bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), different diseases or a spectrum of complement-mediated glomerular diseases?
Authors: Ankawi Ghada A , Clark William F
Published: August 2017

Historically, patients with kidney diseases caused by genetic or acquired dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway have been grouped into clinical syndromes, C3 glomerulopathy (C3GN/DDD) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), specifically atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Recent data suggested that these diseases share a common pathophysiology and that patients can transition between glomerulopathies in this spectrum. Histopathologically, the main difference cited is the immunofluorescence (IF) findings, with C3 predominance in C3 glomerulopathy (compared with immunoglobulins and complements in immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)) and negative IF in TMA. We report a case in which a patient presented with hypertension, seizures, proteinuria, renal impairment and immune complex-mediated MPGN on kidney biopsy. Months later, she presented with classical TMA. She failed to respond to steroids and plasma exchange therapy but subsequently made a remarkable haematological and renal recovery after eculizumab treatment, thus supporting an underlying complement dysregulation and a diagnosis of aHUS.
Swept-source OCT angiography imaging of the macular capillary network in glaucoma
Authors: Akil Handan , Chopra Vikas , Al-Sheikh Mayss , Ghasemi Falavarjani Khalil , Huang Alex S , Sadda SriniVas R , Francis Brian A
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the macular capillary network density of superficial and deep retinal layers (SRL/DRL) by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and to compare the results with those of normal subjects.

Method

In this prospective study, 24 eyes of 24 normal individuals and 24 eyes of 24 patients with mild to moderate POAG underwent fovea centred 6×6 mm cube macular OCTA imaging by a swept-source OCTA device (Triton, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). Quantitative analysis of the retinal vasculature was performed by assessing vessel density (VD) as the ratio of the retinal area occupied by vessels at the SRL and DRL.

Results

The mean VD (ratio) at the SRL and DRL was statistically significantly lower in patients with POAG (SRL, p<0.001; DRL, p<0.001). In the SRL, the mean±SD VD ratio was 0.34±0.05 in patients with POAG and 0.40±0.02 in normal individuals (p<0.001). In the DRL, the mean (SD) ratio was 0.37±0.05 in patients with POAG and 0.43±0.02 in normal individuals (p<0.001). The mean VD at the SRL was significantly correlated with ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness (r=0.42, p=0.04) but not with visual field mean deviation (r=0.4, p=0.06) and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (r=0.5, p=0.06). The mean VD at the DRL did not show significant correlation with any other glaucoma parameter (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The assessment of macular VD by swept-source OCTA may offer additional information for detection of glaucoma.
Non-surgical treatment for eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease (TED)
Authors: Grisolia Ana Beatriz Diniz , Couso Ricardo Christopher , Matayoshi Suzana , Douglas Raymond S , Briceño César Augusto
Published: August 2017

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition with an unpredictable course that may lead to permanent facial disfigurement. Eyelid retraction is one of the most common findings, and frequently demands attention due to ocular exposure and impaired cosmesis. Surgical treatment remains the most effective option, but there is a role for temporary corrections during the active phase of the disease, as well as in patients who are poor surgical candidates. The aim of this review is to describe the non-surgical modalities currently available for treatment of eyelid malposition in TED. The authors have focused on the use of hyaluronic acid, triamcinolone injections and botulinum toxin type A as non-surgical treatment alternatives, paying special attention to dosing, technique, efficacy and duration of effect. Non-surgical treatment modalities may represent viable in cases where surgical correction is not an option. Although temporary, these modalities appear to be beneficial for ocular exposure remediation, improving quality of life and broadening our therapeutic arsenal.
Prolonged immigration detention, complicity and boycotts
Authors: Jansen Melanie , Sue Tin Alanna , Isaacs David
Published: August 2017

Australia’s punitive policy towards people seeking asylum deliberately causes severe psychological harm and meets recognised definitions of torture. Consequently, there is a tension between doctors’ obligation not to be complicit in torture and doctors’ obligation to provide best possible care to their patients, including those seeking asylum. In this paper, we explore the nature of complicity and discuss the arguments for and against a proposed call for doctors to boycott working in immigration detention. We conclude that a degree of complicity is unavoidable when working in immigration detention, but that it may be ethically justifiable. We identify ways to minimise the harms associated with complicity and argue that it is ethical to continue working in immigration detention as long as due care and attention is paid to minimising the harms of complicity.
Note on constants of motion in conformal mechanics associated with near horizon extremal Myers–Perry black holes
Authors: Demirchian Hovhannes
Published: August 2017

We investigate dynamics of probe particles moving in the near-horizon limit of (2N + 1)-dimensional extremal Myers–Perry black hole (in the cases of N = 3, 4, 5) with arbitrary rotation parameters. Very recently it has been shown in [T. Hakobyan, A. Nersessian and M. M. Sheikh-Jabbari, Phys. Lett. B 772, 586 (2017)] that in the most general cases with non-equal nonvanishing rotational parameters the system admits separation of variables in N-dimensional ellipsoidal coordinates. We wrote down the explicit expressions of Liouville integrals of motion, given in the above-mentioned reference in ellipsoidal coordinates, in initial “Cartesian” coordinates in seven, nine and eleven dimensions, and found that these expressions hold in any dimension. Then, taking the limit where all of the rotational parameters are equal, we reveal that each of these N − 1 integrals of motion results in the Hamiltonian of the spherical mechanics of a (2N + 1)-dimensional MP black hole with equal nonvanishing rotational parameters.
Tight-binding dispersion of the prismatic pentagonal lattice
Authors: Paul Susobhan , Ghosh Asim Kumar
Published: August 2017

Tight-binding Hamiltonian on the prismatic pentagonal lattice is exactly solved to obtain the analytic expressions of dispersion relations and eigenvectors. This lattice is made of prismatic pentagon which is different from Cairo pentagon. Six different dispersion relations and total density of states are obtained. Dispersion relations are symmetric about the zero energy at a particular point in the parameter space. Although a large gap is found for the Cairo pentagonal lattice, no gap as well as no Dirac cone is found to appear in the tight-binding band structure for this prismatic pentagonal lattice. Instead, a pair of van Hove singularities has been identified at two different energy values in the band structure.
Effect of separated layer thickness on magnetoresistance and magnetic properties of Co/Dy/Co and Ni/Dy/Ni film systems
Authors: Shabelnyk T. M. , Shutylieva O. V. , Vorobiov S. I. , Pazukha I. M. , Chornous A. M.
Published: August 2017

Co(5 nm)/Dy(t[Formula: see text])/Co(20 nm)/S and Ni(5 nm)/Dy(t[Formula: see text])/Ni(20 nm)/S trilayer films are prepared by electron-beam sputtering to investigate the influence of dysprosium layer thickness (t[Formula: see text]) and thermal annealing on the crystal structure, magnetoresistance (MR) and magnetic properties of thin films. The thickness of Dy layer changed in the range from 1 nm to 20 nm. The samples annealed for 20 min at 700 K. Electron diffraction patterns reveal that the as-deposited and annealed systems Co/Dy/Co and Ni/Dy/Ni had fcc-Co + hcp-Dy and fcc-Ni + hcp-Dy phase state, respectively. It is also shown that at the t[Formula: see text] = 15 nm the transition from amorphous to crystalline structures of Dy layer is observed. An increase in the Dy layer thickness results in changes in the MR and magnetic properties of the trilayer systems. It is shown that MR is most thermally stable against annealing to 700 K at t[Formula: see text] = 15 nm for Co/Dy/Co as well as for Ni/Dy/Ni. For t[Formula: see text] = 15 nm the, value of MR for both system increases by two times compared to those of pure ferromagnetic (FM) samples. The coercivity (B[Formula: see text]), remanent (M[Formula: see text]) and saturation (M[Formula: see text]) magnetization of the in-plain magnetization hysteresis loops are related to the Dy layer thickness too. The coercivity depends on the FM materials type and diffusion processes at the layer boundary. Accordingly, M[Formula: see text] and M[Formula: see text] are reduced with t[Formula: see text] increasing before and after annealing for both trilayer systems.
3D Printing — The Basins of Tristability in the Lorenz System
Authors: Xiong Anda , Sprott Julien C. , Lyu Jingxuan , Wang Xilu
Published: August 2017

The famous Lorenz system is studied and analyzed for a particular set of parameters originally proposed by Lorenz. With those parameters, the system has a single globally attracting strange attractor, meaning that almost all initial conditions in its 3D state space approach the attractor as time advances. However, with a slight change in one of the parameters, the chaotic attractor coexists with a symmetric pair of stable equilibrium points, and the resulting tri-stable system has three intertwined basins of attraction. The advent of 3D printers now makes it possible to visualize the topology of such basins of attraction as the results presented here illustrate.
Minimal-supersymmetric extended inflation field in Horava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Diab Abdel Magied , Abou El Dahab Eiman
Published: August 2017

We study the Friedmann inflation in general covariant Horava–Lifshitz gravity (HLG) without the projectability conditions and with detailed and nondetailed balance conditions. Accordingly, we derive modifications in the Friedmann equations due to a single-scalar field potential describing minimal-supersymmetrically extended inflation. By implementing two time-independent equations of state (EoS) characterizing the cosmic background geometry filled up with dark energy, the dependence of the tensorial and scalar density fluctuations and their ratios on the inflation field are determined. The latter refers to the time evolution of the inflationary field relative to the Hubble parameter. Furthermore, the ratios of tensorial-to-spectral density fluctuations are calculated in dependence on the spectral index. For cold dark energy EoS [Formula: see text], we find that the tensorial-to-spectral density fluctuations are not depending on the different theories of gravity and the results are very small relative to the recent BICEP2/Keck Array-Planck observations, [Formula: see text]. We have also calculated the tensorial and scalar perturbations of the primordial spectra.
MORE ABOUT CANTOR LIKE SETS IN HYPERBOLIC NUMBERS
Authors: TÉLLEZ-SÁNCHEZ GAMALIEL YAFTE , BORY-REYES JUAN
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we discuss the construction of new Cantor like sets in the hyperbolic plane. Also, we study the arithmetic sum of two of these Cantor like sets, as well as of those previously introduced in the literature. An hyperbolization, in the sense of Gromov, of the commutative ring of hyperbolic numbers is also given. Finally, we present the construction of a Cantor-type set as hyperbolic boundary.
Fatigue Life Evaluation of Linear Structures with Uncertain-But-Bounded Parameters Under Stochastic Excitations
Authors: Zhu Ying , Tian Yuji
Published: August 2017

This study presents two hybrid methods, the full combination method and the simplified expression, for evaluating the fatigue life of linear structures with uncertain-but-bounded parameters subjected to stochastic excitations. First, approximate expressions of the spectral moments and spectral bandwidth parameters are derived based on the improved interval analysis via extra unitary interval and the interval Taylor expansion. Then, the lower and upper bounds of the interval expected fatigue damage rate and fatigue life are evaluated by fully or properly combining the two bounds of the spectral moments and spectral bandwidth parameters by the Tovo–Benasciutti method. Through the numerical study, the full combination method is recommended for the accurate assessment of the interval fatigue life, and the simplified expression is recommended for rapid evaluation of the two bounds of the interval fatigue life using the explicit expression. Finally, three numerical examples are adopted to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods via comparison of the present results with the exact ones.
Remote Sensing Tropical Coral Reefs: The View from Above
Authors: Purkis Sam J.
Published: August 2017

Carbonate precipitation has been a common life strategy for marine organisms for 3.7 billion years, as, therefore, has their construction of reefs. As favored by modern corals, reef-forming organisms have typically adopted a niche in warm, shallow, well-lit, tropical marine waters, where they are capable of building vast carbonate edifices. Because fossil reefs form water aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs, considerable effort has been dedicated to understanding their anatomy and morphology. Remote sensing has a particular role to play here. Interpretation of satellite images has done much to reveal the grand spatial and temporal tapestry of tropical reefs. Comparative sedimentology, whereby modern environments are contrasted with the rock record to improve interpretation, has been particularly transformed by observations made from orbit. Satellite mapping has also become a keystone technology to quantify the coral reef crisis—it can be deployed not only directly to quantify the distribution of coral communities, but also indirectly to establish a climatology for their physical environment. This article reviews the application of remote sensing to tropical coralgal reefs in order to communicate how this fast-growing technology might be central to addressing the coral reef crisis and to look ahead at future developments in the science.
Comparative study of expression and activity of glucose transporters between stem cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells and hCMEC/D3 cells
Authors: Al-Ahmad Abraham J.
Published: August 2017

Glucose constitutes a major source of energy of mammalian brains. Glucose uptake at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) occurs through a facilitated glucose transport, through glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), although other isoforms have been described at the BBB. Mutations in GLUT1 are associated with the GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, yet none of the current in vitro models of the human BBB maybe suited for modeling such a disorder. In this study, we investigated the expression of glucose transporters and glucose diffusion across brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) derived from healthy patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We investigated the expression of different glucose transporters at the BBB using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry and measured glucose uptake and diffusion across BMEC monolayers obtained from two iPSC lines and from hCMEC/D3 cells. BMEC monolayers showed expression of several glucose transporters, in particular GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4. Diffusion of glucose across the monolayers was mediated via a saturable transcellular mechanism and partially inhibited by pharmacological inhibitors. Taken together, our study suggests the presence of several glucose transporters isoforms at the human BBB and demonstrates the feasibility of modeling glucose across the BBB using patient-derived stem cells.
Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels are influenced by sex and strain but do not predict tissue iron levels in inbred mice
Authors: McLachlan Stela , Page Kathryn E. , Lee Seung-Min , Loguinov Alex , Valore Erika , Hui Simon T. , Jung Grace , Zhou Jie , Lusis Aldons J. , Fuqua Brie , Ganz Tomas , Nemeth Elizabeta , Vulpe Chris D.
Published: August 2017

Iron homeostasis is tightly regulated, and the peptide hormone hepcidin is considered to be a principal regulator of iron metabolism. Previous studies in a limited number of mouse strains found equivocal sex- and strain-dependent differences in mRNA and serum levels of hepcidin and reported conflicting data on the relationship between hepcidin ( Hamp1) mRNA levels and iron status. Our aim was to clarify the relationships between strain, sex, and hepcidin expression by examining multiple tissues and the effects of different dietary conditions in multiple inbred strains. Two studies were done: first, Hamp1 mRNA, liver iron, and plasma diferric transferrin levels were measured in 14 inbred strains on a control diet; and second, Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels in both sexes and iron levels in the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen in males were measured in nine inbred/recombinant inbred strains raised on an iron-sufficient or high-iron diet. Both sex and strain have a significant effect on both hepcidin mRNA (primarily a sex effect) and plasma hepcidin levels (primarily a strain effect). However, liver iron and diferric transferrin levels are not predictors of Hamp1 mRNA levels in mice fed iron-sufficient or high-iron diets, nor are the Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels good predictors of tissue iron levels, at least in males. We also measured plasma erythroferrone, performed RNA-sequencing analysis of liver samples from six inbred strains fed the iron-sufficient, low-iron, or high-iron diets, and explored differences in gene expression between the strains with the highest and lowest hepcidin levels.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both sex and strain have a significant effect on both hepcidin mRNA (primarily a sex effect) and plasma hepcidin levels (primarily a strain effect). Liver iron and diferric transferrin levels are not predictors of Hamp1 mRNA levels in mice, nor are the Hamp1 mRNA and plasma hepcidin levels good predictors of tissue iron levels, at least in males.
LungMAP: The Molecular Atlas of Lung Development Program
Authors: Ardini-Poleske Maryanne E. , Clark Robert F. , Ansong Charles , Carson James P. , Corley Richard A. , Deutsch Gail H. , Hagood James S. , Kaminski Naftali , Mariani Thomas J. , Potter Steven S. , Pryhuber Gloria S. , Warburton David , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Palmer Scott M. , Ambalavanan Namasivayam ,   The LungMAP Consortium
Published: August 2017

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is funding an effort to create a molecular atlas of the developing lung (LungMAP) to serve as a research resource and public education tool. The lung is a complex organ with lengthy development time driven by interactive gene networks and dynamic cross talk among multiple cell types to control and coordinate lineage specification, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, morphogenesis, and injury repair. A better understanding of the processes that regulate lung development, particularly alveologenesis, will have a significant impact on survival rates for premature infants born with incomplete lung development and will facilitate lung injury repair and regeneration in adults. A consortium of four research centers, a data coordinating center, and a human tissue repository provides high-quality molecular data of developing human and mouse lungs. LungMAP includes mouse and human data for cross correlation of developmental processes across species. LungMAP is generating foundational data and analysis, creating a web portal for presentation of results and public sharing of data sets, establishing a repository of young human lung tissues obtained through organ donor organizations, and developing a comprehensive lung ontology that incorporates the latest findings of the consortium. The LungMAP website ( www.lungmap.net ) currently contains more than 6,000 high-resolution lung images and transcriptomic, proteomic, and lipidomic human and mouse data and provides scientific information to stimulate interest in research careers for young audiences. This paper presents a brief description of research conducted by the consortium, database, and portal development and upcoming features that will enhance the LungMAP experience for a community of users.
Oxygen-dependent changes in lung development do not affect epithelial infection with influenza A virus
Authors: Domm William , Yee Min , Misra Ravi S. , Gelein Robert , Nogales Aitor , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , O’Reilly Michael A.
Published: August 2017

Infants born prematurely often require supplemental oxygen, which contributes to aberrant lung development and increased pulmonary morbidity following a respiratory viral infection. We have been using a mouse model to understand how early-life hyperoxia affects the adult lung response to influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Prior studies showed how neonatal hyperoxia (100% oxygen) increased sensitivity of adult mice to infection with IAV [IAV (A/Hong Kong/X31) H3N2] as defined by persistent inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and mortality. Since neonatal hyperoxia alters lung structure, we used a novel fluorescence-expressing reporter strain of H1N1 IAV [A/Puerto Rico/8/34 mCherry (PR8-mCherry)] to evaluate whether it also altered early infection of the respiratory epithelium. Like Hong Kong/X31, neonatal hyperoxia increased morbidity and mortality of adult mice infected with PR8-mCherry. Whole lung imaging and histology suggested a modest increase in mCherry expression in adult mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia compared with room air-exposed animals. However, this did not reflect an increase in airway or alveolar epithelial infection when mCherry-positive cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. Instead, a modest increase in the number of CD45-positive macrophages expressing mCherry was detected. While neonatal hyperoxia does not alter early epithelial infection with IAV, it may increase the activity of macrophages toward infected cells, thereby enhancing early epithelial injury.
CORP: Measurement of lung function in small animals
Authors: Bates Jason H.T.
Published: August 2017

The measurement of lung function in mice and rats is crucial for understanding how well small animal models of pulmonary disease recapitulate human clinical pathology but brings with it the challenge of making accurate measurements in animals as small as a mouse. Overcoming these challenges can be achieved in a number of ways, each based on a model idealization of how the lung works as a mechanical system. Accordingly, it is important to understand the theoretical basis on which an assessment of lung function rests to interpret experimental measurements appropriately. It is also crucial to attend to a number of practical issues that determine the quality of the measurements. The most accurate measurements of lung function in small animals are provided by the forced oscillation technique that provides lung resistance and elastance and its multifrequency generalization known as impedance. Measurement quality is maximized when the greatest possible degree of control is exerted over the amplitude and frequency with which air is oscillated in and out of the lungs, the mean or end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure pertaining to when the oscillations are applied, and the immediate past volume history of the lungs. It is also crucial that no spontaneous breathing efforts occur during the measurement period. Finally, there is no substitute for the skill in animal handling and surgical preparation that comes with practice; such a skill should be in place before embarking on any important series of experiments.
Time-of-day influences on respiratory sequelae following maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice
Authors: Purnell Benton S. , Hajek Michael A. , Buchanan Gordon F.
Published: August 2017

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in refractory epilepsy patients. Although specific mechanisms underlying SUDEP are not well understood, evidence suggests most SUDEP occurs due to seizure-induced respiratory arrest. SUDEP also tends to happen at night. Although this may be due to circumstances in which humans find themselves at night, such as being alone without supervision or sleeping prone, or to independent influences of sleep state, there are a number of reasons why the night (i.e., circadian influences) could be an independent risk factor for SUDEP. We explored this possibility. Adult male WT mice were instrumented for EEG, EMG, and EKG recording and subjected to maximal electroshock (MES) seizures during wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during the nighttime/dark phase. These data were compared with data collected following seizures induced during the daytime/light phase. Seizures induced during the nighttime were similar in severity and duration to those induced during the daytime; however, seizures induced during the nighttime were associated with a lesser degree of respiratory dysregulation and postictal EEG suppression. Seizures induced during REM sleep during the nighttime were universally fatal, as is seen when seizures are induced during REM during the daytime. Taken together, these data implicate a role for time of day in influencing the physiological consequences of seizures that may contribute to seizure-induced death.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in patients with refractory epilepsy. SUDEP frequently occurs during the night, which has been attributed to an effect of sleep. We have shown that sleep state does indeed influence survival following a seizure. That SUDEP occurs during the night could also implicate a circadian influence. In this study we found that time of day independently affects the physiological consequences of seizures.
Neural correlates for task switching in the macaque superior colliculus
Authors: Chan Jason L. , Koval Michael J. , Johnston Kevin , Everling Stefan
Published: August 2017

Successful task switching requires a network of brain areas to select, maintain, implement, and execute the appropriate task. Although frontoparietal brain areas are thought to play a critical role in task switching by selecting and encoding task rules and exerting top-down control, how brain areas closer to the execution of tasks participate in task switching is unclear. The superior colliculus (SC) integrates information from various brain areas to generate saccades and is likely influenced by task switching. Here, we investigated switch costs in nonhuman primates and their neural correlates in the activity of SC saccade-related neurons in monkeys performing cued, randomly interleaved pro- and anti-saccade trials. We predicted that behavioral switch costs would be associated with differential modulations of SC activity in trials on which the task was switched vs. repeated, with activity on the current trial resembling that associated with the task set of the previous trial when a switch occurred. We observed both error rate and reaction time switch costs and changes in the discharge rate and timing of activity in SC neurons between switch and repeat trials. These changes were present later in the task only after fixation on the cue stimuli but before saccade onset. These results further establish switch costs in macaque monkeys and suggest that SC activity is modulated by task-switching processes in a manner inconsistent with the concept of task set inertia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Task-switching behavior and superior colliculus (SC) activity were investigated in nonhuman primates performing randomly interleaved pro- and anti-saccade tasks. Here, we report error rate and reaction time switch costs in macaque monkeys and associated differences in stimulus-related activity of saccade-related neurons in the SC. These results provide a neural correlate for task switching and suggest that the SC is modulated by task-switching processes and may reflect the completion of task set reconfiguration.
The absence or temporal offset of visual feedback does not influence adaptation to novel movement dynamics
Authors: McKenna Erin , Bray Laurence C. Jayet , Zhou Weiwei , Joiner Wilsaan M.
Published: August 2017

Delays in transmitting and processing sensory information require correctly associating delayed feedback to issued motor commands for accurate error compensation. The flexibility of this alignment between motor signals and feedback has been demonstrated for movement recalibration to visual manipulations, but the alignment dependence for adapting movement dynamics is largely unknown. Here we examined the effect of visual feedback manipulations on force-field adaptation. Three subject groups used a manipulandum while experiencing a lag in the corresponding cursor motion (0, 75, or 150 ms). When the offset was applied at the start of the session (continuous condition), adaptation was not significantly different between groups. However, these similarities may be due to acclimation to the offset before motor adaptation. We tested additional subjects who experienced the same delays concurrent with the introduction of the perturbation (abrupt condition). In this case adaptation was statistically indistinguishable from the continuous condition, indicating that acclimation to feedback delay was not a factor. In addition, end-point errors were not significantly different across the delay or onset conditions, but end-point correction (e.g., deceleration duration) was influenced by the temporal offset. As an additional control, we tested a group of subjects who performed without visual feedback and found comparable movement adaptation results. These results suggest that visual feedback manipulation (absence or temporal misalignment) does not affect adaptation to novel dynamics, independent of both acclimation and perceptual awareness. These findings could have implications for modeling how the motor system adjusts to errors despite concurrent delays in sensory feedback information.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A temporal offset between movement and distorted visual feedback (e.g., visuomotor rotation) influences the subsequent motor recalibration, but the effects of this offset for altered movement dynamics are largely unknown. Here we examined the influence of 1) delayed and 2) removed visual feedback on the adaptation to novel movement dynamics. These results contribute to understanding of the control strategies that compensate for movement errors when there is a temporal separation between motion state and sensory information.
Everyday Health among Older People: A Comparison between Two Countries with Variant Life Conditions
Authors: Fagerström Cecilia , Wranker Lena Sandin , Kabir Zarina Nahar , Sternäng Ola
Published: August 2017

This study described health factors of importance for everyday health, such as pain, tiredness, and sleeping problems, in a cross-national context. Data for persons 60+ years were obtained from the Poverty and Health in Aging study, Bangladesh, and the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-Blekinge. The strongest associations with everyday health in Sweden were found for pain and tiredness, while in Bangladesh they were financial status, tiredness, and sleeping problems. As similarities were found regarding the associations of tiredness on everyday health, tiredness may be a universal predictor of everyday health in older adults irrespective of country context.
Impact of Cyclic Loading on Chloride Diffusivity and Mechanical Performance of RC Beams under Seawater Corrosion
Authors: Pang Sen , Diao Bo , Ye Yinghua , Chen Shuxin , Wang Xin
Published: August 2017

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the impact of cyclic loading on the mechanical performance and chloride diffusivity of RC beams exposed to seawater wet-dry cycles. To induce initial damage to RC beam specimen, cyclic loading controlled by max load and cycles was applied. Then beam specimens underwent 240 wet-dry cycles of seawater. Results show that the chloride content increased as max load and cycle increased. The chloride content at steel surface increased approximatively linearly as average crack width increased. Moreover, the max load had more influence on chloride content at steel surface than cycle. The difference of average chloride diffusion coefficient between tension and compression concrete was little at uncracked position. Average chloride diffusion coefficient increased as crack width increased when crack width was less than 0.11 mm whereas the increasing tendency was weak when crack width exceeded 0.11 mm. The residual yield load and ultimate load of RC beams decreased as max load and cycle increased. Based on univariate analysis of variance, the max load had more adverse effect on yield load and ultimate load than cycle.
A Simulated Annealing Approach for the Train Design Optimization Problem
Authors: Alonso-Pecina Federico , Romero David
Published: August 2017

The Train Design Optimization Problem regards making optimal decisions on the number and movement of locomotives and crews through a railway network, so as to satisfy requested pick‐up and delivery of car blocks at stations. In a mathematical programming formulation, the objective function to minimize is composed of the costs associated with the movement of locomotives and cars, the loading/unloading operations, the number of locomotives, and the crews’ return to their departure stations. The constraints include upper bounds for number of car blocks per locomotive, number of car block swaps, and number of locomotives passing through railroad segments. We propose here a heuristic method to solve this highly combinatorial problem in two steps. The first one finds an initial, feasible solution by means of an ad hoc algorithm. The second step uses the simulated annealing concept to improve the initial solution, followed by a procedure aiming to further reduce the number of needed locomotives. We show that our results are competitive with those found in the literature.
Calculus of Variations and Nonlinear Optimization Based Algorithm for Optimal Control of Hybrid Systems with Controlled Switching
Authors: Bouzaouache Hajer
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the optimal control problem of a particular class of hybrid dynamical systems with controlled switching. Given a prespecified sequence of active subsystems, the objective is to seek both the continuous control input and the discrete switching instants that minimize a performance index over a finite time horizon. Based on the use of the calculus of variations, necessary conditions for optimality are derived. An efficient algorithm, based on nonlinear optimization techniques and numerical methods, is proposed to solve the boundary-value ordinary differential equations. In the case of linear quadratic problems, the two-point boundary-value problems can be avoided which reduces the computational effort. Illustrative examples are provided and stress the relevance of the proposed nonlinear optimization algorithm.
Bibliometric Analysis of Worldwide Publications on Antimalarial Drug Resistance (2006–2015)
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M. , Al-Jabi Samah W. , Sawalha Ansam F. , AbuTaha Adham S. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: August 2017

Background.In response to international efforts to control and eradicate malaria, we designed this study to give a bibliometric overview of research productivity in antimalarial drug resistance (AMDR).Methods.Keywords related to AMDR were used to retrieve relevant literature using Scopus database.Results.A total of 976 publications with an h-index of 63 were retrieved. The number of publications showed a noticeable increase starting in the early 1990s. The USA was the most productive country with 337 publications equivalent to one-third of worldwide publications in this field. More than two-thirds of publications by the USA (236, 70.03%) were made by international collaboration. Of the top ten productive countries, two countries were from Mekong subregion, particularly Thailand and Cambodia. The Malaria Journal was the most productive journal (136, 13.93%) in this field. Mahidol University (80, 8.20%) in Thailand was the most productive institution. Seven articles in the top-ten list were about artemisinin resistance inPlasmodium falciparum, one was about chloroquine resistance, one was about sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance, and the remaining one was about general multidrug resistance.Conclusion.Eradication and control of AMDR require continuing research activity to help international health organizations identify spots that require an immediate action to implement appropriate measures.
Study on Fluid-Induced Vibration Power Harvesting of Square Columns under Different Attack Angles
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Guifeng , Wang Junlei
Published: August 2017

A model of the flow-vibration-electrical circuit multiphysical coupling system for solving square column vortex-induced vibration piezoelectric energy harvesting (VIVPEH) is proposed in this paper. The quasi steady state theory is adopted to describe the fluid solid coupling process of vortex-induced vibration based on the finite volume method coupled Gauss equation. The vibrational response and the quasi steady state form of the output voltage are solved by means of the matrix coefficient method and interactive computing. The results show that attack angles play an important role in the performance of square column VIVPEH, of which α=45° is a relatively ideal attack angle of square column VIVPEH.
Perioperative Management of Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies: The Contribution of Anesthesia
Authors: Mörgeli Rudolf , Scholtz Kathrin , Kurth Johannes , Treskatsch Sascha , Neuner Bruno , Koch Susanne , Kaufner Lutz , Spies Claudia
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Elderly patients suffering from gastrointestinal malignancies are particularly prone to perioperative complications. Elderly patients often present with reduced physiological reserves, and comorbidities can limit treatment options and promote complications. Surgeons and anesthesiologists must be aware of strategies required to deal with this vulnerable subgroup. Methods: We provide a brief review of current and emerging perioperative strategies for the treatment of elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and frequent comorbidities. Results: Especially in combination with advanced age, the effects of malignancies can be devastating, bringing new health challenges, exacerbating preexisting conditions, and exerting severe psychological strain. An interdisciplinary assessment and process planning provide an ideal setting to identify and prevent potential complications, especially in regards to frailty and cardiovascular risk. In addition, important perioperative considerations are presented, such as malnutrition, fasting, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and hemodynamic control, as well as postoperative early mobilization, pain, and delirium management. Conclusion: The decisions and interventions made in the perioperative stage can positively influence many intra- and postoperative factors, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment of elderly cancer patients. Appropriate management can help prevent or mitigate complications, secure a quick recovery, and improve short- and long-term outcomes.
Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes between 34 and 37 Weeks: A Point-of-Care Test of Vaginal Fluid Interleukin-6 Concentrations for a Noninvasive Detection of Intra-Amniotic Inflammation
Authors: Kacerovsky Marian , Musilova Ivana , Bestvina Tomas , Stepan Martin , Cobo Teresa , Jacobsson Bo
Published: August 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a previously reported vaginal fluid point-of-care interleukin (IL)-6 cut-off value of 2,500 pg/mL can be used for the identification intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 34 and 37 weeks. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in women with singleton gestation complicated by PPROM between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks. Vaginal fluid was successfully obtained in 118 women from the posterior vaginal fornix via aspiration using a sterile urine sample tube with a suction tip. Amniotic fluid was obtained via transabdominal amniocentesis. IL-6 concentrations were assessed in both fluids immediately after sampling. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid point-of-care IL-6 concentration of ≥745 pg/mL. Results: The tested vaginal fluid IL-6 cut-off value had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 50%, negative predictive value of 99%, positive likelihood ratio of 9.7, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation. Conclusion: The point-of-care vaginal fluid IL-6 test with a cut-off value of 2,500 pg/mL shows good sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in PPROM between 34 and 37 weeks.
Endoscopic Resection Techniques
Authors: Hoffman Arthur , von Heesen Maximilian , Kollmar Otto , Kiesslich Ralf
Published: August 2017

Cancers at an early stage of disease with a low risk of lymph node metastases or distant spread can be managed endoscopically. Different endoscopic techniques can be applied in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery can be combined in specific indications today. Most of all, resection-related complications can also be solved endoscopically.
Cultura patrimonial e a Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Camargo Mônica Junqueira de
Published: August 2017

.
Análise do estado de conservação e as formas de alteração nos monumentos pétreos da cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Del Lama Eliane Aparecida
Published: August 2017

A cidade de São Paulo conta com inúmeros monumentos e edifícios confeccionados em pedra, principalmente no Centro Velho, que até o começo do século XX era um pequeno núcleo urbano. Apenas após o progresso trazido pelo açúcar e pelo café, São Paulo transforma-se numa cidade moderna. Dentre as pedras observadas citam-se granitos, rochas sedimentares e metamórficas, compondo uma grande diversidade pétrea. Todos os monumentos, por se situarem em ambientes externos, são afetados por processos intempéricos, com contribuição adicional da ação de micro-organismos e da poluição. São identificadas várias formas de intemperismo, tais como: depósito, incrustação, alteração cromática, mancha, alveolização, colonização biológica, eflorescência, concreção, esfoliação, lacuna, lascagem, sujidade, ocorrência de fraturas e fissuras. Além do intemperismo, os monumentos também estão sujeitos à ação do vandalismo, principalmente na forma de pichações, sendo estas ações bastante intensas. Para a caracterização do estado de conservação dos monumentos, além dos métodos tradicionais, a utilização de métodos não destrutivos, tais como determinação de velocidade ultrassônica, espectrofotometria, esclerometria e absorção de água, são bastante eficazes, pois não provocam danos físicos e estéticos às obras. A importância desses métodos é devida à obtenção de parâmetros físicos diretamente nos monumentos, sem subtração de amostras, preservando a integridade com produção de grande volume de dados in situ, sendo desta forma mais viáveis e adequados para os estudos em preservação do patrimônio cultural.
Perspectivas cooperativas entre academia e conservadores na caracterização ambiental para a conservação preventiva de bens culturais
Authors: Cavicchioli Andrea
Published: August 2017

O presente trabalho procura refletir sobre a questão da caraterização ambiental como ferramenta imprescindível na conservação preventiva do patrimônio cultural material, considerando em particular a atuação da academia no processo de introdução ou consolidação de práticas dessa natureza em instituições que têm como missão a preservação de acervos. Em particular, serão apresentadas algumas experiências significativas dessa atuação surgidas nos últimos anos por iniciativa de grupos da Universidade de São Paulo, tanto na esfera da pesquisa e do desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras como no âmbito de ações de extensão universitária voltadas para a capacitação de conservadores e a disseminação de conhecimentos técnico-científicos.
O projeto, as funções e o uso dos parques urbanos do Recife
Authors: Carneiro Ana Rita De Sá
Published: August 2017

O trabalho que apresentamos é parte da tese de doutorado denominada "The relationship between park design, functions and uses. A case study in Recife, Brazil" (1996). Teve como objeto de estudo a investigação entre o projeto paisagístico, as funções e os usos dos parques urbanos. O estudo focalizou o Recife e originou-se da observação acerca da necessidade de criação de novos parques na cidade e da carência de pesquisa sobre parques no Brasil. Também foi realizado um levantamento da literatura na Europa e nos Estados Unidos sobre as concepções de projetos de parques que influenciaram a criação dos parques nos países em desenvolvimento como o Brasil. A relação entre o projeto e o uso foi analisada avaliando-se a compatibilidade entre o projeto e as reivindicações dos usuá­ rios levando-se em conta a provisão de equipamentos, o tipo de atividades realizadas e os problemas identificados
Paisagem, modelos urbanísticos e as áreas habitacionais de primeira e segunda residência
Authors: Macedo Silvio Soares
Published: August 2017

Objetiva introduzir uma reflexão sobre os padrões de loteamento existentes em áreas turísticas, tendo-se como ênfase as áreas costeiras e os resultados paisagísticos resultantes
Espaços Livres e qualidade de vida urbana
Authors: Cavalheiro Felisberto , Nucci J. C.
Published: August 2017

O artigo discute os problemas relacionados com a definição e quantificação dos espaços livres urbanos e a qualidade de vida nas cidades
A Fisiografía e sua paisagem na busca da personalidade do lugar
Authors: Yázigi Eduardo
Published: August 2017

A presente preocupação consiste em considerar a fisiografía como o melhor meio de conservação de identidades locais. De fato, atualmente, verificam os fortes características que comprometem os traços locais: a mobilidade do trabalho (e daí alguma miscigenação; técnicas e novos materiais de construção; informações que produzem novos padrões culturais, etc. Nessas condições, a vida cotidiana e, conseqüentemente, o turismo, tornam-se menos genuínos. Neste caso, os aspectos físicos da geografia podem ser os mais fortes vetores na preservação da paisagem . Do mesmo modo, o respeito à ordem natural pode gerar soluções únicas, naquele sentido de que uma casa de campo na floresta tropical não é a mesma coisa que sua congênere nas estepes ucranianas. Meu artigo representa um a exploração preliminar das personalidades do litoral e das montanhas no estado de São Paulo
Paisagem e Cultura: Agache e a Entrada do Brasil
Authors: Costa Lucia M.
Published: August 2017

Alfred Agache, urbanista francês, propôs para o Rio de Janeiro uma monumental praça cívica que ele denominou de "Entrada do Brasil". Esta praça, que estaria situada às margens da Baía de Guanabara, foi proposta no âmbito de um plano urbanístico para a cidade, nos anos de 1937-1930. Este é o tema deste artigo, que traz uma breve análise desta praça, compreendendo a paisagem urbana enquanto uma construção cultural