bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance improvement techniques for the DVB‐RCS2 return link air interface
Authors: Mathiopoulos P. T. , Candreva E. A. , Awoseyila A. B. , Dalakas V. , Tarchi D. , Evans B. G. , Vanelli‐Coralli A. , Corazza G. E.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents performance improvement techniques for the second‐generation digital video broadcast return channel via satellite air interface, which can be used for supporting future demands for Tbit/s traffic requirements. In particular, we have investigated minimum‐shift keying (MSK) type of continuous phase modulation (CPM) waveforms by considering both single‐carrier and multi‐carrier transmission and single‐amplitude and multi‐amplitude signals, which improve the spectral efficiency. In addition, we consider frame timing and synchronization techniques, which make synchronization more accurate and robust. Our research has shown that the MSK single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) outperforms the quadrature phase‐shift keying SC‐FDMA in terms of resilience to distortion with the performance gap increasing when the amplifier shows a milder distortion. The performance of a multi‐amplitude CPM scheme, based upon the superposition of two single‐amplitude MSK signals at the radio frequencies level, is also investigated. In comparison with other equivalent linear modulation schemes, performance evaluation results have been shown that the proposed multi‐amplitude CPM scheme significantly improves the spectral efficiency in the presence of adjacent channel interference. Finally, we have proposed a viable and efficient methodology, which enables reliable and accurate timing and frequency synchronization for the SC‐FDMA satellite return link. This involves a combination of global positioning system (GPS)‐based pre‐compensation of differential timing between user terminals, preamble detection in an integrated random access channel, and user channel frequency estimation based on repetitive symbols in the time domain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of passive and active external confinement of RC columns with elastic material
Authors: Rousakis Theodoros C. , Tourtouras Ioannis S.
Published: August 2015

One of the most attractive applications of composite materials is their use as confining devices for concrete columns, which may result in remarkable increases of strength and ductility. The current investigation focuses on the modeling of reinforced concrete columns passively or actively confined by composites, under axial load. Furthermore, the research highlights the effectiveness and modeling of ultra high extension capacity fiber ropes implemented as external confining reinforcement so as to upgrade ductility and strength of concrete columns. It concerns columns of square cross‐section with plain or steel reinforced concrete. The novel confining technique uses composite rope made of polypropylene fibers as passive or pretensioned reinforcement while it presents linear elastic behavior up to failure and is applied by hand. It may enable confined columns to dissipate enormous amounts of earthquake induced energy through concrete deformation. The proposed constitutive model is compared against available experimental results involving circular or square columns with passive or active FRP confinement.
Large and irregular population fluctuations in migratory Pacific (Calidris alpina pacifica) and Atlantic (C. a. hudsonica) dunlins are driven by density‐dependence and climatic factors
Authors: Xu Cailin , Barrett Jennifer , Lank David B. , Ydenberg Ronald C.
Published: August 2015

Understanding the forces driving population dynamics is critical for species conservation and population management. For migratory birds, factors that regulate population abundance could come from effects experienced on breeding areas, wintering grounds, or during migration. We compiled survey data for Pacific and Atlantic subspecies of dunlins (Calidris alpina pacificaandC. a. hudsonica) from range‐wide Christmas bird counts (1975–2010), and investigated the influences on this population index of density‐dependence, falcon numbers, a set of seasonal environmental conditions during breeding, migration and non‐breeding periods, and large‐scale meteorological measures. For both sub‐species, numbers fluctuated irregularly, varying threefold over the survey period, with no long‐term upward or downward trend. Based on Royama's general model framework, the change in numbers between successive years for both sub‐species was negatively affected by the total count in the previous year (i.e., negative density‐dependence) and by the eastward component of storm movement during fall migration, with slower motion associated with higher population growth. The remaining environmental factors differed between the sub‐species (snowmelt date on the Pacific, temperature on the Atlantic) or acted in opposite directions (soil moisture). The directional effects of each of these factors are consistent with the biology of dunlin, and together they explain 67.4 (72.9 %) of the variation in the rate of change of Pacific (Atlantic) dunlin annual counts. Falcon numbers were not predictive, despite a tenfold increase in abundance, suggesting compensatory mortality. This study highlights directions for future studies, and provides a model for the analysis of other migratory species.
Synthesis, Characterization and Inhibition Performance of Vanillin‐Modified Chitosan Quaternary Ammonium Salts for Q235 Steel Corrosion in HCl Solution
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Zhang Jing , Shi Dali , Du Min
Published: August 2015

In order to enhance the solubility of chitosan in water and its corrosion inhibition performance on Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution, N‐vanillyl‐O‐2′‐hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride chitosan (VHTC) was synthesized. The structure of VHTC was characterized by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition performance of VHTC on Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution was studied by weight loss, polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and stereo microscope analysis. Experimental results indicate that VHTC shows better inhibition efficiency compared to chitosan. When the concentration of VHTC increases to 200 mg L−1, the inhibition efficiency reaches 90 %, which is almost equal to the conventional corrosion inhibitors (e.g., imidazoline). The polarization study demonstrates that VHTC is a mixed‐type inhibitor caused by a geometrical blanketing effect. The charge transfer resistance is proportional to the inhibitor concentration as revealed by the EIS results, indicating that the protective film on the Q235 steel surface is formed by adsorption of the inhibitor molecules. The inhibition efficiency of VHTC achieves the maximum value within 24 h when the concentration of VHTC is 200 mg L−1. The morphology observation of the corroded steel surface indicates that the corrosion of Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution is significantly inhibited after introducing VHTC into the acidic solution.
Oil‐Fat Mixtures with Low Solid Fat Concentration: Influence of Fat Concentration and Cooling Conditions
Authors: Irmscher Stefan B. , Gibis Monika , Herrmann Kurt , Kohlus Reinhard , Weiss Jochen
Published: August 2015

Uniform suspension of particulates (salt or spices) in oil‐based marinades requires a gel behavior of the matrix. This can be achieved by adding a solid fat to the liquid oil. Besides rheology, appearance and thermal stability are important for the utilization as marinades. The influence of solid fat concentration (cfat = 2.5–5.5 wt%) and average cooling speed (1.4, 2.6, and 4.7 °C/min) on the functional properties of oil‐fat gels from palm fat and canola oil was investigated. Oil‐fat mixtures showed complex physiochemical behavior depending on the solid fat concentration and cooling rate. All samples had a shear‐thinning behavior. Yield stresses and apparent viscosities increased at a constant cooling rate with increasing solid fat concentration. Frequency dependence of storage and loss modulus showed a transition from a viscous solution to a weak gel at cfat > 3.5 wt%. Samples at increasing cooling rates transitioned to weak gels at lower fat concentration (2.5 wt%). Mixtures became turbid and increasingly whiter as both solid fat concentration and cooling rates increased, which was explained by increased light‐scattering by fat crystal aggregates. Results show the critical importance of proper formulation and preparation conditions on the functionality of oil‐based marinades.
Synthesis of Glycerol Triacetate Using a Brønsted–Lewis Acidic Ionic Liquid as the Catalyst
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Wang Aiting , Liu Zhiguo , Li Lu , Yu Shitao , Xie Congxia , Liu Fusheng
Published: August 2015

Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquids (IL) were used in the esterification of glycerol and acetic acid to produce glycerol triacetate. The results show that the IL (3–sulfonic acid)–propyltriethylammonium chloroironinate [HO3S–(CH2)3–NEt3]Cl–[FeCl3]x (molar fraction of FeCl3, x = 0.67) was an efficient catalyst for the esterification reaction. The yield of glycerol triacetate and its content were greater than 98 % when reacted under reflux for 4 h. It was observed that a synergistic effect of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites enhanced the catalytic performance of IL. The reusability of IL was good. After six reaction cycles, the glycerol triacetate yield and concentration were still greater than 98 %. Likewise, the Brønsted–Lewis acidic IL was an efficient catalyst for esterification reactions of high boiling points alcohols with acetic acid.
Investigation of Heat‐Induced Degradation of Virgin Olive Oil Using Front Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Mbesse Kongbonga Yvon , Ghalila Hassen , Majdi Youssef , Mbogning Feudjio William , Ben Lakhdar Zohra
Published: August 2015

A simple setup using a 365‐nm light‐emitting diode coupled to a USB spectrometer through an optical fiber, in a front‐face fluorescence configuration, was used to investigate the heat‐induced deterioration of virgin olive oil at different heating temperatures and times. The samples were heated for 30, 60, 120 and 180 min for every temperature setting of 140, 160 and 180 °C, respectively. Two important results are reported in this article. First, a neo‐formed compound around 665 nm due to the degradation of chlorophyll was observed. This new peak was attributed to pyropheophytins. The second result showed an important rise of the peak around 489 nm, which corresponded to the oxidation products. The correlation obtained between the peroxide value and the 489 nm peak using principal component analysis revealed the mechanism of the oxidation process. It further showed that the peak around 489 nm is a direct consequence of the degradation of hydroperoxide.
Pin tract infection of operatively treated supracondylar fractures in children: Long-term functional outcomes and anatomical study
Authors: Parikh Shital N. , Lykissas Marios G. , Roshdy Mazen , Mineo Ronald C. , Wall Eric J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to determine the long-term functional outcomes of pin tract infection after percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children, and to evaluate the potential for intracapsular pin placement based on pin configuration in cadaveric elbows.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients requiring percutaneous pinning in a single institution over a 19-year period. The functional outcome assessment consisted of a telephone interview using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)] Outcome Measure and the Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) questionnaires. The risk of intracapsular pin placement was studied in cadaveric elbows for the three most common pin configurations: divergent lateral, parallel lateral, and medial and lateral crossed pins.

Results

Of 490 children, 21 (4.3 %) developed pin tract infection. There were 15 (3.1 %) superficial and six (1.2 %) deep infections (osteomyelitis and septic arthritis). Both DASH and PREE scores were excellent at a mean of 18 years post-surgery. The risk of intracapsular pin placement using parallel lateral pins was found to be greater ( p < 0.05) than either crossed or divergent lateral pinning configurations.

Conclusions

Most infections after pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures are superficial and can be managed with pin removal, oral antibiotics, and local wound care. Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are rare complications; when they do occur, they seem to be associated with parallel lateral pin configuration, though a causal relationship could not be established from the current study. Satisfactory long-term outcomes of these deep infections can be expected when treated aggressively with surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics.
Project managers’ overconfidence: how is risk reflected in anticipated project success?
Authors: Fabricius Golo , Büttgen Marion
Published: August 2015

Projects tend to exceed planned timelines and budgets. One reason may be that potential project risks are insufficiently reflected in anticipations of project success. Furthermore, project managers’ overconfidence may lead them to assess risk in a biased manner. The present study examines how risk assessment relates to overall anticipated project success and how overconfidence on the part of project managers influences such assessments. We assume that project managers’ risk awareness serves as a mediator between overconfidence and risk assessment. To observe the planning behavior of 204 project managers, we used a standardized, case-based survey. The results show that overconfidence reduces risk awareness among project managers, leading them to assess risks more optimistically and come to more positive conclusions about anticipated project success. When judging project success, project managers only consider the probability of a risk occurring; they do not factor in the impact of said risks on project success should the risks arise. Risks thus seem to be insufficiently reflected in anticipations of project success which might be a reason for high failure rates of projects.
A peer‐nomination assessment of electronic forms of aggression and victimization
Authors: Badaly Daryaneh , Duong Mylien T. , Ross Alexandra C. , Schwartz David
Published: August 2015

The perpetration and receipt of electronic aggression have largely been assessed with self‐report questionnaires. Using a sample of 573 adolescents, the current study compared the psychometric properties of a peer‐nomination measure of electronic aggression and victimization to the more widely used self‐report approach. Estimates of the reliability, stability, and concordance of peer‐ and self‐report assessments were adequate, mirroring those from research on aggressive exchanges in school. Analyses of validity and utility revealed that peer‐nominations, compared to self‐reports, provide overlapping and distinct information on adolescents' social, emotional, and academic adjustment. Overall, these findings provide evidence that peer‐nominations are a reliable, valid, and useful means for measuring electronic aggression and victimization. Future work will benefit from their incorporation into multi‐method assessments.
NDRG2 promotes myoblast proliferation and caspase 3/7 activities during differentiation, and attenuates hydrogen peroxide – But not palmitate‐induced toxicity
Authors: Anderson Kimberley J. , Russell Aaron P. , Foletta Victoria C.
Published: August 2015

The function of the stress‐responsive N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in the control of myoblast growth, and the amino acids contributing to its function, are not well characterized. Here, we investigated the effect of increased NDRG2 levels on the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells under basal and stress conditions. NDRG2 overexpression increased C2C12 myoblast proliferation and the expression of positive cell cycle regulators, cdk2, cyclin B and cyclin D, and phosphorylation of Rb, while the serine/threonine‐deficient NDRG2, 3A‐NDRG2, had less effect. The onset of differentiation was enhanced by NDRG2 as determined through the myogenic regulatory factor expression profiles and myocyte fusion index. However, the overall level of differentiation in myotubes was not different. While NDRG2 up‐regulated caspase 3/7 activities during differentiation, no increase in apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay or through cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP proteins. During H2O2 treatment to induce oxidative stress, NDRG2 helped protect against the loss of proliferation and ER stress as measured by GRP78 expression with 3A‐NDRG2 displaying less protection. NDRG2 also attenuated apoptosis by reducing cleavage of PARP and caspase 3 and expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax while enhancing the pro‐survival Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL levels. In contrast, Mcl‐1 was not altered, and NDRG2 did not protect against palmitate‐induced lipotoxicity. Our findings show that NDRG2 overexpression increases myoblast proliferation and caspase 3/7 activities without increasing overall differentiation. Furthermore, NDRG2 attenuates H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and specific serine and threonine amino acid residues appear to contribute to its function in muscle cells.
Pre‐operative lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio as a predictor of overall survival in patients suffering from osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Tao , Fang Xuan-Cheng , Ding Zhen , Sun Ze-Gan , Sun Li-Ming , Wang Yi-Lian
Published: August 2015

Inflammatory markers have been proposed to predict clinical outcomes in many types of cancers. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) on clinical prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. This study collected 327 patients who underwent surgical treatment for osteosarcoma during the period 2006–2010. LMR was calculated from pre‐operative peripheral blood cells counts. The optimal cut‐off value of LMR was determined based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) was plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method and evaluated by the log‐rank test. A predictive model was established to predict clinical prognosis for OS, and the predictive accuracy of this model was determined by concordance index (c‐index). Our results showed that young age, elevated alkaline phosphatase, metastasis at diagnosis, chemotherapy, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly associated with LMR. Low LMR was associated with shorter OS and EFS (P< 0.001), and was an independent predictor of both OS and EFS (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.14–2.60,P= 0.010; HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.32–2.57,P = 0.009). The nomogram performed well in the prediction of overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma (c‐index 0.630). In conclusion, low pre‐operative LMR is associated with a poor prognosis in patients suffering from osteosarcoma. A prospective study is warranted for further validation of our results.
ERK1, 2, and 5 expression and activation in dopaminergic brain regions during postnatal development
Authors: Parmar Mayur S. , Jaumotte Juliann D. , Zigmond Michael J. , Cavanaugh Jane E.
Published: August 2015

Degeneration and dysfunctioning of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain have been associated with serious neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Elucidating the underlying neurobiology of these neurons during early postnatal development may provide important information regarding the etiology of these disorders. Cellular signaling pathways have been shown to regulate postnatal neuronal development. Among several signaling pathways, extracellular‐regulated mitogen kinases (ERK) 1, 2, and 5 have been shown to be crucial for the survival and function of dopaminergic neurons. In this study, the basal expression and activation of ERK1, 2, and 5 were studied during postnatal development in regions rich in DA cells and terminals. In the striatum (STR) and ventral mesencephalon regions of the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), ERK5 expression and activation were high during early postnatal days and declined with aging. Interestingly, sharp increases in phosphorylated or activated ERK1 and ERK2 were observed at postnatal day (PND) 7 in the SN and VTA. In contrast, in the STR, the levels of phosphorylated ERK1 and 2 were significantly higher at PND0 than at any other PND examined. Overall, the understanding of alterations in ERK signaling in regions rich in DA cells and DA terminals during postnatal neuronal development may provide information about their role in regulation of dopamine neuronal development which may ultimately provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of dopamine neurodegeneration.
Developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA levels of prepro‐orexin and orexin receptors and their sensitivity to fasting in male and female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: August 2015

Orexin, which is also called as hypocretin (Hcrt), a product of the prepro‐orexin (pp‐orexin//Hcrt) gene, affects various physiological and behavioral functions, such as the sleep‐wake cycle and appetite. The developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA levels of pp‐prexin and the orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R and their sensitivity to fasting were evaluated in both male and female rats. During development, hypothalamic pp‐orexin/Hcrt mRNA expression increased in both male and female rats, whereas hypothalamic OX1R mRNA expression decreased in both sexes. In addition, hypothalamic OX2R mRNA expression increased in male rats, but did not change in female rats. Fasting did not affect hypothalamic pp‐orexin/Hcrt mRNA expression in either sex. Hypothalamic OX1R mRNA expression was increased by fasting in the prepubertal period (postnatal days 20 and 30) in female rats, but was not affected by fasting in males. In male rats, hypothalamic OX2R mRNA expression was decreased by fasting during the neonatal period (postnatal day 10), but not the prepubertal period (postnatal days 20 and 30). In females, hypothalamic OX2R mRNA expression was also decreased by fasting; however, the fasting‐induced downregulation of hypothalamic OX2R expression persisted until postnatal day 20. These results indicate that the developmental patterns of components of the orexin system and their sensitivity to fasting during the neonatal and prepubertal periods only differ slightly between the sexes. These differences might be involved in the development of some physiological and behavioral functions.
Utility of invasive ictal EEG recordings in pre-surgical evaluation of patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and normal MRI
Authors: Chung Jeffrey , Meador Kimford , Eisenschenk Stephan , Ghacibeh Georges , Vergara Deborah , Eliashiv Dawn , Roper Steven
Published: August 2015

Purpose Some previous studies have suggested that invasive ictal recording may be omitted in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) that have localizing scalp ictal recordings despite having normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated if and how often invasive ictal recording provided additional information to their pre-surgical evaluations.

Methods In a retrospective review of 302 patients with intractable TLE who underwent pre-surgical evaluation between 1991 and 2006, we identified 45 patients who had normal MRI. Localization by scalp ictal recording, invasive ictal recording, and surgical procedures were obtained from medical records. Primary outcome was measured by comparing the concordance of localization by scalp and invasive ictal recordings and surgery to determine if invasive ictal recording provided additional information.

Results Twenty-five patients were included in the analysis. Invasive ictal recordings were concordant in 72.0% (18/25) of the patients with unilateral temporal onset found on scalp ictal recording. 28.0% (7/25) of patients had their surgical plan altered by the results of invasive ictal recording. 61.1% (11/18) of patients who received anterior temporal lobectomies (ATL) remained seizure-free. Of the patients who received different surgeries based on invasive ictal recording, 80.0% (4/5) remained seizure-free.

Conclusions Our study showed that findings from invasive ictal recording changed the type of surgery in 28.0% of the patients. Invasive ictal recording may not be an absolute prerequisite for resective epilepsy surgery in some patients with intractable TLE with a supposedly normal MRI of the brain but may alter the surgical decision.
Diagnosis and treatment of dementia in neurology outpatient departments of general hospitals in China
Authors: Jia Jianping , Zuo Xiumei , Jia Xiang‐Fei , Chu Changbiao , Wu Liyong , Zhou Aihong , Wei Cuibai , Tang Yi , Li Dan , Qin Wei , Song Haiqing , Ma Qingfeng , Li Junjie , Sun Yongxin , Min Baoquan , Xue Sufang , Xu Erhe , Yuan Quan , Wang Min , Huang Xiaoqin , Fan Chunqiu , Liu Jianghong , Ren Yi , Jia Qian , Wang Qi , Jiao Lidong , Xing Yi , Wu Xiaoguang ,   China Cognition and Aging Study (China COAST) Group
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The status of dementia diagnosis and treatment of neurology outpatients in general hospitals in China remains unclear.

Methods

From neurology outpatients at 36 randomly selected hospitals, we first collected baseline data concerning the number of dementia doctors, memory clinics, and patients diagnosed with dementia. In stage 2, we intervened based on drawbacks discovered in stage 1, implementing a dementia initiative program. In stage 3, we reinvestigated the outpatients to determine the effects of intervention.

Results

After intervention, all 36 hospitals had established memory clinics (205 dementia doctors) compared with only 6 (47 dementia doctors) before intervention. The percentage of patients diagnosed with dementia significantly increased from 0.10% (536 dementia patients of 553,986 outpatients) in stage 1 to 0.41% (2482 dementia patients of 599,214 outpatients) in stage 3.

Discussion

Proper diagnosis and treatment are unavailable to many dementia patients because of a lack of dementia doctors and memory clinics in China.
Perioperative management for the prevention of bacterial infection in cardiac implantable electronic device placement
Authors: Imai Katsuhiko
Published: August 2015

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have become important in the treatment of cardiac disease and placement rates increased significantly in the last decade. However, despite the use of appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis, CIED infection rates are increasing disproportionately to the implantation rate. CIED infection often requires explantation of all hardware, and at times results in death. Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common cause of CIED infection as a pocket infection. The best method of combating CIED infection is prevention. Prevention of CIED infections comprises three phases: before, during, and after device implantation. The most critical factors in the prevention of SSIs are detailed operative techniques including the practice of proper technique by the surgeon and surgical team.
A Review of the Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education
Authors: Mullins Ricky D.
Published: August 2015

This book review is a thorough analysis of The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education by Diana E. Hess and Paula McAvoy. These authors conducted a study that emphasizes the importance of deliberation of controversial political issues in the social studies classroom. This review analyzes the process of the study the authors conducted, what they discovered, and the implications of their findings for social studies educators and researchers. The authors shed light on how to implement empirical based strategies and practices that support and foster deliberation. They also explain which methods should be avoided and why. This work is a significant contribution to the field of social studies and is part of an ongoing work in which Diana E. Hess continues to illuminate the need for more deliberation in the social studies classroom.
Effects of sugammadex on the prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions
Authors: Şahin Hasan , Toman Hüseyin , Kiraz Hasan Ali , Şimşek Tuncer , Erbaş Mesut , Özkul Faruk , Arık Muhammet Kasım , Hancı Volkan
Published: August 2015

Many materials and techniques have been used to prevent and repair intra‐abdominal adhesions, but an effective solution has not been found. The aim of this study is to research the effect of sugammadex on intra‐abdominal adhesions in an experimentally induced intra‐abdominal adhesion model. Twenty‐four female Wistar albino rats were included in the study. The experimental animals were randomly divided into three groups: the sugammadex group (Group SX, n = 8), the control group (Group C, n = 8), and the sham group (Group S, n = 8). After starvation for 1 night, the rats were injected with a 50 mg/kg intramuscular dose of ketamine and a 5 mg/kg intramuscular dose of xylazine for anesthesia. The rats in the SX group were given 3 mL sugammadex into the peritoneal cavity, while rats in the control group were given 3 mL 0.9% sodium chloride. In the sham group, the peritoneal cavity was opened, but no chemicals were administered. All rats were sacrificed on the 10th postoperative day. The adhesions were staged as 0, 1, 2, and 3 according to Evans et al.'s model. Our evaluation of macroscopic adhesion intensity found statistically significant differences between the groups. The sugammadex group was observed to have fewer adhesions in a statistically significant manner compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In our experimental intra‐abdominal adhesion model in rats, we observed that sugammadex prevented postoperative intra‐abdominal adhesions.
Determination of cell uptake pathways for tumor inhibitor lysyl oxidase propeptide
Authors: Ozdener Gokhan Baris , Bais Manish V. , Trackman Philip C.
Published: August 2015

The lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX‐PP) is derived from pro‐lysyl oxidase (Pro‐LOX) by extracellular biosynthetic proteolysis. LOX‐PP inhibits breast and prostate cancer xenograft tumor growth and has tumor suppressor activity. Although, several intracellular targets and molecular mechanisms of action of LOX‐PP have been identified, LOX‐PP uptake pathways have not been reported. Here we demonstrate that the major uptake pathway for recombinant LOX‐PP (rLOX‐PP) is PI3K‐dependent macropinocytosis in PWR‐1E, PC3, SCC9, MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. A secondary pathway appears to be dynamin‐ and caveola dependent. The ionic properties of highly basic rLOX‐PP provide buffering capacity at both high and low pHs. We suggest that the buffering capacity of rLOX‐PP, which serves to limit endosomal acidification, sustains PI3K‐dependent macropinocytosis in endosomes which in turn is likely to facilitate LOX‐PP endosomal escape into the cytoplasm and its observed interactions with cytoplasmic targets and nuclear uptake.
The Effects of Limb Elevation on Muscle Oxygen Saturation: A Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Study in Humans
Authors: Palanca Ariel A. , Yang Arthur , Bishop Julius A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Orthopaedic and rehabilitation physicians often instruct patients to elevate a traumatized or postoperative lower extremity. Elevation is thought to improve patient comfort, as well as decrease swelling, wound complications, and the risk of compartment syndrome. Elevating a limb with increased compartment pressures, however, has been shown to reduce perfusion pressure and contribute to tissue ischemia. This investigation aims to advance our understanding of the tissue effects of limb elevation using a healthy patient model.

Objective

To quantify the effects of elevation, experimentally induced ischemia, and immobilization on muscle oxygen saturation in the human leg using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Design

Experimental crossover study.

Setting

Orthopaedic Surgery research laboratory, Stanford Hospitals & Clinics.

Patients for Participation

Twenty‐six healthy volunteers.

Methods

Using transcutaneous sensors, we measured muscle oxygen saturation of the anterior compartment of the left (control) leg at 0, 15, and 30 cm of elevation relative to the heart using NIRS. A standardized short leg splint and a thigh tourniquet inflated to 50 mmHg were then applied to the right (experimental) leg to simulate a traumatized state. NIRS measurements were then repeated, again at 0, 15, and 30 cm of elevation. Muscle oxygen saturation values at various degrees of elevation of the control and experimental limb were then compared and analyzed by the use of a crossover study design and mixed‐effects regression.

Main Outcome Measurements

Muscle oxygen saturation at varying levels of elevation in both the (1) control leg and (2) experimental leg in a simulated traumatic state.

Results

Male (18) males and female (8) patients between 22 and 62 years of age (mean 29.8 years) were enrolled. Mean regional muscle oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the control limbs at 0, 15 and, 30 cm of elevation were 74.2%, 72.5%, and 70.6%, respectively, whereas mean rSO2 of the experimental limbs were 66.3%, 65.0%, and 63.3%. A statistically significant decrease of rSO2 was observed (mean 7.65%) in the experimental limbs compared with the control limbs. As elevation increased, there was a statistically significant decrease in rSO2 of 0.12% per centimeter of elevation. Elevation did not decrease the rSO2 in the experimental limb to a greater degree than in the control limb.

Conclusion

Increasing levels of elevation in a human limb results in progressively compromised muscle oxygen saturation as measured by NIR.
Ultrasonographic Median Nerve Changes After Repeated Wheelchair Transfers in Persons With Paraplegia: Relationship With Subject Characteristics and Transfer Skills
Authors: Hogaboom Nathan S. , Diehl Jessica A. , Oyster Michelle L. , Koontz Alicia M. , Boninger Michael L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries are susceptible to peripheral neuropathies from overuse, yet no studies have established a relationship between median neuropathy and wheelchair transfers. A more thorough understanding of how transfers and technique contribute to pathologic conditions may guide interventions that curtail its development.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of repeated transfers on ultrasound markers for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in people with spinal cord injuries and to relate changes to subject characteristics and transfer skills.

Design

Cross‐sectional, repeated measures.

Setting

Research laboratory and national wheelchair sporting events.

Participants

A convenience sample of 30 wheelchair users with nonprogressive paraplegia were recruited via research registries and at the 2013 National Veterans Wheelchair Games and 2014 Paralyzed Veterans of America Buckeye Games. Participants were older than 18 years and could complete transfers independently within 30 seconds without use of their leg muscles.

Methods

Demographic questionnaires and physical examinations for CTS were completed. Quantitative ultrasound techniques were used to measure changes in the median nerve after a repeated‐transfers protocol. The Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) was completed to quantify transfer ability.

Main Outcome Measurements

Median nerve cross‐sectional area at the level of the pisiform (PCSA) and swelling ratio (SR), transfer quality, and skills via the TAI.

Results

PCSA increased after repeated transfers (P < .025). Participants who used safe hand positions had a lower baseline SR (β = −0.728; P < .01). Participants with a higher body weight had a lower baseline SR provided they performed higher quality transfers. Participants who scooted to the front of the seat prior to transferring (TAI item 7; β = 0.144; P < .05) and who weighed more (β = 0.142; P < .05) exhibited greater increases in PCSA in response to transfers.

Conclusions

An acute increase was observed in median nerve CSA at the pisiform after repeated wheelchair transfers. Changes were greater in persons with higher body weight and in persons who did not perform certain transfer skills correctly (according to the TAI). It is possible that these factors contribute to chronic injury and possibly CTS.
Empatía según la escala de Jefferson en estudiantes de Medicina y Enfermería en Venezuela
Authors: Montilva Mariela , García Milagros , Torres Aida , Puertas Milagro , Zapata Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

Introducción: La empatía es importante en la relación profesional de salud-paciente. Algunos estudios observaron su disminución durante los estudios médicos.
Objetivo: Determinar la empatía en estudiantes del área clínica de Medicina (EMed) y Enfermería (EEnf) de la Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), Venezuela, y su relación con el género, la edad y el nivel del área clínica.
Método: El estudio fue de corte transversal. La muestra fue probabilística estratificada, constituida por el 50% de los EMed y EEnf de mitad y final de la carrera, resultando en un total de 246 alumnos (71.1% EMed y 28.9% EEnf). Los estudiantes firmaron el consentimiento informado y respondieron un cuestionario reportando el género, la edad y la Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, versión estudiantes, validada en español.
Resultados: El puntaje promedio de los EMed fue 120.3, y en los EEnf fue 117.9; no se observaron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos ni en las etapas de la carrera de ambos programas ni según la edad. Alumnos del género femenino presentaron mayores puntajes que los masculinos (120.67 vs. 115.19, respectivamente, p = 0.02). 
Conclusiones: Estudiantes del género femenino presentaron mayor puntaje de empatía que los varones; no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el puntaje según la carrera, la edad o la etapa de la carrera.
Evidence for insolation and Pacific forcing of late glacial through Holocene climate in the Central Mojave Desert (Silver Lake, CA)
Authors: Kirby Matthew E. , Knell Edward J. , Anderson William T. , Lachniet Matthew S. , Palermo Jennifer , Eeg Holly , Lucero Ricardo , Murrieta Rosa , Arevalo Andrea , Silveira Emily , Hiner Christine A.
Published: August 2015

Silver Lake is the modern terminal playa of the Mojave River in southern California (USA). As a result, it is well located to record both influences from the winter precipitation dominated San Bernardino Mountains – the source of the Mojave River – and from the late summer to early fall North American monsoon at Silver Lake. Here, we present various physical, chemical and biological data from a new radiocarbon-dated, 8.2 m sediment core taken from Silver Lake that spans modern through 14.8 cal ka BP. Texturally, the core varies between sandy clay, clayey sand, and sand-silt-clay, often with abrupt sedimentological transitions. These grain-size changes are used to divide the core into six lake status intervals over the past 14.8 cal ka BP. Notable intervals include a dry Younger Dryas chronozone, a wet early Holocene terminating 7.8 – 7.4 cal ka BP, a distinct mid-Holocene arid interval, and a late Holocene return to ephemeral lake conditions. A comparison to potential climatic forcings implicates a combination of changing summer – winter insolation and tropical and N Pacific sea-surface temperature dynamics as the primary drivers of Holocene climate in the central Mojave Desert.
1. Traditional and Electronic Ki-67 Quantitation in Oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Asiry S. , Rizek P. , Hammond R.
Published: August 2015

The Ki-67 proliferative index has become a useful, objective, immunohistochemical tool that can aid in grading and prognostication for patients with oligodendrogliomas. Previous studies have described the prognostic significance of the Ki-67 index for such patients.

According to the WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system (2007) ”mitotic activity is low in WHO grade II oligodendroglioma, and labeling indices for proliferation markers are accordingly low, usually below 5%”. Furthermore, the predictive value of the Ki-67 index appears to be independent of age, tumor site, and histological grade. What is less well described is the relative accuracy of traditional vs. semi-automated methods of enumeration for a test where small differences can influence grading, prognosis and treatment. Tang et al. (2012), studying gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, found high concordance between two semi-automated methods for Ki-67 quantitation whereas “eyeballed estimates” were far less reliable. We will compare the reported proliferative index estimates to those calculated by digital image analysis of 35 recent oligodendrogliomas from the LHSC Pathology archives.
2. SUMO1-CDK6 conjugation drives the cell cycle and retains the self renewal of glioblastoma stem cells
Authors: Hao C. , Bellail A.
Published: August 2015

The current concept in the cell cycle stipulates that constant synthesis without coupled ubiquitin- mediated proteolysis maintains the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase proteins through the cell cycle. CDK proteins are elevated in glioblastoma, which has long been thought due to gene amplifications, although the amplifications occur only in a small set of the tumors according to the genome.

In this study, we show that the G1 phase CDK6 is a substrate of both ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO1), and that CDK6 is sumoylated due to the elevated activity of SUMO1 conjugation in glioblastoma. CDK6 sumoylation at Lys 216 structurally blocks the access of ubiquitination molecules to the Lys 147 ubiquitination site; thus, CDK6 sumoylation stabilize the protein, maintains the kinase activity and drives the cell cycle through G1/S transition. Inhibition of SUMO1 conjugation causes G1 arrest and abolishes the self-renewal and tumorigenic property of glioblastoma initiating or stem cells. In conclusion, SUMO1-CDK6 conjugation constitutes a new mechanism of cell cycle control and selective inhibition of SUMO1 conjugation may provide a novel strategy for the development of the cancer stem cells-targeted treatment.
5. Automated analysis of 1p/19q status by FISH in oligodendroglial tumours.
Authors: Gould P.V. , Duval C. , de Tayrac M. , Sanschagrin F. , Michaud K. , Saikali S.
Published: August 2015

Automated analysis of 1p and 19q status in oligodendroglial tumors by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) can be achieved by image-analysis software present in the majority of institutions using the FISH technique. Despite the widespread availability of this software, there are no specific guidelines in the literature on how to use it.

We studied which green/red (G/R) probe signal combinations are predictive of 1p/19q co-deletion in a retrospective series of 53 oligodendroglial tumours and defined a new algorithm with a reduced sequence of combinations compared to previous studies. This algorithm was then tested and refined on a prospective series of 45 oligodendroglial tumours. The new algorithm scores 24 G/R combinations, which represent less than 50 % of the total observed combinations in our series. This algorithm excludes some previously described combinations and redefines the place of others. G/R combinations of 5/2, 6/2 and 6/3 associate with deletion status combinations, combinations of 1/2 associate with normal chromosome status, and combinations of 3/3 and 4/4 associate with imbalanced chromosome status.

The new algorithm when applied to the combination and ratio methods of signal probe analysis gives a high concordance between manual and automated analysis on examination of 100 tumour cells (91% concordance for 1p and 89% concordance for 19q) and total concordance on examination of 200 tumour cells. This highlights the value of automated analysis to identify cases with imbalanced chromosome status, in which a larger number of tumour cells should be study by manual analysis. Our algorithm can be easily programmed on all existing FISH analysis software platforms and should facilitate multicentric evaluation and standardization of 1p/19q assessment in gliomas.
9. Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus: A Neuropathological Study
Authors: Fallet-Bianco C.
Published: August 2015

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) carried and secreted by mice, infects great numbers of people. LCMV infection acquired during childhood or adulthood is usually moderately symptomatic with a full recovery. When the infection occurs prenatally, it results in a wide spectrum of severe brain lesions described mainly on imaging. Neuropathological data have never been reported.

We present 2 fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly with ventriculomegaly, abnormal gyration, and ponto-cerebellar hypoplasia in one case. Parents elected to terminate the pregnancy. A complete autopsy demonstrated no dysmorphic features, no visceral or skeletal malformation. Histological examination of viscera did not show any significant lesion.

Neuropathological examination confirmed microcephaly and ventriculomegaly with a thick yellowish band surrounding the ventricles. Identical histological lesions were observed in both cases associating a polymicrogyria and a diffuse necrosis of parenchyma with massive calcifications all around the ventricles. The most characteristic feature was the unusual aspect of necrosis, distinct from that observed in other infections, characterized by a finely granular appearance looking like sand. Small lymphocytic infiltrates were observed in the leptomeninges and in the choroid but not in the retina. The congenital LCMV infection was confirmed by serologic testing.

This study confirms the strong neurotropism of LCMV and demonstrates that prenatal infection has some particular features such as absent systemic signs, and distinct appearance of the necrosis that allow to distinguish it from other congenital infections and other non infectious conditions.
12. Role of Chitinase 3-like-1 in CNS inflammation
Authors: Wiley C.A.
Published: August 2015

The Innate Immune Response (IIR) is an evolutionarily derived process to protect cells and tissues from a broad spectrum of insults. Unfortunately abrogating the insult comes at a cost with compromise of cell or tissue integrity. For the CNS to function it needs to rigorously control its microenvironment and thus is highly susceptible to negative sequelae of the IIR. In the course of studying neuroinflammation in a wide variety of human CNS diseases, we discovered an intriguing molecule, CHI3L1, that appears to be crucial in mitigating untoward CNS effects of IIR. During neuroinflammation the distribution of CHI3L1 is completely unlike that in other tissues. In systemic tissues CHI3L1 is expressed highly in macrophages during the IIR, however in the CNS macrophage expression appears to be severely down-regulated and instead astrocytes express high levels. Experimental studies in animal models of CNS disease have suggested that CHI3L1 is part of a unique anti-inflammatory pathway in the CNS. The mechanism of CHI3L1 down-regulation in CNS macrophages and the role of astrocytic up-regulation remains to be elucidated, however this novel pathway offers a new target to regulate CNS inflammation.