bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of apical blebbing in the porcine epididymis
Authors: Hughes Jennifer R. , Berger Trish
Published: December 2017

Apical blebbing, a non‐classical secretion mechanism, occurs in the mature porcine epididymis as part of its normal function. Proteins secreted by this mechanism contribute to the modification of the sperm plasma membrane during epididymal transit and are thought to contribute to acquisition of fertilizing ability. However, little is known about the regulation of this secretion mechanism in an in vivo model. Previous work demonstrated apical blebbing in the epididymis developed pubertally, suggesting androgens, sperm or other luminal factors regulated this process. Hence, the objective was to evaluate the hypothesized regulation of apical blebbing in the epididymis of pubertal boars by androgens and luminal factors. Androgen receptor blockade (flutamide) and surgical interventions (efferent duct ligation, orchidectomy or transection of the caput epididymis) were used to alter signaling, and the subsequent effects on apical blebbing were evaluated histologically. Apical blebbing was not altered by androgen receptor blockade with flutamide, but was significantly reduced 24 h after efferent duct ligation and after orchidectomy, treatments that eliminated luminal flow from the testis (P < 0.05). Like efferent duct ligation, epididymal transection altered luminal flow without removing the androgen source and significantly reduced the appearance of apical blebbing (P < 0.05). In conclusion, apical blebbing in the porcine epididymis appears to be regulated by luminal factors.
Quantitative analysis of hepatic macro‐ and microvascular alterations during cirrhogenesis in the rat
Authors: Peeters Geert , Debbaut Charlotte , Friebel Adrian , Cornillie Pieter , De Vos Winnok H. , Favere Kasper , Vander Elst Ingrid , Vandecasteele Tim , Johann Tim , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Monbaliu Diethard , Drasdo Dirk , Hoehme Stefan , Laleman Wim , Segers Patrick
Published: December 2017

Cirrhosis represents the end‐stage of any persistent chronically active liver disease. It is characterized by the complete replacement of normal liver tissue by fibrosis, regenerative nodules, and complete fibrotic vascularized septa. The resulting angioarchitectural distortion contributes to an increasing intrahepatic vascular resistance, impeding liver perfusion and leading to portal hypertension. To date, knowledge on the dynamically evolving pathological changes of the hepatic vasculature during cirrhogenesis remains limited. More specifically, detailed anatomical data on the vascular adaptations during disease development is lacking. To address this need, we studied the 3D architecture of the hepatic vasculature during induction of cirrhogenesis in a rat model. Cirrhosis was chemically induced with thioacetamide (TAA). At predefined time points, the hepatic vasculature was fixed and visualized using a combination of vascular corrosion casting and deep tissue microscopy. Three‐dimensional reconstruction and data‐fitting enabled cirrhogenic features to extracted at multiple scales, portraying the impact of cirrhosis on the hepatic vasculature. At the macrolevel, we noticed that regenerative nodules severely compressed pliant venous vessels from 12 weeks of TAA intoxication onwards. Especially hepatic veins were highly affected by this compression, with collapsed vessel segments severely reducing perfusion capabilities. At the microlevel, we discovered zone‐specific sinusoidal degeneration, with sinusoids located near the surface being more affected than those in the middle of a liver lobe. Our data shed light on and quantify the evolving angioarchitecture during cirrhogenesis. These findings may prove helpful for future targeted invasive interventions.
The impact of unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin on patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lima Fabio V. , Gruberg Luis , Aslam Usman , Ramgadoo Melissa , Clase Kydanis , Trevisan Alessandra , Jeremias Allen
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To compare bleeding and clinical events of patients with stable angina or silent ischemia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH) or bivalirudin.

Background

Few direct comparisons between UFH monotherapy versus bivalirudin exist for patients with stable ischemic heart disease undergoing PCI.

Methods

A prospective, investigator‐initiated, single‐center, single‐blinded, randomized trial of UFH versus bivalirudin was conducted. The primary endpoint was all bleeding (major and minor) from index‐hospitalization to 30 days post discharge. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCE) and net adverse clinical events (NACE).

Results

Two‐hundred‐sixty patients were randomized for treatment with either UFH (n = 123) (47%) or bivalirudin (n = 137) (53%) There were no significant differences in baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics between the two groups. Primary endpoint was similar in both groups (10.9% with bivalirudin vs 7.3% with UFH [P = 0.31]). Major bleeding rates were 5.8% and 2.4%, respectively (P = 0.17). There was a higher MACCE (3.5% vs 0%, P = 0.03) and NACE (8.8% vs 2.4%, P = 0.03) rate with bivalirudin compared to UFH, respectively. Bivalirudin had increased odds of NACE (OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.00‐13.3.6). Death and stent thrombosis rates were low and similar in both groups. Radial access was associated with fewer bleeding events compared to femoral access but not statistically significant (P = 0.29).

Conclusions

Among patients with stable angina or silent ischemia, there was no difference between UFH and bivalirudin in bleeding rates up to 30‐days post‐PCI. MACCE and NACE were higher among the bivalirudin group. Radial access was associated with a numerically lower rate of bleeding compared with femoral access.
Clinical Neuroimaging Using 7 T MRI: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Vargas Maria Isabel , Martelli Pascal , Xin Lijing , Ipek Ozlem , Grouiller Frederic , Pittau Francesca , Trampel Robert , Gruetter Rolf , Vulliemoz Serge , Lazeyras Francois
Published: December 2017

The aim of this article is to illustrate the principal challenges, from the medical and technical point of view, associated with the use of ultrahigh field (UHF) scanners in the clinical setting and to present available solutions to circumvent these limitations.

We would like to show the differences between UHF scanners and those used routinely in clinical practice, the principal advantages, and disadvantages, the different UHFs that are ready be applied to routine clinical practice such as susceptibility‐weighted imaging, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, 3‐dimensional time of flight, magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo, magnetization‐prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo, and diffusion‐weighted imaging, the technical principles of these sequences, and the particularities of advanced techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging, spectroscopy, and functional imaging at 7TMR.

Finally, the main clinical applications in the field of the neuroradiology are discussed and the side effects are reported.
Dysphagia Management for People With Intellectual Disabilities: Practitioner Identified Processes, Barriers, and Solutions
Authors: Chadwick Darren D.
Published: December 2017

Dysphagia is a significant problem for adults with ID which has received sparse attention in the research literature. Little is currently documented about how dysphagia management operates and the barriers and associated strategies to address barriers utilized in practice. A brief survey containing open‐ended questions was completed by 38 practitioners about the way their service operates, the barriers they have faced in providing support around managing dysphagia, and the solutions and strategies they have found useful. The process of dysphagia management typically involved referral and assessment, development of an intervention strategy, communication and negotiation, education and training in safe dysphagia management and monitoring, evaluation, and reassessment. Barriers were numerous but stakeholder beliefs, knowledge, and feelings underpinned many of them. Solutions varied but similarly were underpinned by good communication, building relationships, person‐centered practice and responsivity, pragmatism and innovation in training, and disseminating dysphagia management information.
Subconjunctival Dirofilaria repens infection in a dog resident in the UK
Authors: Agapito D. , Aziz N.‐A. A. , Wang T. , Morgan E. R. , Wright I.
Published: December 2017

Dirofilaria repens infection was diagnosed in a 5‐year‐old female German shepherd crossbreed, originally from Romania but brought into the UK in February 2014. The dog presented with conjunctivitis in March 2014 and then again 2 months later with additional ocular and nasal mucopurulent discharge. Bacterial cultures from the nasolacrimal duct were negative for bacterial growth. The case was referred in August 2014 for ophthalmic examination, which revealed abnormalities in both eyes, especially the left. They included mild palpebral conjunctival hyperaemia and marked follicular conjunctivitis, as well as a dorsonasal bulbar conjunctival mass. Serum biochemistry was unremarkable and a conjunctival biopsy taken from the dorsonasal bulbar conjunctival mass revealed eosinophilic/lymphoplasmacytic conjunctivitis. At re‐examination, nematodes were found in the area of the previous biopsy site and in the ventral palpebral conjunctival fornix. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing confirmed these to be D. repens. Treatment with 10% imidacloprid and 2·5% moxidectin (Advocate Spot‐On) was successful, and clinical signs resolved over a 6‐week period. This case report indicates that D. repens infection should be considered as a possible aetiological cause of ocular lesions in dogs in the UK, especially those with a history of foreign travel. Implications for establishment and spread of D. repens in the UK are discussed.
Prognostic Value of Cardiac Troponin I and L‐Lactate in Blood of Dairy Cows Affected by Downer Cow Syndrome
Authors: Labonté J. , Dubuc J. , Roy J.‐P. , Buczinski S.
Published: December 2017

Background

The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is a challenging health issue in the dairy industry. No cow‐side test is available to provide an accurate prognosis for DCS cases in farm settings.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Local or systemic hypoperfusion and myocardial lesions lead to an increase in blood concentration of biomarkers cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and L‐lactate. The objective was to determine the prognostic values of these biomarkers assessed cow‐sides in addition to clinical examinations in prognostication of a negative outcome (NO: death or euthanasia within 7 days).

Animals

218 client‐owned dairy cows affected by DCS.

Methods

In a prospective study, animals were monitored for 60 days after inclusion of each cow. Blood cTnI and L‐lactate concentrations were measured on the day of inclusion. The prognostic accuracy of both biomarkers and physical examination variables was estimated to predict NO. A mixed multivariable logistic regression model was used for data analysis.

Results

Prevalence of NO in this study was 63% on day 7. Troponin concentrations greater than 0.7 ng/mL had sensitivity and specificity of 54.1% (95% CI: 45.3–62.7%) and 78.4% (95% CI: 67.3–87.1%), respectively, for predicting NO. Blood L‐lactate was not associated with the outcome. The multivariable model revealed that heart rate >100 bpm (OR; 95% CI: 3.7; 1.3–10.2) and cTnI > 0.7 ng/mL (OR; 95% CI: 5.5; 2.1–14.6) were associated with the risk of NO.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hypertroponinemia and tachycardia were associated with reduced survival in DCS cases. The use of cow‐side blood cTnI concentrations and heart rate could help to rapidly identify cows in farm setting that have poor chances of recovery and would benefit from a more aggressive treatment or euthanasia.
Bionomics of livestock‐associated Culicoides (biting midge) bluetongue virus vectors under laboratory conditions
Authors: BARCELÓ C. , MIRANDA M. A.
Published: December 2017

Females of several species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) can transmit arboviruses of veterinary importance, for example bluetongue virus. The basic bionomics of the major bluetongue virus vector species remains unknown. This study reports on the bionomics of livestock‐associated vector Culicoides species under laboratory conditions. Insects were collected from the field from spring to autumn 2014 on a cattle farm in Spain. Eggs obtained from gravid females were maintained for larval rearing and pupal development. Culicoides imicola Kieffer took the longest time to oviposit; the highest number of eggs was laid by Culicoides circumscriptus Kieffer (148.7 ± 73.8 eggs). Field‐collected gravid C. imicola and Obsoletus complex females showed the longest lifespans. The longest lifecycle, generally more than 40 days, was recorded for Culicoides cataneii Clastrier. Culicoides paolae Boorman and C. circumscriptus seemed to be the most suitable for laboratory rearing in view of their high oviposition rates, short lifecycles, long adult lifespans and female‐biased sex ratios. Vector species such as Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen) appeared difficult to maintain in colonies in the laboratory. This research contributes to knowledge of the basic bionomic parameters of vector and non‐vector Culicoides species, highlighting the complexities involved in the establishment of sustainable laboratory colonies of field‐collected Culicoides species.
Ensemble gene function prediction database reveals genes important for complex I formation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hansen Bjoern Oest , Meyer Etienne H. , Ferrari Camilla , Vaid Neha , Movahedi Sara , Vandepoele Klaas , Nikoloski Zoran , Mutwil Marek
Published: December 2017

Recent advances in gene function prediction rely on ensemble approaches that integrate results from multiple inference methods to produce superior predictions. Yet, these developments remain largely unexplored in plants.

We have explored and compared two methods to integrate 10 gene co‐function networks for Arabidopsis thaliana and demonstrate how the integration of these networks produces more accurate gene function predictions for a larger fraction of genes with unknown function.

These predictions were used to identify genes involved in mitochondrial complex I formation, and for five of them, we confirmed the predictions experimentally. The ensemble predictions are provided as a user‐friendly online database, EnsembleNet.

The methods presented here demonstrate that ensemble gene function prediction is a powerful method to boost prediction performance, whereas the EnsembleNet database provides a cutting‐edge community tool to guide experimentalists.
The iron‐regulated transporter 1 plays an essential role in uptake, translocation and grain‐loading of manganese, but not iron, in barley
Authors: Long Lizhi , Persson Daniel P. , Duan Fengying , Jørgensen Kirsten , Yuan Lixing , Schjoerring Jan K. , Pedas Pai R.
Published: December 2017

Transporters involved in manganese (Mn) uptake and intracellular Mn homeostasis in Arabidopsis and rice are well characterized, while much less is known for barley, which is particularly prone to Mn deficiency. In this study we have investigated the role of the iron‐regulated transporter 1 (IRT1) for Mn uptake and translocation in barley plants.

We employed an RNAi approach to reduce HvIRT1 expression to 5% of the wild‐type level. This enabled characterization of the functional role of HvIRT1 by use of advanced imaging and phenotyping techniques applied to plants growing in hydroponics or soils with different Mn availability.

Our results highlight the importance of HvIRT1 for the transport of Mn across the root endodermis into the stele. In the hvirt1‐RNAi lines, a chlorotic phenotype with reduced shoot Mn concentration and impaired photosynthetic functionality was observed, especially under conditions with low Mn availability. We also document that HvIRT1 controlled the Mn distribution within the barley grain. Surprisingly, unlike other IRT1 orthologues, HvIRT1 played no significant role in iron uptake.

We conclude that the barley IRT1 orthologue has a novel function with respect to ensuring sufficient shoot Mn concentrations. The preference of IRT1 for Mn instead of Fe is discussed in an evolutionary context.
A prospective cohort study assessing the appearance of retrieved aesthetic orthodontic archwires
Authors: Collier S. , Pandis N. , Johal A. , Qureshi U. , Sharma P. K. , Fleming P. S.
Published: December 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the appearance of three esthetic nickel titanium (NiTi) wires after 6 weeks of intra‐oral cycling and to determine the association between objective and subjective measures of esthetics.

Setting and Sample Population

A prospective cohort study was undertaken involving participants undergoing upper fixed orthodontic appliance treatment with ceramic brackets.

Materials and Methods

Fifty participants were assigned to one of three groups of NiTi esthetic wires (American Orthodontics Ever White™, Forestadent Biocosmetic™ and GAC High Aesthetic™), with wires retrieved after 6 weeks in situ. Participants completed a bespoke questionnaire exploring perceptions of wire esthetics. Objective measurement of coating loss was undertaken using a custom arch wire jig.

Results

American Orthodontics Ever White™ had the greatest mean coating loss (50.7%) followed by Forestadent Biocosmetic™ (6%), with GAC High Aesthetic TM undergoing minimal loss (0.07%) (P < .001). The majority of coating loss with the American Orthodontics Ever White™ wires arose in the anterior region while Forestadent Biocosmetic™ wires and GAC High Aesthetic™ wires exhibited coating loss posteriorly (P < .001). These findings were reflected in the subjective assessment with a negative correlation found between coating loss and final Visual Analogue Scale scores (P < .001).

Conclusions

Considerable esthetic variation between arch wires following 6 weeks of intraoral cycling was identified in this prospective cohort study. Intraoral cycling has a negative impact on participant perception of arch wire esthetics, and objective and subjective assessment of wire esthetics appears to be consistent.
Imaging‐based predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Routh Jared M. , Joseph Lee , Marthaler Brodie R. , Bhave Prashant D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Cardiac conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation are major complications of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to investigate whether the relationship between prosthetic valve size and cardiac‐gated computed tomography (CT)‐based aortic root complex measurements can aid in recognizing patients at risk for PPM implantation post‐TAVR.

Methods

We included 83 of 114 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with the Edwards Sapien valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irving, CA, USA) at our institution. We excluded patients with preexisting PPM, patients who required conversion to an open surgical procedure, and patients without CT data. We assessed the significance of various potential predictors of PPM placement post‐TAVR.

Results

Following TAVR, eight patients (9.6%) required PPM. Prosthetic valve to sinus of Valsalva (SOV) index was significantly higher in those patients requiring a PPM post‐TAVR (84.1 ± 9.3 vs 76.8 ± 7.1, P  =  0.009).

Conclusions

The prosthetic valve size to diameter of SOV index was identified as a novel predictor of PPM implantation after TAVR.
Cerebrovascular blood pressure autoregulation monitoring and postoperative transient ischemic attack in pediatric moyamoya vasculopathy
Authors: Lee Jennifer K. , Williams Monica , Reyes Michael , Ahn Edward S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Children with moyamoya vasculopathy are at high risk of perioperative cerebral ischemia or hyperperfusion. Maintaining blood pressure within the range of functional cerebrovascular blood pressure autoregulation might reduce the risk of perioperative neurologic injury.

Aims

We tested whether blood pressure autoregulation is associated with postoperative transient ischemic attack in a study of patients with pediatric moyamoya vasculopathy.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of 15 pediatric patients undergoing surgical revascularization with pial synangiosis. Nine patients had bilateral moyamoya and 6 had unilateral moyamoya. We measured autoregulatory vasoreactivity intraoperatively and during the first postoperative night with the hemoglobin volume index, a value derived from near‐infrared spectroscopy. We also identified the optimal mean arterial blood pressure at which autoregulation was most robust in each patient.

Results

Of the 15 children monitored, 3 with bilateral moyamoya and one with unilateral moyamoya experienced a transient ischemic attack. Poorer autoregulation during surgery was associated with postoperative transient ischemic attack among those with bilateral vasculopathy (P = .048, difference in hemoglobin volume index medians: 0.023, 95% confidence interval: 0.003‐0.071). This relationship was not observed with postoperative autoregulation. The optimal mean arterial blood pressure was identifiable during surgery in all monitored patients, varied among patients, and often differed between the intraoperative and postoperative periods.

Conclusion

Dysfunctional intraoperative autoregulation may increase the risk of TIA in patients with pediatric moyamoya vasculopathy. The blood pressure range that supports autoregulation appears to vary among patients. Using autoregulation monitoring to guide individualized blood pressure goals should be studied as a potential method to reduce perioperative neurologic morbidity in pediatric patients with moyamoya.
Homoeologous exchange is a major cause of gene presence/absence variation in the amphidiploid Brassica napus
Authors: Hurgobin Bhavna , Golicz Agnieszka A. , Bayer Philipp E. , Chan Chon‐Kit Kenneth , Tirnaz Soodeh , Dolatabadian Aria , Schiessl Sarah V. , Samans Birgit , Montenegro Juan D. , Parkin Isobel A. P. , Pires J. Chris , Chalhoub Boulos , King Graham J. , Snowdon Rod , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: December 2017

Homoeologous exchanges (HEs) have been shown to generate novel gene combinations and phenotypes in a range of polyploid species. Gene presence/absence variation (PAV) is also a major contributor to genetic diversity. In this study, we show that there is an association between these two events, particularly in recent Brassica napus synthetic accessions, and that these represent a novel source of genetic diversity, which can be captured for the improvement of this important crop species. By assembling the pangenome of B. napus, we show that 38% of the genes display PAV behaviour, with some of these variable genes predicted to be involved in important agronomic traits including flowering time, disease resistance, acyl lipid metabolism and glucosinolate metabolism. This study is a first and provides a detailed characterization of the association between HEs and PAVs in B. napus at the pangenome level.
Excellent response to ustekinumab in a 9‐year‐old girl with severe psoriasis
Authors: González‐Barreto Reina M. , Rochet Nicole M. , Nevares‐Pomales Oscar W. , Colón‐Fontanez Francisco
Published: December 2017

We report the case of a 9‐year‐old girl with severe plaque psoriasis refractory to multiple topical and systemic therapies. Physical examination revealed extensive, erythematous plaques with overlying thick scales that covered more than 80% of her body surface area, which included the face, scalp, trunk, and limbs. Because of the severity of the disease and lack of treatment response to other systemic therapies, she was treated with ustekinumab. Three weeks after ustekinumab was initiated, her psoriatic lesions fully cleared.
Prevalence and characteristics of human parechovirus and enterovirus infection in febrile infants
Authors: Sano Kentaro , Hamada Hiromichi , Hirose Shoko , Sugiura Kenta , Harada Satoko , Koizumi Mai , Hara Mayumi , Nishijima Haruna , Taira Masakatsu , Ogura Atsushi , Ogawa Tomoko , Takanashi Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2017

Background

Human parechovirus (HPeV) and human non‐polio enterovirus (EV) are important causes of fever without source (FWS) in young infants. Their prevalence and clinical characteristics are largely unknown in Asian countries. This study was conducted to elucidate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of HPeV and EV infection in febrile young infants in Japan.

Methods

During February 2010–August 2015, we obtained 53 stool, 44 throat swab, and 20 cerebrospinal fluid samples from 56 infants (<3 months) with FWS at a single hospital. To each sample, we applied reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for HPeV and EV. We compared the clinical characteristics of HPeV and EV patients.

Results

HPeV was detected in 11 and EV in 17 patients. HPeV was detected during July–September. HPeV patients, compared with EV patients, had lower age (32 vs 47 days; P = n.s.), higher prevalence of exclusive breast‐feeding (81.8 vs 29.4%; P = 0.024), and lower prevalence of sick contacts (36.4 vs 88.2%; P = 0.010). More HPeV than EV patients met the systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (90.9 vs 52.9%; P = 0.049). In the HPeV group, leukopenia, thrombopenia, and elevated deviation enzyme were observed, although the prevalence of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid was significantly lower than in the EV group. HPeV patients had longer hospital stay (7 vs 5 days; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

HPeV and EV are important causal viruses of FWS. Characteristic clinical pictures exist in these virus infections, but further research is needed to accumulate more cases to produce a comprehensive picture of these virus infections.
Investigating snowpack volumes and icing dynamics in the moraine of an Arctic catchment using UAV photogrammetry
Authors: Bernard Éric , Friedt J. M. , Tolle F. , Griselin M. , Marlin Ch. , Prokop A.
Published: December 2017

Methods for assessing the contribution of the proglacial moraine into the water budget of an Arctic glacier are investigated. High spatial resolution elevation models at different seasons are needed to estimate the volume of ice and snow accumulated during winter in this part of the catchment basin and released into rivers during the melting season. Lidar currently provides the highest resolution for the generation of digital elevation models (DEMs). This paper considers the complementary use of a commercial off‐the‐shelf DJI Phantom 3 Professional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for acquiring aerial photography, combined with structure‐from‐motion (SfM) analysis, for DEM computation. DEM differences between datasets acquired in April (maximum snow accumulation) and September (minimum snow cover) yield a volume difference attributed either to snow cover or icing formation. Repeated measurements over a short period highlight the processes of snow‐cover storage in the moraine and melting dynamics.
God save the queen, god save us all? Monarchies and institutional quality
Authors: Garmann Sebastian
Published: December 2017

Until the beginning of the 20th century, monarchy was the predominant constitutional form and is still in place today in many countries. However, although a voluminous body of research is concerned with the consequences of constitutions for human development and institutional quality, research on the consequences of monarchy is almost non‐existent. This paper explores the effects of monarchy on economic institutional quality and provides evidence that monarchies are associated with significantly better institutions. Robustness checks indicate that this result cannot be explained through alternative channels such as monarchies being on average richer or smaller.
Cultural Policy, Governance and Urban Diversity: Resident Perspectives from Birmingham, UK
Authors: Warren Saskia , Jones Phil
Published: December 2017

Within a paradigm of culture‐led urban competition, discourse and debate has focused on attracting the mobile creative class, diverting attention on cultural resources for lesser privileged groups, both established and new. Policy agendas behind culture and the arts at the neighbourhood level are quietly shifting however, with increasing emphasis on social cohesion and integration. This paper investigates for the first time how co‐producing cultural activities can be used to stimulate more distributed and discursive strategies of decision‐making at the neighbourhood‐level. Bringing together debates on cultural policy, urban governance, and diversity this paper makes two key points: (i) geographical discourse on cultural and arts needs to reflect more upon gender, faith, ethnicity and race; (ii) dialogue enabled by focus groups can generate new participatory strategies for pluralising cultural governance in multi‐cultural and disinvested neighbourhoods.
The pseudogenes of barley
Authors: Prade Verena M. , Gundlach Heidrun , Twardziok Sven , Chapman Brett , Tan Cong , Langridge Peter , Schulman Alan H. , Stein Nils , Waugh Robbie , Zhang Guoping , Platzer Matthias , Li Chengdao , Spannagl Manuel , Mayer Klaus F. X.
Published: December 2017

Pseudogenes have a reputation of being ‘evolutionary relics’ or ‘junk DNA’. While they are well characterized in mammals, studies in more complex plant genomes have so far been hampered by the absence of reference genome sequences. Barley is one of the economically most important cereals and has a genome size of 5.1 Gb. With the first high‐quality genome reference assembly available for a Triticeae crop, we conducted a whole‐genome assessment of pseudogenes on the barley genome. We identified, characterized and classified 89 440 gene fragments and pseudogenes scattered along the chromosomes, with occasional hotspots and higher densities at the chromosome ends. Full‐length pseudogenes (11 015) have preferentially retained their exon–intron structure. Retrotransposition of processed mRNAs only plays a marginal role in their creation. However, the distribution of retroposed pseudogenes reflects the Rabl configuration of barley chromosomes and thus hints at founding mechanisms. While parent genes related to the defense‐response were found to be under‐represented in cultivated barley, we detected several defense‐related pseudogenes in wild barley accessions. The percentage of transcriptionally active pseudogenes is 7.2%, and these may potentially adopt new regulatory roles.The barley genome is rich in pseudogenes and small gene fragments mainly located towards chromosome tips or as tandemly repeated units. Our results indicate non‐random duplication and pseudogenization preferences and improve our understanding of the dynamics of gene birth and death in large plant genomes and the mechanisms that lead to evolutionary innovations.
The role of water in plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Aung Kyaw , Jiang Yanjuan , He Sheng Yang
Published: December 2017

Throughout their life plants are associated with various microorganisms, including commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogens are genetically adapted to aggressively colonize and proliferate in host plants to cause disease. However, disease outbreaks occur only under permissive environmental conditions. The interplay between host, pathogen and environment is famously known as the ‘disease triangle’. Among the environmental factors, rainfall events, which often create a period of high atmospheric humidity, have repeatedly been shown to promote disease outbreaks in plants, suggesting that the availability of water is crucial for pathogenesis. During pathogen infection, water‐soaking spots are frequently observed on infected leaves as an early symptom of disease. Recent studies have shown that pathogenic bacteria dedicate specialized virulence proteins to create an aqueous habitat inside the leaf apoplast under high humidity. Water availability in the apoplastic environment, and probably other associated changes, can determine the success of potentially pathogenic microbes. These new findings reinforce the notion that the fight over water may be a major battleground between plants and pathogens. In this article, we will discuss the role of water availability in host–microbe interactions, with a focus on plant–bacterial interactions.
Where at home do exporters produce and export?
Authors: Hirose Kyoko , Yoshida Yushi
Published: December 2017

Foreign growth can induce changes in production structures across domestic regions through international trade. With a two‐country model with the explicit incorporation of two regions in the home country, we show that effects of foreign growth on exports and production to be possibly asymmetric among home regions. This foreign‐growth effect is especially prominent in Asia with China emerging as the largest trading country. We empirically test our theoretical hypothesis with the data set of Japanese regions. We find evidence that the growth of Asian countries leads to a change in the regional structure of exports and production in Japan. With respect to an adjacent Asian country, the growth of a foreign country exerts opposite effects on production among Japanese regions.
Radiographic features of congenital segmental dilation of the intestine in a german shepherd dog
Authors: Johnson Laura , Simone Kristina , Cullen John , Talley Ashley , Cohen Eli B.
Published: December 2017

A 10‐week‐old spayed female German Shepherd Dog was presented for acute vomiting and diarrhea. There was no reported foreign body or toxin ingestion. Radiographs showed a severely (∼11 × 7 cm), focally distended right abdominal intestinal segment containing gas and soft tissue material. Other small intestinal segments were segmentally gas distended. Celiotomy identified a ∼9 cm focally dilated segment at the jejunoileal junction with no aborad luminal obstruction. Resection and anastomosis of the dilation was performed. Histopathology showed mild mucosal inflammation, but otherwise normal wall layering and autonomic ganglia. Radiographic and histopathologic findings were consistent with congenital segmental dilation of the intestine.
Interobserver reliability of computed tomographic contouring of canine tonsils in radiation therapy treatment planning
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Rancilio Nicholas J. , Plantenga Jeannie Poulson , Moore George E. , Heng Hock Gan , Lim Chee Kin
Published: December 2017

In radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning for canine head and neck cancer, the tonsils may be included as part of the treated volume. Delineation of tonsils on computed tomography (CT) scans is difficult. Error or uncertainty in the volume and location of contoured structures may result in treatment failure. The purpose of this prospective, observer agreement study was to assess the interobserver agreement of tonsillar contouring by two groups of trained observers. Thirty dogs undergoing pre‐ and post‐contrast CT studies of the head were included. After the pre‐ and postcontrast CT scans, the tonsils were identified via direct visualization, barium paste was applied bilaterally to the visible tonsils, and a third CT scan was acquired. Data from each of the three CT scans were registered in an RT treatment planning system. Two groups of observers (one veterinary radiologist and one veterinary radiation oncologist in each group) contoured bilateral tonsils by consensus, obtaining three sets of contours. Tonsil volume and location data were obtained from both groups. The contour volumes and locations were compared between groups using mixed (fixed and random effect) linear models. There was no significant difference between each group's contours in terms of three‐dimensional coordinates. However there was a significant difference between each group's contours in terms of the tonsillar volume (P < 0.0001). Pre‐ and postcontrast CT can be used to identify the location of canine tonsils with reasonable agreement between trained observers. Discrepancy in tonsillar volume between groups of trained observers may affect RT treatment outcome.
A quilting subcutaneous suture pattern to reduce seroma formation and pain 24 hours after midline celiotomy in dogs: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Travis Blake M. , Hayes Galina M. , Vissio K. , Harvey H. J. , Flanders James A. , Sumner Julia P.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine the influence of a quilting suture pattern tacking the subcutaneous tissues to the deep fascia on complications after midline celiotomy in dogs.

Study design

Single‐center, randomized, blinded, controlled trial conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Four hundred thirty‐two dogs undergoing midline celiotomy for ovariohysterectomy (n = 249) or other abdominal procedures (n = 183).

Methods

Dogs were randomly assigned to (1) a quilting group, subcutaneous tissue with apposition plus tacking to the rectus fascia or (2) a nonquilting group, with apposition of subcutaneous tissue without tacking. Randomization was stratified on hospital admitting service. Primary outcome was the incidence of incisional seroma. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain the day after surgery and surgical site infection (SSI). Outcomes were assessed during the first 30 postoperative days.

Results

No differences were detected between the quilting group (n = 183) and the nonquilting group (n = 175) in terms of illness severity, surgical procedure performed, surgeon's experience, duration of surgery, intraoperative complications, or methods of surgical closure other than the intervention under study. In an intent‐to‐treat analysis, the incidence of incisional seroma was lower in the quilting group (odds ratio = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13‐0.67, P = .004). Pain assessed 24 hours postoperatively was lower in the quilting group (P = .03). The incidence of SSI did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Tacking the subcutaneous tissues to the deep fascia is indicated to reduce seroma during celiotomy closure.
Three‐dimensional morphology and volume of the free Achilles tendon at rest and under load in people with unilateral mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Nuri Leila , Obst Steven J. , Newsham‐West Richard , Barrett Rod S.
Published: December 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to determine the effect of mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) on free Achilles tendon three‐dimensional morphology and volume at rest and under load in people with unilateral MAT.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Tendinopathic tendon had a larger resting tendon cross‐sectional area and anteroposterior diameter relative to healthy tendon. When loaded, tendinopathic tendon experienced a reduction in transverse morphology (i.e. cross‐sectional area, anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters) and overall volume reduction. In contrast, the healthy tendon remained isovolumetric and bulged along the anteroposterior axis. These findings suggest a fundamental reorganization of tendinopathic tendon matrix components and altered tendon fluid content when under load.

Mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) adversely affects free Achilles tendon (AT) structure and composition. However, it is not known how these pathological alterations associated with MAT change the normal three‐dimensional (3‐D) morphology of free AT at rest and under load throughout the entire free tendon length. Here, we used 3‐D ultrasound to examine the effect of unilateral MAT on free tendon 3‐D morphology [length, cross‐sectional area (CSA), anteroposterior (AP) diameter and mediolateral (ML) diameter] and volume at rest and during a submaximal (50%) voluntary isometric plantarflexion contraction bilaterally in individuals with unilateral MAT (n = 10) compared with a matched healthy control group (n = 10). The tendinopathic free AT had a greater CSA relative to the control tendons along the entire tendon length, which was mainly driven by a greater tendon AP diameter. Under load, the tendinopathic tendon experienced greater longitudinal and transverse strains than the control tendons. In contrast to the control tendons, which experienced a reduction in tendon CSA and ML diameter, bulged along the AP axis and behaved isovolumetrically under load, the tendinopathic tendon experienced a reduction in tendon CSA, AP diameter and ML diameter and an overall volume reduction. Overall, these findings suggest that the magnitude of longitudinal strain and volume change and the corresponding magnitude and direction of transverse strain under load are altered in MAT compared with normal tendon. These findings are indicative of a fundamental reorganization of the tendon matrix and alterations in tendon fluid content and distribution under load in tendinopathic tendon.
Compensation for the Residual Error of the Voltage Drive of the Charge Control of a Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Liu Shih-Tang , Yen Jia-Yush , Wang Fu-Cheng
Published: December 2017

One very effective approach to suppress hysteresis from the piezoelectric actuator is to use the charge control across the associated capacitance. The charge driver often uses an additional capacitor connected to the piezo-actuator in series for the charge sense feedback control. When this charge sense is used with a voltage drive for the charge control, the applied voltage will include two parts. The one is the voltage drop across the useful electro-mechanical part and effectively converted to the driving force, whereas the other part indicates the equivalent voltage drop due to the hysteresis. In our research, we noticed that it is possible to use a simple estimator as the hysteresis voltage observer and use it to precompensate for the voltage drop. Comparing to the conventional hysteresis suppression achieved by the closed-loop positional control, we show significant improvement of the control performance. For dynamic applications, we also proposed a combination of the Preisach model with the hysteresis estimator to better suppress the nonlinear behavior. A series of experiments were conducted to demonstrate the performance improvement of the proposed compensator. A 10 nm and 25 nm maximum tracking error can be maintained while tracking a staircase reference and a 30 Hz sinusoidal signal, respectively.
Implementation of ASME OM Requirements in IST Programs in Spain: Special Focus on ISTA General Requirements
Authors: Fiol Martínez Francisco , García Rocasolano Jesús
Published: December 2017

Throughout the world, IST Programs are usually required by the Regulatory Body that holds authority over the site. IST programs have several sources. Typically, these include IST Codes and Standards, Plant Technical Specifications, Final Safety Analysis Report and, should the plant have developed it, the Probability Risk Assessment. Rulemaking clarifications, modifications and requirements play a key role connecting all applicable documentation. In Spain, the Spanish Regulatory Body, CSN (Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear) requires all NPPs to develop and implement an IST Program according to the Codes and Standards of the country of design origin. As a result, all Spanish NPPs that have been designed in the US follow a 10CFR50.55a and ASME OM IST-based approach. In order to be able to operate, Spanish NPPs must have an official document called “MISI”, which stands for Manual of In-Service Inspection. The scope of this manual is wide: at the very least MISIs include in their scope ASME OM, ASME Section XI and Appendix J requirements. In this presentation, we explain how we intertwine NRC Regulations with our Regulatory Body’s Regulations, and applicable Codes and Standards specially focusing on ASME OM ISTA requirements.

Paper published with permission.
Smooth Running Pumps
Authors: Moenkedick Betsy , McGaha Mel
Published: December 2017

Smooth Running Pumps have been an Industry issue since 1988. This caused many nuclear plants to obtain a Relief Request to use alternative requirements than those specified in the tables in subsections ISTB or ISTF of the ASME OM Code. Code Case OMN-22, Smooth Running Pumps, was approved in January 2017 for pumps with very low reference value vibration levels. This Code Case specifies the alternative requirements that may be used in lieu of the applicable Code subsections.

Paper published with permission.
Terry Turbopump Expanded Operating Band
Authors: Osborn Douglas M. , Ross Kyle , Cardoni Jeff , Solom Matt , Zhao Haihua , O’Brien James , Vierow-Kirkland Karen , Bergman Mark , Bunt Randy
Published: December 2017

The Terry turbine is a small, single-stage, compound-velocity impulse turbine originally designed and manufactured by the Terry Steam Turbine Company purchased by Ingersoll-Rand in 1974. Terry turbines are currently manufactured and marketed by Dresser-Rand. Terry turbines were principally designed for waste-steam applications. Terry turbopumps are ubiquitous to the US nuclear fleet as a steam driven turbopump in either the reactor core isolation cooling system (RCIC) and high pressure coolant injection systems for boiling water reactors (BWRs) or in the auxiliary feedwater system (AFW) system for pressurized water reactors (PWRs).

Prior to the accidents at Fukushima Daiichi, assumptions and modeling of the performance of Terry turbopumps were based mostly on generic vendor use of NEMA SM23 Steam Turbine for Mechanical Drive Service guidance [1]. However, the RCIC/AFW system performance (i.e., the Terry turbopump) under beyond design basis event (BDBE) conditions is poorly known and largely based on conservative assumptions used in probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) applications. For example, common PRA practice holds that battery power (DC) is required for RCIC operation to control the vessel water level, and that loss of DC power results in RCIC flooding of the steam lines and an assumed subsequent failure of the RCIC turbopump system. This assumption for PRA implies that RCIC operation should terminate on battery depletion which can range from 4 to 12 hours. In contrast, real-world observation from Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2 shows that RCIC function was not terminated by uncontrolled steam line flooding or loss of control power, and in fact provided coolant injection for nearly three days [2].

There is a current effort being undertaken by the US industry, the US Department of Energy (DOE), and the Government of Japan to investigate the true operating band of the Terry turbopump for BDBE conditions. This paper provides a summary of the experimental and modeling efforts to date.

Paper published with permission.