bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormalities in the 24‐hour rhythm of skin temperature in cirrhosis: Sleep‐wake and general clinical implications
Authors: Garrido Maria , Saccardo Desy , De Rui Michele , Vettore Elia , Verardo Alberto , Carraro Paolo , Di Vitofrancesco Nicola , Mani Ali R. , Angeli Paolo , Bolognesi Massimo , Montagnese Sara
Published: July 2017

Background & Aims

Sleep preparation/onset are associated with peripheral vasodilatation and a decrease in body temperature. The hyperdynamic syndrome exhibited by patients with cirrhosis may impinge on sleep preparation, thus contributing to their difficulties falling asleep. The aim of this study was the assessment of skin temperature, in relation to sleep‐wake patterns, in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Fifty‐three subjects were initially recruited, and 46 completed the study. Of the final 46, 12 were outpatients with cirrhosis, 13 inpatients with cirrhosis, 11 inpatients without cirrhosis and 10 healthy volunteers. All underwent baseline sleep‐wake evaluation and blood sampling for inflammatory markers and morning melatonin levels. Distal/proximal skin temperature and their gradient (DPG) were recorded for 24 hours by a wireless device. Over this period subjects kept a sleep‐wake diary.

Results

Inpatients with cirrhosis slept significantly less well than the other groups. Inpatients and outpatients with cirrhosis had higher proximal temperature and blunted rhythmicity compared to the other groups. Inpatients with/without cirrhosis had higher distal temperature values and blunted rhythmicity compared to the other groups. Inpatients and outpatients with cirrhosis had significantly lower DPG values compared to the other groups, and DPG reached near‐zero values several hours later. Significant correlations were observed between temperature and sleep‐wake variables and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Alterations of distal/proximal skin temperature, their gradient and their time‐course were observed in patients with cirrhosis, which may contribute to their sleep disturbances.
IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 variants predict off‐treatment HBsAg seroclearance in IFN‐treated HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Galmozzi Enrico , Facchetti Floriana , Grossi Glenda , Loglio Alessandro , Viganò Mauro , Lunghi Giovanna , Colombo Massimo , Lampertico Pietro
Published: July 2017

Background & Aim

Robust baseline predictors of interferon (IFN) response in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are not currently available. The recently described rs368234815 TT/ΔG dinucleotide and rs117648444 nonsynonymous P70S polymorphisms in IFN lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene, which are strongly associated with response to IFN in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, could be also useful in IFN‐treated CHB patients. Here we assessed whether IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 polymorphisms predict IFN‐induced HBsAg clearance in CHB patients.

Methods

We sequenced the IFNL4 gene on genomic DNA collected from 126 HBeAg‐negative CHB patients treated with IFN and followed up for a median of 11 (1‐23) years.

Results

The 15‐year cumulative probability of HBsAg loss in the 62 carriers of the rs368234815 TT/TT genotype, which abolishes the IFNλ4 protein production, was comparable to that of 19 patients carrying the rs117648444 T allele predicted to produce an impaired IFNλ4‐S70 protein (39% vs 42%, P  =  .827). In contrast, these 81 patients, either not producing IFNλ4 or producing an impaired IFNλ4‐S70 protein, had a significantly higher 15‐year probability of HBsAg loss compared to the 45 subjects predicted to encode only the fully functional IFNλ4‐P70 (42% vs 11% P = .003). At multivariate analysis, combination of the rs368234815 and rs117648444 genotypes strongly predicted HBsAg clearance (HR 5.90, 95% CI 1.70‐20.9, P = .006) together with pretreatment serum HBV DNA levels (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39‐0.83, P = .003).

Conclusion

IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 functional variants are worth to be investigated as pretreatment combined predictors of IFN response in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients.
Legal Professionals and Development Strategies: Corporate Lawyers and the Construction of the Telecoms Sector in Brazil (1980s–2010s)
Authors: de Sá e Silva Fabio , Trubek David M.
Published: July 2017

This study explores the role of corporate lawyers in the construction and operation of a key area of the Brazilian economy over a thirty-year period. It looks at three periods in the history of the Brazilian telecoms sector: the fall of state monopoly; global restructuring, neoliberalism, and privatization; and the recent resurgence of state activism. In the first two periods, lawyers worked to facilitate privatization and to create a lightly regulated market for telecoms services that attracted foreign capital. Things changed, however, when the industry was faced with new industrial and social policies. In this period, lawyers oscillated between resisting government intrusion and negotiating engagement with regulators. This sequence of events encompasses changes in the field of state power, hierarchies in the legal profession, and core-periphery relations, which invite new syntheses of existing theoretical traditions about law, lawyers, and capitalist development in emerging economies.
Using Syllogistics to Teach Metalogic
Authors: Demey Lorenz
Published: July 2017

This article describes a specific pedagogical context for an advanced logic course and presents a strategy that might facilitate students’ transition from the object‐theoretical to the metatheoretical perspective on logic. The pedagogical context consists of philosophy students who in general have had little training in logic, except for a thorough introduction to syllogistics. The teaching strategy tries to exploit this knowledge of syllogistics, by emphasizing the analogies between ideas from metalogic and ideas from syllogistics, such as existential import, the distinction between contradictories and contraries, and the square of opposition. This strategy helps to improve students’ understanding of metalogic, because it allows the students to integrate these new ideas with their previously acquired knowledge of syllogistics.
Rejoinder to Wall
Authors: Forschler Scott
Published: July 2017

Edmund Wall's criticism of the author's earlier analysis of Hare's consequentialism and Kantian ethics claims that the author overlooked Hare's commitment to preference satisfaction as an “ultimate good.” This rejoinder points out that Hare never uses the phrase in question, nor any equivalent phrase or concept, in presenting his own arguments and refers only to the standard of “universalizability” as ultimate, in contexts that support the author's original argument. Hence Wall has only given us yet another example of how Hare's views can be misunderstood by philosophers who fail to attend to the details of Hare's approach.
Three Pervasive Presuppositions about Human Life and Ethics Strongly Warrant Analysis
Authors: Miller Lantz Fleming
Published: July 2017

Common philosophical discussions concerning the ethics of human interaction with the biosphere and universe have been significantly informed by certain presuppositions: (1) nature is conquerable; (2) human cultural and social (contrasted with moral) progress is somewhat like a thing, beyond human control, and is inevitable and benevolent; and (3) Homo sapiens is the superior life‐form. Although arguments, such as whether humans should conquer nature, founded upon these presuppositions have sometimes been challenged, each of these three presuppositions wants direct analysis. The three have become so ingrained in professional and everyday discourse that they have mythic proportions, as though beyond question. Because of the weightiness of the relevant philosophical issues, they merit overt analysis. Although they are independent and may be analyzed separately, this article treats them as whole, as they often work together in arguments. After finding substantial problems, the article suggests alternative ways of building sustainable presuppositions in similar territory.
Armchair Disagreement
Authors: Weber Marc Andree
Published: July 2017

A commonly neglected feature of the so‐calledEqual Weight View, according to which we should give our peers’ opinions the same weight we give our own, is its prima facie incompatibility with the common picture of philosophy as an armchair activity: an intellectual effort to seek a priori knowledge. This view seems to imply that our beliefs are more likely to be true if we leave our armchair in order to find out whether there actually are peers who, by disagreeing with us, force us to revise our beliefs. This article argues that the Equal Weight View should be spelled out in such a way that not only actual peer disagreement requires us to revise our beliefs, but also merely possible peer disagreement. This result is not areductio ad absurdumof the view. Quite the opposite: it shows that the view is, contrary to appearance, compatible with our common way of doing philosophy.
Evidence of unique genetic diversity in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from Cameroon
Authors: Ashu Eta E. , Korfanty Gregory A. , Xu Jianping
Published: July 2017

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that can cause lethal invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Recent studies have shown that Eurasian and North American populations of A. fumigatus often consist of genetically diverse strains. However, very little is known about African populations of A. fumigatus. Here, we characterise the genetic diversity and triazole susceptibility of A. fumigatus in Cameroon, West Africa. A total of 495 soil samples were obtained from nine collection sites in three Cameroonian regions. Nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype all 51 identified A. fumigatus isolates. In vitro susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole was tested using micro broth dilution. The 51 Cameroonian A. fumigatus isolates belonged to 45 genotypes. Consistent with recombination, 32 of 36 possible pairwise loci combinations are phylogenetically incompatible. Interestingly, evidence for geographic sub‐structuring was found within Cameroon and the sub‐population with the most evidence of recombination was also the least susceptible sub‐population to the triazole antifungals tested. Furthermore, the Cameroonian sample was significantly differentiated from those in Eurasia and North America. Overall, our results indicate the genetic uniqueness of Cameroonian A. fumigatus populations and that additional novel genetic diversity likely exist in other parts of Africa.
Decreased levels of PDI and P5 in oligodendrocytes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Honjo Yasuyuki , Ayaki Takashi , Tomiyama Takami , Horibe Tomohisa , Ito Hidefumi , Mori Hiroshi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Kawakami Koji
Published: July 2017

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a chaperone protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Nitric oxide‐induced S‐nitrosylation of PDI inhibits its enzymatic activity, leading to protein accumulation and activation of the unfolded protein response. Protein disulfide isomerase P5 (P5) is a member of the PDI family that mostly localizes to the ER lumen. Both S‐nitrosylated PDI and S‐nitrosylated P5 are found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Previously, we showed that expression of the ER stress marker, growth arrest, and DNA damage protein (GADD34) was significantly increased in neurons and oligodendrocytes in AD brain. In the present study, we showed that PDI and P5 levels were significantly decreased in oligodendrocytes in the brains of AD patients and an AD mouse model. Interestingly, these decreases were evident before the animals displayed typical AD pathology. Because we previously showed that small short interfering RNA knockdown of PDI or P5 could affect the viability of neuronal cells under ER stress, dysfunction of PDI and P5 under ER stress could cause apoptosis of neuronal cells. In summary, we showed that the levels of PDI and P5 were significantly decreased in the oligodendrocytes of AD patients. This phenomenon was also found in an AD mouse model before the animals displayed AD pathology. The overall findings suggest that oligodendrocytes may play important roles in AD pathogenesis.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation in the spinal cord contributes to visceral hypersensitivity induced by craniofacial injury followed by stress
Authors: Zhao Y.‐J. , Li J.‐H. , Hu B. , Wang Y. , Chang X.‐F. , Traub R. J. , Cao D.‐Y.
Published: July 2017

Background

We previously developed an animal model to examine mechanisms that underlie the emergence of visceral hypersensitivity modeling pain characteristics of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In ovariectomized (OVx) rats with estradiol (E2) replacement, visceral hypersensitivity developed subsequent to masseter muscle inflammation followed by repeated forced swim (FS) stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal cord contributes to visceral hypersensitivity in this overlapping pain model.

Methods

In OVx with E2 replacement rats masseter muscle inflammation was followed by 3 day FS (comorbid condition). Depression‐like behaviors were assessed by sucrose preference and in the elevated plus maze, and visceral sensitivity was measured by the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention. The protein level of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) in the L6‐S2 dorsal spinal cord was analyzed by western blot.

Key Results

FS stress decreased sucrose consumption in E2 replaced rats in sucrose preference test. The expression of p‐ERK1/2 in the L6‐S2 dorsal spinal cord increased significantly in E2 with comorbid rats. Intrathecal injection of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked the visceral hypersensitivity induced by masseter muscle inflammation combined with FS stress.

Conclusions & Inferences

These data indicate that ERK1/2 activation contributes to the visceral hypersensitivity evoked by craniofacial inflammation pain combined with stress. The results may provide a new therapeutic avenue for alleviating overlapping pain conditions.
Microstructural white matter brain abnormalities in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence
Authors: Muthulingam J. , Haas S. , Hansen T. M. , Laurberg S. , Lundby L. , Jørgensen H. S. , Drewes A. M. , Krogh K. , Frøkjær J. B.
Published: July 2017

Background

Abnormal central nervous system processing of visceral sensation may be a part of the pathogenesis behind idiopathic fecal incontinence (IFI). Our aim was to characterize brain differences in patients with IFI and healthy controls by means of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

In 21 female patients with IFI and 15 female healthy controls, whole‐brain structural differences in gray matter volume (GMV), cortical thickness, and white matter tracts fractional anisotropy (FA) were quantified. For this purpose, we used voxel‐based morphometry, surface based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistic, respectively. Furthermore, associations between structural brain characteristics and latencies of rectal sensory evoked electroencephalography potentials were determined.

Key Results

Compared to healthy controls, IFI patients had significantly reduced FA values, reflecting reduced white matter tract integrity, in the left hemisphere superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), posterior thalamic radiation, and middle frontal gyrus (MFG), all P<.05. No differences were observed in GMV or in cortical thickness. The reduced FA values in the SLF and MFG were correlated with prolonged latencies of cortical potentials evoked by rectal stimuli (all P<.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

This explorative study suggests that IFI patients have no macrostructural brain changes, but exhibit microstructural changes in white matter tracts relevant for sensory processing. The clinical relevance of this finding is supported by its correlations with prolonged latencies of cortical potentials evoked by rectal stimulation. This supports the theories of central nervous system changes as part of the pathogenesis in IFI patients.
A comprehensive review of agrimoniin
Authors: Grochowski Daniel M. , Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Xiao Jianbo , Locatelli Marcello , Piwowarski Jakub P. , Granica Sebastian , Tomczyk Michał
Published: July 2017

Plant tannins are a unique class of polyphenols with relatively high molecular weights. Within the ellagitannins group, agrimoniin––dimeric ellagitannin––is one of the most representative compounds found in many plant materials belonging to the Rosaceae family. Agrimoniin was first isolated in 1982 from roots of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (Rosaceae), a plant traditionally used in Japan and China as an antidiarrheal, hemostatic, and antiparasitic agent. Agrimoniin is a constituent of medicinal plants, which are often applied orally in the form of infusions, decoctions, or tinctures. It is also present in commonly consumed food products, such as strawberries and raspberries. It is metabolized by human gut microbiota into a series of low‐molecular‐weight urolithins with proven anti‐inflammatory and anticancer in vivo and in vitro bioactivities. The compound has received widespread interest owing to some interesting biological effects and therapeutic activities, which we elaborate in the present review. Additionally, we present an overview of the techniques used for the analysis, isolation, and separation of agrimoniin from the practical perspective.
Multiple interactions networks: towards more realistic descriptions of the web of life
Authors: García‐Callejas David , Molowny‐Horas Roberto , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: July 2017

Ecological communities are defined by species interacting dynamically in a given location at a given time, and can be conveniently represented as networks of interactions. Pairwise interactions can be ascribed to one of five main types, depending on their outcome for the species involved: amensalism, antagonism (including predation, parasitism and disease), commensalism, competition or mutualism. While most studies have dealt so far with networks involving one single type of interaction at a time, often focusing on a specific clade and/or guild, recent studies are being developed that consider networks with more than one interaction type and across several levels of biological organisation. We review these developments and suggest that three main frameworks are in use to investigate the properties of multiple interactions networks: ‘expanded food‐webs’, ‘multilayer networks’ and ‘equal footing networks’. They differ on how interactions are classified and implemented in mathematical models, and on whether the effect of different interaction types is expressed in the same units. We analyse the mathematical and ecological assumptions of these three approaches, and identify some of the questions that can be addressed with each one of them. Since the overwhelming majority of studies on multiple interactions are theoretical and use artificially generated data, we also provide recommendations for the incorporation of field data in such studies.
More dissimilar than alike? Public values preferences acrossUSminority and white managers
Authors: Stazyk Edmund C. , Davis Randall S. , Portillo Shannon
Published: July 2017

Interest in public values has grown considerably over the past two decades. Much of this attention reflects a growing awareness that public values hold considerable significance for citizens and public employees. Yet, despite the rapid expansion of research on public values, we still know little about the role of race in shaping and determining public employees’ values preferences. To begin remedying this gap, this article examines whether minority and white public managers in largeUSlocal governments exhibit the same value preferences when making departmental decisions. Results from a multiple group confirmatory factor analysis indicate that minority and white managers express similar preferences for traditional public administration values; however, minority managers report a stronger preference for both traditional public administration (e.g., efficiency and effectiveness) and social equity‐oriented (e.g., equity, representation) values.
Dermatitis of the Foot: Epidemiologic and Clinical Features in 389 Children
Authors: Ortiz‐Salvador José‐María , Esteve‐Martínez Altea , García‐Rabasco Ana , Subiabre‐Ferrer Daniela , Martínez‐Leboráns Lorena , Zaragoza‐Ninet Violeta
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

Footwear dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. There have been only small studies regarding foot contact dermatitis in children. The present study was undertaken to define the prevalence and epidemiologic and clinical features of shoe dermatitis in children.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of all children referred for patch testing between 1996 and 2015. Children with dermatitis limited to the feet were selected.

Results

We collected data from 389 children younger than 16 years, 52 of whom (13.4%) were referred with dermatitis exclusively on the feet. Diagnosis after patch testing was allergic contact dermatitis in 23 children (44.2%), atopic eczema in 12 (23.1%), juvenile plantar dermatosis in 8 (15.4%), dyshidrotic eczema in 6 (11.5%), irritant contact dermatitis in 2 (3.8%), and tinea pedis in 1 (1.9%). The most frequent allergens were potassium dichromate, thimerosal, cobalt chloride, mercapto mix, colophonium, mercury, and nickel(II) sulfate.

Conclusion

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by footwear is a common cause of foot dermatitis in children. Children with foot dermatitis should be referred for patch testing when an allergic origin is suspected.
Acute Genital Swelling Heralding C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency in a Child
Authors: Murad Aizuri , Leahy Timothy Ronan , Lenane Patricia
Published: July 2017

A healthy 5‐year‐old boy presented to the emergency department with an acute genital swelling. He had no relevant family history. His presentation and blood investigations were consistent with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, mostly likely arising de novo. A rare cause of acute genital swelling and its management are discussed.
Sedation protocol with fasting and shorter sleep leads to magnetic resonance imaging success
Authors: Kimiya Takahisa , Sekiguchi Shinichiro , Yagihashi Tatsuhiko , Arai Mie , Takahashi Hirotaka , Takahashi Takao
Published: July 2017

Background

Young children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require sedation. In June 2013, Tokyo Metropolitan Ohtsuka Hospital (TMOH) introduced an oral sedation protocol for young children undergoing MRI; the protocol included instructions on fasting before sedation, and recommended a shorter duration of sleep the night before MRI. We compared the MRI success rate before and after the introduction of this protocol.

Methods

The eligible subjects were children under 3 years old who underwent MRI by appointment at TMOH between October 2012 and March 2014, under sedation with triclofos sodium. All those who underwent MRI in or after June 2013 were enrolled prospectively as a post‐protocol group. All patients who underwent MRI before June 2013 were enrolled retrospectively as a pre‐protocol group, with data collected from chart review.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were enrolled in the post‐protocol group, and 42 in the pre‐protocol group. The MRI success rate was significantly higher in the post‐protocol group than in the pre‐protocol group (98.7% vs 88.1%), as was the rate of on‐time starting of MRI (86.5% vs 71.4%). The post‐protocol group woke up earlier on the day of examination (6:18 a.m. vs 6:43 a.m.), resulting in a significantly longer time between awakening and the beginning of sedation (289.8 min vs 265.9 min), and a significantly shorter average duration of sleep on the previous night (504.8 min vs 532.3 min).

Conclusions

Implementation of a hospital‐wide sedation protocol for young children undergoing MRI significantly improved the MRI success rate.
Handheld fetal Doppler device for assessing heart rate in neonatal resuscitation
Authors: Shimabukuro Rinshu , Takase Kozo , Ohde Sachiko , Kusakawa Isao
Published: July 2017

Background

The use of neonatal three‐lead electrocardiograms (Neo‐ECG) is suggested for the assessment of heart rate (HR) in neonatal resuscitation, but primary childbirth facilities (i.e. maternity clinics or maternity homes) are not sufficiently equipped for this. The aim of this study was to therefore to confirm the potential of a handheld fetal Doppler device (FDD), widely used to assess HR in labor room resuscitation, and to compare its equivalency to Neo‐ECG.

Methods

In low‐risk full‐term infants, HR was measured five times per minute in minutes 1–5 after delivery using the FDD and Neo‐ECG, and their equivalence compared. The equivalence margin was set at a HR difference of <±5 beats/min and <±5%. Moreover, the times at which HR was displayed were measured for both methods.

Results

FDD and Neo‐ECG HR correlated strongly (r = 0.977) in 155 measurements in 33 cases. The mean HR difference was −0.123 beats/min (95%CI: −0.594 to +0.345), and the logarithmic transformation of the HR ratio was −0.0003 (95%CI: −0.0020 to +0.0015). The mean HR difference and HR ratio were within the equivalence margin. For HR assessment using the FDD, 155 of 165 measurements (93.9%) could be obtained in <10 s.

Conclusions

In HR assessment, FDD is a valid substitute for Neo‐ECG in primary childbirth facilities that are not sufficiently equipped for Neo‐ECG.
Association between PM2.5 and PM2.5 Constituents and Preterm Delivery in California, 2000–2006
Authors: Basu Rupa , Pearson Dharshani , Ebisu Keita , Malig Brian
Published: July 2017

Background

Particulate matter (PM) has been documented to contribute to preterm delivery. However, few studies have investigated the relationships between individual constituents of fine PM (PM2.5) and preterm delivery, and factors that may modify their associations.

Methods

In this study, we examined the associations between several prenatal exposure metrics to PM2.5 and 23 constituents of PM2.5 and preterm delivery in California from 2000 to 2006. In a retrospective cohort study including 231 637 births, we conducted logistic regression analyses adjusting for maternal, infant, temporal, geographic, and neighbourhood characteristics.

Results

We observed increased risk for preterm delivery with full‐gestational exposure for several PM2.5 constituents. Per interquartile range increase, ammonium (21.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 17.1, 25.4), nitrate (18.1%, 95% CI 14.9, 21.4) and bromine (16.7%, 95% CI 13.2, 20.3) had some of the largest increased risks. Alternatively, some PM2.5 constituents were inversely associated with preterm delivery, including chlorine (−8.2%, 95% CI −10.3, −6.0), sodium (−13.2%, 95% CI −15.2, −11.3), sodium ion (−11.9%, 95% CI −14.1, −9.6) and vanadium (−19.2%, 95% CI −25.3, −12.6). Greater associations between PM2.5 constituents and preterm delivery were observed for Blacks and Asians, older mothers, and those with some college education compared to their reference groups, as well as for births with gestational ages from 32 to 34 weeks.

Conclusions

PM2.5 constituents ammonium, nitrate and bromine, often linked to traffic and biomass combustion, were most associated with increased risk of preterm delivery in California. Certain demographic subgroups may be particularly impacted.
Daylight effect on melatonin secretion in adult female guanacos (Lama guanicoe)
Authors: Riveros JL , Correa LM , Schuler G
Published: July 2017

Contents

The wild South American camelids developed a strategy of seasonal reproduction during spring and summer with singleton birth. The photoperiod is one of the factors that may modulate this seasonality where light would be translated into a hormonal signal. This study evaluated the influence of changes in daily light intensity on melatonin concentration in captive guanacos under a long‐day photoperiod (16 hr light/8 hr dark; 33 ‘28′S). Mean melatonin concentration was 28.3 ± 20.3 pg/ml, with a maximum of 52.14 ± 17.19 pg/ml at 23:30 and minimum of 14.29 ± 6.64 pg/ml at 08:30 (p < .001). There was a negative association between light intensity and melatonin concentration (r = −0.57; p < .001). The results indicate that guanacos respond to variation in daily environmental light with a hormonal response and point to a circannual rhythm as a function of the photoperiod.
Autonomic dysfunction as a mechanism of intradialytic blood pressure instability
Authors: Shafi Tariq , Mullangi Surekha , Jaar Bernard G. , Silber Harry
Published: July 2017

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the principal endogenous defense mechanism that maintains blood pressure in the setting of hypotension. Disruption of the ANS impairs this ability and can contribute to blood pressure instability, including hypotension and hypertension. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the ANS and the consequences of its dysfunction in patients with end‐stage kidney disease treated with dialysis. We also discuss possible mechanisms of this autonomic dysfunction that may need future investigation.
Diagenesis of spiculites and carbonates in a Permian temperate ramp succession – Tempelfjorden Group, Spitsbergen, Arctic Norway
Authors: Matysik Michał , Stemmerik Lars , Olaussen Snorre , Brunstad Harald
Published: July 2017

This paper explores little investigated diagenesis of spicule‐dominated sediments, based on Permian spiculites and cool‐water carbonates of the Tempelfjorden Group in central Spitsbergen. Field observations, petrography, stable isotope geochemistry, and mineralogical and chemical analyses reveal that the strata have been subjected to multistage diagenesis as the result of silica phase transitions at medium burial depths and deep‐burial overprinting. The growth of silica concretions occurred during the opal‐A/opal‐CT conversion and was controlled by the content and distribution of clay and spicules in the sediment, resulting in a variety of megascopic silica fabrics. Opal‐CT was subsequently dissolved, and all silica is now in a stable quartz stage. Petrographically, the rocks are characterized by a variety of chalcedony and quartz cements which perfectly preserve precursor textures. Most cements precipitated from silica‐oversaturated fluids, and their shapes reflect the silica saturation state and geometry of the pore space. Some microquartz and cryptoquartz also formed by a solid–solid inversion (recrystallization) of chalcedony. The cements have δ18O values between +30‰ and +20‰ Standard Mean Ocean Water and display a systematic depletion in 18O from the first to the last crystallized, interpreted to reflect a gradual increase in temperature during burial. The precipitation of quartz cements started in the Middle Triassic when the strata passed the 19°C isotherm at burial depths of ca 600 m, and was completed in the mid‐Cretaceous, 2·3 km beneath the sea floor at temperatures of 75°C. Late diagenetic overprinting of the chert includes fracturing, brecciation and cementation with carbonate cements having δ18O values between +2‰ and −30‰ Pee Dee Belemnite and δ13C values between +4‰ and −14‰ Pee Dee Belemnite; they are linked to hot solutions introduced during Cretaceous volcanism or Palaeogene tectonism. This study illustrates the diagenetic pathway during burial of spicule‐rich sediments in a closed system and thereby provides a baseline for studies of more complexly altered chert deposits.
Suicidal Self‐Directed Violence Among Homeless US Veterans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hoffberg Adam S. , Spitzer Elizabeth , Mackelprang Jessica L. , Farro Samantha A. , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: July 2017

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate suicidal self‐directed violence and homelessness among US military veterans, and identify existing suicide prevention strategies. In November 2015, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google, and Google Scholar were searched. Articles published since 1990 investigating self‐directed violence among homeless veterans were identified. Data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Nineteen observational studies were included. Suicide ideation rates were 1.3% (current), 7.0% (past week), 12.1%–18% (past 30 days), and 74% (lifetime). Suicide attempt rates were 0%–6% (past 30 days), 30.7%–31.5% (past 5 years), and 15%–46.6% (lifetime). Death by suicide rate was 81.0 per 100,000. No interventional studies to prevent self‐directed violence among homeless veterans were identified. Homeless veterans are at risk for self‐directed violence, suggesting the need for research to examine preventive strategies. A comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention needs to focus on vulnerable populations, including homeless veterans.
Pythiopina, an enigmatic subtribe of darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Pedinini): taxonomic revision, microtomography, ecological niche models and phylogenetic position
Authors: KAMIŃSKI MARCIN J. , KANDA KOJUN , RAŚ MARCIN , SMITH AARON D.
Published: July 2017

Morphological, anatomical, and distributional data concerning the South African endemic beetle subtribe Pythiopina (Tenebrionidae: Pedinini) are revised. Five species, representing two genera, are recognized. Included in this total is one new species (Meglyphus mariae Kamiński sp.n.). The following species are placed in synonymy: Meglyphus ciliatipes [=Meglyphus calitzensis syn.n.]; Meglyphus laenoides [=Meglyphus andreaei syn.n.; =Meglyphus namaqua syn.n.]. Microtomographic models for all valid Pythiopina species, including the holotype of the newly described species, are presented and analysed. Endoskeleton morphology (specifically characters of the tentorium and metendosternite) proved to be informative at the specific and generic levels. An identification key is provided to all known species of the subtribe. Environmental niche models are presented for the majority of species. A molecular phylogeny of Pedinini based on six genetic loci (28S: D1–D3 region; 28S: D4–D5 region, COII, ArgK, CAD2, wg) was also produced to explore the phylogenetic position of Pythiopina. This analysis is the first to include representatives of all seven subtribes of Pedinini, and supports a sister relationship between Pythiopina and the Palaearctic subtribe Dendarina. Results also suggest the existence of a second pair of sister taxa within Pedinini (in addition to Melambiina) with an amphitropical African distribution.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:285AD87A‐46B1‐4FE9‐BC57‐949EA1F70D49.
The prevalence of CCR5‐Δ32 mutation in a cohort of Saudi stem cell donors
Authors: Alarifi M. , Al‐Amro F. , Alalwan A. , Al‐Turki A. , Fakhoury H. , Atallah N. , Al‐Muallimi M. , Al‐Balwi M. , Alzahrani M. , Alaskar A. , Hajeer A. , Jawdat D.
Published: July 2017

CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that was found to be used by HIV as a co‐receptor for entering target cells. A 32 bp deletion was described in certain people that rendered CCR5 non‐functional. The mutant allele CCR5‐Δ32 has been shown to prevent HIV infection. In addition, stem cell transplantation with the CCR5‐Δ32 homozygous genotype can lead to clearance of HIV infection. In this study, our aim was to investigate the frequency of CCR5‐Δ32 mutation in a cohort of stem cell donors from cord blood bank and stem cell donor registry. A total of 3025 samples were collected from healthy stem cell donors (2625) and from cord blood units (400). DNA was extracted and the CCR5 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a light cycler system using SYBR Green dye. The mutated gene was further confirmed by direct gene sequencing. We found 38 heterozygous for CCR5‐Δ32 and one homozygous CCR5 mutation (Δ32/Δ32) out of the 3025 tested individuals. We conclude that the protective CCR5‐Δ32 allele appears to be rarely present in Saudi Arabia.
The Relationship between School Administrators Personalities and Servant Leadership Behaviours
Authors: Sağlam Mehmet Hilmi , Alpaydın Yusuf
Published: July 2017

In a globalized world, people's financial opportunities are increasing. However, their spiritual and moral behaviour is diminishing. This situation can be seen in both people and institutions, especially in the education sector. Servant Leadership, which presents a new perspective on this humanitarian crisis, is a modern leadership approach. An effective and successful school comprises managers with strong personalities and effective leadership methods. The main purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the personalities of school administrators and their servant leadership behaviours. A correlational research model was used in the research. The participants constituted 14.135 teachers working in schools in the province of Denizli, a city in Turkey, in the academic year of 2016–2017. The sample comprised 327 teachers selected using the convenient easy sampling method. A personal information form prepared by the researcher, compriseing the Servant Leadership Scale and the Adjective Based Personality Test (ABPT) was used in the research. The research data was analysed with the IBM SPSS 21.0 package software program. As a result of the analyses made, a high positive correlation was found between school administrator personalities and Servant Leadership behaviours (r = .764).
Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 mediates Epac‐induced spontaneous transient outward currents in rat vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Humphries Edward S. A. , Kamishima Tomoko , Quayle John M. , Dart Caroline
Published: July 2017

Key points

The Ca2+ and redox‐sensing enzyme Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) is a crucial and well‐established signalling molecule in the heart and brain.

In vascular smooth muscle, which controls blood flow by contracting and relaxing in response to complex Ca2+ signals and oxidative stress, surprisingly little is known about the role of CaMKII.

The vasodilator‐induced second messenger cAMP can relax vascular smooth muscle via its effector, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), by activating spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) that hyperpolarize the cell membrane and reduce voltage‐dependent Ca2+ influx. How Epac activates STOCs is unknown.

In the present study, we map the pathway by which Epac increases STOC activity in contractile vascular smooth muscle and show that a critical step is the activation of CaMKII.

To our knowledge, this is the first report of CaMKII activation triggering cellular activity known to induce vasorelaxation.

Activation of the major cAMP effector, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation by increasing the activity of ryanodine (RyR)‐sensitive release channels on the peripheral sarcoplasmic reticulum. Resultant Ca2+ sparks activate plasma membrane Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels, evoking spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) that hyperpolarize the cell and reduce voltage‐dependent Ca2+ entry. In the present study, we investigate the mechanism by which Epac increases STOC activity. We show that the selective Epac activator 8‐(4‐chloro‐phenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine‐3′, 5‐cyclic monophosphate‐AM (8‐pCPT‐AM) induces autophosphorylation (activation) of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) and also that inhibition of CaMKII abolishes 8‐pCPT‐AM‐induced increases in STOC activity. Epac‐induced CaMKII activation is probably initiated by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐mobilized Ca2+: 8‐pCPT‐AM fails to induce CaMKII activation following intracellular Ca2+ store depletion and inhibition of IP3 receptors blocks both 8‐pCPT‐AM‐mediated CaMKII phosphorylation and STOC activity. 8‐pCPT‐AM does not directly activate BKCa channels, but STOCs cannot be generated by 8‐pCPT‐AM in the presence of ryanodine. Furthermore, exposure to 8‐pCPT‐AM significantly slows the initial rate of [Ca2+]i rise induced by the RyR activator caffeine without significantly affecting the caffeine‐induced Ca2+ transient amplitude, a measure of Ca2+ store content. We conclude that Epac‐mediated STOC activity (i) occurs via activation of CaMKII and (ii) is driven by changes in the underlying behaviour of RyR channels. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CaMKII initiating cellular activity linked to vasorelaxation and suggests novel roles for this Ca2+ and redox‐sensing enzyme in the regulation of vascular tone and blood flow.
Optimizing Separate Exhaust Turbofans for Cruise Specific Fuel Consumption
Authors: Khalid Syed J.
Published: July 2017

Cruise specific fuel consumption (SFC) of turbofan engines is a key metric for increasing airline profitability and for reducing CO2 emissions. Although increasing design bypass ratio (BPR) of separate exhaust turbofan configurations improves cruise SFC, further improvements can be obtained with online control actuated variable geometry modulations of bypass nozzle throat area, core nozzle throat area, and compressor variable vanes (CVV/CVG). The scope of this paper is to show only the benefits possible, and the process used in determining those benefits, and not to suggest any particular control algorithm for searching the best combination of the control effectors. A parametric cycle study indicated that the effector modulations could increase the cruise BPR, core efficiency, transmission efficiency, propulsive efficiency, and ideal velocity ratio resulting in a cruise SFC improvement of as much as 2.6% depending upon the engine configuration. The changes in these metrics with control effector variations will be presented. Scheduling of CVV is already possible in legacy digital controls; perturbation to this schedule and modulation of nozzle areas should be explored in light of the low bandwidth requirements at steady-state cruise conditions.
Multi-Objective Accelerated Process Optimization of Part Geometric Accuracy in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Aboutaleb Amir M. , Tschopp Mark A. , Rao Prahalad K. , Bian Linkan
Published: July 2017

The goal of this work is to minimize geometric inaccuracies in parts printed using a fused filament fabrication (FFF) additive manufacturing (AM) process by optimizing the process parameters settings. This is a challenging proposition, because it is often difficult to satisfy the various specified geometric accuracy requirements by using the process parameters as the controlling factor. To overcome this challenge, the objective of this work is to develop and apply a multi-objective optimization approach to find the process parameters minimizing the overall geometric inaccuracies by balancing multiple requirements. The central hypothesis is that formulating such a multi-objective optimization problem as a series of simpler single-objective problems leads to optimal process conditions minimizing the overall geometric inaccuracy of AM parts with fewer trials compared to the traditional design of experiments (DOE) approaches. The proposed multi-objective accelerated process optimization (m-APO) method accelerates the optimization process by jointly solving the subproblems in a systematic manner. The m-APO maps and scales experimental data from previous subproblems to guide remaining subproblems that improve the solutions while reducing the number of experiments required. The presented hypothesis is tested with experimental data from the FFF AM process; the m-APO reduces the number of FFF trials by 20% for obtaining parts with the least geometric inaccuracies compared to full factorial DOE method. Furthermore, a series of studies conducted on synthetic responses affirmed the effectiveness of the proposed m-APO approach in more challenging scenarios evocative of large and nonconvex objective spaces. This outcome directly leads to minimization of expensive experimental trials in AM.
Analytical Simulation of Random Textures Generated in Electrical Discharge Texturing
Authors: Jithin S. , Bhandarkar Upendra V. , Joshi Suhas S.
Published: July 2017

Textured functional surfaces are finding applications in the fields of bioengineering, surface energy, hydrodynamics, lubrication, and optics. Electrical discharge machining (EDM), which is normally used to generate smoother surface finish on various automotive components and toolings, can also generate surfaces of rough finish, a desirable characteristic for texturing purposes. There is a lack of modeling efforts to predict the surface textures obtained under various EDM operating conditions. The aim of the current work is to capture the physics of the electrical discharge texturing (EDT) on a surface assuming random generation of multiple sparks with respect to (i) space, (ii) time, and (iii) energy. A uniform heat disk assumption is taken for each individual spark. The three-dimensional (3D) texture generated is utilized to evaluate a 3D roughness parameter namely arithmetic mean height, Sa. Surface textures obtained from the model are validated against experimentally obtained ones by comparison of distribution of Ra values taken along parallel sections along the surface. It was found that the distribution of simulated Ra values agrees with that of experimental Ra values.
An Ultrafast Vitrification Method for Cell Cryopreservation
Authors: Su Fengmin , Zhao Nannan , Deng Yangbo , Ma Hongbin
Published: July 2017

Ultrafast cooling is the key to successful cell vitrification cryopreservation of lower concentration cryoprotective solution. This research develops a cell cryopreservation methodology which utilizes thin film evaporation and achieves vitrification of relatively low concentration cryoprotectant with an ultrafast cooling rate. Experimental results show that the average cooling rate of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) cryoprotective solution reaches 150,000 °C/min in a temperature range from 10 °C to −180 °C. The ultrafast cooling rate can remarkably improve the vitrification tendencies of the cryoprotective solution. This methodology opens the possibility for more successful cell vitrification cryopreservation.
Semi-Simplified Black-Box Dynamic Modeling of an Industrial Gas Turbine Based on Real Performance Characteristics
Authors: Mehrpanahi Abdollah , Payganeh Gholamhasan , Arbabtafti Mohammadreza , Hamidavi Ali
Published: July 2017

The use of multishaft industrial gas turbines is expanding in various industries because of variation in their structure, flexibility, and their appropriate power generation range. In this study, a semi-simplified black-box dynamic modeling has been done for the three-shaft gas turbine MGT-30. Modeling is done in such a way that all the important variables can be calculated and evaluated. One of the important parameters in dynamic modeling of gas turbine is the time lag relevant to the performance properties of sensors and actuators of the system. In this study, in order to measure the transfer function, physical and actual characteristics of the system were applied. Depending on the type of thermocouples (TCs) used, their activation time was eliminated using a lead compensator. In modeling of the system, the functions were related to the implementation of off-design conditions for compliance with the outputs of a real system model, and outputs were presented proportional to the rate and type of changes for each variable. Finally, validation was done by comparing the power-turbine generated power, exhaust gas temperatures downstream of low pressure (LP) turbine, and speeds of LP and high-pressure (HP) turbines with the real values of Qeshm turbogenerator power plant.
Structures of the CRISPR genome integration complex
Authors: Wright Addison V. , Liu Jun-Jie , Knott Gavin J. , Doxzen Kevin W. , Nogales Eva , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: July 2017

The CRISPR integration complex relies on structural features of DNA to achieve site-selective CRISPR array expansion.