bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand patient-reported outcome measure (DASH) and the Quickdash when used in Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Rodrigues J. , Zhang W. , Scammell B. , Russell P. , Chakrabarti I. , Fullilove S. , Davidson D. , Davis T.
Published: August 2015

This study investigated aspects of the validity and reliability of the 30-item Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand patient-reported outcome measure (DASH) and its relationship with the shorter 11-item QuickDASH in patients with Dupuytren’s disease.

Seven hundred and fifty-nine DASH questionnaires were studied, covering pre- and postoperative patients undergoing different treatments for Dupuytren’s disease. Items related to pain rose early after treatment before returning to baseline, suggesting that studying pain is relevant during postoperative recovery. Across all 759 sets of responses, the QuickDASH agreed closely with the DASH. In exploratory factor analysis, the DASH was not unidimensional, questioning the validity of the DASH summary score in Dupuytren’s disease.

Further validation of existing PROMs for use in Dupuytren’s disease is needed. These data suggest that pain is a relevant symptom to study during postoperative recovery following treatment for Dupuytren’s disease.

Level of evidence: III.
Hyperuricaemia with deposition: latest evidence and therapeutic approach
Authors: Perez-Ruiz Fernando , Marimon Estibaliz , Chinchilla Sandra P.
Published: August 2015

This article reviews recent evidence on urate deposition and the opportunity for a therapeutic approach. We reviewed Pubmed 2013–2015 literature using the search terms ‘deposition’ with ‘hyperuricaemia’, ‘gout’, ‘ultrasonography’, ‘DECT’ (dual-energy computed tomography), ‘radiography’, ‘CT’(computed tomography), ‘MRI’ (magnetic resonance imaging), or ‘cardiovascular’, in addition to a digital bibliographic library compiled by the authors with 2072 papers on hyperuricaemia and gout. Relevant papers on the topic were selected. Recent evidence, mostly based on imaging studies, showed a continuum from hyperuricaemia to deposition and clinical manifestations. Chronic inflammation and structural damage may be present even in asymptomatic patients with crystal-proved deposition. The impact of early intervention in patients with asymptomatic deposition either on vascular outcomes or further structural joint damage has not been demonstrated yet. In conclusion, a worldwide definition of gout is still lacking, stages from hyperuricaemia to clinical gout not being definitively defined. Although there is increasing interest on the impact of early deposits on joint damage and cardiovascular outcomes, robust evidence is still lacking to fully support interventions.
Foreign Body Reaction to Implantable Biosensors
Authors: Wang Yan , Vaddiraju Santhisagar , Gu Bing , Papadimitrakopoulos Fotios , Burgess Diane J.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Implantable biosensors for continuous glucose monitoring can greatly improve diabetes management. However, their applications are still associated with some challenges and one of these is the gradual functionality loss postimplantation as a consequence of the foreign body response (FBR). Sensor miniaturization in combination with drug-eluting biocompatible coatings is a promising strategy to enhance in vivo performance. However, limited study has been performed to understand the effect of initial trauma and implant size on foreign body reaction as well as in vivo performance of implantable glucose sensors.

Methods:

Different initial trauma was induced by implanting composite coated dummy sensors into rats using various sized needles and 3 different-sized dummy sensors were implanted to examine the size effect. Histological evaluation was performed to relate the inflammatory cell counts and foreign body capsule thickness with the implantation needle size and sensor size respectively. The effect of biocompatible coating on the performance of implantable glucose sensors was determined using both coated amperometric glucose sensors and microdialysis probes.

Results:

The results revealed that the degree of acute inflammation was mainly controlled by the extent of the initial trauma: the greater the trauma, the greater the acute inflammatory response. Implant size did not affect the acute inflammatory phase. However, the extent of chronic inflammation and fibrous encapsulation were affected by sensor size: the smaller the size the less the extent of chronic inflammation and fibrous encapsulation. Glucose sensors implanted using 14 gauge needles showed significantly lower initial in vivo response compared to those implanted using 16 gauge needles. This was not observed for sensors with dexamethasone-eluting biocompatible coatings since inflammation was suppressed.

Conclusions:

The results of the current study indicate that the extent of the inflammatory response post–sensor implantation varies as a function of the initial tissue trauma as well as the sensor size. Accordingly, miniaturization of implantable biosensors together with the utilization of a drug-eluting biocompatible composite coating may be a promising strategy to achieve long-term reliable continuous glucose monitoring.
The accuracy of clinical symptoms in detecting cauda equina syndrome in patients undergoing acute MRI of the spine
Authors: Ahad Abdul , Elsayed Mohammed , Tohid Hassaan
Published: August 2015

A large number of patients do not have cauda equina syndrome (CES) on MRI to account for their clinical findings; consequently, the majority of urgent scans requested are normal. We aimed to determine whether any clinical manifestation of CES, as stated in Royal College of Radiology guidelines, could predict the presence of established CES on MRI. We also aimed to support a larger study to develop a more universal assessment tool for acute lower back pain.

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who warranted urgent MRI was conducted. Seventy-nine patients were eligible for study. The Kendall’s tau test was used for statistical analysis of all data. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. MRI was performed in 62 patients out of 79.

A total of 32.9% of patients had scans within 24 hours of admission. Nine of these patients were referred to neurosurgery for urgent neurosurgical review. Of these, 6.3% of patients had an established CES on MRI scan. One patient who had an out-patient MRI spine (15 days from hospital presentation) was found to have an established CES, was urgently referred to spinal surgery and underwent primary fenestration excision of the lumbar vertebra. No clinical features that were able to predict the presence of an established CES on MRI were elucidated. Findings included decreased anal tone 7.6% ( p = 0.282), faecal incontinence 3.8% ( p = 0.648), urinary retention 7.6% ( p = 0.510), bladder incontinence 8.9% ( p = 0.474), constipation 2.5% ( p = 0.011) and saddle anaesthesia 8.9% ( p = 0.368). Patients who had an abnormal MRI spine for back pain prior to this presentation showed a correlation with a newly diagnosed CES on MRI ( p = 0.016) with a correlation coefficient of 0.272.
Persistent psychological well-being predicts improved self-rated health over 9–10 years: Longitudinal evidence from MIDUS
Authors: Ryff Carol D , Radler Barry T , Friedman Elliot M
Published: August 2015

Psychological well-being has been linked with better health, but mostly with cross-sectional evidence. Using MIDUS, a national sample of US adults ( N = 4963), longitudinal profiles of well-being were used to predict cross-time change in self-reported health over 9–10 years. Well-being was largely stable, although adults differed in whether they had persistently high versus persistently low or moderate levels of well-being. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, those with persistently high well-being reported better health (subjective health, chronic conditions, symptoms, and functional impairment) across time compared to those with persistently low well-being. Furthermore, persistently high well-being was protective of improved health especially among the educationally disadvantaged. The findings underscore the importance of intervention and educational programs designed to promote well-being for greater segments of society.
Management of Sleep Quality and Pain in an Individual Living with HIV and Hepatitis C Coinfection Using an Activity Monitor
Authors: Sandoval Roberto , Gilkerson Rachel
Published: August 2015

Study Design:

Case report.

Background:

Twenty-five percent of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are also coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are limited reports to assist in the symptom management of PLWHA and HCV coinfection.

Case Description:

Our case was a 67-year-old man living with HIV/HCV coinfection and other medical complications. Our intervention consisted of a 6-week progressive conditioning program, while his activity and sleep pattern were monitored using a wrist accelerometer.

Outcomes:

After completing a conditioning training, there was a 64% decrease in the number of waking episodes per night and 68% decrease in activity at night. Based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, the participant transitioned from being a “poor sleeper” to a “good sleeper.” A 40% decrease in pain was reported. Functional outcome measures also showed improvements.

Discussion:

There were improvements in the participant’s sleep quality and pain. The use of a commercial accelerometer may assist in objectively tracking compliance and activity changes.
Features of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Factors during Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Guira Oumar , Tiéno Hervé , Diendéré Arnaud Eric , Sagna Yempabou , Diallo Ismael , Yaméogo Bertille , Zoungrana Lassané , Yaméogo Tènè Marceline , Bognounou Réné , Drabo Joseph Youssouf
Published: August 2015

Background:

To study the features of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its associated factors during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in Ouagadougou.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study from March to November 2011 in Yalgado Ouédraogo hospital. A nonprobability sample of adults receiving antiretroviral drugs for at least 6 months was studied. Pregnancy, ascites, or abdominal mass were noninclusion criteria. Metabolic syndrome met the criteria of International Diabetes Federation 2005.

Results:

The authors studied 300 patients. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 54 (18%) patients: mean age 44.8 ± 7.4 years, sex ratio 0.17, and mean duration of HAART 71 ± 30.9 months. The current anomaly of MS was low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in 37 patients (68.5%), and the common profile of MS was high waist circumference + low HDL-cholesterol + abnormal blood pressure (29.6%). Associated factors were protease inhibitor regimens ( P = .000), female gender ( P = .004), age > 42 years ( P = .001), and lipodystrophy ( P = .01).

Conclusion:

Cardiovascular risks should be regarded during the care of HIV-infected patients.
Tolerability and Efficacy of 3 Approaches to Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections of the Knee for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wagner Bradford S. , Howe Allyson S. , Dexter William W. , Hatzenbuehler John R. , Holt Christina , Haskins Amy E. , Lucas F. Lee
Published: August 2015

Background:

Several studies have been performed suggesting that a superolateral approach to cortisone injections for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee is more accurate than anteromedial or anterolateral approaches, but there are little data to correlate clinical outcomes with these results. Additionally, there are minimal data to evaluate the pain of such procedures, and this consideration may impact physician preferences for a preferred approach to knee injection.

Purpose:

To determine the comparative efficacy and tolerability (patient comfort) of landmark-guided cortisone injections at 3 commonly used portals into the arthritic knee without effusion.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Adult, English-speaking patients presenting to a sports medicine clinic with knee pain attributed to radiographically proven grades I through III knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a cortisone injection via superolateral, anteromedial, or anterolateral approaches. Patients used a visual analog scale (VAS) to self-report comfort with the procedure. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) 3.1 VAS scores were used to establish baseline pain and dysfunction prior to the injection and at 1 and 4 weeks follow-up via mail.

Results:

A total of 55 knees from 53 patients were randomized for injection using a superolateral approach (17 knees), an anteromedial approach (20 knees), and an anterolateral approach (18 knees). The mean VAS scores for procedural discomfort showed no significant differences between groups (superolateral, 39.1 ± 28.5; anteromedial, 32.9 ± 31.5; anterolateral, 33.1 ± 26.6; P = .78). WOMAC scores at baseline were similar between groups as well (superolateral, 1051 ± 686; anteromedial, 1450 ± 573; anterolateral, 1378 ± 673; P = .18). The WOMAC scores decreased at 1 and 4 weeks for all groups, with no significant differences in reduction between the 3 groups.

Conclusion:

Other studies have shown that the superolateral portal is the most accurate. This study did not assess accuracy, but it showed that all 3 knee injection sites studied have similar overall clinical benefit at 4-week follow-up. Procedural pain was not significantly different between groups.
Triceps Tendon Ruptures Requiring Surgical Repair in National Football League Players
Authors: Finstein Joseph L. , Cohen Steven B. , Dodson Christopher C. , Ciccotti Michael G. , Marchetto Paul , Pepe Matthew D. , Deluca Peter F.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Complete triceps tendon ruptures are relatively rare in the general population but slightly more prevalent in professional football. One prior study found 11 complete ruptures over a 6-season period.

Hypothesis:

Triceps ruptures occur more commonly in football linemen due to forced elbow flexion during an eccentric contraction and may occur more commonly with the increasing size and speed of professional players. Surgical repair allows full return to sports, but with a lengthy recovery time.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A search of the National Football League Injury Surveillance System (NFLISS) found a total of 37 triceps tendon ruptures requiring surgical repair from the years 2000 to 2009. Data were obtained for setting of injury, player position, activity causing injury, play type, time of game when injury occurred, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and number of days lost from football.

Results:

There were 37 players requiring surgical repair for triceps tendon ruptures over the 10-season period. The average height, weight, and BMI of the players were 75 inches, 292 pounds, and 36.5 kg/m2, respectively. The majority of players were linemen (86%): 16 defensive, 15 offensive, and 1 tight end. The injury took place while blocking or being blocked in 29 players (78%) and while tackling or being tackled in 5 players (14%). Players missed an average of 165 days (range, 49-318 days) from football as a result of their injury and surgery.

Conclusion:

Triceps tendon tears requiring surgical repair are more common in professional football players than in the general population and are occurring more commonly than previously reported. Surgical repair allows return to play.

Clinical Relevance:

Our study identifies the rate of triceps tendon tears requiring repair in the NFL according to position, identifying which players may be most at risk for this injury.
The Use of Canonical Correlation Analysis to Assess the Relationship Between Executive Functioning and Verbal Memory in Older Adults
Authors: Moreira Pedro Silva , Santos Nadine Correia , Sousa Nuno , Costa Patrício Soares
Published: August 2015

Executive functioning (EF), which is considered to govern complex cognition, and verbal memory (VM) are constructs assumed to be related. However, it is not known the magnitude of the association between EF and VM, and how sociodemographic and psychological factors may affect this relationship, including in normal aging. In this study, we assessed different EF and VM parameters, via a battery of neurocognitive/psychological tests, and performed a Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) to explore the connection between these constructs, in a sample of middle-aged and older healthy individuals without cognitive impairment ( N = 563, 50+ years of age). The analysis revealed a positive and moderate association between EF and VM independently of gender, age, education, global cognitive performance level, and mood. These results confirm that EF presents a significant association with VM performance.
Risk of familial classical Hodgkin lymphoma by relationship, histology, age, and sex: a joint study from five Nordic countries
Authors: Kharazmi Elham , Fallah Mahdi , Pukkala Eero , Olsen Jörgen H. , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Sundquist Kristina , Tretli Steinar , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2015

Key Points

We provide clinically relevant familial risk estimates for classical HL patients by relationship, histology, age at diagnosis, and sex.
Fatty Acid Binding Protein Deletion Suppresses Inflammatory Pain through Endocannabinoid/N-Acylethanolamine-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Kaczocha Martin , Glaser Sherrye T. , Maher Thomas , Clavin Brendan , Hamilton John , Rourke Joseph O' , Rebecchi Mario , Puopolo Michelino , Owada Yuji , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: August 2015

Background

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) serve as intracellular carriers that deliver endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines to their catabolic enzymes. Inhibition of FABPs reduces endocannabinoid transport and catabolism in cells and FABP inhibitors produce antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. Potential analgesic effects in mice lacking FABPs, however, have not been tested.

Findings

Mice lacking FABP5 and FABP7, which exhibit highest affinities for endocannabinoids, possessed elevated levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and the related N-acylethanolamines palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide. There were no compensatory changes in the expression of other FABPs or in endocannabinoid-related proteins in the brains of FABP5/7 knockout mice. These mice exhibited reduced nociception in the carrageenan, formalin, and acetic acid tests of inflammatory and visceral pain. The antinociceptive effects in FABP5/7 knockout mice were reversed by pretreatment with cannabinoid receptor 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor antagonists in a modality specific manner. Lastly, the knockout mice did not possess motor impairments.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that mice lacking FABPs possess elevated levels of N-acylethanolamines, consistent with the idea that FABPs regulate the endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine tone in vivo. The antinociceptive effects observed in the knockout mice support a role for FABPs in regulating nociception and suggest that these proteins should serve as targets for the development of future analgesics.
Interplay between HIV-1 and Toll-like receptors in human myeloid cells: friend or foe in HIV-1 pathogenesis?
Authors: Donninelli Gloria , Gessani Sandra , Del Cornò Manuela
Published: August 2015

The Toll-like receptors are the first line of the host response to pathogens, representing an essential component of the innate and adaptive immune response. They recognize different pathogens and trigger responses directed at eliminating the invader and at developing immunologic long-term memory, ultimately affecting viral pathogenesis. In viral infections, sensing of nucleic acids and/or viral structural proteins generally induces a protective immune response. Thus, it is not surprising that many viruses have developed strategies to evade or counteract signaling through the Toll-like receptor pathways, to survive the host defense machinery and ensure propagation. Thus, Toll-like receptor engagement can also be part of viral pathogenic mechanisms. Evidence for a direct interaction of Toll-like receptors with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) structures has started to be achieved, and alterations of their expression and function have been described in HIV-1–positive subjects. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor triggering by bacterial and viral ligands have been described to modulate HIV-1 replication and host response, leading to protective or detrimental effects. This review covers major advances in the field of HIV-1 interplay with Toll-like receptors, focusing on human myeloid cells (e.g., monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells). The role of this interaction in the dysregulation of myeloid cell function and in dictating aspects of the multifaceted pathogenesis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome will be discussed.
An adaptable 17-point scheme for high-accuracy frequency-domain acoustic wave modeling in 2D constant density media
Authors: Tang Xiangde , Liu Hong , Zhang Heng , Liu Lu , Wang Zhiyang
Published: August 2015

Frequency-domain modeling is a crucial part of full-waveform inversion. Because of the huge computation problem it represents, several techniques have been applied to reduce the number of grid points per wavelength; among them, a rotating coordinate system has been widely used. However, scholars using rotating coordinate systems did not obtain solutions under rectangular grid conditions, which are extremely common in real data. Based on the average-derivative method, we have developed a new finite-difference scheme that used a 17-point operator to approximate spatial derivatives and the mass acceleration term. The new method can be applied to square and rectangular grids. After optimizing, the number of grid points per shortest wavelength was reduced to less than three with phase velocity errors no larger than 1%. To suppress the reflection from the boundary, we applied perfectly matched layer boundary conditions. Numerical tests further proved the validity of our adaptable 17-point scheme.
Q factor estimation based on the method of logarithmic spectral area difference
Authors: Wang Shoudong , Yang Dengfeng , Li Jingnan , Song Huijuan
Published: August 2015

We have developed a novel method for [Formula: see text] estimation. As a seismic wave propagates through subsurface viscoelastic media, seismic attenuation decreases the amplitude and reduces the bandwidth, which leads to variation of the logarithmic spectral area of seismic wave. According to this property, we have derived an analytical relation between [Formula: see text] factor and the logarithmic spectral area difference of seismic wave. To improve the accuracy of [Formula: see text] estimation, we took account of the amplitude loss due to energy partitioning from transmission. Tests of the method on synthetic models determined the validity of our method, and it was insensitive to different types of noises and evaluated density. A further comparison between the presented method and two widely used [Formula: see text] estimation methods, namely, the logarithmic spectral ratio and centroid frequency shifting methods, with a synthetic model containing random noise demonstrated that our method is the more robust, in these situations, among the three approaches. Then, we also compared the effect of bandwidth and time-window selection on the [Formula: see text] estimation for these three methods, and the result revealed that our method is less sensitive to the bandwidth and time window than the other two methods. Application of this method to real zero-offset vertical seismic profile data shows a reasonable correlation between estimated interval-[Formula: see text] and interval velocities, which further indicates the validity of the method.
Large-scale 3D geoelectromagnetic modeling using parallel adaptive high-order finite element method
Authors: Grayver Alexander V. , Kolev Tzanio V.
Published: August 2015

We have investigated the use of the adaptive high-order finite-element method (FEM) for geoelectromagnetic modeling. Because high-order FEM is challenging from the numerical and computational points of view, most published finite-element studies in geoelectromagnetics use the lowest order formulation. Solution of the resulting large system of linear equations poses the main practical challenge. We have developed a fully parallel and distributed robust and scalable linear solver based on the optimal block-diagonal and auxiliary space preconditioners. The solver was found to be efficient for high finite element orders, unstructured and nonconforming locally refined meshes, a wide range of frequencies, large conductivity contrasts, and number of degrees of freedom (DoFs). Furthermore, the presented linear solver is in essence algebraic; i.e., it acts on the matrix-vector level and thus requires no information about the discretization, boundary conditions, or physical source used, making it readily efficient for a wide range of electromagnetic modeling problems. To get accurate solutions at reduced computational cost, we have also implemented goal-oriented adaptive mesh refinement. The numerical tests indicated that if highly accurate modeling results were required, the high-order FEM in combination with the goal-oriented local mesh refinement required less computational time and DoFs than the lowest order adaptive FEM.
Absorption decomposition and compensation via a two-step scheme
Authors: Li Guofa , Liu Yang , Zheng Hao , Huang Wei
Published: August 2015

Seismic wave propagation in a viscoelastic medium suffers from energy attenuation and velocity dispersion. For prestack seismic data, the earth absorption not only decreases the seismic resolution, but it also distorts the amplitude variation with offset (AVO). Inverse [Formula: see text] filtering is a technique commonly used to remove these absorption effects. However, its application often suffers from instability in the presence of noise. Therefore, we have developed a two-step scheme to remove the absorption effects. We decompose the seismic absorption into two independent components, namely, the offset and time components. The former is mainly responsible for seismic event variation in the offset direction, whereas the latter is mostly responsible for the decreased temporal resolution. On the assumptions of a horizontally stratified medium and a small incidence angle, we derive the mathematical expression of the effective dissipation factors for both components, and we implement absorption compensation in the offset direction by an inversion scheme. We evaluated the sensitivity of this method to noise and its stability with the [Formula: see text] error using synthetic data, and we examined its performance using real data. The two-step scheme makes the prestack compensation more stable and usable.
Quantitative analysis of rock stress heterogeneity: Implications for the seismogenesis of fluid-injection-induced seismicity
Authors: Langenbruch Cornelius , Shapiro Serge A.
Published: August 2015

We compared elastic-rock heterogeneity measured by borehole logging to the occurrence of seismic events caused by hydraulic fracturing of the corresponding rock sections. Our observations made from two hydraulic fracturing case studies suggest that elastic-rock heterogeneity controls the occurrence of fluid-injection-induced seismicity. The seismic events occurred preferentially in rock sections characterized by low Poisson’s ratio and high Young’s modulus. Based on analytic solutions of stress fluctuations in elastically heterogeneous media in equilibrium to a homogeneous far-field stress, we quantified the relation between elastic-rock heterogeneity and stress changes leading to fracture opening and reactivation in two end member models of 1D and 3D heterogeneity. We found that significant fluctuations of rock stress originated from elastic rock heterogeneity. Moreover, we found that stress changes leading to fracture opening and reactivation in rocks undergo scale invariance spatial fluctuations. This gave a possible physical explanation for the observed scale invariance of seismogenic processes. We analyzed the physical meaning of a heterogeneity index of rocks, which indicated rock sections of high Young’s modulus and low Poisson’s ratio. We found that this index can be used to identify rock sections of high differential stress. In addition, our results suggest that it is related to the occurrence probability of brittle rock failure during hydraulic fracturing. Nevertheless, we found that fluctuations of Poisson’s ratio showed an even stronger correlation to critical stress changes which resulted in opening and reactivation of fractures in rocks. We obtained an analytic solution of stress fluctuations in vertical transverse isotropic layers such as shale deposits and applied it to a hydraulic fracturing case study of a shale gas reservoir. Also in this case, we observed strong relations between seismicity and fluctuations of stress in space.
Approximations to seismic AVA responses: Validity and potential in glaciological applications
Authors: Booth Adam D. , Emir Ezgi , Diez Anja
Published: August 2015

Amplitude-variation-with-angle (AVA) methods establish the seismic properties of material either side of a reflective interface, and their use is growing in glaciology. The AVA response of an interface is defined by the complex Knott-Zoeppritz (K-Z) equations, numerous approximations to which we typically assume weak interface contrasts and isotropic propagation, inconsistent with the strong contrasts at glacier beds and the vertically transverse isotropic (VTI) fabrics were associated with englacial reflectivity. We considered the validity of a suite of approximate K-Z equations for the exact P-wave reflectivity [Formula: see text] of ice overlying bedrock, sediment and water, and englacial interfaces between isotropic and VTI ice. We found that the approximations of Aki-Richards, Shuey, and Fatti match exact glacier bed reflectivity to within [Formula: see text], smaller than the uncertainty in typical glaciological AVA analyses, but only for maximum incident angle [Formula: see text] limited to 30°. A stricter limit of [Formula: see text] offered comparable accuracy to a hydrocarbon benchmark case of shale overlying gas-charged sand. The VTI-compliant Rüger approximation accurately described englacial reflectivity, to within [Formula: see text], and it can be modified to give a quadratic expression in [Formula: see text] suitable for curve-matching operations. Having shown the circumstances under which AVA approximations were valid for glaciological applications, we have suggested that their interpretative advantages can be exploited in the future AVA interpretations.
Glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose simultaneously targets cancer and endothelial cells to suppress neuroblastoma growth
Authors: Huang Chao-Cheng , Wang Shuo-Yu , Lin Li-Ling , Wang Pei-Wen , Chen Ting-Ya , Hsu Wen-Ming , Lin Tsu-Kung , Liou Chia-Wei , Chuang Jiin-Haur
Published: August 2015

Neuroblastoma is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations and associated with poor prognosis when there is amplification of MYCN oncogene or high expression of Myc oncoproteins. In a previous in vitro study, we found that glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) could suppress the growth of neuroblastoma cells, particularly in those with MYCN amplification. In this study, we established a mouse model of neuroblastoma xenografts with SK-N-DZ and SK-N-AS cells and treated with 100 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg of 2DG by intra-peritoneal injection twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks. We found that 2DG was effective to suppress the growth of both MYCN-amplified SK-N-DZ and MYCN-nonamplified SK-N-AS neuroblastoma xenografts, which was associated with down regulation of HIF-1α, PDK1 and c-Myc and reduction of tumor vessels. In vitro study showed that 2DG may suppress proliferation, cause apoptosis and reduce migration of murine endothelial cells with inhibition of lamellipodia and filopodia formation and disorganization of F-actin filaments. The results suggested that 2DG may simultaneously target cancer cells and endothelial cells in the neuroblastoma xenografts in mice regardless of the status of MYCN amplification, providing a potential therapeutic opportunity to use 2DG or other glycolytic inhibitors for the treatment of the patients with refractory neuroblastoma.
ICA1L forms BAR-domain complexes with PICK1 and is critical for acrosome formation in spermiogenesis
Authors: He Jing , Xia Mengying , Tsang Wai Hung , Chow King Lau , Xia Jun
Published: August 2015

Mutations of the Pick1 gene cause globozoospermia, a male infertility disorder in both mice and human. PICK1 is critical for vesicle trafficking and its deficiency in sperm cells leads to abnormal vesicle trafficking from the Golgi to acrosome. This eventually disrupts acrosome formation and leads to male infertility. We identified a novel BAR-domain binding partner of PICK1: ICA1L, which has sequence similarities to ICA69. ICA1L is expressed in testes and brain, and is the major binding partner for PICK1 in testes. ICA1L and PICK1 are highly expressed in spermatids and trafficked together at different stages of spermiogenesis. ICA1L knockout mice were generated by CRISPR-Cas technology. PICK1 expression was reduced by 80% in the testes of male mice lacking ICA1L. Sperms from ICA1L knockout mice had abnormalities in acrosome, nucleus and mitochondrial sheath formation. Both total and mobile sperms were reduced in number and about half of the remaining sperms had characteristics of globozoospermia. These defects ultimately resulted in reduced fertility of male ICA1L knockout mice and the fertility of male mice was completely eliminated in ICA69/ICA1L double knockout mice.
Water-soluble BODIPY Derivative as a Highly Selective “Turn-on” Fluorescent Probe for Hydrogen Sulfide in Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Jian , Peng Fangfang , Dong Xiaochun , Zhao Weili
Published: August 2015

A novel BODIPY derivative incorporating quaternized 4-pyridinium group as a self-immolative linker was synthesized and studied for the selective detection of hydrogen sulfide. Such a probe exhibits excellent selectivity to allow differentiation of H2S from biologically essential thiol-containing amino acids and other common analytes. It can be used to visualize NaSH in living cells.
Reductive Reaction of Selenate with Hydrazine over TiO2-supported Pt Catalyst in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhao Jinxian , Matsune Hideki , Takenaka Sakae , Kishida Masahiro
Published: August 2015

Although there has been no report on the catalytic reaction of selenate over heterogeneous catalysts in aqueous solution, we found that titania-supported Pt catalysts exhibited significantly high activity for the reduction of selenate with hydrazine. The Pt catalysts were deactivated during the reaction because of the deposition of Se metal, but showed excellent reusability. Therefore, it was firstly demonstrated that heterogeneous catalysts are effective for the removal of selenate from aqueous solution.
Polymerized Crystalline Colloidal Array Photonic Crystal with Enhanced Mechanical Property
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhao Xueling , Bao Hua , Liang Xuewen , Zhu Zhigang , Zhu Yihua
Published: August 2015

Photonic crystal structures attract much interest, and considerable efforts have been devoted toward hydrogel-based photonic crystal responsive materials. However, the mechanical strength of such composite films is still not desirable. Here, we present a light diffracting hydrogel film with enhanced mechanical property by embedding a self-assembled polystyrene array in a binary hydrogel via a facile photopolymerization technique, which enables the convenient fabrication and shaping of robust photonic sensing films.
Computer-aided drug discovery
Authors: Bajorath Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Computational approaches are an integral part of interdisciplinary drug discovery research. Understanding the science behind computational tools, their opportunities, and limitations is essential to make a true impact on drug discovery at different levels. If applied in a scientifically meaningful way, computational methods improve the ability to identify and evaluate potential drug molecules, but there remain weaknesses in the methods that preclude naïve applications. Herein, current trends in computer-aided drug discovery are reviewed, and selected computational areas are discussed. Approaches are highlighted that aid in the identification and optimization of new drug candidates. Emphasis is put on the presentation and discussion of computational concepts and methods, rather than case studies or application examples. As such, this contribution aims to provide an overview of the current methodological spectrum of computational drug discovery for a broad audience.
Aristotle's Correspondence Theory of Truth and What Does Not Exist
Authors: Elsby Charlene
Published: August 2015

While nowhere does he use the term to refer to his own theory, Aristotle is often thought to exemplify an early correspondence theory of truth. In the paper, I examine the textual evidence used to support the idea that Aristotle holds a correspondence theory of truth, and to infer the nuances of this theory. I hold that Aristotle’s theory of truth can account for terms that signify non-existent things, i.e., that on Aristotle’s account, an assertion is not automatically false given its subject term’s “failure to refer”. Terms do not refer for Aristotle, they signify (and his use of the concept of signification extends far beyond linguistic reference).
Classical mereology is not elementarily axiomatizable
Authors: Pietruszczak Andrzej
Published: August 2015

By the classical mereology I mean a theory of mereological structures in the sense of [10]. In [7] I proved that the class of these structures is not elementarily axiomatizable. In this paper a new version of this result is presented, which according to my knowledge is the first such presentation in English. A relation of this result to a certain Hsing-chien Tsai’s theorem from [13] is emphasized.
Assessing quality of life in Parkinson's: the nurse specialist's role
Authors: Hand Annette , Martin Anne
Published: August 2015

Parkinson's is a complex neurological disorder characterised by a large number of motor and non-motor features. As a consequence of these wideranging symptoms, quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's can be affected by many factors that can also vary depending on social support, activity, and environment. The large number of issues that could be raised in a single visit means it can be challenging to probe for additional disease-related problems that a patient or caregiver does not spontaneously report, although these may be the most important to the patient's QoL. To help address a patient's most important issues and QoL concerns, a group of experts set out to design a simple consultation aid to help facilitate a patient's preparation for, and participation in routine visits. The ‘Parkinson's QoL Consultation Aid’ is available for use and includes 17 prompts relating to Parkinson's and its potential impact on QoL.
Modelling the complex activity of multiple sclerosis specialist nurses in England
Authors: Leary Alison , Mynors Geraldine , Bowen Amy
Published: August 2015

Background:

Specialist advanced practice nursing in multiple sclerosis (MS) has evolved as a complex activity driven by patient and carer needs. The purpose of this study was to understand the complexity of expert nursing in MS.

Methods:

Knowledge discovery through data was the underpinning framework. A bespoke data collection tool was used that originated from previously modelled systems. Data was collected and mined.

Results:

As many as 9050 events over 150 days were collected. No events were excluded from analysis. The work of specialist nurses in MS is complex in terms of the physical (43% of interventions) and psycho-social care (32% of interventions). More than two-fifths (42%) of interventions were delivered over the telephone.

Conclusion:

The work of nurses specialising in MS care is complex and multidimensional. An understanding of this complexity can be used to establish key performance indicators, optimum caseload calculations and economic evaluation.
We are all responsible
Authors: Snell Lisa
Published: August 2015

Issues of safeguarding underpin the early years; everyone has a duty to protect children, giving them the right to be strong, resilient and listened to, in an environment that also protects them from harm.
Letting imaginations fly
Authors: Lee Trish
Published: August 2015

Based on the work of Vivian Gussin Paley, Helicopter Stories support children of all abilities and needs, helping them to find confidence in their own way, by using only minimal and inexpensive resources.
Maths and wellbeing
Authors: Brown Paula
Published: August 2015

Maths can be an intensely creative activity, with many different routes to problem-solving, but the potential can be dampened by an overemphasis on rote learning, it can be a source of deep anxiety.
Tudo é número no pitagorismo antigo?
Authors: Cornelli Gabriele
Published: August 2015

A questão “tudo é numéro?”, título não por acaso do célebre artigo de 1989 de Zhmud, na Phronesis, apresenta um desafio ao testemunho aristotélico, extremamente importante, segundo o qual a teoria de que “tudo é número” seria a definição fundamental da filosofia pitagórica. Um desafio como este está longe de ser algo fácil, especialmente quando se considera que as histórias tanto da filosofia como da matemática antigas não pareceram ter muitas dúvidas de que esta definição seja correta. Este ensaio deseja submeter a afirmação de Aritóteles de que os pitagóricos acreditavam que tudo era número a uma revisão crítica. Nossa análise revelará, para além de simples variações semânticas, uma contradição teorética fundamental, que o próprio Aristóteles parece incapaz de resolver.
O mito e o rito: aspectos rituais nos epinícios de Píndaro
Authors: Romero Sérgio
Published: August 2015

O presente trabalho apresenta uma reflexão acerca da dimensão performática dos epinícios de Píndaro, analisando a dinâmica estabelecida por mito e ritual no contexto da performance. A Olímpica I constitui o foco do trabalho e, desse modo, apresenta-se uma breve análise com vistas ao delineamento da conjuntura mito-ritualística que lhe é própria, bem como das características e sentidos que a projeção de sua performance suscita.
"Imageable" Zinc-Silicate Glass Microspheres For Transarterial Embolization: A Renal Artery Embolization Study.
Authors: Kehoe Sharon , Amensag Salma , Looney Mark , Abraham Robert J. , Boyd Daniel
Published: August 2015

Intrinsically radiopaque (imageable) microspheres for transarterial embolization (TAE) are required to enable real-time intraprocedural feedback and definition of spatial distribution patterns of embolic materials in target tissues. This pilot study evaluates acute and sub-chronic safety and efficacy of imageable zinc-silicate (Zn-Si) glass microspheres in a swine renal artery embolization (RAE) model. Eight swine were divided into two cohorts. Clinical determinants of embolization effectiveness, including imageability, deliverability and temporal/ spatial distribution of microspheres in target tissues were assessed. Subsequently, cohort I and II were used to evaluate the acute and subchronic host response against the Zn-Si microspheres versus a clinical control. The developed microspheres provide for direct intraprocedural feedback using standard diagnostic imaging techniques. Fluoroscopy correlated with ex-vivo high-resolution radiography, CT and micro-CT, demonstrating high imageability, excellent spatial distribution and packing of the Zn- Si microspheres. At follow-up, infarction of the embolized kidneys was noted without any major adverse tissue reaction. Mild recanalization was observed microscopically for both experimental and control microspheres. Zn-Si microspheres permit the definition of spatial distribution in a target tissue, consequently permitting the optimization, personalization and improvement of TAE techniques.
Statistical methods used in the calculation of geriatric reference intervals: a systematic review
Authors: Arseneau Erika , Balion Cynthia M.
Published: August 2015

Geriatric reference intervals (RIs) are not commonly available and are rarely used. It is difficult to select a reference population from a cohort with a high degree of morbidity. Also important are the statistical approaches used to determine health-associated reference values. It is the aim of this study to examine the statistical methods used in the calculation of geriatric RIs.

A search was conducted on EMBASE and Medline for articles between January 1989 and January 2014. Studies were selected if they: 1) were English primary articles; 2) performed a clinical chemistry test on a blood fraction; 3) had a population sub-group consisting of individuals ≥65 years of age; and 4) calculated a RI for the subgroup ≥65 years of age.

There were 64 articles identified, of which 78.1% described the RI calculation method used. RI calculation was performed by non-parametric (21.9%), parametric (42.2%), robust (3.1%), or other (17.2%) methods. Outlier detection (SD, Grubb’s test, Tukey’s fence, Dixon) was infrequently used and although most studies performed partitioning, only 57.8% tested the statistical significance of the partitions. Few studies (17.2%) reported confidence intervals for the RI estimates. Overall, only 14.1% of studies provided RI estimates which followed the CLSI guideline EP28-A3c.

Statistical methods for RI calculation and partitioning varied considerably between studies and many failed to provide adequate descriptions of these methods. Challenges in analyses arose from insufficient sample sizes and heterogeneity in the elderly population. Geriatric RIs, although present in the literature, may not be properly calculated and should be carefully considered before applying them for clinical care.
Localized dissolution of grain boundary T1 precipitates in Al-3Cu-2Li
Authors: Goswami Ramasis
Published: August 2015

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to investigate the dissolution behavior of nanocrystalline grain boundary T1 precipitates in Al-3Cu-2Li. These grain boundary T1 plates exhibit an orientation relation with matrix, with the (1-11)α-Al parallel to (0001)T1 and [022]α-Al parallel to [10-10]T1, which is similar to the orientation relationship of T1 plates formed within grains. TEM studies showed that these grain boundary T1 plates react readily in moist air. As a result of the localized dissolution, the Cu-rich clusters form onto T1, which is consistent with the localized dissolution behavior observed in nanocrystalline S phase in Al-Cu-Mg.