bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tackling the increasing problem of malnutrition in older persons: The Malnutrition in the Elderly (MaNuEL) Knowledge Hub
Authors: Visser M. , Volkert D. , Corish C. , Geisler C. , de Groot L. C. , Cruz‐Jentoft A. J. , Lohrmann C. , O'Connor E. M. , Schindler K. , de van der Schueren M. A. ,   on behalf of the MaNuEL consortium
Published: May 2017

In order to tackle the increasing problem of malnutrition (i.e. protein‐energy malnutrition) in the older population, the Joint Action Malnutrition in the Elderly (MaNuEL) Knowledge Hub has been recently launched as part of the Strategic Research Agenda of the Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life (HDHL). This paper introduces this new European initiative and describes its objectives and design. The MaNuEL consortium consists of 22 research groups from seven countries (Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and New Zealand). The Consortium aims to extend scientific knowledge; strengthen evidence‐based practice in the management of malnutrition in older persons; build a sustainable, transnational, competent network of malnutrition experts; and harmonise research and clinical practice. MaNuEL is built on five interconnected work packages that focus on (i) defining treatable malnutrition; (ii) screening of malnutrition in different settings; (iii) determinants of malnutrition; (iv) prevention and treatment of malnutrition; and (v) policies and education regarding malnutrition screening and treatment in older persons across Europe. Systematic literature reviews will be performed to assess current research on malnutrition and identify potential knowledge gaps. Secondary data analyses of nutritional intervention trials and observational studies will also be conducted. Using Web‐based questionnaires, MaNuEL will provide insight into current clinical practice, policies and health professionals’ education on malnutrition and will make recommendations for improvement. MaNuEL is being advised by a stakeholder board of five experts in geriatric nutrition who represent relevant European professional societies.
Migraine homocysteine‐related: Old and new mechanisms
Authors: Cacciapuoti Federico
Published: May 2017

In this review, we discussed how homocysteinemia can induce migraine. Vascular and neurogenic mechanisms of migraine‐onset, such as the classical “triggers”, were examined. Favourable effects induced on the syndrome by folate supplementation were also illustrated. However, it was recently shown that hyper‐homocysteinemia can favor migraine by the production of homocysteic acid.This acts as an agonist of the N‐acetyl‐aspartame‐D receptor, and is a potent neurotoxic stimulus causing migraine. Its detrimental effects seem to be antagonized by N‐acetyl‐cysteine, calcium chelators, a naturally‐occurring dipeptide widely distribuited in the muscular and nervous systems. This compound showed positive results in animal models. Elevated homocysteic acid levels secondary to hyper‐homocysteinemia could sensitize the dura mater and cerebral arteries and favor the activation of the trigeminovascular system, predisposing to migraine attacks. However, other experimental and human studies are requested to ratify the negative effect of homocysteic acid on migraine and the positive results obtaining with of its antagonists.
Bolus clearance in esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is associated with strength of peristalsis
Authors: Jain A. , Baker J. R. , Rubenstein J. H. , Chen J. W.
Published: May 2017

Background

A manometric diagnosis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) without a mechanical cause creates a therapeutic conundrum. The aim of this study was to assess esophageal bolus clearance in EGJOO and assess manometric factors associated with clearance in EGJOO.

Methods

Bolus clearance was assessed using line‐tracing method and contour method to determine Complete Bolus Transit (CBT) and Functional Clearance (FC), respectively, on combined High‐Resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM). HRIM studies of EGJOO patients, as well as a sample of achalasia types I‐III and asymptomatic controls, were retrospectively analyzed. In EGJOO, associations between Integrated Relaxation Pressure (IRP) or Distal Contractile Integral (DCI) and clearance were assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) curves.

Key Results

Seventy‐five EGJOO, 28 achalasia, and 11 normal subjects were included. Agreement between CBT and FC was good (Kappa=0.75). CBT across swallows in each group was as follows: type I achalasia: 14%, type II achalasia: 8%, type III achalasia: 61%, EGJOO: 86%, and normal: 98% (p values .023, .006, and <.0001 for EGJOO vs normals, type III achalasia, and all achalasia, respectively). In idiopathic EGJOO, CBT ≥60% of swallows was seen in 96.4% of patients when mean DCI>610 mmHg‐s‐cm (accuracy 87.7%, P=.004). Complete Bolus Transit( CBT) across individual swallows was 97.8% when DCI>884 mmHg‐s‐cm (accuracy 81.9%, P<.0001). IRP was poorly associated with bolus clearance.

Conclusions & Inferences

Bolus clearance in EGJOO is impaired compared to normal, but not as severely as in achalasia. In idiopathic EGJOO, weak peristalsis is associated with poor bolus clearance. Bolus transit appears to be unimpaired when DCI>900 mmHg‐s‐cm.
Analgesia and mouse strain influence neuromuscular plasticity in inflamed intestine
Authors: Blennerhassett M. G. , Lourenssen S. R. , Parlow L. R. G. , Ghasemlou N. , Winterborn A. N.
Published: May 2017

Background

Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) identify an impact on the enteric nervous system (ENS) but do not distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis phenotypes. In these models, analgesia is required, but its influence on different strains and disease outcomes is unknown. Therefore, changes to the ENS and intestinal smooth muscle were studied in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis to identify the effects of analgesia, and compared between two mouse strains.

Methods

Colitis was induced in CD1 or BALB/c mice receiving analgesia with either buprenorphine or tramadol. Euthanasia was on Day 8 (DSS) or Day 4 (TNBS). Outcomes were Disease Activity Index and cytokine assay, and quantitative histology and immunocytochemistry were used to evaluate effects of inflammation on neurons and smooth muscle.

Key Results

In BALB/c mice, both models of colitis caused >2‐fold increase in smooth muscle cell number. DSS caused axon proliferation without neuron loss while TNBS caused significant neuron loss and axonal damage. Buprenorphine (but not tramadol) was generally anti‐inflammatory in both strains, but correlated with lethal outcomes to TNBS in BALB/c mice.

Conclusions and Inferences

Smooth muscle growth is common to both models of colitis. In contrast, ENS damage in TNBS is correlated with the severe response of a Crohn's disease‐like phenotype, while DSS correlates with a milder, ulcerative colitis‐like outcome in the deeper tissues. Analgesia with tramadol over buprenorphine is supported for mouse studies of IBD.
In irritable bowel syndrome, postprandial abdominal distention is associated with a reduction of intestinal tone
Authors: Di Stefano M. , Bergonzi M. , Miceli E. , Klersy C. , Pagani E. , Corazza G. R.
Published: May 2017

Background

The pathophysiology of abdominal distention in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still a matter of debate, but the relationship between modifications of intestinal tone and abdominal volume has never been analyzed.

Methods

Eighty‐four patients affected by IBS and reporting moderate to severe abdominal distention were enrolled. Thirty‐nine presented abdominal distention immediately after and forty‐five presented abdominal distention independently of meal intake. Twenty healthy volunteers (HV), comparable for gender and age, were also enrolled. All the subjects underwent fasting and postprandial recto‐sigmoid volume monitoring with barostat and abdominal girth measurement to evaluate abdominal distention.

Key Results

In comparison with HV (75±13 mL) and with patients with meal‐unrelated abdominal distention (135±56 mL), in the subgroup of patients with severe meal‐related abdominal distention recto‐sigmoid tone response to the meal was significantly reduced (mean increase of balloon volume 184±89 mL; P<.001), paralleling abdominal girth increase and occurring immediately after test meal intake. Meal‐induced abdominal girth modification was significantly correlated with meal‐related modification of recto‐sigmoid tone (r=.71) and abdominal symptoms.

Conclusions

In patients with IBS suffering from severe postprandial abdominal distention, a postprandial reduction of intestinal tone is associated with this bothersome symptom. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether drugs acting on the modification of intestinal tone could be useful in the treatment of these patients.
Bryophyte gas‐exchange dynamics along varying hydration status reveal a significant carbonyl sulphide (COS) sink in the dark and COS source in the light
Authors: Gimeno Teresa E. , Ogée Jérôme , Royles Jessica , Gibon Yves , West Jason B. , Burlett Régis , Jones Sam P. , Sauze Joana , Wohl Steven , Benard Camille , Genty Bernard , Wingate Lisa
Published: May 2017

Carbonyl sulphide (COS) is a potential tracer of gross primary productivity (GPP), assuming a unidirectional COS flux into the vegetation that scales with GPP. However, carbonic anhydrase (CA), the enzyme that hydrolyses COS, is expected to be light independent, and thus plants without stomata should continue to take up COS in the dark.

We measured net CO2 (AC) and COS (AS) uptake rates from two astomatous bryophytes at different relative water contents (RWCs), COS concentrations, temperatures and light intensities.

We found large AS in the dark, indicating that CA activity continues without photosynthesis. More surprisingly, we found a nonzero COS compensation point in light and dark conditions, indicating a temperature‐driven COS source with a Q10 (fractional change for a 10°C temperature increase) of 3.7. This resulted in greater AS in the dark than in the light at similar RWC. The processes underlying such COS emissions remain unknown.

Our results suggest that ecosystems dominated by bryophytes might be strong atmospheric sinks of COS at night and weaker sinks or even sources of COS during daytime. Biotic COS production in bryophytes could result from symbiotic fungal and bacterial partners that could also be found on vascular plants.
A comprehensive framework for the study of species co‐occurrences, nestedness and turnover
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Kryszewski Wojciech , Sewerniak Piotr , Puchałka Radosław , Strona Giovanni , Gotelli Nicholas J.
Published: May 2017

Binary presence–absence matrices (rows = species, columns = sites) are often used to quantify patterns of species co‐occurrence, and to infer possible biotic interactions from these patterns. Previous classifications of co‐occurrence patterns as nested, segregated, or modular have led to contradictory results and conclusions. These analyses usually do not incorporate the functional traits of the species or the environmental characteristics of the sites, even though the outcomes of species interactions often depend on trait expression and site quality. Here we address this shortcoming by developing a method that incorporates realized functional and environmental niches, and relates them to species co‐occurrence patterns. These niches are defined from n‐dimensional ellipsoids, and calculated from the n eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the variance–covariance matrix of measured environmental or trait variables. Average niche overlap among species and the spatial distribution of niches define a triangle plot with vertices of species segregation (low niche overlap), nestedness (high niche overlap), and modular co‐occurrence (clusters of overlapping niches). Applying this framework to temperate understorey plant communities in southwest Poland, we found a consistent modular structure of species occurrences, a pattern not detected by conventional presence–absence analysis. These results suggest that, in our case study, habitat filtering is the most important process structuring understorey plant communities. Furthermore, they demonstrate how incorporating trait and environmental data into co‐occurrence analysis improves pattern detection and provides a stronger theoretical framework for understanding community structure.
The role of pride in women with anorexia nervosa: A grounded theory study
Authors: Faija Cintia L. , Tierney Stephanie , Gooding Patricia A. , Peters Sarah , Fox John R. E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Theory and clinical literature suggest that pride may play an important role in the maintenance of restrictive eating disorders. A grounded theory study explored experiences of, and reflections on, pride among women with a current or past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.

Design

This is a qualitative study using grounded theory.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 women recruited from an eating disorder unit in England, and from aUKself‐help organization. Grounded theory from a constructivist lens was used. Analysis involved coding, constant comparison, and memo‐writing.

Results

Pride evolves over the course of anorexia nervosa. Two overarching conceptual categories were identified: ‘pride becoming intertwined with anorexia’ and ‘pride during the journey towards recovery’. These categories encompassed different forms of pride: ‘alluring pride’, ‘toxic pride’, ‘pathological pride’, ‘anorexia pride’, ‘shameful pride’, ‘recovery pride’, and ‘resilient pride’. Initially, pride contributed to self‐enhancement and buffered negative emotions. As the condition progressed, pride became a challenge to health and interfered with motivation to change. During recovery, perceptions of pride altered as a healthy approach to living ensued.

Conclusions

The evolving nature of pride plays a central role in development, maintenance, and treatment of anorexia nervosa. Understanding of pride and its role in psychotherapeutic work with this client group may increase motivation to change and promote recovery. Future work should investigate whether tackling pride in eating disorders increases treatment efficacy and reduces the risk of relapsing.

Practitioners points

Pride associated with anorexia appeared to evolve in nature.

During early stages of the eating disorder, it stopped people from seeking help. Later on, it prevented them from seeing pride in healthy domains of life (outside anorexia). Over time, pride in anorexia became an overwhelming emotion that interfered with motivation to change.

It is important for practitioners to assess and discuss pride in anorexia and its evolving nature during treatment.

Understanding of pride and its role in psychotherapeutic work with this client group may increase motivation to change and promote recovery.
Novel regulation of melanogenesis by adiponectin via the AMPK/CRTC pathway
Authors: Bang Seunghyun , Won Kwang Hee , Moon Hye‐Rim , Yoo Hanju , Hong Areum , Song Youngsup , Chang Sung Eun
Published: May 2017

Several studies observed that adiponectin, an important adipokine that improves glucose metabolism by regulating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, is dermatologically beneficial. In our recent microarray data, we found that adiponectin expression was lower in lesional skin than in non‐lesional skin of melasma patients. Given that AMPK is a key adiponectin signaling mediator, we investigated the role of adiponectin and AICAR, a cell‐permeable AMPK activator, in melanogenesis. We herein showed that adiponectin and AICAR downregulated MITF, tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and DCT expression and reduced melanin content in normal human and mouse melanocytes. The depigmenting effect of adiponectin was mediated via AMPK activation, which induced the inhibitory phosphorylation of CREB‐regulated transcription co‐activators (CRTCs) and subsequent suppression of the novel CRTC/CREB pathway in melanocytes. These findings suggest that adiponectin and its analogs are useful as a clinical strategy for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.
Adenoviral nephritis in a renal transplant recipient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Veer Manik , Abdulmassih Rasha , Como James , Min Zaw , Bhanot Nitin
Published: May 2017

Adenovirus (AdV) infections in transplant recipients may cause invasive disease. We present a case of granulomatous interstitial nephritis secondary to AdV infection in a renal transplant recipient that was initially interpreted as acute graft rejection on histopathology. Specific testing based on clinical suspicion, however, aided in making an accurate diagnosis. We present a retrospective review of all cases of AdV infection in renal transplant recipients to date, and analyze outcomes based on different treatment modalities for this disease.
Arabidopsis thaliana FLA4 functions as a glycan‐stabilized soluble factor via its carboxy‐proximal Fasciclin 1 domain
Authors: Xue Hui , Veit Christiane , Abas Lindy , Tryfona Theodora , Maresch Daniel , Ricardi Martiniano M. , Estevez José Manuel , Strasser Richard , Seifert Georg J.
Published: May 2017

Fasciclin‐like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) are involved in numerous important functions in plants but the relevance of their complex structure to physiological function and cellular fate is unresolved. Using a fully functional fluorescent version of Arabidopsis thaliana FLA4 we show that this protein is localized at the plasma membrane as well as in endosomes and soluble in the apoplast. FLA4 is likely to be GPI‐anchored, is highly N‐glycosylated and carries two O‐glycan epitopes previously associated with arabinogalactan proteins. The activity of FLA4 was resistant against deletion of the amino‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain and was unaffected by removal of the GPI‐modification signal, a highly conserved N‐glycan or the deletion of predicted O‐glycosylation sites. Nonetheless these structural changes dramatically decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐exit and plasma membrane localization of FLA4, with N‐glycosylation acting at the level of ER‐exit and O‐glycosylation influencing post‐secretory fate. We show that FLA4 acts predominantly by molecular interactions involving its carboxy‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain and that its amino‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain is required for stabilization of plasma membrane localization. FLA4 functions as a soluble glycoprotein via its carboxy‐proximal Fas1 domain and its normal cellular trafficking depends on N‐ and O‐glycosylation.
Adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an international survey of transfusion and anticoagulation techniques
Authors: Esper S. A. , Welsby I. J. , Subramaniam K. , John Wallisch W. , Levy J. H. , Waters J. H. , Triulzi D. J. , Hayanga J. W. A. , Schears G. J.
Published: May 2017

Background and objectives

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a method of life support for either isolated cardiac failure or respiratory failure, with or without cardiac failure. When used for hemodynamic support, the ECMO circuit presents a non‐endothelialized, artificial surface to blood inciting an inflammatory response which activates haemostatic pathways. Anticoagulation may complicate a pre‐existing coagulopathy and/or inadequate surgical hemostasis of varying severity. There is no standardized method to achieve and monitor anticoagulation or guide transfusion therapy during ECMO. We tested the hypothesis that institutions across the world conduct similar management of anticoagulation and transfusion during adult ECMO support.

Methods

This is a descriptive, self‐reporting cross‐sectional survey of anticoagulation and transfusion practice for patients age 18 or older on ECMO. This 38 multiple‐choice question survey was sent to 166 institutions, internationally, utilizing adult ECMO. About 32·4% (54) of institutions responded. Responses were anonymously collected. Descriptive analyses were calculated.

Results

Our findings indicate there appears to be a significant practice variation among institutions regarding anticoagulation and transfusion during adult ECMO support.

Discussion

The lack of standard practices among institutions may reflect a paucity of data regarding optimal anticoagulation and transfusion for patients requiring ECMO. Standardized protocols for anticoagulation and transfusion may help increase quality of care for and reduce morbidity, mortality and cost to patients and healthcare centres. Further study is required for standardized, high quality care.
Opportunistic Behaviour
Authors: Lane Jan-Erik
Published: May 2017

Reading the newspapers and listening to the media news channels for the last decade, one makes the observation that cheating has increased, or at least accusations of such behaviour. This is commonly called “corruption”, but there are several kinds of cheating to be distinguished and analysed apart. Two approaches to cheating are conceivable. First, the micro approach attempts to account for why individual persons cheat – the reason and their calculation of benefits and costs. Here, we can now draw upon new results in game theory. Second, in the macro approach one tries to explain or understand why cheating seems to augment over the entire society, in both the public and private sectors. This paper looks at one form of cheating more closely, namely corruption, as well as suggests a few hypotheses about the increase in so-called “affairs” in several capitalist economies.
Large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel activation by apical P2Y receptor agonists requires hydrocortisone in differentiated airway epithelium
Authors: Zaidman Nathan A. , Panoskaltsis‐Mortari Angela , O'Grady Scott M.
Published: May 2017

Key points

Hydrocortisone (HC) is required for activation of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (BK) by purinergic receptor agonists.

HC reduces insertion of the stress‐regulated exon (STREX) in the KCNMA1 gene, permitting protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent channel activation.

Overlapping and unique purinergic signalling regions exist at the apical border of differentiated surface cells.

BK channels localize in the cilia of surface cells.

In the present study we investigated the role of hydrocortisone (HC) on uridine‐5ʹ‐triphosphate (UTP)‐stimulated ion transport in differentiated, pseudostratified epithelia derived from normal human bronchial basal cells. The presence of a UTP‐stimulated, paxilline‐sensitive large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) current was demonstrated in control epithelia but was not stimulated in epithelia differentiated in the absence of HC (HC0). Addition of the BK channel opener NS11021 directly activated channels in control epithelia; however, under HC0 conditions, activation only occurred when UTP was added after NS11021. The PKC inhibitors GF109203x and Gö6983 blocked BK activation by UTP in control epithelia, suggesting that PKC‐mediated phosphorylation plays a permissive role in purinoceptor‐stimulated BK activation. Moreover, HC0 epithelia expressed significantly more KCNMA1 containing the stress‐regulated exon (STREX), a splice‐variant of the α‐subunit that displays altered channel regulation by phosphorylation, compared to control epithelia. Furthermore, BK channels as well as purinergic receptors were shown to localize in unique and overlapping domains at the apical membrane of ciliated surface cells. These results establish a previously unrecognized role for glucocorticoids in regulation of BK channels in airway epithelial cells.
Tribological Study of Fe–W–P Electrodeposited Coating on 316 L Stainless Steel
Authors: Zouch F. , Antar Z. , Bahri A. , Elleuch K. , Ürgen M.
Published: May 2017

Ternary iron–tungsten–phosphorus (Fe–W–P) coatings were electrodeposited with different sodium tungstate (NaWO4·2H2O) concentration on stainless steel 316 L substrate. These coatings were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The friction and wear behavior of these coatings were investigated using ball-on-disk tribometer under dry conditions. This study reveals a nanocrystalline and nodular structure with nanometric grain size of the deposited alloy. The maximum level of incorporation of tungsten (W) is about 29.54 at %. It was obtained with 0.5 M of sodium tungstate concentration, and it increases the microhardness of the coatings. Moreover, it was found that Fe–W–P coatings had significantly improved the tribological properties of the substrate due to their higher wear resistance and lower friction coefficient.
Influence of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings With Multiple Slip Zones on Rotordynamic Behavior
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Dutt J. K. , Pandey R. K.
Published: May 2017

This paper mainly reports stability investigations of rotors supported on fluid film journal bearings possessing multilocational slip-no-slip zones at the bush–film interface. The coupled solution of governing equations (Reynolds equation, energy equation, heat diffusion equation, lubricant rheological relation, and thermal boundary conditions) has been used to find pressure distributions in the lubricating film followed by evaluation of bearing coefficients. These coefficients have been used to determine stability limit speed (SLS) of the system and its robustness for both short (nearly inflexible) and long (flexible) rotors. Numerical simulations show that the pattern of pressure distribution with multiple slip-no-slip zones is similar to that obtained for multilobe bearings, resulting in substantial improvement of rotor–bearing stability irrespective of eccentricity ratio. A reduction in friction force (up to Sommerfeld number 1.8) and an increase in SLS and robustness compared to conventional bearings are observed when used with short rotors. Typically, up to six pairs of slip-no-slip zones improve SLS of the rotor–shaft system and robustness for short rotors, although more pairs deteriorate both. However, for long rotors, where dynamic rotor forces also act, these bearings provide marginal improvement in stability and robustness only for a small range of slip length.
A New Damage Diagnostic Approach for Deep Groove Ball Bearings Having Localized Surface Defects in the Raceways
Authors: Jamadar I. M. , Vakharia D. P.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents mathematical expressions to identify the existence of localized surface defects on the raceways of the deep groove ball bearings. For the formulation of the mathematical expressions, matrix method of dimensional analysis based on force, length, time, and temperature (FLTϴ) system of unis is used. The model is based on the complete set of physical dimensions and operating parameters of the deep groove ball bearing in that the spall size is directly allied with vibration responses. The formulated governing model equations are solved numerically by applying a scheme of empirical modeling through multiple factorial regression analysis. Experiments are performed on the laboratory test rig to verify the results obtained from the developed model equations. For the experiments, deep groove ball bearings designated as SKF 6307 are used. These bearings are having artificially induced square-shaped surface defects of different sizes on the outer and inner races and are analyzed for different operating speeds. A good similarity between the predicted numerical values and the experimental results is noticed. This study showed that the proposed methodology can be successfully used for the characterization of the localized surface defects on the raceways of the deep groove ball bearings.
Non-invasive diagnosis of portal hypertension in cirrhosis using ultrasound based elastography
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Bokun Tomislav , Bozin Tonci , Matic Vladimir , Haberle Sara , Sporea Ioan
Published: May 2017

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by ultrasound-based elastography may be used to non-invasively discriminate between the stages of liver fibrosis, rule out cirrhosis and follow its evolution, including the prediction of the presence of oesophageal varices. The same is possible in order to diagnose clinically significant portal hypertension, referring primarilyto transient elastography and LSM values ≥20-25 kPa. The same approach may be used to reliably rule out the presence ofoesophageal varices (LSM <20 kPa + platelets >150x109/L). These recommendations refer primarily to patients with viral aetiology of chronic liver disease (hepatitis C), while additional studies are required for other aetiologies. While spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) also poses a logical choice in this indication, controversial results have nevertheless been published on this issue. It should be emphasized, however, that more recent data indicate that this parameter should be included in the diagnostic algorithm for portal hypertension, if not as the sole then as a part of a sequential algorithm, combined with LSM. Until now, transient elastography has been most extensively studied and founded on scientific evidence, although the results of other ultrasound-based elastography techniques demonstrate the same trend for the non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension.
Tuberculous appendicitis. A case report
Authors: Chiș Bogdan , Dudric Vlad , Fodor Daniela
Published: May 2017

Double localization of tuberculosis is a rare finding among immunocompetent patients. Intestinal tuberculosis is a rare condition and its diagnosis remains a challenge to the physician. We present the case of a 21 year old male patient with intestinal tuberculosis in which the first manifestation was an acute appendicitis. Ultrasound findings were an abscessed appendicular mass. The surgical intervention found a granulomatous aspect of the peritoneum and total necrosis of the appendix. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and the pulmonary radiography detected the concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis.
Analysis of trace n-alkane in air by cryogenic-temperature programmed desorption
Authors: Suzuki Taku T. , Sakaguchi Isao
Published: May 2017

Exhaled breath analysis is a promising medical monitoring method, but its practical use is currently very limited. This is due to the very low concentration of the disease marker; hence, advanced (research-level) analytical instrumentation has been typically employed. Cryogenic-temperature programmed desorption (cryo-TPD) has been developed as a simple method of breath analysis. In cryo-TPD, the disease markers are selectively concentrated by quench condensation at cryogenic temperature combined with subsequent ramped heating. The influence of the interaction between the markers on the thermal desorption (gas mixing effect) is crucial for the practical use of cryo-TPD for breath analysis. In the present study, the authors found that the gas mixing effect causes almost no change in thermal desorption of n-alkanes (CNH2N+2, 2 ≦ N ≦ 12) in air. Consequently, trace alkanes were successfully and selectively concentrated and subsequently quantified in the concentration range of 1 × 10−9 (1 ppbv) to 1 × 10−4 (100 ppmv) volume fractions. The lowest limit of detection of n-hexane, which was estimated to be less than 0.5 ppbv for a condensation duration of 100 s, is expected to be substantially improved by the prolonged condensation.
Inductively coupled plasma reactive-ion etching of β-Ga2O3: Comprehensive investigation of plasma chemistry and temperature
Authors: Shah Amit P. , Bhattacharya Arnab
Published: May 2017

The authors investigated the inductively coupled plasma reactive-ion etching (ICP-RIE) of β-Ga2O3 using different fluorine and chlorine-based plasmas. Sn-doped (-201) oriented β-Ga2O3 substrates were etched using SF6/Ar, CHF3/Ar, O2/Ar, BCl3/Ar, and Cl2/Ar based ICP-RIE. Appreciable etch rates were obtained only with chlorine and boron-trichloride based plasmas, and the authors performed a comprehensive study on the composition and temperature-dependence of ICP-RIE of β-Ga2O3 in BCl3/Cl2/Ar plasmas in a temperature range of 22 to 205 °C. In general, the etch rate decreased with increasing Cl2 content in BCl3/Cl2/Ar plasmas. A high etch rate of 144 nm/min with a smooth surface morphology was obtained in BCl3/Ar plasmas, compared to 19 nm/min in Cl2/Ar plasmas. The etching behavior of Ga2O3 shows more similarity to that of Al2O3 than to that of GaN.
Plasma Membrane Association by N-Acylation Governs PKG Function in
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Brown Kevin M. , Long Shaojun , Sibley L. David
Published: May 2017

Cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase G [PKG]) is essential for microneme secretion, motility, invasion, and egress in apicomplexan parasites, However, the separate roles of two isoforms of the kinase that are expressed by some apicomplexans remain uncertain. Despite having identical regulatory and catalytic domains, PKG
I
is plasma membrane associated whereas PKG
II
is cytosolic in
Toxoplasma gondii
. To determine whether these isoforms are functionally distinct or redundant, we developed an auxin-inducible degron (AID) tagging system for conditional protein depletion in
T. gondii
. By combining AID regulation with genome editing strategies, we determined that PKG
I
is necessary and fully sufficient for PKG-dependent cellular processes. Conversely, PKG
II
is functionally insufficient and dispensable in the presence of PKG
I
. The difference in functionality mapped to the first 15 residues of PKG
I
, containing a myristoylated Gly residue at position 2 that is critical for membrane association and PKG function. Collectively, we have identified a novel requirement for cGMP signaling at the plasma membrane and developed a new system for examining essential proteins in
T. gondii
.

IMPORTANCE
Toxoplasma gondii
is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite and important clinical and veterinary pathogen that causes toxoplasmosis. Since apicomplexans can only propagate within host cells, efficient invasion is critically important for their life cycles. Previous studies using chemical genetics demonstrated that cyclic GMP signaling through protein kinase G (PKG)-controlled invasion by apicomplexan parasites. However, these studies did not resolve functional differences between two compartmentalized isoforms of the kinase. Here we developed a conditional protein regulation tool to interrogate PKG isoforms in
T. gondii
. We found that the cytosolic PKG isoform was largely insufficient and dispensable. In contrast, the plasma membrane-associated isoform was necessary and fully sufficient for PKG function. Our studies identify the plasma membrane as a key location for PKG activity and provide a broadly applicable system for examining essential proteins in
T. gondii
.
The impact of temperature extremes on mortality: a time-series study in Jinan, China
Authors: Han Jing , Liu Shouqin , Zhang Jun , Zhou Lin , Fang Qiaoling , Zhang Ji , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate the relationship between temperature extremes and daily number of deaths in Jinan, a temperate city in northern China.

Methods

Data ondaily number of deaths and meteorological variables over the period of 2011–2014 were collected. Cold spells or heat waves were defined as ≥3 consecutive days with mean temperature ≤5th percentile or ≥95th percentile, respectively. We applied a time-series adjusted Poisson regression to assess the effects of extreme temperature on deaths.

Results

There were 152 150 non-accidental deaths over the study period in Jinan, among which 87 607 people died of cardiovascular disease, 11 690 of respiratory disease, 33 001 of stroke and 6624 of chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cold spells significantly increased the risk of deaths due to non-accidental mortality (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), cardiovascular disease (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.10), respiratory disease (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.27), stroke (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.17) and COPD (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.38). Heat waves significantly increased the risk of deaths due to non-accidental mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.05), cardiovascular disease (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06) and stroke (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). The elderly were more vulnerable during heat wave exposure; however, vulnerability to cold spell was the same for the whole population regardless of age and gender.

Conclusions

Both cold spells and heat waves have increased the risk of death in Jinan, China.
Does the DSA reconstruction kernel affect hemodynamic predictions in intracranial aneurysms? An analysis of geometry and blood flow variations
Authors: Berg P , Saalfeld S , Voß S , Redel T , Preim B , Janiga G , Beuing O
Published: May 2017

Background

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) blood flow predictions in intracranial aneurysms promise great potential to reveal patient-specific flow structures. Since the workflow from image acquisition to the final result includes various processing steps, quantifications of the individual introduced potential error sources are required.

Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the acquired imaging data as input to 3D model generation was evaluated. Six different reconstruction modes for 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) acquisitions were applied to eight patient-specific aneurysms. Segmentations were extracted to compare the 3D luminal surfaces. Time-dependent CFD simulations were carried out in all 48 configurations to assess the velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) variability due to the choice of reconstruction kernel.

Results

All kernels yielded good segmentation agreement in the parent artery; deviations of the luminal surface were present at the aneurysm neck (up to 34.18%) and in distal or perforating arteries. Observations included pseudostenoses as well as noisy surfaces, depending on the selected reconstruction kernel. Consequently, the hemodynamic predictions show a mean SD of 11.09% for the aneurysm neck inflow rate, 5.07% for the centerline-based velocity magnitude, and 17.83%/9.53% for the mean/max aneurysmal WSS, respectively. In particular, vessel sections distal to the aneurysms yielded stronger variations of the CFD values.

Conclusions

The choice of reconstruction kernel for DSA data influences the segmentation result, especially for small arteries. Therefore, if precise morphology measurements or blood flow descriptions are desired, a specific reconstruction setting is required. Furthermore, research groups should be encouraged to denominate the kernel types used in future hemodynamic studies.
Secondary rock structures and the regional hydrogeology of claystone-rich cretaceous strata, Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Szmigielski Jakub T. , Hendry M. Jim
Published: May 2017

The geometry and spatial distribution of a polygonal fault system (PFS) and collapse features within Cretaceous strata (predominantly mudstones and claystones) were investigated using three high-resolution three-dimensional seismic datasets of the Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Mapping of the planform geometry and fault throw distributions (throw–depth (T–z) profiling) shows that the PFS present in the Colorado Group and Pierre Fm has a vertical extent of 200–330 m. Variation in the lateral planform geometry is attributed to the relative rates of stress accumulation during early development of the planar faults and is constrained using sequence stratigraphic principles. The mean fault dip is 60° ± 12° (number of measurements, n = 225). The T–z profiles appear as partial C-type profiles, demonstrating that at least half of the total height of the PFS was removed during post-Cretaceous erosion. The presence of polygonal faults in equivalent strata of the Western Interior Sedimentary Basin (WISB) suggests the PFS described in the current study (1510 km2) may be present across the WISB. Collapse features, formed in response to dissolution cavities within underlying strata, crosscut the entire Cretaceous sequence and are subcircular in plan view with typical diameters of 350–450 m. These features are present in each of the datasets at a rate of 0.02–0.11 collapses/km2. The prevalence of collapses in areas where faults display modified throw distributions may suggest post-Cretaceous fault reactivation associated with Pleistocene glacial periods. Although these secondary rock structures likely affect groundwater and solute transport at the basin scale, the impact remains to be determined.
Uncertainty assessment in aboveground biomass estimation at the regional scale using a new method considering both sampling error and model error
Authors: Fu Yu , Lei Yuancai , Zeng Weisheng , Hao Ruijun , Zhang Guilian , Zhong Qicheng , Xu Mingshan
Published: May 2017

Uncertainty associated with multiple sources of error exists in biomass estimation over large areas. This uncertainty affects the accuracy of the resultant biomass estimates. A new method that introduces Taylor series principles into a Monte Carlo simulation procedure was proposed and developed for estimating regional-scale aboveground biomass, along with quantifying the corresponding uncertainty arising from both sampling and model predictions. Additionally, the effect of sample size on estimates during model fitting was studied based on the new method to determine whether the effect of the size of the calibration data set can be neglected when the number of simulations is sufficiently large. The results revealed that the proposed method not only produces more reliable estimates of both biomass and uncertainty but also effectively and separately quantifies the uncertainties associated with different sources of error. The new method also reduced the effect of model uncertainty on final estimates. The uncertainty that was associated with model error increased significantly with decreasing sample sizes during model fitting, and the error was not reduced by increasing the number of Monte Carlo simulations.
Multipulse Orbits and Chaotic Dynamics of an Aero-Elastic FGP Plate Under Parametric and Primary Excitations
Authors: An F. X. , Chen F. Q.
Published: May 2017

The multipulse global bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of a simply supported Functionally Graded Piezoelectric (FGP) rectangular plate with bonded piezoelectric layer are investigated with the case of 1:2 internal resonance and primary parametric resonance. Based on the averaged equations obtained, the theory of normal form is utilized to obtain the explicit expressions of normal form with a double zero and a pair of pure imaginary eigenvalues. According to the explicit expressions of normal form, the extended Melnikov method developed by Camassa et al. is employed to study the Shilnikov-type multipulse homoclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of the aero-elastic FGP plate. The analytical results indicate that there exists the Shilnikov-type multipulse chaotic dynamics for the FGP plate. Numerical simulations are presented to show that for the FGP plate, the Shilnikov-type multipulse chaotic motions can occur. The influence of the in-plane excitation and the piezoelectric voltage excitation to the system dynamic behaviors is also discussed by numerical simulations. The results obtained here imply the existence of chaos in the sense of the Smale horseshoes for the FGP plate.
Automatic Mining of Quantitative Association Rules with Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Can Umit , Alatas Bilal
Published: May 2017

The classical optimization algorithms are not efficient in solving complex search and optimization problems. Thus, some heuristic optimization algorithms have been proposed. In this paper, exploration of association rules within numerical databases with Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) has been firstly performed. GSA has been designed as search method for quantitative association rules from the databases which can be regarded as search space. Furthermore, determining the minimum values of confidence and support for every database which is a hard job has been eliminated by GSA. Apart from this, the fitness function used for GSA is very flexible. According to the interested problem, some parameters can be removed from or added to the fitness function. The range values of the attributes have been automatically adjusted during the time of mining of the rules. That is why there is not any requirements for the pre-processing of the data. Attributes interaction problem has also been eliminated with the designed GSA. GSA has been tested with four real databases and promising results have been obtained. GSA seems an effective search method for complex numerical sequential patterns mining, numerical classification rules mining, and clustering rules mining tasks of data mining.
A Specification and Detection Approach for Parallel Evolution Conflicts of Software Architectures
Authors: Xu Hongzhen , Song Wenlin , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2017

Software evolution has been a necessary part of the software development, while software architecture evolution is an important issue of software evolution. Software architecture evolution is generally realized through some evolution operations such as adding components or connectors, removing components or connectors. However, when some evolution operations are applied to the same software architecture in parallel, they sometimes make conflicting modifications, which will hinder the correctness of software architecture evolution. Although different approaches have been proposed to describe and analyze software architecture evolution, little work has been made to address evolution conflicts of software architectures. Focusing on parallel evolution conflicts of software architectures, firstly the paper establishes definitions and characterizations of parallel evolution conflicts of software architectures based on hypergraph morphisms and set theories, and describes parallel evolution conflicts of software architectures through these definitions and characterizations. Secondly the paper constructs the critical pair definition of parallel evolution conflicts of software architectures based on hypergraphs and hypergraph morphisms, analyzes the completeness of the critical pair, designs and optimizes an algorithm to detect efficiently parallel evolution conflicts of software architectures using the critical pair. Finally, a tool support is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A cluster-autonomous partitioning algorithm in electrical power grid using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Lu Chengchao , Wang Zhongjie
Published: May 2017

Power grid partitioning decomposes a large power grid into several clusters. Most of the existing partitioning methods suffer from a limitation that the buses within a cluster are severely topologically disconnected after partitioning in some cases. As a result, a cluster will inevitably be assigned to two or more power grid corporations. This assignment obstructs inner-cluster monitoring and control applications of the transmission system. To overcome the limitation, this paper proposes a multi-index power grid partitioning approach using Monte Carlo simulation guaranteeing cluster connectivity to ensure the cluster autonomy. A line-based binary coding technique is developed to ensure the cluster connectivity. Three partitioning indices are considered: the coherency, the cluster connectivity, and the number of clusters. Finally, the proposed partitioning method is applied to IEEE 9-bus system, IEEE 39-bus system and IEEE 145-bus system and compared with Fuzzy C-medoid (FCMdd) algorithm.