bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neuron electrophysiological properties and partner preference behavior in the adult male prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster
Authors: Willett Jaime A. , Johnson Ashlyn G. , Vogel Andrea R. , Patisaul Heather B. , McGraw Lisa A. , Meitzen John
Published: January 2018

Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens have long been implicated in the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie numerous social and motivated behaviors as studied in rodents such as rats. Recently, the prairie vole has emerged as an important model animal for studying social behaviors, particularly regarding monogamy because of its ability to form pair bonds. However, to our knowledge, no study has assessed intrinsic vole MSN electrophysiological properties or tested how these properties vary with the strength of the pair bond between partnered voles. Here we performed whole cell patch-clamp recordings of MSNs in acute brain slices of the nucleus accumbens core (NAc) of adult male voles exhibiting strong and weak preferences for their respective partnered females. We first document vole MSN electrophysiological properties and provide comparison to rat MSNs. Vole MSNs demonstrated many canonical electrophysiological attributes shared across species but exhibited notable differences in excitability compared with rat MSNs. Second, we assessed male vole partner preference behavior and tested whether MSN electrophysiological properties varied with partner preference strength. Male vole partner preference showed extensive variability. We found that decreases in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude and the slope of the evoked action potential firing rate to depolarizing current injection weakly associated with increased preference for the partnered female. This suggests that excitatory synaptic strength and neuronal excitability may be decreased in MSNs in males exhibiting stronger preference for a partnered female. Overall, these data provide extensive documentation of MSN electrophysiological characteristics and their relationship to social behavior in the prairie vole.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research represents the first assessment of prairie vole nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neuron intrinsic electrophysiological properties and probes the relationship between cellular excitability and social behavior.
A Stress Measurement Method for Steel Strands Based on LC Oscillation
Authors: Chen Dongjun , Zhang Benniu , Li Xingxing , Tu Chong , Yuan Can , Li Wenzhao , Zhou Zhixiang , Liang Zongbao
Published: January 2018

The prestress loss is one of the main factors affecting the safety of prestressed concrete structure. While the detecting signals like sound and light are difficult to spread in steel strands, there is no effective method for prestress detection of the bonded prestressed steel strands in existing structures yet. In this paper, taking into consideration that the electromagnetic oscillation characteristic can make the signal propagate effectively on the bonded prestressed steel strands, a nondestructive prestress detection method based on the electromagnetic effect to detect oscillation frequency is proposed. In a detection circuit, the steel strands are simulated as an inductance component, in which an induced electromagnetic signal passes through the steel strands to form resonance. And then, a frequency meter is used to detect the oscillation frequency of the resonant circuit. The oscillation frequency is supposed to have relationship with the prestress loading on the steel strands. A section of steel strands with a length of 1.2 m is adopted to test the correlation of stress and oscillation frequency. Both the theoretical and experimental results show that the resonant frequency of the circuit decreases with the increase of the stress of the strand and is linear in a certain range.
Current Knowledge and Recent Advances of Right Ventricular Molecular Biology and Metabolism from Congenital Heart Disease to Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Guimaron Samantha , Guihaire Julien , Amsallem Myriam , Haddad François , Fadel Elie , Mercier Olaf
Published: January 2018

Studies about pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart diseases have introduced the concept of right ventricular remodeling leading these pathologies to a similar outcome: right ventricular failure. However right ventricular remodeling is also a physiological process that enables the normal fetal right ventricle to adapt at birth and gain its adult phenotype. The healthy mature right ventricle is exposed to low pulmonary vascular resistances and is compliant. However, in the setting of chronic pressure overload, as in pulmonary hypertension, or volume overload, as in congenital heart diseases, the right ventricle reverts back to a fetal phenotype to sustain its function. Mechanisms include angiogenic changes and concomitant increased metabolic activity to maintain energy production. Eventually, the remodeled right ventricle cannot resist the increased afterload, leading to right ventricular failure. After comparing the fetal and adult healthy right ventricles, we sought to review the main metabolic and cellular changes occurring in the setting of PH and CHD. Their association with RV function and potential impact on clinical practice will also be discussed.
Identification of Alcoholism Based on Wavelet Renyi Entropy and Three‐Segment Encoded Jaya Algorithm
Authors: Wang Shui-Hua , Muhammad Khan , Lv Yiding , Sui Yuxiu , Han Liangxiu , Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: January 2018

The alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an important brain disease, which could cause the damage and alteration of brain structure. The current diagnosis of AUD is mainly done manually by radiologists. This study proposes a novel computer‐vision‐based method for automatic detection of AUD based on wavelet Renyi entropy and three‐segment encoded Jaya algorithm from MRI scans. The wavelet Renyi entropy is proposed to provide multiresolution and multiscale analysis of features, describe the complexity of the brain structure, and extract the distinctive features. Grid search method was used to select the optimal wavelet decomposition level and Renyi order. The classifier was constructed based on feedforward neural network and a three‐segment encoded (TSE) Jaya algorithm providing parameter‐free training of the weights, biases, and number of hidden neurons. We have conducted the experimental evaluation on 235 subjects (114 are AUDs and 121 healthy). k‐fold cross validation has been used to avoid overfitting and report out‐of‐sample errors. The results showed that the proposed method outperforms four state‐of‐the‐art approaches in terms of accuracy. The proposed TSE‐Jaya provides a better performance, compared to the conventional approaches including plain Jaya, multiobjective genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, bee colony optimization, modified ant colony system, and real‐coded biogeography‐based optimization.
A Case of Rare Complication of Inguinal Parietoplasty according to Lichtenstein: Entero Cutaneous Fistula
Authors: Kouakou K. B. , Anzoua K. I. , Traore M. , Leh B. K. I. , N’Dri A. B. , Ekra A. S. , Kouakou B. A. , Lebeau R. , Diané B.
Published: January 2018

Lichtenstein intervention is currently the classic model of the regulated treatment of inguinal hernias by direct local approach. This “tension-free” technique satisfies both patients and practitioners. However, it does not often evade severe complications of parietal surgery. The authors report their treatment experience in rural Africa of a late enterocutaneous fistula which aggravated an inguinal hernia repair according to the Lichtenstein procedure. Physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of that disease are analyzed in the light of literature.
Experimental and Computational Modal Analyses for Launch Vehicle Models considering Liquid Propellant and Flange Joints
Authors: Sim Chang-Hoon , Kim Geun-Sang , Kim Dong-Goen , Kim In-Gul , Park Soon-Hong , Park Jae-Sang
Published: January 2018

In this research, modal tests and analyses are performed for a simplified and scaled first-stage model of a space launch vehicle using liquid propellant. This study aims to establish finite element modeling techniques for computational modal analyses by considering the liquid propellant and flange joints of launch vehicles. The modal tests measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes in the first and second lateral bending modes. As the liquid filling ratio increases, the measured frequencies decrease. In addition, as the number of flange joints increases, the measured natural frequencies increase. Computational modal analyses using the finite element method are conducted. The liquid is modeled by the virtual mass method, and the flange joints are modeled using one-dimensional spring elements along with the node-to-node connection. Comparison of the modal test results and predicted natural frequencies shows good or moderate agreement. The correlation between the modal tests and analyses establishes finite element modeling techniques for modeling the liquid propellant and flange joints of space launch vehicles.
Anticancer Drugs Induced Severe Adverse Cutaneous Drug Reactions: An Updated Review on the Risks Associated with Anticancer Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapies
Authors: Ng Chau Yee , Chen Chun-Bing , Wu Ming-Ying , Wu Jennifer , Yang Chih-Hsun , Hui Rosaline Chung-Yee , Chang Ya-Ching , Lu Chun-Wei
Published: January 2018

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are commonly seen in patients with anticancer drug treatment. Anticancer drugs, including chemotherapy, target therapy, and recent immunotherapy causing skin reactions ranging from mild skin rash to life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN) with increase morbidity and mortality while they are receiving cancer treatments, have been proposed to be a result of direct skin toxicity or drug hypersensitivity reactions (these are proposed mechanism, not definite). Differentiating SCARs from other more commonly seen reactions with a better outcome help prevent discontinuation of therapy and inappropriate use of systemic immunosuppressants for presumable allergic reactions, of which will affect the clinical outcome. In this article, we have reviewed published articles from 1950 to August 2017 for SJS/TEN associated with anticancer drugs, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We aimed to provide an overview of SJS/TEN associated with anticancer drugs to increase clinician recognition and accelerate future studies on the pathomechanism and managements.
Integration of Routine Parameters of Glycemic Variability in a Simple Screening Method for Partial Remission in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nielens Nina , Pollé Olivier , Robert Annie , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: January 2018

Although different criteria were used to define partial remission in type 1 diabetes, the IDAA1C formula has prevailed as it correlates with stimulated C-peptide levels. Our retrospective study evaluated clinical variables associated with the occurrence of IDAA1C-defined partial remission in a series of 239 pediatric patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis and age at diagnosis, but no other clinical feature, influenced the occurrence of remission. We then evaluated whether parameters of glycemic variability used in clinical routine may reliably define partial remission, as these would alleviate confounding factors related to insulin treatment. Using multiple linear regression, we observed that HbA1C levels and percentage of normoglycemia were efficient and sufficient to predict partial remission. These parameters were entered into a formula, called glycemic target-adjusted HbA1C (GTAA1C), that corresponded to HbA1C(%) − (3 × % of normoglycemic values(70–180 mg/dL)). With a threshold of 4.5, this alternative formula predicted partial remission with a sensitivity and a specificity of 72.3% and 92%, respectively, and yielded strong correlation with IDAA1C levels and BETA-2 score, which is a correlate of β-cell function after islet transplantation. We propose GTAA1C, based on routine and objective markers of glycemic variability, as a valid alternative for definition of partial remission in type 1 diabetes.
Mediational Model of Multiple Sclerosis Impairments, Family Needs, and Caregiver Mental Health in Guadalajara, Mexico
Authors: Mickens Melody N. , Perrin Paul B. , Aguayo Adriana , Rabago Brenda , Macías-Islas Miguel A. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos
Published: January 2018

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially those living in Latin America, often require assistance from family caregivers throughout the duration of the disease. Previous research suggests that family caregivers may experience positive and negative outcomes from providing care to individuals with MS, but few studies have examined the unmet needs of individuals providing care to family members with MS and how these unmet needs may mediate the relationship between MS symptoms and caregiver mental health. The current study examined the relationships among MS impairments (functional, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional), unmet family needs (household, informational, financial, social support, and health), and caregiver mental health (satisfaction with life, anxiety, burden, and depression) in a sample of 81 MS caregivers from Guadalajara, Mexico. A structural equation model demonstrated the mediational effect of unmet family needs on the relationship between MS impairments and caregiver mental health. These findings suggest that intervention research on MS caregivers in Latin America may consider focusing on caregiver mental health problems by addressing unmet family needs and teaching caregivers ways to manage the impairments of the individual with MS.
Evidence for Seroprevalence in Human Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused byLeishmania donovaniin Sri Lanka
Authors: Siriwardana Yamuna Deepani , Deepachandi Bhagya , Ranasinghe Samantha , Soysa Preethi , Karunaweera Nadira
Published: January 2018

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is considered as a major health threat in the Indian subcontinent.Leishmania donovani, a usually visceralizing species, causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. However, visceralizing potential of the localL. donovaniis not yet fully understood. This project studied the seroprevalence of local CL by using an in-house ELISA. An IgG-based ELISA using crudeLeishmaniaantigen (Ag) was developed and validated. A total of 50 laboratory confirmed cases of locally acquired CL were examined using the newly developed ELISA. According to the optimized ELISA, seroprevalence of anti-LeishmaniaIgG antibodies in the study group was 34.0% (n=17/50). Majority of seropositive individuals were males (n=13/17), representing 76%. Nearly half of the seropositive individuals were young adults (20–40 years,n=9/17, 53%). Higher proportions of single lesions, large lesions, and nodular lesions were associated with a seroconversion. A proportion of localL. donovaniinfections leading to CL have the ability to raise an antibody response in the host. This may indicate early systemic involvement as one possibility. Study of a large number of patients with adequate follow-up would be useful.
Hsa_circ_0001859 Regulates ATF2 Expression by Functioning as an MiR-204/211 Sponge in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Bingrui , Li Nianyu , Zhang Le , Li Kai , Xie Yingtian , Xue Meilan , Zheng Zheng
Published: January 2018

Background. circRNAs are part of the competitive endogenous RNA network, which putatively function as miRNA sponges and play a crucial role in the development of numerous diseases. However, studies of circRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease are limited. This work aims to identify the expression pattern of circRNAs in synovial tissues and their inflammatory regulation mechanism. Methods. We first compared the mRNA expression in rheumatoid arthritis patients with that in healthy volunteers by GEO database mining to identify gene loci specifically expressed in synovial tissues. Functional enrichment algorithms were then used to draw the interactome diagram of circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs. Finally, loss-of-function and rescue assays of the candidate circRNAs were performed in vitro. Results. A total of 29 differentially expressed circRNAs related to rheumatoid arthritis were discovered. Silencing of hsa_circ_0001859 suppressed ATF2 expression and decreased inflammatory activity in SW982 cells. Hsa_circ_0001859 could compete with ATF2 for miR-204/211. Discussion. These findings indicate that hsa_circ_0001859 participates deeply in the process of chronic inflammatory disease in synovial tissue.
TUSC2 Immunogene Therapy Synergizes with Anti–PD-1 through Enhanced Proliferation and Infiltration of Natural Killer Cells in Syngeneic Kras-Mutant Mouse Lung Cancer Models
Authors: Meraz Ismail M. , Majidi Mourad , Cao Xiaobo , Lin Heather , Li Lerong , Wang Jing , Baladandayuthapani Veera , Rice David , Sepesi Boris , Ji Lin , Roth Jack A.
Published: January 2018

Expression of the multikinase inhibitor encoded by the tumor suppressor gene TUSC2 (also known as FUS1) is lost or decreased in non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). TUSC2 delivered systemically by nanovesicles has mediated tumor regression in clinical trials. Because of the role of TUSC2 in regulating immune cells, we assessed TUSC2 efficacy on antitumor immune responses alone and in combination with anti–PD-1 in two Kras-mutant syngeneic mouse lung cancer models. TUSC2 alone significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with anti–PD-1. When combined, this effect was significantly enhanced, and correlated with a pronounced increases in circulating and splenic natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, and a decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and T-cell checkpoint receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3. TUSC2 combined with anti–PD-1 induced tumor infiltrating more than NK and CD8+ T cells and fewer MDSCs and Tregs than each agent alone, both in subcutaneous tumor and in lung metastases. NK-cell depletion abrogated the antitumor effect and Th1-mediated immune response of this combination, indicating that NK cells mediate TUSC2/anti–PD-1 synergy. Release of IL15 and IL18 cytokines and expression of the IL15Rα chain and IL18R1 were associated with NK-cell activation by TUSC2. Immune response–related gene expression in the tumor microenvironment was altered by combination treatment. These data provide a rationale for immunogene therapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade in the treatment of NSCLC. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(2); 163–77. ©2018 AACR.
Periorbital Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma Successfully Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Olson Rose M. , Harrison Andrew R. , Maltry Amanda , Mokhtarzadeh Ali
Published: January 2018

Background: Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis with cutaneous manifestations, most commonly of the periorbital skin, and is often associated with hematologic disorders such as monoclonal gammopathy. Treatment of NXG is notoriously difficult, and fraught with recurrence and progression. Case Presentation: The authors describe a case of NXG with periorbital involvement in a patient with a complex autoimmune and hematologic medical history. The biopsy of this rare lesion prompted subsequent evaluation for an underlying disorder, which led to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Her NXG lesions demonstrated remarkable clinical improvement after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Conclusions: This case demonstrates the ophthalmologist’s critical role in the diagnosis and management of NXG, as early detection cannot only prevent ophthalmic consequences such as ocular perforation and blindness, but also prompt further investigation that may reveal an underlying disorder or systemic involvement, including hematologic malignancy as in this case. NXG has been effectively treated with IVIG in a handful of reported cases. To the author’s knowledge, this is the third case of periorbital NXG successfully treated with IVIG, and the first in the ophthalmic literature.
Beneficial Treatment Management with Trifluridine/Tipiracil in a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and Pronounced Hematological Event History during Previous Treatments
Authors: Kaechele Volker , Hess Jürgen , Schneider-Kappus Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) significantly improves overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The most common treatment-related event (grade ≥3) was hematological toxicity. We here report long-term disease-stabilizing FTD/TPI treatment of an mCRC patient (KRAS wild-type, ECOG performance status 1 at baseline and at the end of FTD/TPI therapy) with multifocal synchronous metastases and a longstanding history of extensive hematological events during previous treatments. Finally, this 62-year-old male patient was treated for 10 months with FTD/TPI by consecutive alteration of treatment parameters: (i) initial daily dose reduction to 80 mg (72% of the recommended dose), (ii) 20 days dose delay, (iii) a second and later third dose reduction to 70 mg and 60 mg (about 64% and 55%, respectively, of the recommended dose), and (iv) 30 µg per day of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration first for 3 days, and later for 5 days, for each treatment cycle.
REGULAÇÃO DE PRODUTOS PARA SAÚDE: EM BUSCA DAS MELHORES PRÁTICAS
Authors: Vargas Daniela Trejos
Published: January 2018

A seção "Tema em Debate" deste número da Revista de Direito Sanitário centra-se novamente no marco regulatório existente no Brasil na área de produtos para a saúde. Os três artigos selecionados trazem uma abordagem com viés comparatista em diferentes áreas nas quais a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) atua: regulação de materiais médicos, análise e registro de patentes farmacêuticas e controle ex post facto da periculosidade de medicamentos por meio do recall.
REGULAMENTAÇÃO DOS MATERIAIS MÉDICOS NO BRASIL
Authors: Feitoza-Silva Michele , Nobre Patrícia Fernandes da Silva , Gemal André Luis , Leandro Katia Christina
Published: January 2018

Os produtos sob regime de vigilância sanitária classificados como "produtos para saúde" compreendem os "materiais médicos". Atos regulatórios de 1999 a 2005 foram selecionados e classificados por assunto, possibilitando discutir o perfil dessas publicações. A classificação foi conduzida avaliando cada legislação, sua ementa e texto publicado em Diário Oficial da União. Para subsidiar a discussão, propomos uma classificação em oito assuntos (temas). A partir dela, foi possível correlacionar e demonstrar a prevalência de assuntos publicados e, assim, indicar uma tendência de temas contemplados em cada ano do período avaliado. Como reflexão, entendemos que o Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, neste caso, possui uma oportunidade de atuação única devido a seu arcabouço normativo organizado, capaz de atender a campos de atuação como registro, boas práticas, tramitações relacionadas às empresas de âmbito sanitário e pós-comercialização. No entanto, as legislações apresentadas somente terão aplicabilidade e eficiência se existir o conhecimento atualizado por parte dos profissionais de saúde das normas gerais de vigilância sanitária que apoiem processos decisórios de gestão mais eficientes, sem prejuízo da segurança da população.
Military Public Diplomacy 2.0: The Arabic Facebook Page of the Israeli Defense Forces’ Spokesperson
Authors: Samuel-Azran Tal , Yarchi Moran
Published: January 2018

The Arabic-language Facebook page of the Israeli Defense Forces’ spokesperson has attracted a massive following in the Arab world and serves as an interesting and unique case study towards understanding the effect of a military public diplomacy initiative. Content analysis of the Facebook page reveals a mixture of power and deterrence messages, with posts designed to emphasize shared values. Analysis of audience engagement with those messages — measured by ‘likes’, ‘shares’, comments and negative feedback — surprisingly reveals that shared values’ messages generated a similar level of engagement to other messages, which may show that the content does not play a significant role in users’ engagement. In addition, the analysis reveals that during periods of heightened intensity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, followers’ engagement and negative feedback rose dramatically. This study provides a unique perspective of the relevance and effectiveness of military public diplomacy in the era of online social networks.
Rapport Building and Instructional Fading Prior to Discrete Trial Instruction: Moving From Child-Led Play to Intensive Teaching
Authors: Shillingsburg M. Alice , Hansen Bethany , Wright Melinda
Published: January 2018

Discrete trial instruction (DTI) is effective for teaching skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although effective, instructional settings can become aversive resulting in avoidant and escape-related behaviors. Given the significant social impairments associated with ASD, interventions that promote social approach and reduce avoidance are warranted. Rapport building or “pairing” the therapist and teaching setting with highly preferred activities prior to instruction can reduce problematic behaviors during subsequent instruction. However, the path from child-led play to DTI is not well established. Instructional fading may assist in bridging this gap. Four participants with ASD who were beginning an intensive behavioral intervention program were included in the current study. Participants progressed through nine stages of pairing and instructional fading with minimal problem behavior and high percentages of in-seat and close proximity to the therapist. Guidelines for incorporating rapport building strategies prior to intensive teaching with children with ASD are proposed.
The Tomb of Nakht, The Gardener, at Thebes (No. 161) as Copied by Robert Hay
Authors: Manniche Lise
Published: January 2018

This article publishes, with translation, the drawings and copies of texts made by Robert Hay in the Eighteenth Dynasty tomb of Nakht at Thebes, which are of prime interest since much of the decoration has deteriorated since.
The Genealogy of a Priestly Family from Heliopolis
Authors: Leahy Lisa Montagno , Leahy Anthony
Published: January 2018

New edition of a very unusual lintel from Heliopolis, previously published by Griffith. It depicts a priest, Patjenfy, offering to thirteen generations of his ancestors. The text is translated with prosopographic commentary and discussion of the representation of ancestors. The lintel can be dated to the late seventh century bc.
The Archaic Stone Tombs at Helwan
Authors: Wood Wendy
Published: January 2018

From 1942 to 1954, Zaki Saad excavated an ancient Egyptian cemetery at Helwan. He claimed to have found a series of stone tombs spanning the Archaic period that enable us to study the development of stone construction. A re-examination of the material yields more accurate dating, largely by typological comparisons of the substructure plans with those of more important tombs at Abydos and Saqqâra. The rarity of the stone tombs at Helwan, not their construction or development, is remarkable, especially in view of the concern for security that resulted in deeper substructures and limestone portcullises. Although the evidence is meagre, it suggests that stone construction developed more rapidly in Archaic temples, perhaps because brick had symbolic value for tombs. In view of all the factors in favour of using limestone for tombs, religion was probably the only force powerful enough to retard development.
Ein Käfig für einen Gefangenen in einem Ritual zur Vernichtung von Feinden
Authors: Grimm Alfred
Published: January 2018

In JEA 71 (1985), M. Lehner and P. Lacovara sought to explain the ‘enigmatic wooden object’ found on the south side of Cheops' pyramid in 1960 as a frame for the transport of a tomb statue. It is here suggested that the object is actually a cage for a prisoner, which was used in a ritual for the destruction of the enemy. In support of this are cited a relief block from Karnak depicting just such a cage, and the Ritual for the Destruction of the Enemy (P. BM 10081), as well as the so-called Execration Texts and captive statues of the Old Kingdom.
Chronology, Sediments, and Subsistence at Merimda Beni Salama
Authors: Hawass Zahi , Hassan Fekri A. , Gautier Achilles
Published: January 2018

Test excavation at Merimda Beni Salama indicates initial occupation of the site during the early part of the fifth millennium Be. Subsistence was based on the exploitation of cattle, sheep/goats, pigs, fish, hippopotamus, and on the cultivation of wheat and barley. Both flake and bifacial tools were utilized; the bifacial tools include foliate ‘knives’, sickles, and a concave-based triangular point. The assemblage shows close affinity to the Fayum Neolithic, which dates to the same period. Both the Fayum and Merimda Neolithic antedate the predynastic sites in the Nagada region. The initial occupation at Merimda followed a wet period with increased run off, but conditions during the occupation were, in general, arid.
The Vizier Paser
Authors: Donohue V. A.
Published: January 2018

The description of a statuette-base bearing the names and titles of the Ramesside vizier (University College of Swansea, Wellcome Museum of Antiquities W.232) is followed by an annotated catalogue of his monuments. In an appendix it is argued that certain titles occurring upon four statues of Paser refer to the cult of Ramesses II, and are perhaps to be translated ‘Priest of Usermaatre the pre-eminent’, and ‘Priest of Ramesses, sun of the isles’.
The Royal Butler Hori at Northern Saqqâra
Authors: Malek Jaromir
Published: January 2018

Publication of a tomb-chapel of the reign of Ramesses IV excavated in the mid-1920s and recorded by Gunn (stela in Neuchâtel, Musée d'Ethnographie, Eg.428). Discussion of the plans of offering-rooms in Memphite New-Kingdom chapels, stelae found in such chapels, stelae set up for their masters by servants/retainers, the Royal Butler Hori, royal butlers in general (particularly those temp. Ramesses IV), Saqqara tomb-chapels of royal butlers, a characteristically Ramesside man-determinative.
A Group of Osiris-Cloths of the Twenty-First Dynasty in the Cairo Museum
Authors: Abdalla Aly
Published: January 2018

Publication of a group of twelve decorated and inscribed linen cloths from the second cache of Deir El-Bahari (Bab El-Gassus), found by Daressy and Grébaut in 1891. They belong to the lower ranks of priests and priestesses connected with the cult of Amon at Thebes during the Twenty-first Dynasty. Termed here Osiris-cloths they are of three main types: the most common type shows a standing figure of Osiris, while the second depicts a standing figure of the deceased before Osiris. The third is simply a vertical line of text. The cloths are usually made of coarse, thick linen, with figures and texts drawn in black or red. The texts usually give some of the titles of Osiris, an offering or religious formula, and the name and titles of the deceased. The group is discussed in relation to earlier and later practices.
The Earliest Dated Monument of Amasis and the end of the Reign of Apries
Authors: Leahy Anthony
Published: January 2018

Publication of a donation stela BM 952 (year one of Amasis) followed by analysis of the sources for the civil war with Apries (P. BM 10113, Elephantine stela, cuneiform tablet BM 33041, Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus). P. BM 10113 and BM 952 together show that Apries was still recognized at Thebes in October, 570, over eight months after the first monument dated by Amasis. It is argued that Apries was in Egypt for the whole of that period and only went abroad after his defeat at ‘Imȝw/Momemphis. His fortified palace at Memphis may have been his base, and it is suggested that Apries had more native support than hitherto supposed. The effectiveness of Amasis’ subsequent propaganda, reflected in Herodotus, has misled historians in this respect.
Coffin of a Dog from Beni Hasan
Authors: Tooley Angela M. J.
Published: January 2018

A small coffin in the Fitzwilliam Museum E.47. 1902, discovered by Garstang at Beni Hasan bears the htp-di-nsw formula for its owner, called Hb. The coffin had held the body of an animal identified by Garstang as ajackal, but which was more probably that of a dog. The coffin and name are of late Eleventh-Dynasty date and the name Hb is otherwise unattested for a dog.
An Altered Royal Head of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty
Authors: Josephson Jack A.
Published: January 2018

Publication of a late Saite head that clearly shows alteration from a royal to a private representation. It appears to be one of a group that can be attributed to Amasis, the fifth king of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty. Of particular interest is Walters Art Gallery no. 22.415, which had previously been considered Ptolemaic, and is of this group. The distinctive realism shown tends to disprove the widely held opinion that it was not until the Persian domination that idealism was replaced by a more naturalistic form. The usurpation by a private person of a royal portrait may offer an additional insight into the political situation at a time of transition to foreign rule.
A Latin Papyrus with a Recruit's Request for Service in the Auxiliary Cohorts
Authors: Speidel M. P. , Seider R.
Published: January 2018

Publication of a papyrus from the later years of Trajan, found at Theadelphia, which preserves a draft letter in Latin from a recruit to the Prefect of Egypt. The writer asks to be enrolled in the auxiliary cohorts, which shows that probatio in the Roman army was for a specific branch, such as the legions, the alae, the cohorts, or the fleet. Letters of recommendation were required, even if written by the applicant himself.
A Possible Source of Copper Ore Fragments Found at the Old Kingdom Town of Buhen
Authors: Gayar El Sayed El , Jones M. P.
Published: January 2018

An archaeological investigation of the Old Kingdom town of Buhen in 1962 revealed an ancient copper ‘factory’, some copper ore fragments from which have been examined by modern analytical methods. The results show that the main copper-bearing mineral in the ore is malachite but this has been extensively altered (in situ) to the green copper chloride, atacamite. The ore also contains a very high proportion of gold. The mineralogy of the ‘Buhen’ ore has been compared with known copper ores from Egypt and Northern Sudan. These other ores either do not match the Buhen specimens or they occur very long distances from the town. The only mining activity close to Buhen was at the gold mines of Kush, some of which were on the Nile immediately up-stream of the town and were worked in Middle Kingdom times. No mineralogical details of the Kush ores are known but it is possible in view of their location, and also because of the high proportion of gold found in the Buhen specimens, that it was the Kush ores which were used, in the Old Kingdom, for the extraction of copper.
Stations and Towers on the Quseir–Nile Road
Authors: Zitterkopf Ronald E. , Sidebotham Steven E.
Published: January 2018

During Roman times the Leukos Limen–Nile road served as a principal overland thoroughfare across the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Merchants plied this route with commodities imported from and exported to the ‘East’. Products of the mines and quarries of the region also passed along this road.

Eight fortified stations (hydreumata), other population centres and about 65 towers delineate the route. Many of the stations contain wells or cisterns as potable water supplies were a primary requirement. The stations, constructed for security reasons, cover areas of c. 1000–3000 m2 and are built almost exclusively of stacked stones.

The towers are also built of stacked stones. However, comparison of architectural details shows that they differ from other towers in the Eastern Desert. Examination of the towers' locations, construction, size, shape and intervisibility indicates that they were signal platforms.
Christian Paintings from Tebtunis
Authors: Walters C. C.
Published: January 2018

The material presented here constitutes the only record of a discovery made at the end of the last century by Bernard Grenfell and Arthur Hunt in the Fayûm, where they unearthed a building containing Christian paintings. The building itself almost certainly formed part of a monastic complex. The paintings, which in toto make a significant contribution to the corpus of Christian art from Egypt, gain considerably in their importance by the originality of some of their subject-matter. Evidence is put forward to support a mid-tenth century date for the majority of the paintings.
The Origin of the Pyramid Texts Found on Middle Kingdom Saqqâra Coffins
Authors: Thompson Stephen E.
Published: January 2018

Previous studies of the Pyramid Texts occurring on Middle Kingdom coffins have asserted that the texts from the pyramid of Unas had more influence on the coffins than did those found in later Old Kingdom pyramids. A study of the order of the spells and of the versions of the Pyramid Texts found on the Middle Kingdom Saqqâra coffins shows this not to be the case. The Pyramid Texts on these coffins have affinities to those occurring in the later Sixth Dynasty pyramids, particularly those of Pepi II and Neit. They are not, however, direct copies of texts in these later pyramids. The texts on any particular coffin exhibit affinities to those found in several different pyramids as well as variants which do not appear in any pyramid published to date. One possible source for the Pyramid Texts on the Saqqâra coffins is hieratic copies of the Pyramid Texts in which a mixing of the texts from the pyramids has occurred and into which new features have been introduced by subsequent copyists.
The Early Christian Sites at Tell El-Amarna and Sheikh Said
Authors: Jones Michael
Published: January 2018

Archaeological evidence is presented for settlements dating to the early Christian period at two sites of Pharaonic rock-cut tombs. The discussion is based on observations of remains visible at the sites today and the published reports of Davies, the only Egyptologist to have examined these sites in detail. Pottery types noted on the disturbed ground surface are used to suggest a chronological framework for the period of occupation. Contrasting architectural styles and methods in which the ancient tombs were reused may indicate that each site supported a somewhat different kind of community. The results of a hitherto unpublished excavation offer a partial illustration of the community at Sheikh Said.
L'année où la fête d'Opet n'eut pas lieu en Paophi
Authors: Kruchten Jean-Marie
Published: January 2018

Sous la XXIme dynastie, en refusant pendant 65 jours de se laisser conduire à Louxor pour la fête annuelle d'Opet, la barque sacrée d'Amon cause un grand trouble parmi la population thébaine. La recherche des causes de la colère du dieu aboutit à la découverte d'un scandale impliquant de nombreux membres du personnel du temple. Ceux-ci seront jugés ensuite, sur le ‘Sol d'argent de la Maison d'Amon’, lors d'une séance solennelle de l'oracle de plusieurs jours.
Ancient head lice on a wooden comb from Antinoë, Egypt
Authors: Palma Ricardo L.
Published: January 2018

Seven head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1778) were recovered from the debris found among the fine teeth of a wooden comb excavated in Antinoë, Egypt, and dated between the fifth and sixth centuries AD.
The Process of Engraftment of Myogenic Cells in Skeletal Muscles of Primates
Authors: Skuk Daniel , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: January 2018

We studied in macaques the evolution of the intramuscular transplantation of muscle precursor cells between the time of administration and the time at which the graft is considered stable. Satellite cell–derived myoblasts labeled with ß-galactosidase were transplanted into 1 cm3 muscle regions following cell culture and transplantation protocols similar to our last clinical trials. These regions were biopsied 1 h, 1, 3, 7 d, and 3 wk later and analyzed by histology. We observed that the cell suspension leaks from the muscle bundles during injection toward the epimysium and perimysium, where most cells accumulate after transplantation. We observed evidence of necrosis, apoptosis, and mitosis in the accumulations of grafted cells, and of potential migration to participate in myofiber regeneration in the surrounding muscle bundles. After 3 wk, the compact accumulations of grafted cells left only some graft-derived myotubes and small myofibers in the perimysium. Hybrid myofibers were abundant in the muscle fascicles at 3 wk posttransplantation, and they most likely occur by grafted myoblasts that migrated from the peripheral accumulations than by the few remaining within the fascicles immediately after injection. These observations explain the findings in clinical trials of myoblast transplantation and provide information for the future research in cell therapy in myology.
Estrogen–Estrogen Receptor α Signaling Facilitates Bilirubin Metabolism in Regenerating Liver Through Regulating Cytochrome P450 2A6 Expression
Authors: Kao Ta-Lun , Chen Yao-Li , Kuan Yu-Ping , Chang Wei-Chun , Ho Yu-Chen , Yeh Shuyuan , Jeng Long-Bin , Ma Wen-Lung
Published: January 2018

Background:

After living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), rising serum bilirubin levels commonly indicate insufficient numbers of hepatocytes are available to metabolize bilirubin into biliverdin. Recovery of bilirubin levels is an important marker of hepatocyte repopulation after LDLT. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6 in humans (or cyp2a4 in rodents) can function as “bilirubin oxidase.” Functional hepatocytes contain abundant CYP2A6, which is considered a marker for hepatocyte function recovery. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of estradiol/estrogen receptor signaling on bilirubin levels during liver function recovery.

Methods:

We conducted a hospital-based cohort study of bilirubin levels after LDLT surgery in both liver graft donors and recipients, performed a transcriptome comparison of wild-type versus estrogen receptor (ER)α knockout mice and a bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome changes in their regenerating liver after two-third partial hepatectomy (PHx), and assayed in vitro expression of cytochrome (CYP2A6) in human hepatic progenitor cells (HepRG) treated with 17β-estradiol (E2).

Results:

The latency of bilirubin level reduction was shorter in women than in men, suggesting that a female factor promotes bilirubin recovery after liver transplantation surgery. In the PHx mouse model, the expression of the cyp2a4 gene was significantly lower in livers from the knockout ERα mice than in livers from their wild-type littermates; but the expression of other bilirubin metabolism–related genes were similar between these groups. Moreover, E2 or bilirubin treatments significantly promoted CYP2A6 expression in hepatocyte progenitor cells (HepRG cells). Sequence analysis revealed similar levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; bilirubin responsive nuclear receptor) and ESR1 binding to the promoter region of CYP2A6.

Conclusions:

This is the first report to demonstrate, on a molecular level, that E2/ERα signaling facilitates bilirubin metabolism in regenerating liver. Our findings contribute new knowledge to our understanding of why the latency of improved bilirubin metabolism and thereby liver function recovery is shorter in females than in males.
Study on structural modeling and kinematics analysis of a novel wheel-legged rescue robot
Authors: Niu Jianye , Wang Hongbo , Shi Hongmin , Pop Nicolae , Li Dong , Li Shanshan , Wu Shaozhen
Published: January 2018

This article presents a novel rescue robot with three-degrees of freedom leg mechanism based on the serial–parallel and wheel-legged mechanisms, which consists of two Universal joint- Prismatic joint- Spherical joint plus one Universal joint and Revolute joint serial–parallel mechanism. Firstly, the structure model of the whole mechanism and the leg mechanism is developed, the dimension parameters of leg mechanism are designed, and the degrees of freedom of the whole mechanism and the leg mechanism is analyzed. Secondly, the forward and backward position solutions of the swing leg and the standing leg are solved, and the work space is obtained. Thirdly, the kinematics is investigated by the influence coefficient method, including the Jacobi matrix and linear velocity and angular velocity of each rod’s centroid of the leg mechanism. Finally, the simulation and experiment are carried out, and the feasibility of this wheel-legged rescue robot and the correctness of the above research are verified.
The use, integration and perceived value of performance analysis to professional and amateur Irish coaches
Authors: Martin Denise , Swanton Alan , Bradley Jonathan , McGrath Denise
Published: January 2018

Research into the perceptions, practices and engagement of coaches with performance analysis is fundamental to informing the continued development of the discipline and its practitioners. The aim of this study was to survey a large sample of coaches of varying profiles, regarding their use and integration of performance analysis, to explore its perceived value and barriers to its use. Survey data were analysed from 538 Irish coaches qualified at Level 1 and above (82% male), from 37 sports. A spectrum of coaches’ engagement with performance analysis, ranging from no formal performance analysis (49%), to coaches doing their own analysis (coach-as-analyst, 38%) and coaches with analyst-support (13%) was observed. The Level 2 coaching qualification was a key distinguisher between coaches using and not using performance analysis. Significant differences exist between the practices of coaches with and without analyst-support. Coaches with analyst-support are more likely to have regular access to video, spend more time analysing, regularly use performance analysis to inform training and use computerised analysis software. Barriers to the use of performance analysis varied along the spectrum of performance analysis engagement. This research can underpin future developments in coach and analyst education that will optimise the systematic use of PA across all levels of sports performance.
An analysis of emergency tracheal intubations in critically ill patients by critical care trainees
Authors: Arulkumaran Nishkantha , McLaren Charles S , Arulkumaran Kailash , Philips Barbara J , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: January 2018

Introduction

We evaluated intensive care medicine trainees’ practice of emergency intubations in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 881 in-hospital emergency intubations over a three-year period using an online trainee logbook.

Results

Emergency intubations out-of-hours were less frequent than in-hours, both on weekdays and weekends. Complications occurred in 9% of cases, with no association with time of day/day of week (p = 0.860). Complications were associated with higher Cormack and Lehane grades (p=0.004) and number of intubation attempts (p < 0.001), but not American Society of Anesthesiologist grade. Capnography usage was ≥99% in all locations except in wards (85%; p = 0.001). Ward patients were the oldest (p < 0.001), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologist grades (p < 0.001) and lowest Glasgow Coma Scale (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Complications of intubations are associated with higher Cormack and Lehane grades and number of attempts, but not time of day/day of week. The uptake of capnography is reassuring, although there is scope for improvement on the ward.