bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The comparison of laparoscopic and microsurgical varicocoelectomy in infertile men with varicocoele on paternity rate 12 months after surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bryniarski P. , Taborowski P. , Rajwa P. , Kaletka Z. , Życzkowski M. , Paradysz A.
Published: March 2017

The best surgical approach for varicocoelectomy is still unknown, however more and more physicians favour subinguinal microsurgery. The aim of this study was to find whether microsurgical approach is superior to laparoscopic varicocoelectomy in terms of pregnancy rate, fertility potential, endocrinological function of the testis, erectile dysfunction and testicle volume increase. It was a prospective, non‐masked, parallel‐group randomized controlled trial with one to one allocation. It was conducted at authors’ institution and designed as per protocol study. From 2012 till 2015 84 patients were randomly allocated to two groups. First group consisted of 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocoelectomy, whereas patients from the second group underwent microsurgical varicocoelectomy. The indications for varicocoelectomy consisted of infertility >1 year, palpable left‐sided varicocoele and at least one impaired semen parameter (sperm concentration <15 mln/mL; total motility<40%; progressive motility <32%, vitality <58% or normal morphology <4%). The primary goal was to show superiority of microsurgical varicocoelectomy over laparoscopic varicocoelectomy in terms of pregnancy rate. The secondary endpoints comprised assessment of sperm parameters in three‐month intervals after intervention until one year. Other points included, LH, FSH and testosterone levels as well as testicle volume and International Index of Erectile Function. From each group five patients were lost during the follow‐up period. The primary endpoint was not achieved – pregnancy rate in first and second group was 29.7% and 40.5% respectively (p = 0.34). Analysis of the sperm parameters after surgery revealed significant statistical difference in total motility, progressive motility and morphology in favour of microsurgical approach. Both methods showed improvement in all sperm parameters. There were no differences in hormonal levels as well as in erectile function and testicle volume between groups. Small number of patients in both groups are the main limitation of our study.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet antigen 2 antibody profiles in people with adult‐onset diabetes mellitus: a comparison between mixed ethnic populations in Singapore and Germany
Authors: Ong Y. H. , Koh W. C. A. , Ng M. L. , Tam Z. Y. , Lim S. C. , Boehm B. O. ,   the Adult‐Onset Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus Consortium (ADAMS)
Published: March 2017

Aim

To gain insight into the presence of islet cell autoimmunity in an ethnic Asian compared with a white European population.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study we recruited people with adult‐onset diabetes (age of diagnosis 20–60 years), at tertiary referral centres in Germany (n=1020) and Singapore (n=1088). Glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet antigen 2 antibodies were measured according to Islet Autoantibody Standardization Program protocols.

Results

The prevalence of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity was 13.9% (95% CI 12.1–16.0; P<0.001) in the white European cohort compared with 6.8% (95% CI 5.5–8.4; P<0.001) in the Asian cohort. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity was 11.4% (95% CI 7.7–16.6) in Indian, 6.0% (95% CI 3.6–9.9) in Malay and 5.8% (95% CI 4.3–7.7; P<0.001) in Chinese participants. In the white European participants, the prevalence of islet antigen 2 antibody positivity was 7.8% (95% CI 6.4–9.4) compared with 14.8% (95% CI 12.8–17.0; P<0.001) in the Asian cohort as a whole, and among the three ethnicities in the Asian cohort it was 12.4% (95% CI 8.6–17.7) in Indian, 16.8% (95% CI 12.6–22.2) in Malay and 15.7% (95% CI 13.2–18.6) in Chinese participants. Double antibody positivity was seen in 5.7% (95% CI 4.5–7.1) of white European participants compared with 1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.5; P<0.01) of Asian participants. In the white European cohort, those who were glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody‐positive had a lower BMI than those who were autoantibody‐negative, but this trend was absent in the Asian cohort.

Conclusions

A marked prevalence of islet cell autoimmunity was observed in people with adult‐onset diabetes. While glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies were more frequent in the European cohort, islet antigen 2 antibody positivity was highest in the three ethnic groups in Singapore, suggesting ethnic‐specific differences in antibody profiles.
Toll‐like receptor variation in the bottlenecked population of the Seychelles warbler: computer simulations see the ‘ghost of selection past’ and quantify the ‘drift debt’
Authors: Gilroy D. L. , Phillips K. P. , Richardson D. S. , van Oosterhout C.
Published: March 2017

Balancing selection can maintain immunogenetic variation within host populations, but detecting its signal in a postbottlenecked population is challenging due to the potentially overriding effects of drift. Toll‐like receptor genes (TLRs) play a fundamental role in vertebrate immune defence and are predicted to be under balancing selection. We previously characterized variation at TLR loci in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), an endemic passerine that has undergone a historical bottleneck. Five of seven TLR loci were polymorphic, which is in sharp contrast to the low genomewide variation observed. However, standard population genetic statistical methods failed to detect a contemporary signature of selection at any TLR locus. We examined whether the observed TLR polymorphism could be explained by neutral evolution, simulating the population's demography in the software DIYABC. This showed that the posterior distributions of mutation rates had to be unrealistically high to explain the observed genetic variation. We then conducted simulations with an agent‐based model using typical values for the mutation rate, which indicated that weak balancing selection has acted on the three TLR genes. The model was able to detect evidence of past selection elevating TLR polymorphism in the prebottleneck populations, but was unable to discern any effects of balancing selection in the contemporary population. Our results show drift is the overriding evolutionary force that has shaped TLR variation in the contemporary Seychelles warbler population, and the observed TLR polymorphisms might be merely the ‘ghost of selection past’. Forecast models predict immunogenetic variation in this species will continue to be eroded in the absence of contemporary balancing selection. Such ‘drift debt’ occurs when a gene pool has not yet reached its new equilibrium level of polymorphism, and this loss could be an important threat to many recently bottlenecked populations.
Association between specific periodontal pathogens, Toll‐like receptor‐4, and nuclear factor‐κB expression in placental tissues of pre‐eclamptic women with periodontitis
Authors: Parthiban Prathahini S. , Mahendra Jaideep , Logaranjani Anitha , Shanmugam Sambandham , Balakrishnan Anandan , Junaid Mohammed , Namasivayam Ambalavanan
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the presence of specific periodontal pathogens, Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4), and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) expression in the placental tissues of pre‐eclamptic women.

Methods

Antenatal periodontal screening was performed in 25 normotensive pregnant women and 25 pre‐eclamptic women. Subgingival plaque and placental tissue samples were collected from both groups and screened for the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The placental samples were also analyzed to quantify TLR‐4 and NF‐κB expression.

Results

The subgingival plaque samples of pre‐eclamptic women showed significantly higher frequencies of P. intermedia. In the placental samples, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and the expression of TLR‐4 and NF‐κB were found to be at significantly higher levels compared to normotensive pregnant women. Using linear regression analysis, the expression of TLR‐4 was significantly influenced by the presence of P. gingivalis (coefficient=3.176, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 367‐5.986) and P. intermedia (coefficient=2.886, 95% CI: 0.77‐5.696), whereas NF‐κB expression was influenced only by the presence of P. intermedia (coefficient=2.220, 95% CI: 0.051‐4.388) in the placental tissues of pre‐eclamptic women.

Conclusion

An association exists between P. gingivalis and P. intermedia with increased TLR‐4 and NF‐κB expression in the placenta of pre‐eclamptic women with periodontitis.
Unilateral ovarian absence in a Black‐headed Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri vanzolinii Ayres, 1985), a threatened neotropical primate species
Authors: Lopes Gerson P. , Brito Adriel B. , Santos Regiane R. , Domingues Sheyla F. S. , Paim Fernanda P. , Queiroz Helder L.
Published: March 2017

Ovarian agenesis is an unusual anomaly with traumatic or congenital origin. In the present case report, we describe our findings in a senile S. vanzolinii female. As this neotropical primate species is listed as vulnerable, with limited geographic distribution in the Brazilian Amazonia, ovarian agenesis may be an important finding to be reported.
Taxation and privacy protection on Internet platforms
Authors: Bloch Francis , Demange Gabrielle
Published: March 2017

This paper studies data collection by a monopolistic Internet platform. We show that the optimal strategy of the platform is either to cover the market or to choose the highest data exploitation level, excluding users with high privacy costs from the platform. For plausible parameter values, the platform chooses an excessive level of data exploitation from the point of view of users. We study how different tax instruments can be used to reduce the level of data collection and analyze the effect of an opting‐out option, letting users access the platform with no data collection. We show that a differentiated tax, taxing access revenues and data revenues at different rates, is the most effective instrument and that the introduction of an opting‐out option may harm users as it induces the platform to raise the level of data exploitation.
Morphology and DNA barcoding reveal three species in one: description of Culicoides cryptipulicaris sp. nov. and Culicoides quasipulicaris sp. nov. in the subgenus Culicoides
Authors: TALAVERA S. , MUÑOZ‐MUÑOZ F. , VERDÚN M. , PAGÈS N.
Published: March 2017

Species of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are well known for their importance in the field of medical and veterinary entomology. Culicoides spp. transmit a wide variety of pathogens, primarily viruses that affect animals and humans. In Europe, the most economically important disease transmitted by Culicoides is bluetongue (BT). Culicoides spp. have been recently involved as primary vectors for Schmallenberg disease. The taxonomy within the subgenus Culicoides has been historically difficult and reorganizations have been proposed regularly. The subgenus Culicoides includes species that are considered to be potential vectors for BT. High morphological intraspecific variability has been attributed to these species. This highlights the apparent presence of previously undetected cryptic species diversity in the subgenus. In the present study, a detailed morphological and molecular study of specimens belonging to Culicoides pulicaris s.l. and specimens resembling a cross between C. pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus revealed the presence of two new species: Culicoides cryptipulicaris and Culicoides quasipulicaris. Females of C. quasipulicaris and males of both species were morphologically distinguished from C. pulicaris (Linnaeus, 1758), whereas females of C. cryptipulicaris were identified using molecular techniques exclusively.
Filling the gaps in diagnostics of Pepino mosaic virus and Potato spindle tuber viroid in water and tomato seeds and leaves
Authors: Mehle N. , Kogovšek P. , Rački N. , Jakomin T. , Gutiérrez‐Aguirre I. , Kramberger P. , Ravnikar M.
Published: March 2017

Waterborne and seedborne Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) pose serious threats to tomato production due to seed transmission and mechanical transmission, coupled with their long‐term stability outside the host plant. Therefore, rapid and sensitive diagnostic procedures are needed to prevent the spread of these quarantine pathogens. In particular, water and seed contamination are difficult to detect and confirm without efficient concentration methods. This study presents procedures that improve detection of PSTVd from tomato seeds and leaf tissue, and PepMV from water and tomato leaf tissue. For efficient concentration of PepMV from water samples, a procedure was optimized using convective interaction media monolithic chromatography columns, which provides concentration by three orders of magnitude. For concentration of PSTVd from seed extracts, an easy‐to‐use and efficient method was developed based on RNA binding to positively charged anion‐exchange resin beads that provides up to 100‐fold more sensitive detection in comparison with procedures without a concentration step. This thus allows confirmation of RT‐qPCR results with sequencing of RT‐PCR products in samples with low viroid levels. In addition, reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays for detection of PSTVd and PepMV were optimized and adapted to both laboratory and on‐site testing requirements. This allows rapid detection of these pathogens in crude leaf homogenates, in under 30 min. These procedures of concentration and detection are shown to be efficient and to fill the gaps in diagnostics of PepMV and PSTVd, especially when these pathogens are present at low levels in difficult matrices such as water and seeds.
Emphasis Framing and the Role of Perceived Knowledge: A Survey Experiment
Authors: Bullock Justin B. , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: March 2017

The relationship between emphasis framing and public opinion has received considerable attention in political science, psychology, and mass communication studies. However, what moderating role perceived knowledge plays in influencing emphasis framing remains unsettled. We explore this relationship using a survey‐experiment embedded within a large‐N, nationally representative survey that allows us to test two specific hypotheses. First, we empirically test whether an emphasis frame influences policy support. Second, we test the moderating effect of perceived knowledge. We test the emphasis framing effects of the name given to a “hot‐button” political issue, while controlling for other survey treatments. Furthermore, we evaluate the degree to which perceived knowledge of the issue moderates the relationship between the emphasis frame and support for hydraulic fracturing. We find support both for the role emphasis framing plays and for perceived knowledge as a moderator.
Geometrical Modification of the Unsteady Pressure to Reduce Low-Pressure Turbine Flutter
Authors: Peeren Christian , Vogeler Konrad
Published: March 2017

In this work, the impact of the airfoil shape on flutter is investigated. Flutter occurs when the blade structure is absorbing energy from its surrounding fluid leading to hazardous amplification of vibrations. The key for a more stable design is the local modification of the blade motion induces unsteady pressure, which is responsible for local stability. Especially for free-standing blades, where most exciting aerodynamic work transfer is found at the upper tip sections, a reshaping of the airfoil is expected to beneficially influence stability. Two approaches are pursued in this work. This first approach is based on flow physics considerations. The unsteady pressure field is decomposed into four physical mechanisms or effects and each effect investigated. The second approach is used to validate the conclusions made in the theoretical part by numerical optimizing the geometry of a representative turbine blade. Selected optimized designs are picked and compared with each other in terms of local stability, aerodynamics, and robustness with respect to the boundary conditions. Both approaches are applied for a freestanding and interlocked turbine blade section. The found design potential is discussed and the link to the differences mechanisms, introduced in the first part, established. Based on the observations made, design recommendations are made for a flutter-reduced turbine design.
Radial Error Motion Measurement of Ultraprecision Axes of Rotation With Nanometer Level Precision
Authors: Shu Qiang , Zhu Mingzhi , Liu XingBao , Cheng Heng
Published: March 2017

Error motion of an ultraprecision axis of rotation has great influences on form error of machined parts. This paper gives a complete error analysis for the measurement procedure including nonlinearity error of capacitive displacement probes, misalignment error of the probes, eccentric error of artifact balls, environmental error, and error caused by different error separation methods. Nonlinearity of the capacitive displacement probe targeting a spherical surface is investigated through experiments. It is found that the additional probe output caused by lateral offset of the probe relative to the artifact ball greatly affects the measurement accuracy. Furthermore, it is shown that error motions in radial and axial directions together with eccentric rotation of the artifact lead to lateral offset. A novel measurement setup which integrates an encoder and an adjustable artifact is designed to ensure measurement repeatability by a zero index signal from the encoder. Moreover, based on the measurement setup, once roundness of the artifact is calibrated, roundness of the artifact can be accurately compensated when radial error motion is measured, and this method improves measurement efficiency while approaches accuracy comparable to that of error separation methods implemented alone. Donaldson reversal and three-probe error separation methods were implemented, and the maximum difference of the results of the two methods is below 14 nm. Procedure of uncertainty estimation of radial error motion is given in detail by analytical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. The combined uncertainty of radial error motion measurement of an aerostatic spindle with Donaldson reversal and three-probe methods is 14.8 nm and 13.9 nm (coverage k = 2), respectively.
Papers of note in
Science
355
(6331)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

This week’s articles describe a nonimmune function for macrophages in forming pigment stripes in fish skin, regulation of mTORC1 signaling by cholesterol, how the age-related reduction of a cofactor could affect DNA repair, the role of pulling forces in Notch activation, an epigenetic mechanism that contributes to tumor cell resistance to PI3K inhibitors, and structural analysis of an NMDA receptor.
Molecular hydrogen potentiates beneficial anti-infarct effect of hypoxic postconditioning in isolated rat hearts: a novel cardioprotective intervention
Authors: Zálešák Marek , Kura Branislav , Graban Ján , Farkašová Veronika , Slezák Ján , Ravingerová Tatiana
Published: March 2017

Generation of free radicals through incomplete reduction of oxygen during ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) is well described. On the other hand, molecular hydrogen (H2) reduces oxidative stress due to its ability to react with strong oxidants and easily penetrate cells by diffusion, without disturbing metabolic redox reactions. This study was designed to explore cardioprotective potential of hypoxic postconditioning (HpostC) against I/R (30 min global I – 120 min R) in isolated rat hearts using oxygen-free Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB). Furthermore, the possibility to potentiate the effect of HpostC by H2using oxygen-free KHB saturated with H2(H2+ HpostC) was tested. HPostC was induced by 4 cycles of 1-minute perfusion with oxygen-free KHB intercepted by 1-minute perfusion with normal KHB, at the onset of reperfusion. H2+ HPostC was applied in a similar manner using H2-enriched oxygen-free KHB. Cardioprotective effects were evaluated on the basis of infarct size (IS, in % of area at risk, AR) reduction, post-I/R recovery of heart function, and occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmias. HPostC significantly reduced IS/AR compared with non-conditioned controls. H2present in KHB during HPostC further decreased IS/AR compared with the effect of HPostC, attenuated severe arrhythmias, and significantly restored heart function (vs. controls). Cardioprotection by HpostC can be augmented by molecular hydrogen infusion.
Space tests of the strong equivalence principle: BepiColombo and the Sun–Earth Lagrangian points opportunity
Authors: De Marchi Fabrizio , Congedo Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

The validity of General Relativity (GR), after 100 years, is supported by solid experimental evidence. However, there is a lot of interest in pushing the limits of precision by other experiments. Here, we focus our attention on the equivalence principle (EP), in particular, the strong form. The results of ground experiments and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) have provided the best upper limit on the Nordtvedt parameter [Formula: see text] that models deviations from the strong EP. Its uncertainty is currently [Formula: see text]. In the first part of this paper, we will describe the experiment, to measure [Formula: see text], that will be done by the future mission BepiColombo (BC). The expected precision on [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. In the second part, we will consider the ranging between the Earth and a spacecraft (SC) orbiting near the Sun–Earth Lagrangian points to get an independent measurement of [Formula: see text]. In this case, we forecast a constraint similar to that achieved by LLR.
Fabrication Techniques for Production of Thermoplastic-Based Microfluidics Devices
Authors: Wang Zhenfeng
Published: March 2017

Microfluidics is a multidisciplinary technology which enables the face-lift crossing a wide range of applications such as life science research, point-of-care diagnostics and personal medicine. Polymer materials, especially thermoplastics, are dominating this emerging market due to the low material cost and the ease of mass production. This paper reviews the major fabrication technologies for making polymer, especially thermoplastic microfluidic chips, such as micro tooling, injection molding, bonding and surface treatment. The paper also summarizes the key challenges in fulfilling the needs of next generation microfluidic products.
Robotic Platform for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Surgery Under Ultrasound Tracking: The FUTURA Platform
Authors: Tognarelli Selene , Ciuti Gastone , Diodato Alessandro , Cafarelli Andrea , Menciassi Arianna
Published: March 2017

Focused Ultrasound Therapy Using Robotic Approaches (FUTURA) is a European seventh research framework programme project aimed at creating an innovative platform for Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS). Merging robotics together with noninvasive ultrasound monitoring and therapy has the goal to improve flexibility, precision and accuracy of the intervention, thus enabling a large use of FUS for the treatment of different pathologies. The FUTURA platform, based on FUS therapy under US tracking, has been set up with the first clinical target of kidney cancer treatment. Experiments for assessing the accuracy of the FUS delivery with the FUTURA platform have been carried out under in vitro static conditions and presented here as preliminary outcomes of this study.
Localizing complex scientific communication
Authors: Kiwanuka-Tondo James , Pettiway Keon Mandell
Published: March 2017

This paper argues that a SWOT analysis (Dyson, 2004; Helms & Nixon, 2010; Holtzhausen & Zerfass, 2015; Houben, Lenie, & Vanhoof, 1999; Noble & Bestley, 2011) and a multi-sectorial approach (Okware, Opio, Musingizi, & Waibale, 2001; The World Bank, 2000; Uganda AIDS Commission & UNAIDS, 2000) to strategic communication can provide communication designers with a conceptual framework for localizing climate prediction and risk management information. The overarching idea is to use a multi-way communication model, such as suggested by McQuail (1987), to downscale climate data in a way that better addresses the communication expectations of the public in different locales. Such approaches can reduce barriers that often inhibit the international transfer of technical and scientific data for public consumption in different global contexts. To examine these issues, this paper uses a SWOT analysis for considering strategic communication planning in international settings. In so doing, the paper examines the work of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGARD) Climate Predictions and Applications Centre (ICPAC) in its efforts to respond to climate extremes and ensure disaster risk management in the Greater Horn of Africa.
The Protective Effect of Cordycepin on D-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Li Jin , Zhong Liping , Zhu Haibo , Wang Fengzhong
Published: March 2017

As the major active ingredient ofCordyceps militaris, cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) has been well documented to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. To explore the potential protective effect of cordycepin in fulminant hepatic failure, mice were pretreated with cordycepin for 3 weeks followed by D-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Then we found cordycepin (200 mg/kg) administration elevated survival rate, improved liver function, and suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis in mice with severe hepatic damage by GalN/LPS treatment. Further, cordycepin inhibited hepatic neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and prevented proinflammatory cytokine production possibly through suppressing TLR4 and NF-κB signaling transduction. The blockade of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation production by cordycepin was associated with the decrease of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) activity. Besides, cordycepin significantly prevented excessive autophagy induced by GalN/LPS in the liver. These data suggested that cordycepin could be a promising therapeutic agent for GalN/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity.
Optimization of Freeze-Drying Process Parameters for Qualitative Evaluation of Button Mushroom(Agaricus bisporus)Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Tarafdar Ayon , Shahi Navin Chandra , Singh Anupama , Sirohi Ranjna
Published: March 2017

Button mushroom cubes of constant cross-sectional area (0.75 cm × 1.5 cm) and varying thickness (2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm) were freeze-dried. Pressure (0.04, 0.07, and 0.10 mbar), primary drying temperature (−2°C, −5°C, and −8°C), and secondary drying temperature (25°C, 28°C, and 31°C) were taken as drying parameters. The protein, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant contents were taken as quality estimates for freeze-dried mushrooms. It was observed that the secondary drying temperature affected the protein (p<0.05) and antioxidant content (p<0.01) significantly, whereas all three freeze-drying parameters affected the ascorbic acid content with higher effect due to temperature parameters (p<0.01) as compared to pressure (p<0.05). The optimized values for protein, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant content obtained using response surface methodology were7.28±0.56 mg/g,26.92±0.87 mg/100 g, and8.60±0.44 mg/g, respectively, as compared to8.43±0.21 mg/g,28.00±0.53 mg/100 g, and9.10±0.10 mg/g, respectively, for fresh button mushrooms. The optimum values for process variables were obtained as 0.09 mbar, 0.36 cm, and −7.53°C and 25.03°C for pressure, sample thickness, and primary and secondary drying temperatures, respectively.
One-Pot Solid-State Reaction Approach to Synthesize Ag-Cu2O/GO Ternary Nanocomposites with Enhanced Visible-Light-Responsive Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Longfeng , Zhang Jing , Fu Xianliang , Xiao Peipei , Zhang Maolin , Liu Mingzhu
Published: March 2017

A facile ball milling-assisted solid-state reaction method was developed to synthesize Ag-Cu2O/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. In the resultant complex heterostructures, Ag nanocrystals were mainly deposited on the surface of Cu2O, while Ag-Cu2O composites were anchored onto GO sheets. The resultant Ag-Cu2O/GO nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with 90% of methyl orange (MO) dye degradation efficiency after 60 min of visible-light irradiation, which was much higher than that of either Cu2O or Ag-Cu2O. This study opens a new avenue to fabricate visible-light-responsive photocatalyst with high performance for environmental pollution purification.
Stratification of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Combinatorial Genetic, Stromal, and Immunologic Markers
Authors: Knudsen Erik S. , Vail Paris , Balaji Uthra , Ngo Hoai , Botros Ihab W. , Makarov Vladimir , Riaz Nadeem , Balachandran Vinod , Leach Steven , Thompson Debrah M. , Chan Timothy A. , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with an immunosuppressive milieu that supports immune system evasion and disease progression. Here, we interrogated genetic, stromal, and immunologic features of PDAC to delineate impact on prognosis and means to more effectively employ immunotherapy.

Experimental Design: A cohort of 109 PDAC cases annotated for overall survival was utilized as a primary discovery cohort. Gene expression analysis defined immunologic subtypes of PDAC that were confirmed in the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Stromal and metabolic characteristics of PDAC cases were evaluated by histologic analysis and immunostaining. Enumeration of lymphocytes, as well as staining for CD8, FOXP3, CD68, CD163, PDL1, and CTLA4 characterized immune infiltrate. Neoantigens were determined by analysis of whole-exome sequencing data. Random-forest clustering was employed to define multimarker subtypes, with univariate and multivariate analyses interrogating prognostic significance.

Results: PDAC cases exhibited distinct stromal phenotypes that were associated with prognosis, glycolytic and hypoxic biomarkers, and immune infiltrate composition. Immune infiltrate was diverse among PDAC cases and enrichment for M2 macrophages and select immune checkpoints regulators were specifically associated with survival. Composite analysis with neoantigen burden, immunologic, and stromal features defined novel subtypes of PDAC that could have bearing on sensitivity to immunologic therapy approaches. In addition, a subtype with low levels of neoantigens and minimal lymphocyte infiltrate was associated with improved overall survival.

Conclusions: The mutational burden of PDAC is associated with distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms that are conditioned by the tumor stromal environment. The defined subtypes have significance for utilizing immunotherapy in the treatment of PDAC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4429–40. ©2017 AACR.
Genetic barcoding resolves the historically known red alga Champia parvula from southern New England, USA, as C. farlowii sp. nov. (Champiaceae, Rhodymeniales)
Authors: GRIFFITH MAURA K. , SCHNEIDER CRAIG W. , WOLF DANIEL I. , SAUNDERS GARY W. , LANE CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: March 2017

Using mitochondrial COI-5P and plastid rbcL genetic markers, the red algal species historically known in southern New England, USA, as Champia parvula is found to be genetically distinct from the species to which it has historically been aligned. This necessitates the description of a new species, C. farlowii, for plants from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, USA. The new species is morphologically compared with true European C. parvula and congeners, especially those with similar features previously aligned under the same species name. Champia farlowii is a morphologically cryptic species, the sixth in the expanding C. parvula complex, with overlapping characteristic measurements despite differences at the range extremes, when compared to C. parvula.
Auxiliary Force Structure: Paramilitary Forces and Progovernment Militias
Authors: Böhmelt Tobias , Clayton Govinda
Published: March 2017

Governments often supplement the regular military with paramilitaries and progovernment militias (PGMs). However, it is unclear what determines states’ selection of these auxiliary forces, and our understanding of how auxiliary force structures develop remains limited. The crucial difference between the two auxiliary types is their embeddedness in official structures. Paramilitaries are organized under the government to support/replace the regular military, whereas PGMs exist outside the state apparatus. Within a principal–agent framework, we argue that a state’s investment in a particular auxiliary force structure is shaped by available resources and capacity, accountability/deniability, and domestic threats. Our results based on quantitative analysis from 1981 to 2007 find that (a) state capacity is crucial for sustaining paramilitaries, but not PGMs; (b) PGMs, unlike paramilitaries, are more common in states involved in civil conflict; and (c) although both paramilitaries and PGMs are associated with regime instability, there is no significant difference between them in that context.
Student accounts of space and safety at a South African university: implications for social identities and diversity
Authors: Shefer Tamara , Strebel Anna , Ngabaza Sisa , Clowes Lindsay
Published: March 2017

Transformation efforts in South African higher education have been under increased scrutiny in recent years, especially following the last years of student activism and calls for decolonization of universities. This article presents data from a participatory photovoice study in which a group of students reflect on their experiences of feeling safe and unsafe at an urban-based historically disadvantaged university. Findings highlight the way in which historical inequalities on the basis of social identities of race, class, and gender, among others, continue to shape experiences, both materially and social-psychologically, in South African higher education. However, and of particular relevance in thinking about a socially just university, participants speak about the value of diversity in facilitating their sense of both material and subjective safety. Thus, a diverse classroom and one that acknowledges and recognizes students across diversities, is experienced as a space of comfort, belonging and safety. Drawing on feminist work on social justice, we argue the importance of lecturer sensitivity and reflexivity to their own practices, as well as the value of social justice pedagogies that not only focus on issues of diversity and equality but also destabilize dominant forms of didactic pedagogy, and engage students’ diverse experiences and perceptions.
Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm due to femur exostosis
Authors: Syed Wahid , Bhat Mohd Akbar , Ashraf Hakeem Zubair , Ganie Farooq , Ahmad Feroze
Published: March 2017

Vascular complications of femur exostoses are rare, with popliteal pseudoaneurysm being the most common. After establishing the diagnosis, surgical treatment is mandatory. A 35-year-old woman presented with a painful pulsatile swelling in the lower medial aspect of the left thigh. Investigations revealed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the left popliteal artery adjacent to femur exostoses. Skeletal survey revealed multiple exostoses involving the upper and lower limbs. Surgical excision of the pseudoaneurysm was followed by ePTFE patch repair of the defect and excision of the exostoses. The patient was discharged after 5 days and followed up for 6 months with excellent results.
Becoming a (green) identity entrepreneur: Learning to negotiate situated identities to nurture community environmental practice
Authors: Franklin Alex , Dunkley Ria
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the relationship between ‘green’ identity and community environmental practice. It focuses on the ways in which professional community development facilitators and lead members of community groups attempt to actively shape how environmental projects are locally received. Drawing principally on identity, social sustainability and social practice theory scholarship, it reviews the often very personal and place-specific ways in which appeals to green identity are variously understood and applied, or are actively avoided, by community group leaders. Individuals who have become skilful in negotiating and influencing the presentation of environmental projects to the local community are understood here as (green) identity entrepreneurs. Arguably, it is the situated entrepreneurial skilfulness of lead individuals in negotiating the multiple and evolving (green) identities circulating through any one project, which plays a significant part in determining its subsequent impact and longevity. In understanding the contribution of (green) identity entrepreneurship, however, its relational association with everyday practices, routines and meanings of community and place is brought to the fore. The paper also considers how divergent external interpretations of what constitutes legitimate environmental practice at a local level further shape project identity. The discussion is informed by evidence drawn from a qualitative study of 17 community groups and 7 professional environmental support officers participating in a Welsh Government led programme aimed at facilitating ‘community action on climate change’.
Hang Height of Enteral Nutrition Influences the Delivery of Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Walker Renee , Probstfeld Lauren , Tucker Anne
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Adequate enteral nutrition (EN) delivery to critically ill patients is difficult to achieve. Given the large number of unpreventable influences affecting adequate caloric intake, further research on preventable influences of adequate EN administration is warranted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether hang height of EN formula, formula viscosity, or flow rate influences pump accuracy and formula delivery. Methods: Formulas of varying viscosities (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kcal/mL) were infused at different hang heights (0, 6, 12, and 18 inches) and rates (20, 40, and 80 mL/h). The mean percent difference and the bias between the programmed volume, volume reported, and volume delivered were calculated for the different hang heights, formula compositions, and infusion rates studied. Results: For all prespecified hang heights and infusion rates, the volume delivered was less than the programmed volume and volume reported; the mean percent difference increased as the hang height decreased. The volume was overestimated for both the programmed volume (14.4% ± 5.5%) and volume reported (12.9% ± 6.7%) compared with volume delivered. The overestimation bias was significantly influenced by differences in hang height as well as type of formula (P < .0001, each) but not by rate of delivery (P = .4633 for programmed volume and .8411 for volume reported). Conclusions: Measures should be taken in clinical practice to ensure adequate hang height of EN. Appropriate hang height of EN may result in more accurate delivery of nutrition provisions to the critically ill patient and subsequently reduce complications related to underfeeding.
Colorectal polypoid lesions and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in a consecutive series of endoscopic and surgical patients
Authors: Ruffolo Cesare , Toffolatti Luisa , Canal Fabio , Kotsafti Andromachi , Pagura Giulia , Pozza Anna , Campo Dell’Orto Marta , Ferrara Francesco , Massani Marco , Dei Tos Angelo P , Castoro Carlo , Bassi Nicolò , Scarpa Marco
Published: March 2017

Colorectal cancer incidence in patients undergoing screening protocols is decreasing because of the higher rate of discovered preneoplastic colonic lesions; however, adenomatous polyps may not always be removable endoscopically and surgery may still be necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the different steps of colorectal carcinogenesis to explore its potential role as a marker of malignancy in polypoid lesions. A total of 92 subjects with colonic adenoma or cancer who underwent screening colonoscopy or surgery were prospectively enrolled. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for VEGF-A messenger RNA expression and immunohistochemistry for VEGF-A were performed. Immunoassays for VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 were also performed. Non-parametric statistics, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and logistic multiple regression analysis were used. VEGF-A messenger RNA expression was higher in patients with high-grade dysplasia or colorectal cancer than in those with low-grade dysplasia adenomas (p = 0.01). At immunohistochemistry, VEGF-A expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients compared to dysplastic adenomas (p < 0.001), and the accuracy of VEGF-A expression for prediction of malignancy was 91.7 (95% confidence interval = 78.7–97.9). VEGF-C protein expression was lower in colorectal cancer patients than in simple adenomas (p = 0.02). VEGF-A levels were directly correlated to polyp size (rho = 0.73, p = 0.0062). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that malignancy and polyp size were independent predictors of VEGF-A mucosal levels. This study demonstrated that the VEGF-A expression changes along the colorectal carcinogenesis pathway showing a neat step up at the passage from high-grade dysplasia to invasive cancer. This feature might potentially be useful to stratify colorectal polyps in different risks of progression classes. Moreover, the high level of VEGF-A expression predicted the presence of lymphovascular invasion with good accuracy.
Increased efficacy of a dendritic cell–based therapeutic cancer vaccine with adenosine receptor antagonist and CD73 inhibitor
Authors: Arab Samaneh , Kheshtchin Nasim , Ajami Maryam , Ashurpoor Mahbubeh , Safvati Aida , Namdar Afshin , Mirzaei Reza , Mousavi Niri Neda , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad , Ghahremani Mohammad Hossein , Hadjati Jamshid
Published: March 2017

Dendritic cells are important in initiating immune responses; therefore, a range of dendritic cell–based approaches have been established to induce immune response against cancer cells. However, the presence of immunosuppressive mediators such as adenosine in the tumor microenvironment reduces the efficacy of dendritic cell–based cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether blockade of the A2A adenosine receptor with a selective antagonist and a CD73 inhibitor may increase the efficacy of a dendritic cell–based cancer vaccine. According to the findings, this therapeutic combination reduced tumor growth, prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice, and enhanced specific antitumor immune responses. Thus, we suggest that targeting cancer-derived adenosine improves the outcomes of dendritic cell–based cancer immunotherapy.
Minimising compassion fatigue in obstetrics/gynaecology doctors: exploring an intervention for an occupational hazard
Authors: Allen Rosemary , Watt Felice , Jansen Brendan , Coghlan Edwina , Nathan Elizabeth A
Published: March 2017

Aim:

To explore the indicators of occupational stress in a group of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors and to investigate the impact of work-focused discussion groups over a 6 month period.

Methods:

The ProQOL questionnaire was used to measure the efficacy of monthly psychiatrist-led Balint style discussion groups on minimising Compassion Fatigue (consisting of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout). The 25 doctors were given the given the ProQOL questionnaire to complete: (a) at the initiation of the intervention in July 2015, (b) in October 2015, and (c) in December 2015.

Results:

Significantly decreased levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress ( p=0.008), Burnout ( p=0.010), as well as significantly increased rates of Compassion Satisfaction ( p=0.035) were recorded. Participants requested that the groups be continued.

Conclusions:

Psychiatrist-led work focused discussion groups were associated with improved rates of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in this sample group.
Preparation and experiment of magnetorheological polishing fluid in reciprocating magnetorheological polishing process
Authors: Xiu Shichao , Wang Rensheng , Sun Baiwan , Ma Liang , Song Wanli
Published: March 2017

A new test method of reciprocating magnetorheological polishing was presented and designed, and the mechanism of the micro-removal and the characteristics of the reciprocating magnetorheological polishing were analyzed. According to the reciprocating magnetorheological polishing experimental setup, the preparation process and proportion of the magnetorheological polishing fluid were studied. On the basis of analyzing the composition and characteristics of each component, the working parameters of the prepared magnetorheological polishing fluid were tested. With magnetorheological polishing fluid it prepared and reciprocating magnetorheological polishing method, the magnetorheological polishing experiments of borosilicate glass (K9) were carried out. The results show the effectiveness of the prepared magnetorheological polishing fluid and the practicability of the reciprocating magnetorheological polishing method.
Modeling and compensation control of asymmetric hysteresis in a pneumatic artificial muscle
Authors: Hao Lina , Yang Hui , Sun Zhiyong , Xiang Chaoqun , Xue Bangcan
Published: March 2017

Pneumatic artificial muscle is a novel compliance actuator, and it has many excellent actuator characteristics, such as high power density, safety, and compliance. However, it also has strong nonlinear and asymmetric hysteresis, which makes the accurate trajectory control for a pneumatic artificial muscle very difficult. In this article, the pressure/length hysteresis of a pneumatic artificial muscle was analyzed via an isotonic test. And then, it was described using extended unparallel Prandtl–Ishlinskii model, and the model parameters were identified by an adaptive weight particle swarm optimization with a mutation portion algorithm. For the comparison, the classical Prandtl–Ishlinskii was also considered, and its parameters were identified by least square method. Based on the hysteresis model built by extended unparallel Prandtl–Ishlinskii model, an integral inverse compensator was proposed, and then a proportional–integral–derivative controller with the integral inverse compensator (integral inverse-proportional–integral–derivative) was designed. The simulations and experiments validated that the integral inverse-proportional–integral–derivative controller has good dynamic performance. Compared with conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller without a hysteresis compensator, the control precision of integral inverse-proportional–integral–derivative controller is improved by 43.86%.