bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The NeutraClear® Needleless Connector is Equally Effective against Catheter Colonization Compared to MicroClave®
Authors: Guembe María , Pérez Granda María Jesús , Cruces Raquel , Alcalá Luis , Bouza Emilio
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Neutral-valve closed-system connectors can reduce the frequency of catheter colonization. Commercially available closed system connectors need to be tested and compared with each other to assess how they protect against contamination. We aimed to compare, in vitro, the efficacy of connectors NeutraClear® and MicroClave® against contamination under conditions of daily clinical practice.

Methods

The model consisted of a set of 200 blood culture bottles (BCBs) with a cannula inserted (100 closed with NeutraClear® and 100 closed with MicroClave®) that were assessed in two experiments while instilling 1 mL of saline: manipulation based on the standard of care and manipulation using gloves impregnated with a 0.05 McFarland Staphylococcus aureus solution. The BCBs were incubated in a BACTEC System at 37°C under continuous shaking for up to 7 days. When a bottle turned positive, 100 µL of the fluid was cultured. The positivity rate and time to positivity of the BCB in each experiment was compared.

Results

In the aseptic model in the NeutraClear® and MicroClave® groups, only 1 BCB and 2 BCBs were positive, respectively, (p = 0.55). In the contaminated model, all BCBs were positive in both groups at the end of the incubation time. We did not find differences for the MTP between NeutraClear® and MicroClave® (36.04 vs. 20.13 hours, p = 0.09).

Conclusions

The NeutraClear® needleless connector proved to be as efficient as the MicroClave® connector in the prevention of catheter colonization and migration of S. aureus from the surface to the inside of the hub in an in vitro model.
Postoperative Day 1 Access Blood Flow and Resistive Index can Predict Patency in Distal Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Shintaku Sadanori , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Ago Rika , Banshodani Masataka , Hashimoto Shinji , Tsuchiya Shinichiro
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Early access failure is an important complication of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). We prospectively monitored patients who underwent AVF creation using ultrasonography.

Methods

Color flow imaging was used to assess access blood flow in patients undergoing creation of a new AVF in the distal forearm preoperatively and at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively. We measured the flow volume (FV) and resistive index (RI) of the brachial artery, and the internal diameter of the brachial artery and outflow vein. The primary outcome was the primary patency of the AVF without percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) or surgical revision 40 days after access creation.

Results

We recruited 35 patients with newly created AVFs (men, 21; mean age, 73 years). Within one day of operation, the overall FV increased from 62 to 352 mL/min (p<0.0001) while the overall RI decreased from 1.0 to 0.63 (p<0.001). Five patients required PTA or surgical revision (intervention group [IG]), whereas 30 patients did not (non-intervention group [NIG]). The FV increased while the RI decreased from day 1 to week 1 in the NIG, but not in the IG (p<0.0001). The diameter of the brachial artery and outflow vein significantly increased in the NIG at 1 week. The FV of 235 mL/min and RI of 0.63 at 1 day were the thresholds for predicting early fistula failure.

Conclusions

Access FV and RI at 1 day after AVF creation can predict primary patency and help plan intervention.
Impaired Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistula for Haemodialysis Due to Forearm Artery Stenosis: Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Pirozzi Nicola , Scrivano Jacopo , Pirozzi Roberto , Cordova Emanuela , Punzo Giorgio , Menè Paolo
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Distal autogenous arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), considered the “gold standard” vascular access for haemodialysis, suffers from a high rate of impaired maturation. One of the usual causes is low-flow associated forearm arterial stenosis. In such cases, endovascular treatment by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty represents a helpful option to enable maturation of the vascular access. Currently, there are few reports concerning the treatment of this complication. Therefore, we describe our single-centre experience based on a retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Patients and methods

We treated 18 consecutive patients from July 2007 to January 2014 (16 radio-cephalic, 2 ulno-basilic distal AVF). A low flow due to forearm artery stenosis was diagnosed by duplex examination, as routinely performed one month after dAVF creation. An anterograde trans-brachial access was used for a 4-mm high-pressure angioplasty of the stenosed artery.

Results

All interventions resulted in patent fistulas. Isolated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was required without need of stent placement. Mean blood flow increased from 304 mL/min, preoperatively, to 671 mL/min (p<0.01), as checked one week after the procedure. One-year primary and secondary patency were 84% ±7.3% and 92% ± 9.2%, respectively. Under no circumstances did access-induced distal ischemia occurred during follow-up.

Conclusions

Endovascular approach is a helpful and minimally invasive procedure for treatment of delayed maturation of dAVF related to forearm artery stenosis.
An Extremely Rare Case of Postpartum Gestational Choriocarcinoma with Long-Term Survival
Authors: Vincent Marjolaine , Court-Fortune Isabelle , Karpathiou Georgia , Froudarakis Marios E. , Vergnon Jean-Michel
Published: August 2017

Gestational choriocarcinomas are highly malignant tumors with elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. We report an extremely rare case of a 27-year-old woman who presented 4 months after normal delivery, with pulmonary, renal and intracardiac metastases of a choriocarcinoma. No primary uterine tumor was found. She was surgically treated for the renal and cardiac metastases as well as with cisplatin-etoposide chemotherapy. No recurrence has been observed 16 years after initial diagnosis, and the patient was able to have a second child. This case report shows that appropriate treatment of metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma can cure the patient without compromising her fertility.
Long noncoding RNA CCAT1 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in human medulloblastoma via MAPK pathway
Authors: Gao Ran , Zhang Rui , Zhang Cuicui , Zhao Li , Zhang Yue
Published: August 2017

Background:

Medulloblastoma is the most common posterior fossa tumor in children and one that easily metastasizes. The mechanisms of how the medulloblastoma develops and progresses remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to assess the role of long noncoding colon cancer–associated transcript-1 (lncRNA CCAT1) in cell proliferation and metastasis in human medulloblastoma.

Methods:

Levels of CCAT1 were measured in samples and cell lines of medulloblastoma. Cell cycle progression, cell viability assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing and Transwell assays Corning, Cambridge, MA, USA were used to investigate the viability and motility of cells. Western blot assay was used to investigate the levels of CCAT1 and other proteins.

Results:

The initial findings indicated that CCAT1 was significantly up-regulated in clinical cancerous tissues and expressed differently in a series of medulloblastoma cell lines. CCAT1 knockdown significantly slowed cell proliferation rates and inhibited cell clonogenic potential in Daoy cells and D283 cells. Cell cycle progression was disrupted with cell proportions in the G0/G1 phase decreased and the proportion in the S phase and G2/M phases increased, in Daoy cells and D283 cells. Concordantly, medulloblastoma tumor cell growth rates were found to be impaired in xenotransplanted mice. After CCAT1 knockdown, cell wound recovery ability was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the phosphorylated levels of MAPK, ERK and MEK, but not their total levels decreased after the down-regulation of CCAT1 in Daoy and D283 cells.

Conclusions:

Our results suggested that the lncRNA CCAT1 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in human medulloblastoma by possibly regulating the MAPK pathway.
Changes of reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase levels in colorectal cancer patients undergoing treatment
Authors: Baltruskeviciene Edita , Kazbariene Birutė , Aleknavicius Eduardas , Krikstaponiene Aurelija , Venceviciene Lina , Suziedelis Kestutis , Stratilatovas Eugenijus , Didziapetriene Janina
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

The available data concerning reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in colorectal cancer patients during the treatment process are contradictory and insufficient.

Methods:

Forty patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were taken before treatment, after 2 months and at the end of treatment in the patient group and once in the healthy volunteer group. The levels of GSH and GST in blood serum were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Results:

The serum level of GSH was significantly lower in colorectal cancer patients before treatment than in healthy volunteers (37.84 ± 19.39 μg/mL and 52.78 ± 19.39 μg/mL, respectively; p<0.001). After treatment, the level of GSH increased significantly, while the level of GST decreased significantly. These changes were observed only in the groups of patients with partial or complete response, having metastases only in the liver, receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy with bevacizumab, or undergoing resection or radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases.

Conclusions:

GSH and GST levels change significantly during the treatment process and these changes depend on the response to treatment, treatment type, and site of metastases. Further analysis of the changes in GSH and GST levels during treatment would allow the assessment of the predictive potential of this molecular marker.
Invoking Darkness: Skotison, Scalar Derangement, and Inhuman Rhetoric
Authors: Pilsch Andrew
Published: August 2017

This article asks that we take seriously (and suggests that we have not yet taken seriously enough) Steven B. Katz's point that nonhuman rhetoric is “supplanting and replacing the physical human body” as the main site for rhetorical agency. Discussing Ian Bogost's carpentry and James J. Brown Jr. and Nathaniel Rivers's adaptation of it as rhetorical carpentry as an example of nonhuman rhetoric that does not go far enough, I suggest that Joanna Zylinska's concept of “scalar derangement”—the pathological need to put all things on a human scale—is a major impasse for a nonhuman rhetoric founded on representational methods. Instead, I offer a model of rhetorical invocation and suggest that skotison, Richard Lanham's term for deliberately obfuscatory style, provides a rhetorical practice for addressing the nonhuman at nonhuman scales. Instead of a nonhuman rhetoric of things, I maintain that in the age of climate change we should begin to consider an inhuman rhetoric.
Editorial
Authors: Hölbig Carlos Amaral
Published: August 2017

Apresentação do décimo nono número da Revista Brasileira de Computação Aplicada por parte do editor da revista.
Yield and profitability of ‘Conference’ pear in five training systems in North East of Spain
Authors: Lordan Jaume , Alegre Simó , Montserrat Ramón , Asín Luis
Published: August 2017

Training systems are key to manage the tree canopy to take advantage of the tree productivity potential. Assessment of yearly cropping, labor requirements, fruit quality, and orchard profitability were studied. The experiment was organized in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Five different training systems on Quince EMC rootstock and ‘Conference’ as the scion cultivar were compared. The results of this study show that the use of preformed highly feathered trees is an improvement for both, early cropping and profitability. Planting cost, trellis, and labor requirements had a large impact on the economic viability of each system. Tatura produced high yields, but the strong initial investment that needs to be done at planting makes this system a risky investment. Axis 2 seems to be the most suitable system for early cropping while maintaining intermediate plantation costs and an appropriate level of production efficiency.
Produção dos professores dos Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia no currículo da Plataforma Lattes
Authors: Perucchi Valmira , Mueller Suzana Pinheiro Machado
Published: August 2017

Introdução: Os Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia foram criados para estimular a qualificação dos indivíduos em tecnologia e inovação e a produção de inovações tecnológicas. A escolha dos canais de comunicação utilizados por seus professores deve refletir essa intenção, uma vez que a produção bibliográfica e a produção tecnológica se utilizam de canais diferentes.Objetivo: Identificar e analisar quantitativamente as atividades de pesquisas realizadas pelos professores/pesquisadores dos Institutos Federais registradas em seus currículos Lattes, sob o ponto de vista da natureza dos canais utilizados em sua divulgação.Metodologia: Análise quantitativa realizada com técnicas bibliométricas.Resultados: Os resultados mostram que a produção bibliográfica supera quantitativamente a produção técnica, inovação, patentes e registros.Conclusões: A produção dos professores/pesquisadores não reflete com clareza a natureza voltada à tecnologia e inovação dos Institutos Federais.
O conhecimento arquivístico aplicado na descrição de padrões fonéticos
Authors: Barbosa Tauana Dos Santos , Borges Jussara , Braid Antonio César Morant
Published: August 2017

Introdução: A identificação de falantes é a atividade capaz de determinar se duas vozes foram produzidas por uma mesma pessoa. O exame é realizado pelo foneticista, por meio da comparação de padrões fonéticos extraídos de falantes, que são elementos que determinam traços característicos da fala de um indivíduo.Objetivo: Este estudo objetiva demonstrar como o conhecimento arquivístico pode ser utilizado para descrever os padrões fonéticos fornecidos pelo foneticista, auxiliando na construção de sistemas de identificação de falantes.Metodologia: A pesquisa caracteriza-se como descritiva e de natureza quali-quantitativa, com a interpretação, descrição, avaliação e indexação dos padrões fonéticos, além da aplicação de conceitos de estatística.Resultado: O resultado da investigação levou à proposta de um modelo de descrição dos padrões fonéticos, organizado em forma de matriz, com informações relevantes para o foneticista, para ser utilizado em sistemas de identificação de falantes.Conclusão: Conclui-se que a prática da interdisciplinaridade entre as duas áreas, Arquivologia e Fonética, pode contribuir de maneira importante nos resultados de organização de dados e informações de natureza fonética, o que demonstra a ampla abrangência do conhecimento arquivísticos na resolução de problemas hodiernos.
A aplicação do PMBOK® na gestão de projetos em unidades de informação
Authors: Spudeit Daniela Fernanda Assis de Oliveira , Ferenhof Helio Aisenberg
Published: August 2017

Introdução: As unidades de informação estão cada vez mais sendo vistas como organizações prestadoras de serviços cujo principal insumo é a informação que agrega valor às instituições e formação do capital intelectual. Esse contexto aponta uma necessidade de planejamento para atendimento das necessidades informacionais dos seus clientes Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar a gestão de projetos como uma das alternativas para promover a eficácia no planejamento e execução em uma unidade de informação por meio de soluções que atendam à estas necessidades. Metodologia: Um estudo bibliográfico e exploratório foi conduzido em busca reforçar que o uso das melhores práticas de gerenciamento de projetos pode ajudar e muito a gestão de unidades de informação. Resultados: Como resultados obtidos, aponta-se que todas as dez áreas do PMBOK® são aplicáveis em unidades de informação e, cabe ao bibliotecário, promover a execução, acompanhamento e finalização desses processos.Conclusão: As unidades de informação têm como missão promover o acesso as fontes de informação e por isso é importante que sejam adotadas as boas práticas do PMBOK® pois aceleram o lançamento de produtos e serviços, reduzem custos, melhoram os controles de qualidade e otimizam recursos e esforços.
Electrocatalitic Detection of Hydrazine Using Chemically Modified Electrodes with Cobalt Pentacyanonitrosylferrate Adsorbed on the 3–Aminopropylsilica Surface
Authors: Sá Acelino Cardoso de , Maraldi Vitor Alexandre , Bonfim Kely Silveira , Souza Tamires Rocha , Paim Leonardo Lataro , Barbosa Priscila Fernanda Pereira , Nakamura Ana Paula , Carmo Devaney Ribeiro do
Published: August 2017

Cobalt pentacyanonitrosylferrate on the aminopropylsilica silica gel surface (SiCoNP) was previously prepared following two steps. The electrochemical behavior of SiCoNP modified electrode showed two redox couples, the first and second redox couples were observed at anodic potential (Epa)1 = 0.36 and 0.60 V vs. Ag/AgCl attributed to the oxidation of Co(II) to Co(III) and Fe(II)(CN)5NO/Fe(III)(CN)5NO, respectively. The modified carbon paste electrode with SiCoNP was tested in the hydrazine electrooxidation. In the hydrazine electrooxidation, the H+ release was observed and the two metal centers are involved in this process. The proposed mechanism has been described and based on studies of the effect of hydrogen ion concentration in the redox process of bivalent compound formed. Thus a large increase in hydrogen ion concentration promotes the formation of an intermediate electroactive species with an anodic peak at 0.56 V. The nature of this species is not well established but may be related to protonation of cyanide or NO groups present. The modified graphite paste electrode presented a limit of detection of 2.38×10-4 mol L-1 and amperometric sensitivity of 1.37×10-6 A.mol-1.L.
Pinaverium Bromide: Development and Validation of Spectrophotometric Methods for Assay and Dissolution Studies
Authors: Martins Danielly da Fonte Carvalho , Florindo Lorena Coimbra , Machado Anna Karolina Mouzer da Silva , Todeschini Vítor , Sangoi Maximiliano da Silva
Published: August 2017

This study presents the development and validation of UV spectrophotometric methods for the determination of pinaverium bromide (PB) in tablet assay and dissolution studies. The methods were satisfactorily validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The response was linear (r2 > 0.99) in the concentration ranges of 2–14 μg/mL at 213 nm and 10–70 μg/mL at 243 nm. The LOD and LOQ were 0.39 and 1.31 μg/mL, respectively, at 213 nm. For the 243 nm method, the LOD and LOQ were 2.93 and 9.77 μg/mL, respectively. Precision was evaluated by RSD, and the obtained results were lower than 2%. Adequate accuracy was also obtained. The methods proved to be robust using a full factorial design evaluation. For PB dissolution studies, the best conditions were achieved using a United States Pharmacopeia Dissolution Apparatus 2 (paddle) at 50 rpm and with 900 mL 0.1 M hydrochloric acid as the dissolution medium, presenting satisfactory results during the validation tests. In addition, the kinetic parameters of drug release were investigated using model-dependent methods, and the dissolution profiles were best described by the first-order model. Therefore, the proposed methods were successfully applied for the assay and dissolution analysis of PB in commercial tablets.
Coordenador pedagógico: revisão empírica dos resumos de teses e dissertações produzidas no Brasil de 1988 a 2012
Authors: Oliveira Jane Cordeiro de
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar uma revisão empírica a respeito do coordenador pedagógico e a importância do estudo sobre este profissional tendo em vista sua relevância para estudos sobre gestão. Os dados foram coletados na base de dados da Capes no período de 1988 a 2012. Nota-se que houve um significativo crescimento de pesquisas no período entre 2006 e 2008. As pesquisas concentram-se, principalmente, em São Paulo com o maior número de trabalhos. As categorias encontradas foram: histórico da função coordenador pedagógico; identidade, função, constituição da função coordenador pedagógico; formação inicial e continuada do coordenador pedagógico; atuação do coordenador pedagógico na escola; relações entre o coordenador pedagógico e os demais profissionais da escola; opinião ou visão do coordenador pedagógico sobre diferentes situações do cotidiano escolar. Consideramos que as pesquisas a respeito do coordenador pedagógico são relevantes para a compreensão de seu papel e de todas as formas de atuação no espaço escolar. Palavras-chave: coordenador pedagógico, revisão empírica, teses e dissertações.
Applying the Berberine-Pretreated Filter for Inactivating Bioaerosols
Authors: Hsu Ying-Fang , Huang Hsiao-Chien , Yang Shinhao
Published: August 2017

This work considers the effects of using the berberine pretreated filters (BPFs) as the antiseptic filters on the bioaerosol penetration. Two concentrations of berberine solutions were used to coat on the polypropylene fibrous filter. The Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bioaerosols were generated using a Collison nebulizer, as the challenged bioaerosols. The effects of various factors, including the face velocity and the relative humidity on the bioaerosol collection characteristics were evaluated. Experimental results suggested the pretreatment of berberine did have an antiseptic effect on bacteria bioaerosol and increase the inactivation mechanism. The filter pretreated with a higher concentration of berberine has a stronger antiseptic effect on bioaerosols. The culturable survival of E. coli bioaerosols through the untreated filter, the 0.002 wt%, and 0.02 wt% BPFs are around 68%, 43% and 36%, respectively. In addition, the culturable survival of B. subtilis bioaerosols through the 0.002 wt%, and 0.02 wt% BPFs are around 66%, 51% and 43%, respectively. Moreover, the culturable survival of E. coli bioaerosol through the 0.002 wt% BPFs increased from 43% to 54% as the face velocity increased from 10 to 30 cm/s. These results indicated that the antiseptic of the BPFs decreased with face velocity.
Improved Gas Separation of PEBAX-CSWCNTs Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Abbasszadeh Gamali Pouria , Rahmani Mohammadreza , Kazemi Abbass , Pourkhalil Mahnaz
Published: August 2017

In the present study, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared using PEBAX® 3000 as polymer matrix and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with carboxyl groups as nanofillers. The effects of the nanofillers on separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 were investigated. The pristine PEBAX membrane indicated gas selectivity values of 23 and 13 for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4, respectively. However selectivity of the modified membrane for gas pairs of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 improved to the values of 106.4 and 31.3, respectively. In other words, selectivity of modified membranes compared to those of unmodified ones enhanced greatly. The dramatic increase in gas selectivity of the mixed matrix membranes can be attributed to the polar groups of caboxyl-functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (CSWCNTs). While CO2 permeability of MMMs increaesd, permeability of nonpolar gases (N2 and CH4) decreased. FTIR spectra depicted that there were inter/intramolecular forces between ether and amide groups of the polymer chains. For PEBAX membrane filled with 10 wt% CSWCNTs, the peaks of C-O-C، N-H, and H-N-C=O functional groups shifted to lower values due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between polar carboxyl groups of CSWCNTs and amide/ether groups of PEBAX copolymer. Relative crystallinity values of the membranes with various CSWCNTs content were calculated using ΔHf data obtained from DSC measurements. Results demonstared that the rise in content of CSWCNTs brought about the decrement in crystallinity values of polyamide segments. The morphology of the membrane containing 10 wt% CSWCNTs was also investigated emplying AFM images, and a suitable compatability and adhere between PEBAX and CSWCNTs was last confirmed.
Nanoporous Polyether Sulfone Membrane, Preparation and Characterization: Effect of Porosity and Mean Pore Size on Performance
Authors: Salehi Shahrabi Sara , Reza Mortaheb Hamid , Barzin Jalal , Reza Ehsani Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Flat sheet membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique using polyether sulfone (PES) dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with and without adding polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyethyleneglycol (PEG). The characteristics of the prepared membranes were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Optical Contact Angle (OCA) measurements, and porosity tests. The porosity test and SEM images show that increasing additives to a certain value increases the porosity of the membrane. Also, as the coagulation bath temperature is increased, the porosity of the membrane is increased. The roughness of the membrane is increased by increasing the additive concentration. The analysis of AFM images confirms the nanoporous structure of the prepared membranes, and that the membranes with appropriate pore size distribution can be prepared by the applied method. Permeability tests using single-layer membranes show that the direct relationship between porosity and the flux of pure water or salt solution is dominated by the effect of applied additive while the salt rejection shows an inverse relationship with the mean pore size regardless of the applied additive. The salt permeation flux is a function of total porosity while the salt rejection is a function of surface porosity. Pervaporation tests show that both permeation flux and enrichment factor depend on the total porosity of the support membrane.
UP-DOWN cortical dynamics reflect state transitions in a bistable network
Authors: Jercog Daniel , Roxin Alex , Barthó Peter , Luczak Artur , Compte Albert , de la Rocha Jaime
Published: August 2017

In the idling brain, neuronal circuits transition between periods of sustained firing (UP state) and quiescence (DOWN state), a pattern the mechanisms of which remain unclear. Here we analyzed spontaneous cortical population activity from anesthetized rats and found that UP and DOWN durations were highly variable and that population rates showed no significant decay during UP periods. We built a network rate model with excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) populations exhibiting a novel bistable regime between a quiescent and an inhibition-stabilized state of arbitrarily low rate. Fluctuations triggered state transitions, while adaptation in E cells paradoxically caused a marginal decay of E-rate but a marked decay of I-rate in UP periods, a prediction that we validated experimentally. A spiking network implementation further predicted that DOWN-to-UP transitions must be caused by synchronous high-amplitude events. Our findings provide evidence of bistable cortical networks that exhibit non-rhythmic state transitions when the brain rests.
Ambient temperature and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moghadamnia Mohammad Taghi , Ardalan Ali , Mesdaghinia Alireza , Keshtkar Abbas , Naddafi Kazem , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Our study aims at identifying and quantifying the relationship between the cold and heat exposure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Material and Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Peer-reviewed studies about the temperature and cardiovascular mortality were retrieved in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from January 2000 up to the end of 2015. The pooled effect sizes of short-term effect were calculated for the heat exposure and cold exposure separately. Also, we assessed the dose–response relationship of temperature-cardiovascular mortality by a change in units of latitudes, longitude, lag days and annual mean temperature by meta-regression.

Result

After screening the titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 26 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of cardiovascular mortality increased by 5% (RR, 1.055; 95% CI [1.050–1.060]) for the cold exposure and 1.3% (RR, 1.013; 95% CI [1.011–1.015]) for the heat exposure. The short-term effects of cold and heat exposure on the risk of cardiovascular mortality in males were 3.8% (RR, 1.038; 95% CI [1.034–1.043]) and 1.1%( RR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.009–1.013]) respectively. Moreover, the effects of cold and heat exposure on risk of cardiovascular mortality in females were 4.1% (RR, 1.041; 95% CI [1.037–1.045]) and 1.4% (RR, 1.014; 95% CI [1.011–1.017]) respectively. In the elderly, it was at an 8.1% increase and a 6% increase in the heat and cold exposure, respectively. The greatest risk of cardiovascular mortality in cold temperature was in the 14 lag days (RR, 1.09; 95% CI [1.07–1.010]) and in hot temperatures in the seven lag days (RR, 1.14; 95% CI [1.09–1.17]). The significant dose–response relationship of latitude and longitude in cold exposure with cardiovascular mortality was found. The results showed that the risk of cardiovascular mortality increased with each degree increased significantly in latitude and longitude in cold exposure (0.2%, 95% CI [0.006–0.035]) and (0.07%, 95% CI [0.0003–0.014]) respectively. The risk of cardiovascular mortality increased with each degree increase in latitude in heat exposure (0.07%, 95% CI [0.0008–0.124]).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the increase and decrease in ambient temperature had a relationship with the cardiovascular mortality. To prevent the temperature- related mortality, persons with cardiovascular disease and the elderly should be targeted. The review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42016037673).
Rater Bias Models
Authors: Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: August 2017

Raters' response tendencies, standards, or expectations can result in the tendency to consistently overestimate or underestimate the behavior of targets. Such rater biases can influence the outcomes of behavioral genetic studies. Quantitative genetic models allow researchers to determine the significance of rater biases and estimate genetic and environmental influences on behaviors controlling for bias. Moreover, the use of multiple raters of the same target within a genetically informative sample can provide information about sources of disagreement between raters.
Empirical Asset Pricing: The Cross Section of Stock Returns: An Overview
Authors: Bali Turan , Engle Robert , Murray Scott
Published: August 2017

This article summarizes our textEmpirical Asset Pricing: The Cross Section of Stock Returns. The text provides an overview of the empirical asset pricing research, with a focus on cross‐sectional studies of stock returns. The main objective of this research is to identify patterns in stock returns and understand the drivers of these patterns. The text has two main parts. The first part discusses in detail the main statistical and econometric techniques used in empirical asset pricing research, the most important of which are portfolio analysis and Fama and MacBeth regression analysis. The second part summarizes the main findings in empirical asset pricing research, beginning with the seminal research on the Capital Asset Pricing Model and ending with the most contemporary work as of the time of publication, 2016. The text is intended for use in a doctoral‐level or advanced masters‐level empirical asset pricing or investments course, as well as by professional portfolio managers, risk managers, and other practitioners.

JEL Classifications:G11, G12, G13, G17
N
elder,
J
ohn
Authors: Payne Roger W.
Published: August 2017

John Ashworth Nelder was one of the most influential statisticians of his generation, whose work will continue to have an important and widespread effect on statistical analysis. His work on algorithms (general balance, generalized linear models, hierarchical generalized linear models, and the simplex method) is well known, but it is important also to recognize his contributions to the philosophy of statistical analysis. He was very concerned about the way in which innovation was stifled by limited software. He believed strongly that statistical packages should provide an environment for the development and then distribution of new statistical techniques ‐ and he made this a key design feature for his statistical systems Genstat and GLIM. The fact that these ideas now seem noncontroversial is tribute to his influence and persuasiveness.
Joint Distribution and Two‐Year Outcome in 347 Patients With Monoarthritis of Less Than Sixteen Weeks’ Duration
Authors: Norli Ellen Sauar , Brinkmann Gina Hetland , Kvien Tore Kristian , Bjørneboe Olav , Haugen Anne Julsrud , Nygaard Halvor , Thunem Cathrine , Lie Elisabeth , Mjaavatten Maria Dahl
Published: August 2017

Objective

The present study was undertaken to investigate the joint distribution and 2‐year outcome of patients with recent‐onset monoarthritis.

Methods

Adult patients with clinically apparent monoarthritis of ≤16 weeks’ duration were included in a multicenter 2‐year longitudinal study. Clinical characteristics, joint distribution, development of chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD), as well as classification criteria according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2010 criteria for RA were studied. Predictors for development of CIRD were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

The knee (49.3%), ankle (16.7%), and wrist (14.1%) were the most frequently affected joints among the 347 included patients. A total of 91 patients (26.2%) developed CIRD during follow‐up; 21 (6.1%) were diagnosed with RA, and 16 (4.6%) with psoriatic arthritis. Longer duration of joint swelling, joint localization, and anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity were independent predictors of CIRD. Six of 58 patients (10.3%) with ankle monoarthritis and 21 of 49 patients (42.9%) with wrist monoarthritis developed CIRD during follow‐up. The 2010 ACR/EULAR Criteria for RA identified all patients diagnosed with seropositive RA at an early stage, mostly within 3 months.

Conclusion

Approximately one‐fourth of patients with recent‐onset monoarthritis developed CIRD over 2 years. Patients presenting with ankle arthritis rarely developed CIRD, whereas patients presenting with wrist arthritis more frequently did so. Longer duration of joint swelling and ACPA and RF positivity were also predictive of CIRD. Our findings facilitate the early identification of patients with monoarthritis who have an unfavorable prognosis.
Investigation on the Controllable Microstructures of High Iron Content Al–Fe Alloys Fabricated via Solid–Liquid Mixture Method Combining with Plasma Arc Heating Approach
Authors: Zhou Yuli , Wang Jian , He Mingyang , Gu Lin , Wangyang Peihua
Published: August 2017

Al–Fe alloys, with large amounts of sphere‐like structures, few plate‐like structures, and little needle‐like structures of micron scale second phase have been successfully prepared via a new type of solid–liquid mixture approach combined with plasma arc heating (PAH). The authors have obtained Al–Fe alloys with iron content of 0–15%, which is of extremely significance that thermal plasma jet (TPJ) breaks through the limitation of low iron content in Al–Fe alloys. Microstructures characterization indicates that not only the microstructures of Al–Fe alloys are refined, but also the morphologies are optimized. Meanwhile, sharp corners of iron powders are rounded off and impurities are removed under the action of PAH, which is important for improving mechanical property of Al–Fe alloys. And then, the effects of various parameters including PAH, iron content, and melt temperature on the microstructures and mechanical performance are systematically investigated. The possible influence mechanisms of parameters are investigated and put forward, and appropriate parameters have been obtained during the processing of Al–Fe alloys via TPJ.
Identification of STAC3 variants in non‐Native American families with overlapping features of Carey–Fineman–Ziter syndrome and Moebius syndrome
Authors: Telegrafi Aida , Webb Bryn D. , Robbins Sarah M. , Speck‐Martins Carlos E. , FitzPatrick David , Fleming Leah , Redett Richard , Dufke Andreas , Houge Gunnar , van Harssel Jeske J. T. , Verloes Alain , Robles Angela , Manoli Irini , Engle Elizabeth C. ,   Moebius Syndrome Research Consortium, Jabs Ethylin W. , Valle David , Carey John , Hoover‐Fong Julie E. , Sobreira Nara L. M.
Published: August 2017

Horstick et al. (2013) previously reported a homozygous p.Trp284Ser variant in STAC3 as the cause of Native American myopathy (NAM) in 5 Lumbee Native American families with congenital hypotonia and weakness, cleft palate, short stature, ptosis, kyphoscoliosis, talipes deformities, and susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH). Here we present two non‐Native American families, who were found to have STAC3 pathogenic variants. The first proband and her affected older sister are from a consanguineous Qatari family with a suspected clinical diagnosis of Carey–Fineman–Ziter syndrome (CFZS) based on features of hypotonia, myopathic facies with generalized weakness, ptosis, normal extraocular movements, cleft palate, growth delay, and kyphoscoliosis. We identified the homozygous c.851G>C;p.Trp284Ser variant in STAC3 in both sisters. The second proband and his affected sister are from a non‐consanguineous, Puerto Rican family who was evaluated for a possible diagnosis of Moebius syndrome (MBS). His features included facial and generalized weakness, minimal limitation of horizontal gaze, cleft palate, and hypotonia, and he has a history of MH. The siblings were identified to be compound heterozygous for STAC3 variants c.851G>C;p.Trp284Ser and c.763_766delCTCT;p.Leu255IlefsX58. Given the phenotypic overlap of individuals with CFZS, MBS, and NAM, we screened STAC3 in 12 individuals diagnosed with CFZS and in 50 individuals diagnosed with MBS or a congenital facial weakness disorder. We did not identify any rare coding variants in STAC3. NAM should be considered in patients presenting with facial and generalized weakness, normal or mildly abnormal extraocular movement, hypotonia, cleft palate, and scoliosis, particularly if there is a history of MH.
Therapeutic Modulation of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Nehmar Ramzi , Alsaleh Ghada , Voisin Benjamin , Flacher Vincent , Mariotte Alexandre , Saferding Victoria , Puchner Antonia , Niederreiter Birgit , Vandamme Thierry , Schabbauer Gernot , Kastner Philippe , Chan Susan , Kirstetter Peggy , Holcmann Martin , Mueller Christopher , Sibilia Jean , Bahram Seiamak , Blüml Stephan , Georgel Philippe
Published: August 2017

Objective

The role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) and type I interferons (IFNs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a subject of controversy. This study was undertaken to explore the contribution of PDCs and type I IFNs to RA pathogenesis using various animal models of PDC depletion and to monitor the effect of localized PDC recruitment and activation on joint inflammation and bone damage.

Methods

Mice with K/BxN serum–induced arthritis, collagen‐induced arthritis, and human tumor necrosis factor transgene insertion were studied. Symptoms were evaluated by visual scoring, quantification of paw swelling, determination of cytokine levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and histologic analysis. Imiquimod‐dependent therapeutic effects were monitored by transcriptome analysis (using quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction) and flow cytometric analysis of the periarticular tissue.

Results

PDC‐deficient mice showed exacerbation of inflammatory and arthritis symptoms after arthritogenic serum transfer. In contrast, enhancing PDC recruitment and activation to arthritic joints by topical application of the Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7) agonist imiquimod significantly ameliorated arthritis in various mouse models. Imiquimod induced an IFN signature and led to reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effects of imiquimod on joint inflammation and bone destruction are dependent on TLR‐7 sensing by PDCs and type I IFN signaling. Our findings indicate that local recruitment and activation of PDCs represents an attractive therapeutic opportunity for RA patients.
How a Transition‐Metal(II) Chloride Interacts with a Eutectic AlCl3‐Based Ionic Liquid: Insights into the Speciation of the Electrolyte and Electrodeposition of Magnetic Materials
Authors: Pulletikurthi Giridhar , Weidenfeller Bernd , Borodin Andriy , Namyslo Jan C. , Endres Frank
Published: August 2017

Electrostatic interactions are characteristic of ionic liquids (ILs) and play a pivotal role in determining the formation of species when solutes are dissolved in them. The formation of new species/complexes has been investigated for certain ILs. However, such investigations have not yet focused on eutectic liquids, which are a promising class of ILs. These liquids (or liquid coordination complexes, LCCs) are rather new and are composed of cationic and anionic chloro complexes of metals. To date, these liquids have been employed as electrolytes to deposit metals and as solvents for catalysis. The present study deals with a liquid that is prepared by mixing a 1.2:1 mol ratio of AlCl3 and 1‐butylpyrrolidine. An attempt has been made to understand the interactions of FeCl2 with the organic molecule using spectroscopy. It was found that dissolved Fe(II) species interact mainly with the IL anion and such interactions can lead to changes in the cation of the electrolyte. Furthermore, the viability of depositing thick magnetic films of Fe and Fe–Al has been explored.
Intelligent, Biodegradable, and Self‐Healing Hydrogels Utilizing DNA Quadruplexes
Authors: Tanaka Shizuma , Wakabayashi Kenta , Fukushima Kazuki , Yukami Shinsuke , Maezawa Ryuki , Takeda Yuhei , Tatsumi Kohei , Ohya Yuichi , Kuzuya Akinori
Published: August 2017

A new class of hydrogels utilizing DNA (DNA quadruplex gel) has been constructed by directly and symmetrically coupling deoxynucleotide phosphoramidite monomers to the ends of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) in liquid phase, and using the resulting DNA‐PEG‐DNA triblock copolymers as macromonomers. Elongation of merely four deoxyguanosine residues on PEG, which produces typically ≈10 grams of desired DNA‐PEG conjugates in one synthesis, resulted in intelligent and biodegradable hydrogels utilizing DNA quadruplex formation, which are responsive to various input signals such as Na+, K+, and complementary DNA strand. Gelation of DNA quadruplex gels takes place within a few seconds upon the addition of a trigger, enabling free formation just like Ca+‐alginate hydrogels or possible application as an injectable polymer (IP) gel. The obtained hydrogels show good thermal stability and rheological properties, and even display self‐healing ability.
Enhanced CO2 Capture Performance of Limestone by Industrial Waste Sludge
Authors: Hu Ying-chao , Liu Wen-qiang , Yang Yuan-dong , Sun Jian , Zhou Zi-jian , Xu Ming-hou
Published: August 2017

Although inert supports have been proved effective to enhance CO2 capture performance of CaO sorbents, more commonly used supports are derived from expensive raw materials such as nitrates and organometallic precursors. Cheap waste sludge from the steel plant was utilized, which has a high daily output and has not received effective reuse, to promote the CO2 capture performance. The results showed that the sludge effectively promoted the performance of limestone. Homogeneously dispersed inert material of MgO, acting as the metal framework to resist sintering, was responsible for the enhanced performance. The introduction of waste sludge into the calcium looping could not only improve the sorbent performance, but also provide a potentially effective way to reuse the waste sludge.
Silicon Phthalocyanines Axially Disubstituted with Erlotinib toward Small‐Molecular‐Target‐Based Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Juan‐Juan , Huang Yi‐Zhen , Song Mei‐Ru , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Xue Jin‐Ping
Published: August 2017

Small‐molecular‐target‐based photodynamic therapy—a promising targeted anticancer strategy—was developed by conjugating zinc(II) phthalocyanine with a small‐molecular‐target‐based anticancer drug. To prevent self‐aggregation and avoid problems of phthalocyanine isomerization, two silicon phthalocyanines di‐substituted axially with erlotinib have been synthesized and fully characterized. These conjugates are present in monomeric form in various solvents as well as culture media. Cell‐based experiments showed that these conjugates localize in lysosomes and mitochondria, while maintaining high photodynamic activities (IC50 values as low as 8 nm under a light dose of 1.5 J cm−2). With erlotinib as the targeting moiety, two conjugates were found to exhibit high specificity for EGFR‐overexpressing cancer cells. Various poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker lengths were shown to have an effect on the photophysical/photochemical properties and on in vitro phototoxicity.
Development of Substrate‐Derived Sirtuin Inhibitors with Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Kuhlmann Nora , Chollet Constance , Baldus Linda , Neundorf Ines , Lammers Michael
Published: August 2017

RhoGDIα is a key regulator of Rho proteins, coordinating their GTP/GDP and membrane/cytosol cycle. Recently, it was demonstrated by quantitative mass spectrometry that RhoGDIα is heavily targeted by post‐translational lysine acetylation. For one site in its N‐terminal domain, namely K52, we reported earlier that acetylation completely switches off RhoGDIα function. Herein we show that K52‐acetylated RhoGDIα is specifically deacetylated by the sirtuin deacetylase Sirt2. We show that acetylation at K52 decelerates cervical cancer cell proliferation, suggesting RhoGDIα acetylation to be a promising therapeutic target. We demonstrate that treatment of cervical cancer cells with a RhoGDIα‐derived K52‐trifluoroacetylated, substrate‐derived peptidic sirtuin inhibitor severely impairs cell proliferation. Finally, we conclude that the potency of substrate‐derived sirtuin inhibitors depends on structural features, the substrate‐derived amino acid sequence as a determinant for selectivity, as well as the presence of an acetyl‐lysine analogue to increase its potency. These data reveal a prospective therapeutic potential for novel substrate‐derived sirtuin inhibitors.