bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic encephalopathy in dogs and cats
Authors: Lidbury Jonathan A. , Cook Audrey K. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To comparatively review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in dogs and cats.

Data Sources

The Medline database was searched for articles related to HE in people, dogs, and cats. Articles published within the last 5 years were given special importance.

Human Data Synthesis

The pathogenesis of HE is complex and incompletely understood, but ammonia appears to play a central role. Hyperammonemia leads to accumulation of glutamine in astrocytes, with subsequent astrocyte swelling and neurological dysfunction. The development of HE in patients with hepatic cirrhosis is a poor prognostic indicator. The fermentable disaccharide lactulose and the antimicrobial rifaximin are US Food and Drug Administration approved treatments for human HE. Severe protein restriction is no longer recommended for patients with this condition.

Veterinary Data Synthesis

HE is often associated with portosystemic shunting in dogs and cats. Ammonia plays a central role in the pathogenesis of HE in dogs and cats, but other factors such as manganese and endogenous benzodiazepines may also contribute. Recently, a soy protein‐based diet was found to be beneficial in treating canine HE. Severe dietary protein restriction is likely to be detrimental in affected animals. There have been no clinical trials of drugs routinely used in the management HE in veterinary medicine, but lactulose and antimicrobials such as metronidazole are well‐established treatments.

Conclusions

HE is a potentially life‐threatening condition that is probably underdiagnosed in companion animals. Although various treatment recommendations have been proposed, there is a lack of evidence in the veterinary literature regarding optimal strategies for the management of this condition. As our understanding of the pathogenesis of HE in dogs and cats evolves, novel diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents may become available.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF THE MAIN PULMONARY ARTERY TO AORTIC DIAMETER RATIO IN HEALTHY DOGS: A COMPARISON TO ECHOCARDIOGRAPHICALLY DERIVED RATIOS
Authors: Granger L. Abbigail , Pariaut Romain , Vila Jorge , Coulter Cassaundra E , Rademacher Nathalie , Queiroz‐Williams Patricia
Published: April 2016

Indicators of pulmonary hypertension in dogs examined with thoracic computed tomography (CT) are not well established in the veterinary literature. In humans, the main pulmonary artery to aortic diameter ratio (MPA:Ao) measured via CT, has been shown to be more sensitive than echocardiographic variables for predicting presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension, in some cases. In veterinary literature, the MPA:Ao has been determined echocardiographically to have an upper limit of about 1:1. Measurement of this ratio has not been described in dogs using CT. The objectives of this cross‐sectional, prospective study were to compare echocardiographic measurement of MPA:Ao with that obtained via CT, determine if measurement of MPA:Ao via CT is repeatable and reproducible, and determine the effect of respiration and contrast administration on the measurement of MPA:Ao via CT. Ten healthy dogs without pulmonary hypertension were anesthetized to undergo thoracic CT using three protocols and echocardiography. The MPA:Ao was measured three times by three observers for each of the three CT protocols and compared to echocardiographic measurements. The mean MPA:Ao measured among all observers and CT protocols was 1.108 ± 0.152 (SD). The effect of CT scan protocol on MPA:Ao significantly differed among the three methods (P = 0.0014), where expiratory scans had lower MPA:Ao than inspiratory scans. The ratio measured on inspiratory CT scans consistently overestimated MPA:Ao when compared to echocardiography (bias = 0.226). Findings did not support the echocardiographically derived upper limit of MPA:Ao as an upper limit for determination of main pulmonary arterial enlargement on CT.
Exaggerated haemodynamic and neural responses to involuntary contractions induced by whole‐body vibration in normotensive obese versus lean women
Authors: Dipla Konstantina , Kousoula Dimitra , Zafeiridis Andreas , Karatrantou Konstantina , Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Kyparos Antonios , Gerodimos Vassilis , Vrabas Ioannis S.
Published: April 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure response to voluntary exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. We examined whether involuntary contractions elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of blood pressure in normotensive obese versus lean women.

What is the main finding and its importance?

During involuntary contractions induced by whole‐body vibration, there were augmented blood pressure and spontaneous baroreflex responses in obese compared with lean women. This finding is suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise‐induced hypertensive response in obesity. Passive contractions did not elicit differential heart rate responses in obese compared with lean women, implying other mechanisms for the blunted heart rate response reported during voluntary exercise in obesity.

In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we examined whether involuntary mechanical oscillations, induced by whole‐body vibration (WBV), elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of BP in obese versus lean women. Twenty‐two normotensive, premenopausal women (12 lean and 10 obese) randomly underwent a passive WBV (25 Hz) and a control protocol (similar posture without WVB). Beat‐by‐beat BP, heart rate, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, parasympathetic output (evaluated by heart rate variability) and spontaneous baroreceptor sensitivity (sBRS) were assessed. We found that during WBV, obese women exhibited an augmented systolic BP response compared with lean women that was correlated with body fat percentage (r = 0.77; P < 0.05). The exaggerated BP rise was driven mainly by the greater increase in cardiac output index in obese versus lean women, associated with a greater stroke volume index in obese women. Involuntary contractions did not elicit a differential magnitude of responses in heart rate, heart rate variability indices and systemic vascular resistance in obese versus lean women; however, they did result in greater sBRS responses (P < 0.05) in obese women. In conclusion, involuntary contractions elicited an augmented BP and sBRS response in normotensive obese versus lean women. The greater elevations in circulatory haemodynamics in obese women are suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise‐induced hypertensive response in obesity.
Humanin prevents brain mitochondrial dysfunction in a cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury model
Authors: Kumfu Sirinart , Charununtakorn Savitree T. , Jaiwongkam Thidarat , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: April 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury causes interference in the systemic circulation and damages not only the heart but also several vital organs, including the brain. Recently, a novel peptide called humanin has been shown to exert potent neuroprotective effects. However, the effect of humanin on the brain during cardiac I/R injury has not yet been investigated.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The I/R injury caused blood–brain barrier breakdown, increased brain oxidative stress and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. Only the humanin treatment before ischaemia attenuated brain mitochondrial dysfunction, but it did not prevent blood–brain barrier breakdown or brain oxidative stress. Humanin treatment during ischaemia and in the reperfusion period provided no neuroprotection. These findings indicate that humanin exerted neuroprotection during cardiac I/R injury via improved brain mitochondrial function.

Myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury causes interference in the systemic circulation and damages not only the heart but also several vital organs, including the brain. Nevertheless, limited information is available regarding the effect of cardiac I/R injury on the brain, including blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, brain oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Recently, a novel peptide called humanin has been shown to exert potent neuroprotective effects. However, the effect of humanin on the brain during cardiac I/R injury has not yet been investigated. Forty‐two male Wistar rats were divided into the following two groups: an I/R group, which was subjected to a 30 min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min reperfusion (I/R group; n = 36); and a sham group (n = 6). The I/R group was divided into six subgroups. Each subgroup was given either vehicle or humanin analogue (84 μg kg−1, i.v.) at three different time points, namely before ischaemia, during ischaemia or at the onset of reperfusion. At the end of the experimental protocol, animals were killed and the brains removed for determination of mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and Western blot analyses. The I/R injury caused BBB breakdown, increased brain oxidative stress and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. Only the humanin treatment before ischaemia attenuated brain mitochondrial dysfunction, but it did not prevent BBB breakdown or brain oxidative stress. Humanin treatment during ischaemia and in the reperfusion period provided no neuroprotection. These findings indicate that humanin exerted neuroprotection during cardiac I/R injury via improved brain mitochondrial function.
Rac1 governs exercise‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle through regulation of GLUT4 translocation in mice
Authors: Sylow Lykke , Nielsen Ida L. , Kleinert Maximilian , Møller Lisbeth L. V. , Ploug Thorkil , Schjerling Peter , Bilan Philip J. , Klip Amira , Jensen Thomas E. , Richter Erik A.
Published: April 2016

Key point

Exercise increases skeletal muscle energy turnover and one of the important substrates for the working muscle is glucose taken up from the blood.

The GTPase Rac1 can be activated by muscle contraction and has been found to be necessary for insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, although its role in exercise‐stimulated glucose uptake is unknown.

We show that Rac1 regulates the translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in skeletal muscle during exercise.

We find that Rac1 knockout mice display significantly reduced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle during exercise.

Exercise increases skeletal muscle energy turnover and one of the important substrates for the working muscle is glucose taken up from the blood. Despite extensive efforts, the signalling mechanisms vital for glucose uptake during exercise are not yet fully understood, although the GTPase Rac1 is a candidate molecule. The present study investigated the role of Rac1 in muscle glucose uptake and substrate utilization during treadmill exercise in mice in vivo. Exercise‐induced uptake of radiolabelled 2‐deoxyglucose at 65% of maximum running capacity was blocked in soleus muscle and decreased by 80% and 60% in gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, respectively, in muscle‐specific inducible Rac1 knockout (mKO) mice compared to wild‐type littermates. By developing an assay to quantify endogenous GLUT4 translocation, we observed that GLUT4 content at the sarcolemma in response to exercise was reduced in Rac1 mKO muscle. Our findings implicate Rac1 as a regulatory element critical for controlling glucose uptake during exercise via regulation of GLUT4 translocation.
Evidence of a broad histamine footprint on the human exercise transcriptome
Authors: Romero Steven A. , Hocker Austin D. , Mangum Joshua E. , Luttrell Meredith J. , Turnbull Douglas W. , Struck Adam J. , Ely Matthew R. , Sieck Dylan C. , Dreyer Hans C. , Halliwill John R.
Published: April 2016

Key points

Histamine is a primordial signalling molecule, capable of activating cells in an autocrine or paracrine fashion via specific cell surface receptors, in a variety of pathways that probably predate its more recent role in innate and adaptive immunity.

Although histamine is normally associated with pathological conditions or allergic and anaphylactic reactions, it may contribute beneficially to the normal changes that occur within skeletal muscle during the recovery from exercise.

We show that the human response to exercise includes an altered expression of thousands of protein‐coding genes, and much of this response appears to be driven by histamine.

Histamine may be an important molecular transducer contributing to many of the adaptations that accompany chronic exercise training.

Histamine is a primordial signalling molecule, capable of activating cells in an autocrine or paracrine fashion via specific cell surface receptors. In humans, aerobic exercise is followed by a post‐exercise activation of histamine H1 and H2 receptors localized to the previously exercised muscle. This could trigger a broad range of cellular adaptations in response to exercise. Thus, we exploited RNA sequencing to explore the effects of H1 and H2 receptor blockade on the exercise transcriptome in human skeletal muscle tissue harvested from the vastus lateralis. We found that exercise exerts a profound influence on the human transcriptome, causing the differential expression of more than 3000 protein‐coding genes. The influence of histamine blockade post‐exercise was notable for 795 genes that were differentially expressed between the control and blockade condition, which represents >25% of the number responding to exercise. The broad histamine footprint on the human exercise transcriptome crosses many cellular functions, including inflammation, vascular function, metabolism, and cellular maintenance.
Management of Grossly Decayed Mandibular Molar with Different Designs of Split Cast Post and Core
Authors: Bansal Rashmi , Mehrotra Nakul , Chowdhary Priyanka , Gurtu Anuraag
Published: April 2016

Mandibular molar with extensive loss of tooth structure, especially where no cavity wall is remaining, and insertion of posts in both the roots appear necessary so as to achieve proper retention for the core material. A single unit metal casting with two posts, one in the mesial root and the other in the distal divergent root, is difficult to fabricate due to difference in the path of insertion of the two posts. Multisection post and core or single cast post and core with auxiliary post can be an effective design to manage grossly decayed mandibular molars.
No Significant Reduction of Circulating Endothelial-Derived and Platelet-Derived Microparticles in Patients with Psoriasis Successfully Treated with Anti-IL12/23
Authors: Ho Ji-Chen , Lee Chih-Hung , Lin Shang-Hung
Published: April 2016

Psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis, in which circulating microparticles play an important role. In severe psoriasis, there was an increase of endothelial- and platelet- microparticles which could be decreased by anti-TNFα. However, whether anti-IL-12/23 treatment would decrease the level of microparticles remains unknown. Our study showed that, despite the clinical improvement of psoriasis after IL-12/13 blockage, the increased levels of circulating CD41a and CD31 microparticles were unchanged after anti-IL-12/23. This result suggested that anti-IL12/23 treatment may not alter the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis.
Chinese Herbal Medicine as Adjunctive Therapy to Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sun Xu , Zhang Xing , Nian Jia-Yun , Guo Jiao , Yin Yi , Zhang Gan-Lin , Yu Ming-Wei , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiao-Min , Yang Guo-Wang , Yang Lin , Cheng Pei-Yu , Li Jin-Ping
Published: April 2016

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been increasingly employed during therapy for breast cancer, but its efficacy remains a matter of debate. This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials to provide a critical evaluation of this treatment. The results demonstrated that the combined use of CHM with chemotherapy may improve the immediate tumor response and reduce chemotherapy‐associated adverse events. Our findings highlight the poor quality of Chinese studies, and additional well‐designed randomized controlled trials addressing the role of CHM are warranted. The lack of molecular‐based evidence for CHM and Zheng has resulted in a limited understanding and acceptance of CHM and traditional Chinese medicine in Western countries. We believe that researchers should immediately explore a CHM‐based cure, and CHM should be applied to routine care as soon as conclusive data are available.
Jumihaidokuto (Shi-Wei-Ba-Du-Tang), a Kampo Formula, Decreases the Disease Activity of Palmoplantar Pustulosis
Authors: Mizawa Megumi , Makino Teruhiko , Inami Chieko , Shimizu Tadamichi
Published: April 2016

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin disease characterized by sterile intraepidermal pustules associated with erythematous scaling on the palms and soles. Jumihaidokuto is a traditional herbal medicine composed of ten medical plants and has been given to patients with suppurative skin disease in Japan. This study investigated the effect of jumihaidokuto on the disease activity in PPP patients (n=10). PPP patients were given jumihaidokuto (EKT-6; 6.0 g per day) for 4 to 8 weeks in addition to their prescribed medications. The results showed that the palmoplantar pustular psoriasis area and severity index (PPPASI) was decreased after the administration of jumihaidokuto (p<0.05). Therefore, Jumihaidokuto is seemingly effective against PPP.
Research on Community Competition and Adaptive Genetic Algorithm for Automatic Generation of Tang Poetry
Authors: Yang Wujian , Cheng Yining , He Jie , Hu Wenqiong , Lin Xiaojia
Published: April 2016

As there are many researches about traditional Tang poetry, among which automatically generated Tang poetry has arouse great concern in recent years. This study presents a community-based competition and adaptive genetic algorithm for automatically generating Tang poetry. The improved algorithm with community-based competition that has been added aims to maintain the diversity of genes during evolution; meanwhile, the adaptation means that the probabilities of crossover and mutation are varied from the fitness values of the Tang poetry to prevent premature convergence and generate better poems more quickly. According to the analysis of experimental results, it has been found that the improved algorithm is superior to the conventional method.
The Common Prescription Patterns Based on the Hierarchical Clustering of Herb‐Pairs Efficacies
Authors: Cao Jia
Published: April 2016

Prescription patterns are rules or regularities used to generate, recognize, or judge a prescription. Most of existing studies focused on the specific prescription patterns for diverse diseases or syndromes, while little attention was paid to the common patterns, which reflect the global view of the regularities of prescriptions. In this paper, we designed a method CPPM to find the common prescription patterns. The CPPM is based on the hierarchical clustering of herb‐pair efficacies (HPEs). Firstly, HPEs were hierarchically clustered; secondly, the individual herbs are labeled by the HPEC (the clusters of HPEs); and then the prescription patterns were extracted from the combinations of HPEC; finally the common patterns are recognized statistically. The results showed that HPEs have hierarchical clustering structure. When the clustering level is 2 and the HPEs were classified into two clusters, the common prescription patterns are obvious. Among 332 candidate prescriptions, 319 prescriptions follow the common patterns. The description of the patterns is that if a prescription contains the herbs of the cluster (C1), it is very likely to have other herbs of another cluster (C2); while a prescription has the herbs of C2, it may have no herbs of C1. Finally, we discussed that the common patterns are mathematically coincident with the Blood‐Qi theory.
A Mathematical Model for Fuzzyp-Median Problem with Fuzzy Weights and Variables
Authors: Taleshian Fatemeh , Fathali Jafar
Published: April 2016

We investigate thep-median problem with fuzzy variables and weights of vertices. The fuzzy equalities and inequalities transform to crisp cases by using some technique used in fuzzy linear programming. We show that the fuzzy objective function also can be replaced by crisp functions. Therefore an auxiliary linear programming model is obtained for the fuzzyp-median problem. The results are compared with two previously proposed methods.
Didymocarpus anningensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: CAI LEI , CAI JIE , SHUI YU-MIN
Published: April 2016

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Didymocarpus anningensis, is described and illustrated from Anning, Central Yunnan, China. The new species resembles D. purpureobracteatus and D. yunnanensis, but it can be easily distinguished by a combination of stem, leaf blade and leaf petiole indumentum characters, bract and calyx shape and number of staminodes.
Seimatosporium quercina sp. nov. (Discosiaceae) on Quercus robur from Germany
Authors: GOONASEKARA ISHANI D. , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S. N. , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , SCHUMACHER RENÉ K. , BAHKALI ALI H. , JONES E. B. GARETH , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: April 2016

A new Seimatosporium species was collected from Quercus robur, in Germany. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses (maximum-parsimony and Bayesian analyses) of combined LSU and ITS datasets confirmed that our collection is distinct from other known species. It is introduced here as a new species, Seimatosporium quercina. The new species is compared with other similar Seimatosporium species and a description and illustrations are provided. A taxonomic key is provided to differentiate S. quercina from other morphologically similar species.
Contemporary healthcare practice and the risk of moral distress
Authors: Austin Wendy
Published: April 2016

Healthcare professionals are moral agents whose fiduciary relationship with the public is animated by responsibility and the promise to use knowledge and skills to aid those in their care. When their ability to keep this promise is constrained or compromised, moral distress can result. Moral distress in healthcare is defined and outlined. Constraints and factors that lead to moral distress are identified as are the means that individual professionals and organizations use to address it. A call is made for transformative change to overcome a culture of silence and to sustain a healthcare system that is morally habitable.
Acceptance and Usage of an Online-based Cognitive Group Training for Older Adults
Authors: Haesner Marten , Steinert Anika , O’Sullivan Julie , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: April 2016

Age-related decline in cognitive capacity can lead to functional restriction in everyday life. Therefore, interventions that aim to maintain and facilitate the individual cognitive capacity are becoming increasingly important. Computer-based cognitive learning is a promising approach to combat age-related loss of functional capabilities. The publicly funded project LeVer was developed especially for older adults and consisted of an online virtual cognitive training platform that enabled older adults to train on their own and in groups. Apart from investigating how older adults interacted with the platform, acceptance towards computer-based group training and audio-video communication was also analyzed. During the 20 to 30 minutes long sessions of the group training, learning units that included memory strategies as well as everyday exercises to intensify those strategies were taught. The group training was divided into four modules. The content of each session was structured using evidence-based cognitive training methods and manuals. Of the 40 older adults who used the individual online cognitive training (IOCT), half of the participants (11♀, 9♂) took part in all of the four sessions of group training. 14 participants (9♀, 5♂) aged 62–77 years (M = 69.56; SD = 3.99) answered a proprietary evaluation questionnaire after all of the group sessions. The opinion of the participants about the content and design of the group training was rated on a 4 point Likert-scale with 43 items. Group training was generally rated as a positive experience. The online video communication was new for the majority of participants and was rated as enjoyable. The answers to the open questions in the evaluation questionnaire revealed that group size, topics covered during training and the exercises were seen mostly positive. Criticism was focused almost solely on technical problems, which occurred before or during the training sessions, such as loosing audio or video or an intermittent Internet connection. In this study online-based cognitive group training (OCGT) for older adults via video communication was confirmed by the participants to be a useful and positively received method to facilitate cognitive function. Participants that did not complete the training to the end did so due to time or technical problems. Since this type of training is rather cost effective and easily accessible and can be used at home, it is a favorable alternative to conventional face-to-face training. Training to better use these devices and technical support on hand is necessary to take care of participants during the group training.
Best Practices for Designing Electronic Healthcare Devices and Services for the Elderly
Authors: Wille Matthias , Theis Sabine , Rasche Peter , Bröhl Christina , Schlick Christopher , Mertens Alexander
Published: April 2016

Demographic change and associated shifts in the age structure lead to major challenges in health processes. One way to address this is to increase the use of telemedicine systems and services to ensure non-local yet individualized patient care, such as in rural areas. When considering new medical technology components, we must compensate for age-related changes in perception, cognition and motor skills to achieve user-centered design and take into account psychophysical effect relationships to achieve sustainable acceptance for technology integration. This paper presents various best-practice examples for participatory investigation into influencing factors, with a focus on the different times and periods within the lifecycle of a telemedical product and associated services. In addition to giving concrete design hints derived from individual studies, the paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the paradigms used and provides recommendations for user-centric development with old and very old patients.
User Journey Mapping – A Method in User Experience Design
Authors: Endmann Anja , Keßner Daniela
Published: April 2016

Companies are more and more interested in providing a positive user experience (UX). The aim is to offer a smooth and pleasant experience with the application at hand. As UX consultants, we often face the following basic questions at the start of user experience projects: How can we learn about the user processes in the scope of the project, that is, the activities a user needs to perform to achieve a certain goal? How can we gather the essential steps and stages of the user process and the experiences accompanying them? How do we identify where in the process user research is needed? In order to help answer these questions, we suggest the method of User Journey Mapping, which we developed and refined in the course of seven customer projects.
A Review on Inter-satellite Link in Inter-satellite Optical Wireless Communication
Authors: Arora Heena , Goyal Rakesh
Published: April 2016

In this paper, inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) system is proposed, one of the imperative utilizations of free space optics/wireless space optics (FSO)/WSO innovation. IsOWC frameworks give a high bandwidth, small size, small weight, low power and minimal effort different option for present microwave satellite frameworks. Optical communications systems have evolved from lengthy fibers to powerful wireless system. This has hence resulted in the use of optical wireless communication system in space communications. As the quantity of satellites circling the Earth expands year by year, a system between the satellites gives a strategy to them to correspond with one another. This is vital for satellites to send data to each other furthermore to hand off the data starting with one satellite then onto the next satellite and after that to the ground stations. By utilizing laser satellite correspondence, the satellites can be joined with information rates up to a few Gbps. The system performance including bit rates, input power, wavelength and distance on an inter-satellite link was analyzed. Various issues such as bit rates, input power, wavelength and distance were presented in IsOWC.
Optimal Real-Time Filters for Linear Prediction Problems
Authors: Wildi Marc , McElroy Tucker
Published: April 2016

The classic model-based paradigm in time series analysis is rooted in the Wold decomposition of the data-generating process into an uncorrelated white noise process. By design, this universal decomposition is indifferent to particular features of a specific prediction problem (e. g., forecasting or signal extraction) – or features driven by the priorities of the data-users. A single optimization principle (one-step ahead forecast error minimization) is proposed by this classical paradigm to address a plethora of prediction problems. In contrast, this paper proposes to reconcile prediction problem structures, user priorities, and optimization principles into a general framework whose scope encompasses the classic approach. We introduce the linear prediction problem (LPP), which in turn yields an LPP objective function. Then one can fit models via LPP minimization, or one can directly optimize the linear filter corresponding to the LPP, yielding the Direct Filter Approach. We provide theoretical results and practical algorithms for both applications of the LPP, and discuss the merits and limitations of each. Our empirical illustrations focus on trend estimation (low-pass filtering) and seasonal adjustment in real-time, i. e., constructing filters that depend only on present and past data.
“Truth,” Interrupted: Leveraging Digital Media for Culturally Sustaining Education
Authors: Buckley-Marudas Mary Frances
Published: April 2016

This inquiry into the digital discussion forums tied to two English classes in an urban public high school examines the potential of new media to honor the multicultural composition of classrooms and support teachers to design culturally sustaining pedagogies. Given the increasing significance of digital media as well as the growing diversity of our classrooms, it is critical that educational researchers, practitioners, and policymakers think about the ways in which new media could support multicultural teaching and learning. This work draws on socio-cultural constructions of literacy, resource pedagogies, and critical literacy frameworks. The author uses case study methodologies to understand how digital media, specifically networked technologies, support secondary level students as they wrestle with complex issues related to race, language, and culture. This article offers three central ideas that emerged from an analysis of student participants’ interactions across the networked spaces that were linked to the intellectual work of their English classes. This work has implications for educators at all levels who are committed to addressing issues related to race, language, class, and other identities that are salient in all classrooms. The author puts forth a pedagogical approach for sustaining multiculturalism in the context of rigorous academic work. This approach intentionally draws on digital media to cultivate culturally responsive education.
Numerical Prediction of the Influence of Thrust Reverser on Aeroengine’s Aerodynamic Stability
Authors: Zhiqiang Wang , Xigang Shen , Jun Hu , Xiang Gao , Liping Liu
Published: April 2016

A numerical method was developed to predict the aerodynamic stability of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine, at the landing stage of a large transport aircraft, when the thrust reverser was deployed. 3D CFD simulation and 2D aeroengine aerodynamic stability analysis code were performed in this work, the former is to achieve distortion coefficient for the analysis of engine stability. The 3D CFD simulation was divided into two steps, the single engine calculation and the integrated aircraft and engine calculation. Results of the CFD simulation show that with the decreasing of relative wind Mach number, the engine inlet will suffer more severe flow distortion. The total pressure and total temperature distortion coefficients at the inlet of the engines were obtained from the results of the numerical simulation. Then an aeroengine aerodynamic stability analysis program was used to quantitatively analyze the aerodynamic stability of the high bypass ratio turbofan engine. The results of the stability analysis show that the engine can work stably, when the reverser flow is re-ingested. But the anti-distortion ability of the booster is weaker than that of the fan and high pressure compressor. It is a weak link of engine stability.
SIRT5 promotes IDH2 desuccinylation and G6PD deglutarylation to enhance cellular antioxidant defense
Authors: Zhou Lisha , Wang Fang , Sun Renqiang , Chen Xiufei , Zhang Mengli , Xu Qi , Wang Yi , Wang Shiwen , Xiong Yue , Guan Kun‐Liang , Yang Pengyuan , Yu Hongxiu , Ye Dan
Published: April 2016

Excess in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered as a major cause of cellular oxidative stress. NADPH, the main intracellular reductant, has a key role in keeping glutathione in its reduced form GSH, which scavenges ROS and thus protects the cell from oxidative damage. Here, we report that SIRT5 desuccinylates and deglutarylates isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), respectively, and thus activates both NADPH‐producing enzymes. Moreover, we show that knockdown or knockout of SIRT5 leads to high levels of cellular ROS. SIRT5 inactivation leads to the inhibition of IDH2 and G6PD, thereby decreasing NADPH production, lowering GSH, impairing the ability to scavenge ROS, and increasing cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our study uncovers a SIRT5‐dependent mechanism that regulates cellular NADPH homeostasis and redox potential by promoting IDH2 desuccinylation and G6PD deglutarylation.
TRADITION AND IDELOGY: DISCOURSE OF THE PILGRIMAGE TO AGLONA
Authors: Juško-Štekele Angelika
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this article is to characterize the tradition of pilgrimages to Aglona and the collision of religious and anti-religious ideology during the Soviet period in the latter half of the 20th century. In respect to research sources (magazine and journal articles), the research uses social constructionist theory, which provides a critical view of information taken for granted, the historical and cultural conditionality of facts, and links between knowledge, social processes, and their development.

The attention of the article is not strongly focused upon the pilgrimage as a cultural phenomenon, but upon the meaning assigned to it in specific historical and cultural situations during the period of Soviet ideology. Elite discursive characterizations of 19 pilgrimages were published from 1952 to 1976 in Latvian Soviet mouthpiece publications such as the newspapers „Cīņa” (‘Struggle’), „Padomju Jaunatne” (‘Soviet Youth’), the magazine „Zvaigzne” (‘Star’), etc. From these materials a body of text has been compiled that consists of 12,893 words, which were statistically analyzed with the computer program Mono Conc pro for Windows. Content analysis of the research material utilizes the method of ideological analysis of media text developed by the professor of media pedagogy Alexandr Fedorov, looking for influencing techniques adopted by mass media such as instrumentation, projection, selection, exaggeration or embellishment of facts, insult, attribution of offensive properties, evidence presentation and stylistic simplification.
The understanding of ideological structure in the article was supported by the work of the American political scientist John Zaller, who updated knowledge of informative tools used in so-called elite discourse or top-down political ideology to influence public opinion.
Aquisição do controle postural por meio de posturas altas em prematuro extremo com diagnóstico de displasia broncopulmonar grave: relato de caso
Authors: Martins Tamiris Beppler , Da Silva Camila Fadel , Rafael Aline Dandara , Martinello Micheli , Jonhston Cíntia , Santos Gilmar Moraes
Published: April 2016

Introduction: with the increased survival of immature newborns, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia is increasing, as well as a significant increase in the number of children with delayed neuropsychomotor development. Objective: To report the experiences in a physical therapy intervention program based on the neuroevolutives high positions in the development of cervical control and trunk, in a higk-risk young child diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Method: case report of a female child, chronological age of six months, corrected age of two and a half months, extremely premature very low birth weight, which held 28 sessions of physiotherapy. Results: after treatment, there was an increase of active movement; in the prone position was reached full cervical extension; the roll from supine to prone; in the sitting position remained good postural control; she remained in a standing position with cervical support and trunk requiring support at lower distal members. Conclusion: the high positions allowed greater interaction between child and the environment around herself, thus enabling a breakthrough in motor development for the acquisition of control cervical and trunk.
La comunicación institucional-intercultural en el espacio público madrileño: una nueva categoría socio-antropológica en construcción
Authors: Gaona Carmen , Martínez Pastor Esther , Vizcaíno-Laorga Ricardo
Published: April 2016

El artículo propone una categoría comunicacional que bajo la denominación de “comunicación institucional-intercultural” incluiría aquellos fenómenos comunicativos en donde, con la participación de las Administraciones Públicas, el desarrollo de espacios concretos y de una imagen de marca se pretende el desarrollo de políticas de integración cultural con inmigrantes. Esta nueva categoría surge tras una investigación desarrollada en los Centros de Participación e Integración del Inmigrante (CEPI), un concepto integrador creado en Madrid y considerado único en Europa.
Redes sociales y desarrollo humano
Authors: Gallego Trijueque Sara
Published: April 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un estudio sobre las teorías de redes sociales, y su importancia en la sociedad. Las redes sociales se han encargado durante todos estos siglos de preservar el valor comunitario, además de ser facilitadoras de interacción social en los procesos de desarrollo humano, gracias a la comunicación y relación entre individuos. Las redes sociales nos ayudan a entender el orden social, además proveen al ser humano de un espacio seguro y de apoyo, donde se integra y se adapta a los procesos y prácticas sociales.
Textos y glosas nº 9
Authors: Administración Revista Barataria
Published: April 2016

Reseñas Bibliográficas correspondientes al número 9 de Barataria. Para visualizar/descargar la reseña correspondiente diríjase al apartado texto completo (pdf).

ÍNDICE de reseñas

Autor: E. Díaz Cano, pp. 239-242

Texto: Maximiliano FERNÁNDEZ FERNÁNDEZ (Coord.)

Comunicación en la sociedad red: la construcción mediática de la realidad

Ávila: Universidad Católica de Ávila. 2008. 398 pp.

 

Autor: G. Tardivo, pp. 241-243

Texto: Pilar FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ y Amalia PEDRERO GONZÁLEZ (Coords.)

La mujer y la sociedad de la información

Madrid: Fragua Editorial. 2007. 247 pp.

 

Autor: R. Pérez Redondo, pp. 243-245

Texto: Manuel FLORES CABALLERO

La nacionalización de las minas de Río Tinto y la formación de la Compañía Española

Huelva: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Huelva. 2007. 198 pp.

 

Autor: G. Tardivo, pp. 245-246

Texto: Luis GONZÁLEZ SEARA

De la identidad nacional a la globalización insegura

Discurso de recepción del académico de número y contestación por el  Excmo. Sr. D. Marcelino Oreja Aguirre, 29 de Abril de 2008. Madrid: Real Academia de Ciencias Morales y Políticas. 2008. 171 pp.

 

Autor: E. Díaz Cano, pp. 246-248

Texto: Manuel GUEDÁN MENÉNDEZ y Rafael MARCOS ARANDA (Eds.)

Tendiendo puentes para la convivencia

Centro de Iniciativas de Cooperación al Desarrollo (CICODE), Alcalá de Henares (Madrid): Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. 2007. 374 pp.

 

Autora: M. I. Morán Morán, 248-250

Texto: José Antonio PÉREZ RUBIO (coord.)

Los intangibles en el desarrollo rural. Estrategias y orientaciones de los jóvenes y la población ante los cambios en las zonas rurales en Extremadura

Cáceres: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Extremadura. 2007. 287 pp.

 

Autor: E. Díaz Cano, pp. 250-252

Texto: Juan Antonio ROCHE CÁRCEL (Ed.)

Espacios y tiempos inciertos de la cultura

Rubí (Barcelona): Anthropos. 2007. 221 pp.

 

Autora: M. Aguilar Gil, pp. 252-254

Texto: Carlota SOLÉ  et al.

Los vínculos económicos y familiares transnacionales.

Los inmigrantes ecuatorianos y peruanos en España

Bilbao: Fundación BBVA, Ciencias Sociales, Rubes Editorial. 2007. 141 pp.

 

Autor: P. Parra Contreras, pp. 254-256

Texto: Julia VARELA

Las reformas educativas a debate (1982-2006)

Madrid: Ediciones Morata. 2007. 187 pp.

 

Autor: M. Quiroga Clérigo, 256-257

Texto: Giambattista VICO

Ciencia nueva

Madrid: Tecnos. 2007. 779 pp.
Primary Hepatic Osteosarcoma: A Rare Cause of Primary Liver Tumor
Authors: Tamang Tsering Gyalpo Lama , Shuster Marina , Chandra Abhinav B.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Extraosseous osteosarcomas are rare, accounting for approximately 4% of all osteosarcomas. A literature review yields very few cases of osteosarcoma primarily arising from the hepatic parenchyma.

Case Report

This report describes a case of a man in his 50s with a history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis who presented with 5 days of progressive right upper quadrant pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a 4.4 cm X 4.8 cm X 4.8 cm right hepatic lobe mass with a large area of necrosis and peripheral enhancement. The subsequent liver biopsy showed few cores of tumor composed of fibroblastic malignant cells producing lace-like osteoid matrix. Osteosarcomatous foci in other parts of the body were excluded by performing extensive physical examination, radiologic imaging, and biopsy. Hence, a primary osteosarcoma was diagnosed. The patient underwent portal vein embolization in preparation for a surgical resection of the right liver lobe. He was admitted six weeks after the embolization for dyspnea and abdominal distension and expired due to abdominal hematoma and pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion

Based on the rarity, lack of consensus in treatment, and dismal prognosis, extraosseous osteosarcoma should be considered a separate entity from osseous osteosarcoma. More data and research are needed in this rare and understudied malignancy.
An NGS Workflow Blueprint for DNA Sequencing Data and Its Application in Individualized Molecular Oncology
Authors: Li Jian , Batcha Aarif Mohamed Nazeer , Gaining Björn , Mansmann Ulrich R.
Published: April 2016

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies that have advanced rapidly in the past few years possess the potential to classify diseases, decipher the molecular code of related cell processes, identify targets for decision-making on targeted therapy or prevention strategies, and predict clinical treatment response. Thus, NGS is on its way to revolutionize oncology. With the help of NGS, we can draw a finer map for the genetic basis of diseases and can improve our understanding of diagnostic and prognostic applications and therapeutic methods. Despite these advantages and its potential, NGS is facing several critical challenges, including reduction of sequencing cost, enhancement of sequencing quality, improvement of technical simplicity and reliability, and development of semiautomated and integrated analysis workflow. In order to address these challenges, we conducted a literature research and summarized a four-stage NGS workflow for providing a systematic review on NGS-based analysis, explaining the strength and weakness of diverse NGS-based software tools, and elucidating its potential connection to individualized medicine. By presenting this four-stage NGS workflow, we try to provide a minimal structural layout required for NGS data storage and reproducibility.
Flow Cytometry-Based Classification in Cancer Research: A View on Feature Selection
Authors: Hassan S. Sakira , Ruusuvuori Pekka , Latonen Leena , Huttunen Heikki
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we study the problem of feature selection in cancer-related machine learning tasks. In particular, we study the accuracy and stability of different feature selection approaches within simplistic machine learning pipelines. Earlier studies have shown that for certain cases, the accuracy of detection can easily reach 100% given enough training data. Here, however, we concentrate on simplifying the classification models with and seek for feature selection approaches that are reliable even with extremely small sample sizes. We show that as much as 50% of features can be discarded without compromising the prediction accuracy. Moreover, we study the model selection problem among the ℓ1regularization path of logistic regression classifiers. To this aim, we compare a more traditional cross-validation approach with a recently proposed Bayesian error estimator.
Human cytochrome P450 27C1 catalyzes 3,4‐desaturation of retinoids
Authors: Kramlinger Valerie M. , Nagy Leslie D. , Fujiwara Rina , Johnson Kevin M. , Phan Thanh T. N. , Xiao Yi , Enright Jennifer M. , Toomey Matthew B. , Corbo Joseph C. , Guengerich Frederick Peter
Published: April 2016

In humans, a considerable fraction of the retinoid pool in skin is derived from vitamin A2 (all‐trans 3,4‐dehydroretinal). Vitamin A2 may be locally generated by keratinocytes, which can convert vitamin A1 (all‐trans retinol) into vitamin A2 in cell culture. We report that human cytochrome P450 (hP450) 27C1, a previously ‘orphan’ enzyme, can catalyze this reaction. Purified recombinant hP450 27C1 bound and desaturated all‐trans retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, as well as 11‐cis‐retinal. Although the physiological role of 3,4‐dehydroretinoids in humans is unclear, we have identified hP450 27C1 as an enzyme capable of efficiently mediating their formation.