bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Articular cartilage grading of the knee: diagnostic performance of fat-suppressed 3D volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition (VISTA) compared with 3D T1 high-resolution isovolumetric examination (THRIVE)
Authors: Lee Young Han , Hahn Seok , Lim Daekeon , Suh Jin-Suck
Published: May 2016

Background

Conventionally, two-dimensional (2D) fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences have been widely used for clinical cartilage imaging as well as gradient (GRE) sequences. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been introduced with one 3D volumetric scan, and this is replacing slice-by-slice 2D MR scans.

Purpose

To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of two 3D sequences for abnormalities of knee cartilage: fat-suppressed (FS) FSE-based 3D volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition (VISTA) and GRE-based 3D T1 high-resolution isovolumetric examination (THRIVE).

Material and Methods

The institutional review board approved the protocol of this retrospective review. This study enrolled 40 patients (41 knees) with arthroscopically confirmed abnormalities of cartilage. All patients underwent isovoxel 3D-VISTA and 3D-THRIVE MR sequences on 3T MRI. We assessed the cartilage grade on the two 3D sequences using arthroscopy as a gold standard. Inter-observer agreement for each technique was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Differences in the area under the curve (AUC) were compared between the 3D-THRIVE and 3D-VISTA.

Results

Although inter-observer agreement for both sequences was excellent, the inter-observer agreement for 3D-VISTA was higher than for 3D-THRIVE for cartilage grading in all regions of the knee. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance ( P > 0.05) between the two sequences for detecting cartilage grade.

Conclusion

FSE-based 3D-VISTA images had good diagnostic performance that was comparable to GRE-based 3D-THRIVE images in the evaluation of knee cartilage, and can be used in routine knee MR protocols for the evaluation of cartilage.
Cultures of expertise and technologies of government: The emergence of think tanks in Chile
Authors: Aedo Angel
Published: May 2016

This article analyses the relation between the formation of a corpus of technologies of government and the establishment of bodies of actors that lay claim to this type of knowledge. In order to investigate this phenomenon, I examine the major milestones in the emergence of think tanks in Chile with the intention of uncovering not only the political aspects of technologies of government but also cultural ones, which come into play through people's beliefs and practices. I approach think tanks in the following three ways, which appear to be different dimensions of the same phenomenon: (a) as global assemblages; (b) through the genealogy of their emergence and (c) within their spheres and ‘sites’ of activity. Despite their differences in ideas and values, think tanks share the characteristic of being sites where neoliberal governmentality can be reproduced through a migratory technology of governing that interacts with situated sets of elements and historical conjunctures. The effects of this phenomenon are manifested in the establishment of a market for expertise opened up by think tanks, ‘freed’ from state bureaucracy and underpinned by a logic of competition that is supported by networks that blur the boundaries between public and private institutions.
The responsibility for social hope
Authors: Morgan Marcus
Published: May 2016

Since representations of social life are rarely separate in their effects from the worlds they aspire to depict, this article argues that as producers of such representations, sociologists are automatically responsible for considering the performative consequences of their work. In particular, it suggests that sociologists have an ongoing normative responsibility to draw out emergent strands of social hope from their empirical analyses. Through a comparison of Rorty, Levitas, and Unger’s different theorizations of social hope, the article argues for a pragmatic model of social hope that is rooted in empirical conceptions of the past and present, but, alive to the transcendent possibilities of the emerging future, refuses to be entirely determined by these conceptions.
A similarity analysis method of the non-isomorphism generalized module in product platform
Authors: Lei Tiaoyu , Peng Weiping , Lei Jin , Xiao Qing
Published: May 2016

The generalized module is one of the basic elements of parametric product platform, which can effectively support product variant design and mass customization design. A similarity analysis method for the non-isomorphism generalized module is proposed to support the precise configuration of product’s function, structure, and process. The structure, function, and process information of product modules are extracted from the product lifecycle management/product data management database and converted into eigenvector by range identification. Then, the parameters of different scales in non-isomorphism classes are normalized to eliminate the effect of different dimensions. The similarity measure of function and process information is completed by vector matching. The function equivalence classes and process equivalence classes are obtained using the proposed classification algorithms. The results of similarity analysis can increase the flexibility of product variant, meet the needs of customization, and thus directly support the precise configuration. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by a case study of high and middle pressure valves.
Analytical study of the end-face friction loss in a synchronal rotary multiphase pump
Authors: Yang Xu , Chen Xiang , Ma Junjie , Qu Zongchang
Published: May 2016

This study introduces a new type of end-face structure with polytetrafluoroethylene seals that improves the reliability of the synchronal rotary multiphase pump (SRMP). End-face models, including the relative motion and friction loss between the rotor and cylinder end faces, are established for both the original and the improved end-face structures. The end-face friction losses are analytically investigated based on the theoretical calculations. Due to the low relative velocity between the rotor and cylinder end faces, the end-face friction losses for both of the end-face structures are found to be insignificant compared to the total friction loss in the SRMP. The increased end-face friction loss caused by the polytetrafluoroethylene seals in the improved end-face structure is also negligible. Assessment of the friction losses of two end-face structures in high-speed and high-pressure applications shows that the improved end-face structure exhibits better performance than the original. The parametric analysis suggests that the wider but taller cylinder is helpful in reducing the end-face friction loss of SRMP.
Differential food intake and food choice by depression and body mass index levels following a mood manipulation in a buffet-style setting
Authors: Privitera Gregory J , King-Shepard Quentin W , Cuifolo Kayla N , Doraiswamy P Murali
Published: May 2016

While eating in response to emotional cues is associated with intake of unhealthy foods, less is known about the extent to which obesity and depression may differentially influence food intake in a buffet-style setting where low- and high-calorie foods are available to choose from. Using a counterbalanced design, 154 participants were grouped by depression and obesity categories, then asked to read a series of vignettes that were sad (on 1 day) and neutral (on a different day), followed by a buffet to eat until full. Food intake (in grams and calories) and food choice (number of high- or low-calorie food options) were recorded. Results showed that participants who were obese and depressed had significantly greater energy intake following the sad versus happy vignette, largely due to increased intake of high-calorie foods. The results corroborate recent theories on emotional eating and extend the ecological validity of such effects in a buffet-style setting.
Recurrent Psoriasis After Introduction of Belatacept in 2 Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Cicora Federico , Roberti Javier
Published: May 2016

Organ transplant recipients may have skin diseases as a result of immunosuppression, but psoriasis is reported infrequently. This skin condition may be induced by immunosuppression imbalance. We present 2 cases of recurrent psoriasis in 2 kidney transplant patients with belatacept-based immunosuppressive regimens. Two years after transplant, upon suspicion of calcineurin inhibitor neurotoxicity in the first patient, tacrolimus was replaced with belatacept. The patient’s neurological signs resolved but the patient presented with skin lesions compatible with psoriatic plaques, successfully treated with betamethasone dipropionate and hydrocortisone. The second patient had a history of obesity and dyslipidemia, left foot amputation, and psoriasis. He received a kidney transplant, and maintenance immunosuppression included prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, and belatacept. At posttransplant month 15, the patient presented with cutaneous erythematosus, maculopapular, and desquamative lesions compatible with psoriasis, treated with betamethasone dipropionate. The belatacept-based immunosuppressive regimens were maintained and psoriasis resolved. Psoriasis is a potential complication in kidney recipients that may recur when belatacept is used and/or tacrolimus is withdrawn as it could have happened in the first patient. The characteristics of the second case may suggest that belatacept might not have been the inciting agent. Good results were obtained with topical treatment.
Perioperative Desensitization Improves Outcomes Among Crossmatch Positive Recipients of Deceased Donor Renal Transplants
Authors: Sharma Amit , King Anne , Kumar Dhiren , Behnke Martha , McDougan Felecia , Kimball Pamela M.
Published: May 2016

Context:

Graft failure due to chronic rejection is greater among renal transplant patients with donor-specific antibody (DSA) than among DSA-free patients. For patients dependent on deceased donor transplantation, preoperative desensitization to eliminate DSAs may be impractical. We speculated that perioperative desensitization might eliminate preexisting DSAs and prevent de novo DSAs and improve graft outcomes. We report that brief perioperative desensitization using either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis/IVIG (PP/IVIG) treatment improves clinical outcomes among patients with positive crossmatches.

Design:

Immediately following deceased donor transplantation, 235 renal recipients were assigned points for PRA and flow crossmatches (FCXM): delayed graft function (DGF) ≤ 1 point received standard therapy; 2 points received high-dose IVIG; and ≥3 points received PP/IVIG. The DSAs were serially monitored by single antigen bead luminex for 1 year. Five-year clinical outcomes were determined from the chart review.

Results:

All desensitized patients had preoperatively positive FCXM with DSA. Rejection was more common ( P < .05) among desensitized than nonsensitized groups. However, overall graft survivals were similar between the groups ( P = not significant) and superior to historic untreated patients ( P < .05). Treatment with PP/IVIG more effectively eliminated preexisting DSAs (67% vs 33%, P < 0.05) than IVIG, but neither regimen prevented de novo formation of DSA (20%, P = not significant). Graft survival was >90% in all desensitizated patients with DSA elimination as well as PP/IVIG patients with residual DSA. In contrast, IVIG patients with persistent DSA had poorer graft survival (45%, P < .05).

Conclusion:

Preemptive perioperative desensitization improved overall graft survival of sensitized patients compared to historic untreated patients. Plasmapheresis/IVIG had greater impact on DSA eradication and graft survival than IVIG alone.
Coley’s Lessons Remembered
Authors: Orange Maurice , Reuter Uwe , Hobohm Uwe
Published: May 2016

The following four observations point in the same direction, namely that there is an unleveraged potential for stimulating the innate immune system against cancer: (1) experimental treatments with bacterial extracts more than 100 years ago by Coley and contemporaries, (2) a positive correlation between spontaneous regressions and febrile infection, (3) epidemiological data suggesting an inverse correlation between a history of infection and the likelihood of developing cancer, and (4) our recent finding that a cocktail of pattern recognition receptor ligands (PRRLs) can eradicate solid tumors in cancer mice if applied metronomically. Because the main immunostimulating component of mistletoe extract (ME), mistletoe lectin, has been shown to be a PRRL as well, we suggest to apply ME in combination with additional PRRLs. Additional PRRLs can be found in approved drugs already on the market. Therefore, augmentation of ME might be feasible, with the aim of reattaining the old successes using approved drugs rather than bacterial extracts.
Extension classification method for low-carbon product cases
Authors: Zhao Yanwei , Ren Shedong , Hong Huanhuan , Wang Hongwei
Published: May 2016

In product low-carbon design, intelligent decision systems integrated with certain classification algorithms recommend the existing design cases to designers. However, these systems mostly dependent on prior experience, and product designers not only expect to get a satisfactory case from an intelligent system but also hope to achieve assistance in modifying unsatisfactory cases. In this article, we proposed a new categorization method composed of static and dynamic classification based on extension theory. This classification method can be integrated into case-based reasoning system to get accurate classification results and to inform designers of detailed information about unsatisfactory cases. First, we establish the static classification model for cases by dependent function in a hierarchical structure. Then for dynamic classification, we make transformation for cases based on case model, attributes, attribute values, and dependent function, thus cases can take qualitative changes. Finally, the applicability of proposed method is demonstrated through a case study of screw air compressor cases.
A kernel principal component analysis–based degradation model and remaining useful life estimation for the turbofan engine
Authors: Feng Delong , Xiao Mingqing , Liu Yingxi , Song Haifang , Yang Zhao , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2016

Remaining useful life estimation of the prognostics and health management technique is a complicated and difficult research question for maintenance. In this article, we consider the problem of prognostics modeling and estimation of the turbofan engine under complicated circumstances and propose a kernel principal component analysis–based degradation model and remaining useful life estimation method for such aircraft engine. We first analyze the output data created by the turbofan engine thermodynamic simulation that is based on the kernel principal component analysis method and then distinguish the qualitative and quantitative relationships between the key factors. Next, we build a degradation model for the engine fault based on the following assumptions: the engine has only had constant failure (i.e. no sudden failure is included), and the engine has a Wiener process, which is a covariate stand for the engine system drift. To predict the remaining useful life of the turbofan engine, we built a health index based on the degradation model and used the method of maximum likelihood and the data from the thermodynamic simulation model to estimate the parameters of this degradation model. Through the data analysis, we obtained a trend model of the regression curve line that fits with the actual statistical data. Based on the predicted health index model and the data trend model, we estimate the remaining useful life of the aircraft engine as the index reaches zero. At last, a case study involving engine simulation data demonstrates the precision and performance advantages of this prediction method that we propose. At last, a case study involving engine simulation data demonstrates the precision and performance advantages of this proposed method, the precision of the method can reach to 98.9% and the average precision is 95.8%.
Summing Up Hours of Any Type of Practice Versus Identifying Optimal Practice Activities
Authors: Ericsson K. Anders
Published: May 2016

In their original article, Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer (1993) reviewed the evidence concerning the conditions of optimal learning and found that individualized practice with training tasks (selected by a supervising teacher) with a clear performance goal and immediate informative feedback was associated with marked improvement. We found that this type of deliberate practice was prevalent when advanced musicians practice alone and found its accumulated duration related to attained music performance. In contrast, Macnamara, Moreau, and Hambrick’s (2016, this issue) main meta-analysis examines the use of the term deliberate practice to refer to a much broader and less defined concept including virtually any type of sport-specific activity, such as group activities, watching games on television, and even play and competitions. Summing up every hour of any type of practice during an individual’s career implies that the impact of all types of practice activity on performance is equal—an assumption that I show is inconsistent with the evidence. Future research should collect objective measures of representative performance with a longitudinal description of all the changes in different aspects of the performance so that any proximal conditions of deliberate practice related to effective improvements can be identified and analyzed experimentally.
Optimizing T-cell receptor gene therapy for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Morris Emma C. , Stauss Hans J.
Published: May 2016

Recent advances in genetic engineering have enabled the delivery of clinical trials using patient T cells redirected to recognize tumor-associated antigens. The most dramatic results have been seen with T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for CD19, a differentiation antigen expressed in B cells and B lineage malignancies. We propose that antigen expression in nonmalignant cells may contribute to the efficacy of T-cell therapy by maintaining effector function and promoting memory. Although CAR recognition is limited to cell surface structures, T-cell receptors (TCRs) can recognize intracellular proteins. This not only expands the range of tumor-associated self-antigens that are amenable for T-cell therapy, but also allows TCR targeting of the cancer mutagenome. We will highlight biological bottlenecks that potentially limit mutation-specific T-cell therapy and may require high-avidity TCRs that are capable of activating effector function when the concentrations of mutant peptides are low. Unexpectedly, modified TCRs with artificially high affinities function poorly in response to low concentration of cognate peptide but pose an increased safety risk as they may respond optimally to cross-reactive peptides. Recent gene-editing tools, such as transcription activator–like effector nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, provide a platform to delete endogenous TCR and HLA genes, which removes alloreactivity and decreases immunogenicity of third-party T cells. This represents an important step toward generic off-the-shelf T-cell products that may be used in the future for the treatment of large numbers of patients.
Epidemiological studies of burn patients in a burn center in Ghana: any clues for prevention?
Authors: Agbenorku P. , Aboah K. , Akpaloo J. , Amankwa R. , Farhat B. , Turkson E. , Hoyte-Williams P. E. , Klutsey E. E. , Yorke J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Burn injuries are a serious problem worldwide, with most occurrences in low- and middle-income countries. Depending on the extent of injury, burn victims are faced with the challenges of fitting into society due to complications such as extensive scarring and contractures. The current study seeks to determine whether epidemiological studies of burn patients can provide guidelines to enhance burn prevention among the Ghanaian population.

Methods

Data from the Burns Registry of the Burns Intensive Care Unit (BICU) of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) was obtained. Data on sex, age, aetiology, % total body surface area (TBSA), and admission outcomes from May 1, 2009, to April 30, 2013, were retrieved for a total of 487 patients during this period.

Results

Data on burn admissions comprising 263 (54.0 %) males and 224 (46.0 %) females were obtained from the Burns Registry. Children 0–10 years were the most affected age group. The yearly mean % TBSA ranged from 24.74 % to 35.07 %. The majority of burns was caused by scalding. Mortality rates ranged from 8.4 % to 32.0 % during the period under review.

Conclusions

The study shows that children of 10 years old and below are the most affected group; this may be due to inattention to these children by parents/caretakers. Safety and safe working environments should be provided at home and workplaces, and promotion of education on burn prevention should be intensified.
Epidemiology of burns and scalds in children presenting to the emergency department of a regional burns unit: a 7-year retrospective study
Authors: Battle Ceri Elisabeth , Evans Vanessa , James Karen , Guy Katherine , Whitley Janet , Evans Phillip Adrian
Published: May 2016

Background

Variation in the incidence and mechanism of thermal injury has been reported in different age groups in children. The aim of this study was to report the incidence, mechanisms, and environmental factors of all burns presentations to the emergency department (ED) of a regional burns centre over a 7-year period.

Methods

A retrospective, chart review study of all burns presentations to the ED of a regional burns centre in South Wales was conducted. All children recorded as having sustained a burn or scald, aged less than 16 years were included in the analysis. Subjects’ demographics were analysed using descriptive statistics, and comparisons were made between patients aged less than 5 and patients aged 5–16 using chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 1387 cases were included in the final analysis. Scalds were the most common thermal injury with 569 (41.0 %) reported, followed by contact burns in 563 (40.6 %) patients. The patients requiring hospitalisation were significantly younger (2 vs 3 years; p < 0.001) and had a higher rate of non-accidental injury (10 vs 4; p < 0.001). The most commonly injured site in both age groups was a hand or digit.

Conclusions

Scalds and contact burns were the most commonly reported thermal injury in children aged less than 16. Common mechanisms were hot beverages, hobs and hair straighteners, highlighting further burn prevention strategies are needed and good-quality prospective studies that investigate the effectiveness of such strategies.
Feasibility of electromagnetic methods to detect and image steam-assisted gravity drainage steam chambers
Authors: Devriese Sarah G. R. , Oldenburg Douglas W.
Published: May 2016

We have investigated the use of electric and electromagnetic (EM) methods to monitor the growth of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) steam chambers. SAGD has proven to be a successful method for extracting bitumen from the Athabasca oil sands in Alberta, Canada. However, complexity and heterogeneity within the reservoir could impede steam chamber growth, thereby limiting oil recovery and increase production costs. Using seismic data collected over an existing SAGD project, we have generated a synthetic steam chamber and modeled it as a conductive body within the bitumen-rich McMurray Formation. Simulated data from standard crosswell electrical surveys, when inverted in three dimensions, show existence of the chamber but lack the resolution necessary to determine the shape and size. By expanding to EM surveys, our ability to recover and resolve the steam chamber is significantly enhanced. We use a simplified survey design procedure to design a variety of field surveys that include surface and borehole transmitters operating in the frequency or time domain. Each survey is inverted in three dimensions, and the results are compared. Importantly, despite the shielding effects of the highly conductive cap rock over the McMurray Formation, we have determined that it is possible to electromagnetically excite the steam chamber using a large-loop surface transmitter. This motivates a synthetic example, constructed using the geology and resistivity logging data of a future SAGD site, where we simulate data from single and multiple surface loop transmitters. We have found that even when measurements are restricted to the vertical component of the electric field in standard observation wells, if multiple transmitters are used, the inversion recovers three steam chambers and discerns an area of limited steam growth that results from a blockage in the reservoir. The effectiveness of the survey shows that this EM methodology is worthy of future investigation and field deployment.
NECAP2 controls clathrin coat recruitment to early endosomes for fast endocytic recycling
Authors: Chamberland John P. , Antonow Lauren T. , Dias Santos Michel , Ritter Brigitte
Published: May 2016

Endocytic recycling returns receptors to the plasma membrane following internalization and is essential to maintain receptor levels on the cell surface, re-sensitize cells to extracellular ligands and for continued nutrient uptake. Yet, the protein machineries and mechanisms that drive endocytic recycling remain ill-defined. Here, we establish that NECAP2 regulates the endocytic recycling of EGFR and transferrin receptor. Our analysis of the recycling dynamics revealed that NECAP2 functions in the fast recycling pathway that directly returns cargo from early endosomes to the cell surface. In contrast, NECAP2 does not regulate the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of these cargos, the degradation of EGFR or the recycling of transferrin along the slow, Rab11-dependent recycling pathway. We show that protein knockdown of NECAP2 leads to enlarged early endosomes and causes the loss of the clathrin adapter AP-1 from the organelle. Through structure-function analysis, we define the protein-binding interfaces in NECAP2 that are crucial for AP-1 recruitment to early endosomes. Together, our data identify NECAP2 as a pathway-specific regulator of clathrin coat formation on early endosomes for fast endocytic recycling.
Chromatibody, a novel non-invasive molecular tool to explore and manipulate chromatin in living cells
Authors: Jullien Denis , Vignard Julien , Fedor Yoann , Béry Nicolas , Olichon Aurélien , Crozatier Michèle , Erard Monique , Cassard Hervé , Ducommun Bernard , Salles Bernard , Mirey Gladys
Published: May 2016

Chromatin function is involved in many cellular processes, its visualization or modification being essential in many developmental or cellular studies. Here, we present the characterization of chromatibody, a chromatin-binding single-domain, and explore its use in living cells. This non-intercalating tool specifically binds the heterodimer of H2A–H2B histones and displays a versatile reactivity, specifically labeling chromatin from yeast to mammals. We show that this genetically encoded probe, when fused to fluorescent proteins, allows non-invasive real-time chromatin imaging. Chromatibody is a dynamic chromatin probe that can be modulated. Finally, chromatibody is an efficient tool to target an enzymatic activity to the nucleosome, such as the DNA damage-dependent H2A ubiquitylation, which can modify this epigenetic mark at the scale of the genome and result in DNA damage signaling and repair defects. Taken together, these results identify chromatibody as a universal non-invasive tool for either in vivo chromatin imaging or to manipulate the chromatin landscape.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors used in type-2 diabetes inhibit a phospholipase C: a case of promiscuous scaffolds in proteins
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep , Rendón-Ramírez Adela , Ásgeirsson Bjarni , Dutta Mouparna , Ghosh Anindya S. , Oda Masataka , Venkatramani Ravindra , Rao Basuthkar J. , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Goñi Félix M.
Published: May 2016

The long term side effects of any newly introduced drug is a subject of intense research, and often raging controversies. One such example is the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) inhibitor used for treating type 2 diabetes, which is inconclusively implicated in increased susceptibility to acute pancreatitis. Previously, based on a computational analysis of the spatial and electrostatic properties of active site residues, we have demonstrated that phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus cereus is a prolyl peptidase using in vivo experiments. In the current work, we first report the inhibition of the native activity of PI-PLC by two DPP4 inhibitors - vildagliptin (LAF-237) and K-579. While vildagliptin inhibited PI-PLC at micromolar concentrations, K-579 was a potent inhibitor even at nanomolar concentrations. Subsequently, we queried a comprehensive, non-redundant set of 5000 human proteins (50% similarity cutoff) with known structures using serine protease (SPASE) motifs derived from trypsin and DPP4. A pancreatic lipase and a gastric lipase are among the proteins that are identified as proteins having promiscuous SPASE scaffolds that could interact with DPP4 inhibitors. The presence of such scaffolds in human lipases is expected since they share the same catalytic mechanism with PI-PLC. However our methodology also detects other proteins, often with a completely different enzymatic mechanism, that have significantly congruent domains with the SPASE motifs. The reported elevated levels of serum lipase, although contested, could be rationalized by inhibition of lipases reported here. Also, the methodology presented here can be easily adopted for other drugs, and provide the first line of filtering in the identification of pathways that might be inadvertently affected due to promiscuous scaffolds in proteins.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors used in type-2 diabetes inhibit a phospholipase C: a case of promiscuous scaffolds in proteins
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep , Rendón-Ramírez Adela , Ásgeirsson Bjarni , Dutta Mouparna , Ghosh Anindya S. , Oda Masataka , Venkatramani Ravindra , Rao Basuthkar J. , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Goñi Félix M.
Published: May 2016

The long term side effects of any newly introduced drug is a subject of intense research, and often raging controversies. One such example is the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) inhibitor used for treating type 2 diabetes, which is inconclusively implicated in increased susceptibility to acute pancreatitis. Previously, based on a computational analysis of the spatial and electrostatic properties of active site residues, we have demonstrated that phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus cereus is a prolyl peptidase using in vivo experiments. In the current work, we first report the inhibition of the native activity of PI-PLC by two DPP4 inhibitors - vildagliptin (LAF-237) and K-579. While vildagliptin inhibited PI-PLC at micromolar concentrations, K-579 was a potent inhibitor even at nanomolar concentrations. Subsequently, we queried a comprehensive, non-redundant set of 5000 human proteins (50% similarity cutoff) with known structures using serine protease (SPASE) motifs derived from trypsin and DPP4. A pancreatic lipase and a gastric lipase are among the proteins that are identified as proteins having promiscuous SPASE scaffolds that could interact with DPP4 inhibitors. The presence of such scaffolds in human lipases is expected since they share the same catalytic mechanism with PI-PLC. However our methodology also detects other proteins, often with a completely different enzymatic mechanism, that have significantly congruent domains with the SPASE motifs. The reported elevated levels of serum lipase, although contested, could be rationalized by inhibition of lipases reported here. In an effort to further our understanding of the spatial and electrostatic basis of DPP4 inhibitors, we have also done a comprehensive analysis of all 76 known DPP4 structures liganded to inhibitors till date. Also, the methodology presented here can be easily adopted for other drugs, and provide the first line of filtering in the identification of pathways that might be inadvertently affected due to promiscuous scaffolds in proteins.
Attainment of Metasubject and Personal Results by Means of Learning Kit «Primary School of XXI Century» Training
Authors: Соловьёв  , Solovev Yakov
Published: May 2016

The article defines the pedagogical potential of teaching materials “Primary school in the XXI century”, which can be used to achieve highquality

educational outcomes, gives the author’s approach to the methods and technologies of training for requirements realization of the Federal

State Educational Standard of Primary Education of the second generation with regard to formation of metasubject results. This article is

intended to help elementary school teachers in the choice of training resources.
Teaching Younger Schoolchildren to Differentiate and Apply Forms of Words and Conjugate Word
Authors: Рывкина  , Ryvkina L.
Published: May 2016

The article considers the formation methodology of one of the most important skill, which should master a primary schoolchild, - morphemic

analysis of a word. Acquisition of this basic skills by a primary schoolchild gives him an opportunity not only to choose the right spelling of the

word part, but also to extend his vocabulary. It also forms practical skills of the word-formative activity.
Effective techniques for asthma control in hay fever season
Authors: Marsh Viv
Published: May 2016

Viv Marsh discusses how patients can be supported to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis
Short burst oxygen therapy in COPD: a practice nurse's guide
Authors: Scott Michael
Published: May 2016

Michael Scott provides the evidence around short burst oxygen therapy, so that practice nurses can advise their patients appropriately
Análisis y evaluación de las competencias del Grado en Información y Documentación en la Universidad de Zaragoza
Authors: Agustín Lacruz María del Carmen , Salvador Oliván José Antonio
Published: May 2016

Se estudian las competencias específicas descritas en las guías docentes publicadas del grado en Información y Documentación de la Universidad de Zaragoza. La metodología consiste en analizar las competencias recogidas en las guías docentes de todas las asignaturas mediante su inclusión en una base de datos y posterior procesado mediante el programa estadístico SPSS (v. 22.0). Entre los resultados destaca el estudio de 37 asignaturas. El número medio de competencias por asignatura es de 3,1. Las competencias con mayor presencia son Elaboración y difusión de la información, Conocimiento del entorno profesional de la información y documentación, Identificación, autentificación y evaluación de fuentes y recursos de información, y Organización y almacenamiento de la información, presentes en la tercera parte de las asignaturas del grado. En sentido negativo, las competencias que no están reflejadas en ninguna asignatura son Tecnologías de la información: Telecomunicaciones y Técnicas comerciales. En las asignaturas de Formación Básica, la competencias más frecuente es Elaboración y difusión de la información, que aparece en casi la mitad de las asignaturas de este tipo, seguida de las competencias Identificación autentificación y evaluación de recursos de información, Organización y almacenamiento de la información e Interacción con los productores, los usuarios y los clientes de información, que aparecen en casi la tercera parte de este tipo de asignaturas. En las asignaturas Obligatorias, la competencia más frecuente es Organización y almacenamiento de la información, que aparece en algo más de la tercera parte de las asignaturas. En las asignaturas Optativas, las competencias más frecuentes son Conocimiento del entorno profesional de la información y la documentación, Identificación, autentificación y evaluación de fuentes y recursos de información y Elaboración y difusión de la información.
Una experiencia de aprendizaje combinado en Estadística para estudiantes de Psicología usando la evaluación como herramienta de aprendizaje
Authors: Valentín Centeno Alberto , González-Tablas Sastre M.ª del Mar , López Pérez M.ª Estrella , Mateos García Pedro Manuel
Published: May 2016

La enseñanza de la asignatura de Estadística Aplicada a la Psicología, se ha basado en diferentes modelos didácticos que incorporan metodologías activas de enseñanza. En esta experiencia se han combinado enfoques que priorizan el uso de las TIC con otros donde la evaluación se convierte en un elemento de aprendizaje. Ello ha supuesto la utilización de plataformas de apoyo virtual a la docencia que posibilitan un aprendizaje donde se combinan actividades presenciales y no presenciales. El diseño de los componentes del curso está inspirado en las dimensiones del modelo propuesto por Carless (2003). Este modelo utiliza la evaluación como elemento de aprendizaje. El desarrollo de esta experiencia ha mostrado cómo la propuesta didáctica ha sido interpretada positivamente por los estudiantes. Los alumnos reconocieron que tenían que aprender y comprender en profundidad los conceptos básicos de la asignatura, para que ellos puedan enseñar y evaluar a sus compañeros.
La tercera misión
Authors: García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: May 2016

El editorial de este primer número del volumen 17, correspondiente al año 2016, se dedica a las relaciones universidad-empresa-sociedad en lo que se conoce como la Tercera Misión de la Universidad o como la misión de la transferencia de conocimiento.
Evaluación sostenible de experiencias de aprendizaje basado en proyectos
Authors: Traverso Ribón Ignacio , Banderas Alberico Antonio , Dodero Juan Manuel , Ruiz Rube Iván , Palomo Manuel
Published: May 2016

En las experiencias de aprendizaje basadas en proyectos, la monitorización detallada de las actividades de los miembros de cada equipo puede resultar de utilidad para la evaluación de su trabajo. Mediante procedimientos de evaluación, los supervisores pueden evaluar las capacidades de trabajo en equipo con una finalidad formativa. Suelen aplicarse estrategias como la auto-evaluación, la evaluación entre iguales y la co-evaluación para hacer que la evaluación formativa sea sostenible. Seguir una estrategia de evaluación no es siempre sencillo para los miembros de los equipos, pues necesitan un conocimiento razonable del proceso y los criterios de evaluación. Este artículo describe una metodología de evaluación orientada al aprendizaje y un framework software de datos abiertos aplicable a la evaluación de proyectos de desarrollo colaborativo. Se han elaborado una rúbrica y una serie de indicadores que proporcionan evidencias sobre las habilidades y, posteriormente, se han aplicado a un curso basado en proyectos de pequeña escala. Los proyectos se gestionaron y ejecutaron con la ayuda de una forja de software libre que incluye una herramienta de gestión de tareas para la planificación y el seguimiento, un repositorio de control de versiones para almacenar el software entregable y una wiki para almacenar los entregables textuales. La experiencia ha proporcionado evidencias a favor del método de evaluación y el framework de datos abiertos para hacer la evaluación del trabajo en equipo más sostenible.
Does slope exposure affect frost ring formation in Picea obovata growing at treeline in the Southern Urals?
Authors: Gurskaya Marina , Moiseev Pavel , Wilmking Martin
Published: May 2016

Topographic complexity in mountainous ecosystems strongly influences plant growth and as such also wood formation. This wood formation can possibly be used to understand topographic variation of the main climatic drivers, e.g. by modulating frost events. Here we test the influence of different slope exposures on the spatio-temporal distribution of frost rings in Siberian spruce (Ledeb.) in the Southern Urals, Russia. We sampled on two opposite slopes, northeast (NE) and southwest (SW), on three elevation levels from the highest single trees to closed canopy forest and analysed frost ring occurrence and their seasonal timing. Frost ring formation at all exposure-elevation combinations was common and mainly concentrated in the early part of the growing season. The age until trees record frost rings was equally similar (until about 35 years) on both slopes and different elevational levels with the exception of the climatically harshest site, the highest elevation on the NE slope. While we could not deduce a direct, easily identifiable climatic driver for the formation of frost rings, our analysis shows high potential to disentangle the complex interplay between climate, site condition and tree growth in mountainous ecosystems.Picea obovata
Matter exhibiting absolute rest and the origin of the solar system
Authors: Robertson Daniel
Published: May 2016

The development of a volume of space containing matter which exhibits no movement of any kind is described. This is identified as matter in a state of Absolute Rest as envisaged by Newton. The proper-ties of matter in this state are described. The induction of the change from motion to rest and the re-verse are detailed and the latter applied to the origin of the Sun and the development of the Solar Sys-tem.
The influence of moisture content on the mechanical stability of wood pellets
Authors: KOCSIS Zoltán
Published: May 2016

Napjainkban a faalapú por-forgács halmazok pelletálhatóságával összefüggő kutatások még meglehetősen hiányosak. A folyamatra jellemző jelenségek (mechanikai stabilitás, súrlódási viszonyok, rheológiai tulajdonságok, feszültség-deformációs összefüggések) még máig is számos kérdést vetnek fel a kutatóknak. Ennek oka a faanyag felépítésének bonyolult struktúrájában keresendő. A szakirodalmak szinte egységes állásponton vannak, miszerint a pellet mechanikai stabilitásában a fő szerepet a lignin, mint természetes kötőanyag illetve a vele kapcsolatos kötési erők játsszák, de emellett megemlítik az adhéziós erők jelentős hatását is, amik a nedvességtartalommal állnak szoros kapcsolatban. Jelen kutatás vizsgálat alá vonta a pellet mechanikai stabilitásával összefüggő kötési erők eredetét és a kísérletek azt bizonyították, hogy a préselés során a farészek felületére kivált víz jelenléte valóban meghatározó szerepet tölt be a kötési erők kialakításában.
Structure and tensile properties evaluation of
samples produced by Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Gajdoš Ivan , Slota Ján , Spišák Emil , Jachowicz Tomasz , Tor-Swiatek Aneta
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the result of a study evaluating
the influence of alternative path generation strategy
on structure and some mechanical properties of parts
produced by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology.
Several scientific investigations focused on resolving
issues in FDM parts by modifying a path generation strategy
to optimize its mechanical properties. In this study,
an alternative strategy was proposed with the intention of
minimizing internal voids and, thus, to improve mechanical
properties. Polycarbonate samples made by this alternative
path generation strategy were subjected to tensile
strength test and metro-tomography structure evaluation.
The results reveal that the structure observed on
build models differs from a structure expected from path
generation predicted by software Insight 9.1. This difference
affected the tensile strength of samples.
Synaptic and extrasynaptic traces of long-term memory: the ID molecule theory
Authors: Legéndy Charles R.
Published: May 2016

It is generally assumed at the time of this writing that memories are stored in the form of synaptic weights. However, it is now also clear that the synapses are not permanent; in fact, synaptic patterns undergo significant change in a matter of hours. This means that to implement the long survival of distant memories (for several decades in humans), the brain must possess a molecular backup mechanism in some form, complete with provisions for the storage and retrieval of information. It is found below that the memory-supporting molecules need not contain a detailed description of mental entities, as had been envisioned in the ‘memory molecule papers’ from 50 years ago, they only need to contain unique identifiers of various entities, and that this can be achieved using relatively small molecules, using a random code (‘ID molecules’). In this paper, the logistics of information flow are followed through the steps of storage and retrieval, and the conclusion reached is that the ID molecules, by carrying a sufficient amount of information (entropy), can effectively control the recreation of complex multineuronal patterns. In illustrations, it is described how ID molecules can be made to revive a selected cell assembly by waking up its synapses and how they cause a selected cell assembly to ignite by sending slow inward currents into its cells. The arrangement involves producing multiple copies of the ID molecules and distributing them at strategic locations at selected sets of synapses, then reaching them through small noncoding RNA molecules. This requires the quick creation of entropy-rich messengers and matching receptors, and it suggests that these are created from each other by small-scale transcription and reverse transcription.
Interrater Reliability of the 6-Minute Walk Test in Women With Hip Fracture
Authors: Overgaard Jan Arnholtz , Larsen Camilla Marie , Holtze Steffen , Ockholm Kenneth , Kristensen Morten Tange
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose:

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used as a clinical outcome measure. However, the reliability of the 6MWT is unknown in individuals who have recently experienced a hip fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative and absolute interrater reliability of the 6MWT in individuals with hip fracture.

Methods:

Two senior physical therapy students independently examined a convenience sample of 20 participants in a randomized order. Their assessments were separated by 2 days and followed the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society. Hip fracture-related pain was assessed with the Verbal Ranking Scale.

Results:

Participants (all women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 78.1 (5.9) years performed the test at a mean of 31.5 (5.8) days postsurgery. Of the participants, 10 had a cervical fracture and 10 had a trochanteric fracture. Excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC2.1] = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.97) was found, and the standard error of measurement and smallest real difference were calculated to be 21.4 and 59.4 m, respectively. Bland-Altman plots revealed no significant difference (mean of 3.2 [31.5] m, P = .83) between the 2 raters, and no heteroscedasticity was observed (r = −0.196, P = .41). By contrast, participants walked an average of 21.7 (22.5) m longer during the second trial (P = .002). Participants with moderate hip fracture-related pain walked a shorter distance than those with no or light pain during the first test (P = .04), but this was not the case during the second test (P = .25).

Conclusion:

The interrater reliability of the 6MWT is excellent, and changes of more than 21.4 m (group level) and 59.4 m (individual participants with hip fracture) indicate a real change in the 6MWT. Measuring hip fracture-related pain during testing is recommended for individuals with hip fracture who undergo the 6MWT.