gimate Alejandra , Serviere-Zaragoza Elisa , Sánchez-González Alberto , Hernández-Carmona Gustavo , Casas-Valdez Margarita
Published: April 2017

blooms are highly productive ephemeral communities that occur in coastal systems, associated with nutrient enrichment. The objective was to estimate variations in succession, cover, recruitment and length of
Traceability in laboratory medicine: a global driver for accurate results for patient care
Authors: Beastall Graham H. , Brouwer Nannette , Quiroga Silvia , Myers Gary L.
Published: April 2017

Laboratory medicine results influence a high percentage of all clinical decisions. Globalization requires that laboratory medicine results should be transferable between methods in the interests of patient safety. International collaboration is necessary to deliver this requirement. That collaboration should be based on traceability in laboratory medicine and the adoption of higher order international commutable reference materials and measurement procedures. Application of the metrological traceability chain facilitates a universal approach. The measurement of serum cholesterol and blood HbA1cserve as examples of the process of method standardization where an impact on clinical outcomes is demonstrable. The measurement of plasma parathyroid hormone and blood HbA2 serve as examples where the current between-method variability is compromising patient management and method standardization and/or harmonization is required. Challenges to the widespread adoption of traceability in laboratory medicine include the availability of reference materials and methods, geographical differences, the use of variable units, complex analytes and limited global coordination. The global collaboration requires the involvement of several different stakeholder groups ranging from international experts to laboratory medicine specialists in routine clinical laboratories. A coordinated action plan is presented with actions attributable to each of these stakeholder groups.
Trace inequalities of Shisha-Mond type for operators in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Dragomir Sever Silvestru
Published: April 2017

Some trace inequalities of Shisha-Mond type for operators in Hilbert spaces are provided. Applications in connection to Grüss inequality and for convex functions of selfadjoint operators are also given.
“Dr. Google” and his predecessors
Authors: Jutel Annemarie
Published: April 2017

Background:

Contemporary medicine has expressed concern about lay incursions into the diagnostic process buttressed by commonly available medical information on line. Even while the world wide web is a new structure, there is a long historical precedent for this concern. With the emergence of scientific medicine in the late 19th century came a strong belief in the role of diagnosis, not only to explain disease symptoms but also to differentiate the physician from a range of other unreliable practitioners. Along with this focus on diagnosis came also a concern expressed by doctors about patients’ inclination to self-diagnose, or to propose candidate diagnoses for the problems that ailed them.

Methods:

This paper uses Zerubavel’s social patterning method. Using material written by doctors from the late 19th until the mid-20th century, I explore comments about, and attitudes towards, self-diagnosis.

Results:

Three areas of concern about self-diagnosis are expressed by doctors. First, self-diagnosis produces anxiety in the patient. Second, it interferes with doctor-patient relationship. Finally self-diagnosis is commonly linked to commercial interests.

Conclusions:

Contemporary concerns about self-diagnosis are part of an ongoing social pattern, which simultaneously promotes diagnosis as means for explaining disease but also protests when the diagnostic explanations originate with the patient.
Antioxidant activity of Scots pine heartwood and knot extractives and implications for resistance to brown rot
Authors: Belt Tiina , Hänninen Tuomas , Rautkari Lauri
Published: April 2017

Brown rot (BR) fungi are highly destructive wood decaying organisms that utilise free radicals in the initial stages of decay. Although many wood extractives have been shown to have antioxidant (AO) activity, their ability to protect wood from radical-based degradation has received little attention. The present paper reports on the ability of Scots pine heartwood (hW) and knotwood (knW) extractives to inhibit radical-based degradation, with a focus on the Fenton reaction. AO assays showed that extract solutions and pure pinosylvins had good radical scavenging activity and weak to moderate ferrous iron binding and ferric iron reducing activities. AO assays were repeated with wood powders and showed that extractives were also active in wood: hW and knW had significantly higher activities than their extracted counterparts or sapwood. However, when wood powders were subjected to degradation by Fenton reagent, only knW showed reduced mass loss. Based on the activity profiles of knW and hW, it appears that the radical scavenging activity of pine extractives is more important than their interaction with iron. The results suggest that the AO activity of extractives may play a role in inhibiting BR, but its importance relative to the other biological activities of extractives is unknown.
Frequency Sweep Test and Modal Analysis of Watermelon during Transportation
Authors: Wang Fang , Ma Shaochun , Wei Wei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Ziyi
Published: April 2017

Determining the natural frequency of watermelon is important to reduce loss by vibration during transportation. The purpose of frequency sweep test is to determine the tolerance of watermelon to vibration within a certain frequency range and to search the resonant frequency of watermelon in a certain frequency range. Frequency sweep test of Xinong No.8 watermelon cultivar was conducted, and the acceleration transmissibility curve was obtained. Furthermore, the 1st and 2nd order natural frequencies of watermelon were determined as 35.125 Hz and 71.034 Hz respectively from the acceleration transmissibility curve. Based on Geometric and mechanical parameters of Xinong No.8 watermelon cultivar, a finite element analysis model was developed and modal analysis of watermelon was carried out to obtain its natural frequencies and mode shapes. Since the value of 1st and 2nd order resonance frequency were the same or similar to the value of 3rd, 4th, and 5th order resonance frequency, this study only focused on 1st and 2nd order modes. The 1st order and 2nd order natural frequency test data fit to the corresponding simulation data well which validated the FEA model. This study demonstrated the feasibility of detecting the resonant frequency of watermelon vibration during transportation using FEA methods and provided a theoretical basis for watermelon transportation device design to reduce damage by avoiding resonant frequency.
Septic cardiomyopathy: evidence for a reduced force-generating capacity of human atrial myocardium in acute infective endocarditis
Authors: Buschmann Katja , Chaban Ryan , Emrich Anna Lena , Youssef Marwan , Kornberger Angela , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Vahl Christian Friedrich
Published: April 2017

Background:

This study analyzes the myocardial force-generating capacity in infective endocarditis (IE) using an experimental model of isolated human atrial myocardium. In vivo, it is difficult to decide whether or not alterations in myocardial contractile behavior are due to secondary effects associated with infection such as an altered heart rate, alterations of preload and afterload resulting from valvular defects, and altered humoral processes. Our in vitro model using isolated human myocardium, in contrast, guarantees exactly defined experimental conditions with respect to preload, afterload, and contraction frequency, thus not only preventing confounding by in vivo determinants of contractility but also excluding effects of other factors associated with sepsis, hemodynamics, humoral influences, temperature, and medical treatment.

Methods:

We analyzed right atrial trabeculae (diameter 0.3–0.5 mm, initial length 5 mm) from 32 patients undergoing aortic and/or mitral valve replacement for acute valve incompetence caused by IE and 65 controls receiving aortic and/or mitral valve replacement for nonendocarditic valve incompetence. Isometric force amplitudes and passive resting force values measured at optimal length in the two groups were compared using Student’s t-test.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the passive resting force. The isometric force amplitude in the endocarditis group, however, was significantly lower than in the nonendocarditis group (p=0.001). In the endocarditis group, the calculated active force, defined as the isometric force amplitude minus the resting force, was significantly lower (p<0.0001) and the resting force/active force ratio was significantly higher (p<0.0001). Using linear regression to describe the function between resting force and active force, we identified a significant difference in slope (p<0.0001), with lower values found in the endocarditis group.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that the force-generating capacity of atrial myocardium is significantly reduced in patients with IE. In these patients, an elevated resting force is required to achieve a given force amplitude. It remains unclear, however, whether this is due to calcium desensitization of the contractile apparatus, presence of myocardial edema, fibrotic remodeling, disruption of contractile units, or other mechanisms.
Surgical risk factors for recurrence in inguinal hernia repair – a review of the literature
Authors: Niebuhr Henning , Köckerling Ferdinand
Published: April 2017

Despite all the progress made in inguinal hernia surgery driven by the development of meshes and laparoendoscopic operative techniques, the proportion of recurrent inguinal hernias is still from 12% to 13%. Recurrences can present very soon after primary inguinal hernia repair generally because of technical failure. However, they can also develop much later after the primary operation probably due to patient-specific factors. Supported by evidence-based data, this review presents the surgical risk factors for recurrent inguinal hernia after the primary operation. The following factors are implicated here: choice of operative technique and mesh, mesh fixation technique, mesh size, management of medial and lateral hernia sac, sliding hernia, lipoma in the inguinal canal, operating time, type of anesthesia, participation in a register database, femoral hernia, postoperative complications, as well as the center and surgeon volume. If these surgical risk factors are taken into account when performing primary inguinal hernia repair, a good outcome can be expected for the patient. Therefore, they should definitely be observed.
Intrauterine growth restriction and placental gene expression in severe preeclampsia, comparing early-onset and late-onset forms
Authors: Nevalainen Jaana , Skarp Sini , Savolainen Eeva-Riitta , Ryynänen Markku , Järvenpää Jouko
Published: April 2017

Objective:

To evaluate placental gene expression in severe early- or late-onset preeclampsia with intrauterine growth restriction compared to controls.

Study design:

Chorionic villus sampling was conducted after cesarean section from the placentas of five women with early- or late-onset severe preeclampsia and five controls for each preeclampsia group. Microarray analysis was performed to identify gene expression differences between the groups.

Results:

Pathway analysis showed over-representation of gene ontology (GO) biological process terms related to inflammatory and immune response pathways, platelet development, vascular development, female pregnancy and reproduction in early-onset preeclampsia. Pathways related to immunity, complement and coagulation cascade were overrepresented in the hypergeometric test for the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Ten genes (ABI3BP, C7, HLA-G, IL2RB, KRBOX1, LRRC15, METTL7B, MPP5, RFLNB and SLC20A) had a ≥±1 fold expression difference in severe early-onset preeclampsia group compared to early controls. There were 362 genes that had a ≥±1 fold expression difference in severe early-onset preeclampsia group compared to late-onset preeclampsia group including ABI3BP, C7, HLA-G and IL2RB.

Conclusion:

There are significant differences in placental gene expression between severe early- and late-onset preeclampsia when both are associated with intrauterine growth restriction. ABI3BP, C7, HLA-G and IL2RB might contribute to the development of early form of severe preeclampsia.
Clinical outcomes in patients with cancer of unknown primary site treated by gastrointestinal oncologists
Authors: Yamane Sakiko , Katada Chikatoshi , Tanabe Satoshi , Azuma Mizutomo , Ishido Kenji , Yano Takafumi , Wada Takuya , Watanabe Akinori , Kawanishi Natsuko , Furue Yasuaki , Kondo Yuki , Komori Shouko , Ishiyama Hiromichi , Hayakawa Kazushige , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with cancer of an unknown primary site (CUP), who were treated by gastrointestinal oncologists.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 29 patients with CUP who were presented at the Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University Hospital from October 2005 to October 2013, and were treated by the gastrointestinal oncologists. The patients were divided into two groups, namely chemotherapy group and symptomatic therapy group, and the clinical characteristics and survival times were compared. The clinical course was studied according to the histologic type (adenocarcinoma or non-adenocarcinoma), prognostic subset (favorable or unfavorable), and the presence or absence of chemotherapy.

Results

The chemotherapy group comprised 19 patients, and the symptomatic therapy group comprised 10 patients. The median survival time was 11 months in the chemotherapy group and 3 months in the symptomatic therapy group. Twenty-two patients had adenocarcinoma, and 7 had non-adenocarcinoma. Of the 22 patients with adenocarcinoma, 2 belonged to the favorable prognostic subset and received chemotherapy. One of these patients died of cancer at 47 months, and the other was alive and disease free at 58 months. Among the 20 patients with adenocarcinoma in the unfavorable prognostic subset, 16 received chemotherapy and had a median survival of 16 months. Seven (44%) of these patients survived for at least 21 months, and 3 patients who could receive 3 or more regimens survived for at least 46 months.

Conclusion

It might be appropriate for gastrointestinal oncologists to treat CUP on the basis of clinical experience, depending on the situation.
Direct acting anti-hepatitis C virus drugs: Clinical pharmacology and future direction
Authors: Geddawy Ayman , Ibrahim Yasmine F. , Elbahie Nabil M. , Ibrahim Mohammad A.
Published: April 2017

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. The introduction of direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for its treatment represents a major advance in terms of sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and adverse effect profiles. Mechanistically, DAAs inhibit specific HCV non-structural proteins (NS) that are vital for its replication. Boceprevir, telaprevir, simeprevir, asunaprevir, grazoprevir and paritaprevir are NS3/4A inhibitors. Ombitasvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir, elbasvir and velpatasvir are NS5A inhibitors. Sofosbuvir and dasabuvir are NS5B inhibitors. Currently, a combination of two or more DAAs is the corner stone for the treatment of HCV infection. However, the success of DAA therapy is facing several challenges, including the potential of drug-drug interactions and resistant variance. Moreover, the shortage of relevant clinical pharmacological data and drug interaction regarding DAA is a clinical concern. The present review discusses the clinical pharmacology of DAAs with special emphasis on drug-drug interaction.
Methanogenesis inhibition by phosphorus in anaerobic liquid waste treatment
Authors: Mancipe-Jiménez D. C. , Costa C. , Márquez M. C.
Published: April 2017

The effect of a sudden influent phosphorus concentration increase on a completely mixed reactor of an anaerobic liquid waste treatment process was evaluated. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), suspended solids, pH and gas production were measured for process monitoring. Optical and scanning electron microscopic observations were also performed. Kinetic parameters were estimated from substrate and microorganisms concentrations, mass balances and experimental data. After phosphorus concentration increase, VFA concentration enhanced by 500% approximately and COD removal, gas production, bacterial growth coefficient (Y) and maximum bacterial growth rate (μmax) decreased 20%, 18%, 54% and 35% respectively. An excessive growth of filamentous microorganisms was also observed. The equilibrium established between acidogenic and methanogenic microorganisms was visibly affected causing a decrease of methanogenic activity. The experimental results showed that phosphorous arises as a methanogenesis inhibitor and a growth factor for filamentous microorganism under anaerobic conditions.
Singularly perturbed hyperbolic problems on metric graphs: asymptotics of solutions
Authors: Golovaty Yuriy , Flyud Volodymyr
Published: April 2017

We are interested in the evolution phenomena on star-like networks composed of several branches which vary considerably in physical properties. The initial boundary value problem for singularly perturbed hyperbolic differential equation on a metric graph is studied. The hyperbolic equation becomes degenerate on a part of the graph as a small parameter goes to zero. In addition, the rates of degeneration may differ in different edges of the graph. Using the boundary layer method the complete asymptotic expansions of solutions are constructed and justified.
Transurethral resection of the prostate, bladder explosion and hyponatremic encephalopathy: a rare case report of malpractice
Authors: Vacchiano Giuseppe , Rocca Aldo , Compagna Rita , Zamboli Anna Ginevra Immacolata , Cirillo Vera , Di Domenico Lorenza , Di Nardo Veronica , Servillo Giuseppe , Amato Bruno
Published: April 2017

We present an original case report of a bladder explosion during a TURP intervention for benign prostatic hypertrophy, that was brought on by the absorption of about 5 liters of glycine 1.5% and then onset of a severe hyponatremia. The quick and inappropriate correction of this electrolyte imbalance led the onset of encephalopathy and the death of the patient. The authors discuss the pathogenesis of these uncommon diseases and, considering the most recent Italian Legislation, they highlight the importance to respect good clinical practice standards and guidelines to ensure the most appropriate treatments for the patient and remove any assumptions of medical liability.
Guidelines for balancing the flow in extrusion dies: the influence of the material rheology
Authors: Rajkumar A. , Ferrás L.L. , Fernandes C. , Carneiro Olga S. , Nóbrega J. Miguel
Published: April 2017

In this work we present improved design guidelines to support the die designer activity, when searching for the flow channel geometry that allows the achievement of a balanced flow distribution, in complex profile extrusion dies. The proposed methodology relies on surrogate models, obtained through a detailed and extensive numerical study, carried out with the open source computational library OpenFOAM®, in which an appropriate numerical solver for the problems under study was implemented. The main contribution of this work is to further enlarge the applicability of the simplified design methodology (Rajkumar A, Ferrás LL, Fernandes C, Carneiro OS, Becker M, Nóbrega JM. Int. Polym. Proc. 2017, 32, 58–71.) previously proposed by this group for similar purposes, by considering the effect of processing parameters and material rheology. The sensitivity analyses performed showed that, among the studied parameters, the power-law exponent was the only one that affected the system behavior. Thus, the previous proposed surrogate models were modified to include the effect of this parameter. Verification studies performed for three geometries and different rheological and process parameters evidenced the effectiveness of the proposed simplified design methodology.
Read! – On the intonational properties of short imperatives in Spanish
Authors: Robles-Puente Sergio
Published: April 2017

In this study, the intonation of one-word imperatives is compared with that of one-word declaratives in Peninsular Spanish in order to establish differences and similarities between them. The analysis of 373 utterances produced by 8 speakers (117 in a declarative context and 256 in an imperative context) demonstrates that the intonational link between declaratives and imperatives is irrefutable since L+H* L% configurations are found in both pragmatic contexts. Nevertheless, imperatives can also show tonal movements not found in declaratives: L+H* LH%, L+H* HL%, L+H* H%, L* H%. Finally, the study demonstrates that due to the limitations short imperative utterances involve, speakers implement tonal movements rarely attested in imperatives with multiple pitch accents.
Clinical outcomes of 130 patients with primary and secondary lung tumors treated with Cyberknife robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Janvary Zsolt Levente , Jansen Nicolas , Baart Veronique , Devillers Magali , Dechambre David , Lenaerts Eric , Seidel Laurence , Barthelemy Nicole , Berkovic Patrick , Gulyban Akos , Lakosi Ferenc , Horvath Zsolt , Coucke Philippe A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Authors report clinical outcomes of patients treated with robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary, recurrent and metastatic lung lesions.

Patients and methods

130 patients with 160 lesions were treated with Cyberknife SBRT, including T1-3 primary lung cancers (54%), recurrent tumors (22%) and pulmonary metastases (24%). The mean biologically equivalent dose (BED10Gy) was 151 Gy (72–180 Gy). Median prescribed dose for peripheral and central lesions was 3×20 Gy and 3×15 Gy, respectively. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and cause-specific survival (CSS) rates, early and late toxicities are reported. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors influencing local tumor control.

Results

Median follow-up time was 21 months. In univariate analysis, higher dose was associated with better LC and a cut-off value was detected at BED10Gy ≤ 112.5 Gy, resulting in 1-, 2-, and 3-year actuarial LC rates of 93%, vs 73%, 80% vs 61%, and 63% vs 54%, for the high and low dose groups, respectively (p = 0.0061, HR = 0.384). In multivariate analysis, metastatic origin, histological confirmation and larger Planning Target Volume (PTV) were associated with higher risk of local failure. Actuarial OS and CSS rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 85%, 74% and 62%, and 93%, 89% and 80%, respectively. Acute and late toxicities ≥ Gr 3 were observed in 3 (2%) and 6 patients (5%), respectively.

Conclusions

Our favorable LC and survival rates after robotic SBRT, with low rates of severe toxicities, are coherent with the literature data in this mixed, non-selected study population.