bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermofluid Characteristics of Czochralski Melt Convection Using 3D URANS Computations
Authors: Verma Sudeep , Dewan Anupam
Published: April 2019

Turbulent characteristics of Czochralski melt flow are presented using the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) turbulence modeling approach. Three-dimensional, transient computations were performed using the Launder and Sharma low-Re k-ε model and Menter shear stress transport (SST) k-ω model on an idealized Czochralski setup with counterrotating crystal and crucible. A comparative assessment is performed between these two Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models in capturing turbulent thermal and flow behaviors. It was observed that the SST k-ω model predicted a better resolution of the Czochralski melt flow capturing the near wall thermal gradients, resolving stronger convective flow at the melt free surface, deciphering more number of characteristics Czochralski recirculating cells along with predicting large number of coherent eddy structures and vortex cores distributed in the melt and hence a larger level of turbulent intensity in the Czochralski melt compared with that by Launder and Sharma low-Re k-ε model.
Adolescents’ Postural Control Learning According to the Frequency of Knowledge of Process
Authors: Gandía Julián , García-Massó Xavier , Marco-Ahulló Adrián , Estevan Isaac
Published: April 2019

Feedback is one of the most influential factors for motor skills learning. Physical Education teachers commonly use verbal cues to provide knowledge of process (KP) when teaching motor skills, but the ideal presentation frequency for KP in adolescents is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the frequency of KP (i.e., 100%, 67%, 0%) on dynamic balance. Thirty adolescents, age 14–15 years, participated in the study. Performance on a stabilometer platform was used to assess dynamic balance. Participants received feedback after each trial (100%), in two out of three trials (67%), or no feedback during 12 30-s trials of practice. Adolescents who received feedback (67% or 100%) required lower mean velocity to maintain similar dynamic balance performance (i.e., root mean square). Moreover, adolescents receiving 100% feedback had a higher α-scaling than those who did not received it. During the post-test and the retention, both 67% and 100% KP frequencies were effective at improving postural control, compared to the no feedback control.
Brain Activation Changes During Balance- and Attention-Demanding Tasks in Middle- and Older-Aged Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hernandez Manuel E. , O’Donnell Erin , Chaparro Gioella , Holtzer Roee , Izzetoglu Meltem , Sandroff Brian M. , Motl Robert W.
Published: April 2019

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate prefrontal cortex activation differences between older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy older adults (HOA) during the performance of a balance- and attention-demanding motor task. Ten older adults with MS and 12 HOA underwent functional near-infrared spectroscopy recording while talking, virtual beam walking, or virtual beam walking while talking on a self-paced treadmill. The MS group demonstrated smaller increases in prefrontal cortex oxygenation levels than HOA during virtual beam walking while talking than talking tasks. These findings indicate a decreased ability to allocate additional attentional resources in challenging walking conditions among MS compared with HOA. This study is the first to investigate brain activation dynamics during the performance of balance- and attention-demanding motor tasks in persons with MS.
Cooperation between T cell receptor and Toll-like receptor 5 signaling for CD4
+
T cell activation
Authors: Rodríguez-Jorge Otoniel , Kempis-Calanis Linda A. , Abou-Jaoudé Wassim , Gutiérrez-Reyna Darely Y. , Hernandez Céline , Ramirez-Pliego Oscar , Thomas-Chollier Morgane , Spicuglia Salvatore , Santana Maria A. , Thieffry Denis
Published: April 2019

Mathematical modeling and experiments show how a pattern recognition receptor helps to stimulate T cell activation.
FGFR inhibitors get to nuclear PTEN
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2019

FGFR inhibitors block DNA repair coordinated by PTEN, enhancing radiotherapy in glioblastoma.
Comparative Performance of Urinary Biomarkers for Vancomycin-Induced Kidney Injury According to Timeline of Injury
Authors: Pais Gwendolyn M. , Avedissian Sean N. , O’Donnell J. Nicholas , Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Lodise Thomas P. , Prozialeck Walter C. , Lamar Peter C. , Cluff Cameron , Gulati Anil , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Downes Kevin J. , Zuppa Athena F. , Scheetz Marc H.
Published: April 2019

Urinary biomarkers are superior to serum creatinine for defining onset and extent of kidney injury. This study classifies the temporal predictive ability of biomarkers for vancomycin-induced kidney injury (VIKI) as defined by histopathologic damage.
Posttranslational Targeting of a Recombinant Protein Promotes Its Efficient Secretion into the Escherichia coli Periplasm
Authors: Ytterberg A. Jimmy , Zubarev Roman A. , Baumgarten Thomas
Published: April 2019

The bacterium
Escherichia coli
is widely used to produce recombinant proteins. To fold properly, many recombinant proteins have to be targeted to the
E. coli
periplasm, but so far the impact of the targeting pathway of a recombinant protein to the periplasm has not been extensively investigated. Here, we show that the targeting pathway of a recombinant antibody fragment has a tremendous impact on cell physiology, ultimately affecting protein production yields in the periplasm and biomass formation. This indicates that studying the targeting and secretion of proteins into the periplasm could be used to design strategies to improve recombinant protein production yields.
The Autotransporter IcsA Promotes Shigella flexneri Biofilm Formation in the Presence of Bile Salts
Authors: Köseoğlu Volkan K. , Hall Chelsea P. , Rodríguez-López Eric M. , Agaisse Hervé
Published: April 2019

Shigella flexneri
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that invades epithelial cells in the colonic mucosa, leading to bloody diarrhea. A previous study showed that
S. flexneri
forms biofilms in the presence of bile salts, through an unknown mechanism.
Aerosol Transmission of Gull-Origin Iceland Subtype H10N7 Influenza A Virus in Ferrets
Authors: Guan Minhui , Hall Jeffrey S. , Zhang Xiaojian , Dusek Robert J. , Olivier Alicia K. , Liu Liyuan , Li Lei , Krauss Scott , Danner Angela , Li Tao , Rutvisuttinunt Wiriya , Lin Xiaoxu , Hallgrimsson Gunnar T. , Ragnarsdottir Sunna B. , Vignisson Solvi R. , TeSlaa Josh , Nashold Sean W. , Jarman Richard , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: April 2019

Subtype H10 avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) have caused sporadic human infections and enzootic outbreaks among seals. In the fall of 2015, H10N7 viruses were recovered from gulls in Iceland, and genomic analyses showed that the viruses were genetically related with IAVs that caused outbreaks among seals in Europe a year earlier. These gull-origin viruses showed high binding affinity to human-like glycan receptors. Transmission studies in ferrets demonstrated that the gull-origin IAV could infect ferrets, and that the virus could be transmitted between ferrets through direct contact and aerosol droplets. This study demonstrated that avian H10 IAV can infect mammals and be transmitted among them without adaptation. Thus, avian H10 IAV is a candidate for influenza pandemic preparedness and should be monitored in wildlife and at the animal-human interface.
Adenovirus E1B 55-Kilodalton Protein Targets SMARCAL1 for Degradation during Infection and Modulates Cellular DNA Replication
Authors: Nazeer Reshma , Qashqari Fadi S. I. , Albalawi Abeer S. , Piberger Ann Liza , Tilotta Maria Teresa , Read Martin L. , Hu Siyuan , Davis Simon , McCabe Christopher J. , Petermann Eva , Turnell Andrew S.
Published: April 2019

Viruses have evolved to inhibit cellular DNA damage response pathways that possess antiviral activities and utilize DNA damage response pathways that possess proviral activities. Adenovirus has evolved, primarily, to inhibit DNA damage response pathways by engaging with the ubiquitin-proteasome system and promoting the degradation of key cellular proteins. Adenovirus differentially regulates ATR DNA damage response signaling pathways during infection. The cellular adenovirus E1B-55K binding protein E1B-AP5 participates in ATR signaling pathways activated during infection, while adenovirus 12 E4orf6 negates Chk1 activation by promoting the proteasome-dependent degradation of the ATR activator TOPBP1. The studies detailed here indicate that adenovirus utilizes ATR kinase and CDKs during infection to promote the degradation of SMARCAL1 to attenuate normal cellular DNA replication. These studies further our understanding of the relationship between adenovirus and DNA damage and cell cycle signaling pathways during infection and establish new roles for E1B-55K in the modulation of cellular DNA replication.
BP Gulf of Mexico Neogene Astronomically-tuned Time Scale (BP GNATTS)
Authors: Bergen J.A. , Truax S. , de Kaenel E. , Blair S. , Browning E. , Lundquist J. , Boesiger T. , Bolivar M. , Clark K.
Published: April 2019

This paper introduces an integrated Neogene microfossil biostratigraphic chart developed within post-merger BP for the Gulf of Mexico Basin and is the first published industrial framework “fully-tuned” to orbital periodicities. Astronomical-tuning was accomplished through a 15-year research program on the Ocean Drilling Program’s (ODP) Leg 154 sediments (offshore NE Brazil) with sampling resolution for calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera ∼20 k.y. and 40 k.y. (thousand year), respectively. This framework extends from the Late Oligocene (25.05 Ma) to Recent at an average Chart Horizon resolution for the Neogene of 144 k.y., approximately double that of published Gulf of Mexico biostratigraphic charts and a fivefold increase over the highest resolution global calcareous microfossil biozonation. Such resolution approximates that of fourth to fifth order parasequences and is a critical component in the verification of seismic correlations between mini-basins in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. Its utility in global time-scale construction and correlation has been proven, in part, by application of the scheme in full to internal research for the Oligocene–Miocene boundary interval on the global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) in northern Italy and offshore wells in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This step change in Neogene resolution, now at the level of cyclostratigraphy (the orbital periodicity of eccentricity) and the magnetostratigraphic chron, demonstrates the potential for calcareous microfossil biostratigraphy to more consistently reinforce correlations of these time scale parameters. The integration of microfossil disciplines, consistent taxonomies, and rigorous analytical methodologies are all critical to obtaining and reproducing this new level of biostratigraphic resolution.
The Kulanaokuaiki-3 tephra, 900 CE: Products of a remarkably energetic pyroclastic eruption at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, USA
Authors: Fiske Richard S. , Rose Timothy R. , Swanson Donald A. , Andrews Benjamin J. , Nichols Alexander R.L.
Published: April 2019

Eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, USA, can be more powerful than previously recognized. The Kulanaokuaiki-3 (K-3) eruption, ca. 900 CE, consisted of two episodes that dispersed lithic wall-rock clasts (Episode 1) and dominantly scoria (Episode 2; VEI-3) across >65 km2 southeast of the summit. Dense 12 cm blocks of Episode 1 fell 8–10 km from the summit vent, and 2–4 cm lithic lapilli reached the coastline, 17 km from the vent. The Episode 2 deposit is chemically zoned, indicating orderly eruption from a layered magma body analogous to the 1959 Kīlauea Iki lava lake. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions suggest a magma body within 1 km of the surface. Some Episode 1 lithic clasts have magmatic rinds chemically similar to the early Episode 2 scoria, suggesting a genetic link, although each had a distinct eruption mechanism. Southeastward tephra dispersal counter to NE trade winds implies dispersal by jet-stream winds. The dispersal of lithic clasts in Episode 1 cannot be explained by ballistic trajectories or by transport in a buoyant plume. Calculations instead indicate that a jet from a vent with a minimum diameter of 50 m, a velocity of at least 300 m/s, and a duration of ∼60 s could have lifted the lithic clasts into the jet stream. Isopach and isopleth maps for Episode 2 indicate a subplinian column height of 14–18 km and a duration of 2–3 h, assuming constant flux. The Episode 1 conduit probably intersected or otherwise lowered pressure within a compositionally zoned magma body, triggering eruption of the Episode 2 scoria.
Predictive models for the deep geometry of a thick-skinned thrust matched to crustal structure: Wind River Range, western USA
Authors: Groshong Richard H. , Porter Ryan
Published: April 2019

The ability of models designed to use near-surface structural information to predict the deep geometry of a faulted block is tested for a thick-skinned thrust by matching the surface geometry to the crustal structure beneath the Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA. The Wind River Range is an ∼100-km-wide, thick-skinned rotated basement block bounded on one side by a high-angle reverse fault. The availability of a deep seismic-reflection profile and a detailed crustal impedance profile based on teleseismic receiver-function analysis makes this location ideal for testing techniques used to predict the deep fault geometry from shallow data. The techniques applied are the kinematic models for a circular-arc fault, oblique simple-shear fault, shear fault-bend fold, and model-independent excess area balancing. All the kinematic models imply that the deformation cannot be exclusively rigid-body rotation but rather require distributed deformation throughout some or all of the basement. Both the circular-arc model and the oblique-shear models give nearly the same best fit to the master fault geometry. The predicted lower detachment matches a potential crustal detachment zone at 31 km subsea. The thrust ramp is located close to where this zone dies out to the southwest. The circular-arc model implies that the penetrative deformation could be focused at the trailing edge of the basement block rather than being distributed uniformly throughout and thus helps to explain the line of second-order anticlines along the trailing edge of the Wind River block.

Key points: (1) The circular-arc fault model and the oblique-shear model predict a lower detachment for the Wind River rotated block to be ∼31 km subsea, consistent with the crustal structure as defined by teleseismic receiver-function analysis. The thrust ramp starts where this zone dies out. (2) The kinematic models require distributed internal deformation within the basement block, probably concentrated at the trailing edge. (3) The uplift at the trailing edge of the rotated block is explained by the circular-arc kinematic model as a requirement to maintain area balance of a mostly rigid block above a horizontal detachment; the oblique-shear model can explain the uplift as caused by displacement on a dipping detachment.
Portal pyaemia secondary to colonic perforation
Authors: Wong Chee Siong , Cho Gyuseong , Godfrey Edmund M , Harper Simon
Published: April 2019

Portal pyaemia or pylephlebitis is a form of septic (often suppurative) thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system. It may develop as a complication of intra-abdominal sepsis, such as diverticulitis or appendicitis. Patients typically present with a high fever that is sometimes accompanied by jaundice. We report a case of portal pyaemia associated with multiple liver abscesses and discuss the medical and surgical management of this condition.
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis in an older patient presenting with a rapid onset of delusions and amnesia
Authors: Marinova Zoya , Bausch-Becker Nikolaus , Savaskan Egemen
Published: April 2019

We present the case of a 77-year-old patient with a rapid onset of delusions, amnesia, agitation, insomnia and no previous psychiatric history, who was diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis. This case report highlights the importance of including autoimmune encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of older patients presenting with rapid onset psychiatric episodes.
Enterosgel for the treatment of adults with acute diarrhoea in a primary care setting: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Howell Carol Angela , Markaryan Elena , Allgar Victoria , Kemppinen Anu , Khovanov Aleksander , Pandya Preeti , Arasaradnam Ramesh
Published: April 2019

Background

Acute intestinal infections are common conditions causing high morbidity and mortality especially in the young and elderly, resulting in a significant burden on health service resources and the economy. Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance are fluid and nutritional management; however, this does not reduce the duration of diarrhoea and the challenge of treating diarrhoea itself remains. We investigated the efficacy, tolerability and safety of intestinal adsorbent Enterosgel (polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate) compared with standard care in adults with acute diarrhoea.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled trial enrolling 105 subjects to receive the medical device Enterosgel up to six times daily for up to 8 days with standard care (oral rehydration solution), or standard care alone. The primary endpoint was the duration of diarrhoea (hours) from randomisation to first non-loose stool in the Enterosgel versus control group.

Results

A total of 51 subjects were randomised into the Enterosgel group and 54 into the control group, after excluding missing data, the data from 43 subjects in each group were analysed. Duration of diarrhoea was significantly shorter in the Enterosgel group at 27 hours versus 39 hours in the control group (HR was 1.74 [95% CI 1.06 to 2.87]) (p=0.03). This yielded a number needed to treat value of 5. Enterosgel was well tolerated and safe with no serious adverse events. One serious diarrhoea-related event resulting in hospitalisation was reported in the control group.

Conclusions

Enterosgel treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the duration of diarrhoea in adults with patient-reported acute diarrhoea, compared with standard care. These findings support the role of Enterosgel in acute diarrhoea especially in vulnerable groups where rapid resolution of symptoms is required. Reduction in symptom duration could translate to less healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20758708
Persistence with opioids post discharge from hospitalisation for surgery in Australian adults: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Roughead Elizabeth Ellen , Lim Renly , Ramsay Emmae , Moffat Anna K , Pratt Nicole L
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine time to opioid cessation post discharge from hospital in persons who had been admitted to hospital for a surgical procedure and were previously naïve to opioids.

Design, setting and participants

Retrospective cohort study using administrative health claims database from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). DVA gold card holders aged between 18 and 100 years who were admitted to hospital for a surgical admission between 1 January 2014 and 30 December 2015 and naïve to opioid therapy prior to admission were included in the study. Gold card holders are eligible for all health services that DVA funds.

Main outcome measures

The outcome of interest was time to cessation of opioids, with follow-up occurring over 12 months. Cessation was defined as a period without an opioid prescription that was equivalent to three times the estimated supply duration. The proportion who became chronic opioid users was defined as those who continued taking opioids for greater than 90 days post discharge. Cumulative incidence function with death as a competing event was used to determine time to cessation of opioids post discharge.

Results

In 2014–2015, 24 854 persons were admitted for a surgical admission. In total 3907 (15.7%) were discharged on opioids. In total 3.9% of those discharged on opioids became chronic users of opioids. The opioid that the patients were most frequently discharged with was oxycodone; oxycodone alone accounted for 43%, while oxycodone with naloxone accounted for 8%.

Conclusions

Opioid initiation post-surgical hospital admission leads to chronic use of opioids in a small percentage of the population. However, given the frequency at which surgical procedures occur, this means that a large number of people in the population may be affected. Post-discharge assessment and follow-up of at-risk patients is important, particularly where psychosocial elements such as anxiety and catastrophising are identified.
What enables older people to continue with their falls prevention exercises? A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Finnegan Susanne , Bruce Julie , Seers Kate
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To review the qualitative literature that explores the barriers and facilitators to continued participation in falls prevention exercise after completion of a structured exercise programme.

Design

A systematic literature review with thematic synthesis of qualitative studies exploring older adults’ experiences of continued participation in falls prevention exercise.

Data sources

Comprehensive searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PSYCHinfo, AMED, ASSIA, CINAHL and EMBASE from inception until November 2017. Additional studies were identified via searches of reference lists and citation tracking of relevant studies.

Eligibility criteria

Qualitative or mixed methods studies exploring experiences of community-dwelling older adults (65 years and over) participation in a falls prevention exercise programme including their experience of ongoing participation in exercise after the completion of a structured exercise programme.

Data extraction and synthesis

Key characteristics including aim, participant characteristics, method of data collection, underpinning qualitative methodology and analytical approach were extracted and independently checked. Thematic synthesis was used to integrate findings.

Results

From 14 studies involving 425 participants, we identified three descriptive themes: identity, motivators/deterrents and nature of the intervention and one overarching analytical theme: agency.

Conclusions

Older people have their own individual and meaningful rationale for either continuing or stopping exercise after completion of a structured falls prevention exercise programme. Exploring these barriers and facilitators to continued exercise is key during the intervention phase. It is important that health care professionals get to know the older person’s rationale and offer the best evidence-based practice and support to individuals, to ensure a smooth transition from their structured intervention towards longer-term exercise-related behaviour.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017082637.
Assessing the severity of methamphetamine use disorder beyond the subjective craving report: the role of an attention bias test
Authors: Liang Qiongdan , Yuan Tifei , Cao Xinyu , He Hao , Yang Jiemin , Yuan Jiajin
Published: April 2019

Background

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most commonly abused illicit psychostimulant drugs and MA use disorder constitutes a universal health concern across the world. Despite many intervention approaches to MA use disorder, the indicator of addiction severity is mainly limited to subjective craving score to drug-related cues, which is influenced by many factors such as social approval and self-masking.

Aim

The present study investigates whether self-reported craving for drug use in response to MA cues is a reliable indicator for addiction severity in MA users, and then tests the validity of the cue-induced attention bias test in addiction severity assessment.

Methods

Fifty-two male MA users completed the cue-induced craving test and attention bias task, and were required to report clinical characteristics of addiction severity. For the attention bias test, subjects were required to discriminate the letter superimposed onto MA use-related or neutral scenes. The reaction time delay during MA-use condition relative to neutral condition was used as an index of the attention bias.

Results

The results showed that 24 of the 52 MA users rated non-zero in cue-induced craving test, and they showed a significant attention bias to drug-related pictures. However, the other 28 users who rated zero in cue-induced craving evaluation showed a similar attention bias to drug-related cues. In addition, the attention bias to MA use-related cues was significantly and positively correlated with the clinical indexes of addiction severity, but the relationship was absent between subjective craving evaluation and the indexes of addiction severity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that attention bias to MA cues may be a more reliable indicator than experiential craving report, especially when subjective craving is measured in the compulsory rehabilitation centre.
Sub-optimal cholesterol response to initiation of statins and future risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Akyea Ralph Kwame , Kai Joe , Qureshi Nadeem , Iyen Barbara , Weng Stephen F
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response in patients after initiation of statins, and future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 165 411 primary care patients, from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, who were free of CVD before statin initiation, and had at least one pre-treatment LDL-C within 12 months before, and one post-treatment LDL-C within 24 months after, statin initiation. Based on current national guidelines, <40% reduction in baseline LDL-C within 24 months was classified as a sub-optimal statin response. Cox proportional regression and competing-risks survival regression models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and sub-HRs for incident CVD outcomes for LDL-C response to statins.

Results

84 609 (51.2%) patients had a sub-optimal LDL-C response to initiated statin therapy within 24 months. During 1 077 299 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up 6.2 years), there were 22 798 CVD events (12 142 in sub-optimal responders and 10 656 in optimal responders). In sub-optimal responders, compared with optimal responders, the HR for incident CVD was 1.17 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.20) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.25) after adjusting for age and baseline untreated LDL-C. Considering competing risks resulted in lower but similar sub-HRs for both unadjusted (1.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.16) and adjusted (1.19, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.23) cumulative incidence function of CVD.

Conclusions

Optimal lowering of LDL-C is not achieved within 2 years in over half of patients in the general population initiated on statin therapy, and these patients will experience significantly increased risk of future CVD.
Impact of changes in heart rate with age on all-cause death and cardiovascular events in 50-year-old men from the general population
Authors: Chen Xiao-jing , Barywani Salim Bary , Hansson Per-Olof , Östgärd Thunström Erik , Rosengren Annika , Ergatoudes Constantinos , Mandalenakis Zacharias , Caidahl Kenneth , Fu Michael Lx
Published: April 2019

Background

Resting heart rate (RHR), a known cardiovascular risk factor, changes with age. However, little is known about the association between changes in RHR and the risk of cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the impact of RHR at baseline, and the change in RHR over time, on the risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular events.

Design

A random population sample of men born in 1943 who were living in Gothenburg, Sweden was prospectively followed for a 21-year period.

Methods

Participants were examined three times: first in 1993 and then re-examined in 2003 and 2014. At each visit, a clinical examination, an ECG and laboratory analyses were performed. Change in RHR between 1993 and 2003 was defined as a decrease if RHR decreased by 5 beats per minute (bpm), an increase if RHR increased by 5 bpm or stable if the RHR change was<4bpm).

Results

Participants with a baseline RHR of >75 bpm in 1993 had about a twofold higher risk of all-cause death (HR 2.3, CI 1.2 to 4.7, p=0.018), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR 1.8, CI 1.1 to 3.0, p=0.014) and coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR 2.2, CI 1.1 to 4.5, p=0.025) compared with those with<55 bpm in 1993. Participants with a stable RHR between 1993 and 2003 had a 44% decreased risk of CVD (HR 0.56, CI 0.35 to 0.87, p=0.011) compared with participants with an increasing RHR. Furthermore, every beat increase in heart rate from 1993 was associated with a 3% higher risk for all-cause death, 1% higher risk for CVD and 2% higher risk for CHD.

Conclusion

High RHR was associated with an increased risk of death and cardiovascular events in men from the general population. Moreover, individuals with an increase in RHR between 50 and 60 years of age had worse outcome.
Complications associated with stellate ganglion nerve block: a systematic review
Authors: Goel Vasudha , Patwardhan Amol M , Ibrahim Mohab , Howe Carol L , Schultz David M , Shankar Hariharan
Published: April 2019

Stellate ganglion nerve blockade (SGNB) is a vital tool in our armamentarium for the treatment of various chronic pain syndromes. SGNB can be performed using the traditional landmark-based approach, or with image guidance using either fluoroscopy or ultrasound. In this review, we systematically analyzed reported SGNB-related complications between 1990 and 2018. Seven databases were queried for SGNB between January 1, 1990 and November 27, 2018. Search results of the complications associated with SGNB were reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Out of a total of 1909 articles, 67 articles met our inclusion criteria, yielding 260 cases with adverse events. In 134 of the 260 (51.5%) cases, SGNB was performed with image guidance. Sixty-four (24.6%) and 70 (26.9%) of the complication cases reported the use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance, respectively. One hundred and seventy-eight (68.4%) patients had medication-related or systemic side effects, and 82 (31.5%) had procedure-related or local side effects. There was one report of death due to massive hematoma leading to airway obstruction. There was one case report of quadriplegia secondary to pyogenic cervical epidural abscess and discitis following an SGNB. Complications following SGNB have been reported with both landmark-based techniques and with imaging guidance using fluoroscopy or ultrasound. In our systematic review, most adverse events that were reported occurred during or shortly after SGNB. Vigilance, American Society of Anesthesiologists standard monitors for conscious sedation, and accessibility to resuscitation equipment are vital to the safe performance of SGNB.
Early experiences with the use of continuous erector spinae plane blockade for the provision of perioperative analgesia for pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Moore Robert P , Liu Chyong-jy Joyce , George Preeta , Welch Timothy P , AuBuchon Jacob D , Jiao York , Drobish Julie K
Published: April 2019

Objective

Pediatric liver transplantation presents a number of anesthetic challenges, especially in providing adequate perioperative analgesia. In an effort to reduce opioid consumption and improve functional outcomes following pediatric liver transplantation, we have instituted a novel analgesia protocol centered on the provision of continuous regional analgesia with erector spinae plane (ESP) blockade.

Cases

We describe preincisional bilateral ESP catheter placement in two pediatric patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. The first case was a 12-year-old boy with maple syrup urine disease undergoing initial transplantation and the second case was an 8-year-old boy who underwent an 11 hours complex redo liver transplant in the setting of glycogen storage disease type 1A requiring initial liver transplant in 2014. The 8-year-old boy presented to the operating suite with acute Budd-Chiari syndrome with comorbid ascites and a large right pleural effusion. In both cases, ESP blockade resulted in good analgesia, markedly reduced intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption as compared with institutional data and published rates of consumption and was associated with rapid return of bowel function.

Conclusions

These early experiences suggest a role for continuous ESP blockade to improve analgesia and potentially change the paradigm of treatment in this fragile patient population. The technique should be considered in similar interventions. Further study will be undertaken to validate our observation.
Review of concentration yields in commercially available platelet-rich plasma (PRP) systems: a call for PRP standardization
Authors: Fadadu Priyal P , Mazzola Anthony J , Hunter Corey W , Davis Timothy T
Published: April 2019

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become increasingly popular in pain medicine with hopes of becoming a safe, effective alternative to routine treatments. However, given its autologous nature, PRP injectate may differ depending on the specific manufacturer and protocol. Currently, there is no standardization of reporting protocol. This systematic review compiles and standardizes values on PRP preparation and final product composition of platelets, white cell count, and growth factors for ease of comparison. On review of 876 studies, 13 studies were selected according to our inclusion criteria. Data from 33 PRP systems and protocols were extracted and standardized. Overall, PRP final product concentrations as well as PRP preparation protocols varied widely between systems. However, platelet concentration was directly correlated with both volume of blood collected and device centrifugal force. In conclusion, there is a large heterogeneity between PRP separation systems that must be resolved for proper study of this promising treatment.
The northern termination of the Cache Creek terrane in Yukon: Middle Triassic arc activity and Jurassic–Cretaceous structural imbrication
Authors: Bickerton Luke , Colpron Maurice , Gibson H. Daniel , Thorkelson Derek , Crowley James L.
Published: April 2019

The northernmost part of the Cache Creek terrane lies in south-central Yukon and comprises metavolcanic rocks, hemipelagic chert and shale, newly identified volcaniclastic and clastic rocks (Michie formation, informal), pyroxenite and gabbro intrusive rocks with an arc to back-arc geochemical signature, as well as tectonized and serpentinized ultramafic rocks. The proximally sourced Michie formation yielded zircon from two samples with unimodal peaks at 245.85 ± 0.07 and 244.64 ± 0.08 Ma. These dates are likely close to the depositional ages and compare favourably with those from the Kutcho assemblage of northern British Columbia. The Michie formation is exposed along the northwestern flank of Mount Michie and represents singular detrital input from a nearby eroding island-arc. The Cache Creek terrane rocks are imbricated with epiclastic and carbonate rocks of the Stikinia and Lower Jurassic siliciclastic rocks of the synorogenic Whitehorse trough. This imbrication records two compressional deformation phases in the region: (1) an initial phase of west-verging thrusting along the Judas Mountain fault that placed the Cache Creek terrane rocks over the arc and basinal rocks of Stikinia and Whitehorse trough; and (2) a second phase of east-verging thrusting along the Mount Michie fault that repositioned rocks of Stikinia and the Whitehorse trough structurally above those of the Cache Creek terrane. Deformation in the centre of the study area was followed by emplacement of a coarse-grained syenite that yielded 40Ar/39Ar biotite and muscovite cooling ages of 165–160 Ma.
Zitterbewegung in cosmic string spacetime
Authors: Konobeeva Natalia N. , Belonenko Mikhail B.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the trembling motion effect in the cosmic spacetime. The cosmic string was considered to be charged and carrying a magnetic flow. Zitterbewegung (ZB) is calculated based on the Dirac equation in the curved spacetime. An analytic expression for the electric current is obtained and analyzed.
Study the physical, electrical and dielectric properties of calcium doped Ni–Zn ferrites
Authors: Nooman M. A. A. , Khan M. N. I. , Hossain S. D. , Hossain M. F. , Samad M. A. , Ahmed M. R.
Published: April 2019

Calcium doped Ni–Zn ferrites having the nominal composition [Formula: see text] (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) are prepared via the conventional ceramic method at [Formula: see text] for 3 h to study their physical, electrical and dielectric properties at high frequencies which have extended their applications. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) have been used to characterize the microstructure and surface morphology of the prepared composition. XRD patterns reveal the formation of pure spinel phase ferrites whereas SEM micrographs display nonhomogeneous grains of polyhedral shape. The studies disclose that with increasing Ca content in spinel, the lattice parameter of the Ni–Zn ferrite increases and at the same time the grain boundary also increases. As a result of the increased boundary, the large grains could be trapped pores inside the grains which have affected the density, resistivity and dielectric constant of the sample. The DC electrical resistivity of the prepared sample decreases with the increase of Ca content. Also, the resistivity decreases with increasing the temperature. This increase in the conductivity with temperature must be regarded mainly as due to the thermally activated mobility of charge carriers, but not to a thermally activated creation of these carriers. The dielectric constant decreases with the increasing frequency following the Verway-de-Boer hopping mechanism.
Sex-specific regulation of stress-induced fetal glucocorticoid surge by the mouse placenta
Authors: Wieczorek Agnes , Perani Clara V. , Nixon Mark , Constancia Miguel , Sandovici Ionel , Zazara Dimitra E. , Leone Gustavo , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Arck Petra C. , Solano María Emilia
Published: April 2019

Antenatal stress increases the prevalence of diseases in later life, which shows a strong sex-specific effect. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Maternal glucocorticoids can be elevated by stress and are potential candidates to mediate the effects of stress on the offspring sex-specifically. A comprehensive evaluation of dynamic maternal and placental mechanisms modulating fetal glucocorticoid exposure upon maternal stress was long overdue. Here, we addressed this gap in knowledge by investigating sex-specific responses to midgestational stress in mice. We observed increased levels of maternal corticosterone, the main glucocorticoid in rodents, along with higher corticosteroid-binding globulin levels at midgestation in C57Bl/6 dams exposed to sound stress. This resulted in elevated corticosterone in female fetuses, whereas male offspring were unaffected. We identified that increased placental expression of the glucocorticoid-inactivating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2; Hsd11b2 gene) and ATP-binding cassette transporters, which mediate glucocorticoid efflux toward maternal circulation, protect male offspring from maternal glucocorticoid surges. We generated mice with an Hsd11b2 placental-specific disruption ( Hsd11b2PKO) and observed moderately elevated corticosterone levels in offspring, along with increased body weight. Subsequently, we assessed downstream glucocorticoid receptors and observed a sex-specific differential modulation of placental Tsc22d3 expression, which encodes the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein in response to stress. Taken together, our observations highlight the existence of unique and well-orchestrated mechanisms that control glucocorticoid transfer, exposure, and metabolism in the mouse placenta, pinpointing toward the existence of sex-specific fetal glucocorticoid exposure windows during gestation in mice.
Piperine Enhances the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Thymoquinone against Microcystin-LR-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Neurotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Sayed Amany A. , Abdeen Ahmed , Aleya Lotfi , Ali Daoud , Alkahtane Abdullah A. , Alarifi Saud , Alkahtani Saad
Published: April 2019

Microcystin- (MC-) LR is the most frequent cyanotoxin produced byMicrocystis aeruginosacyanobacteria in the contaminated freshwater environment. MC represents a health hazard to humans and animals. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the potential ameliorative effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and/or piperine (PP) against MC toxicity in mice. Fifty-six mice were randomly divided into seven experimental groups. Group I is the normal control that received distilled water for 21 days; Group II (TQ) was treated with TQ (10 mg/kg, i.p) for 21 days; Group III (PP) was treated with PP (25 mg/kg, i.p) for 21 days; Group IV (MC) was treated with MC (10 μg/kg, i.p) for 14 days and served as the toxic control; and Groups V, VI, and VII received TQ and/or PP 7 days prior to MC and continued for 14 days with MC. The results revealed that MC elicited hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity which was evident due to the significant elevation of serum AST, ALT,γGT, ALP, LDH, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αlevels. Furthermore, MC markedly increased MDA and NO contents along with reduction of GSH, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in liver and brain tissues. The electron transport chain may be a possible target for MC. TQ and/or PP ameliorated the MC-mediated oxidative damage in the liver and brain which might be attributed to their antioxidant properties. However, the concurrent treatment of TQ and PP showed the best regimen as a result of the PP-enhanced bioavailability of TQ.
Modal Decoupled Dynamics Feed‐Forward Active Force Control of Spatial Multi‐DOF Parallel Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Niu Xinjian , Yang Chifu , Tian Bowen , Li Xiang , Han Junwei
Published: April 2019

According to the parallel mechanism theory, this paper proposes a novel intelligent robotic spine brace for the treatment of scoliosis. Nevertheless, this type of parallel mechanism has the following disadvantages: strong dynamic coupling in task space or joint space, adverse effect of system’s gravity, and lower response frequency in roll and pitch orientations, which seriously affect the performance of the system. In order to solve those boring problems, this paper presents a novel active force control structure, modal space dynamic feed‐forward (MSDF) force control strategy. Besides, this paper expresses the intelligent robotic brace system model including the dynamic and kinematic models and the electric actuator model with Kane strategy. The stability of the intelligent system with the novel control strategy is proved. In order to evaluate the performance of the presented MSDF force control method, this paper builds the parallel mechanism experimental platform. It can be seen from experimental results that the proposed motion control method solves these boring problems well.
Effect of Arenite, Calcareous, Argillaceous, and Ferruginous Sandstone Cuttings on Filter Cake and Drilling Fluid Properties in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Bageri Badr S. , Benaafi Mohammed , Mahmoud Mohamed , Patil Shirish , Mohamed Abdelmjeed , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2019

Fine, small-size, drilled cuttings, if not properly separated using mud conditioning equipment at the surface, are circulated with the drilling fluid from the surface to the bottom hole. These drilled cuttings have a significant effect on the drilling fluid properties and filter cake structure. During drilling long lateral sandstone formations, different cuttings with varied properties will be generated due to sandstone formations being heterogeneous and having different mineralogical compositions. Thus, the impact of these cuttings on the drilling fluid and filter cake properties will be different based on their mineralogy. In this paper, the effect of different sandstone formation cuttings, including arenite (quartz rich), calcareous (calcite rich), argillaceous (clay rich), and ferruginous (iron rich) sandstones, on the filter cake and drilling fluid properties was investigated. Cuttings of the mentioned sandstone formations were mixed with the drilling fluid to address the effect of these minerals on the filter cake thickness, porosity, and permeability. In addition, the effect of different sandstone formation cuttings on drilling fluid density and rheology, apparent viscosity (AV), plastic viscosity PV), and yield point (YP) was investigated. High-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) fluid loss test was conducted to form the filter cake. The core sample’s petrophysical properties were determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of this work indicated that all cutting types increased the rheological properties when added to the drilling fluid at the same loadings but the argillaceous sandstone (clay rich) has a dominant effect compared to the other types because the higher clay content enhanced the rheology. From the filter cake point of view, the ferruginous sandstone improved the filter cake sealing properties and reduced its thickness, while the argillaceous cuttings degraded the filter cake porosity and permeability and allowed the finer cuttings to penetrate deeply in the filter medium.
Analysis by RP-HPLC and Purification by RP-SPE of the C-Tetra(p-hydroxyphenyl)resorcinolarene Crown and Chair Stereoisomers
Authors: Castillo-Aguirre Alver A. , Rivera Monroy Zuly Jenny , Maldonado Mauricio
Published: April 2019

A method for the separation of stereoisomer mixture of the octol C-tetra(p-hydroxyphenyl)calix[4]resorcinarene that was obtained by an acid cyclocondensation reaction between resorcinol and benzaldehyde is reported in this paper. A crude product from octol formation reaction was analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and two well-resolved signals corresponding to the crown and chair isomers were found. A reverse phase in solid-phase extraction (RP-SPE) protocol allowed the separation of the two stereoisomers with high purity of each isomer. Finally, the crude and purified stereoisomers were characterized by using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR techniques, confirming the chemical identity of the two isomers and the efficiency in the separation process.