bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Langue, espace et processus de légitimation: la situation acadienne
Authors: Boudreau Annette
Published: November 2016

À partir des oeuvres de trois auteurs acadiens, Antonine Maillet, Herménégilde Chiasson et France Daigle, l’article vise à montrer comment les liens entre langue(s), espace et processus de légitimation sont indissociables en Acadie. Les différentes idéologies linguistiques présentes à des degrés divers dans les oeuvres choisies illustrent le rôle joué par ces dernières dans la construction de l’identité acadienne. Les personnages de Maillet font un usage abondant de traits archaïques, montrant ainsi la filiation entre le français parlé en Acadie et celui parlé en France à l’époque de la colonisation, alors que ceux de Daigle mettent en scène un vernaculaire acadien nommé chiac, caractérisé le plus souvent par le mélange du français et de l’anglais. Dans les deux cas, la tentative de légitimation de traits longtemps stigmatisés est instrumentale dans la volonté de construire une identité acadienne dont la principale distinction serait le français parlé. Chiasson, pour sa part, craint que l’accent placé sur ces particularités essentialise et exotise le peuple acadien en réduisant son existence à ces distinctions, ce qui lui dénie toute complexité sociale et politique.
Numerical study of electric potential formation in a weakly ionized plasma flowing supersonically through open magnetic field lines
Authors: Laosunthara Ampan , Takeda Jun , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

We investigate the mechanism of space potential formation due to a diverging magnetic field on a rarefied weakly ionized plasma flowing supersonically by performing a hybrid simulation. Ions and neutrals are treated by the particle-based direct simulation Monte Carlo method, while electrons are treated as a fluid to save time and memory. We apply an electron continuity equation in order to treat the electron velocity independently of the ion velocity. We find the number density of ions (and electrons) distributed along the magnetic field. We also find electron rotation along the flowing direction. Since we remove the current-free condition assumed in our previous study, we find that the longitudinal variation in the space potential agrees reasonably well with our previous experimental results.
A 4D CT digital phantom of an individual human brain for perfusion analysis
Authors: Manniesing Rashindra , Brune Christoph , van Ginneken Bram , Prokop Mathias
Published: November 2016

Brain perfusion is of key importance to assess brain function. Modern CT scanners can acquire perfusion maps of the cerebral parenchymain vivoat submillimeter resolution. These perfusion maps give insights into the hemodynamics of the cerebral parenchyma and are critical for example for treatment decisions in acute stroke. However, the relations between acquisition parameters, tissue attenuation curves, and perfusion values are still poorly understood and cannot be unraveled by studies involving humans because of ethical concerns. We present a 4D CT digital phantom specific for an individual human brain to analyze these relations in a bottom-up fashion. Validation of the signal and noise components was based on 1,000 phantom simulations of 20 patient imaging data. This framework was applied to quantitatively assess the relation between radiation dose and perfusion values, and to quantify the signal-to-noise ratios of penumbra regions with decreasing sizes in white and gray matter. This is the first 4D CT digital phantom that enables to address clinical questions without having to expose the patient to additional radiation dose.
Ligand binding and conformational dynamics in a flavin‐based electron‐bifurcating enzyme complex revealed by Hydrogen–Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Demmer Julius K. , Rupprecht Fiona A. , Eisinger Martin L. , Ermler Ulrich , Langer Julian D.
Published: November 2016

Flavin‐based electron bifurcation (FBEB) is a novel mechanism of energy coupling used by anaerobic microorganisms to optimize their energy metabolism efficiency. The first high‐resolution structure of a complete FBEB enzyme complex, the NADH‐dependent reduced ferredoxin: NADP+‐oxidoreductase (NfnAB) of Thermotoga maritima, was recently solved. However, no experimental evidence for the NADPH‐binding site and conformational changes during the FBEB reaction are available. Here we analyzed ligand binding and the conformational dynamics of oxygen‐sensitive NfnAB using Hydrogen–Deuterium Exchange Mass‐Spectrometry, including a customized anaerobic workflow. We confirmed the NADH and the previously postulated NADPH‐binding site. Furthermore, we observed an NfnA‐NfnB rearrangement upon NADPH binding which supports the proposed FBEB mechanism.
Post‐rift magmatic evolution of the eastern North American “passive‐aggressive” margin
Authors: Mazza Sarah E. , Gazel Esteban , Johnson Elizabeth A. , Bizimis Michael , McAleer Ryan , Biryol C. Berk
Published: November 2016

Understanding the evolution of passive margins requires knowledge of temporal and chemical constraints on magmatism following the transition from supercontinent to rifting, to post‐rifting evolution. The Eastern North American Margin (ENAM) is an ideal study location as several magmatic pulses occurred in the 200 My following rifting. In particular, the Virginia‐West Virginia region of the ENAM has experienced two postrift magmatic pulses at ∼152 Ma and 47 Ma, and thus provides a unique opportunity to study the long‐term magmatic evolution of passive margins. Here we present a comprehensive set of geochemical data that includes new 40Ar/39Ar ages, major and trace‐element compositions, and analysis of radiogenic isotopes to further constrain their magmatic history. The Late Jurassic volcanics are bimodal, from basanites to phonolites, while the Eocene volcanics range from picrobasalt to rhyolite. Modeling suggests that the felsic volcanics from both the Late Jurassic and Eocene events are consistent with fractional crystallization. Sr‐Nd‐Pb systematics for the Late Jurassic event suggests HIMU and EMII components in the magma source that we interpret as upper mantle components rather than crustal interaction. Lithospheric delamination is the best hypothesis for magmatism in Virginia/West Virginia, due to tectonic instabilities that are remnant from the long‐term evolution of this margin, resulting in a “passive‐aggressive” margin that records multiple magmatic events long after rifting ended.
Impacts of the Last Glacial Cycle on ground surface temperature reconstructions over the last millennium
Authors: Beltrami Hugo , Matharoo Gurpreet S. , Smerdon Jason E. , Illanes Lizett , Tarasov Lev
Published: November 2016

Borehole temperature profiles provide robust estimates of past ground surface temperature changes, in agreement with meteorological data. Nevertheless, past climatic changes such as the Last Glacial Cycle (LGC) generated thermal effects in the subsurface that affect estimates of recent climatic change from geothermal data. We use an ensemble of ice sheet simulations spanning the last 120 ka to assess the impact of the Laurentide Ice Sheet on recent ground surface temperature histories reconstructed from borehole temperature profiles over North America. When the thermal remnants of the LGC are removed, we find larger amounts of subsurface heat storage (2.8 times) and an increased warming of the ground surface over North America by 0.75 K, both relative to uncorrected borehole estimates.
The extraordinarily strong and cold polar vortex in the early northern winter 2015/2016
Authors: Matthias V. , Dörnbrack A. , Stober G.
Published: November 2016

The Arctic polar vortex in the early winter 2015/2016 was the strongest and coldest of the last 68 years. Using global reanalysis data, satellite observations, and mesospheric radar wind measurements over northern Scandinavia we investigate the characteristics of the early stage polar vortex and relate them to previous winters. We found a correlation between the planetary wave (PW) activity and the strength and temperature of the northern polar vortex in the stratosphere and mesosphere. In November/December 2015, a reduced PW generation in the troposphere and a stronger PW filtering in the troposphere and stratosphere, caused by stronger zonal winds in midlatitudes, resulted in a stronger polar vortex. This effect was strengthened by the equatorward shift of PWs due to the strong zonal wind in polar latitudes resulting in a southward shift of the Eliassen‐Palm flux divergence and hence inducing a decreased deceleration of the polar vortex by PWs.
Investigation of the effect of graphene oxide on the properties of epoxy‐phthalonitrile nanocomposites
Authors: Kaliavaradhan Kumudha , Rukmanikrishnan Balasubramanian , Muthusamy Sarojadevi
Published: November 2016

A novel keto‐ene containing phthalonitrile (PN) monomer was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from natural graphite using Hummer's method. The effect of the addition of GO with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and phthalonitrile in the presence of diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as a curing agent has been investigated. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of GO/epoxy‐phthalonitrile (EP‐PN) nanocomposites as a function of different weight percentage of GO (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) are reported. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that a maximum glass transition temperature (166.5°C) and storage modulus (3.3 GPa at 25°C) values are obtained for 3 wt% of GO content. FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectral techniques were employed to characterize the prepared GO and its extent of exfoliation in EP‐PN nanocomposites. The dispersion of GO in the fractured surface of the composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. GO/EP‐PN nanocomposites show dramatic increase in dielectric properties compared to the neat EP‐PN nanocomposites. All the prepared nanocomposites fabricated with GO show excellent thermal stability in nitrogen atmosphere.
Effect of annealing on the properties of polylactide/poly(butylene carbonate) blend
Authors: Ge Feng , Wang Xuemei , Ran Xianghai
Published: November 2016

The microstructure evolution of partial miscible polylactide/poly(butylene carbonate) (PLA/PBC) blend during annealing, including the variation in crystalline structure of PLA and PBC, the morphologies of PBC particles, and the relaxation of chain segments in the amorphous region of PLA, is investigated in detail. Based on the significant difference in melting temperature, phase separation arises as a result of the occurrence of crystallization of PLA and is further enhanced due to the crystallization of PBC. The glass transition temperature Tg of the PLA phase in the phase separation blend is significantly higher than that of the pure PLA due to increasing crystallinity. The increasing annealing time resulted in enhanced phase separation, as reflected in the harsher morphology, the decrease of molecular dynamics, and the reduction amount of the amorphous domain. It can be verified by the interaction parameter C values at various annealing conditions from the yield stress data. Therefore, blend is aptitude to elongation decrease and the toughening micromechanism changes, while the plastic deformation is the important energy dissipation process for quenched PLA/PBC blend. Debonding of the PBC particles followed by plastic void growth of the PLA matrix is the major toughening micro‐mechanisms for phase separation blend.
Corner fracture type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia: Overlap with type II collagenopathies
Authors: Machol Keren , Jain Mahim , Almannai Mohammed , Orand Thibault , Lu James T. , Tran Alyssa , Chen Yuqing , Schlesinger Alan , Gibbs Richard , Bonafe Luisa , Campos‐Xavier Ana Belinda , Unger Sheila , Superti‐Furga Andrea , Lee Brendan H. , Campeau Philippe M. , Burrage Lindsay C.
Published: November 2016

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SMD) corner fracture type (also known as SMD “Sutcliffe” type, MIM 184255) is a rare skeletal dysplasia that presents with mild to moderate short stature, developmental coxa vara, mild platyspondyly, corner fracture‐like lesions, and metaphyseal abnormalities with sparing of the epiphyses. The molecular basis for this disorder has yet to be clarified. We describe two patients with SMD corner fracture type and heterozygous pathogenic variants in COL2A1. These two cases together with a third case of SMD corner fracture type with a heterozygous COL2A1 pathogenic variant previously described suggest that this disorder overlaps with type II collagenopathies. The finding of one of the pathogenic variants in a previously reported case of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) Strudwick type and the significant clinical similarity suggest an overlap between SMD corner fracture and SEMD Strudwick types. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myrtol standardized affects mucociliary clearance
Authors: Li Ying Ying , Liu Jing , Li Chun Wei , Subramaniam Somasundaram , Chao Siew Shuen , Yu Feng Gang , Cohen Noam A. , Li Shi , Wang De Yun
Published: November 2016

Background

Myrtol standardized (Gelomyrtol forte) has been shown to be effective in controlling nasal symptoms of rhinosinusitis by promoting mucociliary clearance. Our aim was to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term effects of myrtol on ciliated columnar cells and goblet cells in an in‐vitro setting.

Methods

Nasal epithelial cells were harvested (42 days) from an air‐liquid interface (ALI) culture of human nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (hNESPCs), which was derived from biopsies of nasal inferior turbinate mucosa. Myrtol 0.1% was applied to the ALI culture system at 2 different time‐points (day 0 and day 35) on progenitor and differentiated cells. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF), supernatant fluid, and ciliated and goblet cell markers were evaluated after short‐ (7 days) and long‐term (42 days) treatment.

Results

In the long‐term treatment with myrtol, there was an increase in cilia area (type IV β‐tubulin+, 1.53‐fold, p = 0.031) and ciliogenesis‐related markers (Foxj1 and CP110) with no change in CBF, as compared with control. In addition, the short‐term myrtol treatment group exhibited greater mucin secretion compared with control.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, through cellular and molecular mechanisms, that myrtol standardized enhances the mucus production from goblet cells in the short term, and promotes ciliated cell differentiation in the long term.
Correlation between the number of allergen sensitizations and immunoglobulin E: monosensitization vs polysensitization
Authors: Kuperstock Jacob E. , Brook Christopher D. , Ryan Matthew W. , Platt Michael P.
Published: November 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine if total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) could predict monosensitization compared to polysensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of a cohort of 1073 patients who underwent allergy testing. Differences in total IgE level between unsensitized, monosensitized, and polysensitized subjects were calculated. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine whether there was a relationship between total IgE level and the number of positive allergen sensitizations. In addition, allergen sensitization class was calculated for each allergen sensitization and totaled for each patient. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between total IgE level and weighted allergen sensitization by class.

Results

There were 159 patients who were monosensitized compared to 492 patients who were polysensitized. Of the monosensitized patients, almost 50% (74) were sensitized to one or both dust mites. Total IgE was higher in polysensitized patients compared to monosensitized compared to controls (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient between total IgE and number of positive allergen sensitizations was 0.465 (p ≤ 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient between total IgE and allergen class–weighted sensitizations was 0.529 (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

IgE level can be used to predict monosensitization vs polysensitization. There is a moderate correlation between total IgE sensitization and the number of positive allergen sensitizations, as well as allergen class–weighted sensitizations.
Scanning plane comparison of ultrasound‐derived morphological characteristics of the vastus lateralis
Authors: Varanoske Alyssa N. , Fukuda David H. , Boone Carleigh H. , Beyer Kyle S. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: November 2016

Muscle morphological characteristics obtained via ultrasonography have been used to quantify the size, architecture, and quality of skeletal muscle. Previous research has utilized varying ultrasonographic techniques, however there is little information comparing these different techniques. Muscle morphological characteristics, including cross‐sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), echo intensity (EI), and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SubQ) were assessed in 24 males (20.2 ± 1.6 y) via three panoramic‐images captured in the transverse plane (PTI) and three still‐images captured in the longitudinal plane (SLI). Cross‐sectional area of PTI was significantly greater than CSA of SLI (P < 0.001), however positive correlations existed between the two measurements (r = 0.752, P < 0.001). Echo intensity of PTI was significantly lower than EI of SLI (P = 0.002), however, positive correlations existed between the two measurements (r = 0.681, P < 0.001). MT of PTI was significantly greater than MT of SLI (P = 0.003), but positive correlations existed between measurements (r = 0.809, P < 0.001). However, SubQ of PTI was significantly lower than SubQ of SLI (P < 0.001), but positive correlations existed between measurements (r = 0.915, P < 0.001). In conclusions, PTI and SLI yield significantly different CSA, EI, MT, and SubQ measurements but these values are highly correlated. Still longitudinal images require less time, cost, and expertise, and therefore may be preferred over PTI in future studies. Clin. Anat. 30:533–542, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of aging on the anatomic position of the thyroid gland
Authors: Bann Darrin V. , Kim Yesul , Zacharia Thomas , Goldenberg David
Published: November 2016

Thyroid disease is common among elderly patients, frequently necessitating thyroid gland examination, imaging, and surgery. However, no prior studies have determined the effect of age on the anatomic position of the thyroid gland in the anterior neck. We hypothesized that the thyroid gland resides at a more caudal position in the neck in elderly patients as compared to younger patients. Head and neck CT scans were collected from 122 atraumatic patients without thyroid disease aged 18–39 years, 40–59 years, 60–79 years, and 80+ years. Measurements of thyroid gland position and other aspects of head and neck anatomy were conducted in the mid‐sagittal plane. The distance between the thyroid gland and the sternal notch decreased from 45 ± 10.4 mm in the 18–39 age group to 30.8 ± 9 mm in the 80+ age group (P < 0.001). The position of the gland did not change significantly relative to anatomic landmarks in the head or neck, although the trachea was angled more closely to the horizontal plane in elderly patients (P < 0.001). Cervical spine height was also lower among patients ≥60 years of age compared to those <60 years of age (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear modeling suggested that thyroid gland position was dependent on changes in cervical spine height, hyoid bone to hard palate distance, and tracheal angle (P = 1.7 × 10−11; r2 = 0.37). Clinicians should be aware of the more caudad positioning of the gland when planning surgery or screening for thyroid disease in the elderly. Clin. Anat. 30:205–212, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macrophage depletion impairs skeletal muscle regeneration: The roles of regulatory factors for muscle regeneration
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Yu , Zhao Linlin , Zeng Zhigang , Xiao Weihua , Chen Peijie
Published: November 2016

Though macrophages are essential for skeletal muscle regeneration, which is a complex process, the roles and mechanisms of the macrophages in the process of muscle regeneration are still not fully understood. The objective of this study is to explore the roles of macrophages and the mechanisms involved in the regeneration of injured skeletal muscle. One hundred and twelve C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into muscle contusion and macrophages depleted groups. Their gastrocnemius muscles were harvested at the time points of 12 h, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 d post‐injury. The changes in skeletal muscle morphology were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. The gene expression was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The data showed that CL‐liposomes treatment did affect the expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MyoD, myogenin) after injury. In addition, CL‐liposomes treatment decreased the expression of regulatory factors of muscle regeneration (HGF, uPA, COX‐2, IGF‐1, MGF, FGF6) and increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TGF‐β1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, RANTES) in the late stage of regeneration. Moreover, there were significant correlations between macrophages and some regulatory factors (such as HGF, uPA) for muscle regeneration. These results suggested that macrophages depletion impairs skeletal muscle regeneration and that the regulatory factors for muscle regeneration may play important roles in this process.
Bench and initial preclinical results of a novel 8 mm diameter double opposed helical biodegradable stent
Authors: Herbert Carrie E. , Veeram Reddy Surendranath , Welch Tré R. , Wang Jian , Richardson James A. , Forbess Joseph M. , Nugent Alan W.
Published: November 2016

Background

Metallic endovascular stents are utilized off‐label in congenital heart disease. Biodegradable stents (BDS) offer potential advantages in a growing child. We have previously reported double opposed helical (DH) BDS up to 6 mm diameter (DH‐6). The objectives are to investigate the bench characteristics of larger 8 mm diameter BDS (DH‐8) manufactured with increasing strut thicknesses and the inflammatory profile in a porcine model.

Methods

DH‐8 were manufactured with strut thicknesses 0.10, 0.12, and 0.18 mm and mechanical testing performed. Stents were deployed into the infrarenal descending aorta (DAO) of nine minipigs. At insertion (nonsurvival = 2), 1 week (n = 2), 1 month (n = 2), and 9 months (n = 3) follow‐up angiography, intravascular ultrasound and histopathology were performed.

Results

There was superior recoil and collapse pressure with increasing strut thickness, with 0.18 mm having 1.0% elastic recoil and collapse pressure 0.75 Atmospheres. There was good wall apposition at insertion with 5 BDS (4 DH‐8 and 1 DH‐6) but suboptimal in 4 as the minipigs infrarenal DAO were >8 mm (deployed at iliac bifurcation). Structural integrity was maintained in 8 BDS with 1 DH‐8 collapsed at 9 months, secondary to strut damage at insertion. No thrombosis was seen. There was mild inflammation and neointimal proliferation at 1 week and 1 month, but a moderate inflammatory response at 9 months.

Conclusions

DH‐8 with increased strut thickness had acceptable mechanical properties at the cost of an increased inflammatory response. Miniaturization to improve delivery and further investigation on the long‐term inflammatory profile of thicker struts, including through degradation, is needed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical evaluation of a radio‐protective cream for the hands of the pediatric interventional cardiologist
Authors: Subramanian Saradha , Waller B. Rush , Winders Natasha , Bird Lindsey E. , Agrawal Vijaykumar , Zurakowski David , Kuhls‐Gilcrist Andrew , Khandkar Ashok , Sathanandam Shyam K
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of UltraBLOX™ radiation attenuating hand cream during lengthy cardiac catheterization procedures in children.

Background

The hands of interventional cardiologists receive high doses of radiation due to their proximity to the X‐ray beam. Radiation attenuating gloves have about a 26% attenuation rate, but reduce dexterity and tactile sensation. The UltraBLOX™ cream is a new FDA‐approved X‐ray attenuating cream that can be applied to the operator's hands for radio‐protection.

Methods

Two nanoDot™ dosimeters were secured side by side on the dorsum of the operator's (n = 2) left hand close to the wrist. One dosimeter and the rest of the hand were covered with 0.2 mm layer of the cream. The other dosimeter was unshielded. Procedures were performed using 110 kVp fluoroscopy at 15 pulses/sec. The measurements were categorized into four groups dependent on the duration of the procedure. The patients in all four groups were well matched for age and size.

Results

Procedural and cumulative hand radiation doses were higher with longer procedural duration. The overall % attenuation by the cream was 39.7% (28.6–51.5) and was unaffected by the length of the procedure (median: 40.9% at 30 min and 41.4% at 180 min; P = 0.66) or the dose of radiation. The kappa statistic for interobserver agreement for good tactile sensitivity was 0.82.

Conclusions

UltraBLOX™ cream provides a new option for radio‐protection for the hands of interventional cardiologists without impairing tactile sensitivity. There was no decrease in attenuation up to 180 min. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Provisional rotablator for calcified lesions: The Russian roulette of PCI
Authors: Safian Robert D.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

Rotational atherectomy (RA) with Rotablator is highly effective for modifying heavily calcified coronary artery lesions to facilitate stent expansion.

Fluoroscopic assessment of the extent and depth of calcium is unreliable, and the best assessment is achieved with intravascular ultrasound.

Planned RA is the percutaneous treatment of choice for heavily calcified lesions characterized by circumferential superficial calcium; provisional RA in these patients should be avoided.
Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in coronary bifurcation lesions: The next frontiers?
Authors: Leesar Massoud A.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

There are now data supporting the use of the Absorb everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) for treating non‐complex coronary lesions.

The complete bioresorption of the scaffold after 2–3 years is an important advantage over metallic stents because there will not be a nidus for stent‐related thrombotic complications.

The safety and efficacy of BVS has yet to be determined in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions
Melody valve implantation within freestyle stentless porcine aortic heterograft
Authors: Kuo James A. , Feezel Ashlea A. , Putnam Traci N. , Schutte Deborah A.
Published: November 2016

Background

The Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve has been implanted successfully worldwide since its first implant in 2000. The vast majority of these valves have been implanted in pulmonary homografts. In our institution, the most common valve used for pulmonary valve replacement is the Medtronic Freestyle stentless porcine aortic heterograft.

Objective

We describe our experience implanting the Melody valve within the Freestyle heterograft.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed.

Results

Between June 2012 and June 2015, 19 Melody valves were placed within Freestyle heterografts. The most common indication for intervention was pulmonary stenosis. Following pre‐stent and Melody valve implantation, right ventricle‐to‐pulmonary artery gradient decreased from 38.1 ± 12.1 to 10 ± 4.7 mm Hg (P < 0.001), and right ventricular pressure decreased from 61.7 ± 17.8 to 35.6 ± 10.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Two procedural adverse events occurred. At median follow‐up of 24 months (range 2–48 months), no patients had mean right ventricular outflow tract gradients >30 mm Hg or worse than mild insufficiency. No valve reinterventions have been necessary and no episodes of endocarditis have been observed.

Conclusions

The Melody valve can be implanted successfully within a stentless aortic bioprosthesis with good short‐ and intermediate‐term longevity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initial clinical experience with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ in transcatheter occlusion of PDAs in extremely premature infants
Authors: Sathanandam Shyam , Justino Henri , Waller B. Rush , Radtke Wolfgang , Qureshi Athar M.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To describe the early multicenter, clinical experience with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ (MVP) for the occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants.

Background

The MVP is a large diameter plug that can be delivered through a microcatheter for occlusion of abnormal blood vessels.

Methods

A Retrospective review of PDA embolization procedures performed in two centers using the MVP was performed.

Results

Fifteen premature infants underwent attempted PDA occlusion using the MVP. The gestational age and birth weight were 25.6 ± 2.5 weeks and 735 ± 251 g, respectively. The median weight and age at the time of the procedure were 1,210 g (700–3,500 g) and 4.5 weeks (2–12 weeks), respectively. Median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 45 and 6.5 min, respectively. The median radiation and contrast doses were 19.7 mGy and 2.4 mL/kg, respectively. Antegrade occlusion was successfully achieved in 13 patients <2 kg with only femoral venous access aided by echo guidance. The two patients >2 kg had arterial access and attempted retrograde occlusion; one of which was unsuccessful due to the PDA being short and wide. Complete closure was observed in 13 of 14 successful procedures (93%), with one patient having a small residual shunt that was not seen on follow‐up. There were no complications related to the procedure or noted during follow‐up (Median 11 months).

Conclusions

The MVP is a new, large‐diameter vascular embolization device that may be useful for the occlusion of PDA in extremely small, premature infants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic characteristics of the particles in a dense‐phase pulsed fluidized bed for dry beneficiation
Authors: Dong Liang , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yuemin , Zhou Enhui , Lv Peng , Duan Chenlong
Published: November 2016

Coal is one of the most important primary energy sources all over the world. Dry coal beneficiation is a hot topic in the mineral processing field because of severe environmental pollution and shortage of water resources. A dense‐phase pulsed fluidized bed (DPPFB) is proposed for the dry coal beneficiation of fine coal; an active pulsating airflow was introduced into an air dense medium fluidized bed (ADMFB). In this study, the kinetic characteristics of the particles in a DPPFB were investigated by computational particle fluid dynamics. The results show that the bubbles present in the DPPFB were much smaller than those in the ADMFB, and the motion of the dilute‐phase region replaced the motion of the large bubbles. Because of the action of the pulsating airflow, the motion of the heavy medium became uniform and steady. The back‐mixing phenomenon caused by the circulation motion of the heavy medium was suppressed significantly.
Emerging Translation of Regenerative Therapies
Authors: Allickson JG
Published: November 2016

This translational report on the current field of emerging cell therapy and tissue engineering therapies includes the challenges and opportunities to accelerate clinical translation in regenerative medicine. Translation of regenerative medicine refers to the transfer from bench (proof‐of‐concept) to bedside (clinical trials), and finally commercialization. Regenerative medicine therapies have the capacity to replace, repair, and regenerate cells, tissues, and organs to restore normal function in the body. These emerging therapies are shifting the paradigm from treatment‐based to cure‐based therapies.
Targeting BCL2 With BH3 Mimetics: Basic Science and Clinical Application of Venetoclax in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Related B Cell Malignancies
Authors: Roberts AW , Huang DCS
Published: November 2016

The intracellular protein B‐cell‐lymphoma‐2 (BCL2) has been considered an attractive target for cancer therapy since the discovery of its function as a major promoter of cell survival (an anti‐apoptotic) in the late 1980s. However, the challenges of targeting a protein‐protein interaction delayed the discovery of fit‐for‐purpose molecules until the mid‐2000s. Since then, a series of high affinity small organic molecules that inhibits the interaction of BCL2 with the apoptotic machinery, the so‐called BH3‐mimetics, have been developed. Venetoclax (formerly ABT‐199) is the first to achieve US Food and Drug Administration approval, with an indication for treatment of patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) bearing deletion of the long arm of chromosome 17. Here, we review key aspects of the science underpinning the clinical application of BCL2 inhibitors and explore both our current knowledge and unresolved questions about its clinical utility, both in CLL and in other B‐cell malignancies that highly express BCL2.
Intraoperative diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the ovary masquerading as tumor
Authors: Selhi Pavneet kaur , Grover Sumit , Narang Vikram , Singh Aminder , Sood Neena , Juneja Sunil
Published: November 2016

Hydatid disease, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is found most commonly in the liver and lungs, but no organ is immune. The ovarian involvement is often secondary to a cyst's dissemination localized in a different site. Occasionally, the cyst enlarges, thus mimicking an ovarian tumor. Patients with hydatid cysts at unusual locations present with atypical presentations and pose a diagnostic dilemma. A high index of suspicion is required in order to make a correct diagnosis pre‐operatively to prevent spillage of the cyst contents during surgery. We report a case of hydatid cyst in the ovary in a young female. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:267–269. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of vimentin immunocytochemical staining for evaluation of atypical cells in voided urine samples
Authors: Strojan Fležar Margareta , Srebotnik‐Kirbiš Irena , Gutnik Helena
Published: November 2016

Background

Cytomorphology of exfoliated atypical reactive/repair renal tubular cells (RRTC) can resemble atypical urothelial cells thus suggesting a differential diagnostic question of urothelial neoplasia in urinary cytology. Vimentin expression has been shown in RRTC and used for differentiation from atypical urothelial cells.

Methods

The institutional computer database was searched for urinary cytology cases with vimentin immunocytochemical staining (2008–2012). Original cytopathological diagnoses based on cytomorphology and the results of vimentin immunostaining were compared to follow‐up data, including histopathological diagnosis, subsequent urinary cytopathology reports, and clinical findings.

Results

Of the 42 cases with vimentin immunocytochemical staining, 33 were positive and 9 negative. Consequently, significant renal disease was found in 9/33 (27%) of vimentin positive cases and nehrolithiasis in 4/33 (12%) of vimentin positive and 1/9 (11%) of vimentin negative cases. Erythrocyturia of undetermined origin was diagnosed in nine cases (seven vimentin positive and two negative). Urinary cytology follow‐up was negative in three vimentin positive cases. Urothelial carcinoma was found in 3/9 (30%) of vimentin negative cases. Thirteen patients were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Vimentin immunocytochemical staining could be used as an ancillary method for evaluation of atypical cells in urinary specimens in selected cases with RRTC exhibiting cytological atypia. Unnecessary diagnostic procedures for evaluation of urothelial carcinoma could be avoided in vimentin positive cases and further diagnostic work‐up for evaluation of a significant renal disease could be suggested in vimentin positive cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:85–90. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dissociation of spontaneous seizures and brainstem seizure thresholds in mice exposed to eight flurothyl‐induced generalized seizures
Authors: Kadiyala Sridhar B. , Ferland Russell J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

C57BL/6J mice exposed to eight flurothyl‐induced generalized clonic seizures exhibit a change in seizure phenotype following a 28‐day incubation period and subsequent flurothyl rechallenge. Mice now develop a complex seizure semiology originating in the forebrain and propagating into the brainstem seizure network (a forebrain→brainstem seizure). In contrast, this phenotype change does not occur in seizure‐sensitive DBA/2J mice. The underlying mechanism was the focus of this study.

Methods

DBA/2J mice were exposed to eight flurothyl‐induced seizures (1/day) followed by 24‐h video‐electroencephalographic recordings for 28 days. Forebrain and brainstem seizure thresholds were determined in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice following one or eight flurothyl‐induced seizures, or after eight flurothyl‐induced seizures, a 28‐day incubation period, and final flurothyl rechallenge.

Results

Similar to C57BL/6J mice, DBA/2J mice expressed spontaneous seizures. However, unlike C57BL/6J mice, DBA/2J mice continued to have spontaneous seizures without remission. Because DBA/2J mice did not express forebrain→brainstem seizures following flurothyl rechallenge after a 28‐day incubation period, this indicated that spontaneous seizures were not sufficient for the evolution of forebrain→brainstem seizures. Therefore, we determined whether brainstem seizure thresholds were changing during this repeated‐flurothyl model and whether this could account for the expression of forebrain→brainstem seizures. Brainstem seizure thresholds were not different between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice on day 1 or on the last induction seizure trial (day 8). However, brainstem seizure thresholds did differ significantly on flurothyl rechallenge (day 28), with DBA/2J mice showing no lowering of their brainstem seizure thresholds.

Significance

These results demonstrate that DBA/2J mice exposed to the repeated‐flurothyl model develop spontaneous seizures without evidence of seizure remission and provide a new model of epileptogenesis. Moreover, these findings indicated that the transition of forebrain ictal discharge into the brainstem seizure network occurs as a result of changes in brainstem seizure thresholds that are independent of spontaneous seizure expression.
Morphodynamics of a bedrock‐alluvial meander bend that incises as it migrates outward: approximate solution of permanent form
Authors: Inoue Takuya , Parker Gary , Stark Colin P.
Published: November 2016

In meandering rivers cut into bedrock, erosion across a channel cross‐section can be strongly asymmetric. At a meander apex, deep undercutting of the outer bank can result in the formation of a hanging cliff (which may drive hillslope failure), whereas the inner bank adjoins a slip‐off slope that connects to the hillslope itself. Here we propose a physically‐based model for predicting channel planform migration and incision, point bar and slip‐off slope formation, bedrock abrasion, the spatial distribution of alluvial cover, and adaptation of channel width in a mixed bedrock‐alluvial channel. We simplify the analysis by considering a numerical model of steady, uniform bend flow satisfying cyclic boundary conditions. Thus in our analysis, ‘sediment supply’, i.e. the total volume of alluvium in the system, is conserved. In our numerical simulations, the migration rate of the outer bank is a specified parameter. Our simulations demonstrate the existence of an approximate state of dynamic equilibrium corresponding to a near‐solution of permanent form in which a bend of constant curvature, width, cross‐sectional shape and alluvial cover distribution migrates diagonally downward at constant speed, leaving a bedrock equivalent of a point bar on the inside of the bend. Channel width is set internally by the processes of migration and incision. We find that equilibrium width increases with increasing sediment supply, but is insensitive to outer bank migration rate. The slope of the bedrock point bar varies inversely with both outer bank migration rate and sediment supply. Although the migration rate of the outer bank is externally imposed here, we discuss a model modification that would allow lateral side‐wall abrasion to be treated in a manner similar to the process of bedrock incision. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Floodplain effects on the transport of dissolved and colloidal trace elements in the East Pearl River, Mississippi
Authors: Shim Moo Joon , Cai Yihua , Guo Laodong , Shiller Alan M.
Published: November 2016

Substantial work suggests that floodplain wetlands could play a role in modifying fluvial fluxes of dissolved and colloidal trace elements. Yet, few studies have directly addressed this issue. We examined trace elements in the East Pearl River (Mississippi or Louisiana, USA), which is surrounded by wetlands that are temporally more or less connected to the river depending on river stage. Dissolved and colloidal trace element samples, along with ancillary data, including dissolved organic carbon and nutrients, were collected during eight surveys of this system at different flow stages from November 2007 to September 2008. Hydrology of the system is complex due to seasonal changes in water sources as well as potential inputs from the floodplain wetlands and the hyporheic zone. We therefore considered effects including nonconservative mixing of water sources, saltwater intrusion, and floodplain wetland flux requirements needed to support observed downstream concentration changes. During moderately high discharge, fluxes of many elements (e.g., Cd, Fe, Mn, and Zn) increased downstream by 20% or more, with inputs from the floodplain wetlands as the apparent source. At the highest discharge, however, wetland inputs to the river may have been rate‐limited (i.e., the wetland source was flushed faster than biogeochemical processes could regenerate dissolved or colloidal material). At low discharge, other effects, including saltwater intrusion and hyporheic zone interactions, are important. Both redox processes and organic ligands (or dissolved organic carbon), along with the supply of wetland inputs (or removal) relative to river fluxes, appear to be key factors determining floodplain wetland effects. While the behavior of some elements suggests they were dominantly affected by redox processes (Mn and V) or by organic complexation (dissolved Fe and light rare earths), other elements were affected by more than one process in ways that remain obscure (Cu). Overall our results are broadly consistent with previous field, laboratory, and modeling studies and suggest that a better understanding of the sources and transformations of Fe is a key area for future research.
Cancer risks in Nairobi (2000–2014) by ethnic group
Authors: Korir Anne , Yu Wang Emma , Sasieni Peter , Okerosi Nathan , Ronoh Victor , Maxwell Parkin D.
Published: November 2016

We investigated the ethnic differences in the risk of several cancers in the population of Nairobi, Kenya, using data from the Nairobi Cancer Registry. The registry records the variable “Tribe” for each case, a categorisation that includes, as well as 22 tribal groups, categories for Kenyans of European and of Asian origin, and non‐Kenyan Africans. Tribes included in the final analysis were Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, Kalenjin, Luo, Luhya, Somalis, Asians, non‐Kenyans, Caucasians, Other tribes and unknown. The largest group was taken as the reference category for the calculation of odds ratios; this was African Kenyans (for comparisons by race), and Kikuyus (the tribe with the largest numbers of cancer registrations (38% of the total)) for comparisons between the Kenyan tribes. P‐values are obtained from the Wald test. Cancers that were more common among the white population than in black Kenyans were skin cancers and cancers of the bladder, while cancers that are more common in Kenyan Asians include colorectal, lung, breast, ovary, corpus uteri and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancers that were less common among Asians and Caucasians were oesophagus, stomach and cervix cancer. Within the African population, there were marked differences in cancer risk by tribe. Among the tribes of Bantu ethnicity, the Kamba had higher risks of melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, liver and cervix cancer, and lower risks of oesophagus, stomach, corpus uteri and nervous system cancers. Luo and Luhya had much higher odds of Kaposi sarcoma and Burkitt lymphoma.
Teaching in the Cracks: Using Familiar Pedagogy to AdvanceLGBTQ‐Inclusive Curriculum
Authors: Page Michelle L.
Published: November 2016

English language arts teachers and other literacy educators have the opportunity to create more positive and more inclusive school experiences for gender‐ and sexual‐minority students, but many hesitate to transform their curricula and practices because of fear of community protest. To support educators who feel vulnerable or constrained, this article summarizes challenges facing gender‐ and sexual‐minority students and then describes the benefits and limitations of a variety of familiar instructional approaches that teachers can use to make curricula more inclusive, ultimately reducing isolation and invisibility ofLGBTQIAstudents and experiences.
“Impossible Is Nothing”: Expressing Difficult Knowledge Through Digital Storytelling
Authors: Johnson Lauren , Kendrick Maureen
Published: November 2016

The study focuses on a digital storytelling project conducted in a school district's transition program, in which adolescent refugee and immigrant English learners were invited to share aspects of their identities and social worlds through a range of modes. In this article, the authors look closely at one student's digital story through a multimodal analysis of three slides. The findings show how engaging with nonlinguistic modes provided enhanced opportunities for the student to explore and make visible complex and abstract facets of his life and identity, particularly as they relate to difficult past experiences.
The performance of CPC/PLGA and Bio‐Oss® for bone regeneration in healthy and osteoporotic rats
Authors: van Houdt Claire I. A. , Ulrich Dietmar J. O. , Jansen John A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P.
Published: November 2016

The current study aimed to evaluate the biological performance of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) with polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) micro‐particles and Bio‐Oss® in ovariectomized and healthy rats. Thirty‐two Wistar rats received alternating experimental CPC/PLGA and Bio‐Oss® in femoral condyle defects in both femurs 6 weeks after ovariectomy (OVX, n = 16) or sham operation (SHAM, n = 16). Six weeks after OVX or SHAM surgery, bone morphology was analyzed by in vivo computed tomography (CT) to confirm osteoporotic bone condition. Analysis of bone formation and material remnants at 4 and 12 weeks after material implantation was performed by micro‐CT, descriptive histology, histomorphometry and bone dynamics by fluorochrome labeling. The in vivo CT scans showed effective induction of osteoporotic bone condition by ovariectomy. Our data showed CPC/PLGA degraded relatively faster and more steadily. However, Bio‐Oss® had significantly less material remnants and showed significantly more bone formation compared to CPC/PLGA. Overall, our data showed relatively high amounts of CPC/PLGA for each time point, hampering new bone formation within the defect area. Osteoporotic conditions proved to significantly affect degradation rates, but did not significantly influence bone formation. An osteoporotic bone condition affects degradation of CPC/PLGA, which is vital information for its potential use in osteoporotic conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 131–142, 2018.