bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon‐free therapies for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection: A systematic review
Authors: Gimeno‐Ballester V. , Buti M. , San Miguel R. , Riveiro M. , Esteban R.
Published: December 2016

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with genotype 3 remains a challenge. The HCV elimination rate with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) is lower than the values reported for other HCV genotypes. In addition, genotype 3‐infected patients have a higher risk of disease progression and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to review the relevant literature concerning the treatment of HCV genotype 3 patients with interferon‐free regimens. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science electronic databases. Trials enrolling patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated with DAAs with or without ribavirin were included. Two investigators independently evaluated the trials for inclusion criteria, risk of bias and data extraction. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR). In total, 323 references were identified, and 29 met the inclusion criteria: 18 general clinical trials, three general observational studies, three studies in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and four studies in HIV–HCV‐coinfected patients. Overall, 4068 genotype 3 patients were included. As compared with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks provided higher SVR rates, particularly in patients with cirrhosis. Treatment of patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains a great challenge. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir+ribavirin for 12 weeks were associated with an SVR of 85% in these patients. In summary, treatment of HCV genotype 3 patients is improving rapidly, and this population may no longer be considered a difficult‐to‐treat subgroup in the near future.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of grapiprant in a carrageenan‐induced inflammatory pain model in the rabbit
Authors: De Vito V. , Salvadori M. , Poapolathep A. , Owen H. , Rychshanova R. , Giorgi M.
Published: December 2016

Grapiprant is the novel selective EP4 receptor inhibitor recently issued on the veterinary market for dogs affected by osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was twofold: to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of grapiprant in the induced inflammatory pain model in the rabbit after a single IV injection of 2 mg/kg; to compare the thermal antinociception effect after 2 mg/kg IV grapiprant, with that generated by 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam SC injected. Rabbits (n = 12) were randomly assigned to two crossover studies (single‐dose, two‐period crossover). The first study group A (n = 3) received a single IV dose of grapiprant at 2 mg/kg dissolved in ethanol. Group B (n = 3) received a single IV injection of ethanol (equivalent volume to grapiprant volume) at the same site. The second study group C (n = 3) received a single SC dose of meloxicam at 0.5 mg/kg. Group D (n = 3) received a single SC injection of 15% ethanol (equivalent volume to grapiprant volume) at the same site. After a 2‐week washout period, the groups were rotated and the experiments repeated. Blood samples (0.7 mL) were collected from the right ear artery at assigned times and grapiprant plasma concentrations determined by a validated HPLC‐FL method. Three hours prior to administration of the drugs, inflammation was induced by SC injection of lambda carrageenan (200 μL, 3% in physiological saline) under the plantar surface of the right hind paw. At a similar time to the blood collection, an infrared thermal stimuli (40 °C) was applied to the plantar surface of the rabbits’ hindlimbs to evaluate the thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). The thermal antinociceptive effect was expressed as maximum possible response (% MPR). Grapiprant plasma concentrations were detectable up to the 10‐h time point (concentration range 17–7495 ng/mL). The grapiprant‐treated group showed a significant increase in TWL from 1 h and up to 10 h after drug administration compared to the control. In contrast, the meloxicam group showed a significant increase in TWL from 4 up to 10 h after drug administration, compared to control. The maximal MPR% was not statistically different between the grapiprant and meloxicam group from 4 to 8 h, while significant differences were shown at 1, 1.5, 2, 10 and 24 h. Given these findings, grapiprant appears to be an attractive option for antinociception in rabbits, due to its rapid onset and extended duration of effect.
Sulfadimethoxine in giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii): an attempt to estimate the withdrawal time by a population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Poapolathep A. , Giorgi M. , Toutain P. L. , Poapolathep S. , Imsilp K. , Sakulthaew C. , Wannapat N. , Klangkaew N.
Published: December 2016

The fates of sulfadimethoxine (SDM) for different routes of administration were investigated in muscle tissue of giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, following either intramuscular (i.m.) or gavage administration at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). The depletion patterns of SDM were also examined after medicated feed treatment at the feeding concentration of 10 g/kg of feed twice a day at a rate of 1% of total b.w. for five consecutive days. The concentration of SDM in prawn muscle tissue was measured using a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with ultraviolet detector. Noncompartmental analyses were used to estimate basic pharmacokinetic parameters for the i.m. and gavage data, while a population model was developed to analyze the entire data set including the feed group. Using the Monte Carlo simulations, the withdrawal times (WT) for the orally administered SDM in feed supplement were determined. Maximum concentration of SDM was significantly higher in the i.m. than in the gavage group, and the area under the curve (AUC) value for relative bioavailability following gavage administration was 25.6%. Using Monte Carlo simulation, for a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 μg/g, the WT for muscle after oral administration of SDM in feed was estimated to be 67 h, while for a MRL of 0.2 μg/g, the WT was estimated to be of 54 h.
Reproductive behaviour, testis size and faecal androgen metabolite concentrations in the African lesser bushbaby
Authors: Scheun J. , Bennett N. C. , Nowack J. , Ganswindt A.
Published: December 2016

Periods of reproduction are linked to changes in male behaviour, physiology and physical parameters. Although high androgen concentrations hold numerous advantages, especially during reproductive periods, chronically elevated androgen concentrations over long periods may be costly and thus need to be regulated. As such seasonal breeders will display temporary elevated androgen concentrations, increased testis levels and mating behaviour only during important reproductive periods. We studied a captive as well as a free‐ranging population of the polygamous strepsirrhine primate, the African lesser bushbaby Galago moholi, to clarify the link between androgen concentration, reproductive behaviour and testis size and the importance of the two mating periods observed in the species. To monitor androgen patterns, we used faecal sampling and quantification of faecal androgen metabolites (fAM). We additionally collected testicular measurements and behavioural data. G. moholi displayed a strong degree of reproductive seasonality, with maximum fAM concentration, testicular volume (TV) and behavioural activity focused on the mating periods. In contrast to other studies, TV increased prior to fAM, with reproductive activity being initiated only when fAM concentrations reached high levels. Changes in TV and fAM concentrations were not significantly different between both mating periods. Based on the absence of a significant difference between mating seasons, it is likely that male G. moholi attempt to maximize their reproductive success by utilizing both mating periods equally. This study is the first to describe the reproductive endocrine pattern linked to physical changes and mating behaviour in any galago species, increasing our understanding of the reproductive biology of nocturnal, polygamous primates.
Chromatic disorders in bats: a review of pigmentation anomalies and the misuse of terms to describe them
Authors: Lucati Federica , López‐Baucells Adrià
Published: December 2016

Chromatic disorders in bats are being reported worldwide at an increasing rate. However, there is widespread misunderstanding and misuse of the associated terminology and concepts in the scientific literature. We conducted an extensive assessment and standardisation of published and unpublished cases of chromatic disorders in bats worldwide.

Chromatic disorders have been recorded in at least 609 bats belonging to 115 species and 10 families (after correction of misused terms, 152 cases of albinism, 11 of leucism, 269 of piebaldism, 20 of hypomelanism, three of partial melanism and 94 of melanism; a further 60 records remain unclassified).

Of the 354 records in which a location was given, 297 bats were found in closed roost sites, mainly caves, buildings, and mines and galleries, while just three were found roosting externally. This difference could be attributed to the greater monitoring effort employed in underground areas than in forests, and to the greater detectability of bats dwelling in caves and buildings than forest‐dwelling species.

Although reports of chromatic disorders in bats are reasonably well spread around the globe, there are large areas from which no disorders have ever been reported: the Central Amazon, almost all of Africa, northern Europe, and almost all of Asia and Oceania. This is likely to be attributable to either the disregard for information on chromatic disorders (e.g. Central Amazon) or to the low abundance of occurring species (e.g. northern Europe).

In all, 40% of the records of leucism and piebaldism were misclassified as ‘partial albinism’; leucism was also often used to designate pied aberrations.

We propose a standardised classification to distinguish between albinism, leucism, piebaldism, hypomelanism, melanism and partial melanism. Due to frequent confusion, we encourage scientists to follow this classification and we highlight the need to employ comprehensive terminology when describing chromatic disorders in scientific publications.
Tropical rainforests that persisted: inferences from the Quaternary demographic history of eight tree species in the Guiana shield
Authors: Barthe Stéphanie , Binelli Giorgio , Hérault Bruno , Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Sabatier Daniel , Scotti Ivan
Published: December 2016

How Quaternary climatic and geological disturbances influenced the composition of Neotropical forests is hotly debated. Rainfall and temperature changes during and/or immediately after the last glacial maximum (LGM) are thought to have strongly affected the geographical distribution and local abundance of tree species. The paucity of the fossil records in Neotropical forests prevents a direct reconstruction of such processes. To describe community‐level historical trends in forest composition, we turned therefore to inferential methods based on the reconstruction of past demographic changes. In particular, we modelled the history of rainforests in the eastern Guiana Shield over a timescale of several thousand generations, through the application of approximate Bayesian computation and maximum‐likelihood methods to diversity data at nuclear and chloroplast loci in eight species or subspecies of rainforest trees. Depending on the species and on the method applied, we detected population contraction, expansion or stability, with a general trend in favour of stability or expansion, with changes presumably having occurred during or after the LGM. These findings suggest that Guiana Shield rainforests have globally persisted, while expanding, through the Quaternary, but that different species have experienced different demographic events, with a trend towards the increase in frequency of light‐demanding, disturbance‐associated species.
Atypical case of perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Malhotra Konark , Magaki Shino D. , Cobos Sillero Maria Inmaculada , Vinters Harry V. , Jahan Reza , Brown Robert D. , Liebeskind David S.
Published: December 2016

Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (PM‐SAH) refers to intracranial hemorrhage located in the perimesencephalic cistern. The etiology remains mainly unclear, although venous leakage or rupture has been postulated. We report an interesting case of a 57‐year‐old healthy man who presented initially with PM‐SAH with worsening of subcortical lesions on follow‐up neuroimaging. Histopathological examination demonstrated cerebral amyloid angiopathy with perivascular inflammation.
Dura mater graft‐associated Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease with 30‐year incubation period
Authors: Shijo Masahiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Koyama Sachiko , Ishitsuka Koji , Maeda Koichiro , Kuroda Junya , Tanii Mitsugu , Kitazono Takanari , Iwaki Toru
Published: December 2016

Over 60% of all patients with dura mater graft‐associated Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (dCJD) have been diagnosed in Japan. The incubation period has ranged from 1 to 30 years and the age at onset from 15 to 80 years. Here, we report a 77‐year‐old male Japanese autopsied dCJD case with the longest incubation period so far in Japan. He received a cadaveric dural graft at the right cranial convexity following a craniotomy for meningioma at the age of 46. At 30 years post‐dural graft placement, disorientation was observed as an initial symptom of dCJD. He rapidly began to present with inconsistent speech, cognitive impairment and tremor of the left upper extremity. Occasional myoclonic jerks were predominantly observed on the left side. Brain MRI presented hyperintense signals on diffusion‐weighted and T2‐weighted images, at the right cerebral cortex. The most hyperintense lesion was located at the right parietal lobe, where the dura mater graft had been transplanted. Single‐photon emission CT scan showed markedly decreased cerebral blood flow at the right parietal lobe. EEG revealed diffuse and slow activities with periodic sharp‐wave complex discharges seen in the right parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. He died of pneumonia 9 months after onset. Brain pathology revealed non‐plaque‐type dCJD. Laterality of neuropathological changes, including spongiform change, neuronal loss, gliosis or PrP deposits, was not evident. Western blot analysis showed type 1 PrPCJD. Alzheimer‐type pathology and PSP‐like pathology were also observed.
Expression of a Drosophila glutathione transferase in Arabidopsis confers the ability to detoxify the environmental pollutant, and explosive, 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene
Authors: Tzafestas Kyriakos , Razalan Maria M. , Gyulev Ivan , Mazari Aslam M. A. , Mannervik Bengt , Rylott Elizabeth L. , Bruce Neil C.
Published: December 2016

The explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a significant, global environmental pollutant that is both toxic and recalcitrant to degradation. Given the sheer scale and inaccessible nature of contaminated areas, phytoremediation may be a viable clean‐up approach. Here, we have characterized a Drosophila melanogaster glutathione transferase (DmGSTE6) which has activity towards TNT.

Recombinantly expressed, purified DmGSTE6 produces predominantly 2‐glutathionyl‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene, and has a 2.5‐fold higher Maximal Velocity (Vmax), and five‐fold lower Michaelis Constant (Km) than previously characterized TNT‐active Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) GSTs. Expression of DmGSTE6 in Arabidopsis conferred enhanced resistance to TNT, and increased the ability to remove TNT from contaminated soil relative to wild‐type plants.

Arabidopsis lines overexpressing TNT‐active GSTs AtGST‐U24 and AtGST‐U25 were compromised in biomass production when grown in the absence of TNT. This yield drag was not observed in the DmGSTE6‐expressing Arabidopsis lines. We hypothesize that increased levels of endogenous TNT‐active GSTs catalyse excessive glutathionylation of endogenous substrates, depleting glutathione pools, an activity that DmGST may lack.

In conclusion, DmGSTE6 has activity towards TNT, producing a compound with potential for further biodegradation. Selecting or manipulating plants to confer DmGSTE6‐like activity could contribute towards development of phytoremediation strategies to clean up TNT from polluted military sites.
Fluorescent Protein–photoprotein Fusions and Their Applications in Calcium Imaging
Authors: Bakayan Adil , Domingo Beatriz , Vaquero Cecilia F. , Peyriéras Nadine , Llopis Juan
Published: December 2016

Calcium‐activated photoproteins, such as aequorin, have been used as luminescent Ca2+ indicators since 1967. After the cloning of aequorin in 1985, microinjection was substituted by its heterologous expression, which opened the way for a widespread use. Molecular fusion of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to aequorin recapitulated the nonradiative energy transfer process that occurs in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, from which these two proteins were obtained, resulting in an increase of light emission and a shift to longer wavelength. The abundance and location of the chimera are seen by fluorescence, whereas its luminescence reports Ca2+ levels. GFP‐aequorin is broadly used in an increasing number of studies, from organelles and cells to intact organisms. By fusing other fluorescent proteins to aequorin, the available luminescence color palette has been expanded for multiplexing assays and for in vivo measurements. In this report, we will attempt to review the various photoproteins available, their reported fusions with fluorescent proteins and their biological applications to image Ca2+ dynamics in organelles, cells, tissue explants and in live organisms.
Identity Hierarchy Within the Sudanese Superordinate Identity: Political Leadership Promoting and Demoting Subordinate Groups
Authors: Moss Sigrun Marie
Published: December 2016

Social psychology often emphasizes the link between superordinate identities and intergroup harmony. Other research, however, has illuminated the possible pitfalls of such approaches, pointing at the potentially hierarchical nature of superordinate identities. Yet the research largely ignores who invokes and mobilizes specific definitions of superordinate identities. Using interviews with political leaders and participants from the general population, this article explores a non‐Western conflict case with a hierarchical government‐defined superordinate identity: Sudan. Focus is on the government demoting and promoting different subordinate identities within the superordinate. The criteria for the highest‐level subordinate category within the superordinate identity are discussed as pertaining to three factors—Muslim, Arabic speaking and Arab. Most participants discuss this superordinate identity as yielding an identity hierarchy and strengthening subordinate identities, thereby demonstrating the potential detrimental nature of superordinate identities. The article highlights the context dependency of the link between superordinate identity and intergroup harmony and adds to the void in research on the role of leadership in constructing superordinate identities.
Bootstrapping the P300 in diagnostic psychophysiology: How many iterations are needed?
Authors: Rosenfeld J. Peter , Ward Anne , Meijer Ewout H. , Yukhnenko Denis
Published: December 2016

In psychophysiological research, bootstrapping procedures are often used to classify individual participants. How many iterations are required for a reliable bootstrap test is not universally agreed upon. To investigate the number of iterations needed for a stable bootstrap estimate, we reanalyzed P300 data collected in concealed information test paradigms. We also distinguished between the bootstrap and permutations approaches. We compared results in several studies using 100 versus 1,000 versus 10,000 iterations in the bootstrap, and we concluded that 100 iterations were adequate as results from all three iteration numbers correlated highly.
Taking time to feel our body: Steady increases in heartbeat perception accuracy and decreases in alexithymia over 9 months of contemplative mental training
Authors: Bornemann Boris , Singer Tania
Published: December 2016

The ability to accurately perceive signals from the body has been shown to be important for physical and psychological health as well as understanding one's emotions. Despite the importance of this skill, often indexed by heartbeat perception accuracy (HBPa), little is known about its malleability. Here, we investigated whether contemplative mental practice can increase HBPa. In the context of a 9‐month mental training study, the ReSource Project, two matched cohorts (n = 77 and n = 79) underwent three training modules of 3 months' duration that targeted attentional and interoceptive abilities (Presence module), socio‐affective (Affect module), and socio‐cognitive (Perspective module) abilities. A third cohort (n = 78) underwent 3 months of practice (Affect module) and a retest control group (n = 84) did not undergo any training. HBPa was measured with a heartbeat tracking task before and after each training module. Emotional awareness was measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Participants with TAS scores > 60 at screening were excluded. HBPa was found to increase steadily over the training, with significant and small‐ to medium‐sized effects emerging after 6 months (Cohen's d = .173) and 9 months (d = .273) of mental training. Changes in HBPa were concomitant with and predictive of changes in emotional awareness. Our results suggest that HBPa can indeed be trained through intensive contemplative practice. The effect takes longer than the 8 weeks of typical mindfulness courses to reach meaningful magnitude. These increments in interoceptive accuracy and the related improvements in emotional awareness point to opportunities for improving physical and psychological health through contemplative mental training.
Bovine ovarian stem cells differentiate into germ cells and oocyte‐like structures after culture in vitro
Authors: de Souza GB , Costa JJN , da Cunha EV , Passos JRS , Ribeiro RP , Saraiva MVA , van den Hurk R , Silva JRV
Published: December 2016

Contents

Stem cells have been isolated from ovaries, and their ability to differentiate into oocytes in vitro has been demonstrated for mice and human, but not for bovine species. The aims of this study were to isolate germline stem cells from bovine ovaries and to evaluate the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2 and 4, and follicular fluid on the differentiation of these stem cells into oocyte‐like structures. The ovarian stem cells were isolated and cultured in α‐MEM+ supplemented with BMP2, BMP4 or follicular fluid. On days 0 and 14, cells were evaluated for their morphological appearance, viability, expression of alkaline phosphatase and for markers of germ cell formation (VASA and DAZL) and oocyte development (GDF9, ZPA and SCP3) by qPCR. Levels of mRNA were analysed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test (p < .05). The results showed that at day 0, ovarian stem cells expressed specific markers of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX). In addition, these cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase, which is a marker commonly used to identify primordial germ cells (PGCs). After the period of differentiation, cells had morphological features that resemble PGCs and oocyte‐like cells (OLCs). An increase, ranging from five to 14 times, in the expression of VASA was observed in cells cultured in medium supplemented with BMPs and follicular fluid, while the increase in DAZL expression ranged from four to six times. In addition, OLCs had an increase in expression of mRNAs for GDF9, ZPA and SCP3 that ranged from two to eight times. In conclusion, OLCs can be differentiated in vitro from ovarian stem cells and BMPs and follicular fluid are effective in stimulating the expression of mRNAs for germ cell and oocyte markers.
Environmental and maternal factors associated with gross placental morphology in dairy cattle
Authors: Kamal MM , Van Eetvelde M , Vandaele L , Opsomer G
Published: December 2016

Contents

This article reports on a study of gross placental morphology of 282 expelled placentas from 89 primi‐ and 193 multiparous Holstein dams immediately after calving and examines associations with environmental factors such as typical herd features and season of calving, and maternal factors such as age at calving, level of milk yield at conception and cumulative amount of milk produced during gestation. The highest correlation between calf measurements and placental characteristics was found between the weight of the calf and the total cotyledonary surface (r = .643; p < .001), confirming the high importance of the cotyledonary surface available for nutrient transfer to the developing foetus. Younger age in adolescent and smaller heart girth in multiparous dams were associated with a higher cotyledon number, suggesting placental compensation in dams with lower capacities in terms of dry matter intake. No significant association between milk yield during gestation in multiparous animals and gross placental morphometrics could be detected, indicating that factors such as the amount of milk produced during gestation affect placental development less than foetal weight close to term. Therefore, placental growth may be sustained at the expense of other tissues in an attempt to maintain pregnancy and minimize the adverse consequences for the foetus. This study offers evidence concerning factors affecting the placental surface size for nutrient transfer from dam to calf in dairy cattle based on gross morphometrics, but needs confirmation from studies in which this surface size is more profoundly assessed by measuring the branches present in the cotyledonary villi.
Relationship between inner dialog and ideas of reference and the mediating role of dissociation
Authors: Bellido‐Zanin Gloria , Perona‐Garcelán Salvador , Senín‐Calderón Cristina , López‐Jiménez Ana María , Rodríguez‐Testal Juan Francisco
Published: December 2016

Recent lines of research have begun to concentrate on internal dialogue and its relationship to a diversity of psychopathological phenomena present in psychotic disorders. This study was intended as a preliminary exploration of the relationship of internal dialogue, dissociation and ideas of reference. To do this, a sample of 318 students filled in an internal dialogue scale (the VISQ, McCarthy‐Jones & Fernyhough), one for dissociation (DES‐II, Carlson & Putnam) and another for ideas of reference (REF, Lenzenweger, Bennett & Lilenfeld). The results confirm the hypothesis posed in the sense that internal dialogue was positively associated with dissociation and with ideas of reference. A partial mediation effect of dissociation was also found between inner speech and ideas of reference. Lines of future research this study opens and its possible integration in a model on ideas of reference are discussed.
Things online social networking can take away: Reminders of social networking sites undermine the desirability of offline socializing and pleasures
Authors: Li Shiang‐Shiang , Chang Yevvon Yi‐Chi , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: December 2016

People are beginning to develop symbiotic relationships with social networking sites (SNSs), which provide users with abundant opportunities for social interaction. We contend that if people perceive SNSs as sources of social connection, the idea of SNSs may reduce the desire to pursue offline social activities and offline pleasures. Experiment 1 demonstrated that priming with SNSs was associated with a weakened desirability of offline social activities and an increased inclination to work alone. Felt relatedness mediated the link between SNS primes and reduced desire to engage in offline social activities. Experiment 2 showed that exposure to SNS primes reduced the desirability of offline socializing and lowered the desire for offline pleasurable experiences as well. Moreover, heavy users were more susceptible to this detrimental effect. We provide the first experimental evidence that the idea of online social networking may modulate users’ engagement in offline social activities and offline pleasures. Hence, online social networking may satisfy the need for relatedness but undercut the likelihood of reaping enjoyment from offline social life.
The Relationship between Political Tensions, Trade and Capital Flows in ASEAN Plus Three
Authors: Gawarkiewicz Thomas , Tang Yao
Published: December 2016

We estimate the effects of political tension on trade and capital flows in ASEAN Plus Three countries in the framework of a gravity model. We quantify political tension through text‐parsing software reading daily Reuters’ articles from 1990 to 2013 and exclude Brunei and Laos due to sparsity of news coverage. Regarding bilateral trade, we find that political conflict, measured by negative reports in Reuters’ articles, seems to only affect bilateral trade between countries that are not both members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). For these countries, a 1 per cent rise in the tension score results in a 0.05 per cent decline in trade. There is weaker evidence that improvement in bilateral relationship, measured by positive reports in Reuters’ articles, is associated with more trade. As for capital flows, while long‐term capital flows, measured by foreign direct investment, appear to be unaffected by short‐term tensions, both a non‐democratic government and a history of war negatively affect FDI.
The Effect of Fixed Exchange Rates on Monetary Policy of the GCC Countries
Authors: Nakibullah Ashraf
Published: December 2016

The GCC member countries have maintained fixed exchange rates against the US dollar for a long time now. These countries also allow liberal cross-border capital movements. Given these arrangements, they have theoretically given up the monetary independence according to the trilemma stating that countries with fixed exchange rates cannot pursue both domestic monetary independence and free capital mobility. This paper tests trilemma for the GCC member countries excluding Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to the unavailability of the pertinent interest rates data from these countries. Using the most recent quarterly data for the period 2004 to 2015, the general finding is that these countries still have some monetary independence. Results for Qatar indicate that they can maintain a full monetary autonomy if the circumstances make them to do so.
Design Exploration and Kinematic Tuning of a Power Modulating Jumping Monopod
Authors: Plecnik Mark M. , Haldane Duncan W. , Yim Justin K. , Fearing Ronald S.
Published: December 2016

The leg mechanism of the novel jumping robot, Salto, is designed to achieve multiple functions during the sub-200 ms time span that the leg interacts with the ground, including minimizing impulse loading, balancing angular momentum, and manipulating power output of the robot's series-elastic actuator. This is all accomplished passively with a single degree-of-freedom linkage that has a coupled, unintuitive design which was synthesized using the technique described in this paper. Power delivered through the mechanism is increased beyond the motor's limit by using variable mechanical advantage to modulate energy storage and release in a series-elastic actuator. This power modulating behavior may enable high amplitude, high frequency jumps. We aim to achieve all required behaviors with a linkage composed only of revolute joints, simplifying the robot's hardware but necessitating a complex design procedure since there are no pre-existing solutions. The synthesis procedure has two phases: (1) design exploration to initially compile linkage candidates, and (2) kinematic tuning to incorporate power modulating characteristics and ensure an impulse-limited, rotation-free jump motion. The final design is an eight-bar linkage with a stroke greater than half the robot's total height that produces a simulated maximum jump power 3.6 times greater than its motor's limit. A 0.27 m tall prototype is shown to exhibit minimal pitch rotations during meter high test jumps.
Fatigue Detection Using Phase-Space Warping
Authors: Alwasel Abdullatif , Yung Marcus , Abdel-Rahman Eihab M. , Wells Richard P. , Haas Carl T.
Published: December 2016

A novel application of phase-space warping (PSW) method to detect fatigue in the musculoskeletal system is presented. Experimental kinematic, force, and physiological signals are used to produce a fatigue metric. The metric is produced using time-delay embedding and PSW methods. The results showed that by using force and kinematic signals, an overall estimate of the muscle group state can be achieved. Further, when using electromyography (EMG) signals the fatigue metric can be used as a tool to evaluate muscles activation and load sharing patterns for individual muscles. The presented method will allow for fatigue evolution measurement outside a laboratory environment, which open doors to applications such as tracking the physical state of players during competition, workers in a plant, and patients undergoing in-home rehabilitation.
Influence of Implant Surface Texture Design on Peri-Acetabular Bone Ingrowth: A Mechanobiology Based Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Kaushik , Gupta Sanjay
Published: December 2016

The fixation of uncemented acetabular components largely depends on the amount of bone ingrowth, which is influenced by the design of the implant surface texture. The objective of this numerical study is to evaluate the effect of these implant texture design factors on bone ingrowth around an acetabular component. The novelty of this study lies in comparative finite element (FE) analysis of 3D microscale models of the implant-bone interface, considering patient-specific mechanical environment, host bone material property and implant-bone relative displacement, in combination with sequential mechanoregulatory algorithm and design of experiment (DOE) based statistical framework. Results indicated that the bone ingrowth process was inhibited due to an increase in interbead spacing from 200 μm to 600 μm and bead diameter from 1000 μm to 1500 μm and a reduction in bead height from 900 μm to 600 μm. Bead height, a main effect, was found to have a predominant influence on bone ingrowth. Among the interaction effects, the combination of bead height and bead diameter was found to have a pronounced influence on bone ingrowth process. A combination of low interbead spacing (P = 200 μm), low bead diameter (D = 1000 μm), and high bead height (H = 900 μm) facilitated peri-acetabular bone ingrowth and an increase in average Young's modulus of newly formed tissue layer. Hence, such a surface texture design seemed to provide improved fixation of the acetabular component.
Preliminary Metallurgical and Mechanical Investigations of Microwave Processed Hastelloy Joints
Authors: Singh Satnam , Singh Rajveer , Gupta Dheeraj , Jain Vivek
Published: December 2016

In this paper, joining of Hastelloy has been successfully carried out by microwave hybrid heating process. The joints were developed by using a microwave oven at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and 900 W. A thin layer of slurry consisting of nickel-based powder and epoxy resin was introduced between the faying surfaces. The joints obtained by microwave hybrid heating were characterized by XRD, SEM–EDS, Vicker's microhardness, and tensile tests. Microstructure analysis revealed the formation of equiaxed grains, and results of XRD analysis revealed formation of some intermetallics and suppression of carbide formation. This can be attributed to the volumetric heating nature of microwaves. The microhardness study revealed 320 ± 25 HV hardness on grain surfaces and 680 ± 40 HV on grain boundaries. The tensile strength of the microwave processed joints was∼82% of base Hastelloy strength. The fractographic analysis of the fractured samples revealed a ductile fracture coupled with the shearing of brittle carbides in the joint region. An overall study revealed the potential of microwaves in joining of bulk metallic materials.
Pre-Impact Configuration Designing of a Robot Manipulator for Impact Minimization
Authors: Hu Jingchen , Wang Tianshu
Published: December 2016

This paper studies the collision problem of a robot manipulator and presents a method to minimize the impact force by pre-impact configuration designing. First, a general dynamic model of a robot manipulator capturing a target is established by spatial operator algebra (SOA) and a simple analytical formula of the impact force is obtained. Compared with former models proposed in literatures, this model has simpler form, wider range of applications, O(n) computation complexity, and the system Jacobian matrix can be provided as a production of the configuration matrix and the joint matrix. Second, this work utilizes the impulse ellipsoid to analyze the influence of the pre-impact configuration and the impact direction on the impact force. To illustrate the inertia message of each body in the joint space, a new concept of inertia quasi-ellipsoid (IQE) is introduced. We find that the impulse ellipsoid is constituted of the inertia ellipsoids of the robot manipulator and the target, while each inertia ellipsoid is composed of a series of inertia quasi-ellipsoids. When all inertia quasi-ellipsoids exhibit maximum (minimum) coupling, the impulse ellipsoid should be the flattest (roundest). Finally, this paper provides the analytical expression of the impulse ellipsoid, and the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are used as measurements to illustrate the size and direction of the impulse ellipsoid. With this measurement, the desired pre-impact configuration and the impact direction with minimum impact force can be easily solved. The validity and efficiency of this method are verified by a PUMA robot and a spatial robot.
Novel Solutions Applied in Transseptal Puncture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morais Pedro , Vilaça João L. , Ector Joris , D'hooge Jan , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: December 2016

Access to the left atrium is required for several minimally invasive cardiac interventions in the left heart. For this purpose, transseptal puncture (TSP) technique is often performed, perforating the atrial septum under fluoroscopic or/and ultrasound imaging guidance. Although this approach has been used for many years, complications/failures are not uncommon mainly in patients with abnormal atrial anatomy and repeated TSP. Thus, this study presents an overview of methods and techniques that have been proposed to increase the safety and feasibility of the TSP. A systematic review of literature was conducted through the analysis of the articles published between 2008 and 2015. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge using the expression “transseptal puncture.” A total of 354 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 64 articles were selected for this review. Moreover, these 64 articles were divided into four categories, namely: (1) incidence studies, (2) intraprocedural guidance techniques, (3) preprocedural planning methods, and (4) surgical instruments. A total of 36 articles focused on incidence studies, 24 articles suggested novel intraprocedural guidance techniques, 5 works focused on preprocedural planning strategies, and 21 works proposed surgical instruments. The novel 3D guidance techniques, radio-frequency surgical instruments, and pre-interventional planning approaches showed potential to overcome the main procedural limitations/complications, through the reduction of the intervention time, radiation, number of failures, and complications.
Individualized vaccination of AML patients in remission is associated with induction of antileukemia immunity and prolonged remissions
Authors: Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Stone Richard M. , Uhl Lynne , Neuberg Donna , Joyce Robin , Levine James D. , Arnason Jon , McMasters Malgorzata , Luptakova Katarina , Jain Salvia , Zwicker Jeffrey I. , Hamdan Ayad , Boussiotis Vassiliki , Steensma David P. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Galinsky Ilene , Dutt Poorvi Somaiya , Logan Emma , Bryant Mary Paty , Stroopinsky Dina , Werner Lillian , Palmer Kristen , Coll Max , Washington Abigail , Cole Leandra , Kufe Donald , Avigan David
Published: December 2016

A personalized DC/AML fusion cell vaccine promotes the expansion of leukemia-specific T cells and prolonged remission in patients.
Quorum Sensing Coordinates Cooperative Expression of Pyruvate Metabolism Genes To Maintain a Sustainable Environment for Population Stability
Authors: Hawver Lisa A. , Giulietti Jennifer M. , Baleja James D. , Ng Wai-Leung
Published: December 2016

Quorum sensing (QS) is a microbial cell-cell communication system that regulates gene expression in response to population density to coordinate collective behaviors. Yet, the role of QS in resolving the stresses caused by the accumulation of toxic metabolic by-products at high cell density is not well defined. In response to cell density, QS could be involved in reprogramming of the metabolic network to maintain population stability. Using unbiased metabolomics, we discovered that
Vibrio cholerae
mutants genetically locked in a low cell density (LCD) QS state are unable to alter the pyruvate flux to convert fermentable carbon sources into neutral acetoin and 2,3-butanediol molecules to offset organic acid production. As a consequence, LCD-locked QS mutants rapidly lose viability when grown with fermentable carbon sources. This key metabolic switch relies on the QS-regulated small RNAs Qrr1-4 but is independent of known QS regulators AphA and HapR. Qrr1-4 dictate pyruvate flux by translational repression of the enzyme AlsS, which carries out the first step in acetoin and 2,3-butanediol biosynthesis. Consistent with the idea that QS facilitates the expression of a common trait in the population, AlsS needs to be expressed cooperatively in a group of cells. Heterogeneous populations with high percentages of cells not expressing AlsS are unstable. All of the cells, regardless of their respective QS states, succumb to stresses caused by toxic by-product accumulation. Our results indicate that the ability of the bacteria to cooperatively control metabolic flux through QS is critical in maintaining a sustainable environment and overall population stability.

IMPORTANCE
Our work reveals a novel role for
Vibrio cholerae
quorum sensing (QS) in relieving the stresses caused by toxic metabolite accumulation when the population becomes crowded through metabolic reprogramming. QS enables
V. cholerae
switching from a low cell density energy-generating metabolism that is beneficial to individuals at the expense of the environment to a high cell density mode that preserves environmental habitability by sacrificing individual fitness. This cooperative switch provides a stable environment as the common good in maintaining the stability of the community. However, the common good can be exploited by uncooperative mutants that pollute the environment, causing population collapse. Our findings provide insights into the metabolic stress response of a major human pathogen, with implications for our understanding of microbial social biology and cooperation from an ecological and evolutionary perspective.
Patients’ views on their experience of the delivery of single-sex accommodation within the endoscopy department: is it worth it?
Authors: Wiseman Elizabeth F , Chatten Kelly , Shah Sita , Keld Richard R , Ang Yeng S
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Provision of single-sex accommodation (SSA) in hospitals is a key National Health Service objective. Department of Health policy to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation (MSA) was implemented in our endoscopy department in 2011. We found no published studies of patients’ views on MSA in endoscopy units.

Aim

We explored patients’ views on MSA and their experience of attending our unit at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (Wigan, UK) since implementation of the SSA policy.

Methods

Patients attending the endoscopy unit August–October 2012 and February–April 2015 were invited to participate. Views were surveyed using a 10-point questionnaire.

Results

155 patients were included. A minority were aware of national (36%) or local (39%) policies regarding MSA provision. Only 20.0% and 22.9% reported that they would feel uncomfortable changing behind a curtain or waiting in a gown in a mixed-sex area, respectively. Most of those that felt uncomfortable (81% and 71%) were female, and women ranked importance of SSA significantly higher than men. However, both sexes ranked importance of SSA significantly lower than that of prompt investigation/treatment. Admissions to an alternative recovery area specifically to maintain SSA compliance reduced from 25% (2012) to 8% (2015), following simple measures to improve list efficiency, with corollary reduction in reports of compromised patient experience.

Conclusions

SSA is an important healthcare priority for some patients, especially women. However, most consider prompt investigation/treatment a much higher priority. Measures to comply with SSA can negatively affect patient experience. However, we demonstrate that simple measures can result in significant improvements in service delivery and patient experience while remaining compliant with SSA guidance.
Germination characteristics ofGymnocalycium monvillei(Cactaceae) along its entire altitudinal range
Authors: Bauk Karen , Flores Joel , Ferrero Cecilia , Pérez-Sánchez Reyes , Las Peñas M. Laura , Gurvich Diego E.
Published: December 2016

Germination characteristics are important for understanding how species cope with environmental variation. The aims of this work were to analyze the effect of different temperatures (25 and 32 °C), water potentials (0, −0.2, −0.4, and −0.6 MPa), and light conditions (light vs. darkness) on the germination of five populations of the cactus Gymnocalycium monvillei (Lem.) Britton & Rose along its entire altitudinal distribution. The experiments to assess the effects of temperature, water potential, and light conditions were performed in germination chambers, and total germination (%) and mean germination time (T50) were recorded. Germination decreased in provenances from higher to lower altitudes, and the effect was very pronounced at temperatures of 32 °C. For all of the altitudinal provenances, germination decreased with lower water potential, with this effect being more pronounced at 32 °C. On the other hand, provenances at lower altitudes were less affected by lower water potentials than higher provenances. Provenances at all altitudes showed very low germination under dark conditions. T50did not vary among altitudinal provenances at a temperature of 25 °C, but at 32 °C germination was slower at intermediate altitudes. Our results show that germination characteristics differ considerably among altitudinal provenances and seem to be important in determining the capacity of the species to inhabit such a broad gradient.