bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Extraction and Quality Characterization of Water‐Soluble Polysaccharide from Gamma‐Irradiated Lentinus edodes
Authors: Akram Kashif , Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Kim Gui‐Ran , Farooq Umar , Kwon Joong‐Ho
Published: February 2017

Gamma irradiation was applied to the improved extraction of water‐soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) from dried Lentinus edodes. Irradiation provided a dose‐dependent increase in extraction yield (0 kGy, 2.01%; 7.5 kGy, 4.03%; 15 kGy, 7.17%) and purity (0 kGy, 78.8%; 7.5 kGy, 83.1%; 15 kGy, 85.6%) of the WSPs from hot‐water extraction. The effect of irradiation was evident in the degraded microstructures and reduced molecular weights of the WSPs. However, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier‐transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopic analyses provided comparable structures of WSPs from nonirradiated and irradiated samples. UV–visible spectra showed a dose‐dependent decline in intensity, but an improvement in thermal properties of the WSPs from the irradiated mushroom samples was observed.
Can a peri‐rectal hydrogel spaceOAR programme for prostate cancer intensity‐modulated radiotherapy be successfully implemented in a regional setting?
Authors: te Velde Bridget L , Westhuyzen Justin , Awad Nader , Wood Maree , Shakespeare Thomas P
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of a hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR) programme for patients treated with 81 Gy prostate intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in a regional setting can reduce rectal doses and toxicity.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 125 patients with localised prostate cancer treated between April 2014 (programme commencement) and June 2015 were compared: 65 with SpaceOAR (inserted by five different urologists) and 60 patients treated over the same time period without SpaceOAR. Patients were treated with 81 Gy in 45Fx of IMRT over 9 weeks. Planning aims included restricting rectal doses to V40 Gy < 35%, V65 Gy < 17%, V75 Gy < 10%. Acute toxicity was assessed weekly during radiotherapy and at 12 weeks.

Results

Rectal volume parameters were all significantly lower in the SpaceOAR group, with an associated reduction in acute diarrhoea (13.8% vs 31.7%). There were no significant differences in the very low rates of acute and late faecal incontinence or proctitis, however, there was a trend towards increased haemorrhoid rate in the SpaceOAR group (11.7% vs 3.1%, P = 0.09).

Conclusion

A SpaceOAR programme in a regional setting with urologists performing low volumes of insertions (<1 per month on average) is of clinical benefit, and was associated with significantly lower radiation doses to the rectum and lower rates of acute diarrhoea.
LandScape Corridors (lscorridors): a new software package for modelling ecological corridors based on landscape patterns and species requirements
Authors: Ribeiro John Wesley , Silveira dos Santos Juliana , Dodonov Pavel , Martello Felipe , Brandão Niebuhr Bernardo , Ribeiro Milton Cezar
Published: February 2017

Maintaining connectivity is one of the main challenges for biodiversity conservation world‐wide. Ecological corridors are important to maintain landscape connectivity, but their efficiency depends on landscape patterns and species responses at different spatial extents and landscape contexts.

We developed a new ecologically oriented free software package, LandScape Corridors (lscorridors), to improve ecological corridor design by considering biodiversity responses to landscape attributes at a variety of spatial extents. LandScape Corridors considers stochastic variation, species perception and landscape influence on organisms in the design of ecological corridors. In addition to the least cost path algorithm, we propose four different methods for the simulation of multiple‐path functional ecological corridors. One method uses the information for each pixel separately, whereas the three other methods permit corridor simulation considering the landscape context at different spatial extents.

LandScape Corridors permits to simulate corridors for species with different requirements and considers that different species perceive and respond to the surrounding landscape in different ways, as many species may choose to move through areas that may not be the most permeable ones in the landscape. Two parameters in lscorridors modulate the stochasticity in corridors simulations. The first parameter is the level of variability added to the input resistance map in each simulation, resulting in more variable and spatially spread‐out corridors. The other parameter is the spatial extent that may influence each pixel; larger extents result in larger spatial zones affecting each pixel during corridors simulations. In addition, when considering spatial influence, the simulations may be performed for species highly, medially or less sensitive to habitat quality.

Some currently available software are not free or depend on a paid GIS software to work. In addition, some software do not support large matrices in their simulations, limiting their use. LandScape Corridors is designed to deal with large rasters, is based on strictly freeware software, and is freely available online. This allows the users to implement new methods for modelling multi‐scale and ecologically based corridors.

LandScape Corridors is a potential tool for the identification of protected areas, as corridor simulation considers species movement and landscape connectivity, essential characteristics to aid in large‐scale biodiversity conservation, especially in anthropogenic landscapes. LandScape Corridors provides what we may call a zone for conservation, showing a set of connected areas in the landscape which may be ordered according to their potential for ecological corridors or which may be used as an aid for conservation strategies or ecological restoration projects.
Effects of fluid restriction on measures of circulatory efficacy in adults with septic shock
Authors: Hjortrup P. B. , Haase N. , Wetterslev J. , Lange T. , Bundgaard H. , Rasmussen B. S. , Dey N. , Wilkman E. , Christensen L. , Lodahl D. , Bestle M. , Perner A.
Published: February 2017

Background

The haemodynamic consequences of fluid resuscitation in septic shock have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we assessed circulatory effects in the first 24 h of restriction of resuscitation fluid as compared to standard care in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock.

Methods

This was a post‐hoc analysis of the multicentre CLASSIC randomised trial in which patients with septic shock, who had received the initial fluid resuscitation, were randomised to a protocol restricting resuscitation fluid or a standard care protocol in nine ICUs. The highest plasma lactate, highest dose of noradrenaline, and the urinary output were recorded in five time frames in the first 24 h after randomisation. We used multiple linear mixed effects models to compare the two groups.

Results

We included all 151 randomised patients; the cumulated fluid resuscitation volume in the first 24 h after randomisation was median 500 ml (Interquartile range (IQR) 0–1500) and 1250 ml (500–2500) in the fluid restriction group and standard care group, respectively. The estimated differences in the fluid restriction group vs. the standard care group were 0.1 mM (95% confidence interval −0.7 to 0.9; P = 0.86) for lactate, 0.01 μg/kg/min (−0.02 to 0.05; P = 0.48) for dose of noradrenaline, and −0.1 ml/kg/h (−0.3 to 0.2; P = 0.70) for urinary output during the first 24 h after randomisation.

Conclusions

We observed no indications of worsening of measures of circulatory efficacy in the first 24 h of restriction of resuscitation fluid as compared with standard care in adults with septic shock who had received initial resuscitation.
A daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition
Authors: Dossett Wendy
Published: February 2017

Commentary to: Is Alcoholics Anonymous religious, spiritual, neither? Findings from 25 years of mechanisms of behavior change research
Meeting the Global Ecosystem Collapse Challenge
Authors: Sato Chloe F. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: February 2017

Natural systems are declining at an unparalleled rate. To prompt conservation of ecosystems, the IUCN has developed a framework to assess ecosystem threat. By 2025, the IUCN aims to assess the collapse risk of all the world's ecosystems using this framework. This increases the pressure to refine tractable methods to predict collapse. However, there has been no systematic review of whether predicting collapse is possible and practical, which is impeding consistent and comparable assessments of ecosystem threat. Here, we conduct such a review and highlight six areas of concern – stemming from the findings of our review – in need of immediate attention to progress work on assessing ecosystem collapse and the application of such assessments to the management of at‐risk ecosystems. These are: (1) better conceptualizations of ecosystems, (2) better conceptualizations of ecosystem collapse, (3) improved integration of theory, experimentation, and practice, (4) improved surrogates and early warning indicators of ecosystem collapse, (5) the implementation of management experiments to enhance understanding of ecosystem stability, and (6) ensuring IUCN Red List of Ecosystems listings result in the conservation of biodiversity.
Toward a theory for diversity gradients: the abundance–adaptation hypothesis
Authors: Weiser Michael D. , Michaletz Sean T. , Buzzard Vanessa , Deng Ye , He Zhili , Shen Lina , Enquist Brian J. , Waide Robert B. , Zhou Jizhong , Kaspari Michael
Published: February 2017

The abundance–adaptation hypothesis argues that taxa with more individuals and faster generation times will have more evolutionary ‘experiments’ allowing expansion into, and diversification within, novel habitats. Thus, as older taxa have produced more individuals over time, and smaller taxa have higher population sizes and faster generation times, the Latitudinal Diversity Gradients (LDGs) of these clades should show shallower slopes. We describe the LDGs for archaea, bacteria, fungi, invertebrates and trees from six North American forests. For three focal groups – bacteria, ants, and trees – older taxa had shallower LDG slopes than the more recent, terminal taxa. Across 12 orders of magnitude of body mass, LDG slopes were steeper in larger taxa. The slopes of LDGs vary systematically with body size and clade age, underscoring the non‐canonical nature of LDGs. The steepest LDG slopes were found for the largest organisms while the smallest, from bacteria to small litter‐soil invertebrates, have shallower‐ to zero‐slope LDGs. If tropical niche conservatism is the failure of clades to adapt to, and diversify in temperate habitats, then the steep LDGs of chordates and plants likely arise from the decreased ability of clades with large individuals to adapt to the multiple challenges of extra‐tropical life.
Different synaptic stimulation patterns influence the local androgenic and estrogenic neurosteroid availability triggering hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the male rat
Authors: Di Mauro Michela , Tozzi Alessandro , Calabresi Paolo , Pettorossi Vito Enrico , Grassi Silvarosa
Published: February 2017

Electrophysiological recordings were used to investigate the role of the local synthesis of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on synaptic long‐term effects induced in the hippocampal CA1 region of male rat slices. Long‐term depression (LTD) and long‐term potentiation (LTP), induced by different stimulation patterns, were examined under the block of the DHT synthesis by finasteride (FIN), and the E2 synthesis by letrozole (LET). We used low frequency stimulation (LFS) for LTD, high frequency stimulation (HFS) for LTP, and intermediate patterns differing in duration or frequency. We found that FIN reverted the LFS‐LTD into LTP and enhanced LTP induced by intermediate and HFSs. These effects were abolished by exogenous DHT at concentration higher than the basal one, suggesting a stimulus dependent increase in DHT availability. No effect on the synaptic responses was observed giving DHT alone. Moreover, we found that the inhibition of E2 synthesis influenced the HFS‐LTP by reducing its amplitude, and the exogenous E2 either enhanced HFS‐LTP or reverted the LFS‐LTD into LTP. The equivalence of the E2 concentration for rescuing the full HFS‐LTP under LET and reverting the LFS‐LTD into LTP suggests an enhancement of the endogenous E2 availability that is specifically driven by the HFS. No effect of FIN or LET was observed on the responses to stimuli that did not induce either LTD or LTP. This study provides evidence that the E2 and DHT availability combined with specific stimulation patterns is determinant for the sign and amplitude of the long‐term effects.
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the seizure‐onset zone during stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Dimova Petia , de Palma Luca , Job‐Chapron Anne‐Sophie , Minotti Lorella , Hoffmann Dominique , Kahane Philippe
Published: February 2017

Objective

To assess long‐term outcome and identify prognostic factors of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) following stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) explorations in particularly complex cases of focal epilepsy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts, video‐SEEGrecordings, and outcomes for 23 patients (aged 6–53 years) treated withSEEG‐guidedRFTC, of whom 15 had negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and 10 were considered noneligible for resective surgery afterSEEG. Two to 11RFTCs per patient (mean 5) were produced by applying 40–50 V, 75–110 mAcurrent for 10–60 s onSEEGelectrode contacts within the epileptogenic region, which was very close to eloquent cortices in 12 cases. The general features,SEEGfindings, andRFTCextent of the patients were analyzed to extract potential preoperative predictors of post‐RFTCseizure outcomes.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 32 months (range 2–119 months), eight patients experienced a ≥50% decrease of seizure frequency afterRFTC(R+, 34.8%), of whom one had a sustained seizure freedom and 15 patients did not benefit fromRFTC(R−, 65.2%). The presence of anMRIlesion was the only significant predictor of a positive outcome, whereas location of epilepsy, extent of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and of the seizure onset zone, induction of seizures by electrical stimulation, as well as the ratio of the coagulated sites did not show a significant correlation to theRFTCresponse. However, (sub‐)continuousIEDs were more frequently found in R+ than in R− patients, thus suggesting that thisEEGmarker of the epileptogenic tissue might predict a positive outcome even in patients without obviousMRIlesion.

Significance

Our study confirms thatRFTC, although less effective than resective surgery, can be a reasonable therapeutic option in complex cases where anatomic constraints make impossible any cortical resection. Further prospective studies are needed to better defineRFTCindications and to optimize its methodology.
Rewriting Mortality: Gift and Atonement in Cur Deus Homo
Authors: Campbell Austin L.
Published: February 2017

The model of atonement presented in Anselm of Canterbury's Cur Deus Homo has aroused a host of worries from theologians. The gist of their criticism is that Anselm inscribes redemptive violence into theology and thus encourages passive acquiescence to abusive power structures or even licenses the violence of abusers. Some suggest that the way forward would be to jettison Anselm's account and develop alternatives that are not liable to the same abuses. This paper argues that while alternatives may be desirable, Cur Deus Homo looms so large in theological imaginations as to defy jettisoning. We should instead try to perform better readings. This paper presents a close reading of this text as a monastic meditation on mortality oriented less toward resolving a problem of systematic theology than drawing readers into a renewed experience of devotion to God. To do that, Anselm works to rewrite the meaning of human mortality, making it less about the necessity of losing one's life and more about the possibility of a gift of death. The ethical paradigm that emerges is far from a complete moral vision, but is still more alluring than the one about which Anselm's contemporary critics worry.
Effect of pulsed laser irradiation on the SiC surface
Authors: Suess Manuela , Wilhelmi Christian , Salvo Milena , Casalegno Valentina , Tatarko Peter , Funke Matthias
Published: February 2017

The effect of a pulsed laser irradiation (Nd:YVO4, 1064 nm) in air on the surface morphology and chemical composition of silicon carbide and on the adhesion with an epoxy adhesive was investigated. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the laser treatment reduced the contamination level of the surface and induced the formation of a silica‐based nanostructured columnar layer on the SiC surface. The mechanism for the formation of five different microstructural regions is described in this paper. In addition, the formation of a 5‐10‐nm‐thick graphite layer between the oxide layer and SiC was observed. The joining test with Hysol® EA9321 showed that the nanostructured columnar silica layer was completely infiltrated by the adhesive, thus leading to a significant increase in the joined specific area and a mechanical interlocking at the adhesive/substrate interface. Nevertheless, the apparent shear strength of the joined SiC samples slightly decreased after the laser processing of the surfaces from about 42 MPa for lapped SiC to about 35 MPa for laser‐nanostructured SiC. The formation of the graphite layer was found to be responsible of the poor adhesion properties of the SiC surfaces modified by the laser radiation.
Life‐Space Mobility Change Predicts 6‐Month Mortality
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Sawyer Patricia , Williams Courtney P. , Lo Alexander X. , Ritchie Christine S. , Roth David L. , Allman Richard M. , Brown Cynthia J.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To examine 6‐month change in life‐space mobility as a predictor of subsequent 6‐month mortality in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling older adults from five Alabama counties in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Study of Aging.

Participants

A random sample of 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, stratified according to sex, race, and rural or urban residence, recruited between November 1999 and February 2001, followed by a telephone interview every 6 months for the subsequent 8.5 years.

Measurements

Mortality data were determined from informant contacts and confirmed using the National Death Index and Social Security Death Index. Life‐space was measured at each interview using the UAB Life‐Space Assessment, a validated instrument for assessing community mobility. Eleven thousand eight hundred seventeen 6‐month life‐space change scores were calculated over 8.5 years of follow‐up. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test predictors of mortality at subsequent 6‐month intervals.

Results

Three hundred fifty‐four deaths occurred within 6 months of two sequential life‐space assessments. Controlling for age, sex, race, rural or urban residence, and comorbidity, life‐space score and life‐space decline over the preceding 6‐month interval predicted mortality. A 10‐point decrease in life‐space resulted in a 72% increase in odds of dying over the subsequent 6 months (odds ratio = 1.723, P < .001).

Conclusions

Life‐space score at the beginning of a 6‐month interval and change in life‐space over 6 months were each associated with significant differences in subsequent 6‐month mortality. Life‐space assessment may assist clinicians in identifying older adults at risk of short‐term mortality.
Effects of a hospital–community partnership transitional program in patients with coronary heart disease in Chengdu, China: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Xiao‐Yi , Tian Lang , Chen Lin , Jiang Xiao‐Lian
Published: February 2017

Aim

To evaluate the effects of a hospital–community partnership transitional program among patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial with 236 patients who were randomized into two groups. The patients in the control group received the usual care. In contrast, the patients in the study group received the transitional care program. The data were collected at the baseline, 30 days, and 90 days after discharge. The primary outcomes were the 30 and 90 day readmission rates after discharge. The secondary outcomes included the quality‐of‐care transitions, medicine adherence, and chronic disease self‐efficacy.

Results

The findings indicated that: (i) the patients in the study group reported significantly lower 30 and 90 day readmission rates after their discharge than those in the control group; (ii) statistically significant differences were found in the quality‐of‐care transitions at 30 days postdischarge between the two groups as the patients in the study group reported significantly higher quality‐of‐care transitions, compared to those in the control group; and (iii) the patients in the study group reported significantly higher scores in medication adherence and chronic disease self‐efficacy at 30 and 90 days after discharge than those in the control group.

Conclusion

This study is an original effort to establish and evaluate a hospital–community partnership transitional care program in patients with coronary heart disease in China and the findings have demonstrated its effects.
Is It Race, Class, or Gender? The Sources of Perceived Discrimination in Brazil
Authors: Layton Matthew L. , Smith Amy Erica
Published: February 2017

Observers have long noted Brazil's distinctive racial politics: the coexistence of relatively integrated race relations and a national ideology of “racial democracy” with deep social inequalities along color lines. Those defending a vision of a nonracist Brazil attribute such inequalities to mechanisms perpetuating class distinctions. This article examines how members of disadvantaged groups perceive their disadvantage and what determines self-reports of discriminatory experiences, using 2010 AmericasBarometer data. About a third of respondents reported experiencing discrimination. Consistent with Brazilian national myths, respondents were much more likely to report discrimination due to their class than to their race. Nonetheless, the respondent's skin color, as coded by the interviewer, was a strong determinant of reporting class as well as race and gender discrimination. Race is more strongly associated with perceived “class” discrimination than is household wealth, education, or region of residence; female gender intensifies the association between color and discrimination.
On critical observations that constrain models of terrestrial hypervelocity impact craters
Authors: Dence Michael R.
Published: February 2017

Impact structures in the crystalline rocks of the Canadian Shield range over two orders of magnitude in size and display morphologies recognized elsewhere in the solar system. This contribution draws upon new examinations of drill core from Canadian craters to reaffirm some relationships, modify others, and refine the transitions from simple to complex with central peak to peak‐ring structures. These include recognizing the hyperbolic form of transient craters, sharpening the allochthon–parautochthon distinction, and proposing new formulae for key relationships. It emphasizes the role of dynamic tensile strength and the attenuation of tensile rarefaction waves in determining the size of both transient and final crater dimensions. On Earth, depth (d) to diameter (D) ratios are not invariant at about 1:10 but change smoothly with size from 1:3 at Brent through 1:5 to 1:10 in the largest; that is, d = 0.4 D0.75. In craters in crystalline rocks, the central peak grows at about uplift = 0.175 D until, at D about 28 km, the uplift rises above the original surface then collapses to form a peak‐ring structure. These relationships demonstrate the dominant role of gravity in attenuating tensile rarefaction waves and controlling transient crater depth and overall size relative to the volume shocked.
Blood feeding of Ornithodoros turicata larvae using an artificial membrane system
Authors: KIM H. J. , FILATOV S. , LOPEZ J. E. , PÉREZ DE LEÓN A. A. , TEEL P. D.
Published: February 2017

An artificial membrane system was adapted to feed Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) larvae from a laboratory colony using defibrinated swine blood. Aspects related to larval feeding and moulting to the first nymphal instar were evaluated. A total of 55.6% of all larvae exposed to the artificial membrane in two experimental groups fed to repletion and 98.0% of all fed larvae moulted. Mortality rates of first instar nymphs differed significantly depending on the sorting tools used to handle engorged larvae (χ2 = 35.578, P < 0.0001): engorged larvae handled with featherweight forceps showed significantly higher mortality (odds ratio = 4.441) than those handled with a camel‐hair brush. Differences in the physical properties of the forceps and camel‐hair brush may affect the viability of fragile soft tick larvae even when care and the same technique are used to sort them during experimental manipulations. The current results represent those of the first study to quantify successful feeding to repletion, moulting and post‐moulting mortality rates in O. turicata larvae using an artificial membrane feeding system. Applications of the artificial membrane feeding system to fill gaps in current knowledge of soft tick biology and the study of soft tick–pathogen interactions are discussed.
Survival probabilities of end stage renal disease patients on renal replacement therapy in Iran
Authors: Heidary Rouchi Alireza , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Aghighi Mohammad , Mahdavi‐Mazdeh Mitra
Published: February 2017

Aim

To bridge the gap in the current knowledge, the present study was conducted to obtain evidences relating to clinical outcomes of the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population in Iran over the last two decades.

Methods

The records of 84 652 incident ESRD patients from 1995 up to and including 2014 in the national registry of ESRD patients were analyzed retrospectively. Data were collected from dialysis and transplant centres in Iran from 1995 to 2008 via paper forms and from 2009 to 2014 through web‐based records.

Results

Mean age (SD) in incident cases of ESRD (57.7% male) was 52.5 (16.6) years. The prevalence of ESRD patients grew on average 14.9% and 5.3% annually in the periods of 1995–2004 and 2005–2014, respectively. Adjusted mortality rate among dialysis patients in 1995, 2005, and 2014 was 145, 154, and 177/ 1000 patient‐years, respectively. Median graft half‐life (IQR) and median expected remaining life‐years (IQR) for dialysis patients in the 2003 incident patient cohort were 4.4 (1.9–8.3) and 4.2 (1.8–8.2) years, respectively.

Conclusions

The overall slightly decreasing, and still comparable, survival trend in dialysis patients, despite the accessible and free dialysis treatment, may be the result of the counterbalance of different contributory factors, including increased age and the higher proportion of patients with co‐morbidities resulting from diabetes and hypertension. The half‐lives of renal allografts were generally shorter compared to thus far shared evidence, which may be due to tissue incompatibility. The decreasing trend, in this context, can be attributable to the increased number of transplantation from deceased donors with expanded criteria.
Association between neural reactivity and startle reactivity to uncertain threat in two independent samples
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Lieberman Lynne , Shankman Stewart A. , Phan K. Luan
Published: February 2017

Prior studies indicate that anxiety disorders are associated with heightened sensitivity to uncertain threat (U threat). Individual differences in reactivity to U threat have been measured in the laboratory with two methodologies—startle eyeblink potentiation and fMRI. While startle and fMRI are purported to relate to each other, very little research exists on whether individual differences in one measure are associated with individual differences in another and, thus, whether startle and fMRI capture shared mechanisms. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate if and where in the brain measures of startle potentiation and fMRI BOLD signal correlate during response to U threat across two independent samples. Participants in both studies completed two threat anticipation tasks—once during collection of startle potentiation and once during fMRI. In Study 1 (n = 43), the startle and fMRI tasks both used electric shock as the threat. As an extension, in Study 2 (n = 38), the startle task used electric shock but the fMRI task used aversive images. Despite these methodological differences, greater startle potentiation to U threat was associated with greater dorsal anterior cingulate, caudate, and orbitofrontal cortex reactivity to U threat in both samples. The findings suggest that startle and fMRI measures of responding to U threat overlap, and points toward an integrated brain‐behavior profile of aberrant U threat responding.
Osteoarthritis and joint replacements of the lower limb and spine in ex‐professional soccer players: A systematic review
Authors: Lohkamp M. , Kromer T. O. , Schmitt H.
Published: February 2017

After a professional career as a soccer player, the risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) in different joints of the spine and lower limb might be increased. The extent of this problem to date is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize the prevalence of OA and joint replacement of the lower limb and spine in former professional soccer players. Relevant databases were searched with different combinations of key words: for example, OA, hip, knee, ankle, foot, joint replacement, soccer. Studies were included if they were original research, included a sample of former professional male soccer players, and had OA in the lower limb and/or spine; OA was diagnosed either through questionnaires or X‐rays; and the article is in English, Dutch, or German. Sixteen studies with 1576 former players and 2153 control subjects were included in the review. Studies agreed that the prevalence of hip OA and hip replacements is significantly higher in former players compared to the control group. For the ankle and spine, there is only limited information, and for the prevalence of knee OA and knee replacement, the results are contradictory. The quality of the included studies was moderate. Future studies should have a prospective design to control for confounding factors, to identify possible risk factors and consequences for the individuals, and to be able to develop a prevention program.
Seated limits‐of‐stability of athletes with disabilities with regard to competitive levels and sport classification
Authors: Santos P. B. R. , Vigário P. S. , Mainenti M. R. M. , Ferreira A. S. , Lemos T.
Published: February 2017

In this study, we asked whether wheelchair rugby (WR) classification and competitive level influence trunk function of athletes with disabilities, in terms of seated limits‐of‐stability (LoS). Twenty‐eight athletes were recruited from international‐ and national‐levelWRteams, with each group exhibiting marked differences in years of sports practice and training volume. Athletes were also distributed into three groups according their classification: low‐point (0.5‐1.5‐point); mid‐point (2.0‐2.5‐point); and high‐point (3.0‐3.5‐point). Athletes were asked to sit on a force platform and to lean the body as far as possible in eight predefined directions. Center of pressure (COP) coordinates were calculated from the ground reaction forces acquired with the force platform. LoS were computed as the area of ellipse adjusted to maximalCOPexcursion achieved for the eight directions.ANOVAs reveal that LoS were not different when international‐ and national‐level players were compared (P=.744). Nevertheless, LoS were larger in players from the high‐point group than from the low‐point group (P=.028), with the mid‐point group being not different from both (P>.194). In summary, (i) competitive level does not impact LoS measures and (ii) LoS are remarkably distinct when comparing both extremes of theWRclassification range. Our results suggest that, as a training‐resistant measure, LoS could be a valid assessment of trunk impairment, potentially contributing to the development of an evidence‐basedWRclassification.
Factors influencing platelet clumping during peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell collection
Authors: Mathur Gagan , Mott Sarah L. , Collins Laura , Nelson Gail A. , Knudson C. Michael , Schlueter Annette J.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Platelet clumping is a common occurrence during peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) collection using the Spectra Optia mononuclear cell (MNC) protocol. If clumping persists, it may prevent continuation of the collection and interfere with proper MNC separation. This study is the first to report the incidence of clumping, identify precollection factors associated with platelet clumping, and describe the degree to which platelet clumping interferes with HSC product yield.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In total, 258 HSC collections performed on 116 patients using the Optia MNC protocol were reviewed. Collections utilized heparin in anticoagulant citrate dextrose to facilitate large‐volume leukapheresis. Linear and logistic regression models were utilized to determine which precollection factors were predictive of platelet clumping and whether clumping was associated with product yield or collection efficiency.

RESULTS

Platelet clumping was observed in 63% of collections. Multivariable analysis revealed that a lower white blood cell count was an independent predictor of clumping occurrence. Chemotherapy mobilization and a lower peripheral blood CD34+ cell count were predictors of the degree of clumping. Procedures with clumping had higher collection efficiency but lower blood volume processed on average, resulting in no difference in collection yields. Citrate toxicity did not correlate with clumping.

CONCLUSION

Although platelet clumping is a common technical problem seen during HSC collection, the total CD34+ cell‐collection yields were not affected by clumping. WBC count, mobilization approach, and peripheral blood CD34+ cell count can help predict clumping and potentially drive interventions to proactively manage clumping.
Mechanical properties of canine osteosarcoma‐affected antebrachia
Authors: Steffey Michele A. , Garcia Tanya C. , Daniel Leticia , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Stover Susan M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of neoplasia on the biomechanical properties of canine antebrachia.

Study design

Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Sample population: Osteosarcoma (OSA)‐affected canine antebrachia (n = 12) and unaffected canine antebrachia (n = 9).

Methods

Antebrachia were compressed in axial loading until failure. A load‐deformation curve was used to acquire the structural mechanical properties of neoplastic and unaffected specimens. Structural properties and properties normalized by body weight (BW) and radius length were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Modes of failure were compared descriptively.

Results

Neoplastic antebrachia fractured at, or adjacent to, the OSA in the distal radial diaphysis. Unaffected antebrachia failed via mid‐diaphyseal radial fractures with a transverse cranial component and an oblique caudal component. Structural mechanical properties were more variable in neoplastic antebrachia than unaffected antebrachia, which was partially attributable to differences in bone geometry related to dog size. When normalized by dog BW and radial length, strength, stiffness, and energy to yield and failure, were lower in neoplastic antebrachia than in unaffected antebrachia.

Conclusions

OSA of the distal radial metaphysis in dogs presented for limb amputation markedly compromises the structural integrity of affected antebrachia. However, biomechanical properties of affected bones was sufficient for weight‐bearing, as none of the neoplastic antebrachia fractured before amputation. The behavior of tumor invaded bone under cyclic loading warrants further investigations to evaluate the viability of in situ therapies for bone tumors in dogs.
Measuring Nurses’ Value, Implementation, and Knowledge of Evidence‐Based Practice: Further Psychometric Testing of the Quick‐EBP‐VIK Survey
Authors: Connor Linda , Paul Fiona , McCabe Margaret , Ziniel Sonja
Published: February 2017

Background

The Quick‐EBP‐VIK is a new instrument for measuring nurses’ value, implementation, and knowledge of EBP. Psychometric testing was conducted in two parts. Part 1 describes the tool development and validity testing which resulted in the development of a 25‐item survey after receiving ≥0.80 Item‐Level Content Validity Index for both clarity and relevance. Part 2 describes psychometric testing was necessary to assess additional types of validity and reliability.

Aim

The purpose of this paper is to further describe the psychometric testing of the Quick‐EBP‐VIK survey instrument.

Methods

This descriptive study was designed to assess test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity via a web‐based survey. The survey instrument was e‐mailed to all nurses at the study hospital. Nurses who responded to the first survey (Wave 1) received another e‐mail invitation to complete the survey instrument again (Wave 2) for the purpose of assessing the test–retest reliability of the instrument.

Results

A total of 1,177 deliverable e‐mails were sent to all nursing staff at one free standing pediatric hospital with Magnet® designation in the northeast. A total of 382 nurses returned completed surveys, indicating a 32.5% response rate for Wave 1. A total of 131 nurses responded to Wave 2 indicating a response rate of 34.3%. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the items included in the final instrument ranged from 0.43 to 0.80 and were deemed sufficient. These represent a sufficient intraclass correlation coefficient. The Cronbach's Alpha values for each of the three domains are all higher than 0.7 indicating that the items of each of the measurement dimension are internally consistent. However, the composite reliability of the third domain was slightly lower than 0.7 when using Raykov's Rho.

Linking Evidence to Action

The Quick‐EBP‐VIK instrument has gone through rigorous comprehensive testing and has demonstrated good psychometric properties.
Corner Separation Dynamics in a Linear Compressor Cascade
Authors: Zambonini Gherardo , Ottavy Xavier , Kriegseis Jochen
Published: February 2017

This paper considers the inherent unsteady behavior of the three-dimensional (3D) separation in the corner region of a subsonic linear compressor cascade equipped of 13 NACA 65-009 profile blades. Detailed experimental measurements were carried out at different sections in spanwise direction achieving, simultaneously, unsteady wall pressure signals on the surface of the blade and velocity fields by time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Two configurations of the cascade were investigated with an incidence of 4 deg and 7 deg, both at Re=3.8×105 and Ma = 0.12 at the inlet of the facility. The intermittent switch between two statistical preferred sizes of separation, large, and almost suppressed, is called bimodal behavior. The present PIV measurements provide, for the first time, time-resolved flow visualizations of the separation switch with an extended field of view covering the entire blade section. Random large structures of the incoming boundary layer are found to destabilize the separation boundary. The recirculation region, therefore, enlarges when these high vorticity perturbations blend with larger eddies situated in the aft part of the blade. Such a massive detached region persists until its main constituting vortex suddenly breaks down and the separation almost completely vanishes. The increase of the blockage during the separation growth phase appears to be responsible for this mechanism. Consequently, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis is carried out to decompose the flow modes and to contribute to clarify the underlying cause-effect relations, which predominate the dynamics of the present flow scenario.
A biomimetic robotic platform to study flight specializations of bats
Authors: Ramezani Alireza , Chung Soon-Jo , Hutchinson Seth
Published: February 2017

An articulated wing structure with a silicon-based skin enables a robot to mimic bat-like flight abilities.
Theoretical and experimental study on the effect of the external strong magnetic field on the shaped charge jet
Authors: Ma B. , Huang Z. X. , Zu X. D. , Xiao Q. Q. , Jia X.
Published: February 2017

The external strong magnetic field coupling with shaped charge is an effectively method to increase the penetration capability of the shaped charge jet. In this study, a theoretical model was developed to analyze the effect of the external strong magnetic field on breakup time and inhibition of rotation and drift of the shaped charge jet. The discharge current of the circuit system and the magnetic field of the shaped charge jet undergoing were calculated in detail. A series of depth of penetration (DOP) experiments were conducted to analyze the coupling mechanism between the external magnetic field and the shaped charge jet. Theoretical and experimental results indicated that the external strong magnetic field coupling with shaped charge jet can effectively improve the stability of the shaped charge jet, which the magnetic field can delay its breakup time and inhibit its rotation and drift. The ability of penetration of the jet produced by the Ø56 mm shaped charge is increased by 69.13% under the action of the external magnetic field.
Phase estimation of coherent states with a noiseless linear amplifier
Authors: Assad Syed M. , Bradshaw Mark , Lam Ping Koy
Published: February 2017

Amplification of quantum states is inevitably accompanied with the introduction of noise at the output. For protocols that are probabilistic with heralded success, noiseless linear amplification in theory may still be possible. When the protocol is successful, it can lead to an output that is a noiselessly amplified copy of the input. When the protocol is unsuccessful, the output state is degraded and is usually discarded. Probabilistic protocols may improve the performance of some quantum information protocols, but not for metrology if the whole statistics is taken into consideration. We calculate the precision limits on estimating the phase of coherent states using a noiseless linear amplifier by computing its quantum Fisher information and we show that on average, the noiseless linear amplifier does not improve the phase estimate. We also discuss the case where abstention from measurement can reduce the cost for estimation.
Chapter 2 Introduction to the geography and geomorphology of the Andaman–Nicobar Islands
Authors: Bandopadhyay P. C. , Carter A.
Published: February 2017

The geography and the geomorphology of the Andaman–Nicobar accretionary ridge (islands) is extremely varied, recording a complex interaction between tectonics, climate, eustacy and surface uplift and weathering processes. This chapter outlines the principal geographical features of this diverse group of islands.
Chapter 8 Mithakhari deposits
Authors: Bandopadhyay P. C. , Carter A.
Published: February 2017

The rocks assigned to the Mithakhari Mélange are composed of conglomerates, gritty and coarse- to fine-grained volcano-lithic to quartzo-feldspathic sandstones, andesitic tuff, siltstone, mudstones, shale, carbonaceous shale and limestones. They occur as coherent and chaotic units as part of the regionally extensive mélange terrane and include olistoliths of pre-ophiolite metasedimentary rocks, ophiolitic ultramafics and basalts, and pelagic-hemipelagic sediments. This chapter describes and assesses the established lithostratigraphic units and examines their palaeontology, geochemistry and geochronology. Focusing on the units with a strong arc signature we consider environments of deposition and palaeogeography. We confirm the existence of active andesite volcanism on the arc massif located east of Andaman arc on the western margin of the Burma–Thai–Malaya peninsula during the Eocene–Oligocene, before the opening of the Andaman Sea in the mid-Miocene, and argue that the Namunagarh Grit, dominated by pyroclast-rich gravity flows, should be treated as a separate unit in studies of Tertiary stratigraphy of Andaman Island. Consideration of the other established units (Hope Town conglomerate and Lipa Shale) suggest these associated rocks types are localized, commonplace and unlikely to be stratigraphically related.
Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle inward-rectifier K+channels restores myogenic tone in mouse urinary bladder arterioles
Authors: Tykocki Nathan R. , Bonev Adrian D. , Longden Thomas A. , Heppner Thomas J. , Nelson Mark T.
Published: February 2017

Prolonged decreases in urinary bladder blood flow are linked to overactive and underactive bladder pathologies. However, the mechanisms regulating bladder vascular reactivity are largely unknown. To investigate these mechanisms, we examined myogenic and vasoactive properties of mouse bladder feed arterioles (BFAs). Unlike similar-sized arterioles from other vascular beds, BFAs failed to constrict in response to increases in intraluminal pressure (5–80 mmHg). Consistent with this lack of myogenic tone, arteriolar smooth muscle cell membrane potential was hyperpolarized (−72.8 ± 1.4 mV) at 20 mmHg and unaffected by increasing pressure to 80 mmHg (−74.3 ± 2.2 mV). In contrast, BFAs constricted to the thromboxane analog U-46619 (100 nM), the adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (10 µM), and KCl (60 mM). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase or intermediate- and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channels did not alter arteriolar diameter, indicating that the dilated state of BFAs is not attributable to overactive endothelium-dependent dilatory influences. Myocytes isolated from BFAs exhibited BaCl2(100 µM)-sensitive K+currents consistent with strong inward-rectifier K+(KIR) channels. Notably, block of these KIRchannels “restored” pressure-induced constriction and membrane depolarization. This suggests that these channels, in part, account for hyperpolarization and associated absence of tone in BFAs. Furthermore, smooth muscle-specific knockout of KIR2.1 caused significant myogenic tone to develop at physiological pressures. This suggests that 1) the regulation of vascular tone in the bladder is independent of pressure, insofar as pressure-induced depolarizing conductances cannot overcome KIR2.1-mediated hyperpolarization; and 2) maintenance of bladder blood flow during bladder filling is likely controlled by neurohumoral influences.
Protective Effect of Edaravone against Carbon Monoxide Induced Apoptosis in Rat Primary Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Zhang Hong , Wang Ke , Tu Tao , Jiang Yuan
Published: February 2017

Objective. To observe the protective effect of edaravone (Eda) on astrocytes after prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and further to investigate the potential mechanisms of Eda against CO-induced apoptosis. Methods. The rat primary cultured astrocytes were cultured in vitro and exposed to 1% CO for 24 h after being cultured with different concentrations of Eda. MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of CO. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate, membrane potential of mitochondria, and ROS level. The mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Results. Eda can significantly suppress cytotoxicity of CO, and it can significantly increase membrane potential of mitochondria and Bcl-2 expressions and significantly suppress the apoptosis rate, ROS level, Bax, and caspase-3 expressions. Conclusion. Eda protects against CO-induced apoptosis in rat primary cultured astrocytes through decreasing ROS production and subsequently inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.