bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateral ridge augmentation with two different ratios of deproteinized bovine bone and autogenous bone: A 2‐year follow‐up of a randomized and controlled trial
Authors: Mordenfeld Arne , Aludden Hanna , Starch‐Jensen Thomas
Published: June 2017

Background

The optimal ratio of deproteinized bovine bone (DPBB) and autogenous bone (AB) for lateral augmentation is presently unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate implant treatment outcome and radiological graft changes after lateral ridge augmentation with 2 different mixtures of DPBB and AB, 2 years after functional loading.

Materials and methods

Thirteen patients were included in a split mouth, randomized, controlled trial. Four partially edentulous and 10 totally edentulous jaws with an alveolar ridge width of <4 mm were augmented with a graft mixture of 90:10 (DPBB:AB) on one side and 60:40 (DPBB:AB) on the contra lateral side. Graft width changes were measured on CBCT scans at different time points. Implant survival and success rates were calculated. Resonance frequency analysis and marginal bone measurements were performed after 2 years of loading.

Results

The survival rate was 94.4% for implants installed in the 90:10 and 100% for implants installed in the 60:40. There were no statistically significant differences in survival rate or success rate between the mixtures.

The width was 5.7 mm and 6.2 mm, respectively for the 2 groups without any significant difference between the groups after 2 years of loading. There was a significant difference in graft reduction between the groups, 54.4% (90:10) and 37.5% (60:40), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in implant stability or marginal bone levels at any time points.

Conclusions

The 2 treatment modalities may be successfully used for lateral ridge augmentation and presented good clinical results after 2 years of loading. However, long‐term RCTs are required before final conclusions can be provided on this specific topic.
The ecological consequences of environmentally induced phenotypic changes
Authors: Gibert Jean P. , Allen Rachel L. , Hruska Ron J. , DeLong John P.
Published: June 2017

Population dynamics and species persistence are often mediated by species traits. Yet many important traits, like body size, can be set by resource availability and predation risk. Environmentally induced changes in resource levels or predation risk may thus have downstream ecological consequences. Here, we assess whether quantity and type of resources affect the phenotype, the population dynamics, and the susceptibility to predation of a mixotrophic protist through experiments and a model. We show that cell shape, but not size, changes with resource levels and type, and is linked to carrying capacity, thus affecting population dynamics. Also, these changes lead to differential susceptibility to predation, with direct consequences for predator‐prey dynamics. We describe important links between environmental changes, traits, population dynamics and ecological interactions, that underscore the need to further understand how trait‐mediated interactions may respond to environmental shifts in resource levels in an increasingly changing world.
Among nurses, how does education level impact professional values? A systematic review
Authors: Sibandze B.T. , Scafide K.N.
Published: June 2017

Background

Professional nursing values have been acknowledged globally as the foundation of daily nursing care practice. Understanding how nurses identify, comprehend and apply their professional nursing values is an important step towards improving nursing practice and patient care quality. Research has demonstrated that nurses' professional values are cultivated during prelicensure academic education.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to determine how level of education affects professional nursing values of clinical practising nurses.

Methods

A systematic search of quantitative research published through December 2015 was performed in the following five electronic databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Religion and Philosophy Collection. The search was not limited to country of origin. The studies were assessed for methodological quality using established criteria.

Results

Of 1501 articles identified through the literature search, only seven studies met the inclusion criteria with the majority being of good to high quality. Most of the studies found registered nurses pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing or higher had a greater awareness and application of professional values than nurses with lower levels of academic or non‐academic education. Nurses with higher education also embraced professional values as fundamental for quality nursing care practice.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Health and academic institutions should support nurses through quality continuing and higher education that reinforces professional values, thus improving the quality of patient care.

Conclusions

The level of nurses' education appears to play an important role in developing both an awareness and an integration of professional values into practice. More research is needed to discover methods that may be used to promote nurses' professional values among nurses already practising clinically.
The role and therapeutic potential of melatonin in age‐related ocular diseases
Authors: Crooke Almudena , Huete‐Toral Fernando , Colligris Basilio , Pintor Jesús
Published: June 2017

The eye is continuously exposed to solar UV radiation and pollutants, making it prone to oxidative attacks. In fact, oxidative damage is a major cause of age‐related ocular diseases including cataract, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As the nature of lens cells, trabecular meshwork cells, retinal ganglion cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and photoreceptors is postmitotic, autophagy plays a critical role in their cellular homeostasis. In age‐related ocular diseases, this process is impaired, and thus, oxidative damage becomes irreversible. Other conditions such as low‐grade chronic inflammation and angiogenesis also contribute to the development of retinal diseases (glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy). As melatonin is known to have remarkable qualities such as antioxidant/antinitridergic, mitochondrial protector, autophagy modulator, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐angiogenic, it can represent a powerful tool to counteract all these diseases. The present review analyzes the role and therapeutic potential of melatonin in age‐related ocular diseases, focusing on nitro‐oxidative stress, autophagy, inflammation, and angiogenesis mechanisms.
Emerging Christianity and Religious Identity
Authors: Moody Katharine Sarah , Reed Randall W.
Published: June 2017

The issue of religious identity is important for understanding the Emerging Church movement (ECM), which is in our view a religious orientation adopted by individuals and groups with a variety of religious identities. ECM participants are often resistant to religious identity labels, even to the point of being reluctant to identify as part of the ECM itself. Coupling this resistance with the growing millennial embrace of the category “religious none,” we use identity theory to argue that the kind of religious change we see with millennials and the Emerging Church is the product of identity change. Using the results of focus groups with millennials in the southern United States, we argue that the potential for religious change around Emerging Church identities lies in a process of shifting. We also identify the potential for religious change among different Emerging Christian identities, taking Peter Rollins as an example of someone who proposes a concept of Christian identity more radical than those espoused by other Emerging Church figures.
Complications Following the Insertion of Two Synthetic Mid‐urethral Slings and Subsequent Removal
Authors: LEE Dominic , BACSU Chasta , DILLON Benjamin , ZIMMERN Philippe E.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine outcomes after removal of two synthetic mid‐urethral slings (MUS) at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of non‐neurogenic, symptomatic women requiring re‐operation after ≥2 MUS was performed. Data reviewed by a third party included: demographics, prior anti‐incontinence surgery, complications, pelvic/urinary symptoms, subsequent investigations, surgical repair and outcomes (including UDI‐6/IIQ‐7 questionnaires) at a minimum 6 months follow‐up. Cure was defined as being continent, no dyspareunia, and no additional surgical therapy.

Results

Between 2007 and 2014, 21 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 57 years (range: 40–82) and mean follow‐up was 30.2 months (range: 6–78). The majority of patients presented with one or more symptoms of voiding dysfunction (95%), urinary incontinence (86%), irritative voiding symptoms (62%), dyspareunia (57%), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) (29%), vaginal extrusion (20%) and erosion involving the urinary tract (5%). Patients had a mean of 2 prior anti‐incontinence procedures (range 2–3). Over two‐thirds had a combination of retropubic and transobturator MUS. Mean number of pre‐operative investigations was 3.5 (1–6) including voiding cystourethrogram, cystoscopy and urodynamics. Two patients had complete remission, 14 partial remission, and five failed. Mean postoperative total UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores at last clinic visit were 10 (range: 0–16/SD 4.1) and 11 (range: 0–28/SD 10.3), respectively.

Conclusion

The management of women with suboptimal outcomes following two synthetic MUS from transvaginal excision results in modest symptomatic improvement but low permanent complete remission and frequent need for additional therapies.
Attenuation of short wavelengths alters sleep and the ipRGC pupil response
Authors: Ostrin Lisa A. , Abbott Kaleb S. , Queener Hope M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Exposure to increasing amounts of artificial light during the night may contribute to the high prevalence of reported sleep dysfunction. Release of the sleep hormone melatonin is mediated by the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). This study sought to investigate whether melatonin level and sleep quality can be modulated by decreasing night‐time input to the ipRGCs.

Methods

Subjects (ages 17–42, n = 21) wore short wavelength‐blocking glasses prior to bedtime for 2 weeks. The ipRGC‐mediated post illumination pupil response was measured before and after the experimental period. Stimulation was presented with a ganzfeld stimulator, including one‐second and five‐seconds of long and short wavelength light, and the pupil was imaged with an infrared camera. Pupil diameter was measured before, during and for 60 s following stimulation, and the six‐second and 30 s post illumination pupil response and area under the curve following light offset were determined. Subjects wore an actigraph device for objective measurements of activity, light exposure, and sleep. Saliva samples were collected to assess melatonin content. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to assess subjective sleep quality.

Results

Subjects wore the blue‐blocking glasses 3:57 ± 1:03 h each night. After the experimental period, the pupil showed a slower redilation phase, resulting in a significantly increased 30 s post illumination pupil response to one‐second short wavelength light, and decreased area under the curve for one and five‐second short wavelength light, when measured at the same time of day as baseline. Night time melatonin increased from 16.1 ± 7.5 pg mL−1 to 25.5 ± 10.7 pg mL−1 (P < 0.01). Objectively measured sleep duration increased 24 min, from 408.7 ± 44.9 to 431.5 ± 42.9 min (P < 0.001). Mean PSQI score improved from 5.6 ± 2.9 to 3.0 ± 2.2.

Conclusions

The use of short wavelength‐blocking glasses at night increased subjectively measured sleep quality and objectively measured melatonin levels and sleep duration, presumably as a result of decreased night‐time stimulation of ipRGCs. Alterations in the ipRGC‐driven pupil response suggest a shift in circadian phase. Results suggest that minimising short wavelength light following sunset may help in regulating sleep patterns.
Impressive tissue regeneration of severe oral mucositis post stem cell transplantation using cord blood platelet gel
Authors: Piccin Andrea , Rebulla Paolo , Pupella Simonetta , Tagnin Mario , Marano Giuseppe , Di Pierro Angela Maria , Santodirocco Michele , Di Mauro Lazzaro , Beqiri Lisa , Kob Michael , Primerano Marco , Casini Marco , Billio Atto , Eisendle Klaus , Fontanella Fabrizio
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Platelet gel from cord blood (CBPG) is a recently developed blood component for topical use. We report a case of life‐threatening mucositis after high‐dose chemotherapy with fotemustine and cytarabine that was successfully treated with CBPG.

CASE REPORT

A patient with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma who was undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation developed severe oral and esophageal mucositis with severe bacterial sepsis and cytomegalovirus infection, causing prolonged neutropenia. CBPG was topically administered daily to the oral cavity. The CBPG was partially reabsorbed and partially swallowed.

RESULTS

After 8 consecutive days of administration, the patient's oral mucosa markedly improved, showing restitutio ad integrum, and the patient's clinical status progressively improved. No side effects were seen after CBPG application.

CONCLUSION

This case supports the need to conduct controlled studies comparing the efficacy of autologous and allogeneic platelet gel from adult and umbilical cord blood for the topical treatment of severe oral mucositis occurring after high‐dose chemotherapy.
The effect of nail characteristics on surface bacterial counts of surgical personnel before and after scrubbing
Authors: Hardy Jade M. , Owen Tina J. , Martinez Steven A. , Jones Lisa P. , Davis Margaret A.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of nail characteristics on bacterial counts on the fingers of surgery personnel.

Study design

Randomized nonblinded controlled crossover study design.

Sample population

Veterinary students, small animal surgery technicians, small animal surgery interns/residents, and small animal surgery faculty in a veterinary teaching hospital (n = 21).

Methods

Subjects were randomized into one of 2 groups; group 1 wore nail polish (P) for 1 week and group 2 (control) had nonpolished (NP) fingernails. Each subject changed groups the following week. Fingernail lengths were measured each day and fingernail samples were collected before and after presurgical scrub and after surgery. Total bacterial counts (TBC) and suspected staphylococci were counted on blood agar media and mannitol salt agar. The association between bacterial counts and nail biting, position of the volunteer, duration of the surgery, whether the nail polish was chipped, duration of nail polish application, type of surgery, and handedness was tested. Log‐transformed CFU counts were compared with a Student's t test and presence or absence of bacteria were compared using Fisher's exact test.

Results

TBC, quantities of staphylococci, other gram‐positive organisms, and gram‐negative bacilli did not differ between P and NP personnel. The only variable associated with higher bacterial counts consisted of nail lengths greater than 2 mm.

Conclusion

Nail polish did not influence bacterial counts and types of isolates, but nail length is a risk factor for increased bacterial counts. Based on our results, we recommend that nail length be kept under 2 mm.
Explicit Serre weights for two-dimensional Galois representations
Authors: Calegari Frank , Emerton Matthew , Gee Toby , Mavrides Lambros
Published: June 2017

We prove the explicit version of the Buzzard–Diamond–Jarvis conjecture formulated by Dembeleet al.(Serre weights and wild ramification in two-dimensional Galois representations, Preprint (2016),arXiv:1603.07708[math.NT]). More precisely, we prove that it is equivalent to the original Buzzard–Diamond–Jarvis conjecture, which was proved for odd primes (under a mild Taylor–Wiles hypothesis) in earlier work of the third author and coauthors.
Origami Crash Boxes Subjected to Dynamic Oblique Loading
Authors: Zhou Caihua , Jiang Liangliang , Tian Kuo , Bi Xiangjun , Wang Bo
Published: June 2017

The energy absorption capacity of origami crash boxes (OCB) subjected to oblique loading is investigated in the present study. A conventional square tube (CST) with identical weight is employed as benchmark. The comparative study reveals that the origami crash box is more desirable than the conventional square tube in most of the range of load angle. A parameter study is performed to assess the effect of geometry parameters on the energy absorption characteristics. The geometry parameters are tube length L, tube width b, module length l, and width of folded lobe c. Considering that bamboo with large slenderness ratio could effectively resist wind load, a bulkhead-reinforced origami crash box is proposed as a high-performance energy absorption device. And an optimum structure designed based on the parameter study is investigated. The result suggests that the proposed tube performs much better than the original design.
Electron field emission from SiC nanopillars produced by using nanosphere lithography
Authors: Yeşilpınar Damla , Çelebi Cem
Published: June 2017

Field emitter arrays of silicon carbide based nanopillars with high emitter density were fabricated by using a combination of nanosphere lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching techniques. The electron field emission characteristics of the produced nanopillars with two different aspect ratios and geometries were investigated, and the obtained results were compared with each other. The authors found that unlike the samples containing low aspect ratio SiC nanopillars with blunt tip apex, the samples comprising high aspect ratio nanopillars with sharp tip apex generate greater emission currents under lower electric fields. The nanopillars with sharp tip apex produced field emission currents up to 240 μA/cm2 under 17.4 V/μm applied electric field, while the nanopillars with blunt tip apex produced an emission current of 70 μA/cm2. The electric fields required to obtain 10 μA/cm2 current density are found to be 9.1 and 7.2 V/μm for the nanopillars with blunt and sharp tip apex, respectively. Time dependent stability measurements yielded stable electron emission without any abrupt change in the respective current levels of both samples.
An investigation of the systematic use of spectral information in the determination of apparent-talker height
Authors: Barreda Santiago
Published: June 2017

The perception of apparent-talker height is mostly determined by the fundamental frequency (f0) and spectral characteristics of a voice. Although it is traditionally thought that spectral cues affect apparent-talker height by influencing apparent vocal-tract length, a recent experiment [Barreda (2016). J. Phon. 55, 1–18] suggests that apparent-talker height can vary significantly within-talker on the basis of phonemically-determined spectral variability. In this experiment, listeners were asked to estimate the height of 10 female talkers based on manipulated natural productions of bVd words containing one of /i æ ɑ u ɝ/. Results indicate that although listeners appear to use vocal-tract length estimates in determining apparent-height, apparent-talker height also varies significantly within-talker based on the inherent spectral and source characteristics of different vowels, with vowels with lower formant-frequencies and f0 being associated with taller talkers overall. The use of spectral and f0 information in apparent-height estimation varied considerably between listeners, resulting in additional variation in the apparent-height of talkers. Although the use of acoustic information in the determination of apparent-height was highly systematic, it does not necessarily follow from the empirical relationship between speech acoustics and actual talker height.
Acoustic correlates of sexual orientation and gender-role self-concept in women's speech
Authors: Kachel Sven , Simpson Adrian P. , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: June 2017

Compared to studies of male speakers, relatively few studies have investigated acoustic correlates of sexual orientation in women. The present investigation focuses on shedding more light on intra-group variability in lesbians and straight women by using a fine-grained analysis of sexual orientation and collecting data on psychological characteristics (e.g., gender-role self-concept). For a large-scale women's sample (overall n = 108), recordings of spontaneous and read speech were analyzed for median fundamental frequency and acoustic vowel space features. Two studies showed no acoustic differences between lesbians and straight women, but there was evidence of acoustic differences within sexual orientation groups. Intra-group variability in median f0 was found to depend on the exclusivity of sexual orientation; F1 and F2 in /iː/ (study 1) and median f0 (study 2) were acoustic correlates of gender-role self-concept, at least for lesbians. Other psychological characteristics (e.g., sexual orientation of female friends) were also reflected in lesbians' speech. Findings suggest that acoustic features indexicalizing sexual orientation can only be successfully interpreted in combination with a fine-grained analysis of psychological characteristics.
Suppressing the onset of instabilities in the time-domain equivalent source method using a multistep approach
Authors: Zhang Yong-Bin , Bi Chuan-Xing , Zhang Xiao-Zheng , Xu Liang
Published: June 2017

Numerical instability is an important issue that should be addressed in the time-domain equivalent source method (TESM). This study proposes a multistep method to stabilize TESM when using the measured acoustic pressure data to optimize equivalent source strengths. Unlike the conventional single-step method that solves each time step in the time-marching process of TESM, the proposed method performs a one-time solution for several time steps. The multistep solution can potentially reduce the accumulation rate of error, and improves filtering effects by changing the structure of the matrix that needs to be inverted when the truncated singular value decomposition or Tikhonov regularization is used in the time-marching process. Numerical simulations with three examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the multistep method in improving the stability of solutions compared with the single-step method. Effects of the number of merged time steps on the solutions are also discussed to guide the selection process. Finally, the sensitivity of the multistep method to numerical parameters is investigated to demonstrate its consistency under different configurations of numerical parameters.
Magnitude and Spatial Distribution of Impact Intensity Under the Foot Relates to Initial Foot Contact Pattern
Authors: Breine Bastiaan , Malcolm Philippe , Segers Veerle , Gerlo Joeri , Derie Rud , Pataky Todd , Frederick Edward C. , De Clercq Dirk
Published: June 2017

In running, foot contact patterns (rear-, mid-, or forefoot contact) influence impact intensity and initial ankle and foot kinematics. The aim of the study was to compare impact intensity and its spatial distribution under the foot between different foot contact patterns. Forty-nine subjects ran at 3.2 m·s−1 over a level runway while ground reaction forces (GRF) and shoe-surface pressures were recorded and foot contact pattern was determined. A 4-zone footmask (forefoot, midfoot, medial and lateral rearfoot) assessed the spatial distribution of the vertical GRF under the foot. We calculated peak vertical instantaneous loading rate of the GRF (VILR) per foot zone as the impact intensity measure. Midfoot contact patterns were shown to have the lowest, and atypical rearfoot contact patterns the highest impact intensities, respectively. The greatest local impact intensity was mainly situated under the rear- and midfoot for the typical rearfoot contact patterns, under the midfoot for the atypical rearfoot contact patterns, and under the mid- and forefoot for the midfoot contact patterns. These findings indicate that different foot contact patterns could benefit from cushioning in different shoe zones.
Iterative Assessment of Statistically-Oriented and Standard Algorithms for Determining Muscle Onset with Intramuscular Electromyography
Authors: Tenan Matthew S. , Tweedell Andrew J. , Haynes Courtney A.
Published: June 2017

The onset of muscle activity, as measured by electromyography (EMG), is a commonly applied metric in biomechanics. Intramuscular EMG is often used to examine deep musculature and there are currently no studies examining the effectiveness of algorithms for intramuscular EMG onset. The present study examines standard surface EMG onset algorithms (linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser Energy Operator, and sample entropy) and novel algorithms (time series mean-variance analysis, sequential/batch processing with parametric and nonparametric methods, and Bayesian changepoint analysis). Thirteen male and 5 female subjects had intramuscular EMG collected during isolated biceps brachii and vastus lateralis contractions, resulting in 103 trials. EMG onset was visually determined twice by 3 blinded reviewers. Since the reliability of visual onset was high (ICC(1,1): 0.92), the mean of the 6 visual assessments was contrasted with the algorithmic approaches. Poorly performing algorithms were stepwise eliminated via (1) root mean square error analysis, (2) algorithm failure to identify onset/premature onset, (3) linear regression analysis, and (4) Bland-Altman plots. The top performing algorithms were all based on Bayesian changepoint analysis of rectified EMG and were statistically indistinguishable from visual analysis. Bayesian changepoint analysis has the potential to produce more reliable, accurate, and objective intramuscular EMG onset results than standard methodologies.
Translation Initiation from Conserved Non-AUG Codons Provides Additional Layers of Regulation and Coding Capacity
Authors: Ivanov Ivaylo P. , Wei Jiajie , Caster Stephen Z. , Smith Kristina M. , Michel Audrey M. , Zhang Ying , Firth Andrew E. , Freitag Michael , Dunlap Jay C. , Bell-Pedersen Deborah , Atkins John F. , Sachs Matthew S.
Published: June 2017

Neurospora crassa cpc-1
and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCN4
are homologs specifying transcription activators that drive the transcriptional response to amino acid limitation. The
cpc-1
mRNA contains two upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its >700-nucleotide (nt) 5′ leader, and its expression is controlled at the level of translation in response to amino acid starvation. We used
N. crassa
cell extracts and obtained data indicating that
cpc-1
uORF1 and uORF2 are functionally analogous to
GCN4
uORF1 and uORF4, respectively, in controlling translation. We also found that the 5′ region upstream of the main coding sequence of the
cpc-1
mRNA extends for more than 700 nucleotides without any in-frame stop codon. For 100
cpc-1
homologs from Pezizomycotina and from selected Basidiomycota, 5′ conserved extensions of the CPC1 reading frame are also observed. Multiple non-AUG near-cognate codons (NCCs) in the CPC1 reading frame upstream of uORF2, some deeply conserved, could potentially initiate translation. At least four NCCs initiated translation
in vitro
.
In vivo
data were consistent with initiation at NCCs to produce N-terminally extended
N. crassa
CPC1 isoforms. The pivotal role played by CPC1, combined with its translational regulation by uORFs and NCC utilization, underscores the emerging significance of noncanonical initiation events in controlling gene expression.

IMPORTANCE
There is a deepening and widening appreciation of the diverse roles of translation in controlling gene expression. A central fungal transcription factor, the best-studied example of which is
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
GCN4, is crucial for the response to amino acid limitation. Two upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in the GCN4 mRNA are critical for controlling GCN4 synthesis. We observed that two uORFs in the corresponding
Neurospora crassa cpc-1
mRNA appear functionally analogous to the GCN4 uORFs. We also discovered that, surprisingly, unlike GCN4, the CPC1 coding sequence extends far upstream from the presumed AUG start codon with no other in-frame AUG codons. Similar extensions were seen in homologs from many filamentous fungi. We observed that multiple non-AUG near-cognate codons (NCCs) in this extended reading frame, some conserved, initiated translation to produce longer forms of CPC1, underscoring the significance of noncanonical initiation in controlling gene expression.
Non-Toxin-Producing
Bacillus cereus
Strains Belonging to the
B. anthracis
Clade Isolated from the International Space Station
Authors: Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Singh Nitin K. , Checinska Sielaff Aleksandra , Pope Robert K. , Bergman Nicholas H. , van Tongeren Sandra P. , Patel Nisha B. , Lawson Paul A. , Satomi Masataka , Williamson Charles H. D. , Sahl Jason W. , Keim Paul , Pierson Duane , Perry Jay
Published: June 2017

The International Space Station Microbial Observatory (Microbial Tracking-1) study is generating a microbial census of the space station’s surfaces and atmosphere by using advanced molecular microbial community analysis techniques supported by traditional culture-based methods and modern bioinformatic computational modeling. This approach will lead to long-term, multigenerational studies of microbial population dynamics in a closed environment and address key questions, including whether microgravity influences the evolution and genetic modification of microorganisms. The spore-forming
Bacillus cereus sensu lato
group consists of pathogenic (
B. anthracis
), food poisoning (
B. cereus
), and biotechnologically useful (
B. thuringiensis
) microorganisms; their presence in a closed system such as the ISS might be a concern for the health of crew members. A detailed characterization of these potential pathogens would lead to the development of suitable countermeasures that are needed for long-term future missions and a better understanding of microorganisms associated with space missions.
Presacral mass in the setting of an ovarian cyst and abdominal pain
Authors: Gutierrez Omar , Haj-Ibrahim Huzifa , Griffiths Elzbieta , Olasky Jaisa
Published: June 2017

Tailgut cysts, also known as retrorectal hamartomas, are very rare neoplasms located in the presacral/retrorectal space that originate from the embryonic hindgut. Although a majority of lesions in this location are benign, 30% of the reported cases in the literature were found to be malignant. This report describes a case of a presacral mass found on CT of a 37-year-old woman who initially presented with worsening abdominal pain and a history of ovarian cyst rupture. This patient’s clinical picture was complicated by an enlarging ovarian cyst. The risk of progression to malignancy warranted excision. She recovered well with resolution of her presenting symptoms. We report this case along with a brief review of the literature with a focus on the surgical considerations.
Effect of acute nitrate ingestion on V̇O2 response at different exercise intensity domains
Authors: Ghiarone Thaysa , Ataide-Silva Thays , Bertuzzi Romulo , McConell Glenn Kevin , Lima-Silva Adriano Eduardo
Published: June 2017

While nitrate supplementation influences oxygen uptake (V̇O2) response to exercise, this effect may be intensity dependent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute nitrate supplementation on V̇O2 response during different exercise intensity domains in humans. Eleven men ingested 10 mg·kg−1 body mass (8.76 ± 1.35 mmol) of sodium nitrate or sodium chloride (placebo) 2.5 h before cycling at moderate (90% of gas exchange threshold; GET), heavy (GET + 40% of the difference between GET and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), Δ 40) or severe (GET + 80% of the difference between GET and V̇O2peak, Δ 80) exercise intensities. Volunteers performed exercise for 10 min (moderate), 15 min (heavy) or until exhaustion (severe). Acute nitrate supplementation had no effect on any V̇O2 response parameters during moderate and severe exercise intensities. However, the V̇O2 slow amplitude (nitrate: 0.93 ± 0.36 L·min−1 vs. placebo: 1.13 ± 0.59 L·min−1, p = 0.04) and V̇O2 slow gain (nitrate: 5.81 ± 2.37 mL·min–1·W−1 vs. placebo: 7.09 ± 3.67 mL·min–1·W−1, p = 0.04) were significantly lower in nitrate than in placebo during the heavy exercise intensity. There was no effect of nitrate on plasma lactate during any exercise intensity (p > 0.05). Time to exhaustion during the severe exercise intensity was also not affected by nitrate (p > 0.05). In conclusion, acute nitrate supplementation reduced the slow component of V̇O2 only when performing heavy-intensity exercise, which might indicate an intensity-dependent effect of nitrate on V̇O2 response.
Nonlinear subgrade reaction solution for circular tunnel lining design based on mobilized strength of undrained clay
Authors: Zhang Dong-ming , Phoon Kok-Kwang , Hu Qun-fang , Huang Hong-wei
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a nonlinear solution of a radial subgrade reaction–displacement (pk–ur) curve for circular tunnel lining design in undrained clay. With the concept of soil shear strength nonlinearly mobilized with shear strain, an analytical solution of pk is obtained using the mobilized strength design method. Two typical deformation modes are considered, namely oval and uniform. A total of 197 orthogonally designed cases are used to calibrate the proposed nonlinear solution of pk using the finite element method with the hardening soil model. The calibration results are summarized using a correction factor, η, which is defined as the ratio of pk_FEM to pk_MSD. It is shown that η is correlated to some input parameters. If this correlation is removed by a regression equation, f, the modified solution f(pk_MSD) agrees very well with pk_FEM. Although in reality the mobilized soil strength varies with principal stress direction, it is found that a simple average of plane strain compression and extension results is sufficient to produce the above agreement. The proposed nonlinear pk–ur curve is applied to an actual tunnel lining design example. The predicted tunnel deformations agree very well with the measured data. In contrast, a linear pk model would produce an underestimation of tunnel convergence and internal forces by 2–4 times due to the overestimation of pk at a large strain level.
Multi-Bit NVRAMs Using Quantum Dot Gate Access Channel
Authors: Lingalugari Murali , Chan Pik-Yiu , Chandy John , Heller Evan , Jain Faquir
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a quantum dot access channel nonvolatile random access memory (QDAC-NVRAM) which has comparable write and erase times to conventional random access memories but consumes less power and has a smaller footprint. We have fabricated long-channel (W/L=15μm/10μm) nonvolatile random access memories (NVRAMs) with 4μs erase times. These devices are CMOS-compatible and employ novel quantum dot access channel (QDAC) which enables fast storage and retrieval of charge from the floating gate layer. In addition, QDNVRAMs are shown to be capable of storing multiple-bits and potentially scalable to sub 22nm. We are also presenting the simulation results. This paper also presents a memory array architecture using QDAC-NVRAMs.
QCD monopole and sigma meson coupling
Authors: Iwazaki Aiichi
Published: June 2017

Under the assumption of the Abelian dominance in QCD, we show that chiral condensate is locally present around a QCD monopole. The appearance of the chiral condensate around a GUT monopole was shown in the previous analysis of the Rubakov effect. We apply a similar analysis to the QCD monopole. It follows that the condensation of the monopole carrying the chiral condensate leads to the chiral symmetry breaking as well as quark confinement. To realize the result explicitly, we present a phenomenological linear sigma model coupled with the monopoles, in which the monopole condensation causes the chiral symmetry breaking as well as confinement. The monopoles are assumed to be described by a model of dual superconductor. Because the monopoles couple with mesons, we point out the presence of an observable color singlet monopole coupled with the mesons.
Deforming regular black holes
Authors: Neves J. C. S.
Published: June 2017

In this work, we have deformed regular black holes which possess a general mass term described by a function which generalizes the Bardeen and Hayward mass functions. By using linear constraints in the energy–momentum tensor to generate metrics, the solutions presented in this work are either regular or singular. That is, within this approach, it is possible to generate regular or singular black holes from regular or singular black holes. Moreover, contrary to the Bardeen and Hayward regular solutions, the deformed regular black holes may violate the weak energy condition despite the presence of the spherical symmetry. Some comments on accretion of deformed black holes in cosmological scenarios are made.
The taxonomy and phylogeny of
Diopecephalus kochi
(Wagner, 1837) and ‘
Germanodactylus rhamphastinus
’ (Wagner, 1851)
Authors: Vidovic Steven U. , Martill David M.
Published: June 2017

The Solnhofen pterosaurs
Pterodactylus antiquus
,
Aerodactylus scolopaciceps
,
Diopecephalus kochi
,
Germanodactylus cristatus
and
Germanodactylus rhamphastinus
all have complicated taxonomic histories. Species originally placed in the genus
Pterodactylus
, such as
Aerodactylus scolopaciceps
,
Ardeadactylus longicollum
,
Cycnorhamphus suevicus
and
Germanodactylus cristatus
possess apomorphies not observed in the type species of
Pterodactylus
, and consequently have been placed in new genera. The affinities of another Solnhofen pterosaur previously placed in
Pterodactylus
,
Diopecephalus kochi
, are less clear. It has been proposed that
D. kochi
is a juvenile specimen of
Pterodactylus antiquus
, or perhaps ‘
Germanodactylus rhamphastinus
’ specimens are mature examples of
D. kochi
. Furthermore, studies have suggested that ‘
Germanodactylus rhamphastinus
’ is not congeneric with the type species of
Germanodactylus.
Geometric morphometric analysis of prepubes and a cladistic analysis of the Pterosauria elucidate plesiomorphic and apomorphic conditions for basal Jurassic pterodactyloids.
Germanodactylus
is found to be a monotypic genus and
Pterodactylus
,
Diopecephalus
, and ‘
G. rhamphastinus
’ are found as distinct taxa belonging in individual genera, diagnosable using a combination of characters. Thus,
Diopecephalus kochi
is not demonstrated to be congeneric with
Germanodactylus
or
Pterodactylus
and is maintained as a valid taxon. ‘
G. rhamphastinus
’ is readily distinguishable from other Solnhofen pterosaur taxa, and a new genus is erected for its reception.
Statistics of Earthquake Activity: Models and Methods for Earthquake Predictability Studies
Authors: Ogata Yosihiko
Published: June 2017

Statistical methods and various models in time-space-magnitude parameter space of earthquakes are being developed to analyze seismic activity based on earthquake hypocenter catalogs that are routinely accumulated. Considering complex geophysical environments and uncertainties, we seek proper stochastic modeling that depends on the history of earthquake occurrences and relevant geophysical information for describing and forecasting earthquake activity. Also, we need empirical Bayesian models with many parameters in order to describe nonstationary or nonhomogeneous seismic activity. This review is concerned with earthquake predictability research aimed at realizing practical operational forecasting. In particular, uncertainty lies in identifying whether abnormal phenomena are precursors to large earthquakes. The predictability of such models can be examined by certain statistical criteria.
Integrating Genome-Wide Association and eQTLs Studies Identifies the Genes and Gene Sets Associated with Diabetes
Authors: Liang Xiao , He Awen , Wang Wenyu , Liu Li , Du Yanan , Fan Qianrui , Li Ping , Wen Yan , Hao Jingcan , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2017

Aim. To identify novel candidate genes and gene sets for diabetes. Methods. We performed an integrative analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) data for diabetes. Summary data was driven from a large-scale GWAS of diabetes, totally involving 58,070 individuals. eQTLs dataset included 923,021 cis-eQTL for 14,329 genes and 4,732 trans-eQTL for 2,612 genes. Integrative analysis of GWAS and eQTLs data was conducted by summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR). To identify the gene sets associated with diabetes, the SMR single gene analysis results were further subjected to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A total of 13,311 annotated gene sets were analyzed in this study. Results. SMR analysis identified 6 genes significantly associated with fasting glucose, such as C11ORF10 (p value = 6.04 × 10−8), MRPL33 (p value = 1.24 × 10−7), and FADS1 (p value = 2.39 × 10−7). Gene set analysis identified HUANG_FOXA2_TARGETS_UP (false discovery rate = 0.047) associated with fasting glucose. Conclusion. Our study provides novel clues for clarifying the genetic mechanism of diabetes. This study also illustrated the good performance of SMR approach and extended it to gene set association analysis for complex diseases.
Method of Improved Fuzzy Contrast Combined Adaptive Threshold in NSCT for Medical Image Enhancement
Authors: Zhou Fei , Jia ZhenHong , Yang Jie , Kasabov Nikola
Published: June 2017

Noises and artifacts are introduced to medical images due to acquisition techniques and systems. This interference leads to low contrast and distortion in images, which not only impacts the effectiveness of the medical image but also seriously affects the clinical diagnoses. This paper proposes an algorithm for medical image enhancement based on the nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT), which combines adaptive threshold and an improved fuzzy set. First, the original image is decomposed into the NSCT domain with a low-frequency subband and several high-frequency subbands. Then, a linear transformation is adopted for the coefficients of the low-frequency component. An adaptive threshold method is used for the removal of high-frequency image noise. Finally, the improved fuzzy set is used to enhance the global contrast and the Laplace operator is used to enhance the details of the medical images. Experiments and simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to existing methods of image noise removal, improves the contrast of the image significantly, and obtains a better visual effect.
Pathomechanisms of Oxidative Stress in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Potential Antioxidant Therapies
Authors: Tian Tian , Wang Ziling , Zhang Jinhua
Published: June 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease whose incidence has risen worldwide in recent years. Accumulating evidence shows that oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of IBD. This review highlights the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the involvement of oxidative stress signaling in the initiation and progression of IBD and its relationships with genetic susceptibility and the mucosal immune response. In addition, potential therapeutic strategies for IBD that target oxidative stress signaling are reviewed and discussed. Though substantial progress has been made in understanding the role of oxidative stress in IBD in humans and experimental animals, the underlying mechanisms are still not well defined. Thus, further studies are needed to validate how oxidative stress signaling is involved in and contributes to the development of IBD.
Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Drug Eruptions among Antiretroviral Therapy-Exposed HIV Infected People in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Kouotou Emmanuel Armand , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Ngono Vanessa Nancy , Tatah Sandra A. , Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Anne Cecile , Ndjitoyap Ndam Elie Claude
Published: June 2017

Background. Prevalence and incidence of drug eruptions vary around the world and are influenced by some key factors including HIV infection.Objective. This study aimed to find the peculiarities of drug eruptions in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and on antiretroviral therapy (ART).Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study including ART-taking PLHIV, aged 15+ years, followed up between January 2010 and December 2014 at the day-care unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, and who presented with drug eruptions after ART initiation.Results. Of 6,829 ART-experiencing PLHIV, 41 presented with drug eruptions, giving a prevalence of 0.6%. The M/F sex ratio equaled 0.17. The mean age was 41.07 ± 11.36 years. Benign drug eruptions accounted for 83.3%. Milder forms were essentially maculopapular exanthema (36.6%), fixed pigmented erythema (7.3%), and urticaria (4.9%). Severe forms were represented by multiform erythema (4.9%), toxic epidermal necrolysis (2.4%), and drug hypersensitivity syndrome (2.4%). The Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz ART-protocol was received by 48.8% of patients and 69% of patients were receiving Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Nevirapine, Efavirenz, Zidovudine, and Cotrimoxazole were suspected as the potential causes in 43.7%, 4.8%, 2.4%, and 26.8% of cases, respectively.Conclusion. Drug eruptions seem infrequent among ART-exposed HIV infected adult Cameroonians.
Study on Cutting Form and Surface Machining Quality of Wheel Tread under Reprofiling
Authors: Wang Jianxi , Xue Xin , Lu Yongjie
Published: June 2017

The wheelset maintenance cost is an important part of train maintenance cost. Researchers and railway operators have been closely concerned about the way to minimize residual stress at wheel tread and surface roughness during wheel reprofiling, thereby reducing the wheel damage during operation, extending the wheelset service life, and cutting down wheelset maintenance cost. The present study involves dynamic simulation of tread reprofiling process by building a finite element model of wheel reprofiling, taking the wheel steel as research object. This paper makes a comprehensive analysis of surface roughness and residual stress distribution of wheel tread under different milling parameters. The simulation results indicate that the increase in cutting speed and back cutting depth causes the chip morphology to change while impairing the machined surface quality. Once serrated chip occurs, it means wheel tread machining quality deteriorates remarkably. In this way, the paper associates macroscopic chip morphology with microcosmic surface roughness and internal residual stress to provide theoretical basis for optimization of wheel reprofiling process.