bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal and Familial Risk Factors for Brain Tumors in Childhood through Young Adulthood
Authors: Crump Casey , Sundquist Jan , Sieh Weiva , Winkleby Marilyn A. , Sundquist Kristina
Published: December 2014

Perinatal factors, including high birth weight, have been associated with childhood brain tumors in case–control studies. However, the specific contributions of gestational age and fetal growth remain unknown, and these issues have never been examined in large cohort studies with follow-up into adulthood. We conducted a national cohort study of 3,571,574 persons born in Sweden in 1973–2008, followed up for brain tumor incidence through 2010 (maximum age 38 years) to examine perinatal and familial risk factors. There were 2,809 brain tumors in 69.7 million person-years of follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, significant risk factors for brain tumors included high fetal growth [incidence rate ratio (IRR) per additional 1 SD, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.08, P = 0.02], first-degree family history of a brain tumor (IRR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.86–3.18, P < 0.001), parental country of birth (IRR for both parents born in Sweden vs. other countries, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.35, P < 0.001), and high maternal education level (Ptrend = 0.01). These risk factors did not vary by age at diagnosis. The association with high fetal growth appeared to involve pilocytic astrocytomas, but not other astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, or ependymomas. Gestational age at birth, birth order, multiple birth, and parental age were not associated with brain tumors. In this large cohort study, high fetal growth was associated with an increased risk of brain tumors (particularly pilocytic astrocytomas) independently of gestational age, not only in childhood but also into young adulthood, suggesting that growth factor pathways may play an important long-term role in the etiology of certain brain tumor subtypes. Cancer Res; 75(3); 576–83. ©2014 AACR.
Tumor-Suppressor Role of Notch3 in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Revealed by Genetic and Pharmacological Induction
Authors: Jaskula-Sztul Renata , Eide Jacob , Tesfazghi Sara , Dammalapati Ajitha , Harrison April D. , Yu Xiao-Min , Scheinebeck Casi , Winston-McPherson Gabrielle , Kupcho Kevin R. , Robers Matthew B. , Hundal Amrit K. , Tang Weiping , Chen Herbert
Published: December 2014

Notch1-3 are transmembrane receptors that appear to be absent in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Previous research has shown that induction of Notch1 has a tumor-suppressor effect in MTC cell lines, but little is known about the biologic consequences of Notch3 activation for the progression of the disease. We elucidate the role of Notch3 in MTC by genetic (doxycycline-inducible Notch3 intracellular domain) and pharmacologic [AB3, novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor] approaches. We find that overexpression of Notch3 leads to the dose-dependent reduction of neuroendocrine tumor markers. In addition, Notch3 activity is required to suppress MTC cell proliferation, and the extent of growth repression depends on the amount of Notch3 protein expressed. Moreover, activation of Notch3 induces apoptosis. The translational significance of this finding is highlighted by our observation that MTC tumors lack active Notch3 protein and reinstitution of this isoform could be a therapeutic strategy to treat patients with MTC. We demonstrate, for the first time, that overexpression of Notch3 in MTC cells can alter malignant neuroendocrine phenotype in both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, our study provides a strong rationale for using Notch3 as a therapeutic target to provide novel pharmacologic treatment options for MTC. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(2); 499–512. ©2014 AACR.
A Novel Photodynamic Therapy Targeting Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Hayashi Noriyuki , Kataoka Hiromi , Yano Shigenobu , Tanaka Mamoru , Moriwaki Kazuhiro , Akashi Haruo , Suzuki Shugo , Mori Yoshinori , Kubota Eiji , Tanida Satoshi , Takahashi Satoru , Joh Takashi
Published: December 2014

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in cancer stroma play important roles for cancer cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastases. We synthesized a novel photosensitizer, mannose-conjugated chlorin (M-chlorin), designed to bind mannose receptors highly expressed on TAMs. We evaluated the newly available photodynamic therapy (PDT) with M-chlorin against gastric and colon cancer. We evaluated PDT with M-chlorin for in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in cancer cells compared with chlorin alone and glucose-conjugated chlorin (G-chlorin). The subcellular localization of M-chlorin was observed by confocal microscopy, and the M-chlorin PDT effects against TAMs including THP-1–induced M2-polarized macrophages were evaluated. Anticancer effects were also investigated in an allograft model where cytotoxic effects against TAMs in the cancer cell stroma were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. M-chlorin PDT strongly induced cell death in cancer cells to almost the same extent as G-chlorin PDT by inducing apoptosis. M-chlorin was incorporated into cancer cells where it localized mainly in lysosomes and endoplasmic reticula. M-chlorin PDT revealed strong cytotoxicity for M2 macrophages induced from THP-1 cell lines, and it induced stronger cytotoxicity than G-chlorin PDT in the allograft model through killing both cancer cells and TAMs in the cancer stroma. The M-chlorin PDT produced strong cytotoxicity against cancer tissue by inducing apoptosis of both cancer cells and TAMs in the cancer stroma. This novel PDT thus stands as a new candidate for very effective, next-generation PDT. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(2); 452–60. ©2014 AACR.
The Influence of the Acyl Chain on the Transdermal Penetration-Enhancing Effect of Synthetic Phytoceramides
Authors: Veryser Lieselotte , Boonen Jente , Taevernier Lien , Guillaume Joren , Risseeuw Martijn , Shah Syed Nisar Hussain , Roche Nathalie , Van Calenbergh Serge , De Spiegeleer Bart
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: The skin has become very attractive as a route for drug administration. Optimization of topical drug formulations by the addition of penetration enhancers may facilitate the passage of drugs through the stratum corneum. Methods: In this paper, the skin penetration effect of phytosphingosine and 9 derived phytoceramides (PCERs) on 3 transdermal model drugs (i.e. caffeine, testosterone, ibuprofen) was investigated via Franz diffusion cell experiments using split-thickness human skin. Azone was included as a positive control. Results: The main finding in our study was that the PCERs exerted a compound-dependent penetration-enhancing effect. Some of the investigated PCERs exhibited a penetration-enhancing ratio of more than 2 (mean ± SE): for caffeine PCER1 (2.48 ± 0.44), PCER2 (2.75 ± 0.74), PCER3 (2.62 ± 0.93) and PCER6 (2.70 ± 0.45) and for testosterone PCER1 (2.08 ± 0.56), PCER2 (2.56 ± 0.13), PCER3 (3.48), PCER4 (2.53), PCER5 (2.04 ± 0.14), PCER6 (2.05 ± 0.48) and PCER10 (4.84 ± 0.79), but none of them had an influence on ibuprofen. Conclusion: The investigated PCERs exhibited a penetration-enhancing effect on caffeine and testosterone but not on ibuprofen.
Complete Occlusion of a Subcutaneous Pyelovesical Bypass Graft (Detour® System) Caused by Uric Acid Stone Formation
Authors: Wilhelm Konrad , Schultze-Seemann Wolfgang , Miernik Arkadiusz
Published: December 2014

Subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass graft (SPBG) is a urinary diversion treatment option for ureteral obstruction. Initially its use was limited to palliative care patients. However, the indication profile has been extended to selected patients with benign conditions causing ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Occlusion of SPBGs is rarely reported and mostly related to infections. We describe the clinical case of a patient with SPBG after iatrogenic ureteral stricture who was not suitable for other reconstructive treatment forms due to distinct retroperitoneal scarring after multiple previous surgeries. Several months after the SPBG insertion, the patient developed complete occlusion of the system with uric acid stone material. Sufficient endoscopic intervention was not feasible. After forced chemolitholysis, the stone mass could be completely dissolved. Since then the patient has remained symptom-free.
Tubulocystic Carcinoma of the Kidney with Fatal Outcome in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Gizzi Marco , Aydin Selda , Machiels Jean-Pascal
Published: December 2014

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 20% of all kidney cancers. Tubulocystic carcinoma of the kidney (TCK) is a newly described entity with distinct molecular, genetic and clinical features. In 2013, it was one of five new renal tumors to be recognized by the International Society of Urological Pathology Vancouver Classification of Renal Neoplasia. We describe here a case of TCK with a rare genetic signature, unusual metastases and limited response to an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor in what we believe is the youngest patient on record to date.
The Compression Anastomotic Ring-Locking Procedure: A Novel Technique for Creating a Sutureless Colonic Anastomosis
Authors: Vilhjalmsson Dadi , Olofsson Per , Syk Ingvar , Thorlacius Henrik , Grönberg Anders
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim: Compression anastomoses might represent an improvement over traditional hand-sewn or stapled techniques. Herein, we describe a novel concept of sutureless colonic anastomosis named compression anastomotic ring-locking procedure (CARP). Materials and Methods: The surgical device consists of two anastomotic rings and their associated helping tools, facilitating the placement of the rings into the intestinal ends. Furthermore, four catheters are connected to the surgical device, allowing the evaluation of the anastomosis during and after surgery. A total of 31 pigs underwent a low colocolic anastomosis using the anastomotic rings. The compression pressure was measured perioperatively and up to 96 h after surgery. Anastomotic integrity and morphology were analyzed by use of radiology and histology, respectively. A long-term follow-up was conducted in a subgroup of pigs up to 108 days after surgery when the bursting pressure and stricture formation were examined. Results: All animals recovered uneventfully, and macroscopic examination revealed intact anastomoses without signs of pathological inflammation or adhesions. The perioperative compression pressure was inversely proportional to the gap size between the anastomotic rings. For example, an anastomotic gap of 1.5 mm created a colonic anastomosis with a perioperative compression pressure of 91 mbar, which remained constant for up to 48 h and resulted in a markedly increased compression pressure. Contrast infusion via the catheters effectively visualized the anastomoses, and no leakage was detected within the study. The surgical device was spontaneously evacuated from the intestines within 6 days after surgery. Histology showed collagen bridging of the anastomoses already 72 h after surgery. Long-term follow-up (54-108 days) revealed no stricture formation in the anastomoses, and the bursting pressure ranged from 120 to 235 mbar. The majority of bursts (10/12) occurred distant from the anastomoses. Conclusion: We conclude that the surgical device associated to CARP is safe and efficient for creating colonic anastomoses. Further studies in patients undergoing colorectal surgery are warranted.
Pyridoxamine Dihydrochloride in Diabetic Nephropathy (PIONEER-CSG-17): Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study
Authors: Dwyer Jamie P. , Greco Barbara A. , Umanath Kausik , Packham David , Fox J. Wesley , Peterson Robert , Broome Benjamin R. , Greene Laura E. , Sika Mohammed , Lewis Julia B. ,   for the Collaborative Study Group
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Pyridoxamine dihydrochloride (Pyridorin™) blocks pathogenic oxidative pathways in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The pyridoxamine pilot study was designed to test entry criteria and outcomes. Subjects had SCr 1.3-3.5 mg/dl, protein-to-creatinine ≥1,200 mg/g and used a surrogate outcome of ΔSCr over 52 weeks. Subjects had to be on a maximally tolerated dose of ACE/ARB for 3 months; stable other antihypertensive doses for 2 months; stable diuretic dose for 2 weeks, and BP ≤160/90 mm Hg; or enter a Pharmaco-Stabilization Phase (PSP). This pilot failed to detect an effect on ΔSCr in intent-to-treat analysis. Methods: We queried the locked clinical trial database for subgroups in which there was a treatment effect. Results: Subjects not requiring PSP and those with entry SCr <2.0 mg/dl had a treatment effect. Subjects entering PSP required more changes in antihypertensive medications and experienced larger ΔSCr over 52 weeks. PSP subjects with BP >140/90 mm Hg had no treatment effect, but those ≤140/90 mm Hg did. Conclusion: Time required for acute effects of ACE/ARB to stabilize is unknown, but these data suggest >3 months. Thus, subjects in the pivotal trial must be on ACE/ARB for 6 months. Frequent antihypertensive adjustment could engender SCr changes unrelated to CKD progression. Thus, we will require subjects to have BP ≤150/90 mm Hg and on stable antihypertensives for 26 weeks, or ≤140/90 mm Hg and on stable antihypertensives for 13 weeks. Since ΔSCr over 52 weeks is limited as a surrogate outcome, the pivotal trial uses a time-to-event analysis of baseline SCr to at least a 50% increase in SCr or ESRD as the primary outcome. This substantial ΔSCr is protected from noise and is clinically relevant. The pyridoxamine pilot provided critical information to inform the design of PIONEER-CSG-17, which we conducted under the SPA agreement with FDA.
Novel Role for Endogenous Hepatocyte Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Peña-Silva Ricardo A. , Chalouhi Nohra , Wegman-Points Lauren , Ali Muhammad , Mitchell Ian , Pierce Gary L. , Chu Yi , Ballas Zuhair K. , Heistad Donald , Hasan David
Published: December 2014

Inflammation plays a key role in formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Because hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protects against vascular inflammation, we sought to assess the role of endogenous HGF in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms. Circulating HGF concentrations in blood samples drawn from the lumen of human intracranial aneurysms or femoral arteries were compared in 16 patients. Tissue from superficial temporal arteries and ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms collected from patients undergoing clipping (n=10) were immunostained with antibodies to HGF and its receptor c-Met. Intracranial aneurysms were induced in mice treated with PF-04217903 (a c-Met antagonist) or vehicle. Expression of inflammatory molecules was also measured in cultured human endothelial, smooth muscle cells and monocytes treated with lipopolysaccharides in presence or absence of HGF and PF-04217903. We found that HGF concentrations were significantly higher in blood collected from human intracranial aneurysms (1076±656 pg/mL) than in femoral arteries (196±436 pg/mL;
P
<0.001). HGF and c-Met were detected by immunostaining in superficial temporal arteries and in both ruptured and unruptured human intracranial aneurysms. A c-Met antagonist did not alter the formation of intracranial aneurysms (
P
>0.05), but significantly increased the prevalence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and decreased survival in mice (
P
<0.05). HGF attenuated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (
P
<0.05) and E-Selectin (
P
<0.05) in human aortic endothelial cells. In conclusion, plasma HGF concentrations are elevated in intracranial aneurysms. HGF and c-Met are expressed in superficial temporal arteries and in intracranial aneurysms. HGF signaling through c-Met may decrease inflammation in endothelial cells and protect against intracranial aneurysm rupture.
Investigating Biological Assumptions through Radical Reimplementation
Authors: Lehman Joel , Stanley Kenneth O.
Published: December 2014

An important goal in both artificial life and biology is uncovering the most general principles underlying life, which might catalyze both our understanding of life and engineering lifelike machines. While many such general principles have been hypothesized, conclusively testing them is difficult because life on Earth provides only a singular example from which to infer. To circumvent this limitation, this article formalizes an approach called radical reimplementation. The idea is to investigate an abstract biological hypothesis by intentionally reimplementing its main principles to diverge maximally from existing natural examples. If the reimplementation successfully exhibits properties resembling biology, it may support the underlying hypothesis better than an alternative example inspired more directly by nature. The approach thereby provides a principled alternative to a common tradition of defending and minimizing deviations from nature in artificial life. This work reviews examples that can be interpreted through the lens of radical reimplementation to yield potential insights into biology despite having purposely unnatural experimental setups. In this way, radical reimplementation can help renew the relevance of computational systems for investigating biological theory and can act as a practical philosophical tool to help separate the fundamental features of terrestrial biology from the epiphenomenal.
High-resolution 7T fMRI of Human Hippocampal Subfields during Associative Learning
Authors: Suthana Nanthia A. , Donix Markus , Wozny David R. , Bazih Adam , Jones Michael , Heidemann Robin M. , Trampel Robert , Ekstrom Arne D. , Scharf Maria , Knowlton Barbara , Turner Robert , Bookheimer Susan Y.
Published: December 2014

Examining the function of individual human hippocampal subfields remains challenging because of their small sizes and convoluted structures. Previous human fMRI studies at 3 T have successfully detected differences in activation between hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA) field CA1, combined CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) region (CA23DG), and the subiculum during associative memory tasks. In this study, we investigated hippocampal subfield activity in healthy participants using an associative memory paradigm during high-resolution fMRI scanning at 7 T. We were able to localize fMRI activity to anterior CA2 and CA3 during learning and to the posterior CA2 field, the CA1, and the posterior subiculum during retrieval of novel associations. These results provide insight into more specific human hippocampal subfield functions underlying learning and memory and a unique opportunity for future investigations of hippocampal subfield function in healthy individuals as well as those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
A Neural Mass Model with Direct and Indirect Excitatory Feedback Loops: Identification of Bifurcations and Temporal Dynamics
Authors: Garnier Aurélie , Vidal Alexandre , Huneau Clément , Benali Habib
Published: December 2014

Neural mass modeling is a part of computational neuroscience that was developed to study the general behavior of a neuronal population. This type of mesoscopic model is able to generate output signals that are comparable to experimental data, such as electroencephalograms. Classically, neural mass models consider two interconnected populations: excitatory pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons. However, many authors have included an excitatory feedback on the pyramidal cell population. Two distinct approaches have been developed: a direct feedback on the main pyramidal cell population and an indirect feedback via a secondary pyramidal cell population. In this letter, we propose a new neural mass model that couples these two approaches. We perform a detailed bifurcation analysis and present a glossary of dynamical behaviors and associated time series. Our study reveals that the model is able to generate particular realistic time series that were never pointed out in either simulated or experimental data. Finally, we aim to evaluate the effect of balance between both excitatory feedbacks on the dynamical behavior of the model. For this purpose, we compute the codimension 2 bifurcation diagrams of the system to establish a map of the repartition of dynamical behaviors in a direct versus indirect feedback parameter space. A perspective of this work is, from a given temporal series, to estimate the parameter value range, especially in terms of direct versus indirect excitatory feedback.
Validity of large-scale reading tests: A phenotypic and behaviour–genetic analysis
Authors: Grasby Katrina L , Byrne Brian , Olson Richard K
Published: December 2014

Each year, all Australian students in grades 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit nationwide large-scale tests in literacy and numeracy which have their validity frequently questioned. We compared the performance of grade 3 twins on these large-scale reading tests with their performance on three individually administered literacy tests in comprehension, word reading and vocabulary within a genetically sensitive design. Comprehension, word reading and vocabulary accounted for a substantial amount of the variance in school reading tests. Performance on large-scale reading tests and individually administered tests was moderately to substantially heritable and the same genes contributed to performance in both types of test. These results confirm that large-scale school reading tests measure, at least in part, the literacy skills assessed by individual tests that are frequently considered to be the ‘gold-standard’ in testing. Also, as could be expected, the individually administered literacy tests were more closely related to performance on large-scale reading tests than to performance on large-scale school numeracy tests.
The present of things past: Ethnography and career studies
Authors: Van Maanen John
Published: December 2014

This article first provides something of an informal narrative of my own academic career and suggests just what is idiosyncratic to that narrative and what seems to me to be rather general. This is followed by a swift look at ethnography as a social practice and some of its defining features highlighting the relatively recent burgeoning of ethnographic studies in organizational research. The following sections examine what I think are exemplary ethnographic career studies and just how these ethnographic studies have changed over time. The next section notes what seems to have not changed much over the years. I conclude by revisiting some of my introductory remarks on academic careers and the always provisional character of ethnographic studies. My normative argument is that while ethnographic work has contributed a great deal to our understanding of both occupational and organizational careers – then and now – such studies are too often overlooked by current variable and measurement-driven career researchers.
Motherhood, Agency and Sacrifice in Narratives on Female Migration for Care Work
Authors: Tyldum Guri
Published: December 2014

In this article, I address the stigma associated with female migration in many regions of large-scale female mobility. Showing the use of and the relationship between different narratives of female migration in Western Ukraine, I challenge some of the assumptions of the care drain perspective, and show how this perspective implies a risk of losing sight of female agency in descriptions of female migrants. In many communities of origin for female migrants there is widespread criticism in the media and popular discourse of mothers who leave behind children and enjoy the good life abroad, with claims that female migration happens at the cost of family and children. Due to the stigma produced by this discourse, female migrants who are also mothers often prefer to speak of their decision to migrate as an act of sacrifice. Studies that frame female migrants as mothers tend to reproduce these narratives of sacrifice at the cost of understanding female migration where women go abroad to improve their own lives. As a result, the focus is shifted from the women’s agency and reasons for leaving, to the consequences of their absence.
The Making of Might-Have-Beens
Authors: Alquist Jessica L. , Ainsworth Sarah E. , Baumeister Roy F. , Daly Michael , Stillman Tyler F.
Published: December 2014

Counterfactual thoughts are based on the assumption that one situation could result in multiple possible outcomes. This assumption underlies most theories of free will and contradicts deterministic views that there is only one possible outcome of any situation. Three studies tested the hypothesis that stronger belief in free will would lead to more counterfactual thinking. Experimental manipulations (Studies 1-2) and a measure (Studies 3-4) of belief in free will were linked to increased counterfactual thinking in response to autobiographical (Studies 1, 3, and 4) and hypothetical (Study 2) events. Belief in free will also predicted the kind of counterfactuals generated. Belief in free will was associated with an increase in the generation of self and upward counterfactuals, which have been shown to be particularly useful for learning. These findings fit the view that belief in free will is promoted by societies because it facilitates learning and culturally valued change.
Notes from the Field
Authors: Winkel Abigail Ford , Niles Paulomi , Lerner Veronica , Zabar Sondra , Szyld Demian , Squires Allison
Published: December 2014

Simulation in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) training captures a range of interpersonal, cognitive, and technical skills. However, trainee perspectives on simulation-based assessment remain unexplored. After an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) simulation hybrid exam, two focus groups of residents were conducted. Analysis grounded in a thematic coding guided the qualitative research process. Responses suggest a valuation of cognitive and technical skills over interpersonal skills. Realism was seen as critical and residents perceived the assessment as more valuable for the educator than the learner. Feedback was highly valued. Resident perspectives on this exam give insight into their perceptions of simulation-based assessment as well as their conceptions of their own learning through simulations.
Examining the adoption and continuous usage of context-aware services
Authors: Liu Dongsheng , Tong Chengqin , Liu Yanni , Yuan Yufei , Ju Chunhua
Published: December 2014

Context-aware services such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Location Based Services (LBS) can be used to acquire information and services at any time from anywhere in various contexts. It is critical to study how user perceptions and intentions are affected in different decision-making processes. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model and Expectation Confirmation Theory, this research examines a two-stage theoretical model of consumer adoption of context-aware services by studying an example of an intelligent tourist guide Xi-Hu-Tong (West Lake tour). We focus on the formation mechanisms of user decisions in the initial adoption stage, and on feedback and evaluation mechanisms in the post-adoption stage. According to our data analysis using structural equation modeling, we find that relative advantage, motivational needs, and personal situations have significant impacts on user initial adoption intention. Additionally, usage experience has a significant impact on expectation confirmation and satisfaction. Usage experience also influences user satisfaction, reinforcing the emergence of post-adoption behaviors such as continuous usage and recommendations. Together, these results illustrate the dynamic process that encourages consumers who begin as potential users to eventually become loyal users.
Preoperative planning of renal transplantation: a comparison of non-contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance angiography with observations from surgery
Authors: Blankholm Anne Dorte , Pedersen Bodil G , Stausbøl-Grøn Brian , Andersen Gratien , Hørlyck Arne , Østrat Ernst Ø , Laustsen Sussie , Ringgaard Steffen
Published: December 2014

Background

Many candidates for kidney transplantation need to undergo vessel examination before the transplantation procedure.

Purpose

To identify the optimal preoperative modality for the examination of vessel status without the use of contrast agents in kidney transplant candidates.

Material and Methods

Fifty-three consecutive patients were examined and 31 patients were transplanted. Ultrasonography (US), non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT), and non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCMRA) were compared using inspection during kidney transplantation (TX) as a reference standard. The sensitivity and specificity to severe arteriosclerotic changes and the accuracy were calculated. Kappa statistics were used to assess the agreement between TX and the different examination modalities, and McNemar’s test was used to test for significant differences.

Results

US had higher sensitivity (1.0) and better agreement with observations from surgery (k = 0.89) than both NCCT (sensitivity = 0.60; k = 0.72) and NCMRA (sensitivity = 0.20; k = 0.30). No significant difference was found between TX and US ( P = 0.3173) or TX and NCCT ( P = 0.1573), but there was a significant difference between TX and NCMRA ( P = 0.0455). US was inconclusive in 20% of cases, and the internal iliac artery could not be visualized in 69% of cases.

Conclusion

Either US or NCCT can be used as the preferred preoperative imaging modality to examine vessel status before kidney transplantation, but a combination of the two is preferable. NCMRA should not be used as the sole imaging modality for preoperative imaging before kidney transplantation because of its low sensitivity in detecting severe arteriosclerotic disease without the presence of stenosis.
Constitutive modeling of elastic-visco-plastic behaviors in aluminum alloys subjected to cyclic loadings at various strain rates
Authors: Felfeli Mehran , Azadi Mohammad , Farrahi Gholam Hossein
Published: December 2014

In this article, simulations of the stress–strain behavior in aluminum alloys were investigated under cyclic loadings at various strain rates. Four plasticity approaches were applied to simulate cyclic behaviors. To validate obtained results, strain-controlled tensile-compressive fatigue tests were performed in the low cycle fatigue regime. Isothermal fatigue experiments were conducted at various strain rates. Thermo-mechanical fatigue experiments were carried out at different rates of cooling and heating processes. Numerical results demonstrated a good agreement with experimental data at the mid-life cycle of the material. Material constants for different models were also presented for aluminum alloys, at various strain rates.
Experimental characterization and modelling of triaxial residual stresses in straightened railway rails
Authors: Kaiser Robert , Stefenelli Mario , Hatzenbichler Thomas , Antretter Thomas , Hofmann Michael , Keckes Jozef , Buchmayr Bruno
Published: December 2014

Residual stresses in railway rails have a significant influence on the rail functional properties and reliability in service life. Already during the production, the roller straightening as the final production step removing the rail curvature causes the formation of complex stress fields. In this work, a complementary experimental characterization of longitudinal, transversal and normal residual stresses in an uncut straightened rail with a length of 0.5 m is performed using neutron diffraction and contour method. Additionally, the residual stresses are predicted numerically by means of an extensive three-dimensional finite element simulation taking into account the cyclic elastic–plastic material behaviour of the rail including combined kinematic–isotropic hardening. The very good agreement between the experimental and numerical data provides a basis for the understanding and predicting how the straightening procedure, that is, the positioning of the individual rollers and forces applied by the rollers, influences the triaxial stress fields at the rail cross-section.
Study on impact performances of scarf-repaired carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Shufeng Liu , Xiaoquan Cheng , Yunyan Xu , Jianwen Bao , Xin Guo
Published: December 2014

Composite structures used in aircraft are vulnerable to low-velocity impact and replacing them with new ones requires significant cost. Scarf-repair technique is an effective method to restore the stiffness and strength of damaged composite structures. Previous studies on scarf-repaired composite laminates have focused on stiffness and strength recovery efficiency, but limited attention has been directed toward the impact properties. However, scarf-repaired composite laminates are also sensitive to low-velocity impact. The residual strength is worth investigating to ensure the safety of scarf-repaired composite structures. In this study, experiments were conducted to test the residual compression strength after impact. Two main factors, namely impact energy and location, were considered. Finite element models were established to analyze the influences of these two factors and to predict the residual strength. Impact damages were introduced by degrading the mechanical properties in the damaged area estimated through the C-scan photographs. Results indicated that the damage area was larger when the impact was applied at the bondline of the top surface and the residual strength was the smallest. Increasing the impact energy caused large damage area, in which the residual strength declined. The predicted residual strength agreed with the experimental results well.
Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Lesions Counteract Decreases in Locomotor Activity in Male Syrian Hamsters Transferred from Long to Short Day Lengths
Authors: Jarjisian Stephan G. , Butler Matthew P. , Paul Matthew J. , Place Ned J. , Prendergast Brian J. , Kriegsfeld Lance J. , Zucker Irving
Published: December 2014

The dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) of the hypothalamus has been implicated in seasonal control of reproduction. Syrian hamsters with DMN lesions, unlike control hamsters, do not undergo testicular regression after transfer from a long day length (14 h of light per day; LD) to a short day length (8 h of light per day; SD). SDs also markedly reduce hamster locomotor activity (LMA). To assess whether the DMN is a component of the neural circuitry that mediates seasonal variation in LMA, neurologically intact males (controls) and hamsters that had sustained lesions of the DMN (DMNx) were housed in an LD or SD photoperiod for 26 weeks. DMNx that prevented testicular regression counteracted decreases in LMA during 8 to10 weeks of SD treatment; steroid-independent effects of SDs did not override high levels of LMA in DMNx males. As in previous studies, testosterone (T) restoration increased LMA in LD but not SD castrated control males. In the present study, T also failed to increase LMA in SD-DMNx hamsters. The DMN is not necessary to maintain decreased responsiveness of locomotor activity systems to T in SDs, which presumably is mediated by other central nervous system androgen target tissues. Finally, DMNx did not interfere with the spontaneous increase in LMA exhibited by photorefractory hamsters after 26 weeks of SD treatment. We propose that DMN is an essential part of the substrate that mediates seasonal decreases in LMA as day length decreases but is not required to sustain decreased SD responsiveness to T or for development of refractoriness to SDs.
The Association of Cytokine Levels With Cognitive Function in Children With Sickle Cell Disease and Normal MRI Studies of the Brain
Authors: Andreotti Charissa , King Allison A. , Macy Elizabeth , Compas Bruce E. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: December 2014

Children with sickle cell disease, including those without evidence for cerebral infarcts, are at increased risk for cognitive deficits that can contribute to difficulties in academic and social functioning. Chronic inflammatory processes are endemic to sickle cell disease and are apparent in common comorbidities including asthma. Cytokines mediating inflammatory processes can influence cognition. The authors examined the relationship between plasma levels of cytokines commonly associated with asthma and cognitive functioning using standardized neuropsychological measures in 25 children with sickle cell disease with normal magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain. Children with sickle cell disease performed significantly below the normative mean on tests of cognitive function. Pearson correlations indicated significant negative relations between cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13) and standardized tests of executive function ( r = –.54 to –.74). Preliminary evidence suggests an association between cytokine levels and executive function in children with sickle cell disease, indicating a potential role for inflammatory processes in cognitive outcomes in these children.
A numerical and experimental study on the effective thermal conductivity of conductive hollow tube composite
Authors: Karkri Mustapha , Aadmi Moussa , Hammouti Mimoun El
Published: December 2014

In this article, a three-dimensional (3D) finite elements method has been developed for predicting the effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of a conductive hollow tube polymer composite. 3D Representative Volume Element (3D-RVE) was used to represent the composite material. Governing heat transfer equations in both transverse and longitudinal directions for predicting the effective thermal conductivities of composites are used. ETC was numerically calculated using COMSOLTM software. The guarded hot plate method was used to measure the composites conductivities consisting of epoxy resin matrix filled with metallic hollow tube. A comparison between the numerically calculated thermal conductivities, measured and analytical ones for various samples was made. A satisfactory agreement between numerical and experiment takes place.
Political conflicts, the role of opposition parties, and the limits on taxation
Authors: Wolton Stephane
Published: December 2014

In democratic systems, the rich have diverse channels through which they can influence policies. In a model of taxation, I study the capacity of the rich to constrain the fiscal choice of a government by starting a costly political conflict (for example, a press campaign), which imposes a cost on the government and influences the fate of the government’s fiscal plan. I show that the government’s tax proposal depends critically on the marginal disutility of taxation for the rich. This approach provides a new rationale for the empirically documented U-shaped relationship between inequality and taxation. It also highlights a new role for opposition parties. By agreeing to bear part of the cost of a political conflict in exchange for compromise, the opposition makes Pareto-improving arrangements possible.
Automated fit quantification of tibial nail designs during the insertion using computer three-dimensional modelling
Authors: Amarathunga Jayani P , Schuetz Michael A , Yarlagadda Prasad KVD , Schmutz Beat
Published: December 2014

Intramedullary nailing is the standard fixation method for displaced diaphyseal fractures of the tibia. An optimal nail design should both facilitate insertion and anatomically fit the bone geometry at its final position in order to reduce the risk of stress fractures and malalignments. Due to the nonexistence of suitable commercial software, we developed a software tool for the automated fit assessment of nail designs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that an optimised nail, which fits better at the final position, is also easier to insert. Three-dimensional models of two nail designs and 20 tibiae were used. The fitting was quantified in terms of surface area, maximum distance, sum of surface areas and sum of maximum distances by which the nail was protruding into the cortex. The software was programmed to insert the nail into the bone model and to quantify the fit at defined increment levels. On average, the misfit during the insertion in terms of the four fitting parameters was smaller for the Expert Tibial Nail Proximal bend (476.3 mm2, 1.5 mm, 2029.8 mm2, 6.5 mm) than the Expert Tibial Nail (736.7 mm2, 2.2 mm, 2491.4 mm2, 8.0 mm). The differences were statistically significant ( p ≤ 0.05). The software could be used by nail implant manufacturers for the purpose of implant design validation.
An in silico parametric model of vertebrae trabecular bone based on density and microstructural parameters to assess risk of fracture in osteoporosis
Authors: Amjadi Kashani Mohammad Reza , Nikkhoo Mohammad , Khalaf Kinda , Firoozbakhsh Keikhosrow , Arjmand Navid , Razmjoo Arash , Parnianpour Mohamad
Published: December 2014

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by deterioration in the quantity and quality of bone, leading to inferior mechanical properties and an increased risk of fracture. Current assessment of osteoporosis is typically based on bone densitometry tools such as Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) and Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). These assessment modalities mainly rely on estimating the bone mineral density (BMD). Hence present densitometry tools describe only the deterioration of the quantity of bone associated with the disease and not the affected morphology or microstructural changes, resulting in potential incomplete assessment, many undetected patients, and unexplained fractures. In this study, an in-silico parametric model of vertebral trabecular bone incorporating both material and microstructural parameters was developed towards the accurate assessment of osteoporosis and the consequent risk of bone fracture. The model confirms that the mechanical properties such as strength and stiffness of vertebral trabecular tissue are highly influenced by material properties as well as morphology characteristics such as connectivity, which reflects the quality of connected inter-trabecular parts. The FE cellular solid model presented here provides a holistic approach that incorporates both material and microstructural elements associated with the degenerative process, and hence has the potential to provide clinical practitioners and researchers with more accurate assessment method for the degenerative changes leading to inferior mechanical properties and increased fracture risk associated with age and/or disease such as Osteoporosis.
The Pre-war Origins of Russia’s Defeats in 1914 and 1915
Authors: Robinson Paul
Published: December 2014

This article re-examines the thesis proposed by Norman Stone in his book The Eastern Front regarding the pre-war origins of Russia’s defeats in 1914 and 1915. The article concludes that, contrary to Stone’s thesis, the pre-war split between Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich and General V.A. Sukhomlinov had little impact on Russian military operations in the First World War. The Russian army was not as rigidly divided into factions as Stone suggests, nor were the factions divided on class grounds. The grand duke and his associates were not determined supporters of the fortresses in Poland, and the decision to defend Poland in summer 1915 was not related to pre-war debates about the fortresses.
War Criminals in the Post-war World: The Case of Katō Tetsutarō
Authors: Wilson Sandra
Published: December 2014

Katō Tetsutarō was a suspected Japanese war criminal tried by US military commissions in Yokohama after the Second World War. He was convicted of murdering an escaped American prisoner of war, and was originally sentenced to death. In a highly unusual move, however, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers in Japan, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered a retrial, in which Katō received a sentence of 30 years. He was ultimately released in March 1958. Katō’s case provides an especially effective illustration of the tension in Allied thinking about war crimes trials between a desire for justice or vengeance, on the one hand, and recognition of the political pressures of the Cold War on the other, and of the varied forms this tension took as prosecutions progressed.
Smoking and mental illness. An update for psychiatrists
Authors: Mendelsohn Colin P , Kirby Dianne P , Castle David J
Published: December 2014

Objective:

We aimed to review research on smoking and mental illness and provide evidence-based guidelines for psychiatrists to help smoking patients quit.

Method:

We undertook a narrative review of the literature with a special focus on the Australian context.

Results:

Although one in three people with mental illness smoke tobacco, smoking is often neglected in psychiatric practice. Smoking is a significant contributor to the health gap between people with mental illness and the general population. Smokers with mental illness are motivated to quit and are able to do so, albeit with lower quit rates. Quitting can lead to substantial improvements in mental wellbeing and physical health and does not exacerbate pre-existing mental illness. Psychiatrists should advise all smokers to quit and provide counselling, medication and support, based on the 5As framework. Approved pharmacotherapy – nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion – is recommended for nicotine-dependent smokers. Smoking induces the metabolism of certain psychotropic drugs such as clozapine and olanzapine and dose reductions may be necessary after cessation.

Conclusions:

Psychiatrists have a duty of care to identify the smoking status of their patients and to provide evidence-based support to quit.
The Books-in-a-Bag Project
Authors: Kaff Marilyn S. , Fees Bronwyn , Wiseman Nicole , Evans Valerie
Published: December 2014

This column describes a long-term service-learning project by faculty from an American university who travelled to Tanzania to consult with educators who work with and care for children with a wide range of disabilities. The project is focused on literacy education and has resulted in several books being developed and distributed in the Kiswahili language.
Ankle Ligament Laxity and Stiffness in Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Brown Cathleen N. , Rosen Adam B. , Ko Jupil
Published: December 2014

Background:

The contribution of mechanical laxity and ligament stiffness to chronic ankle instability is unclear, particularly when using the inversion laxity test, and may have implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Our purpose was to determine if individuals with chronic ankle instability demonstrate greater mechanical ligament laxity and altered stiffness compared to controls and copers (those with a healed sprain) during an instrumented arthrometer inversion stress test.

Methods:

Recreationally active individuals were classified as those with chronic ankle instability (n = 16), copers (n = 16), or controls (n = 16) based on injury history and self-reported score on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Three trials of an inversion stress test were applied with an instrumented arthrometer utilizing a reliable tester. Talocrural inversion (degrees) and stiffness values were extracted. One-way ANOVAs were calculated, and Tukey post hoc testing was applied (α ≤ .05).

Results:

Groups were not different in age, height, or weight. The chronic ankle instability group (19 ± 6) had significantly lower CAIT scores than the control (30 ± 1) and coper (29 ± 1) groups ( P < .001). The chronic ankle instability group (23 ± 12 degrees) demonstrated significantly greater inversion than the controls (13 ± 9 degrees) ( P = .04) but was not significantly different than the copers (17 ± 10 degrees). No significant differences were detected in stiffness between the groups.

Conclusion:

The chronic ankle instability group demonstrated decreased self-reported ankle function and increased mechanical laxity utilizing an instrumented arthrometer for inversion compared to the control group but not the coper group. Laxity, but not stiffness, may be a factor affecting chronic ankle instability and self-reported function.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.