bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining gender specificity of sexual response with concurrent thermography and plethysmography
Authors: Huberman Jackie S. , Chivers Meredith L.
Published: July 2015

Men's genital responses are significantly greater to sexual stimuli of their preferred gender compared to their nonpreferred gender (gender‐specific), whereas androphilic (i.e., sexually attracted to men) women's genital responses are similar to sexual stimuli depicting either women or men (gender‐nonspecific). This gendered pattern of genital response has only been demonstrated using vaginal photoplethysmography (VPP) in women and primarily penile plethysmography (PPG) in men. These measures assess different aspects of genital vasocongestion, thereby limiting comparisons between genders. Thermography is a newer sexual psychophysiology methodology that measures genital vasocongestion via temperature change and is better suited to assess sexual response between genders because the dependent measure, change in genital temperature, is similar for women and men. Further, previous studies have assessed gender specificity of sexual response across relatively short sexual stimuli, allowing only the examination of initial phases of sexual response. We examined gender specificity of sexual arousal by measuring women's and men's genital responses to lengthier stimuli with concurrent thermography and VPP/PPG. Gynephilic men (i.e., sexually attracted to women; n = 27) and androphilic women (n = 28) viewed 10‐min films depicting men masturbating, women masturbating, and a nonsexual film, and reported feelings of sexual arousal while genital responses were assessed. Across measures, men's sexual responses were gender‐specific and women's responses were gender‐nonspecific, indicating that the gender difference in gender specificity of arousal is robust to methodology and stimulus duration. These findings replicate previous research, extend knowledge of gendered sexual response, and highlight the utility of multimethod approaches in sexual psychophysiology.
Competing Cultural Narratives: Gender and the Representation of US K–12 Teachers in Contemporary School Reform Policies
Authors: Kerstetter Katie
Published: July 2015

Cultural narratives about the proper scope and focus of teaching are embedded in contemporary school reform policies. This review examines literature related to two competing cultural narratives about US primary and secondary teachers: that “good teachers” are autonomous saviors, defined by their abilities to act independently and against great odds to improve academic outcomes for low‐income and minority students, and that “good teachers” are disempowered technicians who follow the guidance of externally‐recognized experts in their efforts to reduce educational inequalities. A review of literature critiquing these narratives finds that scholars have often analyzed these narratives using theoretical frameworks associated with race, class, and/or neoliberalism. This review examines what historians of education and feminist scholars can contribute to a critical analysis of the representation of US teachers in political speech and popular culture. It demonstrates that gender, as part of an intersectional approach, is important to understanding how White middle‐class women teachers can be positioned simultaneously as “autonomous saviors” and as “disempowered technicians” and how these narratives influence the professional status and autonomy associated with the work of teaching.
Prevention of stillbirth
Authors: Smith Gordon CS
Published: July 2015

Key content

Most of the variability in stillbirth risk is not due to maternal risk factors, therefore modifying maternal risk factors or screening women using maternal risk factors to assess risk has limited potential impact.

The primary intervention that prevents stillbirth is delivery.

The overall risk of perinatal death is lowest at 39 weeks of gestation, and induction of labour at term does not increase a woman's risk of emergency caesarean section.

The most promising approach to screening low risk women for stillbirth risk may be to improve identification of small‐for‐gestational‐age infants; however, there is an absence of high quality evidence around the optimal approach for achieving this goal.

Learning objectives

To understand the relationship between maternal risk factors, obstetric complications and fetal size in relation to stillbirth risk.

To understand the approach to fetal assessment and elective delivery as methods to prevent stillbirth.

Ethical issues

Screening for stillbirth risk has the potential to do good by preventing deaths. However, if programmes of screening and intervention are developed, many more women may be harmed due to high false positive rates.
Influence of age on respiratory modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure and baroreflex function in humans
Authors: Shantsila Alena , McIntyre David B. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Fadel Paul J. , Paton Julian F. R. , Pickering Anthony E. , Fisher James P.
Published: July 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does ageing influence the respiratory‐related bursting of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and the association between the rhythmic fluctuations in MSNA and blood pressure (Traube–Hering waves) that occur with respiration?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Despite the age‐related elevation in MSNA, the cyclical inhibition of MSNA during respiration is similar between young and older individuals. Furthermore, central respiratory–sympathetic coupling plays a role in the generation of Traube–Hering waves in both young and older humans.

Healthy ageing and alterations in respiratory–sympathetic coupling have been independently linked with heightened sympathetic neural vasoconstrictor activity. We investigated how age influences the respiratory‐related modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and the association between the rhythmic fluctuations in MSNA and blood pressure that occur with respiration (Traube–Hering waves; THW). Ten young (22 ± 2 years; mean ± SD) and 10 older healthy men (58 ± 6 years) were studied while resting supine and breathing spontaneously. MSNA, blood pressure and respiration were recorded simultaneously. Resting values were ascertained and respiratory cycle‐triggered averaging of MSNA and blood pressure measurements performed. The MSNA burst incidence was higher in older individuals [22.7 ± 9.2 versus 42.2 ± 13.7 bursts (100 heart beats)−1, P < 0.05], and was reduced to a similar extent in the inspiratory to postinspiratory period in young and older subjects (by ∼25% compared with mid‐ to late expiration). A similar attenuation of MSNA burst frequency (in bursts per minute), amplitude and total activity (burst frequency × mean burst amplitude) was also observed in the inspiratory to postinspiratory period in both groups. A significant positive correlation between respiratory‐related MSNA and the magnitude of Traube–Hering waves was observed in all young (100%) and most older subjects (80%). These data suggest that the strength of the cyclical inhibition of MSNA during respiration is similar between young and older individuals; thus, alterations in respiratory–sympathetic coupling appear not to contribute to the age‐related elevation in MSNA. Furthermore, central respiratory–sympathetic coupling plays a role in the generation of Traube–Hering waves in both healthy young and older humans.
Annular Gap Bubble Column: Experimental Investigation and Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Besagni Giorgio , Guédon Gaël Raymond , Inzoli Fabio
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the countercurrent gas–liquid flow in an annular gap bubble column with a 0.24 m inner diameter by using experimental and numerical investigations. The two-phase flow is studied experimentally using flow visualizations, gas holdup measurements, and double fiber optical probes in the following range of operating conditions: superficial air velocities up to 0.23 m/s and superficial water velocities up to −0.11 m/s, corresponding to gas holdups up to 29%. The flow visualizations were used to observe the flow patterns and to obtain the bubble size distribution (BSD). The gas holdup measurements were used for investigating the flow regime transitions, and the double fiber optical probes were used to study the local flow phenomena. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Eulerian two-fluid modeling of the column operating in the bubbly flow regime is proposed using the commercial software ansys fluent. The three-dimensional (3D) transient simulations have been performed considering a set of nondrag forces and polydispersity. It is shown that the errors in the global holdup and in the local properties are below 7% and 16%, respectively, in the range considered.
Design, Modeling, and Performance Optimization of a Reversible Heat Pump/Organic Rankine Cycle System for Domestic Application
Authors: Quoilin Sylvain , Dumont Olivier , Harley Hansen Kristian , Lemort Vincent
Published: July 2015

In this paper, an innovative system combining a heat pump (HP) and an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) process is proposed. This system is integrated with a solar roof, which is used as a thermal source to provide heat in winter months (HP mode) and electricity in summer months (ORC mode) when an excess irradiation is available on the solar roof. The main advantage of the proposed unit is its similarity with a traditional HP: the HP/ORC unit only requires the addition of a pump and four-way valves compared to a simple HP, which can be achieved at a low cost. A methodology for the optimal sizing and design of the system is proposed, based on the optimization of both continuous parameters such as heat exchanger size or discrete variables such as working fluid. The methodology is based on yearly simulations, aimed at optimizing the system performance (the net yearly power generation) over its whole operating range instead of just nominal sizing operating conditions. The simulations allow evaluating the amount of thermal energy and electricity generated throughout the year, yielding a net electric power output of 3496 kWh throughout the year.
Particulate Emissions From Karanja Biodiesel Fueled Turbocharged CRDI Sports Utility Vehicle Engine
Authors: Gopal Gupta Jai , Kumar Agarwal Avinash , Aggarwal Suresh K.
Published: July 2015

Biodiesel has emerged as one of the most promising alternative fuel to mineral diesel in last two decades globally. Lower blends of biodiesel emit fewer pollutants, while easing pressure on scarce petroleum resources, without sacrificing engine power output and fuel economy. However, diesel engines emit significant amount of particulate matter (PM), most of which are nanoparticles. Due to the adverse health impact of PM emitted by compression ignition (CI) engines; most recent emission legislations restrict the total number of particles emitted, in addition to PM mass emissions. Use of biodiesel leads to reduction in PM mass emissions; however, the particle size–numbers distribution has not been investigated thoroughly. In this paper, PM emission characteristics from Karanja biodiesel blends (KB20 and KB40) in a modern common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine used in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a maximum fuel injection pressure of 1600 bar have been reported. This study also explored comparative effect of varying engine speeds and loads on particulate size–number distribution, particle size–surface area distribution, and total particulate number concentration from biodiesel blends vis-à-vis baseline mineral diesel. This study showed that particulate number emissions from Karanja biodiesel blends were relatively higher than baseline mineral diesel.
Radiolysis of Supercritical Water at 400°C: A Sensitivity Study of the Density Dependence of the Yield of Hydrated Electrons on the (eaq−+eaq−) Reaction Rate Constant
Authors: Sanguanmith Sunuchakan , Meesungnoen Jintana , Guzonas David A. , Stuart Craig R. , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: July 2015

The temperature dependence of the rate constant (k) of the bimolecular reaction of two hydrated electrons (eaq−) measured in alkaline water exhibits an abrupt drop between 150°C and 200°C; above 250°C, it is too small to be measured reliably. Although this result is well established, the applicability of this sudden drop in k(eaq−+eaq−)) above ∼150°C to neutral or slightly acidic solution, as recommended by some authors, still remains uncertain. In fact, the recent work suggested that in near-neutral water the abrupt change in k above ∼150°C does not occur and that k should increase, rather than decrease, at temperatures greater than 150°C with roughly the same Arrhenius dependence of the data below 150°C. In view of this uncertainty of k, Monte Carlo simulations were used in this study to examine the sensitivity of the density dependence of the yield of eaq− in the low–linear energy transfer (LET) radiolysis of supercritical water (H2O) at 400°C on variations in the temperature dependence of k. Two different values of the eaq− self-reaction rate constant at 400°C were used: one was based on the temperature dependence of k above 150°C as measured in alkaline water (4.2×108  M−1 s−1), and the other was based on an Arrhenius extrapolation of the values below 150°C (2.5×1011  M−1 s−1). In both cases, the density dependences of our calculated eaq− yields at ∼60  ps and 1 ns were found to compare fairly well with the available picosecond pulse radiolysis experimental data (for D2O) for the entire water density range studied (∼0.15–0.6  g/cm3). Only a small effect of k on the variation of G(eaq−)) as a function of density at 60 ps and 1 ns could be observed. In conclusion, our present calculations did not allow us to unambiguously confirm (or deny) the applicability of the predicted sudden drop of k(eaq−+eaq−) at ∼150°C in near-neutral water.
Validation Facility and Model Development for Nuclear Fuel Assembly Response to Seismic Loading
Authors: Weichselbaum Noah A. , Rahimi Abkenar Morteza , Vanella Marcos , Manzari Majid T. , Balaras Elias , Bardet Philippe M.
Published: July 2015

A joint experimental and numerical campaign is conducted to provide validation dataset of high-fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) models of nuclear fuel assemblies during seismic loading. A refractive index-matched (RIM) flow loop is operated on a six-degree-of-freedom shake table and instrumented with nonintrusive optical diagnostics. The test section can house up to three full-height fuel assemblies. To guarantee reproducible and controlled initial conditions, special care is given to the test section inlet plenum; in particular, it is designed to minimize secondary pulsatile flow that may arise due to ground acceleration. A single transparent surrogate 6×6 fuel subassembly is used near prototypical Reynolds number, Re=105 based on hydraulic diameter. To preserve dynamic similarity of the model with prototype, the main dimensionless parameters are matched and custom spacer grids are designed. Special instruments are developed to characterize fluid and structure response and to operate in this challenging shaking environment. In parallel to the earlier experiments, we also conducted fully coupled direct numerical simulations, where the equations for the fluid and the structure are simultaneously advanced in time using a partitioned scheme. To deal with the highly complex geometrical configuration, which also involves large displacements and deformations, we utilize a second-order accurate, immersed boundary (IB) formulation, where the geometry is immersed in a block-structured grid with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). To explore a wide parametric range, we will consider several subsets of the experimental configuration. A typical computation involves 60,000 cores, on leadership high-performance computing facilities (i.e., IBM Blue-Gene Q–MIRA).
Countercurrent Flow Limitation in Slightly Inclined Pipes With Elbows
Authors: Murase Michio , Kinoshita Ikuo , Kusunoki Takayoshi , Lucas Dirk , Tomiyama Akio
Published: July 2015

One-dimensional (1D) sensitivity computations were carried out for air–water countercurrent flows in a 1/15-scale model of the hot leg and a 1/10-scale model of the pressurizer surge line in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) to generalize the prediction method for countercurrent flow limitation (CCFL) characteristics in slightly inclined pipes with elbows. In the 1D model, the wall friction coefficient fwG of single-phase gas flows was used. The interfacial drag coefficient of fi=0.03, an appropriate adjustment factor of NwL=6 for the wall friction coefficient fwL of single-phase liquid flows (NwG=1 for fwG of single-phase gas flows), and an appropriate adjustment factor of Nde=6 for the pressure loss coefficient ζe of elbows in single-phase flows were determined to give good agreement between the computed and measured CCFL characteristics. The adjusted factors were used to compute and then discuss effects of the inclination angle and diameter on CCFL characteristics.
Sensitivity Studies of Shear Stress Transport Turbulence Model Parameters on the Prediction of Seven-Rod Bundle Benchmark Experiments
Authors: Bergmann Cale , Ormiston S. , Chatoorgoon V.
Published: July 2015

This paper reports the findings of a sensitivity study of parameters in the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model in a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to predict an experiment from the Generation IV International Forum Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (GIF SCWR) 2013–2014 seven-rod subchannel benchmark exercise. This study was motivated by the result of the benchmark exercise that all the CFD codes gave similar results to a subchannel code, which does not possess any sophisticated turbulence modeling. Initial findings were that the CFD codes generally underpredicted the wall temperatures on the B2 case in the region where the flow was supercritical. Therefore, it was decided to examine the effect of various turbulence model parameters to determine if a CFD code using the SST turbulence model could do a better job overall in predicting the wall temperatures of the benchmark experiments. A sensitivity study of seven parameters was done, and changes to two parameters were found to make an improvement.
Prediction of Remaining Fatigue Cycles in Composite Materials Under Uncertainty
Authors: Shiri Saeed , Pourgol-Mohammad Mohammad , Yazdani Mojtaba
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a stiffness-based model is initially assessed for fatigue damage simulation of composite materials. The model is evaluated with three sets of experimental data. A residual strength model is coupled to the choice model and a modified model is developed. Numerical results show that the modified model leads to a noticeable improvement of accuracy in fatigue life prediction of composites under two-stage loadings. In the second step of the research, an uncertainty analysis is conducted to evaluate the reliability of the achieved results. The fatigue life and strength are assumed as random variables and uncertainty analysis is done by the Monte Carlo (MC) approach. Reliability variations of predicted residual fatigue lives are studied as well. The results demonstrate that the fatigue life dispersion noticeably decreases the reliability of predicted remaining fatigue cycles.
Correlation of lithographic performance of the electron beam resists SML and ZEP with their chemical structure
Authors: Gangnaik Anushka , Georgiev Yordan M. , Holmes Justin D.
Published: July 2015

Study of topographical and structural changes occurring in a positive resist known as SML after electron beam lithography are presented in this article. The authors also defined its chemical structure, which is very important for understanding the lithographic performance of the resist. The structural and lithographic properties of SML have been compared to the traditional ZEP resist. First, the change in the surface roughness with respect to the electron dose of SML and ZEP resists was measured. It was found that both resists start off with similar initial roughness values. However, ZEP was observed to have a higher roughness at the apex electron dose, thereafter a reduction in roughness was observed. The roughness variation in the two resists reflected on the resolution of the gratings that were patterned in both the resists. Gratings in SML showed smoother line edge roughness, and the patterns transferred using SML resist showed more even features than the ones transferred with ZEP. Subsequently, to understand the chemical composition of the new resist, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were performed on both the resists as well as on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and their spectra were compared. The FTIR spectra revealed that SML had a chemical structure similar to ZEP and PMMA polymers. The high sensitivity of ZEP is attributed to the Cl group in the compound, which is not present in SML and PMMA and can therefore explain their lower sensitivity to electron exposure in comparison to ZEP. Unlike PMMA but comparable to ZEP, SML shows an IR peak at a wavenumber close to 850 cm−1, suggesting the presence of α-methylstyrene group within its chemical structure, which accounts for the resist's high etch durability, similar to ZEP. Additional FTIR measurements of pre- and postexposed resists together with their attributions to the resolution of the SML and ZEP resists is also demonstrated in this article. The data presented in the study highlights the chemical properties of SML and ZEP resists polymers and correlates them to their lithographic performance.
Modeling distance-dependent individual head-related transfer functions in the horizontal plane using frontal projection headphones
Authors: Sunder Kaushik , Gan Woon-Seng , Tan Ee-Leng
Published: July 2015

The veracity of virtual audio is degraded by the use of non-individualized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) due to the introduction of front-back, elevation confusions, and timbral coloration. Hence, an accurate reproduction of spatial sound demands the use of individualized HRTFs. Measuring distance-dependent individualized HRTFs can be extremely tedious, since it requires precise measurements at several distances in the proximal region (<1 m) for each individual. This paper proposes a technique to model distance-dependent individualized HRTFs in the horizontal plane using “frontal projection headphones playback” that does not require individualized measurements. The frontal projection headphones [Sunder, Tan, and Gan (2013). J. Audio Eng. Soc. 61, 989–1000] project the sound directly onto the pinnae from the front, and thus inherently create listener's idiosyncratic pinna cues at the eardrum. Perceptual experiments were conducted to investigate cues (auditory parallax and interaural level differences) that aid distance perception in anechoic conditions. Interaural level differences were identified as the prominent cue for distance perception and a spherical head model was used to model these distance-dependent features. Detailed psychophysical experiments revealed that the modeled distance-dependent individualized HRTFs exhibited localization performance close to the measured distance-dependent individualized HRTFs for all subjects.
Real-time estimation of aerodynamic features for ambulatory voice biofeedback
Authors: Llico Andrés F. , Zañartu Matías , González Agustín J. , Wodicka George R. , Mehta Daryush D. , Van Stan Jarrad H. , Hillman Robert E.
Published: July 2015

The development of ambulatory voice monitoring devices has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. In this proof-of-concept study, real-time biofeedback is incorporated into a smartphone-based platform that records and processes neck surface acceleration. The focus is on utilizing aerodynamic measures of vocal function as a basis for biofeedback. This is done using regressed Z-scores to compare recorded values to normative estimates based on sound pressure level and fundamental frequency. Initial results from the analysis of different voice qualities suggest that accelerometer-based estimates of aerodynamic parameters can be used for real-time ambulatory biofeedback.
Laryngeal flow due to longitudinal sweeping motion of the vocal folds and its contribution to auto-oscillation
Authors: Boutin Henri , Smith John , Wolfe Joe
Published: July 2015

Analysis of published depth-kymography data [George, de Mul, Qiu, Rakhorst, and Schutte (2008). Phys. Med. Biol. 53, 2667–2675] shows that, for the subject studied, the flow due to the longitudinal sweeping motion of the vocal folds contributes several percent of a typical acoustic flow at the larynx. This sweeping flow is a maximum when the glottis is closed. This observation suggests that assumption of zero laryngeal flow during the closed phase as a criterion when determining parameters in inverse filtering should be used with caution. Further, these data suggest that the swinging motion contributes work to overcome mechanical losses and thus to assist auto-oscillation.
An Accelerometer as an Alternative to a Force Plate for the Step-Up-and-Over Test
Authors: Bailey Christopher A. , Costigan Patrick A.
Published: July 2015

The step-up-and-over test has been used successfully to examine knee function after knee injury. Knee function is quantified using the following variables extracted from force plate data: the maximal force exerted during the lift, the maximal impact force at landing, and the total time to complete the step. For various reasons, including space and cost, it is unlikely that all clinicians will have access to a force plate. The purpose of the study was to determine if the step-up-and-over test could be simplified by using an accelerometer. The step-up-and-over test was performed by 17 healthy young adults while being measured with both a force plate and a 3-axis accelerometer mounted at the low back. Results showed that the accelerometer and force plate measures were strongly correlated for all 3 variables (r = .90–.98, Ps < .001) and that the accelerometer values for the lift and impact indices were 6–7% higher (Ps < .01) and occurred 0.07–0.1 s later than the force plate (Ps < .05). The accelerometer returned values highly correlated to those from a force plate. Compared with a force plate, a wireless, 3-axis accelerometer is a less expensive and more portable system with which to measure the step-up-and-over test.
Do Knee Moments Normalized to Measures of Knee Cartilage Area Better Classify the Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Brisson Nicholas M. , Stratford Paul W. , Totterman Saara , Tamez-Peña José G. , Beattie Karen A. , Adachi Jonathan D. , Maly Monica R.
Published: July 2015

Investigations of joint loading in knee osteoarthritis (OA) typically normalize the knee adduction moment to global measures of body size (eg, body mass, height) to allow comparison between individuals. However, such measurements may not reflect knee size. This study used a morphometric measurement of the cartilage surface area on the medial tibial plateau, which better represents medial knee size. This study aimed to determine whether normalizing the peak knee adduction moment and knee adduction moment impulse during gait to the medial tibial bone–cartilage interface could classify radiographic knee OA severity more accurately than traditional normalization techniques. Individuals with mild (N = 22) and severe (N = 17) radiographic knee OA participated. The medial tibial bone–cartilage interface was quantified from magnetic resonance imaging scans. Gait analysis was performed, and the peak knee adduction moment and knee adduction moment impulse were calculated in nonnormalized units and normalized to body mass, body weight × height, and the medial tibial bone–cartilage interface. Receiver operating characteristic curves compared the ability of each knee adduction moment normalization technique to classify participants according to radiographic disease severity. No normalization technique was superior at distinguishing between OA severities. Knee adduction moments normalized to medial knee size were not more sensitive to OA severity.
An Endplate-Based Joint Coordinate System for Measuring Kinematics in Normal and Abnormally-Shaped Lumbar Vertebrae
Authors: Berry David B. , Rodríguez-Soto Ana E. , Tokunaga Jana R. , Gombatto Sara P. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: July 2015

Vertebral level-dependent, angular, and linear translations of the spine have been measured in 2D and 3D using several imaging methods to quantify postural changes due to loading conditions and tasks. Here, we propose and validate a semiautomated method for measuring lumbar intervertebral angles and translations from upright MRI images using an endplate-based, joint coordinate system (JCS). This method was validated using 3D printed structures, representing intervertebral discs (IVD) at predetermined angles and heights, which were positioned between adjacent cadaveric vertebrae as a gold standard. Excellent agreement between our measurements and the gold standard was found for intervertebral angles in all anatomical planes (ICC > .997) and intervertebral distance measurements (ICC > .949). The proposed endplate-based JCS was compared with the vertebral body-based JCS proposed by the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) using the 3D printed structures placed between 3 adjacent vertebrae from a cadaver with scoliosis. The endplate-based method was found to have better agreement with angles in the sagittal plane (ICC = 0.985) compared with the vertebral body-based method (ICC = .280). Thus, this method is accurate for measuring 3D intervertebral angles in the healthy and diseased lumbar spine.
Validity of Ski Skating Center-of-Mass Displacement Measured by a Single Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Myklebust Håvard , Gløersen Øyvind , Hallén Jostein
Published: July 2015

In regard to simplifying motion analysis and estimating center of mass (COM) in ski skating, this study addressed 3 main questions concerning the use of inertial measurement units (IMU): (1) How accurately can a single IMU estimate displacement of os sacrum (S1) on a person during ski skating? (2) Does incorporating gyroscope and accelerometer data increase accuracy and precision? (3) Moreover, how accurately does S1 determine COM displacement? Six world-class skiers roller-ski skated on a treadmill using 2 different subtechniques. An IMU including accelerometers alone (IMU-A) or in combination with gyroscopes (IMU-G) were mounted on the S1. A reflective marker at S1, and COM calculated from 3D full-body optical analysis, were used to provide reference values. IMU-A provided an accurate and precise estimate of vertical S1 displacement, but IMU-G was required to attain accuracy and precision of < 8 mm (root-mean-squared error and range of displacement deviation) in all directions and with both subtechniques. Further, arm and torso movements affected COM, but not the S1. Hence, S1 displacement was valid for estimating sideways COM displacement, but the systematic amplitude and timing difference between S1 and COM displacement in the anteroposterior and vertical directions inhibits exact calculation of energy fluctuations.
Tmc
gene therapy restores auditory function in deaf mice
Authors: Askew Charles , Rochat Cylia , Pan Bifeng , Asai Yukako , Ahmed Hena , Child Erin , Schneider Bernard L. , Aebischer Patrick , Holt Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2015

Injection of AAV vectors that encoded wild-type
Tmc1
or
Tmc2
restores auditory function in mouse models of human deafnesses DFNB7/11 and DFNA36.
The proinflammatory role of HECTD2 in innate immunity and experimental lung injury
Authors: Coon Tiffany A. , McKelvey Alison C. , Lear Travis , Rajbhandari Shristi , Dunn Sarah R. , Connelly William , Zhao Joe Y. , Han SeungHye , Liu Yuan , Weathington Nathaniel M. , McVerry Bryan J. , Zhang Yingze , Chen Bill B.
Published: July 2015

Antagonizing the E3 ligase HECTD2 reduces inflammation severity and experimental lung injury.
Battle scars: SAP and CRP
Authors: Spiller Kara L.
Published: July 2015

A subtle structural difference between closely related proteins determines their ability to promote or inhibit fibrosis.
Electronics, freshly squeezed
Authors: Wong Ian Y.
Published: July 2015

Flexible mesh nanosensors can be syringe-injected into the brain for multiplexed recording.
NS5A Domain 1 and Polyprotein Cleavage Kinetics Are Critical for Induction of Double-Membrane Vesicles Associated with Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Authors: Romero-Brey Inés , Berger Carola , Kallis Stephanie , Kolovou Androniki , Paul David , Lohmann Volker , Bartenschlager Ralf
Published: July 2015

Induction of membrane rearrangements in the cytoplasm of infected cells is a hallmark of positive-strand RNA viruses. These altered membranes serve as scaffolds for the assembly of viral replication factories (RFs). We have recently shown that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces endoplasmic reticulum-derived double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) representing the major constituent of the RF within the infected cell. RF formation requires the concerted action of nonstructural action of nonstructural protein (NS)3, -4A, protein (NS)3 -4A, -4B, -5A, and -5B. Although the sole expression of NS5A is sufficient to induce DMV formation, its efficiency is very low. In this study, we dissected the determinants within NS5A responsible for DMV formation and found that RNA-binding domain 1 (D1) and the amino-terminal membrane anchor are indispensable for this process. In contrast, deletion of NS5A D2 or D3 did not affect DMV formation but disrupted RNA replication and virus assembly, respectively. To identify
cis
- and
trans
-acting factors of DMV formation, we established a
trans
cleavage assay. We found that induction of DMVs requires full-length NS3, whereas a helicase-lacking mutant was unable to trigger DMV formation in spite of efficient polyprotein cleavage. Importantly, a mutation accelerating cleavage kinetics at the NS4B-5A site diminished DMV formation, while the insertion of an internal ribosome entry site mimicking constitutive cleavage at this boundary completely abolished this process. These results identify key determinants governing the biogenesis of the HCV RF with possible implications for our understanding of how RFs are formed in other positive-strand RNA viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Like all positive-strand RNA viruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV) extensively reorganizes intracellular membranes to allow efficient RNA replication. Double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) that putatively represent sites of HCV RNA amplification are induced by the concerted action of viral and cellular factors. However, the contribution of individual proteins to this process remains poorly understood. Here we identify determinants in the HCV replicase that are required for DMV biogenesis. Major contributors to this process are domain 1 of nonstructural protein 5A and the helicase domain of nonstructural protein 3. In addition, efficient DMV induction depends on
cis
cleavage of the viral polyprotein, as well as tightly regulated cleavage kinetics. These results identify key determinants governing the biogenesis of the HCV replication factory with possible implications for our understanding of how this central compartment is formed in other positive-strand RNA viruses.
TORC1 Regulates Developmental Responses to Nitrogen Stress via Regulation of the GATA Transcription Factor Gaf1
Authors: Laor Dana , Cohen Adiel , Kupiec Martin , Weisman Ronit
Published: July 2015

The TOR (target of rapamycin [sirolimus]) is a universally conserved kinase that couples nutrient availability to cell growth. TOR complex 1 (TORC1) in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
positively regulates growth in response to nitrogen availability while suppressing cellular responses to nitrogen stress. Here we report the identification of the GATA transcription factor Gaf1 as a positive regulator of the nitrogen stress-induced gene
isp7
+
, via three canonical GATA motifs. We show that under nitrogen-rich conditions, TORC1 positively regulates the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of Gaf1 via the PP2A-like phosphatase Ppe1. Under nitrogen stress conditions when TORC1 is inactivated, Gaf1 becomes dephosphorylated and enters the nucleus. Gaf1 was recently shown to negatively regulate the transcription induction of
ste11
+
, a major regulator of sexual development. Our findings support a model of a two-faceted role of Gaf1 during nitrogen stress. Gaf1 positively regulates genes that are induced early in the response to nitrogen stress, while inhibiting later responses, such as sexual development. Taking these results together, we identify Gaf1 as a novel target for TORC1 signaling and a step-like mechanism to modulate the nitrogen stress response.

IMPORTANCE
TOR complex 1 (TORC1) is an evolutionary conserved protein complex that positively regulates growth and proliferation, while inhibiting starvation responses. In fission yeast, the activity of TORC1 is downregulated in response to nitrogen starvation, and cells reprogram their transcriptional profile and prepare for sexual development. We identify Gaf1, a GATA-like transcription factor that regulates transcription and sexual development in response to starvation, as a downstream target for TORC1 signaling. Under nitrogen-rich conditions, TORC1 positively regulates the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of Gaf1 via the PP2A-like phosphatase Ppe1. Under nitrogen stress conditions when TORC1 is inactivated, Gaf1 becomes dephosphorylated and enters the nucleus. Budding yeast TORC1 regulates GATA transcription factors via the phosphatase Sit4, a structural homologue of Ppe1. Thus, the TORC1-GATA transcription module appears to be conserved in evolution and may also be found in higher eukaryotes.
Vitamin D deficiency in a patient with HDR syndrome
Authors: Kostoglou-Athanassiou Ifigenia , Stefanopoulos Dimitrios , Karfi Areti , Athanassiou Panagiotis
Published: July 2015

The case of a patient with clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings of hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, renal dysplasia HDR, or Barakat syndrome (hypoparathyroidism, deafness, renal dysplasia), and vitamin D deficiency, is presented. A Caucasian man aged 51 years with a history of chronic hypocalcaemia since childhood, was admitted with hypertonia of the body and extremities, and loss of consciousness. On admission, he was found to have severe hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, severe hypoparathyroidism, low serum magnesium and mild renal insufficiency. Calcium gluconate was administered intravenously supplemented with magnesium, and the patient recovered consciousness while clinical and laboratory findings improved. Evaluation revealed left renal aplasia and sensorineural deafness affecting both ears. Vitamin D deficiency was also present. He was given calcium and vitamin D supplements orally, and the hypocalcaemia was corrected. This case is described as it is an extremely rare case of HDR syndrome with concurrent vitamin D deficiency.
Moxonidine for tramadol withdrawal symptoms during detoxification
Authors: Talih Farid , Ghossoub Elias
Published: July 2015

It is well documented in the literature that noradrenergic pathways are key in the manifestation of opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is why clonidine is used as an off-label agent in opioid detoxification regimens given its anti-sympathetic properties. Moxonidine is a selective I1-imidazoline receptor agonist, similar to clonidine but with no α2-adrenergic agonist activity and subsequently fewer side effects. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with a 15-year history of tramadol use who was admitted voluntarily for detoxification. She was started on moxonidine and had an uneventful detoxification. Two months after discharge, the patient maintained tramadol abstinence with good tolerability to moxonidine. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the medical literature.
Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy: a rare cause of generalised cutaneous telangiectasia
Authors: Toda-Brito Helena , Resende Cristina , Catorze Goreti , Viana Isabel
Published: July 2015

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy is a rare cutaneous microangiopathy of unknown aetiology with only 27 cases reported to date. It is characterised clinically by generalised cutaneous telangiectasias and microscopically by dilation and marked thickening of the walls of superficial dermal blood vessels. Differential diagnosis should be performed with other causes of disseminated telangiectasias, including generalised essential telangiectasia, from which it is clinically indistinguishable. We report a new case of cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy in a 61-year-old woman presenting with a 5-year history of asymptomatic telangiectasias distributed symmetrically on her upper and lower limbs and highlight the importance of clinicopathological correlation for the diagnosis of this disease.
Occurrence and determinants of selective reporting of clinical drug trials: design of an inception cohort study
Authors: van den Bogert Cornelis A , Souverein Patrick C , Brekelmans Cecile T M , Janssen Susan W J , van Hunnik Manon , Koëter Gerard H , Leufkens Hubertus G M , Bouter Lex M
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Responsible conduct of research implies that results of clinical trials should be completely and adequately reported. This article describes the design of a cohort study that aims to investigate the occurrence and the determinants of selective reporting in an inception cohort of all clinical drug trials that were reviewed by the Dutch Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in 2007. It also describes the characteristics of the study cohort.

Methods and analysis

In 2007, Dutch IRBs reviewed 622 clinical drug trials. For each trial, we assessed the stages of progress. We discriminated five intermediate stages and five definite stages. Intermediate stages of progress are: approved by an IRB; started inclusion; completed as planned; terminated early; published as article. The definite stages of progress are: rejected by an IRB; never started inclusion; not published as article; completely reported; selectively reported. We will use univariate and multivariate Cox regression models to identify trial characteristics associated with non-publication. We will identify seven trial-specific discrepancy items, including the objectives, inclusion and exclusion criteria, end points, sample size, additional analyses, type of population analysis and sponsor acknowledgement. The percentage of trials with discrepancies between the protocol and the publication will be scored. We will investigate the association between trial characteristics and the occurrence of discrepancies.

Ethics and dissemination

No IRB-approval is required for this study. Access to confidential research protocols was provided by the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects. We plan to finish data collection in June 2015, and expect to complete data cleaning, analysis and manuscript preparation within the next 3 months. Hence, a first draft of an article containing the results is expected before the end of October 2015.
Efficacy of a minimal home-based psychoeducative intervention versus usual care for managing anxiety and dyspnoea in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Bove Dorthe Gaby , Overgaard Dorthe , Lomborg Kirsten , Lindhardt Bjarne Ørskov , Midtgaard Julie
Published: July 2015

Introduction

In its final stages, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a severely disabling condition that is characterised by dyspnoea, which causes substantial anxiety. Anxiety is associated with an impaired quality of life and increased hospital admissions. Untreated comorbid anxiety can have devastating consequences for both patients and their relatives. Non-pharmacological interventions, including cognitive–behavioural therapy, have been effective in managing anxiety and dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the majority of existing interventions have tested the efficacy of relatively intensive comprehensive programmes and primarily targeted patients who have moderate pulmonary disease. We present the rationale and design for a trial that focused on addressing the challenges experienced by severe pulmonary disease populations. The trial investigates the efficacy of a minimal home-based psychoeducative intervention versus usual care for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods and analysis

The trial is a randomised controlled trial with a 4-week and 3-month follow-up. 66 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and associated anxiety will be randomised 1:1 to either an intervention or control group. The intervention consists of a single psychoeducative session in the patient's home in combination with a telephone booster session. The intervention is based on a manual, with a theoretical foundation in cognitive–behavioural therapy and psychoeducation. The primary outcome is patient-reported anxiety as assessed by the Hospital and Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Ethics and dissemination

This trial complies with the latest Declaration of Helsinki, and The Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (number H-1-2013-092) was queried for ethical approval. Trial results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02366390.
Standards for heart valve surgery in a ‘Heart Valve Centre of Excellence’
Authors: Chambers John , Ray Simon , Prendergast Bernard , Graham Tim , Campbell Brian , Greenhalgh Donna , Petrou Mario , Tinkler Jeremy , Gohlke-Bärwolf Christa , Mestres Carlos A , Rosenhek Raphael , Pibarot Philippe , Otto Catherine , Sundt Thoralf
Published: July 2015

Surgical centres of excellence should include multidisciplinary teams with specialist expertise in imaging, clinical assessment and surgery for patients with heart valve disease. There should be structured training programmes for the staff involved in the periprocedural care of the patient and these should be overseen by national or international professional societies. Good results are usually associated with high individual and centre volumes, but this relationship is complex. Results of surgery should be published by centre and should include rates of residual regurgitation for mitral repairs and reoperation rates matched to the preoperative pathology and risk.