bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Policies for Selling New and Remanufactured Products
Authors: Yan Xiaoming , Chao Xiuli , Lu Ye , Zhou Sean X.
Published: April 2017

Because of environmental and economic reasons, an increasing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) nowadays sell both new and remanufactured products. When both products are available, customers will buy the one that gives them a higher (and non‐negative) utility. Thus, if the firm does not price the products properly, then product cannibalization may arise and its revenue may be adversely impacted. In this paper, we study the pricing problem of a firm that sells both new and remanufactured products over a finite planning horizon. Customer demand processes for both new and remanufactured products are random and price‐sensitive, and product returns (also called cores) are random and remanufactured upon receipt. We characterize the optimal pricing and manufacturing policies that maximize the expected total discounted profit. If new products are made‐to‐order (MTO), we show that when the inventory level of remanufactured product increases, the optimal price of remanufactured product decreases while the price difference between new and remanufactured products increases; however, the optimal selling price of new product may increase or decrease. If new products are made to stock (MTS), then the optimal manufacturing policy is of a base‐stock policy with the base‐stock level decreasing in the remanufactured product inventory level. To understand the potential benefit in implementing an MTO system, we study the difference between the value functions of the MTO and MTS systems, and develop lower and upper bounds for it. Finally, we study several extensions of the base model and show that most of our results extend to those more general settings.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid detection of Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot of brassicas)
Authors: King K. M. , Krivova V. , Canning G. G. M. , Hawkins N. J. , Kaczmarek A. M. , Perryman S. A. M. , Dyer P. S. , Fraaije B. A. , West J. S.
Published: April 2017

Pyrenopeziza brassicae (anamorph Cylindrosporium concentricum) is an ascomycete fungus that causes light leaf spot (LLS) disease of brassicas. It has recently become the most important pathogen of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) crops in the UK. The pathogen is spread by both asexual splash‐dispersed conidia and sexual wind‐dispersed ascospores. Such inoculum can be detected with existing qualitative and quantitative PCR diagnostics, but these require time‐consuming laboratory‐based processing. This study describes two loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS) or β‐tubulin DNA sequences, for fast and specific detection of P. brassicae isolates from a broad geographical range (throughout Europe and Oceania) and multiple brassica host species (B. napus, B. oleracea and B. rapa). Neither assay detected closely related Oculimacula or Rhynchosporium isolates, or other commonly occurring oilseed rape fungal pathogens. Both LAMP assays could consistently detect DNA amounts equivalent to 100 P. brassicae conidia per sample within 30 minutes, although the β‐tubulin assay was more rapid. Reproducible standard curves were obtained using a P. brassicae DNA dilution series (100 ng–10 pg), enabling quantitative estimation of amounts of pathogen DNA in environmental samples. In planta application of the β‐tubulin sequence‐based LAMP assay to individual oilseed rape leaves collected from the field found no statistically significant difference in the amount of pathogen DNA present in parts of leaves either with or without visible LLS symptoms. The P. brassicae LAMP assays described here could have multiple applications, including detection of symptomless host infection and automated real‐time monitoring of pathogen inoculum.
Naturalist Political Realism and the First Political Question
Authors: Cross Ben
Published: April 2017

Many political realists reject the idea that the first task for political philosophy is to justify the existence of coercive political institutions (CPIs). Instead, they say, we should begin with the factual existence of CPIs, and ask how they ought to be structured. In holding this view, they adopt a form of political naturalism that is broadly Aristotelian in character. In this article, I distinguish between two forms that this political naturalism might take ‐ what I call a ‘strong’ form, and a ‘weak’ form ‐ and argue that both ought to be rejected.
Constructing separatism in South Africa's racially charged religiosity: 20th century Afrikaner discourses on African Initiated Christianity
Authors: Müller Retief
Published: April 2017

African Initiated Churches (AICs) in South Africa developed and grew during the 20th century to eventually become representative of the majority of Christians in the country. Much of this growth occurred during Apartheid. The fact that AICs emphasized their independence from White control is significant for various reasons. However, this article mainly concentrates on the irony of the fact that AICs were for the most part regarded as heretical sects by White Apartheid ideologues, despite the fact that the “Separatists,” as AICs were often described, would seem in retrospect ideally placed for potential appropriation within the context of Apartheid. Indeed, in the mid‐1980s, a serious attempt at appropriation from the side of government did occur. The Afrikaner, primarily Dutch Reformed Church discourse, is considered focusing on the 1930s, the late 1960s to early 80s, and then the article gives close attention to the year 1985 when the State President P. W. Botha visited Zion City Moria, headquarters of the Zion Christian Church.
Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B‐immobilized fibre treatment for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Furusawa Haruhiko , Sugiura Makiko , Mitaka Chieko , Inase Naohiko
Published: April 2017

Background and objective

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF) is recognized as an important cause of mortality. AE has also been reported in patients with other interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular disease (CVD). Current therapies such as high‐dose corticosteroid with immunosuppressive agents have provided little benefit for AE. Direct hemoperfusion (DHP) with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fibre column (PMX) was originally developed for the treatment of endotoxaemia. Recent clinical reports have suggested beneficial effects of PMX‐DHP treatment on patients with AE. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of PMX‐DHP treatment for patients with AE.

Methods

The clinical records of patients with AE admitted to our intensive care unit between 2006 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of 54 patients with AE identified from clinical records, 24 were treated with PMX‐DHP and 30 were treated without PMX‐DHP. The peripheral white blood cell count was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and the PaO2
/FiO2
(P/F) ratio was significantly improved after PMX‐DHP (P = 0.032). While no significant difference was found in the survival proportion between patients treated with and without PMX‐DHP, the prognosis of patients with dermatomyositis was significantly improved with the treatment (P = 0.045). Among the PMX‐DHP‐treated patients, those who received the treatment within 3 days of AE onset tended to have a better prognosis (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

The early induction of PMX‐DHP treatment may improve the prognosis of patients with AE, especially those with dermatomyositis.
Different location, same results?
Authors: Brownback Kyle R.
Published: April 2017

See DOI: 10.1111/resp.13049
Unravelling the impact of lignin on cell wall mechanics: a comprehensive study on young poplar trees downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD)
Authors: Özparpucu Merve , Rüggeberg Markus , Gierlinger Notburga , Cesarino Igor , Vanholme Ruben , Boerjan Wout , Burgert Ingo
Published: April 2017

Lignin engineering is a promising tool to reduce the energy input and the need of chemical pre‐treatments for the efficient conversion of plant biomass into fermentable sugars for downstream applications. At the same time, lignin engineering can offer new insight into the structure–function relationships of plant cell walls by combined mechanical, structural and chemical analyses. Here, this comprehensive approach was applied to poplar trees (Populus tremula × Populus alba) downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD) in order to gain insight into the impact of lignin reduction on mechanical properties. The downregulation of CAD resulted in a significant decrease in both elastic modulus and yield stress. As wood density and cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) did not show any significant differences between the wild type and the transgenic lines, these structural features could be excluded as influencing factors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman imaging were performed to elucidate changes in the chemical composition directly on the mechanically tested tissue sections. Lignin content was identified as a mechanically relevant factor, as a correlation with a coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.65 between lignin absorbance (as an indicator of lignin content) and tensile stiffness was found. A comparison of the present results with those of previous investigations shows that the mechanical impact of lignin alteration under tensile stress depends on certain structural conditions, such as a high cellulose MFA, which emphasizes the complex relationship between the chemistry and mechanical properties in plant cell walls.
Discovering relationships between nuclear receptor signaling pathways, genes, and tissues in Transcriptomine
Authors: Becnel Lauren B. , Ochsner Scott A. , Darlington Yolanda F. , McOwiti Apollo , Kankanamge Wasula H. , Dehart Michael , Naumov Alexey , McKenna Neil J.
Published: April 2017

An updated data-mining web tool enables researchers to understand how nuclear receptors affect genes or cellular processes of interest.
Presence of VIM-Positive Pseudomonas Species in Chickens and Their Surrounding Environment
Authors: Zhang Rongmin , Liu Zhihai , Li Jiyun , Lei Lei , Yin Wenjuan , Li Mei , Wu Congming , Walsh Timothy R. , Wang Yang , Wang Shaolin , Wu Yongning
Published: April 2017

Metallo-β-lactamase gene
bla
VIM
was identified on the chromosome of four
Pseudomonas
sp. isolates from a chicken farm, including one
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolate from a swallow (
Yanornis martini
), one
Pseudomonas putida
isolate from a fly, and two
P. putida
isolates from chickens. The four isolates shared two variants of
bla
VIM
-carrying genomic contexts that resemble the corresponding regions of clinical metallo-β-lactamase-producing
Pseudomonas
spp. Our study suggests that the surveillance of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in livestock and their surrounding environment is urgently needed.
Molecular Profile of Malaria Drug Resistance Markers of Plasmodium falciparum in Suriname
Authors: Chenet Stella M. , Okoth Sheila Akinyi , Kelley Julia , Lucchi Naomi , Huber Curtis S. , Vreden Stephen , Macedo de Oliveira Alexandre , Barnwell John W. , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Adhin Malti R.
Published: April 2017

In Suriname, an artesunate monotherapy therapeutic efficacy trial was recently conducted to evaluate partial artemisinin resistance emerging in
Plasmodium falciparum
. We genotyped the PfK13 propeller domain of
P. falciparum
in 40 samples as well as other mutations proposed to be associated with artemisinin-resistant mutants. We did not find any mutations previously associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia, but we found fixed resistance mutations for chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Additionally, the PfCRT C350R mutation, associated with reversal of CQ resistance and piperaquine-selective pressure, was present in 62% of the samples. Our results from neutral microsatellite data also confirmed a high parasite gene flow in the Guiana Shield. Although recruiting participants for therapeutic efficacy studies is challenging in areas where malaria endemicity is very low due to the low number of malaria cases reported, conducting these studies along with molecular surveillance remains essential for the monitoring of artemisinin-resistant alleles and for the characterization of the population structure of
P. falciparum
in areas targeted for malaria elimination.
Static stretching does not enhance recovery in elite youth soccer players
Authors: Pooley Sam , Spendiff Owen , Allen Matt , Moir Hannah J
Published: April 2017

Background

Static stretching (SS) is a recovery intervention used for the reduction of muscle soreness postexercise. The effects of SS on elite young footballers have received little attention, and therefore the aim of this study was to assess the effects of SS on muscle recovery following competitive soccer matches in elite young footballers.

Methods

Ten male participants (16±1 years) were recruited from an English Premier League professional soccer academy. Using a controlled crossover design, participants followed one of two recovery interventions (SS or passive recovery (PR)) immediately following completion of competitive soccer matches. Muscle oedema, creatine kinase (CK), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA) performance and perceived muscle soreness were assessed before, immediately after and 48 hours postmatch.

Results

Competitive soccer matches significantly induced muscle damage, with time intervals of perceived soreness and CK showing significant increases (p<0.05), and CMJA showing significant decreases between prematch, postmatch and 48 hours postmatch for both SS and PR (p<0.05). Comparisons of the absolute effects of SS with PR only revealed significant decreases for CK 48 hours postmatch (p<0.05) as a result of SS intervention.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated competitive soccer matches induced muscle damage, which may have detrimental effects on future performance within 24–48 hours postmatch. Furthermore, there was limited evidence to suggest SS would assist in the reduction of muscle soreness postexercise. Therefore, it can be argued that SS is not a beneficial recovery option for elite youth soccer players.
Concussion guideline implementation perceptions and experiences among parents of community-level Australian Football junior players
Authors: White Peta E , Register-Mihalik Johna , Donaldson Alex , Sullivan S John , Finch Caroline F
Published: April 2017

Background/aim

Concussion guidelines exist for multiple community sports. Parents are key stakeholders in guideline implementation and in appropriate responses following concussive injury. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to understand how parents of community-level Australian Football (AF) players experience and perceive concussion guidelines in order to inform the design and implementation of concussion guidelines in community sport.

Methods

A cross-sectional qualitative approach was adopted to allow for an open and detailed exploration of the views of parents of junior community AF players (ie, those aged <16 years) regarding concussion guidelines of the AF League (AFL)—the national governing body for AF. Participants were 15 parents of junior community AF players from two clubs affiliated with a large regional community AF League.

Results

The key experiences and perceptions of the parents included appreciation that the guidelines outlined the postconcussion process that should be followed, desires for better understanding of the guidelines by general practitioners (ie, medical doctors) who care for children with concussion, having more readily available information for parents and receiving more formal policy guiding timing of return-to-participation following concussion. Difficulties with the guidelines not addressing delayed presentations of concussion were also frequently mentioned.

Conclusions

Parents are key stakeholders in concussion prevention and care in community sport. As such, their input should be considered when developing guidelines and resources for community sport. Furthermore, concussion information should be made available to parents in an easily accessible and community-friendly form.
Effects of nitrogen deposition on nitrate leaching from forests of the northeastern United States will change with tree species composition
Authors: Crowley Katherine F. , Lovett Gary M.
Published: April 2017

As tree species composition in forests of the northeastern United States changes due to invasive forest pests, climate change, or other stressors, the extent to which forests will retain or release N from atmospheric deposition remains uncertain. We used a species-specific, dynamic forest ecosystem model (Spe-CN) to investigate how nitrate (NO3–) leaching may vary among stands dominated by different species, receiving varied atmospheric N inputs, or undergoing species change due to an invasive forest pest (emerald ash borer; EAB). In model simulations, NO3– leaching varied widely among stands dominated by 12 northeastern North American tree species. Nitrate leaching increased with N deposition or forest age, generally with greater magnitude for deciduous (except red oak) than coniferous species. Species with lowest baseline leaching rates (e.g., red spruce, eastern hemlock, red oak) showed threshold responses to N deposition. EAB effects on leaching depended on the species replacing white ash: after 100 years, predicted leaching increased 73% if sugar maple replaced ash but decreased 55% if red oak replaced ash. This analysis suggests that the effects of tree species change on NO3– leaching over time may be large and variable and should be incorporated into predictions of effects of N deposition on leaching from forested landscapes.
Magnetic behavior of Mn-doped silicon carbide nanosheet
Authors: Houmad M. , Dakir O. , Benzidi H. , Mounkachi O. , El Kenz A. , Benyoussef A.
Published: April 2017

Magnetic and optical properties of (Mn, Fe)-doped SiC nanosheet (NS) are investigated using first principle calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) within the Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method. The Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) shows that doping SiC NS by Mn has a half-metal ferromagnetic behavior when one Si atom is replaced by Mn or Fe. We also study the effect of (Mn, Fe) doping on optical properties of SiC NS such as absorption coefficient and optical reflectivity as function of energy. We found that doping SiC NS increases the absorption coefficient, the optical conductivity and the reflectivity in the visible region.
Effect of aging heat time and annealing temperature on the properties of nanocrystalline tin dioxide thin films
Authors: Kadhim Imad H. , Abu Hassan H.
Published: April 2017

Nanocrystalline tin dioxide (SnO2) thin films have been successfully prepared by sol–gel spin-coating technique on p-type Si (100) substrates. A stable solution was prepared by mixing tin(II) chloride dihydrate, pure ethanol, and glycerin. Temperature affects the properties of SnO2 thin films, particularly the crystallite size where the crystallization of SnO2 with tetragonal rutile structure is achieved when thin films that prepared under different aging heat times are annealed at 400[Formula: see text]C. By increasing aging heat time in the presence of annealing temperatures the FESEM images indicated that the thickness of the fabricated film was directly proportional to solution viscosity, increasing from approximately 380 nm to 744 nm, as well as the crystallization of the thin films improved and reduced defects.
Reidemeister moves and parity polynomials of virtual knot diagrams
Authors: Jeong Myeong-Ju
Published: April 2017

When two virtual knot diagrams are virtually isotopic, there is a sequence of Reidemeister moves and virtual moves relating them. I introduced a polynomial [Formula: see text] of a virtual knot diagram [Formula: see text] and gave lower bounds for the number of Reidemeister moves in deformation of virtually isotopic knot diagrams by using [Formula: see text]. In this paper, I introduce bridge diagrams and polynomials of virtual knot diagrams based on parity of crossings, and show that the polynomials give lower bounds for the number of the third Reidemeister moves. I give an example which shows that the result is distinguished from that obtained from [Formula: see text].
Gibbons–Hawking temperature corrected by quantum cosmology
Authors: Gu Je-An , Kim Sang Pyo , Shen Che-Min
Published: April 2017

We explore a quantum cosmology description of the de Sitter (dS) radiation and its back-reaction to a dS space, inherent in the wave function of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation for pure gravity with a cosmological constant. We first investigate the quantum Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker cosmological model and then consider the possible effects of inhomogeneities of the universe on the dS radiation. In both the cases we obtain the modified Friedmann equation, including the back-reaction from spacetime fluctuations, and the quantum-corrected Gibbons–Hawking (GH) temperature. It is shown that the quantum correction increases the GH temperature with the increment characterized by the ratio of the dS scale to the Planck scale.
Analytic expressions for the dark matter-baryon relations
Authors: Chan Man Ho
Published: April 2017

Recently, some very strong correlations between the distribution of dark matter and baryons (the dark matter-baryon relations) in galaxies with very different morphologies, masses, sizes and gas fractions have been obtained. Some models have been suggested to explain why the dark matter contribution is fully specified by that of the baryons. In this paper, we derive two analytic expressions to explain the observed dark matter-baryon relations based on the cold dark matter (CDM) model. The resultant expressions give excellent agreement with the observational data. The parameters involved in the analytic expressions are closely related to the amount of the baryon content. This model can provide a theoretical understanding of the strong correlations observed. We suggest that the observed relation represents the end product of galaxy formation.
Analysis of α-12C elastic scattering at intermediate energies by the S-matrix model
Authors: Berezhnoy Yu. A. , Onyshchenko G. M. , Pilipenko V. V.
Published: April 2017

The results of calculations of differential cross-sections for [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]C elastic scattering by the [Formula: see text]-matrix model are presented for 10 energy values in the energy range 65[Formula: see text]MeV[Formula: see text] 386[Formula: see text]MeV in a wide range of scattering angles. The behavior of various scattering characteristics as functions of the projectile energy is analyzed. It is shown that the chosen parametrization of [Formula: see text]-matrix allows describing correctly the Fraunhofer oscillations of the cross-sections in the region of small scattering angles and the rainbow scattering pattern in the region of sufficiently large angles.
Combustion Synthesis of Graphene from Waste Paper for High Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Singu Dayakar Chowdary , Joseph B. , Velmurugan V. , Ravuri Syamsai , Grace A. Nirmala
Published: April 2017

Incessant streak of unsuccessful attempts to synthesize low cost graphene with larger flake size and purity is frequently reported. Any reported methods that result in few layers of graphene with minimal contamination are definitive to exist. In this work, graphene was prepared economically from source of “paper” and detailed investigation was done on the effect of synthesizing parameters like paper source, temperature and amount of urea in the formation of graphene. This is a cost effective method, in which the paper that we use in our daily life was carbonized with the help of urea at a temperature of 850[Formula: see text]C under N2 atmosphere. The paper source was varied, shape of the paper was altered and the graphene paper with large surface area was synthesized without smudging and the prepared graphene paper was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for its structural, morphological investigation. To test the supercapacitance performance, electrochemical behavior was investigated in 6[Formula: see text]M KOH electrolyte. The specific capacitance of 1122[Formula: see text]F/g was obtained at 5[Formula: see text]mV/s scan rate. Chronopotentiometry curves showed an excellent cyclic stability with higher charge/discharge duration and hence could be used for electrochemical supercapacitor applications.
On an algorithm for receiving Sudoku matrices
Authors: Yordzhev Krasimir
Published: April 2017

This work examines the problem to describe an efficient algorithm for obtaining [Formula: see text] Sudoku matrices. For this purpose, we define the concepts of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-matrix and disjoint [Formula: see text]-matrices. The paper, using the set-theoretical approach, describes an algorithm for obtaining [Formula: see text]-tuples of [Formula: see text] mutually disjoint [Formula: see text] matrices. We show that in input [Formula: see text] mutually disjoint [Formula: see text] matrices, it is not difficult to receive a Sudoku matrix.
Wideband polarization-independent anomalous reflection metasurface with multiple resonance modes
Authors: Dong Guoxiang , Xia Song , Zhuang Yongyong , Shi Hongyu , Zhang Zhan , He Yuchen , Zhang Anxue , Wei Xiaoyong , Xu Zhuo
Published: April 2017

An ultra-thin metasurface is proposed to realize wideband polarization-independent anomalous reflection. The sub-wavelength resonator can produce different resonance modes, which are the result of the combined effect of dielectric and the metallic structure. The gradient metasurface is done by six discrete orientation of the local sub-wavelength resonator which provides a phase gradient. The simulation and measured results show that 9[Formula: see text]GHz bandwidth of the anomalous reflection is achieved.
Site investigation for energy geostructures
Authors: Loveridge Fleur , Low Jasmine , Powrie William
Published: April 2017

Energy geostructures are structure or infrastructure foundations used as heat exchangers as part of a ground source heat pump system. Although piles remain the most common type of energy geostructure, increasingly infrastructure projects are considering the use of other buried structures such as retaining walls and tunnels for heat exchange. To design and plan for construction of such systems, site investigations must provide appropriate information to derive analysis input parameters. This paper presents a review of what information regarding the ground, and also the structures themselves, would be required for the ground energy system design process. Appropriate site investigation methods for energy geostructures are reviewed, from desk study stages through
in situ
testing to laboratory testing of samples recovered. Available methods are described and critically appraised and guidance for practical application is given.
Protein Misfolding Diseases
Authors: Hartl F. Ulrich
Published: April 2017

The majority of protein molecules must fold into defined three-dimensional structures to acquire functional activity. However, protein chains can adopt a multitude of conformational states, and their biologically active conformation is often only marginally stable. Metastable proteins tend to populate misfolded species that are prone to forming toxic aggregates, including soluble oligomers and fibrillar amyloid deposits, which are linked with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, and many other pathologies. To prevent or regulate protein aggregation, all cells contain an extensive protein homeostasis (or proteostasis) network comprising molecular chaperones and other factors. These defense systems tend to decline during aging, facilitating the manifestation of aggregate deposition diseases. This volume of the Annual Review of Biochemistry contains a set of three articles addressing our current understanding of the structures of pathological protein aggregates and their associated disease mechanisms. These articles also discuss recent insights into the strategies cells have evolved to neutralize toxic aggregates by sequestering them in specific cellular locations.
Validating a conceptual framework for the core concept of “cell-cell communication”
Authors: Michael Joel , Martinkova Patricia , McFarland Jenny , Wright Ann , Cliff William , Modell Harold , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: April 2017

We have created and validated a conceptual framework for the core physiology concept of “cell-cell communication.” The conceptual framework is composed of 51 items arranged in a hierarchy that is, in some instances, four levels deep. We have validated it with input from faculty who teach at a wide variety of institutional types. All items making up the framework were deemed essential to moderately important. However, some of the main ideas were clearly judged to be more important than others. Furthermore, the lower in the hierarchy an item is, the less important it is thought to be. Finally, there was no significant difference in the ratings given by faculty at different types of institutions.
Nobel Laureate A. V. Hill and the refugee scholars, 1933–1945
Authors: Rall Jack A.
Published: April 2017

A. V. Hill shared the 1922 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his investigation of the energetics of muscular contraction. His scientific work has been well chronicled over many years (Rall JA. Mechanism of Muscular Contraction, 2014). There is the natural tendency to focus solely on an investigator’s scientific achievements. But in the case of Hill, it has been said (Katz B. Biogr Mem Fellows R Soc 24: 71–149, 1978) that “it was his devotion to such wider issues, outside the boundaries of his own research, through which he exerted his most important influence on other people’s lives and on the course of events.” It is A. V. Hill, the man, and his defense of science and of scientists driven from their places of work, which began with the Nazi rise to power in Germany in 1933, that will be explored.
ETBreceptor contribution to vascular dysfunction in postmenopausal women
Authors: Wenner Megan M. , Sebzda Kelly N. , Kuczmarski Andrew V. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Edwards David G.
Published: April 2017

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to age-related endothelial dysfunction in men via the ETAreceptor. However, there are sex differences in the ET-1 system, and ETBreceptors are modulated by sex hormones. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ETBreceptors contribute to impaired vasodilatory function in postmenopausal women (PMW). We measured flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using ultrasound, and cutaneous nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation during local heating (42°C) via laser Doppler flowmetry in 18 young women (YW; 22 ± 1 yr) and 16 PMW (56 ± 1 yr). Cutaneous microdialysis perfusions of lactated Ringer (control), an ETBreceptor antagonist (BQ-788, 300 nM), and an ETAreceptor antagonist (BQ-123, 500 nM), were done through separate fibers, followed by perfusions of sodium nitroprusside (28 mM) and local heating to 43°C (max). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as cutaneous blood flow/mean arterial pressure and expressed as a percent of maximal dilation. FMD (YW: 7.5 ± 0.5 vs. PMW: 5.6 ± 0.6%) and cutaneous vasodilation (YW: 93 ± 2 vs. PMW: 83 ± 4%CVCmax) were lower in PMW (both P < 0.05). Blockade of ETBreceptors decreased cutaneous vasodilation in YW (87 ± 2%CVCmax; P < 0.05 vs. control) but increased vasodilation in PMW (93 ± 1%CVCmax; P < 0.05 vs. control). ETAreceptor blockade had minimal effect in YW (92 ± 1%CVCmax) but increased cutaneous vasodilation in PMW (91 ± 2%CVCmax; P < 0.05 vs. control). In conclusion, ETBreceptors mediate vasodilation in YW, but this effect is lost after menopause. Impaired vasodilatory function in PMW is due in part to a loss of ETB-mediated dilation.
The performing animal: causes and consequences of body remodeling and metabolic adjustments in red knots facing contrasting thermal environments
Authors: Vézina François , Gerson Alexander R. , Guglielmo Christopher G. , Piersma Theunis
Published: April 2017

Using red knots ( Calidris canutus) as a model, we determined how changes in mass and metabolic activity of organs relate to temperature-induced variation in metabolic performance. In cold-acclimated birds, we expected large muscles and heart as well as improved oxidative capacity and lipid transport, and we predicted that this would explain variation in maximal thermogenic capacity (Msum). We also expected larger digestive and excretory organs in these same birds and predicted that this would explain most of the variation in basal metabolic rate (BMR). Knots kept at 5°C were 20% heavier and maintained 1.5 times more body fat than individuals kept in thermoneutral conditions (25°C). The birds in the cold also had a BMR up to 32% higher and a Msum16% higher than birds at 25°C. Organs were larger in the cold, with muscles and heart being 9–20% heavier and digestive and excretory organs being 21–36% larger than at thermoneutrality. Rather than the predicted digestive and excretory organs, the cold-induced increase in BMR correlated with changes in mass of the heart, pectoralis, and carcass. Msumvaried positively with the mass of the pectoralis, supracoracoideus, and heart, highlighting the importance of muscles and cardiac function in cold endurance. Cold-acclimated knots also expressed upregulated capacity for lipid transport across mitochondrial membranes [carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT)] in their pectoralis and leg muscles, higher lipid catabolism capacity in their pectoralis muscles [β-hydroxyacyl CoA-dehydrogenase (HOAD)], and elevated oxidative capacity in their liver and kidney (citrate synthase). These adjustments may have contributed to BMR through changes in metabolic intensity. Positive relationships among Msum, CPT, and HOAD in the heart also suggest indirect constraints on thermogenic capacity through limited cardiac capacity.
Gastric Ulcer Hemorrhage - a Potential Life-Threatening Complication of Intragastric Balloon Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Mojkowska Aleksandra , Gazdzinski Stefan , Fraczek Mariusz , Wyleżoł Mariusz
Published: April 2017

Background: Some morbidly obese patients do not qualify for bariatric surgery due to general health contraindications. Intragastric balloon treatment might be a therapeutic option in the above-mentioned cases. It can prime super-obese patients with end-stage disease for bariatric surgery. As a neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, it leads to a downstage of the disease by preliminary weight reduction, to an improvement in general health and, in summary, to a reduction of the perioperative risk. It is generally considered to be a safe method. However, due to the wide range of possible complications and unusual symptoms after intragastric balloon treatment, an interdisciplinary, instead of only a surgical or endoscopic, treatment and follow-up might be recommended in these patients. Case Report: We here describe a potential life-threatening complication in the form of gastric bleeding as a consequence of intragastric balloon treatment and simultaneous aspirin taking and Helicobacter pylori infection. Conclusion: There have been reports of some complications of intragastric balloon treatment. However, to the best of our knowledge there were no reports concerning life-threatening hemorrhage from gastric ulcer.
Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage of Esophagojejunostomy after Laparoscopy-Assisted Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Kunisaki Chikara , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Kosaka Takashi , Akiyama Hirotoshi , Endo Itaru
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: The study aimed to clarify the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) for gastric cancer. Methods: In this study, we enrolled 131 patients with preoperatively diagnosed early gastric cancer who underwent LATG by a single surgeon between June 2006 and February 2014 at the Department of Surgery, Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage (esophagojejunostomy) after LATG were retrospectively evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Anastomotic leakage of the esophagojejunostomy was observed in 13 (9.9%) of 131 patients. Univariate analysis of risk factors for anastomotic leakage revealed that the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage (<55, 11 of 63 vs. ≥55, 2 of 55; p = 0.039). Multivariate analysis revealed that PNI is an independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage (OR 0.208; 95% CI 0.044-0.981; p = 0.047). Conclusion: Gastric cancer patients with a low PNI have a higher risk for anastomotic leakage after LATG. The results of this study must be confirmed by a study with a large cohort of patients receiving LATG reconstructed using the same method by experienced surgeons in multiple institutions.
Cutaneous Complications Related to Tattoos: 31 Cases from Finland
Authors: Kluger Nicolas
Published: April 2017

Background: Cutaneous complications related to permanent tattoos affect 2-30% of those patients who have tattooed their skin. Little is known about the cases of tattoo complications in Finland. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective review of a series of Finnish patients with cutaneous tattoo reactions. Methods: We collected cases of tattoo reactions from the Department of Dermatology at Helsinki University Central Hospital, from members of the Finnish dermatological society and from various other sources (author's private practice, tattooists, professional internet forum). We analysed the demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and microscopic findings on the skin biopsies, and evaluated the therapeutic outcome. Results: Thirty-one patients (16 men and 15 women, mean age 37.8) were included from 9 cities, mainly from Helsinki. Fifty-two percent (16/31) presented with an allergic tattoo reaction mainly against the red colour (75%, 12/16). Reactions were clinically polymorph ranging from scattered papules or nodules to complete infiltration of a colour. Lesions were itchy and sometimes painful. The reactions were lichenoid, granulomatous, pseudolymphomatous or less specific with a dermal lympho-histiocytic or plasmocytic infiltrate. Other diagnoses included tattoo blow-out (13%), melanoma within a tattoo, naevi within a tattoo (10% each), lichen planus (6%), granulomatous reaction with uveitis, sarcoidosis and dermatofibroma (3% each). Allergic tattoo reactions were mainly treated with local corticosteroid (CS) ointments, CS infiltration or surgical removal. Conclusion: This review is the largest series of tattoo complications in the Baltic area. It illustrates the wide spectrum of complications. Prospective, controlled therapeutic studies are necessary to assess the best treatment protocols for tattoo allergies and tattoo reaction management in general.
Safety and Efficacy of Low-Profile, Self-Expandable Stents for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Initial and Midterm Results - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Su-Yeon , Oh Jae-Sang , Oh Hyuk-Jin , Yoon Seok-Mann , Bae Hack-Gun
Published: April 2017

Low-profile stents seem to be associated with a higher incidence of thromboembolic events compared with preexisting stents. We conducted a systematic review of 11 eligible reports and a meta-analysis of 7 reports with respect to the clinical efficacy and safety of low-profile stents. There were 217 intracranial aneurysms reported; 22% were ruptured aneurysms. In all, 72% were treated using single stenting, 19% were treated using overlapping stenting, and 6% were treated using balloon angioplasty followed by stenting; 3% were used to assess the flow diverter effect in a dissecting aneurysm or were treated using unexpected subtotal coil packing. On immediate postprocedural angiographic results, Raymond class I and II obliteration was obtained in 87% of the aneurysms. On angiographic results at 3-6 months, Raymond class I and II obliteration or stability was obtained in 79% of the aneurysms, and Raymond class III obliteration was obtained in 3% of the aneurysms. The recurrence rate on follow-up of intracranial aneurysms was 6.5% (5.7% with LEO Baby and 1.3% with LVIS Jr). The periprocedural complication rate was 12.4%. Periprocedural thromboembolism occurred in 6.5% of the cases. The rate of in-stent stenosis on follow-up of intracranial aneurysms was 10%. In the midterm result, the recurrence rate with use of low-profile, self-expandable stents was relatively low compared to that with use of other self-expandable stents. In the meta-analysis comparing LEO Baby with LVIS Jr, the obliteration rate at 6 months was not significantly different, but the periprocedural complication rate was relatively low with LVIS Jr.
Human Alternative Macrophages Populate Calcified Areas of Atherosclerotic Lesions and Display Impaired RANKL-Induced Osteoclastic Bone Resorption Activity
Authors: Chinetti-Gbaguidi Giulia , Daoudi Mehdi , Rosa Mickael , Vinod Manjula , Louvet Loïc , Copin Corinne , Fanchon Mélanie , Vanhoutte Jonathan , Derudas Bruno , Belloy Loic , Haulon Stephan , Zawadzki Christophe , Susen Sophie , Massy Ziad A. , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Staels Bart
Published: April 2017

Rationale:

Vascular calcification is a process similar to bone formation leading to an inappropriate deposition of calcium phosphate minerals in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Monocyte-derived macrophages, located in atherosclerotic lesions and presenting heterogeneous phenotypes, from classical proinflammatory M1 to alternative anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, could potentially display osteoclast-like functions.

Objective:

To characterize the phenotype of macrophages located in areas surrounding the calcium deposits in human atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and Results:

Macrophages near calcium deposits display an alternative phenotype being both CD68 and mannose receptor–positive, expressing carbonic anhydrase type II, but relatively low levels of cathepsin K. In vitro interleukin-4-polarization of human primary monocytes into macrophages results in lower expression and activity of cathepsin K compared with resting unpolarized macrophages. Moreover, interleukin-4 polarization lowers expression levels of the osteoclast transcriptional activator nuclear factor of activated T cells type c-1, associated with increased gene promoter levels of the transcriptional repression mark H3K27me3 (histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation). Despite higher expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/macrophage colony-stimulating factor induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells type c-1 and cathepsin K expression is defective in these macrophages because of reduced Erk/c-fos–mediated downstream signaling resulting in impaired bone resorption capacity.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that macrophages surrounding calcium deposits in human atherosclerotic plaques are phenotypically defective being unable to resorb calcification.
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and the Risk Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi , Kita Yoshikuni , Inoguchi Toyoshi , Maeda Yasutaka , Kohara Katsuhiko , Tabara Yasuharu , Nakamura Motoyuki , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Watada Hirotaka , Munakata Masanori , Ohishi Mitsuru , Ito Norihisa , Nakamura Michinari , Shoji Tetsuo , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Yamashina Akira , Nagano Masahide , Yukiyo Ogata , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Asayama Kei , Takashima Naoyuki , Chowdhury Tanvir Turin , Mitsuki-Shinohara Kayo , Yamashita Takeshi
Published: April 2017

An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted in the data of 14 673 Japanese participants without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to examine the association of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with the risk of development of CVD. During the average 6.4-year follow-up period, 687 participants died and 735 developed cardiovascular events. A higher baPWV was significantly associated with a higher risk of CVD, even after adjustments for conventional risk factors (
P
for trend <0.001). When the baPWV values were classified into quintiles, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for CVD increased significantly as the baPWV quintile increased. The hazard ratio in the subjects with baPWV values in quintile 5 versus that in those with the values in quintile 1 was 3.50 (2.14–5.74;
P
<0.001). Every 1 SD increase of the baPWV was associated with a 1.19-fold (1.10–1.29;
P
<0.001) increase in the risk of CVD. Moreover, addition of baPWV to a model incorporating the Framingham risk score significantly increased the C statistics from 0.8026 to 0.8131 (
P
<0.001) and also improved the category-free net reclassification (0.247;
P
<0.001). The present meta-analysis clearly established baPWV as an independent predictor of the risk of development of CVD in Japanese subjects without preexisting CVD. Thus, measurement of the baPWV could enhance the efficacy of prediction of the risk of development of CVD over that of the Framingham risk score, which is based on the traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Novel Screening Tool for Stroke Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Abedi Vida , Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Hosseinichimeh Niyousha , Hontecillas Raquel , Bassaganya-Riera Josep , Elijovich Lucas , Metter Jeffrey E. , Alexandrov Anne W. , Liebeskind David S. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Zand Ramin
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

The timely diagnosis of stroke at the initial examination is extremely important given the disease morbidity and narrow time window for intervention. The goal of this study was to develop a supervised learning method to recognize acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) and differentiate that from stroke mimics in an emergency setting.

Methods—

Consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with stroke-like symptoms, within 4.5 hours of symptoms onset, in 2 tertiary care stroke centers were randomized for inclusion in the model. We developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The learning algorithm was based on backpropagation. To validate the model, we used a 10-fold cross-validation method.

Results—

A total of 260 patients (equal number of stroke mimics and ACIs) were enrolled for the development and validation of our ANN model. Our analysis indicated that the average sensitivity and specificity of ANN for the diagnosis of ACI based on the 10-fold cross-validation analysis was 80.0% (95% confidence interval, 71.8–86.3) and 86.2% (95% confidence interval, 78.7–91.4), respectively. The median precision of ANN for the diagnosis of ACI was 92% (95% confidence interval, 88.7–95.3).

Conclusions—

Our results show that ANN can be an effective tool for the recognition of ACI and differentiation of ACI from stroke mimics at the initial examination.
Would China Go Nuclear? Assessing the Risk of Chinese Nuclear Escalation in a Conventional War with the United States
Authors: Talmadge Caitlin
Published: April 2017

Could a conventional war with the United States inadvertently prompt Chinese nuclear escalation? The military-technical threat that such a war would pose to China's retaliatory capability—combined with wartime perceptual dynamics that might cause China to view this threat in an especially pessimistic light—could lead to reasonable Chinese fears that the United States might be attempting conventional counterforce, or considering or preparing for nuclear counterforce. China might see several forms of limited nuclear escalation as its least-bad response to this sort of threat to its nuclear deterrent, notwithstanding the country's no-first-use policy. This finding, derived from a more general framework about the military-technical and perceptual drivers of potential nuclear escalation in response to conventional counterforce, has broader ramifications for U.S. policy and military strategy, and it illustrates recurring dilemmas that the United States may face in conventional wars with other nuclear-armed adversaries.