bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid radiation, gradual extinction and parallel evolution challenge generic classification of spathidiid ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora)
Authors: Rajter Ľubomír , Vďačný Peter
Published: October 2015

Reconstruction of evolutionary history of the ciliate order Spathidiida has proven elusive. There are weakly statistically supported deeper nodes in 18S rRNA gene phylogenies on one hand, while several statistically strongly supported clusters containing morphologically dissimilar taxa that usually lack any common apomorphies on the other hand. To clarify whether silent aspects of the spathidiid phylogeny are results of methodological problems of tree‐building algorithms, we examined informativness of the macronuclear rRNA locus using an increased taxon and marker sampling as well as a complex statistical approach. Likelihood mapping revealed that the macronuclear rRNA locus has enough phylogenetic information to infer spathidiid relationships. However, some noise and conflicts hamper inference of deeper branching events, as documented by short parallelograms in the star‐like central part of the split graphs and by low numbers of phylogenetically informative nucleotide homologies supporting deeper nodes of phylogenetic trees. Based on the diversification analyses and the γ‐statistic, we assembled a body of evidence that the spathidiid phylogeny retains the signature of one or several rapid radiations in the Palaeozoic and a subsequent gradual extinction that has started in the Mesozoic. A combination of these two phenomena along with polyphyly of three large spathidiid genera (Spathidium, Epispathidium and Arcuospathidium) are speculated to be the main reasons for fuzzy phylogenetic picture within the order Spathidiida. Because natural classification of spathidiids cannot be provided at the present state of knowledge, we suggest to keep the existing morphology‐based generic classification, but stress that the large spathidiid genera are artificial collective groups.
Vascular responsiveness determined by near‐infrared spectroscopy measures of oxygen saturation
Authors: McLay Kaitlin M. , Fontana Federico Y. , Nederveen Josh P. , Guida Federico F. , Paterson Donald H. , Pogliaghi Silvia , Murias Juan M.
Published: October 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can the near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)‐derived reperfusion rate (slope 2) of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) be correlated with flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), the commonly used method to assess vascular endothelial function?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The present data were able to establish a correlation between the reperfusion rate of StO2 and percentage FMD in healthy young men. These data suggest that NIRS‐derived slope 2 StO2 can be used as a measure of vascular endothelial function.

Vascular impairments at the macro‐ and microcirculatory levels are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) is currently the most widely used method for non‐invasive assessment of vascular endothelial function. Recently, near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)‐derived measures of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) have been used to characterize the dynamic response of local tissue perfusion to a brief period of ischaemia. The purpose of the present study was to establish correlations between the reperfusion rate of StO2 and FMD. Ultrasound‐derived FMD was quantified after 5 min of distal cuff occlusion of the popliteal artery in 20 healthy young men (26 ± 3 years old). Triplicate measurements of end‐diastolic arterial diameter were made every 15 s after cuff release, and FMD response was calculated as the greatest percentage change in diameter from baseline (%FMD). The StO2 was measured using NIRS throughout the duration of each test. Two consecutive FMD tests were performed, separated by 30 min of rest, and were averaged for %FMD and StO2. The %FMD was significantly correlated with the reperfusion slope of StO2 after cuff release (slope 2 StO2; r = 0.63, P = 0.003). In conclusion, the present study established a correlation between slope 2 StO2 and %FMD in healthy young men. These data suggest that NIRS‐derived slope 2 StO2 can be used as a measure of vascular endothelial function.
Implementation, Optimization, and Validation of a Nonlinear Lifting Line-Free Vortex Wake Module Within the Wind Turbine Simulation Code qblade
Authors: Marten David , Lennie Matthew , Pechlivanoglou Georgios , Nayeri Christian Navid , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: October 2015

The development of the next generation of large multimegawatt wind turbines presents exceptional challenges to the applied aerodynamic design tools. Because their operation is often outside the validated range of current state-of-the-art momentum balance models, there is a demand for more sophisticated, but still computationally efficient simulation methods. In contrast to the blade element momentum method (BEM), the lifting line theory (LLT) models the wake explicitly by a shedding of vortex rings. The wake model of freely convecting vortex rings induces a time-accurate velocity field, as opposed to the annular-averaged induction that is computed from the momentum balance, with computational costs being magnitudes smaller than those of a full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The open source code qblade, developed at the Berlin Institute of Technology, was recently extended with a lifting line-free vortex wake algorithm. The main motivation for the implementation of an LLT algorithm into qblade is to replace the unsteady BEM code aerodyn in the coupling to fast to achieve a more accurate representation of the unsteady aerodynamics and to gain more information on the evolving rotor wake and flow-field structure. Therefore, optimization for computational efficiency was a priority during the integration and the provisions that were taken will be presented in short. The implemented LLT algorithm is thoroughly validated against other benchmark BEM, LLT, and panel method codes and experimental data from the MEXICO and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase VI tests campaigns. By integration of a validated LLT code within qblade and its database, the setup and simulation of LLT simulations are greatly facilitated. Simulations can be run from already existing rotor models without any additional input. Example use cases envisaged for the LLT code include: providing an estimate of the error margin of lower fidelity codes, i.e., unsteady BEM, or providing a baseline solution to check the soundness of higher fidelity CFD simulations or experimental results.
Rotordynamic Performance of a Negative-Swirl Brake for a Tooth-on-Stator Labyrinth Seal
Authors: Childs Dara W. , Mclean James E. , Zhang Min , Arthur Stephen P.
Published: October 2015

In the late 1970s, Benckert and Wachter (Technical University Stuttgart) tested labyrinth seals using air as the test media and measured direct and cross-coupled stiffness coefficients. They reported the following results: (1) fluid preswirl in the direction of shaft rotation creates destabilizing cross-coupled stiffness coefficients and (2) effective swirl brakes at the inlet to the seal can markedly reduce the cross-coupled stiffness coefficients, in many cases reducing them to zero. In recent years, “negative-swirl” swirl brakes have been employed, which attempt to reverse the circumferential direction of inlet flow, changing the sign of the cross-coupled stiffness coefficients and creating stabilizing stiffness forces. This study presents test results for a 16-tooth labyrinth seal with positive inlet preswirl (in the direction of shaft rotation) for the following inlet conditions: (1) no swirl brakes, (2) straight, conventional swirl brakes, and (3) negative-swirl swirl brakes. The negative-swirl swirl-brake designs were developed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions. Tests were conducted at 10.2, 15.35, and 20.2 krpm with 70 bar of inlet pressure for pressure ratios of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5. Test results include leakage and rotordynamic coefficients. In terms of leakage, the negative-swirl brake configuration leaked the least, followed by the conventional brake, followed by the no-brake design. Normalized to the negative-swirl brake configuration, the conventional-brake and no-brake configurations mass flow rate was greater, respectively, by factors of 1.04 and 1.09. The direct-stiffness coefficients are negative but small, consistent with past experience. The conventional swirl brake drops the destabilizing cross-coupled stiffness coefficients k by a factor of about 0.8 as compared to the no-brake results. The negative-swirl brake produces a change in sign of k with an appreciable magnitude; hence, the stability of forward precessing modes would be enhanced. In descending order, the direct-damping coefficients C are: no-swirl, negative-swirl, and conventional-swirl. Normalized in terms of the no-swirl case, C for the negative and conventional brake designs is, respectively, 0.7 and 0.6 smaller. The effective damping Ceff combines the effect of k and C. Ceff is large and positive for the negative-swirl configuration and near zero for the no-brake and conventional-brake designs. The present results for a negative-brake design are very encouraging for both eye-packing seals (where conventional swirl brakes have been previously employed) and division-wall and balance-piston seals, where negative shunt injection has been employed.
Experimental and numerical investigations of resonant acoustic waves in near-critical carbon dioxide
Authors: Hasan Nusair , Farouk Bakhtier
Published: October 2015

Flow and transport induced by resonant acoustic waves in a near-critical fluid filled cylindrical enclosure is investigated both experimentally and numerically. Supercritical carbon dioxide (near the critical or the pseudo-critical states) in a confined resonator is subjected to acoustic field created by an electro-mechanical acoustic transducer and the induced pressure waves are measured by a fast response pressure field microphone. The frequency of the acoustic transducer is chosen such that the lowest acoustic mode propagates along the enclosure. For numerical simulations, a real-fluid computational fluid dynamics model representing the thermo-physical and transport properties of the supercritical fluid is considered. The simulated acoustic field in the resonator is compared with measurements. The formation of acoustic streaming structures in the highly compressible medium is revealed by time-averaging the numerical solutions over a given period. Due to diverging thermo-physical properties of supercritical fluid near the critical point, large scale oscillations are generated even for small sound field intensity. The strength of the acoustic wave field is found to be in direct relation with the thermodynamic state of the fluid. The effects of near-critical property variations and the operating pressure on the formation process of the streaming structures are also investigated. Irregular streaming patterns with significantly higher streaming velocities are observed for near-pseudo-critical states at operating pressures close to the critical pressure. However, these structures quickly re-orient to the typical Rayleigh streaming patterns with the increase operating pressure.
Auditory brainstem responses of Japanese house bats (Pipistrellus abramus) after exposure to broadband ultrasonic noise
Authors: Simmons Andrea Megela , Boku Shokei , Riquimaroux Hiroshi , Simmons James A.
Published: October 2015

Echolocating bats forage and navigate within an intense soundscape containing their own sonar sounds as well as sounds from other bats. To determine how the bat's auditory system copes with these high noise levels, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured in the Japanese house bat, Pipistrellus abramus, before and after exposure to ultrasonic noise (30 min duration). Noise spectral content (10–80 kHz) and level (90 dB sound pressure level) are within the ranges these bats experience in their natural environment. ABR thresholds to test frequencies of 20, 40, and 80 kHz did not vary significantly between pre-exposure and post-exposure times of 0 and 30 min. Amplitudes and latencies of the P3 wave at suprathreshold were not significantly affected by noise exposure. These data show that the bat's hearing is not compromised when exposed to background sounds similar in wideband frequency content and sound level to what the animal encounters naturally. These results provide a baseline for examining how the bat's auditory system deals with other intense sounds, such as those emitted by anthropogenic sources or those producing temporary threshold shifts in other mammals.
Investigating the emotional response to room acoustics: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Lawless M. S. , Vigeant M. C.
Published: October 2015

While previous research has demonstrated the powerful influence of pleasant and unpleasant music on emotions, the present study utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the positive and negative emotional responses as demonstrated in the brain when listening to music convolved with varying room acoustic conditions. During fMRI scans, subjects rated auralizations created in a simulated concert hall with varying reverberation times. The analysis detected activations in the dorsal striatum, a region associated with anticipation of reward, for two individuals for the highest rated stimulus, though no activations were found for regions associated with negative emotions in any subject.
Inclusive Recreation: The State of Campus Policies, Facilities, Trainings, and Programs for Transgender Participants
Authors: Patchett Erin , Foster Jason
Published: October 2015

This study served to examine the environment for transgender participants in campus recreation. Research questions examined 1) policies, 2) facilities, 3) programs, 4) trainings in place at recreation centers to create an inclusive environment for transgender participants, and 5) how departments assess their transgender-inclusive practices. Findings indicate the majority (79%, n = 123) of institutions do not have policies related to transgender participants. Sixty-three percent of responding schools have gender-inclusive bathrooms while 44% have similar locker rooms. Over half (57%) collaborate with diversity offices for staff training with only 13% of those schools ( n = 18) providing transgender-specific trainings. Finally, despite only 21% of respondents having transgender policies in place, the majority of respondents (79%) moderately or strongly agreed their department's mission, vision, or values addressed diversity in some manner and disagreed that their departments had shown resistance to implementing transgender policies.
Macro- and microstructural analysis of the North Tea Lake Mylonite Zone: an extensional shear zone in the Central Gneiss Belt, Grenville Province, Ontario
Authors: Culshaw Nicholas , Gerbi Christopher , Ratcliffe Laura
Published: October 2015

The North Tea Lake Mylonite Zone is a late extensional ductile fault that is concordant with and has reworked fabrics of the North Tea Lake Shear Zone, the frontal thrust shear zone of the upper amphibolite–granulite facies Kiosk domain within the interior of the Central Gneiss Belt. North Tea Lake Mylonite Zone fabric is an anomalously fine-grained mylonite compared to Central Gneiss Belt gneisses, and consists of three microstructural domains that display progressive recrystallization and grain size refinement of the protolith granitoid. On the basis of petrography and electron backscatter diffraction, these microdomains are inferred to represent a transition from dominantly dislocation creep to diffusion creep and diffusion-accommodated grain boundary sliding at elevated stress (>100 MPa), low fluid activity, and temperatures ∼500 °C. The North Tea Lake Mylonite Zone is interpreted to mark a step in the progressive transition in deformation mode during late- to post-Ottawan extension and cooling of the Grenville orogen from weak, wide, wet, and warm shear zones to Rigolet-phase cooler, narrow, ultrafine, high-stress shear zones reworking dry protoliths.
Reduced rearing density increases postrelease migration success of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts
Authors: Larsen Martin H. , Johnsson Jörgen I. , Näslund Joacim , Thomassen Søren T. , Aarestrup Kim
Published: October 2015

The overall aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rearing density on the postrelease survival of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts during seaward migration. Fish were either reared at conventional hatchery density or at one-third of conventional density. Three hundred 1-year-old smolts from each density treatment were individually tagged with passive integrated transponder tags and released 3.2 km upstream of a stationary antenna array in a natural stream. There were no significant differences in length, body mass, or condition between fish from the two density treatments during rearing in the hatchery. However, individuals reared at reduced density had less eroded dorsal fins and opercula relative to those from the high-density treatment. In the stream, the downstream migration success was 16% higher for fish reared at reduced density than for conspecifics kept at high density, but the timing of migration was similar for both groups. These novel results suggest that conventionally high rearing densities may reduce welfare and the postrelease migration success of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon.
Sources of variability in tissue chemistry in northern hardwood species
Authors: Yang Yang , Yanai Ruth D. , Fatemi Farrah R. , Levine Carrie R. , Lilly Paul J. , Briggs Russell D.
Published: October 2015

Measurements of tree tissue chemistry are influenced by the precision and accuracy of laboratory analyses, sampling position within the tree, variation among replicate trees of the same species, and variation from year to year. We characterized these sources of uncertainty for six northern hardwood species and compared them with observed rates of long-term change. Uncertainty associated with laboratory quality control was small (1%–5%) and differed among elements, with K concentrations exhibiting the lowest accuracy and precision. Sampling position within the tree was more important for branches (the coefficient of variation was 23%) and wood (37%) than for foliage or bark (12% for both) (p < 0.001). Foliar N and P concentrations in leaves were less variable than other elements or tissue types both from tree to tree (p = 0.02) and from year to year (p = 0.03), which means that more samples would be needed to detect differences over space or time for Ca, Mg, or K in branches or wood. Concentrations of foliar N increased over 25 years at the Huntington Forest (p ≤ 0.03) by > 16%. Uncertainty analysis can be used to guide the allocation of sampling effort, depending on the elements and tissue types of interest and the objectives of the study.
First-principles calculations on atomic and electronic properties of Si(111)/6H-SiC(0001) heterojunction
Authors: He Xiao-Min , Chen Zhi-Ming , Huang Lei , Li Lian-Bi
Published: October 2015

Combining advanced transmission electron microscopy with high-precision first-principles calculations, the properties of Si(111)/[Formula: see text]/6H-SiC(0001) (Si-terminated and C-terminated) heterojunction interface, such as work of adhesion, geometry property, electronic structure and bonding nature, are studied. The experiments have demonstrated that interfacial orientation relationships of Si(111)/[Formula: see text]/6H-SiC(0001) heterojunction are [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] and Si(111)/6H-SiC(0001). Compared with C-terminated interface, Si-terminated interface has higher adhesion and less relaxation extent.
A Novel Mouse Model of Peritoneal Dialysis: Combination of Uraemia and Long-Term Exposure to PD Fluid
Authors: Ferrantelli E. , Liappas G. , Keuning E. D. , Vila Cuenca M. , González-Mateo G. , Verkaik M. , López-Cabrera M. , Beelen R. H. J.
Published: October 2015

Different animal models for peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been used in the past decades to develop PD fluids compatible with patient life and to identify markers of peritoneal fibrosis and inflammation. Only few of those studies have taken into account the importance of uraemia-induced alterations at both systemic and peritoneal levels. Moreover, some animal studies which have reported about PD in a uremic setting did not always entirely succeed in terms of uraemia establishment and animal survival. In the present study we induced uraemia in the recently established mouse PD exposure model in order to obtain a more clinically relevant mouse model for kidney patients. This new designed model reflected both the slight thickening of peritoneal membrane induced by uraemia and the significant extracellular matrix deposition due to daily PD fluid instillation. In addition the model offers the opportunity to perform long-term exposure to PD fluids, as it is observed in the clinical setting, and gives the advantage to knock out candidate markers for driving peritoneal inflammatory mechanisms.
Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Oleo-Gum Resin ofCommiphora wightii(Guggulu)
Authors: Sarup Prerna , Bala Suman , Kamboj Sunil
Published: October 2015

Guggulu is an oleo-gum resin which exudes out as a result of injury from the bark ofCommiphora wightii(Arnott) Bhandari [syn.  Commiphora mukul(Hook. Ex Stocks) Engl;Balsamodendron mukul(Hook. Ex Stocks); Family, Burseraceae]. It has been used in theAyurvedasince time immemorial for the treatment of variety of disorders such as inflammation, gout, rheumatism, obesity, and disorders of lipids metabolism. It is a mixture of phytoconstituents like volatile oil which contains terpenoidal constituents such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids; steroids; flavonoids; guggultetrols; lignans; sugars; and amino acids. This review is an effort to compile all the information available on all of its chemical constituents which are responsible for its therapeutic potential. The wild occurrence of this species is restricted mainly to the dry regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat States of India, and the bordering regions of Pakistan. Oleo-gum resin, guggulu, tapped from the stems of this species, is consumed in high volumes by the Indian herbal industries. There has been a decline in its wild population over the last several decades, as a result of habitat loss and degradation, coupled with unregulated harvesting and tapping of oleo-gum resin. This species is consequently assessed as Critically Endangered and enlisted in the IUCN red list of threatened species.
Influence of Sorghum Kafirin on Serum Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity in Hyperlipidemic Rats (In VitroandIn VivoStudies)
Authors: Ortíz Cruz Raquel A. , Cárdenas López José L. , González Aguilar Gustavo A. , Astiazarán García Humberto , Gorinstein Shela , Canett Romero Rafael , Robles Sánchez Maribel
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to comparein vitrothe antioxidant potential of sorghum kafirin and sorghum flour and their influence on lipids and antioxidant capacity in rats. The antioxidant activity in sorghum kafirin extract measured by the DPPH and TEAC methods was increased 30 and 65 times, respectively, compared to that of its counterpart, sorghum flour. According to electrophoresis assay, the kafirinstert-butanol extract showed a high proportion ofα-kafirin monomers, and its amino acid composition revealed higher hydrophobic amino acid content such as alanine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine than sorghum flour extract. Diets supplemented with sorghum kafirin extract have improved lipid metabolism and increased the serum antioxidant potential (67%) especially in rats fed with added cholesterol. The bioactive peptides generated from kafirinin vivohydrolysis appear to be associated with the positive effect on serum lipids and antioxidant activity. According to these results, sorghum kafirin extract at the levels used in this study apparently could be used for prevention of atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases.
Hospitalization Events among Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease in Basra, Iraq
Authors: Salman Zeina A. , Hassan Meaad K.
Published: October 2015

Objectives. Despite improvements in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), many patients still experience disease-related complications requiring hospitalizations. The objectives of this study were to identify causes of hospitalization among these patients and factors associated with the length of hospital stay (LOS) and readmission.Methods. Data from 160 patients (<14 years old) with SCD who were admitted to the Basra Maternity and Children’s Hospital from the first of January 2012 through July 2012 were analyzed.Results. The main causes of hospitalization were acute painful crises (73.84%), infections (9.28%), acute chest syndrome (8.02%), and acute splenic sequestration crisis (6.32%). The mean LOS was4.34±2.85days. The LOS for patients on hydroxyurea (3.41±2.64days) was shorter than that for patients who were not (4.59±2.86days),P<0.05. The readmission rate (23.1%) was significantly higher among patients with frequent hospitalizations in the previous year (OR 9.352, 95% CI 2.011–43.49), asthma symptoms (OR 4.225, 95% CI 1.125–15.862), and opioid use (OR 6.588, 95% CI 1.104–30.336). Patients on hydroxyurea were less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.082, 95% CI 0.10–0.663).Conclusions. There is a relatively high readmission rate among patients with SCD in Basra. The use of hydroxyurea significantly decreases the LOS and readmission rate.
A 3 W High‐Voltage Single‐Chip Green Light‐Emitting Diode with Multiple‐Cells Network
Authors: Wang W. , Cai Y. , Zhang Y. B. , Huang H. J. , Huang W. , Li H. O. , Zhang B. S. , Wang H. X.
Published: October 2015

A parallel and series network structure was introduced into the design of the high‐voltage single‐chip (HV‐SC) light‐emitting diode to inhibit the effect of current crowding and to improve the yield. Using such a design, a 6.6 × 5 mm2 large area LED chip of 24 parallel stages was demonstrated with 3 W light output power (LOP) at the current of 500 mA. The forward voltage was measured to be 83 V with the same current injection, corresponding to 3.5 V for a single stage. The LED chip’s average thermal resistance was identified to be 0.28 K/W by using infrared thermography analysis.
Effect of Rubberwood Content on Biodegradability of Poly(butylene succinate) Biocomposites
Authors: Anankaphong Hemhong , Pentrakoon Duanghathai , Junkasem Jirawut
Published: October 2015

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) biocomposites incorporated with rubberwood powder (RWP) were fabricated with various RWP weight fractions (i.e., 0 to 40% wt) by injection moulding process. The soil burial test was employed to examine the biodegradability of such biocomposites under outdoor environment for 60 days. The physical appearance, percentage weight loss, chemical structure, and mechanical properties before and after the soil burial test were determined. Apparent changes in physical appearance of the biocomposites from optical micrographs were detected in terms of surface morphology and colour. The percentage of crystallinity of PBS/RWP biocomposites was studied by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, and the XRD pattern revealed a decrease in percentage of crystallinity due to enhancing RWP weight fractions. This may be attributed to a presence of rubberwood powders providing more disordered molecular chain arrangement of PBS matrix and also an agglomeration of the rubberwood powder content at greater concentration as seen in SEM micrographs. With increasing RWP weight fractions and burial time, the results exhibited a considerable change in chemical structure (essentially ester linkage due to biodegradation mechanism of PBS), relatively greater percentage weight loss, and a substantial decrease in flexural properties. Consequently, the results indicate that incorporating RWP enhances biodegradability of PBS/RWP biocomposites; that is, the biodegradation rate of biocomposites increases with increasing RWP weight fractions and burial time.
Chaos and Bifurcations of a Leslie-Gower Food Chain with Strong Allee Effect
Authors: Xue Chunshan , Liu Xia
Published: October 2015

Allee effect, as an important biological phenomenon, has been considered in many ecosystems, whereas, its influence on interactions of three or more species is little investigated. In this paper we modify a three-species Leslie-Gower type food chain system by incorporating the strong Allee effect into the source. Our results show that the existence of Allee effect contributes to the occurrence of more complex dynamics of the system, including Hopf, saddle-node, transcritical, saddle-node-Hopf, period-doubling, and period-halving bifurcations and chaos.
Whole Exome Sequencing Reveals Compound Heterozygosity for Ethnically Distinct PEX7 Mutations Responsible for Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, Type 1
Authors: Jacobsen Jessie C. , Glamuzina Emma , Taylor Juliet , Swan Brendan , Handisides Shona , Wilson Callum , Fietz Michael , van Dijk Tessa , Appelhof Bart , Hill Rosamund , Marks Rosemary , Love Donald R. , Robertson Stephen P. , Snell Russell G. , Lehnert Klaus
Published: October 2015

We describe two brothers who presented at birth with bone growth abnormalities, followed by development of increasingly severe intellectual and physical disability, growth restriction, epilepsy, and cerebellar and brain stem atrophy, but normal ocular phenotypes. Case 1 died at 19 years of age due to chronic respiratory illnesses without a unifying diagnosis. The brother remains alive but severely disabled at 19 years of age. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous stop mutations in theperoxisome biogenesis factor 7gene in both individuals. Mutations in this gene cause rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata, type 1 (RCDP1). One mutation,p.Arg232∗, has only been documented once before in a Japanese family, which is of interest given these two boys are of European descent. The other mutation,p.Leu292∗, is found in approximately 50% of RCDP1 patients. These are the first cases of RCDP1 that describe the coinheritance of thep.Arg232∗andp.Leu292∗mutations and demonstrate the utility of WES in cases with unclear diagnoses.
The Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Drug Resistance in Cancers: Implications in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Soekmadji Carolina , Nelson Colleen C.
Published: October 2015

Emerging evidence has shown that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate various biological processes and can control cell proliferation and survival, as well as being involved in normal cell development and diseases such as cancers. In cancer treatment, development of acquired drug resistance phenotype is a serious issue. Recently it has been shown that the presence of multidrug resistance proteins such as Pgp-1 and enrichment of the lipid ceramide in EVs could have a role in mediating drug resistance. EVs could also mediate multidrug resistance through uptake of drugs in vesicles and thus limit the bioavailability of drugs to treat cancer cells. In this review, we discussed the emerging evidence of the role EVs play in mediating drug resistance in cancers and in particular the role of EVs mediating drug resistance in advanced prostate cancer. The role of EV-associated multidrug resistance proteins, miRNA, mRNA, and lipid as well as the potential interaction(s) among these factors was probed. Lastly, we provide an overview of the current available treatments for advanced prostate cancer, considering where EVs may mediate the development of resistance against these drugs.
Two Unusual Aspects of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Mimicking Primary and Secondary Brain Tumor Lesions
Authors: Tchaou Mazamaesso , Modruz Nicoleta , Agoda-Koussema Lama K. , Michelot Anthony , Naffa Samer , Jeudy Véronique , Kaczmarek Raymond
Published: October 2015

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinical-radiological entity well described with typical clinical and radiological manifestations. Atypical presentation, especially in imaging, exists. The authors report here two cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy in which imaging aspects were atypical, mimicking, in the first case, hemorrhagic cerebral metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma and, in the second case, a brain tumor. The diagnosis has been retrospectively rectified due to clinical and radiological outcome.
Killing Vector Fields in Generalized Conformalβ-Change of Finsler Spaces
Authors: Yallappa Kumbar Mallikarjun , Senajji Kampalappa Narasimhamurthy , Komalobiah Rajanna Thippeswamy , Ambale Rajegowda Kavyashree
Published: October 2015

We consider a Finsler space equipped with a Generalized Conformalβ-change of metric and study the Killing vector fields that correspond between the original Finsler space and the Finsler space equipped with Generalized Conformalβ-change of metric. We obtain necessary and sufficient condition for a vector field Killing in the original Finsler space to be Killing in the Finsler space equipped with Generalized Conformalβ-change of metric.
Geometry, Energy, and Some Electronic Properties of Carbon Polyprismanes: Ab Initio and Tight-Binding Study
Authors: Katin Konstantin P. , Shostachenko Stanislav A. , Avkhadieva Alina I. , Maslov Mikhail M.
Published: October 2015

We report geometry, energy, and some electronic properties of [n,4]- and [n,5]prismanes (polyprismanes): a special type of carbon nanotubes constructed from dehydrogenated cycloalkane C4- and C5-rings, respectively. Binding energies, interatomic bonds, and the energy gaps between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) have been calculated using density functional approach and nonorthogonal tight-binding model for the systems up to thirty layers. It is found that polyprismanes become more thermodynamically stable as their effective length increases. Moreover, they may possess semiconducting properties in the bulk limit.
Serum hCG Levels following the Ovulatory Injection: Associations with Patient Weight and Implantation Time
Authors: Noorhasan Dorette J. , McGovern Peter G. , Cho Michael , Seungdamrong Aimee , Ahmad Khaliq , McCulloh David H.
Published: October 2015

Objective. To test if serum hCG levels the morning after the ovulatory hCG injection correlate with (1) retrieval efficiency, (2) oocyte maturity, (3) embryo quality, (4) pregnancy, and/or (5) time to implantation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Design. Retrospective cohort analysis.Setting. University-based IVF clinic.Patient(s). All IVF/ICSI cycles from April 2005 to February 2008 whose hCG administration was confirmed (n=472patients).Intervention(s). Serum hCG was measured the morning following the ovulatory injection, on the 16th day following retrieval, and repeated on day 18 for those with positive results.Main Outcome Measure(s). Number of follicles on the day of hCG injection, number of oocytes retrieved, maturity of oocytes, embryo quality, pregnancy outcome, and time to implantation.Result(s). hCG levels did not correlate with retrieval efficiency, oocyte maturity, embryo quality, or pregnancy. Postinjection hCG levels were inversely associated with patient weight and time to implantation.Conclusion(s). No correlation was found between hCG level and any parameter of embryo quality. Patient weight affected hCG levels following hCG injection and during the early period of pregnancy following implantation. No association between postinjection hCG level and time of implantation (adjusted for patient weight) was apparent.
Easy Formation of Nanodisk‐Dendritic ZnO Film via Controlled Electrodeposition Process
Authors: Abd Samad Nur Azimah , Lai Chin Wei , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: October 2015

A facile electrodeposition synthesis was introduced to prepare the nanodisk‐dendritic ZnO film using a mixture solution of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) with potassium chloride (KCl) that acted as a directing agent. This study aims to determine the best photoelectrochemical response for solar‐induced water splitting. Based on our results obtained, it was found that an average diagonal of nanodisk was approximately 1.70 µm with the thickness of ≈150 nm that was successfully grown on the surface of substrate. The photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical responses of the resultant wurtzite type based‐nanodisk‐dendrite ZnO film as compared to the as‐prepared ZnO film were monitored and evaluated. A photocurrent density of 19.87 mA/cm2 under ultraviolet rays and 14.05 mA/cm2 under visible light (500 nm) was recorded for the newly developed nanodisk‐dendritic ZnO thin film. It was believed that nanodisk‐dendritic ZnO film can harvest more incident photons from the illumination to generate more photoinduced charge carriers to trigger the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical reactions. Moreover, strong light scattering effects and high specific surface area of 2D nanostructures aid in the incident light absorption from any direction.
Development of a Portable Single Photon Ionization-Photoelectron Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Huang Yunguang , Li Jinxu , Tang Bin , Zhu Liping , Hou Keyong , Li Haiyang
Published: October 2015

A vacuum ultraviolet lamp based single photon ionization- (SPI-) photoelectron ionization (PEI) portable reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) was designed for online monitoring gas samples. It has a dual mode ionization source: SPI for analyte with ionization energy (IE) below 10.6 eV and PEI for IE higher than 10.6 eV. Two kinds of sampling inlets, a capillary inlet and a membrane inlet, are utilized for high concentration and trace volatile organic compounds, respectively. A mass resolution of 1100 atm/z64 has been obtained with a total size of 40 × 31 × 29 cm, the weight is 27 kg, and the power consumption is only 70 W. A mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), SO2, and discharging products of SF6were used to test its performance, and the result showed that the limit of quantitation for BTX is as low as 5 ppbv (S/N= 10 : 1) with linear dynamic ranges greater than four orders of magnitude. The portable TOFMS was also evaluated by analyzing volatile organic compounds from wine and decomposition products of SF6inside of a gas-insulated switchgear.
Disabling Orthostatic Headache after Penetrating Stonemason Pencil Injury to the Sacral Region
Authors: Brembilla Carlo , Lanterna Luigi Andrea , Gritti Paolo , Costi Emanuele , Dorelli Gianluigi , Moretti Elena , Bernucci Claudio
Published: October 2015

Penetrating injuries to the spine, although less common than motor vehicle accidents and falls, are important causes of injury to the spinal cord. They are essentially of two varieties: gunshot or stab wounds. Gunshot injuries to the spine are more commonly described. Stab wounds are usually inflicted by knife or other sharp objects. Rarer objects causing incidental spinal injuries include glass fragments, wood pieces, chopsticks, nailguns, and injection needles. Just few cases of penetrating vertebral injuries caused by pencil are described. The current case concerns a 42-year-old man with an accidental penetrating stonemason pencil injury into the vertebral canal without neurological deficit. After the self-removal of the foreign object the patient complained of a disabling orthostatic headache. The early identification and treatment of the intracranial hypotension due to the posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sacral fistulae were mandatory to avoid further neurological complications. In the current literature acute pattern of intracranial hypotension immediately after a penetrating injury of the vertebral column has never been reported.
Cellular and Antibody Based Approaches for Pediatric Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Michael A. , Krishnadas Deepa K. , Lucas Kenneth G.
Published: October 2015

Progress in the use of traditional chemotherapy and radiation-based strategies for the treatment of pediatric malignancies has plateaued in the past decade, particularly for patients with relapsing or therapy refractory disease. As a result, cellular and humoral immunotherapy approaches have been investigated for several childhood cancers. Several monoclonal antibodies are now FDA approved and commercially available, some of which are currently considered standard of practice. There are also several new cellular immunotherapy approaches under investigation, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells, cancer vaccines and adjuvants, and natural killer (NK) cell therapies. In this review, we will discuss previous studies on pediatric cancer immunotherapy and new approaches that are currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Combined Periodontal, Orthodontic, and Prosthetic Treatment in an Adult Patient
Authors: Sabatoski Claudio Vinicius , Bueno Regis Claret , Reyes Pacheco Ariel Adriano , Pithon Matheus Melo , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: October 2015

A 41-year-old man had a significant loss of bone and supporting tissues with pathologic migration of several teeth and several missing teeth. He was treated with an interdisciplinary therapeutic protocol that included nonsurgical periodontal therapy based on strict control of supragingival plaque, subgingival periodontal therapy, orthodontic and endodontic treatment, and replacement of restorations. The orthodontic therapy was performed in a severely reduced bone support and the presence of pathological tooth migration after periodontal disease control. The interdisciplinary treatment protocol was the key to achieve a significant improvement in his facial and dental esthetics, masticatory function, and quality of life.
Evaluation of MicroRNAs Regulating Anoikis Pathways and Its Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Malagobadan Sharan , Nagoor Noor Hasima
Published: October 2015

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in almost every known survival mechanisms utilized by cancer cells. One of such mechanisms, anoikis resistance, plays a pivotal role in enabling metastasis by allowing cancer cells to circumvent cell death induced by lack of attachment. Understanding how miRNAs regulate the various anoikis pathways has become the research question of increasing number of studies published in the past years. Through these studies, a growing list of miRNAs has been identified to be important players in promoting either anoikis or resistance to anoikis. In this review, we will be focusing on these miRNAs and how the findings from those studies can contribute to novel therapeutic strategies against cancer progression. We will be examining miRNAs that have been found to promote anoikis sensitivity in numerous cancer types followed by miRNAs that inhibit anoikis. In addition, we will also be taking a look at major signaling pathways involved in the action of the each of these miRNAs to gain a better understanding on how miRNAs regulate anoikis.
Composition Operators from p-Bloch Space to q-Bloch Space on the Fourth Cartan-Hartogs Domains
Authors: Su Jianbing , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2015

We obtain new generalized Hua’s inequality corresponding to YIV(N,n;K), where YIV(N,n;K) denotes the fourth Cartan-Hartogs domain in CN+n. Furthermore, we introduce the weighted Bloch spaces on YIV(N,n;K) and apply our inequality to study the boundedness and compactness of composition operator Cϕ from βp(YIV(N,n;K)) to βq(YIV(N,n;K)) for p≥0 and q≥0.
Recurring Events ofCandida kruseiSepticaemia: First Report from an ICU
Authors: Duggal Shalini Dewan , Jena Pragnya Paramita , Gur Renu , Kumar Avinash , Rongpharpi Sharon Rainy , Pandey Mrignayani , Xess Immaculata , Wadhwa Vineeta
Published: October 2015

Resurgence of nonalbicansCandidaspp. was observed thrice at the same location in our hospital over a period of four years. In two of these outbreaks it was identified up to the molecular level asCandida krusei. This fungus was traced to some environmental source in all three episodes. Prompt infection control measures were initiated which helped to control the outbreak every time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series of recurringCandida kruseiinfections at the same site in a hospital with successful control of each episode.
Development of an HPLC Method for Absolute Quantification and QAMS of Flavonoids Components inPsoralea corylifoliaL.
Authors: Yan Cuiping , Wu Yu , Weng Zebin , Gao Qianqian , Yang Guangming , Chen Zhipeng , Cai Baochang , Li Weidong
Published: October 2015

The seeds ofPsoralea corylifoliaL. (Fabaceae) are a commonly used medicinal herb in eastern Asia with many beneficial effects in clinical therapies. In this study, a simple, sensitive, precise, and specific reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was established for quantification of 9 flavonoids inP. corylifolia, including isobavachin, neobavaisoflavone, bavachin, corylin, bavachalcone, bavachinin, isobavachalcone, corylifol A, and 4′-O-methylbavachalcone. Based on this method, a quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) was carried out, and the relative correction factors (RCFs) were calculated for determining the contents of other flavonoids. The accuracy of QAMS method was verified by comparing with the results of external standard method, as well as the feasibility and adaptability of the method applied on quality control ofP. corylifolia. The 9 compounds were baseline separated in 60 min with a good linearity of regression coefficient(R2)over 0.9991. The accuracies of QAMS were between 92.89% and 109.5%. The RSD values offin different injection volume were between 2.3% and 3.6%. The results obtained from QAMS suggested that it was a convenient and accurate method to determine multicomponents especially when some authentic standard substances were unavailable. It can be used to control the quality ofP. corylifolia.
Micro-Bypass Implantation for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Combined with Phacoemulsification: 4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Fea Antonio Maria , Consolandi Giulia , Zola Marta , Pignata Giulia , Cannizzo Paola , Lavia Carlo , Rolle Teresa , Grignolo Federico Maria
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To report the long-term follow-up results in patients with cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) randomly assigned to cataract surgery combined with micro-bypass stent implantation or phacoemulsification alone.Methods. 36 subjects with cataract and POAG were randomized in a 1 : 2 ratio to either iStent implantation and cataract surgery (combined group) or cataract surgery alone (control group). 24 subjects agreed to be evaluated again 48 months after surgery. Patients returned one month later for unmedicated washout assessment.Results. At the long-term follow-up visit we reported a mean IOP of 15,9 ± 2,3 mmHg in the iStent group and 17 ± 2,5 mmHg in the control group (p=NS). After washout, a 14,2% between group difference in favour of the combined group was statistically significant (p=0,02) for mean IOP reduction. A significant reduction in the mean number of medications was observed in both groups compared to baseline values (p=0,005in the combined group andp=0,01in the control group).Conclusion. Patients in the combined group maintained low IOP levels after long-term follow-up. Cataract surgery alone showed a loss of efficacy in controlling IOP over time. Both treatments reduced the number of ocular hypotensive medications prescribed. This trial is registered with:NCT00847158.
Pacing and Sensing of Human Heart for over 31 Years with the Same Apparatus (Generator and Lead)
Authors: Papasteriadis Evangelos , Margos Panagiotis
Published: October 2015

Several patients receive a permanent pacemaker in a relatively young age, with multiple subsequent reoperations for pacemaker replacement. Pulse generator replacement is an invasive procedure, associated with the risk of various complications, mainly infection and skin erosion. A case of an extremely long-lasting pacemaker with a totally uneventful longevity period over 31 years is presented. The explanation for this quite rare pacemaker longevity (possibly unique) is analyzed and discussed.