bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active individuals have high mitochondrial content and oxidative markers in their abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Pino Maria F. , Parsons Stephanie A. , Smith Steven R. , Sparks Lauren M.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Exercise training (training) effects on white adipose tissue (WAT) thermogenic and oxidative capacities in humans are inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate whether an active lifestyle is characterized by thermogenic and/or oxidative transcriptional markers in human WAT.

Methods

In vivo maximal muscle ATP synthetic rates (ATPmax) were measured by 31P‐MRS, body composition by DXA, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by cycle ergometry in active (n = 7) and sedentary (SED) individuals before and after 3 weeks of training (n = 9, SED only). mRNA expressions of brown adipose and β‐oxidation markers, as well as mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNA), were measured by qRT‐PCR and qPCR, respectively, in WAT.

Results

ATPmax and VO2peak were higher in active versus SED individuals. Following training in SED individuals, ATPmax and VO2peak increased. Proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1β gene expressions and mtDNA content were significantly higher in WAT of active versus SED individuals before training. mRNA contents of brown and beige‐specific markers were not different between cohorts. Training effectively increased ATPmax and VO2peak but had no effect on mtDNA content or expressions of genes that regulate thermogenic and oxidative capacities in WAT.

Conclusions

Results indicate that an active lifestyle is characterized by elevated mitochondrial content and oxidative, not thermogenic, markers of WAT.
Obeticholic acid improves adipose morphometry and inflammation and reduces steatosis in dietary but not metabolic obesity in mice
Authors: Haczeyni Fahrettin , Poekes Laurence , Wang Hans , Mridha Auvro R. , Barn Vanessa , Geoffrey Haigh W. , Ioannou George N. , Yeh Matthew M. , Leclercq Isabelle A. , Teoh Narcissus C. , Farrell Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the outcome of interactions between overnutrition, energy metabolism, and adipose function. Obeticholic acid (OCA) improves steatosis in patients but for unknown reasons does not resolve NASH pathology. This study therefore investigated OCA effects in Wt mice, which develop obesity with atherogenic dietary feeding, and appetite‐dysregulated, Alms1 mutant foz/foz mice fed the same diet, which develop metabolic obesity and diabetes.

Methods

OCA (1 mg/kg) was administered orally to female foz/foz mice and Wt littermates from weaning until 28 weeks. Adipose indices, glucose tolerance, and fatty liver pathology were studied. Experiments were repeated with OCA 10 mg/kg.

Results

OCA reduced body weight and hepatic lipids and improved glucose disposal only in Wt mice. OCA limited Wt adipose expansion, altered morphometry in favor of small adipocytes, enhanced expression of genes indicating adipose browning, and reduced crown‐like structure number in visceral adipose tissue. foz/foz mice showed more crown‐like structures in all compartments; OCA failed to alter adipose morphometry, browning, inflammation, or improve NASH severity, even at 10 mg/kg.

Conclusions

OCA improved adipose indices, glucose tolerance, and steatosis in a milder metabolic phenotype but failed to improve these factors in morbidly obese diabetic mice. These results help explain OCA's limited efficacy to reverse human NASH.
Synthesis of poly(1‐chloro‐2‐arylacetylene)s with high cis‐content and examination of their absorption/emission properties
Authors: Rodriguez Castanon Jesus , Sano Natsuhiro , Shiotsuki Masashi , Sanda Fumio
Published: November 2016

A series of 1‐chloro‐2‐arylacetylenes [Cl‐CC‐Ar, Ar = C6H5 (1), C6H4‐p‐iPr (2), C6H4‐p‐OiPr (3), C6H4‐p‐NHC(O)OtBu (4), and C6H4‐o‐iPr (5)] were polymerized using (tBu3P)PdMeCl/silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgOTf) and MoCl5/SnBu4 catalysts. The corresponding polymers [poly(1)–poly(5)] with weight‐average molecular weights of 6,500–690,000 were obtained in 10–91% yields. THF‐insoluble parts, presumably high‐molecular weight polymers, were formed together with THF‐soluble polymers by the Pd‐catalyzed polymerization. The Pd catalyst polymerized nonpolar monomers 1 and 2 to give the polymers in yields lower than the Mo catalyst, while the Pd catalyst polymerized polar monomers 3 and 4 to give the corresponding polymers in higher yields. The 1H NMR and UV–vis absorption spectra of the polymers indicated that the cis‐contents of the Pd‐based polymers were higher than those of the Mo‐based polymers, and the conjugation length of the Pd‐based polymers was shorter than that of the Mo‐based polymers. Pd‐based poly(5) emitted fluorescence most strongly among poly(1)–poly(5). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 382–388
Anion conducting methylated aliphatic PBI and its calculated properties
Authors: Cho Hyeongrae , Henkensmeier Dirk , Brela Mateusz , Michalak Artur , Jang Jong Hyun , Lee Kwan‐Young
Published: November 2016

A methylated polybenzimidazole with an aliphatic chain in the backbone (Me‐PBI‐C10) was synthesized and formed into membranes. Literature suggests that alkyl chains on C2 of imidazolium ions increase their alkaline stability. While this may be true for model compounds or ions attached as a side chain, both our DFT calculations and experimental results show that Me‐PBI‐C10 does not withstand alkaline conditions. To increase the alkaline stability, blend membranes with PBI‐OO were fabricated. A blend membrane with 50% PBI‐OO showed a chloride conductivity of up to 6 mS/cm, indicating that these membranes could find use in non‐alkaline applications like vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). The high mechanical stability (tensile strength: 70.25 ± 14.85 MPa, Young modulus: 1.65 ± 0.16 GPa) would be an advantage over currently used Nafion membranes. Finally, three different models were successfully applied to qualitatively predict the water uptake of Me‐PBI‐C10 exchanged with different anions. The results match with experimental data. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 256–265
Development and Investigation of Ultrastable PbS/CdS/ZnS Quantum Dots for Near‐Infrared Tumor Imaging
Authors: Ren Fuqiang , del Rosal Blanca , An So Young , Yang Fan , Carrasco Elisa , Benayas Antonio , Oh Jung Kwon , Jaque Daniel , de la Fuente Ángeles Juarranz , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Ma Dongling
Published: November 2016

Achieving bright, reliable, robust, and stable probes for in vivo imaging is becoming extremely urgent for the cancer imaging research community. To date very few works have reported on elucidating in the varied and chemically complex biological milieu. The authors report detailed investigations of the synthesis of near‐infrared, water dispersive, strongly luminescent, and highly stable PbS/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots (QDs). These QDs are extremely stable, they could keep their initial morphology, dispersion status, and photoluminescence (PL) in phosphate buffered saline buffer for as long as 14 months. The QDs also show excellent photostability and could keep ≈80% of their initial PL intensity after 1 h continuous, strong UV illumination. More interestingly, they show negligible toxicity to cultured cells even at high QDs concentration. Given these outstanding properties, the QDs are explored for in vivo, tumor imaging in mice. With one order of magnitude lower QD concentration (0.04 mg mL–1), significantly weaker laser intensity (0.04 W cm–2 vs ≈1 W cm–2), and considerably shorter signal integration time (≤1 ms vs hundreds of ms) as compared to the best reported rare earth doped nanoparticles, the QDs show high emission intensity even at injection depth of ≈2.5 mm.
Free Testosterone During Androgen Deprivation Therapy Predicts Castration‐Resistant Progression Better Than Total Testosterone
Authors: Regis Lucas , Planas Jacques , Carles Joan , Maldonado Xavier , Comas Inma , Ferrer Roser , Morote Juan
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The optimal degree of testosterone suppression in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy remains in question. Furthermore, serum free testosterone, which is the active form of testosterone, seems to correlate with intraprostatic testosterone. Here we compared free and total serum testosterone as predictors of survival free of castration resistance.

METHODS

Total testosterone (chemiluminescent assay, lower sensitivity 10 ng/dl) and free testosterone (analogue‐ligand radioimmunoassay, lower sensitivity 0.05 pg/ml) were determined at 6 months of LHRH agonist treatment in a prospective cohort of 126 patients with prostate cancer. During a mean follow‐up of 67 months (9–120), 75 (59.5%) events of castration‐resistant progression were identified. Multivariate analysis and survival analysis according to total testosterone cutoffs of 50, 32, and 20 ng/dl, and free testosterone cutoffs of 1.7, 1.1, and 0.7 pg/ml were performed.

RESULTS

Metastatic spread was the most powerful predictor of castration resistance, HR: 2.09 (95%CI: 1.18–3.72), P = 0.012. Gleason score, baseline PSA and PSA at 6 months were also independents predictors, but not free and total testosterone. Stratified analysis was conducted on the basis of the status of metastatic diseases and free testosterone was found to be an independent predictor of survival free of castration resistance in the subgroup of patients without metastasis, HR: 2.12 (95%CI: 1.16–3.85), P = 0.014. The lowest threshold of free testosterone which showed significant differences was 1.7 pg/ml, P = 0.003.

CONCLUSIONS

Free testosterone at 6 months of LHRH agonist treatment seems to be a better surrogate than total testosterone to predict castration resistance in no metastatic prostate cancer patients. Prostate 77:114–120, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P110β Inhibition Reduces Histone H3K4 Di‐Methylation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pang Jun , Yang Yue‐Wu , Huang Yiling , Yang Jun , Zhang Hao , Chen Ruibao , Dong Liang , Huang Yan , Wang Dongying , Liu Jihong , Li Benyi
Published: November 2016

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Epigenetic alteration plays a major role in the development and progression of human cancers, including prostate cancer. Histones are the key factors in modulating gene accessibility to transcription factors and post‐translational modification of the histone N‐terminal tail including methylation is associated with either transcriptional activation (H3K4me2) or repression (H3K9me3). Furthermore, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3 K) signaling and the androgen receptor (AR) are the key determinants in prostate cancer development and progression. We recently showed that prostate‐targeted nano‐micelles loaded with PI3 K/p110beta specific inhibitor TGX221 blocked prostate cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Our objective of this study was to determine the role of PI3 K signaling in histone methylation in prostate cancer, with emphasis on histone H3K4 methylation.

METHODS

PI3 K non‐specific inhibitor LY294002 and p110beta‐specific inhibitor TGX221 were used to block PI3 K/p110beta signaling. The global levels of H3K4 and H3K9 methylation in prostate cancer cells and tissue specimens were evaluated by Western blot assay and immunohistochemical staining. A synthetic androgen R1881 was used to stimulate AR activity in prostate cancer cells. A castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) specific human tissue microarray (TMA) was used to assess the global levels of H3K4me2 methylation by immunostaining approach.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that H3K4me2 levels were significantly elevated after androgen stimulation. With RNA silencing and pharmacology approaches, we further defined that inhibition of PI3 K/p110beta activity through gene‐specific knocking down and small chemical inhibitor TGX221 abolished androgen‐stimulated H3K4me2 methylation. Consistently, prostate cancer‐targeted delivery of TGX221 in vivo dramatically reduced the global levels of H3K4me2 as assessed by immunohistochemical staining on tissue section of mouse xenografts from CRPC cell lines 22RV1 and C4‐2. Finally, immunostaining data revealed a strong H3K4me2 immunosignal in CRPC tissues compared to primary tumors and benign prostate tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that PI3 K/p110beta‐dependent signaling is involved in androgen‐stimulated H3K4me2 methylation in prostate cancer, which might be used as a novel biomarker for disease prognosis and targeted therapy. Prostate 77:299–308, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relation between the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete with crushed brick and roof tile aggregates
Authors: Miličević Ivana , Štirmer Nina , Bjegović Dubravka
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the results of experimental research into the effect of brick and roof tile aggregates on the values of the modulus of elasticity of concrete made with crushed brick and roof tile aggregates. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the formulae given in the code provisions for estimating the concrete elastic moduli for lightweight and normal‐weight concretes with values obtained experimentally. Sixty two different concrete mixes including crushed brick and roof tiles were made and tested experimentally. The differences between the empirical and experimental static moduli of elasticity are shown. In addition, formulae for calculating the static modulus of elasticity over compressive strength are shown and compared with an experimentally estimated formula. As a result of this investigation, a universal equation for estimating the static modulus of elasticity over compressive strength for concretes with crushed brick and roof tile aggregates is proposed.
Floor acceleration control of super‐tall buildings with vibration reduction substructures
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Hong , Xie Linlin , Lu Xiao
Published: November 2016

When a super‐tall building is subjected to service level earthquakes (SLEs) or design basis earthquakes (DBEs), its excessive floor acceleration due to the acceleration amplification effect can lead to unacceptable economic loss and functional interruption. This work aims to design the top stories of super‐tall buildings in a form of a vibration reduction substructure (VRS; acting as a giant TMD with a large mass ratio) to control the floor acceleration of the building subjected to SLEs and DBEs. A simplified analytical model for 300 m super‐tall buildings is developed based on the flexural‐shear coupling beam model. Using the simplified model with a VRS on the top of the building, the floor acceleration reduction effect of the VRS is studied through time history analysis under actual ground motions. The optimal frequency of the VRS to reduce the floor acceleration is determined through parametric discussion, and the feasibility of using the VRS for different layouts of super‐tall buildings is validated. The outcome of this study is expected to provide some references for engineering design to mitigate vibration of super‐tall buildings.
Mechanisms leading to potential impacts of shale gas development on groundwater quality
Authors: Lefebvre René
Published: November 2016

The development of shale gas resources was made possible by the combination of horizontal drilling and high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Environmental concerns have been raised relative to shale gas production, especially potential impacts on groundwater. Fluids related to unconventional oil and gas (O&G) operations contain chemical compounds that can impact groundwater quality. Such impacts can occur due to (1) the infiltration of surface contaminant releases, (2) failures of the integrity of O&G wells, and (3) upward fluid migration from a shale/tight reservoir along preferential paths that can be natural (faults or fracture zone) or man‐made (O&G wells). Surface releases represent the most probable mechanism leading to groundwater contamination. Improvements in O&G drilling operations under stringent regulations can minimize this risk. Experts identify O&G well integrity as the most challenging issue that may lead to groundwater contamination. Failure of casing and cement can lead to upward fluid flow within or outside O&G wells, especially of methane. Integrity failures leading to fluid migration to shallow fresh water aquifers or to the surface are well understood and can be detected and repaired, but this can be complex and costly. A few regulators now impose groundwater monitoring to detect impacts from integrity failures. Occurrences of communication with existing O&G wells from fracking operations have also led some regulators to impose rules aiming to avoid such potential fluid migration paths. There is an ongoing scientific debate regarding the potential for fluids to migrate upward from exploited shale gas units to aquifers through natural preferential paths. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1188. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1188

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Science of Water > Water Quality
Light Goose Conservation Order effects on nontarget waterfowl behavior and energy expenditure
Authors: Dinges Andrew J. , Webb Elisabeth B. , Vrtiska Mark P.
Published: November 2016

When the Light Goose Conservation Order (LGCO) was established during 1999 in the Rainwater Basin of Nebraska, USA, LGCO activities were limited to 4 days/week and 16 public wetlands were closed to the LGCO to limit disturbance to nontarget waterfowl during this energetically important time period. However, the effects of LGCO activities on waterfowl behavior and energy expenditure are relatively unknown in this critical waterfowl staging area. To evaluate LGCO effects on target and nontarget species, we paired wetlands open and closed to LGCO and recorded waterfowl behavior and hunter encounters during springs 2011 and 2012. We constructed hourly energy expenditure models based on behavior data collected for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and northern pintails (A. acuta). In 2011, dabbling ducks (Anas spp.) spent more time feeding and less time resting in wetlands closed to hunting during early season when the majority of hunting encounters occurred; behaviors did not differ between hunt categories during late season when hunting activities subsided. However, in 2012, dabbling ducks spent more time feeding and less time resting in wetlands open to hunting during early and late seasons. We detected no differences in behaviors of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens) or greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons) between hunting categories in early season. Mallards had slightly greater energy expenditure on wetlands closed to hunting ( = 38.94 ± 0.31 kJ/bird/hr), compared with wetlands open to hunting ( = 37.87 ± 0.32 kJ/bird/hr); therefore, greater energy spent by mallards cannot be attributed to hunting disturbance. We also detected no differences in dabbling duck behavior or energy expenditure between days open or closed to hunting in the region. A refuge system of wetlands closed to LGCO activities in the Rainwater Basin may be an important management strategy in providing reduced disturbance for nontarget waterfowl species in some years. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Elastoplastic analysis of pressure‐sensitive materials by an effective three‐dimensional mixed finite element
Authors: Bilotta Antonio , Turco Emilio
Published: November 2016

This work is focused on the analysis of three‐dimensional bodies whose mechanical behavior can be modeled by an elastoplastic pressure‐sensitive material description. To this end the yield condition is assessed with respect to a general quadratic function capable to represent both standard surfaces, such as Drucker–Prager surface, or more generic surfaces. For the sake of the efficiency and robustness of the numerical analysis of general‐shape solids, an effective mixed tetrahedral finite element is used to perform a step‐by‐step analysis obtaining the complete equilibrium path and the collapse load. Some numerical results regarding technical problems, such as masonry walls and footing problems, show the effectiveness of the mechanical model and of the numerical strategy.
Open Repair of AAA in a High Volume Center
Authors: Davidovic Lazar B. , Maksic Milanko , Koncar Igor , Ilic Nikola , Dragas Marko , Fatic Nikola , Markovic Miroslav , Banzic Igor , Mutavdzic Perica
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess results of open repair (OR) of AAA in a single high volume center.

Methods

We analyzed prospectively collected data of 450 patients who underwent elective OR of AAA at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Serbian Clinical Centre in the period between January 2013 and September 2014.

Results

Postoperative death occurred in seven patients (1. 55%) during the first 30 postoperative days. The mortality was caused by: uncontrolled bleeding‐1, acute myocardial infarction‐1, ischemic colitis‐2, MOFS‐2, sepsis due to infection and dehiscence of laparotomy wound‐1. Coronary artery disease (OR 3.89; CI 0.85–17.7; p = 0.0058), postoperative acute myocardial infarction (OR 29.9; CI 2.56–334.95; p = 0.0053), chronic renal failure (OR 7.5; CI 1.35–8.5; p = 0.0073), colonic necrosis (OR 88.2; CI 4.77–1629.69; p = 0.0026), occlusion of the both hypogastric arteries and the inability to preserve at least one hypogastric artery (OR 17.4; CI 1.99–178.33; p = 0.0230), aortobifemoral reconstruction (OR 9.06; CI 1.76–46.49; p = 0.016), significant perioperative bleeding (>2 L) (OR 7.32; CI 1.31–10.79; p = 0.0001), hostile abdomen (OR 5.25; CI 1.3–21.1; p = 0.0055), inflammatory aneurysm (OR 13.99; CI 2.88–65.09; p = 0.0002), supraceliac aortic cross‐clamping (OR 18.7; CI 3.8–90.6; p = 0.0003), prolonged aortic cross‐clamping (>60 min) (OR 14.25; CI 2.75–64.5; p = 0.0003), the intraoperative hypotension (OR 6.61; CI 0.71–61.07; p = 0.0545), the prolonged operation (>240 min) (OR 8.66; CI 0.91–81.56; p = 0.0585) and complete dehiscence of the laparotomy (OR 44.1; CI 3.39–572.78; p = 0.0396) increased the 30‐day mortality in our study.

Conclusions

Early mortality after open repair of AAA in high volume center might be very low due to experienced multidisciplinary team. Centralized open aortic surgery might be solution for effective treatment of patients with unsuitable anatomy or for young patients with long life expectancy.
Generalized Sample Size Determination Formulas for Investigating Contextual Effects by a Three-Level Random Intercept Model
Authors: Usami Satoshi
Published: November 2016

Behavioral and psychological researchers have shown strong interests in investigating contextual effects (i.e., the influences of combinations of individual- and group-level predictors on individual-level outcomes). The present research provides generalized formulas for determining the sample size needed in investigating contextual effects according to the desired level of statistical power as well as width of confidence interval. These formulas are derived within a three-level random intercept model that includes one predictor/contextual variable at each level to simultaneously cover various kinds of contextual effects that researchers can show interest. The relative influences of indices included in the formulas on the standard errors of contextual effects estimates are investigated with the aim of further simplifying sample size determination procedures. In addition, simulation studies are performed to investigate finite sample behavior of calculated statistical power, showing that estimated sample sizes based on derived formulas can be both positively and negatively biased due to complex effects of unreliability of contextual variables, multicollinearity, and violation of assumption regarding the known variances. Thus, it is advisable to compare estimated sample sizes under various specifications of indices and to evaluate its potential bias, as illustrated in the example.
Social comparison, competition and teacher–student relationships in junior high school classrooms predicts bullying and victimization☆
Authors: Di Stasio Maria Rosaria , Savage Robert , Burgos Giovani
Published: November 2016

This cross‐sectional research examines how social comparison, competition and teacher–student relationships as classroom characteristics are associated with bullying and victimization among junior high school students in grades 7 and 8 in Canada. The study tests a conceptual model of youth outcomes that highlights the importance of modeling the effects of teaching practices as proximal structural conditions at the classroom level (N = 38) that affect bullying outcomes at the individual level (N = 687). Results of Hierarchal linear modeling (HLM) revealed significant classroom‐level effects in that increased social comparison, competition and teacher–student relationships were related to bullying and victimization. An interaction for teacher–student relationships and gender also emerged. These findings may guide future intervention programs for junior high schools that focus on enhancing cooperation and pro‐social behavior in classrooms. The findings could also inform programs that focus on building strong relationships between students and teachers to help prevent bullying and victimization, particularly among boys.
Modified meta-heuristics using random mutation for truss topology optimization with static and dynamic constraints
Authors: Savsani Vimal J. , Tejani Ghanshyam G. , Patel Vivek K. , Savsani Poonam
Published: November 2016

In this paper, simultaneous size and topology optimization of planar and space trusses subjected to static and dynamic constraints are investigated. All the benchmark trusses consider discrete cross-sectional areas to consider the practical aspect of manufacturing. Moreover, Trusses are considered with multiple loading conditions and subjected to constraints for natural frequencies, element stresses, nodal displacements, Euler buckling criteria, and kinematic stability conditions. Truss topology optimization (TTO) can be accomplished by the removal of superfluous elements and nodes from the highly hyper static truss also known as the ground structure and results in the saving of the mass of the truss. In this method, the difficulties arise due to the singular solution and unnecessary analysis; therefore, FEA model is reformed to resolve these difficulties.

The static and dynamic responses to the TTO problems are challenging due to its search space, which is implicit, non-convex, non-linear, and often leading to divergence. Modified meta-heuristics are effective optimization methods to handle such problems in actual fact. In this paper, modified versions of Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), Heat Transfer Search (HTS), Water Wave Optimization (WWO), and Passing Vehicle Search (PVS) are proposed by integrating the random mutation-based search technique with them. This paper compares the performance of four modified and four basic meta-heuristics to solve discrete TTO problems.

Highlights Modifications in four different recently developed meta-heuristics. Use of random mutation based strategy. Implementation on challenging/benchmark truss topology optimization problems. Modifications effective over basic algorithms.
Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Disabling Neuropathic Pain: A Case Presentation Suggesting a New Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Buonocore Michelangelo , Demartini Laura , Mandrini Silvia , Dall'Angelo Anna , Dalla Toffola Elena
Published: November 2016

This case presentation describes a 47‐year‐old woman who developed complex regional pain syndrome type II with severe neuropathic pain following iatrogenic transection of the tibial nerve at the ankle. The pain and disability progressively worsened over time, markedly impaired ambulation, and were not relieved despite various analgesic treatments. After injection of botulinum toxin (abobotulinumtoxinA, BoNT‐A) in the leg muscles the tendons of which pass through the tarsal tunnel (together with the tibial nerve), her pain decreased and her walking capacity improved. This case suggests a new therapeutic role for botulin toxin in treating peripheral neuropathic pain caused by movement‐evoked ectopic potentials.

Level of Evidence

V
Turbulence modifications induced by the bed mobility in intense sediment-laden flows
Authors: Revil-Baudard T. , Chauchat J. , Hurther D. , Eiff O.
Published: November 2016

An experimental dataset of high-resolution velocity and concentration measurements is obtained under intense sediment transport regimes to provide new insights into the modification of turbulence induced by the presence of a mobile sediment bed. The physical interpretation of the zero-plane level in the law of the wall is linked to the bed-level variability induced by large-scale turbulent flow structures. The comparison between intrinsic and superficial Reynolds shear stresses shows that the observed strong bed-level variability results in an increased covariance between wall-normal ($w^{\prime }$) and streamwise ($u^{\prime }$) velocity fluctuations. This appears as an additional Reynolds shear stress in the near-wall region. It is also observed that the mobile sediment bed induces an increase of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) across the boundary layer. However, the increased contribution of interaction events ($u^{\prime }w^{\prime }>0$, i.e. quadrants I and III in the ($u^{\prime },w^{\prime }$) plane) induces a decrease of the turbulent momentum diffusion and an increase of the turbulent concentration diffusion in the suspension region. This result provides an explanation for the modification of the von Kármán parameter and the turbulent Schmidt number observed in the literature for intense sediment transport.
THE ARCHITECTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF NORTHUMBERLAND HOUSE UNDER THE 7TH DUKE OF SOMERSET AND THE 1ST DUKE AND DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND, 1748–86
Authors: Aymonino Adriano , Guerci Manolo
Published: November 2016

This paper is based on the authors’ longstanding interest in Northumberland House and follows two previous papers by Manolo Guerci, which appeared in this journal in 2010 and 2014 respectively. The first paper explored the house as originally built by the 1st Earl of Northampton between 1605 and 1614, while the second looked at both the ownership of the Earls of Suffolk, in the years between Northampton’s death and 1642, and the transformations of the 10th Earl of Northumberland, from that year to 1668. The changes initiated by the 7th Duke and Duchess of Somerset in 1748, and completed by the 1st Duke and Duchess of Northumberland (third creation) in the 1750s and 1760s, finished the process of shifting the public side of the house from the Strand to the river side, begun by the 10th Earl of Northumberland. Never before fully investigated, this period is crucial in the long history of the house, as a large body of renowned craftsmen and builders (presented as supplementary material to the online edition of this paper) experimented with lavish interiors, which became a model for contemporary enterprises. In addition, Northumberland House acted as the showcase of the couple’s taste and patronage, as well as the venue for the private ‘Musaeum’ of the Duchess, within a larger remarkable collection, and probably functioned as a proto-academy for selected artists and connoisseurs.
HID IN THE EARTH AND SECRET PLACES: A REASSESSMENT OF A HOARD OF LATER MEDIEVAL GOLD RINGS AND SILVER COINS FOUND NEAR THE RIVER THAME
Authors: Standley Eleanor R
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a new assessment of the hoard of five gold finger rings and ten silver groats found together near the River Thame, in Oxfordshire, in 1940. It proposes a refined date of manufacture for the exquisite reliquary ring and reports newly identified elements of its design, suggesting that it held a second relic. A holistic understanding of the landscape, topography, contemporary institutions, places and events is used to interpret the hoarded material. It is advocated that the hoarded rings and coins were probably the property of Notley Abbey, not Thame Abbey as has been thought, and that they were rescued from Thomas Cromwell’s Commissioners in 1538 for burial at a place of cultural significance. The paper also draws attention to some of the problems of interpreting and dating hoards and it emphasises the continuity of hoarding practice from prehistory into the later- and post-medieval periods.
ALGEBRAIC AND GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF LATTICE WALKS WITH STEPS OF EQUAL LENGTH
Authors: KOŁODZIEJCZYK KRZYSZTOF , SAŁAPATA RAFAŁ
Published: November 2016

A lattice walk with all steps having the same length $d$ is called a $d$-walk. Denote by ${\mathcal{T}}_{d}$ the terminal set, that is, the set of all lattice points that can be reached from the origin by means of a $d$-walk. We examine some geometric and algebraic properties of the terminal set. After observing that $({\mathcal{T}}_{d},+)$ is a normal subgroup of the group $(\mathbb{Z}^{N},+)$, we ask questions about the quotient group $\mathbb{Z}^{N}/{\mathcal{T}}_{d}$ and give the number of elements of $\mathbb{Z}^{2}/{\mathcal{T}}_{d}$ in terms of $d$. To establish this result, we use several consequences of Fermat’s theorem about representations of prime numbers of the form $4k+1$ as the sum of two squares. One of the consequences is the fact, observed by Sierpiński, that every natural power of such a prime number has exactly one relatively prime representation. We provide explicit formulas for the relatively prime integers in this representation.
Inulin oligofructose attenuates metabolic syndrome in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rats
Authors: Kumar Senthil A. , Ward Leigh C. , Brown Lindsay
Published: November 2016

Prebiotics alter bacterial content in the colon, and therefore could be useful for obesity management. We investigated the changes following addition of inulin oligofructose (IO) in the food of rats fed either a corn starch (C) diet or a high-carbohydrate, high-fat (H) diet as a model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome. IO did not affect food intake, but reduced body weight gain by 5·3 and 12·3 % in corn starch+inulin oligofructose (CIO) and high-carbohydrate, high-fat with inulin oligofructose (HIO) rats, respectively. IO reduced plasma concentrations of free fatty acids by 26·2 % and TAG by 75·8 % in HIO rats. IO increased faecal output by 93·2 %, faecal lipid excretion by 37·9 % and weight of caecum by 23·4 % and colon by 41·5 % in HIO rats. IO improved ileal morphology by reducing inflammation and improving the density of crypt cells in HIO rats. IO attenuated H diet-induced increases in abdominal fat pads (C 275 (sem19), CIO 264 (sem40), H 688 (sem55), HIO 419 (sem32) mg/mm tibial length), fasting blood glucose concentrations (C 4·5 (sem0·1), CIO 4·2 (sem0·1), H 5·2 (sem0·1), HIO 4·3 (sem0·1) mmol/l), systolic blood pressure (C 124 (sem2), CIO 118 (sem2), H 152 (sem2), HIO 123 (sem3) mmHg), left ventricular diastolic stiffness (C 22·9 (sem0·6), CIO 22·9 (sem0·5), H 27·8 (sem0·5), HIO 22·6 (sem1·2)) and plasma alanine transaminase (C 29·6 (sem2·8), CIO 32·1 (sem3·0), H 43·9 (sem2·6), HIO 33·6 (sem2·0) U/l). IO attenuated H-induced increases in inflammatory cell infiltration in the heart and liver, lipid droplets in the liver and plasma lipids as well as impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. These results suggest that increasing soluble fibre intake with IO improves signs of the metabolic syndrome by decreasing gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid uptake.
Association between predominantly plant-based diets and iron status in Chinese adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: He Jingjing , Shen Xin , Fang Aiping , Song Jie , Li He , Guo Meihan , Li Keji
Published: November 2016

Current evidence of the relationship between diets and Fe status is mostly derived from studies in developed countries with Western diets, which may not be translatable to Chinese with a predominantly plant-based diet. We extracted data that were nationally sampled from the 2009 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey; dietary information was collected using 24-h recalls combined with a food inventory for 3 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected to quantify Fe status, and log-ferritin, transferrin receptor and Hb were used as Fe status indicators. In total, 2905 (1360 males and 1545 females) adults aged 18–50 years were included for multiple linear regression and stratified analyses. The rates of Fe deficiency and Fe-deficiency anaemia were 1·6 and 0·7 % for males and 28·4 and 10·7 % for females, respectively. As red meat and haem Fe consumption differed about fifteen to twenty times throughout the five groups, divided by quintiles of animal protein intake per 4·2 MJ/d, only Fe status as indicated by log-ferritin (P=0·019) and transferrin receptor (P=0·024) concentrations in males was shown to be higher as intakes of animal foods increased. Log-ferritin was positively associated with intakes of red meat (B=0·3 %, P=0·01) and haem Fe (B=12·3 %, P=0·010) in males and with intake of non-haem Fe in females (B=2·2 %, P=0·024). We conclude that diet has a very limited association with Fe status in Chinese adults consuming a traditional Chinese diet, and a predominantly plant-based diet may not be necessarily responsible for poor Fe status.
Estimating Beta
Authors: Hollstein Fabian , Prokopczuk Marcel
Published: November 2016

We conduct a comprehensive comparison of market beta estimation techniques. We study the performance of several historical, time-series model, and option-implied estimators for estimating realized market beta. Thereby, we find the hybrid methodology of Buss and Vilkov to consistently outperform all other approaches. In addition, all other approaches, including fully implied and dynamic conditional beta, based on generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models, are dominated by a simple beta estimate based on historical (co-)variances and an approach based on the Kalman filter. Our conclusions remain unchanged after performing several robustness checks.
Risks to REDD+: potential pitfalls for policy design and implementation
Authors: LOFT LASSE , PHAM THUY THU , WONG GRACE YEE , BROCKHAUS MARIA , LE DUNG NGOC , TJAJADI JANUARTI SINARRA , LUTTRELL CECILIA
Published: November 2016

International negotiations for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) were finally concluded in 2015. However, due to the complex design and implementation processes of REDD+ policies and measures, including benefit sharing at national and subnational levels, several challenges exist for sustainably reducing emissions while simultaneously managing the provision of social and environmental side-objectives. We review the realities of REDD+ implementation in 13 REDD+ candidate countries and the risks related to REDD+ policies and benefit sharing based upon a synthesis of the findings presented in ‘country profiles’ that were developed between 2009 and 2013 as part of the Center for International Forestry Research's (CIFOR) Global Comparative Study on REDD+. We find that REDD+ policies in all countries studied are at high risk of ineffectiveness, inequity and inefficiency. By classifying these risks and understanding not only their impacts on different stakeholder groups, but also the consequences for achieving specific objectives, countries can identify solutions in order to address these shortcomings in their implementation of REDD+.
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria: epidemiological pattern in a reference laboratory and risk factors associated with pulmonary disease
Authors: MENCARINI J. , CRESCI C. , SIMONETTI M. T. , TRUPPA C. , CAMICIOTTOLI G. , FRILLI M. L. , ROGASI P. G. , VELOCI S. , PISTOLESI M. , ROSSOLINI G. M. , BARTOLONI A. , BARTALESI F.
Published: November 2016

The diseases caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), in both AIDS and non-AIDS populations, are increasingly recognized worldwide. Although the American Thoracic Society published the guidelines for diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), the diagnosis is still difficult. In the first part of the study, we collected data on NTM isolates in the Mycobacteriology Laboratory of Careggi Hospital (Florence, Italy) and analysed the epidemiological data of NTM isolates. Then, to analyse the risk factors associated to NTM-PD, we studied the presence of ATS/IDSA criteria for NTM-PD in patients who had at least one positive respiratory sample for NTM and were admitted to the Infectious Disease Unit and the Section of Respiratory Medicine. We selected 88 patients with available full clinical data and, according to ATS/IDSA criteria, classified 15 patients (17%) as NTM-PD cases and 73 as colonized patients (83%). When comparing colonized and NTM-PD patients we did not find significant differences of age, gender and comorbidity. We observed that Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare were statistically associated with NTM-PD (P = 0·001) whereas M. xenopi was statistically associated with colonization. Although the number of studied patients is limited, our study did not identify risk factors for NTM-PD that could help clinicians to discriminate between colonization and disease. We underline the need of close monitoring of NTM-infected patients until the diagnosis is reasonably excluded. Further larger prospective studies and new biological markers are needed to identify new useful tools for the diagnosis of NTM-PD.
The development of gender in simultaneous and successive bilingual acquisition of French – Evidence for AOA and input effects
Authors: GRANFELDT JONAS
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the effects of Age of Onset of Acquisition (AOA) and the quality and quantity of input on the longitudinal development of gender in the acquisition of French by simultaneous (2L1) and successive bilinguals (cL2). Three aspects of French gender are studied: the abstract GENDER feature, gender assignment and gender concord. The findings show that amount and quality of input correlate significantly with the rate of development of gender assignment. Group-level analyses on gender concord show that there is no significant difference between the L1 and the 2L1 groups and that error patterns are different in the 2L1 and cL2 groups. We conclude that while it is clear from the data that the development of gender assignment is primarily dependent on input conditions the question is more open with respect to gender concord. For concord a combination of AOA, the L1 acquisitional timetable, and input are important factors.
Medizinisch onkologische Therapie des Pankreaskarzinoms
Authors: Ackermann Christoph Jakob , Güller Ulrich
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Das Pankreaskarzinom ist nach wie vor eine Knacknuss für den medizinischen Onkologen, und die Prognose bleibt schlecht mit hoher Rezidivrate nach kurativ-intendierter Resektion und oft raschem Tumorprogress unter Systemtherapie in der metastasierten Situation. In den vergangenen Jahren durften jedoch kleine Fortschritte verzeichnet werden: zum einen wird bei nicht-sicher resektablen Karzinomen wenn möglich eine neo-adjuvante Chemotherapie verabreicht, was die Rate der kompletten (R0)-Resektionen und somit auch die Prognose verbessert. Zum anderen wurden Kombinationschemotherapien (FOLFIRINOX und Gemcitabine/nab-pacltiaxel) in der metastasierten Situation im Vergleich zum lange gültigen Standard mit Gemcitabine Monotherapie geprüft und waren mit signifikant verbessertem Gesamtüberleben wie auch besserer Lebensqualität vergesellschaftet. Zudem wurden Subgruppen von Patienten mit Pankreaskarzinom identifiziert, welche von neuen Medikamenten (z. B. Checkpoint-Inhbitoren) zu profitieren scheinen. Nichtsdestotrotz ist man von der «magic bullet» in der Behandlung des Pankreaskarzinoms noch weit entfernt.
Zur Validität der deutschen Fassung der ADOS-2 unter Berücksichtigung von Geschlechtseffekten
Authors: Kamp-Becker Inge , Langmann Anika , Stehr Thomas , Custodis Katharina , Poustka Luise , Becker Katja
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Die deutschsprachige Version der Diagnostischen Beobachtungsskala für Autistische Störungen – 2 (ADOS-2) ist eine Revision der standardisierten Verhaltensbeobachtung für Personen mit dem Verdacht auf Vorliegen einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS). Die Studie untersucht die diagnostische Güte der originalen und revidierten Algorithmen für die Module 1 bis 3. Methodik: An einer großen Inanspruchnahmepopulation (N = 1080, Alter 1.7–20.5 Jahre) wurde die Unterscheidungsfähigkeit der ADOS-2 zu relevanten Differenzialdiagnosen untersucht. Außerdem wurden Vergleiche bezüglich der diagnostischen Güte für beide Geschlechter getrennt vorgenommen. Ergebnisse: Der revidierte Algorithmus weist eine verbesserte Sensitivität (84.9 %) bei jedoch leicht reduzierter Spezifität (85.7 %) auf. Verbesserungen der ADOS-2 betreffen vor allem Fälle von frühkindlichem Autismus und die korrekte Klassifizierung von Mädchen. Der Einschluss von repetitiven, stereotypen Verhaltensweisen in den Algorithmus erhöht die korrekte Klassifikation in den Modulen 2 und 3. Für jüngere Kinder im Modul 1 ist dies jedoch nicht der Fall. Es zeigt sich darüber hinaus eine geringere Differenzierungsfähigkeit zu internalisierenden Störungen und Störungen des Sozialverhaltens. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine gute diagnostische Güte der ADOS-2 wurde vor allem für Kinder mit durchschnittlichen kognitiven Fähigkeiten gefunden. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für eine gute Anwendbarkeit der ADOS-2 für klinische Populationen. Voraussetzung ist jedoch eine sorgfältige und breite Diagnostik durch erfahrene Untersucher.

Schlüsselwörter: ADOS, Diagnostik von Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen, Sensitivität, Spezifität
Neue Indikationen für Fat grafting: Brustrekonstruktion und Narbentherapie
Authors: Lindenblatt Nicole , Uyulmaz Semra
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Eigenfett-Therapie hat in der ästhetischen und plastisch-rekonstruktiven Chirurgie in den letzten Jahren zunehmend an Popularität gewonnen. Grundsätzlich können mit der Eigenfettmethode Volumendefizite behandelt werden. Die Brustrekonstruktion und Brustvergrösserung mit Eigenfett hat sich in den letzten Jahren als Alternative zur Verwendung von Silikongel-Implantaten entwickelt. Als Nebeneffekt zeigte sich eine Verbesserung der Hautqualität. Diese Beobachtungen schafften die Grundlage für die Anwendung von Eigenfett zur Narbentherapie. So kann das Fett nicht nur Volumen liefern, sondern durch seine regenerativen Eigenschaften auch in der Behandlung rigider und unschöner Narben eingesetzt werden. Die zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen sind nicht abschliessend geklärt. Klinische Studien zeigten gute Ergebnisse, sodass das Verfahren kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt wird.
AGU's TEX Program to Lead Climate Effort Launched by White House
Authors: Pandya Raj
Published: November 2016

The Resilience Dialogues program unveiled today fosters discussion, networking, and problem solving among communities with climate-related challenges, scientists, and other experts.