bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making sense of the effects of the cumulative dose of isotretinoin in acne vulgaris
Authors: Rademaker Marius
Published: October 2015

Background

The importance of the cumulative dose of isotretinoin with respect to relapse of acne vulgaris remains controversial. Although guidelines recommend 0.5–1.0 mg/kg/d to a minimum cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg, there has been a trend toward the use of lower daily dosages with no reference to cumulative dose.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the influence of daily and cumulative dosage on relapse in acne.

Methods

Charts of patients with acne treated with isotretinoin were reviewed. Demographic details and daily cumulative doses and duration were compared between patients who received one course and two or more courses, respectively.

Results

Of 1453 patients, 326 (22.4%) received a second course of treatment (study population). The remainder served as controls (n = 1127). Dosage varied from 10 mg/week to 1.1 mg/kg/d, cumulative dosage from 1 to >300 mg/kg, and duration of treatment from 8 weeks to 5 years. Compared with controls, patients who received a second course were more likely to be women (61 vs. 47%; P < 0.001) and received higher daily (0.71 vs. 0.58 mg/kg/d; P < 0.001) and cumulative (126 vs. 101 mg/kg; P < 0.001) doses. Patients treated with very low doses (e.g. 10 mg three times per week) and/or low cumulative doses (e.g. 25–50 mg/kg) did not relapse more often than controls.

Conclusions

Neither daily nor cumulative dosages influenced relapse of acne vulgaris in patients treated with varying doses of isotretinoin as long as treatment was continued for ≥2 months after the acne had completely resolved.
The role of the Southern Hemisphere in the evolutionary history of Apiaceae, a mostly north temperate plant family
Authors: Calviño Carolina I. , Teruel Federico E. , Downie Stephen R.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To estimate the most likely pathways of expansion of the first diverging lineages of the angiosperm family Apiaceae across the Southern Hemisphere and to Eurasia by reconstructing the biogeographical history of the family through space and time.

Location

Southern Hemisphere, with emphasis on Africa.

Methods

Divergence times were assessed under a penalized‐likelihood method (r8s) and a data set of 129 cpDNA rps16 intron sequences. Confidence intervals were estimated using ABCq, BCa, bootstrap‐t and standard normal methods. Biogeographical distributions were reconstructed using DEC analyses over rps16 intron and/or nrDNA ITS trees.

Results

Crown Apiaceae likely originated by the Late Cretaceous in Australasia. Apiaceae subfamilies diverged between 45.9 and 71.2 Ma in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically, Mackinlayoideae in Australasia, Azorelloideae in South America and Apioideae and Saniculoideae in southern Africa. From the Palaeocene to Oligocene, Africa showed connections via transoceanic dispersals as a sink continent with Australasia and as a source continent with South America and Eurasia. These dispersals explain the present intercontinental disjunctions of the subfamilies. The first diverging lineages of Apioideae and Saniculoideae likely originated in Africa and diversified in situ since the Palaeocene, with no input from newcomers until the Miocene. Subsequently, several dispersals mainly from Eurasia are estimated back to northern and eastern Africa.

Main conclusions

The Southern Hemisphere has played a key role in the origin and early diversification of Apiaceae, currently a mostly north temperate family. African Apiaceae was likely assembled by Palaeocene lineages that diversified in situ and are now restricted mainly to southern Africa and post Miocene newcomers mostly restricted to northern and eastern Africa by effective environmental barriers.
Supporting conceptual understanding of the associative and distributive properties through digital gameplay
Authors: Denham A.R.
Published: October 2015

There has been a steady rise in the support for games as learning environments. This support is largely based on the strong levels of engagement and motivation observed during gameplay. What has proven difficult is the ability to consistently design and develop learning games that are both engaging and educationally viable. Those in the game‐based learning community contend the solution is to tightly integrate instructional objective(s) within the game's mechanics. In order to investigate whether or not intrinsic integration would aid in game design, an experimental study was conducted with 111 fourth and fifth graders in which three versions of a game were designed in order to determine which approach would have a more significant impact on conceptual understanding of the associative and distributive properties. It was found that those who played the intrinsic version of the game (properties mapped to game mechanics) had significant learning gains compared with those who played the extrinsic version. Perceptions of the game are also discussed, along with future directions.
VT Recurrence After Ablation: Incomplete Ablation or Disease Progression? A Multicentric European Study
Authors: BERTE B. , SACHER F. , VENLET J. , ANDREU D. , MAHIDA S. , ALDHOON B. , DE POTTER T. , SARKOZY A. , TAVERNIER R. , ANDRONACHE M. , DENEKE T. , KAUTZNER J. , BERRUEZO A. , COCHET H. , ZEPPENFELD K. , JAÏS PIERRE
Published: October 2015

NICM VT Ablation

Aim

To determine whether ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrences in arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are related to incomplete ablation or disease progression.

Methods

ARVC and NICM patients with two substrate maps of the same diseased ventricle with an interprocedural delay of ≥12 months were included. Disease progression was defined as ≥1 factor: scar area progression (PROG, +5%), ventricular remodeling (dilatation [+25 mL] or decreased ejection fraction [–5%EF]). Incomplete ablation was defined as index VT recurrence or ablation in previously unablated regions inside index scar without PROG.

Results

Twenty patients from nine centers were included (80% male 55 ± 16 years, 7 ARVC and 13 NICM, LVEF 43 ± 14%). Mean delay was 28 ± 18 months. Disease progression occurred in 75% with ventricular remodeling in 70%: ventricular dilation in 45% (ARVC [71%]; NICM [38%]), decreased EF in 60% [RVEF in ARVC (71%); LVEF in NICM (54%)], and scar progression in 50% (in ARVC [57%] and NICM [46%]). Index VT recurrence was observed in 40%. Redo ablation sites were located in previously unablated regions inside the index scar in 70% of patients. VT recurrence following the second procedure was seen in 25%. Fifteen percent died during a follow‐up of 17 ± 17 months.

Conclusion

Disease progression is the rule in ARVC and NICM while scar progression occurs in half. However, even if disease progression is frequently observed, incomplete index ablation is the most common finding, strongly suggesting the need for more extensive ablation.
Characterization and scoring of skin changes in severe acute malnutrition in children between 6 months and 5 years of age
Authors: Heilskov S. , Vestergaard C. , Babirekere E. , Ritz C. , Namusoke H. , Rytter M. , Deleuran M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Severe acute malnutrition is a life‐threatening condition. It can be associated with severe skin changes, first properly described by Williams in 1933. The aetiology of these skin changes is still unknown and their character has never been systematically described in dermatological terms. The skin changes have been shown to be a predictor of mortality in hospital care. Systematic investigations on the character of the skin changes that have effect on prognosis, are needed to investigate which of the skin changes that are relevant to improve treatment.

Objectives

Our main objective was to identify the skin changes characteristic of children with severe acute malnutrition and to develop a clinical score that describes the morphology and severity in dermatological terms. We also investigated if any of the different skin changes were connected to prognosis.

Materials and methods

At Mulago Hospital, Mwanamugimu (Department of Paediatrics and Child Health), Uganda, 120 children were included over a period of six months and observed when treated for severe acute malnutrition. Skin changes were registered through clinical examination and photo documentation and associated to prognosis using Cox and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Skin manifestations were characterized by five objective skin signs: telogenic effluvium, pigmentary changes (hyper‐ and hypo‐pigmentation), ichthyosiform skin changes, lichenoid skin changes and bullae‐erosion‐desquamation. The skin changes could be registered in a systematic manner using our simple clinical score. Lichenoid skin changes were a significant predictor of death and allowed improved accuracy of prediction of mortality.

Conclusions

The clinical score is simple and practical. A standardized way to register and score the skin changes, will allow a more unified way of reporting results in future studies. The standardization of observations, obtained through the proposed scoring system, will enable comparison of study results in the future.
Increased hospital documentation requirements may not increase breastfeeding among first‐time mothers
Authors: Strauch Jessica , Rohrer James E. , Refaat Amany
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

To examine if initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding on discharge in first‐time mothers increased after a change in hospital policy increased reporting requirements about breastfeeding by new mothers.

Methods

Five hundred women that gave birth to their first child were studied, with half giving birth prior to reporting requirements and half giving birth after the reporting began. After implementing mandatory reporting requirements through an accrediting body, an increase in maternity care practices designed to promote breastfeeding was expected. Medical records of those women were reviewed to identify key variables, including age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, health insurance, type of delivery, gestational age, initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding throughout the hospital stay.

Results

There was an 18.7% increase in initiation of breastfeeding the year the mandatory reporting began. However, there was a 5.9% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding that year. The odds of initiating breastfeeding were greater after implementation of mandatory reporting measures (OR = 2.07; P = 0.0007), yet the odds for exclusive breastfeeding on discharge did not show a statistically significant change (OR = 0.94; P = 0.7507). Other variables that had a significant effect on both initiation and exclusive breastfeeding included being non‐Hispanic white, other race/ethnicity category, marital status and type of insurance (exclusive breastfeeding only).

Conclusion

Professional support that can be offered to new mothers may have a positive effect on their decision to breastfeed. However, a hospital policy change that increases reporting requirements may not have long‐term impact on breastfeeding. Longer term studies and multisite studies are needed.
A Method for Rapid Identification of Rice Origin by Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Sun Jun , Lu Xinzi , Mao Hanping , Jin Xiaming , Wu Xiaohong
Published: October 2015

The potential of hyperspectral imaging system was evaluated for the rapid identification of rice origin. 240 samples from four different regions of China were imaged by a hyperspectral imaging system. Hyperspectral images were studied from the three principal aspects (spectral, morphological and texture features). Support vector machine was used for developing the identification models. Seven models based on spectral, morphological, texture, combined spectral and morphological, combined spectral and texture, combined morphological and texture and combined spectral, morphological and texture features were developed for seeking the optimal feature combination. Nine important wavelengths were determined by principal component analysis. The results showed that the highest accuracy (91.67%) was obtained from combined spectral, morphological and texture features. This study demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging could provide a rapid identification of rice origin and the method of feature combination could be very helpful to improve the performance of identification models.

Practical Applications

The price and quality of rice mainly depends on its geographical origin in the food market. Traditional methods for identification of rice origin mainly focus on the appearance of rice and depend on the feelings of professionals, which are tedious, time‐consuming, expensive and greatly influenced by subjective factors. Therefore, the results in our paper can provide a foundational basis to develop a real‐time inspection system for the rapid, precise and non‐destructive identification of rice origin.
Proximate determinants of bite force in Anolis lizards
Authors: Wittorski Antoine , Losos Jonathan B. , Herrel Anthony
Published: October 2015

Performance measures associated with the vertebrate jaw system may provide important insights into vertebrate ecology and evolution because of their importance in many ecologically relevant tasks. Previous studies have shown that in many taxa, evolution toward higher bite force has gone hand in hand with the evolution of larger body size. However, independent of differences in overall body size, bite force may vary depending on head size and shape as well. Moreover, the underlying musculature may also drive variation in bite force. Here, we investigate the proximate determinants of bite force in lizards of the genus Anolis. We dissected the jaw muscles and quantified muscle mass, fibre length, and cross‐sectional area. Data were analysed for both sexes independently given the sexual dimorphism detected in the dataset. Our results show that the traits that explain bite force are similar in both males and females with overall body size and muscle mass being the principal determinants. Among the different muscles examined, the adductor externus and the pseudotemporalis groups were the best determinants of bite force. However, models run for males predicted the variation in bite force better than models for females, suggesting that selection on morphology improving bite force may be stronger in males.
Re‐thinking aliteracy: when undergraduates surrender their reading choices
Authors: Chong Su Li
Published: October 2015

This paper re‐considers the concept of aliteracy by arguing that it is less about not reading than it is about choice, agency and context. By analysing findings from a study that examined undergraduates' reading experiences in a Malaysian university, this paper explores the complexities around how the undergraduates grappled with conflicting decisions. Through a phenomenological theoretical perspective and against the theoretical backdrop of domain specificity in reading motivation, this study utilised phenomenological interviews to draw out nine undergraduates' reading experience. The reading experience is understood in terms of their negotiation with institutionally imposed and personal‐choice reading both as school students and as undergraduates. The past and more current reading experiences of two undergraduates who considered themselves highly and poorly motivated readers, respectively, were also juxtaposed. Findings from this study provide grounds to show that across different ‘levels’ of motivation and in school or post‐school contexts, the undergraduates' motivation for reading is fragile because the reading choice is not a straightforward matter. This article concludes by suggesting a theoretical conceptualisation for why an able reader may surrender his or her reading choice. This study has implications for teachers and reading researchers who recognise the reading experience for its complexities.
147Sm‐143Nd and 176Lu‐176Hf systematics of eucrite and angrite meteorites
Authors: Bouvier Audrey , Blichert‐Toft Janne , Boyet Maud , Albarède Francis
Published: October 2015

Comparative planetary geochemistry provides insight into the origin and evolutionary paths of planetary bodies in the inner solar system. The eucrite and angrite achondrite groups are particularly interesting because they show evidence of early planetary differentiation. We present 147Sm‐143Nd and 176Lu‐176Hf analyses of eight noncumulate (basaltic) eucrites, two cumulate eucrites, and three angrites, which together place new constraints on the evolution and differentiation histories of the crusts of the eucrite and angrite parent bodies and their mantle mineralogies. The chemical compositions of both eucrites and angrites indicate similar evolutionary paths and petrogenetic models with formation and isolation of differentiated crustal reservoirs associated with segregation of ilmenite. We report a 147Sm‐143Nd mineral isochron age for the Moama cumulate eucrite of 4519 ± 34 Ma (MSWD = 1.3). This age indicates protracted magmatism within deep crustal layers of the eucrite parent body lasting up to about 50 Ma after the formation of the solar system. We further demonstrate that the isotopic compositions of constituent minerals are compromised by secondary processes hindering precise determination of mineral isochron ages of basaltic eucrites and angrites. We interpret the changes in geochemistry and, consequently, the erroneous 147Sm‐143Nd and 176Lu‐176Hf internal mineral isochron ages of basaltic eucrites and angrites as the result of metamorphic events such as impacts (effects from pressure, temperature, and peak shock duration) on the surfaces of the eucrite and angrite parent bodies.
Assessment of the repellent effect of Lippia alba essential oil and major monoterpenes on the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: DA SILVA LIMA A. , DE CARVALHO J. F. , PEIXOTO M. G. , BLANK A. F. , BORGES L. M. F. , COSTA JUNIOR L. M.
Published: October 2015

The control of Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is achieved using synthetic acaricides. However, resistant tick populations are widespread around the world. Plant essential oils can act as repellents, keeping ticks away from hosts and decreasing the selection pressure on synthetic acaricides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro repellent effect of Lippia alba essential oil on R. microplus larvae. Leaves from two L. alba genotypes maintained under the same agronomic and environmental conditions were collected. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The major monoterpenes detected in the chemical analysis were commercially acquired and tested. For the repellency test, a glass rod was vertically fixed to measure active climbing of approximately 30 R. microplus larvae aged 14–21 days in response to essential oils and monoterpenes. Repellency was evaluated at 1 h, 3 h and 5 h after treatment. Variation in repellent action was detected between the genotypes. The major monoterpenes identified in the essential oils (limonene and carvone) showed low repellent effects in comparison with intact essential oils. Thus, the present results showed that L. alba essential oil contains bioactive compounds with great repellent activity against ticks that varies according to the plant genotype.
Biofilm formation and Candida albicans morphology on the surface of denture base materials
Authors: Susewind Sabine , Lang Reinhold , Hahnel Sebastian
Published: October 2015

Fungal biofilms may contribute to the occurrence of denture stomatitis. The objective of the study was to investigate the biofilm formation and morphology of Candida albicans in biofilms on the surface of denture base materials. Specimens were prepared from different denture base materials. After determination of surface properties and salivary pellicle formation, mono‐ and multispecies biofilm formation including Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was initiated. Relative amounts of adherent cells were determined after 20, 44, 68 and 188 h; C. albicans morphology was analysed employing selective fluorescence microscopic analysis. Significant differences were identified in the relative amount of cells adherent to the denture base materials. Highest blastospore/hyphae index suggesting an increased percentage of hyphae was observed in mono‐ and multispecies biofilms on the soft denture liner, which did not necessarily respond to the highest relative amount of adherent cells. For both biofilm models, lowest relative amount of adherent cells was identified on the methacrylate‐based denture base material, which did not necessarily relate to a significantly lower blastospore/hyphae index. The results indicate that there are significant differences in both biofilm formation as well as the morphology of C. albicans cells in biofilms on the surface of different denture base materials.
Secreted adenosine triphosphate from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans triggers chemokine response
Authors: Ding Q. , Quah S.Y. , Tan K.S.
Published: October 2015

Extracellular ATP (eATP) is an important intercellular signaling molecule secreted by activated immune cells or released by damaged cells. In mammalian cells, a rapid increase of ATP concentration in the extracellular space sends a danger signal, which alerts the immune system of an impending danger, resulting in recruitment and priming of phagocytes. Recent studies show that bacteria also release ATP into the extracellular milieu, suggesting a potential role for eATP in host–microbe interactions. It is currently unknown if any oral bacteria release eATP. As eATP triggers and amplifies innate immunity and inflammation, we hypothesized that eATP secreted from periodontal bacteria may contribute to inflammation in periodontitis. The aims of this study were to determine if periodontal bacteria secrete ATP, and to determine the function of bacterially derived eATP as an inducer of inflammation. Our results showed that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, but not Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, or Fusobacterium nucleatum, secreted ATP into the culture supernatant. Exposure of periodontal fibroblasts to filter sterilized culture supernatant of A. actinomycetemcomitans induced chemokine expression in an eATP‐dependent manner. This occurred independently of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and phospholipase C, suggesting that ionotrophic P2X receptor is involved in sensing of bacterial eATP. Silencing of P2X7 receptor in periodontal fibroblasts led to a significant reduction in bacterial eATP‐induced chemokine response. Furthermore, bacterial eATP served as a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and monocytes. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for secreted ATP of A. actinomycetemcomitans as a novel virulence factor contributing to inflammation during periodontal disease.
Association of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy with All‐Cause Mortality—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: QIAN ZHIYONG , ZHANG ZHIYONG , GUO JIANGHONG , WANG YAO , HOU XIAOFENG , FENG GUANGZHI , ZOU JIANGANG
Published: October 2015

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have become the standard approach for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Whether ICD therapy is an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality is controversial. We made the systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the impact of ICD therapy on mortality.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies evaluating the effect of ICD shocks or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) on mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models.

Results

Thirteen cohort studies were identified. Mean ejection fraction of the population was 23–35%; 68.0% had ischemic etiology, and 74.5% received a primary prevention ICD implantation. Appropriate shocks were an independent predictor of increased mortality compared with no‐shock or no‐therapy patients (HR 2.07, 2.76, respectively). In contrast, inconsistent results were obtained during inappropriate‐shock analyses: when compared with no‐shock patients, inappropriate shocks were associated with an increased risk of death (HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25–1.89, P < 0.0001); however, when compared to no‐therapy patients, there was no relationship between inappropriate shocks and mortality (HR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.90–1.61, P = 0.22). Subgroup analysis in heart failure patients also did not find any difference in mortality between inappropriate‐shock and no‐therapy patients. No increased risk of mortality was found in the patients who experienced appropriate or inappropriate ATP only.

Conclusion

Appropriate shocks were associated with an increased mortality in ICD patients. However, whether inappropriate shocks worsened the clinical outcome was controversial, and larger prospective trials are needed to clarify the issue.
Genetic analysis and identification of two soybean mosaic virus resistance genes in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]
Authors: Li Kai , Ren Rui , Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Gao Le , Yuan Yuan , Liu Zhitao , Zhong Yongkun , Zhi Haijian
Published: October 2015

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) commonly affects soybean production worldwide, and the SC18 strain has been widespread in China. This study aimed to characterize and map the SC18 resistance genes present in soybean cultivars ‘Kefeng No. 1’ and ‘Qihuang 22’. Inheritance analysis revealed that two independent single dominant genes in Kefeng No. 1 and Qihuang 22 confer resistance to SC18. Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and bulked segregant analysis, the Kefeng No. 1 and Qihuang 22 resistance genes were located on soybean chromosomes 2 and 13, respectively. We further screened two populations of recombinant inbred lines with 32 SSR markers in the target region, where the resistance gene in Kefeng No. 1 was fine mapped to an 80‐kb region containing six putative genes. Sequence and expression analyses of these genes revealed that SMV resistance in Kefeng No. 1 was probably attributable to three of the candidate genes (i.e. Glyma.02G127800, Glyma.02G128200 and Glyma.02G128300). Collectively, the results of this study will greatly facilitate the cloning of SC18 resistance genes and marker‐assisted breeding of SMV‐resistant soybean cultivars.
Phylogeny ofDendroctonusbark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) inferred from morphological and molecular data
Authors: VÍCTOR JAVIER , ZÚÑIGA GERARDO
Published: October 2015

Bark beetles in the genusDendroctonusmay attack and kill several species of coniferous trees, some of them causing major economic losses in temperate forests throughoutNorth andCentralAmerica. For this reason, they have been widely studied. However, various aspects of the taxonomy and evolutionary history of the group remain contentious. The genus has been subdivided in species groups according to morphological, biological, karyological or molecular attributes, but the evolutionary affinities among species and species groups within the genus remain uncertain. In this study, phylogenetic relationships amongDendroctonusspecies were reassessed through parsimony‐based cladistic analysis of morphological andDNAsequence data. Phylogenetic inference was based on 36 morphological characters and on mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochrome oxidaseI(COI) gene. Analyses were carried out for each dataset, as well as for the combined data analysed simultaneously, under equal and implied weights. According to the combined analysis, the genusDendroctonusis a monophyletic group defined by at least three synapomorphic characters and there are four main lineages of varied composition and diversity within the genus. Within these lineages, several monophyletic groups match, to some extent, species groups defined by previous authors, but certain groups proposed by those authors are polyphyletic or paraphyletic.
Non‐canonical structure, function and phylogeny of the BsisterMADS‐box gene OsMADS30 of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Schilling Susanne , Gramzow Lydia , Lobbes Dajana , Kirbis Alexander , Weilandt Lisa , Hoffmeier Andrea , Junker Astrid , Weigelt‐Fischer Kathleen , Klukas Christian , Wu Feng , Meng Zheng , Altmann Thomas , Theißen Günter
Published: October 2015

Bsister MADS‐box genes play key roles in female reproductive organ and seed development throughout seed plants. This view is supported by their high conservation in terms of sequence, expression and function. In grasses, there are three subclades of Bsister genes: the OsMADS29‐, the OsMADS30‐ and the OsMADS31‐like genes. Here, we report on the evolution of the OsMADS30‐like genes. Our analyses indicate that these genes evolved under relaxed purifying selection and are rather weakly expressed. OsMADS30, the representative of the OsMADS30‐like genes from rice (Oryza sativa), shows strong sequence deviations in its 3′ region when compared to orthologues from other grass species. We show that this is due to a 2.4‐kbp insertion, possibly of a hitherto unknown helitron, which confers a heterologous C‐terminal domain to OsMADS30. This putative helitron is not present in the OsMADS30 orthologues from closely related wild rice species, pointing to a relatively recent insertion event. Unlike other Bsister mutants O. sativa plants carrying a T‐DNA insertion in the OsMADS30 gene do not show aberrant seed phenotypes, indicating that OsMADS30 likely does not have a canonical ‘Bsister function’. However, imaging‐based phenotyping of the T‐DNA carrying plants revealed alterations in shoot size and architecture. We hypothesize that sequence deviations that accumulated during a period of relaxed selection in the gene lineage that led to OsMADS30 and the alteration of the C‐terminal domain might have been a precondition for a potential neo‐functionalization of OsMADS30 in O. sativa.
Exposure to ABO‐nonidentical blood associated with increased in‐hospital mortality in patients with group A blood
Authors: Pai Menaka , Cook Richard , Barty Rebecca , Eikelboom John , Lee Ker‐Ai , Heddle Nancy
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Transfusing ABO‐compatible blood avoids most acute hemolytic reactions, but donor units that are ABO compatible are not necessarily ABO identical. Emerging data have raised concerns that ABO‐nonidentical blood products lead to adverse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A large multihospital registry (Transfusion Registry for Utilization, Surveillance, and Tracking) was used to determine the association between exposure to ABO‐nonidentical blood and in‐hospital mortality. Cox regression analyses controlled for sex, age, hemoglobin, creatinine, and in‐hospital interventions and stratified by age of blood and admission year.

RESULTS

Data from 18,843 non–group O patients admitted between 2002 and 2011 and receiving at least 1 unit of blood were analyzed. Overall, group A patients had significantly increased risk of in‐hospital death upon receiving a nonidentical unit (RR , 1.79; 95% CI, 1.20‐2.67; p = 0.005). There was no evidence of increased risk for group B or AB patients. Similar results were seen when only patients with circulatory disorders were considered. When patients with an injury or poisoning diagnosis were excluded, the risk of in‐hospital death after receiving a non‐identical unit was significantly higher in group A patients and significantly lower in Group B patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates an adverse effect of ABO‐nonidentical blood in a broad range of patients with group A blood, after adjustment for potential confounders. Further research in this area is required to study possible mechanisms. Increased mortality associated with exposure to nonidentical blood in these patients would have a substantial impact at the population level; it would challenge how blood suppliers manage inventory and recruit donors and how health care providers administer blood.
Suspected synthetic cannabinoid toxicosis in a dog
Authors: Williams Keysa , Wells Raegan J. , McLean Mary Kay
Published: October 2015

Objective

To describe the effects of suspected synthetic cannabinoid (SC) toxicosis and the response to intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy in a dog.

Case summary

A 2‐year‐8‐month‐old male Boxer dog was evaluated at an emergency hospital for progressive ataxia and inappropriate mentation. The initial physical examination identified marked hypothermia (32.7°C [90.9°F]), intermittent sinus bradycardia (60/min), stuporous mentation with intermittent aggression, and severe ataxia. Neurologic status deteriorated to comatose mentation within 2 hours of presentation. The initial diagnostic evaluation (eg, CBC, serum biochemistry profile, venous blood gas, and electrolyte determination) revealed a respiratory acidosis and thrombocytopenia. The owner reported that the dog was exposed to an SC containing Damiana leaf, Marshmallow leaf, and Athaea leaves. Initial treatment included IV fluids and supplemental oxygen. Mechanical ventilation was provided due to hypoventilation and periods of apnea. Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy was administered as a bolus (1.5 mL/kg) and continued as a continuous rate infusion (0.5 mL/kg/h) for a total of 6 hours. The dog became rousable and was weaned from mechanical ventilation approximately 15 hours following presentation. The dog was eating and walking with no ataxia, had a normal mentation at approximately 33 hours following presentation, and was discharged home at that time. Communication with the owners 5 days following discharge revealed that the dog was apparently normal.

New or Unique Information Provided

Based on this case and other reports in the literature regarding human exposures, SC ingestion may result in more severe clinical signs than marijuana ingestion in dogs. Significant clinical intervention may be necessary. Intravenous lipid emulsion treatment may be beneficial due to the lipophilicity of SC.
Acute tracheal compression in a large breed dog due to a dorsal tracheal membrane abscess
Authors: Lynch Alex M. , O'Toole Therese E. , Rush John E. , Rondeau Danielle , O'Neill Kelly , Kudej Raymond K.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To describe a case of acute tracheal compression due to a dorsal tracheal membrane abscess in a dog.

Case Summary

A 3‐year‐old intact male Bluetick Coonhound presented for evaluation of 36 hours of marked inspiratory dyspnea and stridor. A radiographic diagnosis of tracheal collapse was made on thoracic radiographs, which was confirmed to be static compression by tracheoscopy. Dorsal extraluminal tracheal compression from a fluid filled structure adjacent to the trachea was suspected based on ultrasonography. Endoscopic‐guided transtracheal fine needle aspiration yielded septic suppurative inflammation. At surgery an abscess in the dorsal tracheal membrane was identified, lanced, and lavaged, which resulted in restoration of normal tracheal diameter. The dog developed bilateral pneumothorax, which was treated medically by thoracostomy tube placement and manual evacuation of the accumulated air. Postoperative radiographs also revealed evidence of pneumomediastinum. Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum likely occurred secondary to the surgical approach, worsened by positive pressure ventilation. Cultures of the abscess isolated a nonhemolytic Streptococcus species but with no evidence of anaerobic bacteria. The dog made a full functional recovery.

New or Unique Information Provided

Tracheal compression is a rare diagnosis in dogs. To the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first report of an abscess in the dorsal tracheal membrane, diagnosed by endoscopic‐guided transtracheal fine needle aspiration, causing clinically relevant acute tracheal obstruction.
Numerical Analysis of Flow Structure and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Dimpled Channels With Secondary Protrusions
Authors: Xie Yonghui , Shen Zhongyang , Zhang Di , Ligrani Phillip
Published: October 2015

Dimple structure is an effective heat transfer augmentation approach on coolant channel due to its advantage on pressure penalty. The implication of secondary protrusion, which indicates protrusion with smaller dimension than dimple, will intensify the Nusselt number Nu inside dimple cavity without obvious extra pressure penalty. The objective of this study is to numerically analyze the combination effect of dimples and secondary protrusion. Different protrusion–dimple configurations including protrusion print-diameter Dp, protrusion–dimple gap P, and staggered angle α are investigated. From the results, it is concluded that the implication of secondary protrusion will considerably increase the heat transfer rates inside dimple cavity. Cases 4 and 6 possess the highest Nusselt number enhancement ratio Nu/Nu0 reaching up to 2.1–2.2. The additional pressure penalty brought by the protrusion is within 15% resulting in total friction ratio f/f0 among the range of 1.9–2.1. Dimpled channels with secondary protrusions possess higher thermal performance factor TP, defined as (Nu/Nu0)/(f/f0)1/3, among which cases 4 and 6 are the optimal structures. Besides this, the TP of protrusion–dimple channels are comparable to the other typical heat transfer devices, and higher TP can be speculated after a more optimal dimple shape or combination with ribs and fins.
Experimental Study on the Friction Contact Between a Labyrinth Seal Fin and a Honeycomb Stator
Authors: Pychynski Tim , Höfler Corina , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: October 2015

This paper presents results from an extensive experimental study on the rubbing behavior of labyrinth seal fins (SFs) and a honeycomb liner. The objective of the present work is to improve the understanding of the rub behavior of labyrinth seals by quantifying the effects and interactions of sliding speed, incursion rate, seal geometry, and SF rub position on the honeycomb liner. In order to reduce the complexity of the friction system studied, this work focuses on the contact between a single SF and a single metal foil. The metal foil is positioned in parallel to the SF to represent contact between the SF and the honeycomb double foil section. A special test rig was set up enabling the radial incursion of a metal foil into a rotating labyrinth SF at a defined incursion rate of up to 0.65 mm/s and friction velocities up to 165 m/s. Contact forces, friction temperatures, and wear were measured during or after the rub event. In total, 88 rub tests including several repetitions of each rub scenario have been conducted to obtain a solid data base. The results show that rub forces are mainly a function of the rub parameters incursion rate and friction velocity. Overall, the results demonstrate a strong interaction between contact forces, friction temperature, and wear behavior of the rub system. The presented tests confirm basic qualitative observations regarding blade rubbing provided in literature.
Statistic Determination of Storage Capacity for Photovoltaic Energy Imbalance Mitigation
Authors: Giammanco Corrado , Pierro Marco , Cornaro Cristina , di Carlo Aldo
Published: October 2015

This paper describes a methodology to evaluate the storage capacity that should support a photo-voltaic (PV) power plant in order to reduce the power imbalance generated by the forecast error. This is obtained through a probabilistic analysis performed on an ensemble of synthetic data. The synthetic data signals are generated starting from at least 1 year of measured data and reproduce the same statistical distribution and the same Fourier power spectrum (FPS) shape.
Dynamic Strength of Molecular Bond Clusters Under Displacement- and Force-Controlled Loading Conditions
Authors: Li Long , Yao Haimin , Wang Jizeng
Published: October 2015

Existing experimental and theoretical studies on the adhesion of molecular bond clusters are usually based on either displacement- or force-controlled loading conditions. Very few studies have addressed whether or not and how the loading conditions affect the stochastic behavior of clusters. By considering the reversible breaking and rebinding process of ligand–receptor bonds, we directly solve the master equation about reactions between receptor–ligand bonds and conduct the corresponding Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the rupture forces of adhesion molecular clusters under linearly incremented displacement and force loading, respectively. We find that the rupture force of clusters strongly depends on loading conditions. Bond breaking and rebinding are independent of each other under displacement-controlled loading, whereas the rupture force highly depends on the state of each single bond under force-controlled loading. The physical mechanism of the dependence of rupture force on loading rate is also analyzed. We identify three reaction regimes in terms of loading rate: the regimes of equilibrium breaking/rebinding reactions, near-equilibrium reaction, and far from equilibrium with only bond breaking. These findings can help improve the current understanding of the stochastic behaviors of the adhesion clusters of molecular bonds under dynamic loading conditions.
Topology Optimization of Total Femur Structure: Application of Parameterized Level Set Method Under Geometric Constraints
Authors: Deng Xiaowei , Wang Yingjun , Yan Jinhui , Liu Tao , Wang Shuting
Published: October 2015

Optimization of the femur prosthesis is a key issue in femur replacement surgeries that provide a viable option for limb salvage rather than amputation. To overcome the drawback of the conventional techniques that do not support topology optimization of the prosthesis design, a parameterized level set method (LSM) topology optimization with arbitrary geometric constraints is presented. A predefined narrow band along the complex profile of the original femur is preserved by applying the contour method to construct the level set function, while the topology optimization is carried out inside the cavity. The Boolean R-function is adopted to combine the free boundary and geometric constraint level set functions to describe the composite level set function of the design domain. Based on the minimum compliance goal, three different designs of 2D femur prostheses subject to the target cavity fill ratios 34%, 54%, and 74%, respectively, are illustrated.
Optimization and Evaluation of a Vascular Coupling Device for End-to-End Anastomosis: A Finite-Element Analysis
Authors: Li Huizhong , Agarwal Jay , Coats Brittany , Gale Bruce K.
Published: October 2015

Currently, end-to-end anastomosis of blood vessels is performed using suturing, which is time consuming, expensive, and subject to large degrees of human error. One promising alternative is a ring–pin coupling device. This device has been shown to be useful for venous anastomosis, but lacks the versatility necessary for arterial applications. The purpose of this study was to optimize a vascular coupling design that could be used for arteries and veins of various sizes. To achieve this, finite-element (FE) analysis was used to simulate the vessel–device interaction during anastomosis. Parametric simulations were performed to optimize the number of pins, the wing pivot point, and the pin offset of the design. The interaction of the coupler with various blood vessel sizes was also evaluated. Maximum strain in the vessel wall increased with the number of pins. The positions of the wings and pins were also important in dictating maximum strain, and improper dimensions lead to failure of the installation process. Extra force applied to the distal end of the vessel, or a supplementary tool, will be required during the coupler installation process to prevent vessels less than 3 mm inner diameter (0.5 mm wall thickness) from slipping off the coupler.
A Magnetically Actuated Drug Delivery System for Robotic Endoscopic Capsules
Authors: Munoz Fredy , Alici Gursel , Li Weihua
Published: October 2015

There is an increasing need to incorporate an actively controlled drug delivery system (DDS) into the next generation of capsule endoscopy in order to treat diseases in the gastrointestinal tract in a noninvasive way. Despite a number of attempts to magnetically actuate drug delivery mechanisms embedded in endoscopic capsules, longer operating distances and further miniaturization of on-board components are still drawbacks of such systems. In this paper, we propose an innovative magnetic system that consists of an array of magnets, which activates a DDS, based on an overly miniaturized slider–crank mechanism. We use analytical models to compare the magnetic fields generated by cylindrical and arc-shaped magnets. Our experimental results, which are in agreement with the analytical results, show that an optimally configured array of the magnets enhances the magnetic field and also the driving magnetic torque and subsequently, it imposes a high enough force on the piston of the DDS to expel a required dose of a drug out of a reservoir. We conclude that the proposed magnetic field optimization method is effective in establishing an active DDS that is designed to deliver drug profiles with accurate control of the release rate, release amount, and number of doses.
Technical Report: TG‐142 compliant and comprehensive quality assurance tests for respiratory gating
Authors: Woods Kyle , Rong Yi
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

To develop and establish a comprehensive gating commissioning and quality assurance procedure in compliance with TG‐142.

Methods:

Eight Varian TrueBeam Linacs were used for this study. Gating commissioning included an end‐to‐end test and baseline establishment. The end‐to‐end test was performed using a CIRS dynamic thoracic phantom with a moving cylinder inside the lung, which was used for carrying both optically simulated luminescence detectors (OSLDs) and Gafchromic EBT2 films while the target is moving, for a point dose check and 2D profile check. In addition, baselines were established for beam‐on temporal delay and calibration of the surrogate, for both megavoltage (MV) and kilovoltage (kV) beams. A motion simulation device (MotionSim) was used to provide periodic motion on a platform, in synchronizing with a surrogate motion. The overall accuracy and uncertainties were analyzed and compared.

Results:

The OSLD readings were within 5% compared to the planned dose (within measurement uncertainty) for both phase and amplitude gated deliveries. Film results showed less than 3% agreement to the predicted dose with a standard sinusoid motion. The gate‐on temporal accuracy was averaged at 139 ± 10 ms for MV beams and 92 ± 11 ms for kV beams. The temporal delay of the surrogate motion depends on the motion speed and was averaged at 54.6 ± 3.1 ms for slow, 24.9 ± 2.9 ms for intermediate, and 23.0 ± 20.1 ms for fast speed.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive gating commissioning procedure was introduced for verifying the output accuracy and establishing the temporal accuracy baselines with respiratory gating. The baselines are needed for routine quality assurance tests, as suggested by TG‐142.