bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox‐1 (Zeb1) drives anterograde lysosome trafficking and tumor cell invasion via upregulation of Na+/H+ Exchanger‐1 (NHE1)
Authors: Dykes Samantha S. , Gao ChongFeng , Songock William K. , Bigelow Rebecca L. , Woude George Vande , Bodily Jason M. , Cardelli James A.
Published: July 2016

Tumor cell invasion through the extracellular matrix is facilitated by the secretion of lysosome‐associated proteases. As a common mechanism for secretion, lysosomes must first traffic to the cell periphery (anterograde trafficking), consistent with invasive cells often containing lysosomes closer to the plasma membrane compared to non‐invasive cells. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a transcriptionally driven program that promotes an invasive phenotype, and Zeb1 is one transcription factor that activates the mesenchymal gene expression program. The role of lysosome trafficking in EMT‐driven invasion has not been previously investigated. We found that cells with increased levels of Zeb1 displayed lysosomes located closer to the cell periphery and demonstrated increased protease secretion and invasion in 3‐dimensional (3D) cultures compared to their epithelial counterparts. Additionally, preventing anterograde lysosome trafficking via pharmacological inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) or shRNA depletion of ADP‐ribosylation like protein 8b (Arl8b) reversed the invasive phenotype of mesenchymal cells, thus supporting a role for lysosome positioning in EMT‐mediated tumor cell invasion. Immunoblot revealed that expression of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 correlated with Zeb1 expression. Furthermore, we found that the transcription factor Zeb1 binds to the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 promoter, suggesting that Zeb1 directly controls Na+/H+ transcription. Collectively, these results provide insight into a novel mechanism regulating Na+/H+ exchanger 1 expression and support a role for anterograde lysosome trafficking in Zeb1‐driven cancer progression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in Verbal Fluency in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Rosenthal Liana S. , Salnikova Yekaterina A. , Pontone Gregory M. , Pantelyat Alexander , Mills Kelly A. , Dorsey E. Ray , Wang Jiangxia , Wu Samuel S. , Mari Zoltan
Published: July 2016

Background

The test for semantic verbal fluency is quick and easy to administer. Decreases in semantic verbal fluency would suggest executive dysfunction among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

The National Parkinson Foundation's Outcomes Project is a multicenter study that seeks to determine best practices in PD management. We analyzed data from the baseline and two annual follow‐up visits to determine the annual rate of verbal fluency change and determinants of that change. Linear mixed modeling was used to assess relationships between verbal fluency, clinical characteristics, quality of life, and caregiver burden.

Results

There were 1,322 participants with an average age of 67.3 years, of whom 37% were women. Mean baseline verbal fluency scores at baseline were 18.81 (standard deviation = 6.25). Verbal fluency scores did not change among patients who were at our cohort's average age and average PD duration (8.4 years) and who had no other associated conditions (beta = −0.02; P = 0.80). Verbal fluency, however, did decrease for individuals with PD duration greater than the average (beta = −0.25; P = 0.03), age greater than the average (beta = −0.022; P < 0.01), a Hoehn and Yahr >=3 (beta = −0.31; P = 0.04), and in those with cardiovascular disease (beta = −0.32; P = 0.01) or psychiatric symptomatology (beta = −0.34; P = 0.01). Individuals with higher verbal fluency scores had better quality of life (P < 0.01) and decreased caregiver burden (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Clinicians should monitor verbal fluency scores to evaluate cognitive decline among individuals with PD. Modifiable risk factors for verbal fluency changes include psychiatric symptomatology and cardiovascular disease. Clinicians may use verbal fluency testing to identify individuals at risk for decreased quality of life and increased caregiver burden, allowing for focused interventions.
New Trends in Inspecting GPCR‐ligand Recognition Process: the Contribution of the Molecular Modeling Section (MMS) at the University of Padova
Authors: Ciancetta Antonella , Cuzzolin Alberto , Deganutti Giuseppe , Sturlese Mattia , Salmaso Veronica , Cristiani Andrea , Sabbadin Davide , Moro Stefano
Published: July 2016

In this review, we present a survey of the recent advances carried out by our research groups in the field of ligand‐GPCRs recognition process simulations recently implemented at the Molecular Modeling Section (MMS) of the University of Padova. We briefly describe a platform of tools we have tuned to aid the identification of novel GPCRs binders and the better understanding of their binding mechanisms, based on two extensively used computational techniques such as molecular docking and MD simulations. The developed methodologies encompass: (i) the selection of suitable protocols for docking studies, (ii) the exploration of the dynamical evolution of ligand‐protein interaction networks, (iii) the detailed investigation of the role of water molecules upon ligand binding, and (iv) a glance at the way the ligand might go through prior reaching the binding site.
Docking Studies and Molecular Dynamic Simulations Reveal Different Features of IDO1 Structure
Authors: Greco Francesco Antonio , Bournique Answald , Coletti Alice , Custodi Chiara , Dolciami Daniela , Carotti Andrea , Macchiarulo Antonio
Published: July 2016

In the last decade, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) has attracted a great deal of attention being recognized as key regulator of immunosuppressive pathways in the tumor immuno‐editing process. Several classes of inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents, but only few of them have advanced in clinical trials. Hence, the quest of novel potent and selective inhibitors of the enzyme is still active and mostly pursued by structure‐based drug design strategies based on early and more recent crystal structures of IDO1. Combining docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations, in this work we have comparatively investigated the structural features of each crystal structure of IDO1. The results pinpoint different features in specific crystal structures of the enzyme that may benefit the medicinal chemistry arena aiding the design of novel potent and selective inhibitors of IDO1.
Molecular Simulations Bring New Insights into Protoporphyrinogen IX Oxidase/Protoporphyrinogen IX Interaction Modes
Authors: Wang Baifan , Wen Xin , Xi Zhen
Published: July 2016

Protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO, EC 1.3.3.4) catalyzes the oxidation of protoporphyrinogen IX (protogen IX) to protoporphyrin IX (proto IX) in the haem/chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway. Although extensive studies of PPO have already afforded many insights into its biological function and its significance to agriculture and medicine, details of the enzymatic mechanism as well as the nature of the specific amino acids involved in substrate binding still remain largely unknown due to the lack of structural information about protogen IX binding to PPO. In this study, we carried out a detailed and systematic investigation on the binding mode of protogen IX in the Nicotiana tabacum PPO (mtPPO) by performing a computational docking followed by molecular simulations, quantum mechanics calculations, and an integrated analysis. The proposed binding mode was consistent with experimental studies, and several potential key residues that have not been investigated in previous studies, such as Thr70, Arg233, Ser235, Ser474 and Lys477, were identified. In addition, we compared the binding modes of protogen IX in mtPPO and Homo sapiens PPO, and found their differences. Considering the low sequence identity and the differences of biochemical properties among the PPOs from various species, the investigation could provide a valuable basis for the design of PPO inhibitors with high potency and species‐selectivity.
HMGB1 is secreted by 3T3‐L1 adipocytes through JNK signaling and the secretion is partially inhibited by adiponectin
Authors: Shimizu Toshiaki , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Biswas Kamal Krishna , Aryal Bibek , Yamada Shingo , Hashiguchi Teruto , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: July 2016

Objective

Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease, and adipocytes contribute to obesity‐associated inflammation by releasing inflammatory mediators. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved DNA‐binding protein, mainly localized to cell nuclei, has been recently recognized as an innate pro‐inflammatory mediator when released extracellularly. It was hypothesized that HMGB1 is an adipocytokine that acts as an innate pro‐inflammatory mediator in white adipose tissue (WAT) of patients with obesity and is associated with insulin resistance. Additionally, it was hypothesized that HMGB1 secretion is regulated by adiponectin.

Methods

3T3‐L1 cells were differentiated into mature adipocytes. After tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) stimulation, HMGB1 in culture media was measured. Localizations of HMGB1 in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and human WAT were examined by immunostaining.

Results

HMGB1 was secreted from TNF‐α‐induced 3T3‐L1 adipocytes through JNK signaling. HMGB1‐activated MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK) and suppressed insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The cytoplasm in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and adipocytes of WAT from a patient with obesity was intensely stained with HMGB1. Adiponectin partially inhibited TNF‐α‐induced HMGB1 secretion from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that HMGB1 is a pro‐inflammatory adipocytokine involved in WAT inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with obesity, which may contribute to the progression of metabolic syndrome, and that adiponectin protects against HMGB1‐induced adipose tissue inflammation.
Impact on weight and physical function of intensive medical weight loss in older adults with stage II and III obesity
Authors: Ard Jamy D. , Cook Miranda , Rushing Julia , Frain Annette , Beavers Kristen , Miller Gary , Miller Michael E. , Nicklas Barb
Published: July 2016

Objective

A 6‐month pilot trial compared two strategies for weight loss in older adults with body mass indexes (BMIs) ≥35 kg/m2 to assess weight loss response, safety, and impact on physical function.

Methods

Twenty‐eight volunteers were randomized to a balanced deficit diet (BDD) (500 kcal/day below estimated energy needs) or an intensive, low‐calorie, meal replacement diet (ILCD, 960 kcal/day). Behavioral interventions and physical activity prescriptions were similar for both groups. Primary outcomes were changes in body weight and adverse event frequency; secondary outcomes included measures of physical function and body composition.

Results

ILCD average weight change was −19.1 ± 2.2 kg or 15.9 ± 4.6% of initial body weight compared with −9.1 ± 2.7 kg or 7.2 ± 1.9% for BDD. ILCD lost more fat mass (−7.7 kg, 95% CI [−11.9 to −3.5]) but had similar loss of lean mass (−1.7 kg, 95% CI [−4.1 to 0.6]) compared with BDD. There were no significant differences in change in physical function or adverse event frequency.

Conclusions

Compared with a traditional BDD intervention, older adults who have severe obesity treated with intensive medical weight loss had greater weight loss and decreases in fat mass without a higher frequency of adverse events. In the short term, however, this did not translate into greater improvements in physical function.
Changes in liking for sweet and fatty foods following weight loss in women are related to prop phenotype but not to diet
Authors: Burgess Brenda , Rao Salome P. , Tepper Beverly J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Changes in perceived intensity and liking of tasted foods have not been studied during weight loss from dieting. These outcomes were examined during a 6‐month lifestyle intervention in women who had been classified by sensitivity to the bitter taste marker, 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP), and then randomized to a low‐fat or low‐carbohydrate diet.

Methods

Sixty‐nine women (BMI = 34.4 kg/m2; age = 44.2 years) followed the low‐fat diet (n = 31) or low‐carbohydrate diet (n = 38). At baseline and at 3, and 6 months, they rated overall liking and intensity of attributes in strawberry milk and salad dressing varying in sucrose (0%, 15%, and 30% wt/vol) or fat (10%, 30%, 50% wt/vol) content, respectively.

Results

Perceived intensity of the attributes did not change. For all participants, the 15% and 30% sucrose milk samples were equally liked at baseline and 3 months, but by 6 months, the 15% sucrose sample was highest liked (P < 0.007). Also, the 50% fat sample was most liked at baseline and least liked by 6 months (P = 0.04), and this effect was most pronounced in the nontasters (P < 0.02). There were no effects of diet prescription on liking.

Conclusions

Weight loss from dieting resulted in a hedonic shift for foods with lower sucrose and fat content.
Cytotoxic potential of IL‐15‐activated cytokine‐induced killer cells against human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Cappel Claudia , Huenecke Sabine , Suemmerer Anica , Erben Stephanie , Rettinger Eva , Pfirrmann Verena , Heinze Annekathrin , Zimmermann Olga , Klingebiel Thomas , Ullrich Evelyn , Bader Peter , Bremm Melanie
Published: July 2016

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid extracranial tumor in childhood. Despite advances in therapy, the prognosis is poor and optimized therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, we investigated the antitumor potential of interleukin‐15 (IL‐15)‐activated cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells against different NB cell lines.

Procedure

CIK cells were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the stimulation with interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), IL‐2, OKT‐3 and IL‐15 over a period of 10–12 days. The cytotoxic activity against NB cells was analyzed by nonradioactive Europium release assay before and after blocking of different receptor–ligand interactions relevant in CIK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity.

Results

The final CIK cell products consisted in median of 83% (range: 75.9–91.9%) CD3+CD56– T cells, 14% (range: 5.2–20.7%) CD3+CD56+ NK‐like T cells and 2% (range: 0.9–4.8%) CD3–CD56+ NK cells. CIK cells expanded significantly upon ex vivo stimulation with median rates of 22.3‐fold for T cells, 58.3‐fold for NK‐like T cells and 2.5‐fold for NK cells. Interestingly, CD25 surface expression increased from less than equal to 1% up to median 79.7%. Cytotoxic activity of CIK cells against NB cells was in median 34.7, 25.9 and 34.8% against the cell lines UKF‐NB‐3, UKF‐NB‐4 and SK‐N‐SH, respectively. In comparison with IL‐2‐stimulated NK cells, CIK cells showed a significantly higher cytotoxicity. Antibody‐mediated blocking of the receptors NKG2D, TRAIL, FasL, DNAM‐1, NKp30 and lymphocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1) significantly reduced lytic activity, indicating that diverse cytotoxic mechanisms might be involved in CIK cell‐mediated NB killing.

Conclusions

Unlike the mechanism reported in other malignancies, NKG2D‐mediated cytotoxicity does not constitute the major killing mechanism of CIK cells against NB.
Why Choose Open Government? Motivations for the Adoption of Open Government Policies in Four European Countries
Authors: De Blasio Emiliana , Selva Donatella
Published: July 2016

Open government policies (on transparency, participation, and collaboration, but also on digital technology) are spreading across Europe as a new governance model, but are not homogeneous across different countries. By adopting a qualitative computer‐assisted analysis of policy documents from France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, we mapped the different meanings of open government by examining the specific measures and key motivations for their adoption in order to find out how different national governments frame the variables of open government. The article shows the emergence of competing models of open government: on the one hand, the hegemonic model of open government seems to stress innovation and openness in the sense of an enhanced transparency, and occasionally of public–private collaboration, but failing to achieve an open decision making. We have detected a paradox in the open government implementation: the economic lens, although softened by a drive toward innovation, anchors the policy‐making process in already‐consolidated mechanisms, rather than in substantive change. On the other hand, we can foresee the emergence of a different perspective on open government, which provides a proper policy framework for democratic innovations to develop.
Simulation of the proton implantation process in silicon
Authors: Faccinelli Martin , Jelinek Moriz , Wuebben Thomas , Laven Johannes G. , Schulze Hans‐Joachim , Hadley Peter
Published: July 2016

Proton implantation is one of many processes used to ad‐just the electronic and mechanical properties of silicon. Though the process has been extensively studied, it is still not clear which exact defects are formed and what their concentration profiles are. In this article, a simulation method is presented, which provides a better understanding of the implantation process. The simulation takes into account the diffusion of mobile point defects and their reactions to defect complexes, as well as the dissociation of defect complexes. Concentration profiles for a set of defect complexes after an implantation at 400 keV and a dose of 5 × 1014 H+cm−2 are presented. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Same-Single-Cell Analysis of Pacemaker-Specific Markers in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Subtypes Classified by Electrophysiology
Authors: Yechikov Sergey , Copaciu Raul , Gluck Jessica M. , Deng Wenbin , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Chan James W. , Lieu Deborah K.
Published: July 2016

Insights into the expression of pacemaker-specific markers in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes can facilitate the enrichment and track differentiation and maturation of hiPSC-derived pacemaker-like cardiomyocytes. To date, no study has directly assessed gene expression in each pacemaker-, atria-, and ventricular-like cardiomyocyte subtype derived from hiPSCs since currently the subtypes of these immature cardiomyocytes can only be identified by action potential profiles. Traditional acquisition of action potentials using patch-clamp recordings renders the cells unviable for subsequent analysis. We circumvented these issues by acquiring the action potential profile of a single cell optically followed by assessment of protein expression through immunostaining in that same cell. Our same-single-cell analysis for the first time revealed expression of proposed pacemaker-specific markers—hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN)4 channel and Islet (Isl)1—at the protein level in all three hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes. HCN4 expression was found to be higher in pacemaker-like hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes than atrial- and ventricular-like subtypes but its downregulation over time in all subtypes diminished the differences. Isl1 expression in pacemaker-like hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes was initially not statistically different than the contractile subtypes but did become statistically higher than ventricular-like cells with time. Our observations suggest that although HCN4 and Isl1 are differentially expressed in hiPSC-derived pacemaker-like relative to ventricular-like cardiomyocytes, these markers alone are insufficient in identifying hiPSC-derived pacemaker-like cardiomyocytes.
Karyopherin Alpha 1 Regulates Satellite Cell Proliferation and Survival by Modulating Nuclear Import
Authors: Choo Hyo-Jung , Cutler Alicia , Rother Franziska , Bader Michael , Pavlath Grace K.
Published: July 2016

Satellite cells are stem cells with an essential role in skeletal muscle repair. Precise regulation of gene expression is critical for proper satellite cell quiescence, proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal. Nuclear proteins required for gene expression are dependent on the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery to access to nucleus, however little is known about regulation of nuclear transport in satellite cells. The best characterized nuclear import pathway is classical nuclear import which depends on a classical nuclear localization signal (cNLS) in a cargo protein and the heterodimeric import receptors, karyopherin alpha (KPNA) and beta (KPNB). Multiple KPNA1 paralogs exist and can differ in importing specific cNLS proteins required for cell differentiation and function. We show that transcripts for six Kpna paralogs underwent distinct changes in mouse satellite cells during muscle regeneration accompanied by changes in cNLS proteins in nuclei. Depletion of KPNA1, the most dramatically altered KPNA, caused satellite cells in uninjured muscle to prematurely activate, proliferate and undergo apoptosis leading to satellite cell exhaustion with age. Increased proliferation of satellite cells led to enhanced muscle regeneration at early stages of regeneration. In addition, we observed impaired nuclear localization of two key KPNA1 cargo proteins: p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor associated with cell cycle control and lymphoid enhancer factor 1, a critical cotranscription factor for β-catenin. These results indicate that regulated nuclear import of proteins by KPNA1 is critical for satellite cell proliferation and survival and establish classical nuclear import as a novel regulatory mechanism for controlling satellite cell fate.
Rheological Investigation of Wormlike Micelles Based on Gemini Surfactant in EG–Water Solution
Authors: Wei Yongqiang , Han Yixiu , Zhou Hong , Wang Hang , Mei Yongjun
Published: July 2016

The self‐assembly behavior of gemini surfactants in ethylene glycol (EG)‐water (5/95, v/v) mixed solvent was investigated by rheological measurements at 10 °C. The influence of molecular structure of the gemini surfactant and added hydrotrope on the solution properties was studied. Sodium salicylate (NaSal) showed stronger ability to induce 2‐hydroxyl‐propanediyl‐α,ω‐bis‐(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide), referred to as 12‐3(OH)‐12, to form wormlike micelles than sodium benzoate. Less NaSal is required to promote a sphere to rod transition and to reach the peak viscosity. Moreover, the concentrations of hydrotrope and gemini surfactant are both lower than conventional single‐chain surfactant systems to reach a comparable viscosity. The strong hydrophobicity of gemini surfactants and hydrotropes is responsible for the high efficiency in forming wormlike micelles in EG/water systems. The geometric structure of gemini surfactants also plays a vital role in self‐assembly into wormlike micelles. Dimethylene‐1,2‐bis‐(dodecyl dimethylammonium bromide), referred to as 12‐2‐12, shows absolute superiority over 12‐3(OH)‐12 in constructing wormlike micelles. The present study will be helpful for developing de‐icing fluids and anti‐freezing solutions, which need rheology control in EG‐aqueous medium at low temperature.
Ponseti method compared to previous treatment of clubfoot in Norway. A multicenter study of 205 children followed for 8–11 years
Authors: Sætersdal Christian , Fevang Jonas M. , Bjørlykke John Asle , Engesæter Lars B.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Despite few studies comparing Ponseti treatment and traditional treatment of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), the Ponseti method is now accepted as standard treatment for this deformity. The Ponseti method was introduced in Norway in 2003 and the purpose of this multicenter-study was to compare the results of Ponseti treatment with the results of the previous treatment for clubfoot in Norway.

Methods

90 children (134 clubfeet) treated with previous treatment (pre-Ponseti group), were compared to 115 Ponseti treated children (160 clubfeet) (Ponseti group). The previous treatment consisted of casting and surgery if needed. At 8–11 years of age, all children were examined by the same orthopaedic surgeon, the parents answered a questionnaire, all feet were X-rayed and information about surgical procedures was obtained from the patient records.

Results

The number of surgeries was higher in the pre-Ponseti group, and the number of extensive surgeries was 119 in the pre-Ponseti group compared to 19 in the Ponseti group. The range of motion in the ankle joint was better in the Ponseti group. Children in this group had better function, higher satisfaction and less pain according to patient and parent reported outcome measures. The incidence of moderate or severe talar flattening was higher in the pre-Ponseti group.

Conclusion

Ponseti treatment seems to be superior to the previous treatment in Norway, with regards to number and severity of operations, flexibility of the foot and ankle, parent/patient reported outcome and the presence of talar flattening on X-ray.
Preliminary geochemical modeling of water–rock–gas interactions controlling CO2 storage in the Badenian Aquifer within Czech Part of Vienna Basin
Authors: Labus K. , Bujok P. , Klempa M. , Porzer M. , Matýsek D.
Published: July 2016

Prediction of hydrogeochemical effects of geological CO2sequestration is crucial for planning an industrial or even experimental scale injection of carbon dioxide gas into geological formations. This paper presents a preliminary study of the suitability of saline aquifer associated with a depleted oil field in Czech Part of Vienna Basin, as potential greenhouse gas repository. Two steps of modeling enabled prediction of immediate changes in the aquifer and caprocks impacted by the first stage of CO2injection and the assessment of long-term effects of sequestration. Hydrochemical modeling and experimental tests of rock–water–gas interactions allowed for evaluation of trapping mechanisms and assessment of CO2storage capacity of the formations. In the analyzed aquifer, CO2gas may be locked in mineral form in dolomite and dawsonite, and the calculated trapping capacity reaches 13.22 kgCO2/m3. For the caprock, the only mineral able to trap CO2is dolomite, and trapping capacity equals to 5.07 kgCO2/m3.
A survey of graduates’ perceptions on a Chinese medical school’s traditional and reform curricula
Authors: Sherer Renslow , Dong Hongmei , Yu Feng , Fan Jingyi , Li Jinxin , Jiang Ivy , Cooper Brian , Lio Jonathan , Zhou Yunfeng , Yang Jiong , Yu Baoping , Yu Xiangting
Published: July 2016

A medical school in China engaged in reform in 2009 by adapting the medical curriculum of the University of Chicago, USA. Freshmen volunteered for the reform and 50 were randomly selected while the rest remained in the traditional curriculum. In 2014 a study was conducted to determine whether the views of traditional and reform curriculum students on their respective educational experience differed and to identify reform areas that needed improvement.
A survey was administered to graduating students to gauge their views on basic science and clinical science education, clerkships, general medical education, and readiness for residency training. Frequency distributions, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Chi-squared tests were used for analysis.
Reform curriculum students were more positive about their basic science and clinical science instruction. Clerkships were only somewhat satisfactory to students in both curricula. Reform curriculum students were more likely than those following the traditional curriculum to consider instruction in clinical decision-making and patient care as ‘adequate’. Instruction in population health was considered inadequate by the majority of students. Reform curriculum students were more confident about their preparedness for residency.
The traditional curriculum was in need of reform. Reform has been effectively implemented and has increased student confidence and satisfaction with their education although there is room for improvement.
LAI versus oral: A case-control study on subjective experience of antipsychotic maintenance treatment
Authors: Pietrini F. , Spadafora M. , Tatini L. , Talamba G.A. , Andrisano C. , Boncompagni G. , Manetti M. , Ricca V. , Ballerini A.
Published: July 2016

Background

To present real-world evidence on the differences between long-acting injectable (LAI) and oral antipsychotic maintenance treatment (AMT) in terms of subjective well-being, attitudes towards drug and quality of life in a sample of remitted schizophrenic subjects.

Methods

Twenty outpatients with remitted schizophrenia treated with either olanzapine or paliperidone and switching from the oral to the LAI formulation of their maintenance treatment were recruited before the switch (LAI-AMT group). A group of 20 remitted schizophrenic subjects with oral AMT and matching main sociodemographic, clinical and treatment variables made up the control group (oral-AMT group). All participants were assessed in terms of objective (PANSS, YMRS, MADRS) and subjective (SWN-K, DAI-10, SF-36) treatment outcomes at baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T1).

Results

Between T0 and T1, general psychopathology of the PANSS, DAI-10, and all but one of the SWN-K dimensions (except for social integration), showed significantly higher percentages of improvement in the LAI-AMT group compared to the oral-AMT group. A generalized expansion of health-related quality of life, with better functioning in almost all areas of daily living, was reported by the LAI-AMT group after the 6-month period. In contrast, the oral-AMT group reported a significant worsening of health-related quality of life in the areas of emotional role and social functioning in the same period.

Conclusions

Our study indicates possible advantages of LAI over oral antipsychotic formulation in terms of subjective experience of maintenance treatment in remitted schizophrenic patients. Size and duration of this study need to be expanded in order to produce more solid and generalizable results.
Beliefs About Appearance, Cognitive Distraction and Sexual Functioning in Men and Women: A Mediation Model Based on Cognitive Theory
Authors: Silva Elizabet , Pascoal Patrícia M. , Nobre Pedro
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Dysfunctional beliefs about body appearance and cognitive distraction from body appearance during sexual activity have been associated with sexual problems, particularly in women. However, there are no studies examining the interplay between these dimensions and the mechanisms by which they affect sexual functioning.

Aim

To examine the mediating role of cognitive distraction with body appearance on the relation between beliefs about appearance and sexual functioning.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 426 heterosexual participants (129 men and 297 women) involved in an exclusive dyadic committed relationship who answered an online questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

The Body Appearance Cognitive Distraction Scale, the Beliefs About Appearance Scale, the International Index of Erectile Function, and the Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

The findings indicated that cognitive distraction with body appearance fully mediated the relation between beliefs about appearance and sexual functioning in men and women.

Conclusion

The results support the role of beliefs about appearance and cognitive distraction based on body appearance in predicting sexual functioning, reaffirming the role of cognitive models in explaining sexual functioning in men and women.
Learning Outcome Measurement in Nurse Participants After Disaster Training
Authors: Farra Sharon L. , Smith Sherrill , Bashaw Marie A
Published: July 2016

Objective

The National Disaster Health Consortium is an interprofessional disaster training program. Using the Hierarchical Learning Framework of Competency Sets in Disaster Medicine and Public Health, this program educates nurses and other professionals to provide competent care and leadership within the interprofessional team. This study examined outcomes of this training.

Methods

Training consisted of a combination of online and on-site training. Learning outcomes were measured by using the Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire (EPIQ) pre/post training and participant performance during live functional exercises with the use of rubrics based on Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation principles.

Results

A total of 64 participants completed the EPIQ before and after training. The mean EPIQ pre-training score of 154 and mean post-training score of 81 (reverse-scored) was found to be statistically significant by paired t-test (P<0.001). Performance was evaluated in the areas of triage, re-triage, surge response, and sheltering. Greater than 90% of the exercise criteria were either met or partially met. Participants successfully achieved overall objectives in all scenarios.

Conclusions

Disaster response requires nurses and other providers to function in interprofessional teams. Educational projects, like the National Disaster Health Consortium program, offer the potential to address the need for a standardized, interprofessional disaster training curriculum to promote positive outcomes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6)
Factors Associated With Surgical Site Infection Following Gastric Surgery in Japan
Authors: Morikane Keita , Honda Hitoshi , Suzuki Satowa
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) following gastric surgery has not been well documented.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and assess factors associated with SSI following gastric surgery in Japan using a Japanese national database for healthcare-associated infections.

DESIGN

A retrospective nationwide surveillance-based study.

SETTING

Japanese healthcare facilities.

METHODS

Data on gastric surgeries performed between 2012 and 2014 were extracted from the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance. Gastric surgery was divided into 3 types of procedures: total gastrectomy (GAST-T), distal gastrectomy (GAST-D), and other types of gastric surgery (GAST-O). The incidence of and factors associated with SSI following gastric surgery were assessed by the 3 types of procedures.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of SSI following gastric surgery was 8.8% (3,156/36,052). The incidence of SSI following GAST-T (12.4%) was significantly higher than that following GAST-D (7.01%) or GAST-O (7.84%). Besides the 4 conventional risk factors for predicting SSI, additional risk factors were identified. Male sex was significantly associated with SSI following all types of gastric surgery, but the effect of the association was substantially different (adjusted odds ratio, 1.52, 1.47, and 1.28 for GAST-T, GAST-D, and GAST-O, respectively). The effect of an emergency operation was similar. Age was also identified as a risk factor, but the most suitable modification of age as a variable differed.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and factors associated with SSI following 3 types of gastric surgery differed. To accurately compare hospital performance in SSI prevention following gastric surgery, dividing surgical procedures in the surveillance system into 3 types should be considered.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–6
Propagation of viscous currents on a porous substrate with finite capillary entry pressure
Authors: Sayag Roiy , Neufeld Jerome A.
Published: July 2016

We study the propagation of viscous gravity currents over a thin porous substrate with finite capillary entry pressure. Near the origin, where the current is deep, propagation of the current coincides with leakage through the substrate. Near the nose of the current, where the current is thin and the fluid pressure is below the capillary entry pressure, drainage is absent. Consequently the flow can be characterised by the evolution of drainage and fluid fronts. We analyse this flow using numerical and analytical techniques combined with laboratory-scale experiments. At early times, we find that the position of both fronts evolve as $t^{1/2}$, similar to an axisymmetric gravity current on an impermeable substrate. At later times, the growing effect of drainage inhibits spreading, causing the drainage front to logarithmically approach a steady position. In contrast, the asymptotic propagation of the fluid front is quasi-self-similar, having identical structure to the solution of gravity currents on an impermeable substrate, only with slowly varying fluid flux. We benchmark these theoretical results with laboratory experiments that are consistent with our modelling assumption, but that also highlight the detailed dynamics of drainage inhibited by finite capillary pressure.
On the mechanism of trailing vortex wandering
Authors: Edstrand Adam M. , Davis Timothy B. , Schmid Peter J. , Taira Kunihiko , Cattafesta Louis N.
Published: July 2016

The mechanism of trailing vortex wandering has long been debated and is often attributed to either wind-tunnel effects or an instability. Using particle image velocimetry data obtained in the wake of a NACA0012 airfoil, we remove the effect of wandering from the measured velocity field and, through a triple decomposition, recover the coherent wandering motion. Based on this wandering motion, the most energetic structures are computed using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and exhibit a helical mode with an azimuthal wavenumber of $|m|=1$ whose kinetic energy grows monotonically in the downstream direction. To investigate the nature of the vortex wandering, we perform a spatial stability analysis of a matched Batchelor vortex. The primary stability mode is found to be marginally stable and nearly identical in both size and structure to the leading POD mode. The strikingly similar structure, coupled with the measured energy growth, supports the proposition that the vortex wandering is the result of an instability. We conclude that the cause of the wandering is the non-zero radial velocity of the $|m|=1$ mode on the vortex centreline, which acts to transversely displace the trailing vortex, as observed in experiments. However, the marginal nature of the stability mode prevents a definitive conclusion regarding the specific type of instability.
Glacier surface temperatures in the Canadian High Arctic, 2000–15
Authors: MORTIMER COLLEEN A. , SHARP MARTIN , WOUTERS BERT
Published: July 2016

Canada's Queen Elizabeth Islands (QEI) contain ~14% of the world's glacier and ice-cap area. Sparse in-situ measurements indicate that interannual variability in glacier surface mass balance in this region is driven primarily by variations in summer melt, and that the annual surface mass balance of four index glaciers has become increasingly negative since 2007. Here, we use a 16-a record of satellite-derived mean summer (June–August) land surface temperatures (LST) from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer to investigate large-scale spatial and temporal variability in the duration and intensity of summer melt across glaciated surfaces in the QEI from 2000 to 2015. During this period, QEI mean summer glacier surface temperatures increased at an average rate of 0.06 ± 0.04°C a−1, for a total of nearly 1°C. Most of this increase occurred between 2005 and 2012, when mean summer near-surface (2 m) and upper-air (700 hPa) temperatures were 1.0–1.2°C higher than the 1948–2015 mean. There is a strong correlation between the glacier LST and 700 hPa air temperature records (r> 0.8). The period 2005–12, when mean summer LSTs were anomalously high, was likely the warmest period in the region since at least 1948.
END-EXTENSIONS OF MODELS OF WEAK ARITHMETIC FROM COMPLEXITY-THEORETIC CONTAINMENTS
Authors: KOŁODZIEJCZYK LESZEK ALEKSANDER
Published: July 2016

We prove that if the linear-time and polynomial-time hierarchies coincide, then every model of Π1(ℕ) + ¬Ω1has a proper end-extension to a model of Π1(ℕ), and so Π1(ℕ) + ¬Ω ⊢ BΣ1. Under an even stronger complexity-theoretic assumption which nevertheless seems hard to disprove using present-day methods, Π1(ℕ) + ¬Exp ⊢ BΣ1. Both assumptions can be modified to versions which make it possible to replace Π1(ℕ) by IΔ0as the base theory.

We also show that any proof that IΔ0+ ¬Exp does not prove a given finite fragment of BΣ1has to be “nonrelativizing”, in the sense that it will not work in the presence of an arbitrary oracle.
Performance parameter benchmarks for small piston aero-engines
Authors: Brinkworth B. J.
Published: July 2016

Benchmarks are defined, against which the performance of a given engine may be judged, with general indications for engine selection and aspects of design through which improvements may be sought. These are derived from published compilations of engine performance data obtained from suppliers around the world, which, if regularly refined and updated, will allow progress in small engine design to be systematically monitored and encouraged.
Understanding subsonic and transonic cavity flows
Authors: Henderson J. , Badcock K. J. , Richards B. E.
Published: July 2016

A computational investigation of the subsonic and transonic turbulent open flow over cavities was conducted. Simulations of these oscillatory flows were generated through time-accurate solutions of the Reynolds-averaged form of the Navier-Stokes equations. The effect of turbulence was included through the k–ω model. The results presented include calculations of the acoustic pressure distributions along the cavity floor, which compare well with experiment. The results are then used to describe the behaviour of the flow.
Avionics extrapolations(A foray into the future of avionics)
Authors: FitzPatrick R.
Published: July 2016

The past has been interesting, but what of the future? As Fig. 1 shows, extrapolation is an attractive tool, with pitfalls for the incautious - most often exemplified in aerospace by the prediction that by 2015 the entire US defence budget would fund one aeroplane, or more recently by the belief that avionics will expand into infallibility and reduce costs to invisibility. The first extrapolation is premature, and the latter two as near as makes no difference wrong.

In the case of the single affordable US defence aircraft the extrapolation probably correctly estimated the 2015 US defence budget, but erred in expressing the US Department of Defence requirement in terms of aircraft rather than damage-effects on target. The subsequent step change in avionics miniaturisation undermined the extrapolation and now looks likely to enable the DoD’s damage-effect requirements to be attained using products that lie on a different cost-effectiveness trend line.
A strategic review of the large civil aeroengine market and the paradigm shift to a service-
Authors: Kerr C. I. V. , Ivey P. C.
Published: July 2016

This paper provides a concise overview of the aeroengine industry serving the large civil aircraft market together with a discussion of the key market drivers and the strategic issues within this industry. With the airlines feeling increased pressure to improve their market performance and their associated strategies for focusing more on their core businesses, the outsourcing of aeroengine overhaul and maintenance has thus provided the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with the opportunity to strategically align with their customers. As the OEMs therefore become service providers, effectively providing thrust for 20 years, the new core competences that must be attained are discussed. They must extend their deep product knowledge in design and manufacture to those of negotiation of the long-term service agreements for their tailored service offerings and in the lifecycle engineering of their products to ensure successful fulfilment of these contracts. In the eyes of their customers the aeroengine OEMs will be seen as risk mitigators and critical to their success will the development and utilisation of knowledge-based tools for the provision of informed decision-making. The future need for such tools and the challenges are identified within this paper so that both the airlines and OEMs can minimise their risks and cost base.
Reynolds-stress modelling of transonic afterbody flows
Authors: Leschziner M. A. , Batten P. , Craft T. J.
Published: July 2016

Several afterbody flows, involving shock-boundary-layer interaction, are used to evaluate recent developments in a realizable low-Reynolds-number, second-moment closure of turbulence. The model considered is a compressibility-adapted variant of the recent incompressible-flow form of Craft and Launder. This includes a tensorially cubic model for the influential pressure-strain process, ϕij, which satisfies the two-component-turbulence limit at the wall, is directly applicable to low-Reynolds-number flow regions and does not rely on or use surface-topography parameters, such as wall-normal distance or direction. Improved predictions for afterbody flows are demonstrated, relative to existing low-Reynolds-number two-equation models and the most elaborate form of Reynolds-stress closure incorporating a linear approximation for the pressure-strain process.
An investigation of Handley Page Jetstream handling during landing
Authors: Mullen G. J.
Published: July 2016

Handley Page Jetstream G-NFLC has for many years been used to complement the theoretical teaching material on undergraduate and postgraduate aeronautical engineering courses through a set of airborne laboratories designed to expose students to practical measurements in a realistic environment. It is suspected by some of the Cranfield test pilots that the aeroplane may be prone to pilot involved oscillations in pitch during the flare; the most likely causes are a deterioration in the short period dynamics at aft centre of gravity locations and adverse longitudinal stick force characteristics. To date however, no objective data has been available to support this hypothesis. This study reports upon an experiment designed to quantify these effects by identifying linear models of the short term dynamics from flight-test data, and assessing them against the Gibson drop-back and phase rate criteria. As expected, a rearward shift in the centre of gravity causes the airframe short period pitching oscillation (elevator deflection to pitch rate) to become more sluggish, thereby producing a significant reduction in dropback, which can be traced directly to the size of the static margin. The longitudinal stick force characteristics have a negative impact on the response, causing a reduction in dropback and a substantial increase in phase rate.
Optimisation of aero gas turbine engines
Authors: Guha A.
Published: July 2016

A systematic methodology for the thermodynamic optimisation of civil bypass engines (turbofan or advanced propulsors) is presented, which would be useful for designing air-breathing engines based on “clean-sheet analysis”. The process starts with establishing an optimum specific thrust for the engine based on an economic analysis (installation constraints, noise regulations etc. also need to be considered). The task of the optimisation process is then to find the combination of optimum values of fan pressure ratio, overall pressure ratio, bypass ratio and turbine entry temperature concurrently that maximises overall efficiency at the fixed specific thrust. This procedure is quite different from the usual single-variable parametric performance studies which do not give proper optimum values and may involve large excursion in the value of the specific thrust unacceptable for a particular mission. Additionally, several, simple and explicit, analytical relations are derived here from fundamental principles, which perform well against numerical optimisation performed by a specialist computer program employing iterative and advanced search techniques. The analytical relations accelerate the optimisation process and offer physical insight. Present numerical computations with real gas properties have established new concepts in turbofan optimisation (for example, the existence of an optimum bypass ratio and optimum turbine entry temperature). The question of optimum jet velocity has been addressed. An analytical expression for the optimum jet velocity at a given bypass ratio has been derived which performs well against numerical optimisation results.