bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperestrogenism and low serum testosterone-17β-estradiol ratio are associated with non-bacterial male accessory gland inflammation
Authors: Condorelli Rosita A , Calogero Aldo E , La Vignera Sandro
Published: April 2016

This study evaluated the serum concentrations of the main sex hormones in selected patients with non-bacterial male accessory gland infection (MAGI). The results suggest that the mean serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol (method : chemiluminescence) in these patients are significantly higher compared to the controls (55.0 ± 15.0 vs. 26.5 ± 12.0 pg/mL; P <0.05) and the percentage of patients with MAGI and associated hyperestrogenism (according to the laboratory range used in this study) was significantly higher (25.00% vs. 3.00%; P <0.05). Moreover, the percentage of patients with non-bacterial MAGI and associated testosterone deficiency (serum total testosterone <2.49 ng/mL) was significantly higher (18.00% vs. 2.00%; P <0.05). Finally, patients with non-bacterial MAGI showed a significantly lower total testosterone-17β-estradiol ratio compared to the controls (72.7 vs. 173.0; P <0.05). The results of this study, with some limitations (in particular the method applied for the determination of serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol) represent in our opinion, a topic worthy of further investigation for a correct endocrinological characterization of these patients, useful for clinical practice.
The protective effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on neurochemical phenotypes of dorsal root ganglion neurons with BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity in vitro
Authors: Bai Xue , Chen Tianhua , Gao Yang , Li Hao , Li Zhenzhong , Liu Zhen
Published: April 2016

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exist extensively in the environment as contaminants, in which 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6,6′-decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is the most abundant PBDE found in human samples. BDE-209 has been shown to cause neurotoxicity of primary sensory neurons with few effective therapeutic options available. Here, cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were used to determine the therapeutic effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity. The results showed that IGF-1 promoted neurite outgrowth and cell viability of DRG neurons with BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity. IGF-1 inhibited oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death caused by BDE-209 exposure. IGF-1 could reverse the decrease in growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), but not neurofilament-200 (NF-200), expression resulting from BDE-209 exposure. The effects of IGF-1 could be blocked by the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD98059 and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, either alone or in combination. IGF-1 may play an important role in neuroprotective effects on DRG neurons with BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity through inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis and regulating GAP-43 and CGRP expression of DRG neurons. Both ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were involved in the effects of IGF-1. Thus, IGF-1 might be one of the therapeutic agents on BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity.
Increased Force Required With Proposed Standardized Enteral Feed Connector in Blenderized Tube Feeding
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Epp Lisa , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: April 2016

Background: Enteral tube misconnections resulting in enteral nutrition being provided into the wrong port or tube has been increasingly reported, prompting the development of new international design standards for medical device tubing connectors. Methods: Four sample enteral feeds with varying viscosity were placed into a syringe with either the current feeding connector or a prototype ENFit connector. The force (N) required to compress the syringe was gathered through a dynamic mechanical analyzer (RSA G2 Solids Analyzer; TA Instruments). Results: The force needed to compress the syringe was lowest with a fiber‐containing formula (Jevity 1 Cal, Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH), and a decline in force was detected with the ENFit compared with the current connector (8.61 ± 0.27 N vs 9.62 ± 0.23 N, P < .001). A commercial blenderized formula (Liquid Hope, Functional Formularies, Centerville, OH) required slightly higher force with the ENFit than the current connector (16.82 ± 1.23 N vs 14.5 ± 0.03 N, P < .001). Another commercial blenderized formula (Salmon, Oats, & Squash, Real Food Blends, Chesterton, IN) and a homemade blenderized recipe required significantly more force with the ENFit than the current tube (34.12 ± 0.95 N vs 22.91 ± 0.06 N, P < .001; 34.95 ± 0.06 N vs 27.72 ± 0.07 N, P < .001, respectively). Conclusion: ENFit adapter implementation is the largest change to home enteral nutrition in more than a decade. Additional rigorous testing is required to ensure that the needs of all patients receiving home enteral nutrition are met prior to widespread adoption.
Receipt of Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder by Male Justice-Involved U.S. Veterans Health Administration Patients
Authors: Finlay Andrea K. , Binswanger Ingrid , Timko Christine , Rosenthal Joel , Clark Sean , Blue-Howells Jessica , McGuire Jim , Hagedorn Hildi , Wong Jessie , Van Campen James , Harris Alex H. S.
Published: April 2016

This study examined whether, among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients, veterans with recent or current justice involvement have equal receipt of pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder compared with veterans with no justice involvement. Using national VHA records, we calculated the overall and facility rates of receipt as the number of patients who received pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder divided by the number of patients diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. Using a mixed-effects logistic regression model, we tested whether justice involvement was associated with pharmacotherapy receipt. Male veterans with jail/court involvement had significantly higher odds of receiving pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder compared with other male veterans. Justice-involved veterans had equal or better receipt of pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder compared with veterans with no justice involvement. Pharmacotherapy rates are low overall, suggesting that more work can be done to connect veterans to these medications.
Synthesis and characterization of modified epoxy resins and novel E-glass-/spectra-reinforced composites
Authors: Hamed Amira Ahmed , Saad Gamal Riad , Elsabee Maher Z
Published: April 2016

Siliconized epoxy matrix systems have been developed using diglycidyl ether bisphenol A LY556 epoxy resin as a base, hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane as modifier, and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as cross-linking agent together with dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. Triethylene tetramine was used as a curing agent. Electrical-resistant glass (E-glass) and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (spectra)-reinforced composites are fabricated by hand-layup technique using the siliconized epoxy matrix systems. The effect of siloxane and the two fibers on the thermal and morphological characteristics of the siliconized epoxy polymer composites were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The study reveals that the thermal stability of the epoxy systems is enhanced when siloxane is incorporated in them. Morphological studies show that the E-glass fiber reinforcement has better intermolecular adhesion to the epoxy resin than spectra reinforcement due to the presence of ionic sites.
Envelope demodulation based on variational mode decomposition for gear fault diagnosis
Authors: An Xueli , Zeng Hongtao , Li Chaoshun
Published: April 2016

A new time–frequency analysis method, based on variational mode decomposition, was investigated. When a gear fault occurs, its vibration signal is nonstationary, nonlinear, and exhibits complex modulation performance. According to the modulation characteristics of the gear vibration signal arising from faults therein, a gear fault diagnosis method based on variational mode decomposition and envelope analysis was proposed. The variational mode decomposition method can decompose a complex signal into several stable components. The obtained components were analyzed by envelope demodulation. According to the envelope spectrum, gear faults can be diagnosed. In essence, the variational mode decomposition method can decompose a multi-component signal into a number of single component amplitude modulation–frequency modulation signals. The method is suited to the handling of multi-component amplitude modulation–frequency modulation signals. The simulated signal and the actual gear fault vibration signals were analyzed. The results showed that the method can be effectively applied to gear fault diagnosis.
Fiber Bragg grating plate structure shape reconstruction algorithm based on orthogonal curve net
Authors: Zhang Hesheng , Zhu Xiaojin , Gao Zhiyuan , Liu Kaining , Jiang Fan
Published: April 2016

A space curved surface shape reconstruction algorithm is proposed for shape perception and reconstruction of flexible plate structure. First, biorthogonal strain data measured by optimal distributed Fiber Bragg grating sensor network are converted to discrete curvature data. Second, interpolation is done to achieve curvature continuity for structural deformation. Third, moving coordinate systems are established in two orthogonal directions of the orthogonal curved network on the plate surface. Then, all nodal coordinates are computed using the given boundary conditions and nodal curvature. Coordinate transformation is done for two orthogonal coordinates according to the coupling relationship. Finally, a square flexible smart Fiber Bragg grating plate is constructed by implanting fiber grating sensor network, and a visualization experimental platform is constructed. Experimental analysis and verification were done. The experimental results show that the proposed shape reconstruction algorithm has good reconstruction performance for pure bending deformation, torsional deformation, and low-frequency dynamic vibration shape.
Veterans’ Pharmacy and Health Care Utilization Following Implementation of the Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefit
Authors: Stroupe Kevin T. , Bailey Lauren , Gellad Walid F. , Suda Katie , Huo Zhiping , Martinez Rachael , Burk Muriel , Cunningham Francesca , Smith Bridget M.
Published: April 2016

We examined associations between enrollment in Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits and changes in medication acquisition from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacies. We included all women and a random 10% sample of men who were VA enrollees, ≥65 years old as of January 1, 2004, and alive through December 2007. We used difference-in-differences models with propensity score weighting to examine changes in medication acquisition between 2005 (before Part D was implemented) and 2007 (after Part D implementation) for veterans who were or were not Part D enrolled. Of 231,716 veterans meeting inclusion criteria, 49,881 (21.5%) were enrolled. While 30-day medication supplies decreased from 26.2 to 23.4 for enrolled veterans, they increased from 36.6 to 37.4 for nonenrolled veterans (difference-in-differences: −4.0, p < .001). Reductions in 30-day supplies were greater among veterans who were required to pay VA copayments for some or all medications and who used VA and Medicare outpatient services.
Property and structure changes of myofibril protein in pork treated by high pressure combined with heat
Authors: Huang Yechuan , Guo Liping , Xiong Shuangli , Li Anlin
Published: April 2016

The effects of myofibril protein in pork treated by high hydrostatic pressure combined with heat were investigated. The solubility of myofibril protein significantly increased up to 400 MPa but since then began to decrease up to 600 MPa. The best solubility was shown under all pressure at 35 ℃ and the lowest solubility was observed at 55 ℃. The carbonyl group value, disulfide bond and surface hydrophobicity exhibited pressure-dependent increase in the same manner. Particle size decreased up to 400 MPa and then increased up to 600 MPa, but the turbidity always reduced. The increase of intrinsic fluorescence intensity with red shift and decrease of absorbance around 278 nm with blue shift indicated that protein unfolding and exposure of hydrophobic amino acid occurred with increase of pressure. The second derivative infrared spectra and curve fittings suggested that high pressure induced reduction of β-sheet structures, enhancement of α-helix and random coil and β-turns segments, which was opposite to the effects of temperature. Emission scanning electron microscope assay further demonstrated protein unfolding and aggregation process induced by different pressure and temperature. The data suggested that cooperative effect of moderate pressure and temperature could improve physical-chemical and processing properties of meat.
Validation of Photograph-Based Toxicity Score for Topical 5-Fluorouracil Cream Application
Authors: Pomerantz Hyemin , Korgavkar Kaveri , Lee Kachiu C. , Lew Robert , Weinstock Martin A. ,   VAKCC Trial Group
Published: April 2016

Background:

An objective tool quantifying the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from photographs was recently reported, and its reliability was confirmed.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to validate the photograph-based toxicity score.

Methods:

Photograph-based toxicity scores of participants assigned to the 5-FU arm of a randomized placebo-controlled trial were tested for correlations with their patient-reported symptom scores and baseline characteristics.

Results:

Each pair of individual and overall scores of patient-reported symptoms and photograph-based toxicity was correlated at 2 and 4 weeks (correlation coefficient range, 0.34-0.95; P < .001 for all). Older age, more actinic keratoses, previous topical 5-FU use, and more keratinocyte carcinomas on the face and ears in the previous 5 years were correlated with increased 5-FU toxicity at 2 weeks ( P < .05). An increase in the total number of 5-FU applications during the trial was correlated with less severe toxicity at 2 weeks ( P < .001), but with increased toxicity at 4 weeks ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence for construct validity of the photograph-based 5-FU toxicity score. The tool can be used to objectively measure 5-FU toxicity in clinical or research setting, and it can be a prototype for toxicity measurements of other topical medications.
The association between psychological distress, alcohol use and physical non-communicable diseases in a nationally representative sample of South Africans
Authors: Sorsdahl Katherine , Sewpaul Ronel , Evans Meredith , Naidoo Pamela , Myers Bronwyn , Stein Dan J
Published: April 2016

This study examines the associations between symptoms of mental disorders and diabetes and hypertension in a nationally representative sample of South Africans. We examined unadjusted and adjusted associations of socio-demographic characteristics, alcohol use and psychological distress with diabetes and hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that hypertension is significantly associated with age, while diabetes is significantly associated with age, population group and psychological distress. The association between psychological distress and diabetes found here suggests the usefulness of additional research using more detailed measures of psychiatric disorders in local studies and reinforces clinical calls for attention to psychiatric screening in patients with diabetes.
Resilience of a hospital Emergency Department under seismic event
Authors: Cimellaro Gian Paolo , Piqué Marta
Published: April 2016

The article presents a new simplified model for measuring the resilience of a hospital Emergency Department during a seismic event. The waiting time is used as performance parameter which is first evaluated using a discrete event simulation model of the Emergency Department. Then, a metamodel has been developed from the results of the discrete event simulation model for different emergency codes considering the amplitude of the seismic input and the number of resources available right after the seismic event. Results show that when an earthquake occurs, generating a seismic wave of injured patients going to the Emergency Department, the maximum waiting time is approximately 13 h when an emergency plan is not applied. Instead, if the emergency rooms are not functional, due to earthquake damages, the waiting time increases dramatically and the Emergency Department is no more able to provide a proper service to the incoming patients. The proposed Emergency Department model can be used not only to evaluate the performance of existing hospitals during an emergency, but also to design the proper size of a new Emergency Department in a region.
How to think beyond sovereignty: On Sieyes and constituent power
Authors: Rubinelli Lucia
Published: April 2016

Historians and political theorists have long been interested in how the principle of people’s power was conceptualised during the French Revolution. Traditionally, two diverging accounts emerge, one of national and the other of popular sovereignty, the former associated with moderate monarchist deputies, including the Abbé Sieyes, and the latter with the Jacobins. This paper argues against this binary interpretation of the political thought of the French Revolution, in favour of a third account of people’s power, Sieyes’ idea of pouvoir constituant. Traditionally, constituent power has been viewed as a variation of sovereignty, but I show it to be an independent conceptualisation of people’s power. Sieyes’ political theory led him to criticise and refuse contemporary theories of sovereignty in favour of what he understood as a fully modern account of people’s power. Based on extensive research in the archives, I show how Sieyes opposed the deployment of sovereignty by the revolutionary Assemblies and recommended replacing it with the idea of constituent power.
The Power of Community Voices for Enhancing Community Health Needs Assessments
Authors: Cain Cindy L. , Orionzi Dimpho , O’Brien Mollie , Trahan Lovel
Published: April 2016

As required by the Affordable Care Act, Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) are formalized processes nonprofit hospitals must perform at least every 3 years. CHNAs are designed to help hospitals better tailor health services to the needs of local residents. However, CHNAs most often use quantitative, population-level data, and rarely incorporate the actual voices of local community members. This is particularly a problem for meeting the needs of residents who are also racial or ethnic minorities. This article discusses one model for integrating residents’ voices into the CHNA process. In this model, we videotaped interviews with community members and then coded and analyzed interview data to identify underlying themes. We created a short video aimed at starting conversations about community members’ concerns. In addition to demonstrating how other nonprofit hospitals may use qualitative data in the CHNA process, this article illustrates how adding qualitative data may change how we think about health promotion. We find that community members requested that health care providers view culture as a health resource, foster community connections, and be present in the community.
Encouraging Dog Walking for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Authors: Christian Hayley , Bauman Adrian , Epping Jacqueline N. , Levine Glenn N. , McCormack Gavin , Rhodes Ryan E. , Richards Elizabeth , Rock Melanie , Westgarth Carri
Published: April 2016

Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of many chronic diseases and conditions or a reduction in their adverse effects. Intervention studies suggest that promoting dog walking among dog owners who do not routinely walk their dogs may be an effective strategy for increasing and maintaining regular physical activity. Strategies that emphasize the value of dog walking for both dogs and people, promote the context-dependent repetition of dog walking, enhance the social-interaction benefits, encourage family dog walking, and ensure availability of public space for dog walking may encourage increased dog walking. Research also supports organizing buddy systems via “loaner” dogs to facilitate informal walking by dog owners and non–dog owners. Given the number of homes that have dogs, strategies that promote dog walking could be effective at increasing physical activity levels among a significant proportion of the population. Maximizing the potential for dog walking to positively influence the health of individual people (and dogs) will only occur through implementing programs with broad population-level reach. Policies that facilitate dog walking at the community and population levels, such as “dogs allowed” places, off-leash zones, and dog-friendly built environments and parks, may contribute to greater physical activity through dog walking.
Anti-arthritic effect of total saponins from Clematis henryi Oliv. on collagen-induced arthritis rats
Authors: Sun Xiao-Bo , Liu Yi-Ping , Yang Yong-Yu , Liu Xin-Yi , Xiang Da-Xiong
Published: April 2016

Background:

As a traditional herbal medicine, Clematis henryi Oliv. has been widely used in China for hundreds of years for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease lacks of effective therapeutic drugs.

Objective:

To investigate the anti-arthritic activity of total saponins extracted from Clematis henryi Oliv. (TSC) and the underlying mechanisms in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.

Methods:

The purified TSC were administrated to CIA rats at the dose of 150 and 50 mg/kg/d. Paw volume and claw pad thickness were measured every week. The levels of IgG, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum were measured by ELISA kit, and histopathology of joint was examined by H&E staining.

Results:

Administration of TSC resulted in a significant decrease of paw volume and thickness in CIA rats. TSC also suppressed IgG, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels in serum of CIA rats. Histology revealed that TSC significantly inhibited joint inflammatory cells infiltration and reduced synovial hyperplasia.

Conclusion:

TSC have an anti-arthritic effect on CIA rats, and this effect is probably associated with downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors.
Social media for the 99%? Rethinking social movements’ identity and strategy in the corporate web 2.0
Authors: Ferrari Elisabetta
Published: April 2016

In this article, I investigate the relationship between social movements and corporate social networking sites, by looking at content produced by Occupy Chicago on Twitter and Facebook during the protests of May 2012. Through an analysis of social media posts and activists’ documents, I identify the functions that these platforms perform for the movement. My findings show a very limited importance of content that expresses the identity of the movement, spreads alternative news, and criticizes mainstream media, while the preponderance of protest reporting suggests that activists use social networking sites mainly to communicate “what they do,” rather than “who they are.” I argue that the lack of identity-content is the result of the incompatibility between the decentralized political processes of Occupy and the individual-centric nature of social networking sites. I also suggest we need to rethink the relationship between social movements’ identities and media strategies in light of a changed media environment.
Fantasy Gaming on Steroids? Contrasting Fantasy Sport Participation by Daily Fantasy Sport Participation
Authors: Billings Andrew , Ruihley Brody James , Yang Yiyi
Published: April 2016

The fantasy sport industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, now boasting 56 million participants in North America alone. More recently, the ascent of fantasy sport appears directly attributable to the rise of new websites offering daily/weekly fantasy games. This study surveys 438 fantasy participants—some who play traditional fantasy sports and others who participate in daily fantasy sports along with traditional forms of fantasy offerings. Results reveal that motivations for play do not differ between traditional and daily participants, yet the two sets of respondents differed in terms of media consumption, economic commitment, and perceptions of games being skill versus chance based. Ramifications are offered not only based on the differences in financial investment but also regarding the seeming downturn in motivations for traditional fantasy sport participation.
Delineating the effects of 5-fluorouracil and follicle-stimulating hormone on mouse bone marrow stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Shaikh Ambreen , Bhartiya Deepa , Kapoor Sona , Nimkar Harshada
Published: April 2016

Background

Pluripotent, Lin–/CD45–/Sca-1+very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in mouse bone marrow (BM) are resistant to total body radiation because of their quiescent nature, whereas Lin–/CD45+/Sca-1+hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) get eliminated. In the present study, we provide further evidence for the existence of VSELs in mouse BM and have also examined the effects of a chemotherapeutic agent (5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) and gonadotropin hormone (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) on BM stem/progenitor cells.

Methods

VSELs and HSCs were characterized in intact BM. Swiss mice were injected with 5-FU (150 mg/kg) and sacrificed on 2, 4, and 10 days (D2, D4, and D10) post treatment to examine changes in BM histology and effects on VSELs and HSCs by a multiparametric approach. The effect of FSH (5 IU) administered 48 h after 5-FU treatment was also studied. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, cell cycle analysis, and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay were carried out to understand the functional potential of stem/progenitor cells towards regeneration of chemoablated marrow.

Results

Nuclear OCT-4, SCA-1, and SSEA-1 coexpressing LIN–/CD45–VSELs and slightly larger LIN–/CD45+HSCs expressing cytoplasmic OCT-4 were identified and comprised 0.022 ± 0.002 % and 0.081 ± 0.004 % respectively of the total cells in BM. 5-FU treatment resulted in depletion of cells with a 7-fold reduction by D4 and normal hematopoiesis was re-established by D10. Nuclear OCT-4 and PCNA-positive VSELs were detected in chemoablated bone sections near the endosteal region. VSELs remained unaffected by 5-FU on D2 and increased on D4, whereas HSCs showed a marked reduction in numbers on D2 and later increased along with the corresponding increase in BrdU uptake and upregulation of specific transcripts (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sca-1, Nanog, Stella, Fragilis, Pcna). Cells that survived 5-FU formed colonies in vitro. Both VSELs and HSCs expressed FSH receptors and FSH treatment enhanced hematopoietic recovery by 72 h.

Conclusion

Both VSELs and HSCs were activated in response to the stress created by 5-FU and FSH enhanced hematopoietic recovery by at least 72 h in 5-FU-treated mice. VSELs are the most primitive pluripotent stem cells in BM that self-renew and give rise to HSCs under stress, and HSCs further divide rapidly and differentiate to maintain homeostasis. The study provides a novel insight into basic hematopoiesis and has clinical relevance.
Analytical imaging studies of the migration of degraded orpiment, realgar, and emerald green pigments in historic paintings and related conservation issues
Authors: Keune Katrien , Mass Jennifer , Mehta Apurva , Church Jonathan , Meirer Florian
Published: April 2016

Yellow orpiment (As2S3) and red–orange realgar (As4S4) photo-degrade and the nineteenth-century pigment emerald green (Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2) degrades into arsenic oxides. Because of their solubility in water, arsenic oxides readily migrate and are found throughout the multi-layered paint system. The widespread arsenic migration has consequences for conservation, and this paper provides better insight into the extent of the problem. Five paint samples containing orpiment, realgar or emerald green pigments deriving from paintings by De Heem (17th C), Van Gogh (19th C), Rousseau (19th C), an unknown 17th C northern European artist and an Austrian painted cupboard (19th C) were investigated using SEM/EDX, imaging ATR-FTIR and arsenic (As) K–edge μ-XANES to obtain the spatial distribution and chemical speciation of arsenic in the paint system. In all of the samples investigated arsenic had migrated throughout the multi-layered paint structure of the art object, from support to varnish. Furthermore, As5+-species were found throughout the entire paint sample. We hypothesize that arsenic trioxide is first formed, dissolves in water, further oxidizes to arsenic pentaoxide, and then reacts with lead, calcium and other ions and is deposited in the paint system as insoluble arsenates. Since the degradation of arsenic pigments such as orpiment, realgar and emerald green occurs through a highly mobile intermediate stage, it not only affects the regions rich in arsenic pigments, but also the entire object, including substrate and top varnish layers. Because of this widespread potential for damage, preventing degradation of arsenic pigments should be prioritized and conservators should minimize exposure of objects containing arsenic pigments to strong light, large fluctuations in relative humidity and water-based cleaning agents.
Molecular Alterations and Everolimus Efficacy in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancers: Combined Exploratory Biomarker Analysis From BOLERO-1 and BOLERO-3
Authors: André Fabrice , Hurvitz Sara , Fasolo Angelica , Tseng Ling-Ming , Jerusalem Guy , Wilks Sharon , O’Regan Ruth , Isaacs Claudine , Toi Masakazu , Burris Howard A. , He Wei , Robinson Douglas , Riester Markus , Taran Tetiana , Chen David , Slamon Dennis
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Two recent phase III trials, BOLERO-1 and BOLERO-3 (Breast Cancer Trials of Oral Everolimus), evaluated the addition of everolimus to trastuzumab and chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–overexpressing advanced breast cancer. The current analysis aimed to identify biomarkers to predict the clinical efficacy of everolimus treatment.

Methods

Archival tumor samples from patients in BOLERO-1 and BOLERO-3 were analyzed using next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and Sanger sequencing.

Results

Biomarker data were available for 549 patients. PIK3CA activating mutations and PTEN loss were reported in 30% and 16% of BOLERO-1 samples and in 32% and 12% of BOLERO-3 samples, respectively. PI3K pathway was hyperactive (PIK3CA mutations and/or PTEN loss and/or AKT1 mutation) in 47% of BOLERO-1 and 41% of BOLERO-3 samples. In both studies, differential progression-free survival (PFS) benefits of everolimus were consistently observed in patient subgroups defined by their PI3K pathway status. When analyzing combined data sets of both studies, everolimus was associated with a decreased hazard of progression in patients with PIK3CA mutations (hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.00), PTEN loss (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.96), or hyperactive PI3K pathway (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.93). Patients with wild-type PIK3CA (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.46), normal PTEN (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.26), or normal PI3K pathway activity (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.62) did not derive PFS benefit from everolimus.

Conclusion

This analysis, although exploratory, suggests that patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive advanced breast cancer having tumors with PIK3CA mutations, PTEN loss, or hyperactive PI3K pathway could derive PFS benefit from everolimus.
Optogenetic Stimulation of Arcuate Nucleus Kiss1 Neurons Reveals a Steroid-Dependent Glutamatergic Input to POMC and AgRP Neurons in Male Mice
Authors: Nestor Casey C , Qiu Jian , Padilla Stephanie L. , Zhang Chunguang , Bosch Martha A. , Fan Wei , Aicher Sue A. , Palmiter Richard D. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. , Kelly Martin J.
Published: April 2016

Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are essential for reproduction, but their role in the control of energy balance and other homeostatic functions remains unclear. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, integrate numerous excitatory and inhibitory inputs to ultimately regulate energy homeostasis. Given that POMC and AgRP neurons are contacted by Kiss1 neurons in the ARC (Kiss1ARC) and they express androgen receptors, Kiss1ARC neurons may mediate the orexigenic action of testosterone via POMC and/or AgRP neurons. Quantitative PCR analysis of pooled Kiss1ARC neurons revealed that mRNA levels for Kiss1 and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 were higher in castrated male mice compared with gonad-intact males. Single-cell RT-PCR analysis of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) ARC neurons harvested from males injected with AAV1-EF1α-DIO-ChR2:YFP revealed that 100% and 88% expressed mRNAs for Kiss1 and vesicular glutamate transporter 2, respectively. Whole-cell, voltage-clamp recordings from nonfluorescent postsynaptic ARC neurons showed that low frequency photo-stimulation (0.5 Hz) of Kiss1-ChR2:YFP neurons elicited a fast glutamatergic inward current in POMC and AgRP neurons. Paired-pulse, photo-stimulation revealed paired-pulse depression, which is indicative of greater glutamate release, in the castrated male mice compared with gonad-intact male mice. Group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists depolarized and hyperpolarized POMC and AgRP neurons, respectively, which was mimicked by high frequency photo-stimulation (20 Hz) of Kiss1ARC neurons. Therefore, POMC and AgRP neurons receive direct steroid- and frequency-dependent glutamatergic synaptic input from Kiss1ARC neurons in male mice, which may be a critical pathway for Kiss1 neurons to help coordinate energy homeostasis and reproduction.
Different Risk Factors of Proximal Junctional Kyphosis and Proximal Junctional Failure Following Long Instrumented Fusion to the Sacrum for Adult Spinal Deformity: Survivorship Analysis of 160 Patients
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Lee Chong-Suh , Chung Sung-Soo , Lee Jun-Young , Kang Sang-Soo , Park Se-Hwan
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND: The failure modes, time to development, and clinical relevance are known to differ between proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). However, there are no reports that study the risk factors of PJK and PJF separately.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for PJK and PJF separately.

METHODS: A retrospective study of 160 consecutive patients who underwent a long instrumented fusion to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity with a minimum follow-up of 2 years was conducted. A separate survivorship analysis of PJK and PJF was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model for the 3 categorical parameters of surgical, radiographic, and patient factors.

RESULTS: PJK developed in 27 patients (16.9%) and PJF in 29 patients (18.1%). The median survival time was 17.0 months for PJK and 3.0 months for PJF. Multivariate analyses revealed that a high body mass index was an independent risk factor for PJK (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.179), whereas the significant risk factors for PJF were older age, the presence of osteoporosis, the uppermost instrumented vertebra level at T11-L1, and a greater preoperative sagittal vertical axis (HR = 1.082, 6.465, 5.236, and 1.017, respectively). A large correction of sagittal deformity was shown to be a risk factor for PJF on univariate analyses, but not on multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION: PJK developed at a median of 17 months and PJF at a median of 3 months. A high body mass index was an independent risk factor for PJK, whereas older age, osteoporosis, uppermost instrumented vertebra level at the thoracolumbar junction, and greater preoperative sagittal vertical axis were risk factors for PJF.
Lineage-specific stem cells, signals and asymmetries during stomatal development
Authors: Han Soon-Ki , Torii Keiko U.
Published: April 2016

Stomata are dispersed pores found in the epidermis of land plants that facilitate gas exchange for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. Stomata are formed from progenitor cells, which execute a series of differentiation events and stereotypical cell divisions. The sequential activation of master regulatory basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors controls the initiation, proliferation and differentiation of stomatal cells. Cell-cell communication mediated by secreted peptides, receptor kinases, and downstream mitogen-activated kinase cascades enforces proper stomatal patterning, and an intrinsic polarity mechanism ensures asymmetric cell divisions. As we review here, recent studies have provided insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control stomatal development. These findings have also highlighted striking similarities between plants and animals with regards to their mechanisms of specialized cell differentiation.
Transportation Planning and Scheduling for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Authors: Johnson Andrew , Zhao Yao , Xu Xin
Published: April 2016

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games were hosted in New Jersey. More than 4,000 athletes competed in 16 sports hosted across 10 locations within a 30-mile radius. We designed timely, convenient, easy-to-follow, and reliable bus routes and schedules to assist thousands of people with intellectual disabilities and their coaches to attend games and special events over seven days under a budget of $600,000.
A CASA DE TAIPA NO LITORAL SUL DE ALAGOAS: REGISTROS ESCRITOS E VISUAIS
Authors: Da Silva Maria Angélica , Mota Alcides Melissa , Mesquita Jardim Alice
Published: April 2016

A técnica da taipa de sopapo consiste na produção de um arcabouço de madeira prenchido com terra. Foi implantada durante o período de colonização do Brasil, pelos portugueses, possivelmente trazida da África, e ainda é utilizada no Nordeste do Brasil. Nos pequenos povoados, nas áreas rurais e mesmo na periferia de grandes cidades, surgem as casas edificadas com esta técnica, prolongando-se às vezes por ruas e partes de bairros. Ainda restam exemplares construídos dentro de um proceder que atravessou os séculos mas, com o avanço da consciência ecológica e dos próprios mecanismos de proteção de determinadas áreas por seu valor ambiental – que proíbem a extração da madeira do mangue, por exemplo –  e outras modificações sócio culturais em andamento no Brasil, ocorreram modificações no processo construtivo. Tais mudanças, muitas vezes resultam em edificações de caráter bastante frágil. Portanto, vislumbra-se em horizonte próximo o ocaso desta prática construtiva, o que demanda um registro urgente dos procederes vinculados à mesma. A historiografia acerca da arquitetura de terra no Brasil, em especial de suas técnicas, ainda é bastante escassa. Contudo, a presença material das casas de taipa permite que elas mesmas, na sua existência concreta, sirvam de ferramenta de investigação. Além disto, o recurso à história oral e os registros de caráter audio-visual têm se apresentado como formas bastante operacionais de resgatar informações para a escrita de uma história da tecnologia da arquitetura vernacular, ao mesmo tempo em que constituem, em si mesmos, documentos de memória. O objetivo desta comunicação é a apresentação dos resultados obtidos em pesquisa realizada no povoado de Poxim, situado ao sul de Alagoas, Brasil, onde foi possível o registro de importantes aspectos do patrimônio material e imaterial vinculados à produção da taipa, tanto na construção de casas de moradia como em “casas de farinha”, locais de fabrico de um alimento básico na refeição brasileira. A investigação resultou em um trabalho acadêmico textual e em registros no formato áudio visual.
APRENDER A CONSTRUIR COM TERRA ATRAVÉS DA ANDORINHA-DOS-BEIRAIS
Authors: Silva Bruno , Nunes Fernando , Correia José , Tavares Pedro , Varum Humberto , Pinto Jorge
Published: April 2016

O facto de a terra ser natural, ecológica, reciclável e abundante faz com que possa ser considerada um material de construção de eleição e com um enorme potencial. Na construção tradicional portuguesa as soluções construtivas que usam terra como material de construção têm uma importante expressão. Este património construído necessita de ser conservado. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como principal objectivo dar um contributo na temática das soluções de melhoramento do comportamento e do reforço de elementos construtivos de terra a partir do estudo biomimético de um ninho da andorinha-dos-beirais. De modo a identificar a eventual existência de algum fenómeno de aglutinação ocorrido durante o processo de construção do ninho da andorinha-dos-beirais, procedeu-se a um trabalho experimental de caracterização a partir de amostras extraídas de diferentes ninhos recolhidos na zona de Vila Real. Para a identificação/caracterização da composição química inorgânica elementar e mineralógica realizaram-se análises em Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) e em difracção de raios-X. Para a identificação/caracterização da composição orgânica foi feita a quantificação colorimétrica do teor de proteínas pelo método do biureto, e do teor de polissacarídeos/açucares pelo método dos açúcares totais. Os resultados experimentais apontam para a existência de polissacarídeos/açucares no material do ninho e que possívelmente foram adicionados pela andorinha-dos-beirais. Por sua vez, uma simulação numérica de um ninho permitiu compreender o funcionamento desta estrutura natural de terra e verificando-se que ele funciona essencialmente à compressão. Ensaios mecânicos de provetes de solo argiloso misturado com uma solução aquosa à base de um polímero extraído do ninho revelaram uma melhoria de comportamento mecânico. Pretende-se que a partir dos resultados obtidos neste trabalho de investigação se possam retirar sugestões para o desenvolvimento de soluções de estabilização e de melhoramento de elementos construtivos existentes de terra.
CONSTRUÇÕES EM TERRA DA ÉPOCA AUGUSTANA NA CAPITAL DA CIVITAS IGAEDITANORUM (IDANHA-A-VELHA, IDANHA-A-NOVA, PORTUGAL)
Authors: Carvalho Pedro C.
Published: April 2016

De modo sucinto serão apresentados, por agora, os restos de uma construção romana – com paredes em taipa e adobe – recentemente descoberta em Idanha-a-Velha no decurso de escavações arqueológicas. Esta construção em terra, com funcionalidade ainda algo indefinida, apresenta uma cronologia de ocupação seguramente inscrita na época augustana, tendo sido expropriada e demolida nos primeiros anos do séc. I d.C., aquando da construção do forum da cidade capital dos Igaeditani.
LA BÓVEDA DE BAHAREQUE DE LA IGLESIA DE SAN IGNACIO EN BOGOTÁ
Authors: López Pérez Cecilia
Published: April 2016

Uno de los principales propósitos que tuvieron las comunidades religiosas al llegar a nuestro territorio fue la de adoctrinar a los naturales en la nueva fe. Para facilitar esta labor se procedió a la construcción de iglesias con los materiales y técnicas que conocían los indígenas como el bahareque y dos introducidos por los ibéricos como la tapia y el adobe.Inicialmente, las iglesias se cubrían con una estructura triangular, llamada de par y nudillo, en madera rolliza o escuadrada sobre la que se colocaba un entramado en cañas amarrado con cuero o cuan (fibra vegetal), sobre ella una capa de barro con cubierta en paja o teja de barro.Una forma evolucionada de acabado interno de estas edificaciones se dio con la construcción de bóvedas que cubrían la nave central. Edificadas inicialmente en piedra o ladrillo colapsaron por los movimientos sísmicos que sufría nuestro continente, siendo reemplazadas por las construidas en madera ó bahareque. Las bóvedas de bahareque resultaron una solución adecuada y práctica para nuestro medio ya que por su flexibilidad soportaban mejor los sismos.Ejemplos del desarrollo de estas bóvedas se encuentran documentadas en la costa pacífica, en el Valle del Cauca (Iglesia del Carmen y San Francisco) y la iglesia de San Ignacio en Bogotá.La iglesia de San Ignacio en Bogotá, es una construcción realizada entre 1600 y 1661 que pertenece a la Compañía de Jesús. Es de una sola nave con capillas laterales, unidas entre sí por arcos fajones apoyados en pilares. Su planta es de cruz latina con cúpula en el crucero. Las capillas laterales están cubiertas por bóvedas vaídas que conforman diferentes espacios.La nave central está cubierta por una bóveda de cañón con lunetos que iluminan el espacio central, tiene una longitud de 28,43 m y un ancho de 11,00 m. La bóveda está formada por seis secciones construidas con madera, cañas y fibras vegetales apoyadas en siete arcos fajones. En 1691 la iglesia sufre las primeras grietas en la cúpula desplomándose y arrastrando el tramo más cercano de la bóveda.Estas circunstancias llevaron a que se reemplazara el tramo de la bóveda faltante en 1694, con un sistema constructivo en madera, distinto al empleado en el resto de la bóveda. Adicionalmente, la cúpula ha sido varias veces reconstruida y ha sufrido diversas intervenciones que han afectado el comportamiento de la bóveda de la nave central. Así mismo ha producido desprendimientos en los elementos que forman el intradós y deformaciones a nivel estructural.A partir del año 2003, la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana se dio a la tarea de hacer la restauración de la iglesia; por lo cual se hizo necesario el conocimiento del sistema constructivo de la bóveda original y la parte intervenida de manera que se pudiera corregir las patologías que viene presentando.En el presente artículo se presentara los resultados encontrados en la investigación desarrollada por el grupo GRIME (Grupo de investigación en materiales y estructuras) en esta bóveda y las recomendaciones para su intervención.
LA INTERVENCIÓN DEL PATRIMONIO EDIFICADO EN TIERRA EN ÁREAS SÍSMICAS Y LAS CARTAS DE CONSERVACIÓN
Authors: Vargas Neumann Julio , Blondet Marcial , Iwaki Carlos
Published: April 2016

Los sismos son fenómenos naturales recurrentes que causan daños acumulativos o el colapso de las edificaciones de tierra. En Perú se han descubierto muchas edificaciones construidas en tierra de importante valor patrimonial, que fueron desenterradas y expuestas nuevamente a la actividad sísmica ¿Cómo evitar su progresivo daño mediante sabias intervenciones? Las edificaciones de tierra ubicadas en áreas sísmicas constituyen un caso crítico y único por su paulatina destrucción. La respuesta estructural de la mampostería de piedra asentada con morteros de barro depende del más débil de los materiales de construcción que es la tierra. Se presentan los criterios estructurales de conservación de la arquitectura patrimonial construida en tierra y el uso de herramientas sismorresistentes de reparación y refuerzo desarrolladas por la academia en los últimos 25 años. Se incluyen los conceptos de tierra armada y de  inyección de barro líquido desarrollados en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) con el apoyo de la Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). Se analizan casos recientes de re-intervención de monumentos reparados inicialmente el siglo pasado y re-destruidos por sismos recientes, y se presentan soluciones que van desde las más prudentes hasta las más agresivas. Se concluye en la urgencia de revisar los criterios de conservación expresados en las Cartas Internacionales adoptadas por ICOMOS y UNESCO para el caso de la arquitectura patrimonial en tierra ubicada en áreas sísmicas.
Mecanismos de identificación y nexuación compleja en la dinámica textual
Authors: Ramón Trives Estanislao
Published: April 2016

In front of the hypothesis of the subsidiarity, commonly accorded to the mechanisms of identification of reference under the label of substitutes (across transformations or without them), this research —to be continued— claims the primary role of those mechanisms with reference to the dialogical and/or spatial-temporal frame, as well concerning the explicit lexical units as the only contextually memorizable or [0] lexical units. In fact, I believe the mechanisms of identification of reference are the sure runaway in the textlinguistic activity; the ineffability of the polysemantic system-meaning is dialogically semiotized in the concrete sense-frame of the course of the textual dynamics.