bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigations of Rotating Instability and Unsteady Tip Vortex Structures in an Axial Compressor
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Yadong , Ouyang Hua
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a numerical investigation on rotating instability in a low speed axial compressor. Full-annulus unsteady simulations were carried out to precisely simulate the circumferential propagating flow disturbances in the rotor tip region. Through long-term monitoring of the unsteady pressure signals, the multiple peaks of the broadband hump of rotating instability in frequency spectrum were successfully captured, which were in accordance with the results from casing pressure measurements. Frequency characteristics, azimuthal modal features and unsteady tip vortex structures were analyzed to interpret the source features and flow mechanism of rotating instability. Three vortex mechanisms have been found which induce circumferential propagating flow disturbance-tip leakage vortex oscillation with inter-blade-passage phase delay, detached vortex from tip leakage vortex and radial vortex near the leading edge plane. The tip leakage vortex oscillation with inter-blade-passage phase delay induce rotating flow disturbance with multiple modes including both long and short scale disturbances, which is considered as the original driving force of rotating instability. The multi-peak features of rotating instability are caused by the interaction between the short wavelength disturbance and the long wavelength disturbance, of which the mode order is unit. Though the number of detached vortex and radial vortex in one annulus agree with the mode order of rotating instability, that is rather the consequence than the cause of it.
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis of the MEDI4893 (Suvratoxumab) Epitope Reduces Alpha Toxin Lytic Activity
In Vitro
and Staphylococcus aureus Fitness in Infection Models
Authors: Tkaczyk C. , Semenova E. , Shi Y. Y. , Rosenthal K. , Oganesyan V. , Warrener P. , Stover C. K. , Sellman B. R.
Published: September 2018

Alpha toxin (AT) is a cytolytic pore-forming toxin that plays a key role in
Staphylococcus aureus
pathogenesis; consequently, extensive research was undertaken to understand the AT mechanism of action and its utility as a target for novel prophylaxis and treatment strategies against
S. aureus
infections. MEDI4893 (suvratoxumab) is a human anti-AT IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) that targets AT and is currently in phase 2 clinical development.
Comparison of Six Sample-to-Answer Influenza A/B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays Using Respiratory Specimens from Children
Authors: Banerjee Dithi , Kanwar Neena , Hassan Ferdaus , Essmyer Cynthia , Selvarangan Rangaraj
Published: September 2018

The rapid and accurate detection of influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) improves patient care. Sample-to-answer (STA) platforms based on nucleic acid amplification and detection of these viruses are simple, automated, and accurate.
Significance of non-coding circular RNAs and micro RNAs in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Zhao Guoan
Published: September 2018

Heart failure, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction are the most prominent cardiovascular diseases contributing significantly to death worldwide. In the majority of situations, except for surgical interventions and transplantation, there are no reliable therapeutic approaches available to address these health problem. Despite several advances that led to the development of biomarkers and therapies based on the renin–angiotensin system, adrenergic pathways, etc, more definitive and consistent biomarkers and specific target based molecular therapies are still being sought. Recent advances in the field of genomic research has helped in identifying non-coding RNAs, including circular RNAs, piRNAs, micro RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression and function and have direct impact on pathophysiological mechanisms. This new knowledge is currently being explored with much hope for the development of novel treatments and biomarkers. Circular RNAs and micro RNAs have been described in myocardium and aortic valves and were shown to be involved in the regulation of pathophysiological processes that potentially contribute to cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 32 000 human exonic circular RNAs have been catalogued and their functions are still being ascertained. In the heart, circular RNAs were shown to bind micro RNAs in a specific manner and regulate the expression of transcription factors and stress response genes, and expression of these non-coding RNAs were found to change in conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and cardiac remodelling, reflecting their significance as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we address the present state of understanding on the biogenesis, regulation and pathophysiological roles of micro and circular RNAs in cardiovascular diseases, and on the potential future perspectives on their use as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
Epilepsy, literature and linguistics: spotlighting subjective symptoms
Authors: Sanchez-Davies Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Literature can offer a wealth of information about epilepsy: from complex narratives to children’s picture books, it can help broaden people’s understanding, show what it is like to live with epilepsy and provide a medium to which people with epilepsy (PWE) can relate. The latter being particularly important in such cases where seizure experiences are highly subjective, such as those associated with ‘focal seizures’, a common seizure type, which are known for their variable and hard-to-describe symptoms, causing complications with diagnosis as many of the symptoms overlap with those of other psychological health conditions.

Literature, however, has more to offer than acting as a source for demystifying epilepsy. On a disciplinary level, literature is surrounded by different frameworks for linguistic analysis which, importantly, are also applicable to real-life discourse. In particular, the well-established discipline, cognitive stylistics, provides ample theory for analysing the different facets of literature, from narratological and storyworld level, to the intricacies of characterisation revealing the structure behind the presentation of fictional characters’ experiences, attitudes and personalities. Such methods have the potential to transform and decode complex, subjective experiences into manageable pieces of information. This, then, holds great potential for shedding light on the experiences of real-life seizure narratives to the extent that the identified seizure’s linguistic ‘profiles’ can be used to aid real-life situations. Therefore, the present study calls to attention the potential evoked through the convergence between literature, linguistic analysis, fictional characters, PWE and seizure narratives. Extrapolating the qualities of these converging strands can enrich our understanding of the seizure experience, as well as bring to awareness the areas of risk that surround aspects of the diagnosis process.
SuPAR, an emerging biomarker in kidney and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Hamie Lamiaa , Daoud Georges , Nemer Georges , Nammour Tarek , El Chediak Alissar , Uthman Imad W , Kibbi Abdul Ghani , Eid Assaad , Kurban Mazen
Published: September 2018

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a circulating form of a physiological and pathophysiological important cell surface receptor, implicated in inflammation. Recent studies showed that suPAR is a promising biomarker, useful for diagnosis, assessment and prognosis of several diseases. This review summarises the majority of preliminary studies and analyses the significance and the clinical application of suPAR in various clinical conditions. SuPAR seems to have a significant value in the diagnosis as well as prognosis of many diseases; nonetheless, it merits large-scale studies to set cut-off values that help physicians in following up their patients and accordingly tailor their treatment plans.
Thermal-Aware Partitioning and Encoding of Power-Gated FSM
Authors: Choudhury Priyanka , Manna Kanchan , Rai Vivek , Pradhan Sambhu Nath
Published: September 2018

Miniaturization and the continued scaling of CMOS technology leads to the high-power dissipation and ever-increasing power densities. One of the major challenges for the designer at all design levels is the temperature management, particularly the local hot spots along with power dissipation. In this work, the controller circuits which are implemented as Finite State Machines (FSMs) are considered for their thermal-aware and power-aware realization. Using Genetic Algorithm (GA), both encoding and bipartitioning of the FSM circuit are implemented to get two subFSMs such that at a particular instant of time, one subFSM is active at a time, whereas the other one is power-gated. Again, thermal-aware realization (in terms of power-density) of this power-gated FSM is done. Therefore, the work concerns with the thermal-aware encoding and partitioning of FSM for its power-gated realization. Average temperature saving obtained in this approach for a set of benchmark circuits over previous works is more than 16%. After getting the final partitioned circuit which is optimized in terms of Area and power-density, thermal analysis of the sunFSMs is performed to get the absolute temperature. As thermal-aware design may increase the area, a suitable area-temperature trade-off is also presented in this paper.
Reflections on the origin of the EMC effect
Authors: Thomas Anthony W.
Published: September 2018

In the 35 years since the European Muon Collaboration announced the astonishing result that the valence structure of a nucleus was very different from that of a free nucleon, many explanations have been suggested. The first of the two most promising explanations is based upon the different effects of the strong Lorentz scalar and vector mean fields known to exist in a nucleus on the internal structure of the nucleon-like clusters which occupy shell model states. The second links the effect to the modification of the structure of nucleons involved in short-range correlations, which are far off their mass shell. We explore some of the methods which have been proposed to give complementary information on this puzzle, especially the spin-dependent EMC effect and the isovector EMC effect, both proposed by Cloët, Bentz and Thomas. It is shown that the predictions for the spin-dependent EMC effect, in particular, differ substantially within the mean-field and short-range correlation approaches. Hence, the measurement of the spin-dependent EMC effect at Jefferson Lab should give us a deeper understanding of the origin of the EMC effect and, indeed, of the structure of atomic nuclei.
A Wilms’ Tumor with Spinal Cord Compression: An Extrarenal Origin?
Authors: Petit Audrey , Rubio Amandine , Durand Chantal , Piolat Christian , Perret Cécile , Pagnier Anne , Plantaz Dominique , Sartelet Hervé
Published: September 2018

Spinal cord compression in Wilms’ tumor (WT) is an extremely rare event that can have a very poor prognosis if not taken care of rapidly. Most cases reported in the literature involve widely metastatic patient with bone or paraspinal metastases or occasionally intradural metastasis. Here, we present the case of a 3-year-old girl of WT confirmed by biopsy, with spinal cord compression due to the direct contiguous spread of a tumor through 2 vertebral foramina. Abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging performed for an abdominal mass revealed a large heterogeneous tumor near the upper pole of the left kidney. A nodular infiltration extended through the T11-L1 and L1-L2 neural foramina, forming an intraspinal mass that compressed the spinal cord. Major paresthesia subsequently occurred, requiring urgent treatment with corticosteroids and chemotherapy. The evolution was rapidly satisfying. After six courses of chemotherapy, a left nephrectomy was performed. Macroscopic examination identified a large tumor attached to the kidney without renal infiltration. Microscopical examination concluded to a nephroblastoma with regressive changes, of intermediate risk. Evolution at 6 months is satisfactory, with no neurological deficit. The histological aspect of the tumor and the clinical outcome suggest that she had an extrarenal WT that spread through the vertebral foramina and was secondarily attached to the kidney.
Vibration Induced by Subway Trains: Open‐Trench Mitigation Analysis in the Time and Frequency Domains
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Yuan Ran , Wang Juan
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we analyse the mitigation effects of open trenches on the vibrations induced by subway trains. The study is performed by using both physical model tests and numerical simulations. The effectiveness is evaluated by calculating the frequency response function (FRF) and the vibration acceleration peak (VAP) in both time and frequency domains. The experimental and numerical results demonstrate that the open trench has clear effects on the dynamic soil response. Both time and frequency domain results suggest that the dynamic response of the soils beyond the open trenches could be significantly affected, due to the existence of the open trench. According to the frequency domain analysis, the inclusion of open trenches could effectively reduce the soil response in a higher frequency range. Due to reflection effects at the boundaries of the trench, an amplification of the soil response in front of the open trench is observed. Parametric study by means of numerical simulations is also performed. The width of the open trench demonstrates negligible effects on the dynamic soil response, whilst the trench depth exhibits a large influence on the trench isolation performance. With an increase in the trench depth, the isolation performance is significantly improved. It is concluded that the open trenches perform well as an isolation barrier, in mitigating the vibration induced by subway trains.
Fetal and Maternal Outcomes of Planned Pregnancy in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Chen Dongying , Lao Minxi , Zhang Jianyu , Zhan Yanfeng , Li Weinian , Cai Xiaoyan , Zhan Zhongping
Published: September 2018

Objective. To investigate the fetal and maternal outcomes as well as predictors of APOs in women with SLE who conceived when the disease was stable, the so-called “planned pregnancy.” Methods. A retrospective multicenter study of 243 patients with SLE who underwent a planned pregnancy was performed. APOs in fetus and mothers were recorded. Results. The average age at conception was 28.9 ± 3.9 years. Duration of SLE prior to pregnancy was 4.4 ± 4.3 years. Fetal APOs occurred in 86 (86/243, 35.4%) patients. Preterm births, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), fetal distress, and fetal loss accounted for 22.2%, 14.8%, 11.1%, and 4.9%, respectively. Forty-two preterm infants (42/54, 77.8%) were delivered after the 34th week of gestation. All the preterm infants were viable. Fifty-two patients (52/243, 21.4%) had disease flares, among which 45 cases (45/52, 86.5%) were mild, 6 (6/52, 11.5%) were moderate, and 1 (1/52, 1.9%) was severe. Disease flares were mainly presented as active lupus nephritis (41/52, 78.8%), thrombocytopenia (10/52, 19.2%), and skin/mucosa lesions (9/52, 17.3%). Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) occurred in 29 patients, among which 3 were gestational hypertension and 26 were preeclampsia. Multiple analysis showed that disease flares (OR, 8.1; CI, 3.8–17.2) and anticardiolipin antibody positivity (OR, 7.4; CI, 2.5–21.8) were associated with composite fetal APOs. Conclusion. Planned pregnancy improved fetal and maternal outcomes, presenting as a lower rate of fetal loss, more favorable outcomes for preterm infants, and less severe disease flares during pregnancy.
Usefulness of Nonvalved Spacers for Administration of Inhaled Steroids in Young Children with Recurrent Wheezing and Risk Factors for Asthma
Authors: Kofman Carlos , Teper Alejandro
Published: September 2018

Background. In vitro and scintigraphic studies have suggested that effectiveness of metered-dose inhalers (MDI) with nonvalved spacers (NVS) is similar to that of MDI with valved holding chambers (VHC). Nevertheless, there are no clinical studies that compare these techniques in long-term treatment with inhaled steroids in young children with recurrent wheezing and risk factors for asthma. Objective. To compare the efficacy of a long-term treatment with Fluticasone Propionate administered by an MDI through both type of spacers, with and without valves, in young children with recurrent wheezing and risk factors for asthma. Patients and Methods. Outpatient children (6 to 20 months old) with recurrent wheezing and risk factors for asthma were randomized to receive a 6-month treatment with metered-dose inhaler (MDI) of Fluticasone Propionate 125 mcg BID through an NVS or through a VHC. Parents recorded daily their child’s respiratory symptoms and rescue medication use. Results. 46 patients of 13.4 ± 5 months old were studied. During the study period, the NVS group (n=25) experienced 3.9 ± 2.4 obstructive exacerbations, and the VHC group (n=21) had 2.6 ± 1.6 (p=0.031). The NVS group had 17.4 ± 14% of days with respiratory symptoms, and the VHC group had 9.7 ± 7% (p=0.019). The NVS group spent 29.8 ± 22 days on albuterol while the VHC group spent 17.9 ± 11 days (p=0.022). Conclusion. Long-term treatment with inhaled steroids administered by MDI and NVS is less effective than such treatment by MDI and VHC in infants with recurrent wheezing and risk factors for asthma.
Splinted and Nonsplinted Crowns with Different Implant Lengths in the Posterior Maxilla by Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lemos Cleidiel Aparecido Araujo , Verri Fellippo Ramos , Santiago Junior Joel Ferreira , de Souza Batista Victor Eduardo , Kemmoku Daniel Takanori , Noritomi Pedro Yoshito , Pellizzer Eduardo Piza
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the implants/components and bone tissue for splinted and nonsplinted prostheses with different lengths of implants using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Six models from the posterior maxillary area were used in simulations. Each model simulated three Morse taper implants of 4.0 mm diameter with different lengths, which supported metal-ceramic crowns. An axial load of 400 N and an oblique load of 200 N were used as loading conditions. Splinted prostheses exhibited better stress distribution for the implants/components, whereas nonsplinted prostheses exhibited higher stress in the first molar under axial/oblique loading. Implant length did not influence stress distribution in the implants/components. In cortical bone tissue, splinted prostheses decreased the tensile stress in the first molar, whereas nonsplinted prostheses were subjected to higher tensile stress in the first molar; implant length had no influence on stress distribution. Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that splinted prostheses contributed to better stress distribution in the implant/abutment and cortical bone tissue; however, the reduction in the implant length did not influence the stress distribution.
CT Perfusion in Patients with Lung Cancer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma Show a Different Blood Flow
Authors: Bevilacqua Alessandro , Gavelli Giampaolo , Baiocco Serena , Barone Domenico
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To characterize tumour baseline blood flow (BF) in two lung cancer subtypes, adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also investigating those “borderline” cases whose perfusion value is closer to the group mean of the other histotype. Materials and Methods. 26 patients (age range 36-81 years) with primary Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), subdivided into 19 AC and 7 SCC, were enrolled in this study and underwent a CT perfusion, at diagnosis. BF values were computed according to the maximum-slope method and unreliable values (e.g., arising from artefacts or vessels) were automatically removed. The one-tail Welch’s t-test (p-value <0.05) was employed for statistical assessment. Results. At diagnosis, mean BF values (in [mL/min/100g]) of AC group [(83.5 ± 29.4)] are significantly greater than those of SCC subtype [(57.0 ± 27.2)] (p-value = 0.02). However, two central SCCs undergoing artefacts from vena cava and pulmonary artery have an artificially increased mean BF. Conclusions. The different hemodynamic behaviour of AC and SCC should be considered as a biomarker supporting treatment planning to select the patients, mainly with AC, that would most benefit from antiangiogenic therapies. The significance of results was achieved by automatically detecting and excluding artefactual BF values.
Valve‐Pump Parallel Variable Mode Control for Complex Speed Regulation Processes
Authors: Ding Haigang , Song Henan , Zhao Jiyun , Lin Chaowen
Published: September 2018

To improve comprehensive performances of hydraulic systems with complex speed regulation processes, this paper proposes a new control scheme, valve‐pump parallel variable mode control, which can change control modes according to control requirements and adjust the proportion of valve control and pump control in the speed regulation process. In this paper, we design a valve‐pump parallel variable mode control system, explain its working principle, establish its mathematical model, analyse the influences of valve control on the system parameters, and at last, build an experimental system to carry out an experimental research. The experimental results show that during the speed regulation process, control modes could vary with control requirements, the switch between different control modes is smooth and meets expectations, and the proposed control approach can achieve excellent comprehensive performances for complex speed regulation, such as low‐speed stability, fast response to load disturbance, and high efficiency. The valve‐pump parallel variable mode control makes hydraulic control systems more flexible and suitable and enrich the current control schemes of hydraulic speed regulation systems.
Fatigue Life Characteristics of Segmental Lining Structure for the Shallow Buried Metro Tunnel under the Dynamic Load of a High-Speed Railway
Authors: Qian Wangping , Qi Taiyue , Zhao Qing , Pu Bingrong , Zhang Jin , Yi Haiyang
Published: September 2018

Shallow buried shield metro tunnels constructed underneath subgrade project of high-speed railways are becoming increasingly common in China, but the lower metro tunnel bears the fatigue effect of dynamic load induced by the upper high-speed railway, so the long-term durability of segmental lining is a nonnegligible problem. The segmental lining structure of metro tunnel is in a state of static-dynamic loads for a long time, especially when a high-speed railway passes above the metro line, and the long-term durability of segmental lining needs further research. Based on theoretical analysis, the effect of different forms of loads on the fatigue life was analyzed, the change law of the static-dynamic loads on segmental lining was summarized, and the method was put forward to evaluate the fatigue life characteristics of segmental lining. The research results reveal that the additional dynamic load is the fundamental reason for the fatigue failure of the structure, and the existence of static load can cause and accelerate the occurrence of structural fatigue failure simultaneously. The results indicate that the fatigue life decreases gradually with the increase of static-dynamic load. Based on coupling analysis of static-dynamic loads of segmental lining, the fatigue life increases first and then decreases with the increase of buried depth of metro tunnel, and it remains unchanged when the depth exceeds a certain value. According to the actual metro tunnel engineering, by using ABAQUS software, a three-dimensional numerical simulation was carried out to analyze the characteristics of the fatigue life and evolution rules of segmental lining. Based on the modified fatigue life formula and metro service life, the optimization design of the buried depth was carried out to determine the most reasonable range of the buried depth. This study provides a valuable reference for safe operation and long-term durability of metro tunnels under high-speed railways.
The Cardio- and Neuroprotective Effects of Corvitin and 2-Oxoglutarate in Rats with Pituitrin-Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Damage
Authors: Tkachenko V. , Kovalchuk Y. , Bondarenko N. , Bondarenko О. , Ushakova G. , Shevtsova A.
Published: September 2018

Heart diseases, especially acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are among the most severe illnesses that often lead to death. Despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of ACS, the incidence of the disease and its complications are very serious. The imbalance between pro- and antioxidant systems, the formation of active carbonyl compounds, and the end products of glycation in the blood and tissues are the key moments in the development of heart and neurological disorders leading to a change of behavioral responses. So, the search for antioxidants with cardio- and neuroprotective effects is an urgent task. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Corvitin and 2-oxoglutarate on physiological parameters, heart histology, and markers of carbonyl/oxidative stress of rats with pituitrin-isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage (PIMD). Increased sweating, tachycardia, significantly decreased locomotor and exploratory activity, changes of ECG, heart histology, and biochemical changes were observed in the PIMD-group. The administration of Corvitin or 2-OG led to the recovery of locomotor and cognitive activities of the rats, improvement in heart histology, a decrease in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, advanced glycated end products, and various changes in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, 6 days after PIMD. So, Corvitin and exogenous 2-OG show cardio- and neuroprotective effects through the decrease of carbonyl/oxidative stress and regulation of the activity of the antioxidant system.
Electrode Penetration of the Caudate Nucleus in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bot Maarten , van den Munckhof Pepijn , Schmand Ben A. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Schuurman P. Richard
Published: September 2018

Objective: To evaluate the possible influence of electrode trajectories penetrating the caudate nucleus (CN) on cognitive outcomes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: It is currently unclear how mandatory CN avoidance during trajectory planning is. Design/Methods: Electrode trajectories were determined to be inside, outside, or in border region of the CN. Pre- and postoperative neuropsychological tests of each trajectory group were compared in order to evaluate possible differences in cognitive outcomes 12 months after bilateral STN DBS. Results: One hundred six electrode tracks in 53 patients were evaluated. Bilateral penetration of the CN occurred in 15 (28%) patients, while unilateral penetration occurred in 28 (53%). In 19 (36%) patients tracks were located in the border region of the CN. There was no electrode penetration of the CN in 10 (19%) patients. No difference in cognitive outcomes was found between the different groups. Conclusion: Cognitive outcome was not influenced by DBS electrode tracks penetrating the CN. It is both feasible and sensible to avoid electrode tracks through the CN when possible, considering its function and anatomical position. However, penetration of the CN can be considered without major concerns regarding cognitive decline when this facilitates optimal trajectory planning due to specific individual anatomical variations.
The Successful Use of Apixaban in Dialysis Patients with Calciphylaxis Who Require Anticoagulation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Garza-Mayers Anna C. , Shah Radhika , Sykes David B. , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Kroshinsky Daniela
Published: September 2018

Calciphylaxis is a disease of dermal arteriolar calcification that results in necrosis. It commonly occurs in individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Warfarin use is an identified risk factor. Twenty patients with ESRD on dialysis with calciphylaxis who were treated with apixaban for indications of deep vein thrombosis or atrial fibrillation were identified. There were no reports of thrombosis. Three individuals experienced bleeding requiring a transfusion, and anticoagulation was resumed without further event. Findings suggest that apixaban may be a safe and effective alternative to warfarin in patients with ESRD on dialysis with calciphylaxis.
The Role of Acetylcholine in Attention in Turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Authors: Naimoli Vanessa , Donnelly-Greenberg Jennifer , Gabel Nicolette M. , Libby Daniel J. , Panigrosso Emily R. , Rhindress Kathryn , Powers Alice Schade
Published: September 2018

Research on mammals and turtles has suggested that acetylcholine is involved in attention in these groups. Two experiments investigated the ability of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to ignore irrelevant stimuli when the basal forebrain acetylcholine system was compromised. In experiment 1, turtles given lesions of the basal magnocellular cholinergic nucleus (NBM) or sham lesions were tested on a go/no go discrimination between horizontal and vertical stripes with or without irrelevant inserts in the box. The irrelevant inserts were blue and white checked walls and green carpet on the floor. The group with lesions of the NBM and no irrelevant inserts had no difficulty learning the task, but the lesioned group with irrelevant inserts was impaired on the discrimination. The sham-lesioned group was not impaired by the presence of irrelevant inserts. In experiment 2, turtles were given either the acetylcholine muscarinic receptor blocker scopolamine or saline and tested on the same task. The turtles given scopolamine had no difficulty learning the task in the absence of irrelevant inserts, but they were severely impaired when irrelevant inserts were present. The irrelevant inserts did not affect the learning of control turtles given saline. These findings provide evidence that acetylcholine enhances turtles’ ability to orient to relevant stimuli and suggest that its role in learning and memory may be to allow animals to orient to the stimuli relevant to a task and to ignore irrelevant stimuli.
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome due to Mutations in the DNA-Binding Domain of the Human Androgen Receptor Gene
Authors: Chauhan Pooja , Rani Anjali , Singh Surya K. , Rai Amit K.
Published: September 2018

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked recessive disorder with a 46,XY karyotype caused by alterations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. We have identified 2 mutations in the AR gene that resulted in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) in 2 unrelated cases. This study includes cytogenetics, hormonal, molecular, and bioinformatics analysis including sequencing of the SRY (sex-determining region Y) and AR genes. Mutational analysis in the first case of primary amenorrhea revealed a novel nucleotide substitution (IVS2-2A>G) in the second intron of the AR gene. The mutation is located in the acceptor splice site (2 nucleotides before exon 3) and caused skipping of exon 3 and formation of an abnormal protein. The second mutation (g. 98762_98764delTCT) was identified in a case of oligoamenorrhea and caused the deletion of 1 amino acid (p.∆Phe583). Both identified mutations were located in the conserved P-box region of the DNA-binding domain which is responsible for base-specific contacts with the DNA major groove. Furthermore, a hormonal imbalance was also noticed in both cases with high levels of gonadotropins like FSH and LH in both cases. The present study concluded that both identified AR mutations are predicted to either abolish or decrease the binding ability of the AR to androgen response elements of its downstream genes.
Understanding the Physiology of Liberibacter asiaticus: An Overview of the Demonstrated Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Coyle Janelle F. , Lorca Graciela L. , Gonzalez Claudio F.
Published: September 2018

Citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing, may entirely eradicate all varieties of citrus cultivars worldwide in the near future. This disease is caused by non-cultivable bacteria of the genus Liberibacter; among them, the more pathogenic being Liberibacter asiaticus. The complexity of the host–pathogen relationship, associated with the impossibility of performing research using axenic cultures, has severely hindered the basic research on microbiology. Since its genome sequence was published in 2009, most of the scientific publications in the field were dedicated to in silico analysis and selection of targets to design early detection methods. The knowledge gained with these approaches felt short to articulate effective methods to control the disease progression. There is a critical need to understand the basic biology of bacteria to design effective strategies to inactivate central mechanisms of pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the scientific progress made by studying L. asiaticus’ biology through direct experimentation. The evidence collected thus far is not enough to understand L. ­asiaticus’ fundamental biology. It is imperiously necessary to increase the basic research to identify relevant biological clues to control citrus greening. The gained knowledge may also help to prevent potential catastrophic diseases in other crops of significant importance caused by other unculturable Liberibacter species.
Patiromer to Enable Spironolactone Use in the Treatment of Patients with Resistant Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale and Design of the AMBER Study
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv , Rossignol Patrick , Garza Dahlia , Mayo Martha R. , Warren Suzette , Arthur Susan , Romero Alain , White William B. , Williams Bryan
Published: September 2018

Background: While chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in resistant hypertension (RHTN), prior studies ­evaluating mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists excluded patients with reduced kidney function due to risk of hyperkalemia. AMBER (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03071263) will evaluate if the potassium-binding polymer patiromer used concomitantly with spironolactone in patients with RHTN and CKD prevents hyperkalemia and allows more persistent spironolactone use for hypertension management. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group 12-week study of patiromer and spironolactone versus placebo and spironolactone in patients with uncontrolled RHTN and CKD. RHTN is defined as unattended systolic automated office blood pressure (AOBP) of ­135–160 mm Hg during screening despite taking ≥3 antihypertensives, including a diuretic, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker ­(unless not tolerated or contraindicated). The CKD inclusion criterion is an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Screening serum potassium must be 4.3–5.1 mEq/L. The primary efficacy endpoint is the between-group difference (spironolactone plus patiromer versus spironolactone plus placebo) in the proportion of patients remaining on spironolactone at Week 12. Results: Baseline characteristics have been analyzed as of March 2018 for 146 (of a targeted 290) patients. Mean (SD) baseline age is 69.3 (10.9) years; 52.1% are male, 99.3% White, and 47.3% have diabetes. Mean (SD) baseline serum potassium is 4.68 (0.25) mEq/L, systolic AOBP is 144.3 (6.8) mm Hg, eGFR is 35.7 (7.7) mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: AMBER will define the ability of patiromer to facilitate the use of spironolactone, an effective antihypertensive therapy for patients with RHTN and CKD.
The Relevance of the Second Cesarean Delivery in the Reduction of Institutional Cesarean Delivery Rates
Authors: Diejomaoh Michael F.E. , Al-Jassar Waleed , Bello Zainab , Karunakaran Kavitha , Mohammed Asiya
Published: September 2018

Objective: The cesarean delivery rate has increased worldwide. The aim of our study was to assess the events associated with the second cesarean deliveries in our institution. Subjects and Methods: All cesarean deliveries at the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait, from January 1 to December 31, 2013, were identified. A comparative study was undertaken on patients having their first and second cesarean deliveries. The social and clinical characteristics of these patients were extracted from our records and the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum course of the pregnancies and their outcomes documented. Results: During the study period, 10,586 deliveries were recorded, including 3,676 cesarean deliveries, i.e., a cesarean delivery rate of 34.7%. 840 of these patients were undergoing their first cesarean delivery (group A) and 607 patients were undergoing their second (group B); 484 patients from group A and 341 patients from group B with complete records were analyzed. Mean age (30.89 ± 4.93 vs. 29.94 ± 5.56 years, p = 0.008), parity (1.49 ± 1.22 vs. 0.98 ± 1.60, p < 0.0001), gestational age at delivery (38.12 ± 2.61 vs. 37.66 ± 3.11 weeks, p = 0.02), and fetal birth weight (3,211.60 ± 691.51 vs. 2,829.73 ± 863.26 g, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. 53.2% of the patients in group B requested repeat cesarean delivery, their second cesarean. The rate of maternal morbidity was low. Conclusions: The incidence of repeat cesarean delivery in group B is high, and its reduction should contribute to a lowering of the overall cesarean delivery rate.
Prematuridade e constituição subjetiva
Authors: Mata Greicy Duarte da , Cherer Evandro De Quadros , Chatelard Daniela Scheinkman
Published: September 2018

Todo bebê que nasce necessita do investimento de alguém que suponha nele um sujeito e o situe simbolicamente. Nos contextos de prematuridade, algumas dificuldades podem se fazer presentes, sendo relevante haver intervenções que proporcionem a facilitação desse processo de elaboração das intensas mudanças demandadas pela própria vivência de maternidade e pela internação de longa permanência em unidade de tratamento intensivo neonatal. Este estudo é um relato de experiência que apresenta e discute alguns casos atendidos pelos autores no ambulatório da maternidade de um hospital público situado em Brasília, no qual foi possível um espaço de escuta do discurso social inscrito pelas mães na história de recém-nascidos.
A possibilidade clínica do ritmo
Authors: Almeida Maíra Lopes , Neves Anamaria Silva
Published: September 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o ritmo como um elemento possível no atendimento clínico a crianças autistas. Propõe-se analisá-lo como condição fundamental pela qual a construção subjetiva perpassa e que, por isso, constitui-se aspecto indispensável no trabalho clínico. Como estratégia metodológica, retratamos a trajetória de atendimento a Lucas, um garoto de três anos diagnosticado como autista, e sua família. A partir das reflexões geradas pelo caso, discute-se as especificidades da clínica com crianças autistas e as alternativas que o ritmo, como aspecto primordial do sujeito, traz ao analista.
Grupos heterogêneos de Educação Terapêutica
Authors: Lavrador Marina Belém , Merletti Cristina Keiko Inafuku
Published: September 2018

Este artigo é fruto de um semestre de estágio de uma aluna da graduação do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (IPUSP) em um grupo terapêutico heterogêneo do Lugar de Vida – Centro de Educação Terapêutica. Será realizada uma discussão acerca dos efeitos terapêuticos que o encontro entre crianças em diferentes posições subjetivas e discursivas pode proporcionar, a partir de cenas clínicas. Posteriormente, apresentamos uma análise mais detida dos efeitos do encontro com o semelhante no tratamento de uma criança autista, no que concerne à (não) ocorrência do terceiro tempo do circuito pulsional nessa posição subjetiva.
Translocation biology and the clear case for compassionate conservation
Authors: Baker Liv
Published: September 2018

Compassionate Conservation seeks to merge the protection of animals and nature for improved conservation outcomes. Although Compassionate Conservation has broad disciplinary scope, its emergence at the interface of animal welfare science and conservation biology remains formative. Translocation biology offers an important opportunity to showcase the compassionate conservation approach because translocations encompass direct care and management of individual animals along with concerns for population and species health. Historically, a one-size-fits-all approach to translocations has proven to be misguided. Current advances in the field offer an important opportunity to apply the methodological focus that animal welfare science has on individuals and social groups for improved conservation outcomes. In particular, the evolutionary and behavioural science insights into the personality of individual animals highlights that the welfare of individual animals and the variation among them are integral to population and species recovery. In a review of translocation biology, animal personality and with the inclusion of a translocation case study, I show that translocation biology offers a clear case for the application of Compassionate Conservation principles.
Damselflies of the genus Argia (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from Ecuador with descriptions of five new species
Authors: GARRISON ROSSER W. , ELLENRIEDER NATALIA VON
Published: September 2018

Treinta y una especies de Argia son registradas de Ecuador, de las cuales dos, A. huanacina Förster y A. jocosa Hagen, constituyen nuevos registros para el país, y cinco son nuevas para la ciencia y son descriptas aquí: Argia acridens n. sp. (Holotipo ♂: ECUADOR, Prov. Manabí, 79 km al oeste de Santo Domingo de los Colorados, 0°20' S, 79°46' O, 260 m, 7 Mayo 1975, Paul J. Spangler et al. leg., en USNM), Argia cuspidata n. sp. (Holotipo ♂: ECUADOR, Prov. Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: 19 km al este de Santo Domingo de los Colorados, 0°18'49'' S, 79°1'44'' O, 740 m, 7 Mayo 1975, A. Langley & J. Cohen leg., en USNM), A. philipi n. sp. (Holotipo ♂: BOLIVIA, Dept. Cochabamba, Prov. Chapare: arroyo 5 km al sur de Villa Tunari, mediodía, 16°59'49" S, 65°24'28" O, 350 m, 4 Noviembre 2001, Jerrell J. Daigle leg., en FSCA), Argia selysi n. sp. (Holotipo ♂: ECUADOR, Prov. Napo: Jatun Yacu, Cuenca del Río Napo, 1°1' S, 77°50' O, 700 m, 18 Abril 1935, William Clarke-Macintyre leg., en UMMZ) y A. tennesseni n. sp. (Holotipo ♂: ECUADOR, Prov. Orellana: arroyo 8.5 km al este de Loreto, 0°37' 6" S, 77°17' 42" O, 360 m, 14 Septiembre 1997, Kenneth J. Tennessen leg., en FSCA). Las nuevas especies son ilustradas y diagnosticadas de sus congéneres, y sus áreas de distribución conocidas son mapeadas. Para ayudar en su identificación, se proveen también ilustraciones y /o mapas de distribución de especies relacionadas, incluyendo a: A. adamsi Calvert, A. difficilis Selys, A. dives Förster, A. huanacina Förster, A. fulgida Navás, A. infrequentula Fraser, A. jocosa Hagen en Selys, A. joergenseni Ris, A. limitata Navás, A. medullaris Selys, A. orichalcea Hagen en Selys y A. ulmeca Calvert. Argia columbiana Navás y A. rectangula Navás son tratadas como sinónimos junior subjetivos de Argia medullaris Selys. Se proporciona una clave para las ocho especies conocidas metálicas rojas de Argia de América del Sur.
Explaining Stakeholder Identification with Moderate Prestige Collectives: A Study of NASCAR Fans
Authors: Elsbach Kimberly D. , Cable Daniel M.
Published: September 2018

Through two studies of fans who identified with the collective known as NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing hereafter referred to as Nascar), we examine why stakeholders identify with collectives that are perceived as only moderately prestigious (given that high prestige has been shown, empirically, to be the primary predictor of collective identification because it enhances identifiers’ self-esteem). Our findings indicate that identifiers did not perceive Nascar to be high in prestige (compared to other similar collectives) and that their identification was predicted, primarily, by “Perceived Opportunity for Authentic Self-Expression” with Nascar. In addition, across both studies, we found that “patriotism”—a personal value that was difficult for fans to affirm elsewhere—was the most important value that fans perceived they could “self-express” when interacting with Nascar. These findings suggest that individuals may identify with moderate prestige collectives because they provide rare opportunities to express values that are part of their authentic selves, and thus, satisfy these individuals’ “needs for authenticity.”
Perception of blind rehabilitation services among adults with acquired blindness in Nigeria: Attention to functional goals
Authors: Bassey Emmanuel , Ellison Caroline , Walker Ruth
Published: September 2018

Like other sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria has a relatively high proportion of adults with acquired vision loss. This study investigates the impacts of becoming blind in adulthood and how the use of blind rehabilitation services addresses functional needs, supports activities of daily living, and enhances participation in educational, vocational, and community activities. Adopting a qualitative and interpretative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with eight adult users of blind rehabilitation services. Three broad themes were identified: (1) psycho-emotional responses to vision loss; (2) impacts on participation in education, employment, and community; and (3) positive impact of blind rehabilitation services. Findings are discussed in the context of the international literature, and suggestions that may enhance the blind rehabilitation services are made.
The Reflective Fostering Programme: background and development of a new approach
Authors: Redfern Sheila , Wood Sally , Lassri Dana , Cirasola Antonella , West Grace , Austerberry Chloe , Luyten Patrick , Fonagy Peter , Midgley Nick
Published: September 2018

Looked after children represent a vulnerable group in society, many of whom are exposed to maltreatment, particularly in the form of relational trauma, prior to placement with a foster family. Challenging behaviours can place foster placements at risk and looked after children often confront the possibility of placement breakdown. A carer’s capacity to retain a robust understanding of the children in their care as autonomous individuals with needs, feelings and thoughts can be important in enabling them to respond more effectively to the worrying or disruptive behaviour they may encounter. The Reflective Fostering Programme (RFP) is a new group-based programme aiming to support foster carers of children aged 4–11. This innovative development follows calls by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other organisations to help improve outcomes for children in care by improving resources for their carers. The RFP is rooted in evidence drawn from the field of contemporary attachment and mentalizing research, which indicates that children who have a carer high in reflective functioning tend to have more favourable outcomes in terms of social-emotional well-being. It also draws on the evidence that looking after a child who has impaired capacity to mentalize as a result of early relational trauma affects the carer’s capacity to mentalize and respond sensitively to the child (Ensink, et al., 2015). This article sets out the rationale for the RFP, outlines its key elements and concludes by indicating future service implementation and a planned feasibility study examining this approach.