bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Therapy for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders: A Critical Review
Authors: Jewell Tom , Blessitt Esther , Stewart Catherine , Simic Mima , Eisler Ivan
Published: August 2016

Eating disorder‐focused family therapy has emerged as the strongest evidence‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa, supported by evidence from nine RCTs, and there is increasing evidence of its efficacy in treating adolescent bulimia nervosa (three RCTs). There is also emerging evidence for the efficacy of multifamily therapy formats of this treatment, with a recent RCT demonstrating the benefits of this approach in the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa. In this article, we critically review the evidence for eating disorder‐focused family therapy through the lens of a moderate common factors paradigm. From this perspective, this treatment is likely to be effective as it provides a supportive and nonblaming context that: one, creates a safe, predictable environment that helps to contain anxiety generated by the eating disorder; two, promotes specific change early on in treatment in eating disorder‐related behaviors; and three, provides a vehicle for the mobilization of common factors such as hope and expectancy reinforced by the eating disorder expertise of the multidisciplinary team. In order to improve outcomes for young people, there is a need to develop an improved understanding of the moderators and mediators involved in this treatment approach. Such an understanding could lead to the refining of the therapy, and inform adaptations for those families who do not currently benefit from treatment.
Does the Advanced Proficiency Evaluated in Oral‐Like Written Text Support Syntactic Parsing in a Written Academic Text Among L2 Japanese Learners?
Authors: Kitajima Ryu
Published: August 2016

Corpus linguistics identifies the qualitative difference in the characteristics of spoken discourse vs. written academic discourse. Whereas spoken discourse makes greater use of finite dependent clauses functioning as constituents in other clauses, written academic discourse incorporates noun phrase constituents and complex phrases. This claim can be extended to the contrast between academic written texts and more informal oral‐like written texts. This study examined whether this qualitative difference in syntactic structures affects second language learners’ syntactic parsing in a written academic text. For the purpose of this research, a think‐aloud protocol of reading a typical written academic text was carried out with 31 undergraduate students at a U.S. university who demonstrated near‐passing scores and above on the Japanese language proficiency test level 2. The statistical analysis, using Kendall's tau, revealed that advanced proficiency in terms of oral‐like written texts does not guarantee the ability to parse syntactic structures in written academic texts.
Anisotropy of Mechanical Properties in a Hot‐Pressed Boron Carbide
Authors: Farbaniec Lukasz , Hogan James , McCauley James , Ramesh Kaliat
Published: August 2016

Effects of microstructure and material properties on the mechanical behavior of hot‐pressed boron carbide are presented. The microstructure and intrinsic microstructural inhomogeneities have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy characterization techniques (SEM/EDS/EBSD). In situ mechanical characterizations of the boron carbide microstructure and its larger inhomogeneities have been performed by nanoindentation. Macroscopic dynamic and quasi‐static compressive responses have been studied in two characteristic orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the hot‐pressing direction) using a modified compression Kolsky bar setup (strain rates of /s) and standard MTS test machine (strain rates of /s). The microstructure characterization showed that boron carbide has a fine‐grained microstructure with a complex superposition of nonmetallic inclusions, such as free carbon, AlN, and BN. Nanoindentation tests conducted in three principal planes of the plate revealed an anisotropy of the mechanical properties. The compression tests revealed that the strength of this hot‐pressed boron carbide is orientation dependent. Detailed SEM analysis indicated transgranular fracture and microcracking originating at large carbon inclusions. Influences of microstructural anisotropy on the mechanical response of the material are discussed.
A variation of the Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay using heat or a novel heat/cold pretreatment for the detection of FIX inhibitors in the presence of residual FIX activity
Authors: Millner A. H. , Tiefenbacher S. , Robinson M. , Boesen H. T.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The inclusion of a heat treatment step has improved the classic Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay for detection of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors in the presence of residual FVIII activity (FVIII:C). However, information regarding heat‐modified Nijmegen‐Bethesda assays for the detection of FIX inhibitors is still limited.

Methods

Three methods to measure FIX inhibitors in the presence or absence of residual FIX activity (FIX:C) using three different activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagents were investigated. These included the standard Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (method 1), a heat‐modified assay (method 2) and a novel heat/cold‐modified assay (method 3).

Results

In the absence of FIX:C, all methods measured similar levels of FIX inhibitor, while FIX inhibitor titres varied widely in the presence of residual FIX:C. Using method 1, inhibitors were not accurately measured in the presence of residual circulating FIX:C. Using method 2, detection was improved, especially at higher inhibitor titres. Using method 3, some additional sensitivity was obtained. The choice of aPTT reagent did not affect the detection of inhibitors.

Conclusion

Heat pretreatment is recommended for detecting FIX inhibitors in samples with residual FIX:C. The heat/cold modification improved the sensitivity of the Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay, resulting in higher tolerance for residual FIX:C.
Ernst Mayr, causal understanding, and systematics: an example using sabelliform polychaetes
Authors: Fitzhugh Kirk
Published: August 2016

Ernst Mayr suggested that understanding the features of organisms involves the study of what he called “proximate” and “ultimate” causes. Proximate causes of characters occur during the life of the organism; ultimate causes occur prior to the life of the organism, as part of the evolutionary history leading to organisms in the present. Mayr also pointed out that descriptive biology is important because it provides the basis for pursuing understanding by way of proximate and ultimate causes. Systematics encompasses each of these components. We routinely describe organisms (not taxa), and often infer proximate hypotheses (e.g., ontogenetic, functional, and physiological causes) to explain particular characters. Characters are also explained by ultimate causes in the form of intraspecific, specific, and phylogenetic hypotheses. Success at attaining ultimate understanding is distinctly limited, however, since these hypotheses are rarely tested. The consequence is that we often use specific and phylogenetic hypotheses to move toward the study of descriptive aspects and proximate understanding, where increases in causal understanding are more successful. An example of interactions between descriptive, proximate, and ultimate understanding are presented from research on the sabelliform groups Fabriciidae and Sabellidae. Members of both families have what is interpreted as two peristomial rings, anterior and posterior. A distinct mid‐ventral patch of cilia occurs on the anterior peristomial ring among Fabriciidae, and the posterior peristomial ring among Sabellidae. Phylogenetic hypotheses suggest these different cilia patches are synapomorphies for the respective families. Since these phylogenetic hypotheses cannot be tested, it will be more productive to investigate whether or not these patches of cilia are homologous, which might be established through ontogenetic and histological studies of proximate causes: are these cilia derived from the larval prototroch or metatroch? Are anterior and posterior peristomial rings really peristomial? Studies directed at these proximate causes offer valuable increased understanding not possible for ultimate causes in systematics.
True Resistant Hypertension Following Observed Drug Ingestion: A Systematic Evaluation
Authors: Bunker Jill , Chang Choon‐Lan , Chapman Neil , Poulter Neil , Thom Simon , Thornton‐Jones Lucy , Sever Peter
Published: August 2016

The authors investigated the role of poor drug adherence in treatment‐resistant hypertension following observed drug ingestion in 102 patients. Median blood pressures (BPs) were 170/91 mm Hg at referral, 153/84 mm Hg prior to, and 142/79 mm Hg during a 4‐ to 6‐hour period after drug ingestion. Median daytime ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) over the following 24 hours was 142/80 mm Hg. Median BP at a final follow‐up clinic visit was 147/79 mm Hg. The cumulative number of patients achieving a goal of <140/90 mm Hg in clinic or <135/85 mm Hg mean on ABPM was 57 (56%), with a further nine (9%) controlled at the final follow‐up clinic visit. Thus, 65% of patients achieved a systolic BP <140 mm Hg at any point immediately prior to, or after, drug ingestion; the residual 35% were considered to have true resistant hypertension. In conclusion, among patients with suspected resistant hypertension, a minority were truly treatment‐resistant following observed drug ingestion and BP monitoring.
Hemodynamic Correlates of Blood Pressure in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Tanaka Hirofumi , Heiss Gerardo , McCabe Elizabeth L. , Meyer Michelle L. , Shah Amil M. , Mangion Judy R. , Wu Justina , Solomon Scott D. , Cheng Susan
Published: August 2016

The primary aim of the present study was to identify the hemodynamic correlates of both steady and pulsatile blood pressure (BP) in community‐dwelling older adults. In 3762 adults aged 70 to 89 years, significant hemodynamic determinants of both brachial and carotid systolic BP included arterial stiffness as measured by aortic pulse wave velocity, stroke volume (via echocardiography), arterial wave reflection, left ventricular ejection time, and upstroke time. The strongest influence was exerted by arterial stiffness. The steady‐state component of blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, was associated with both cardiac index and total peripheral resistance (TPR), but was more strongly associated with TPR. Results were similar when participants taking antihypertensive medications were excluded from analyses. The overall findings suggest that mean arterial pressure is associated strongly with TPR and that significant hemodynamic correlates of systolic BP included arterial stiffness, stroke volume, and arterial wave reflection.
Design fabrication and evaluation of walnut bleacher
Authors: Zameer Hussain Syed , Ahad Tehmeena , Rather A. H. , Naik H. R. , Idrees Sheikh
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present study was to design, fabricate, and evaluate a walnut bleaching machine. The machine consists of a feed hopper, rotating drum, motor, reduction gear, belt and pulley system, pump, storage tank, lever, delivery chute, and a control box. The bleaching process is achieved by simultaneous chemical and mechanical action. In order to assess the performance of the machine, acidified sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide were used as bleaching agents in 2 and 3% concentrations for 5 and 7 min of time. The result of the performance tests showed the significant effects of bleaching agent and bleaching time on all the performance and color parameters with the exception of damaged walnut percentage. Treating inshelled walnuts with 3% sodium hypochlorite +0.2% HCl (T5) for 7 min followed by rinsing in plain water resulted in attractive and bright shell appearance of walnuts. Further, highest bleaching efficiency (94.69%), fully bleached walnut percentages (94.19), and lowest partially bleached walnut percentage (5.47) were recorded when T5 was used as bleaching agent for 7 min in bleacher.

Practical applications

Dark shell colored and stained walnuts have poor consumer acceptability. In India, crude methods are employed to remove these shell stains, which compromise the shell integrity, thus leading to moisture ingress into kernels. This results in kernel darkening, mold growth, and oxidative rancidity in walnuts. However, for improving the surface appearance, the walnuts after dehulling are required to be processed. Therefore, a walnut bleaching machine was developed and various chemical bleaching agents were investigated to study their effects on surface cleaning of inshelled walnuts. A technology of this nature can be useful to walnut growers and processors.
Predictors of specific phobia in children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Pitts C. H. , Klein‐Tasman B. P. , Osborne J. W. , Mervis C. B.
Published: August 2016

Background

Specific phobia (SP) is the most common anxiety disorder among children with Williams syndrome (WS); prevalence rates derived from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐based diagnostic interviews range from 37% to 56%. We evaluated the effects of gender, age, intellectual abilities and/or behaviour regulation difficulties on the likelihood that a child with WS would be diagnosed with SP.

Methods

A total of 194 6‐17 year‐olds with WS were evaluated. To best characterise the relations between the predictors and the probability of a SP diagnosis, we explored not only possible linear effects but also curvilinear effects.

Results

No gender differences were detected. As age increased, the likelihood of receiving a SP diagnosis decreased. As IQ increased, the probability of receiving a SP diagnosis also decreased. Behaviour regulation difficulties were the strongest predictor of a positive diagnosis. A quadratic relation was detected: The probability of receiving a SP diagnosis gradually rose as behaviour regulation difficulties increased. However, once behaviour regulation difficulties approached the clinical range, the probability of receiving a SP diagnosis asymptoted at a high level.

Conclusion

Children with behaviour regulation difficulties in or just below the clinical range were at the greatest risk of developing SP. These findings highlight the value of large samples and the importance of evaluating for nonlinear effects to provide accurate model specification when characterising relations among a dependent variable and possible predictors.
Labor and Birth Care Satisfaction Associated With Medical Interventions and Accompaniment During Labor Among Chilean Women
Authors: Weeks Fiona , Pantoja Loreto , Ortiz Jovita , Foster Jennifer , Cavada Gabriel , Binfa Lorena
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Satisfaction with care during labor and birth has been associated with various obstetric variables. The purpose of this study was to determine which labor and birth procedures are significant predictors of maternal patient satisfaction in a large cross‐sectional sample.

Methods

An observational, cross‐sectional study of 1660 women giving birth in Chilean public hospital facilities was conducted from 2012 to 2013. Data were collected from 9 different hospitals in 8 regions of Chile using 2 instruments, including the American College of Nurse‐Midwives Intrapartum Care Data Set and a locally validated measure of maternal well‐being. Women were eligible if they arrived at the labor and delivery unit during early labor (2‐3 centimeters dilated) and spent at least 4 hours in labor at the facility. In the current analysis, odds ratios were calculated using ordinal logistic regression for association with a less optimal well‐being score (possible outcome values were optimal, adequate, and minimal). Odds ratios were adjusted for age, education, single status, and parity (nulliparous vs multiparous). Stepwise regression was used to identify the procedural factors that were significantly associated with labor and birth care satisfaction.

Results

Factors significantly associated with lower satisfaction were cesarean birth (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1‐1.7), pharmacologic pain management (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.7), continuous fetal heart rate monitoring (OR. 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2‐1.8), and episiotomy (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.7). Nulliparity was also associated with minimal maternal satisfaction (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.5). Greater satisfaction was associated with accompaniment by a companion of choice during labor (OR, 0.49: 95% CI, 0.40‐0.60).

Discussion

This study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence that maternal patient satisfaction is negatively affected by many common obstetric procedures in the Latin American context. These findings are consistent with World Health Organization recommendations regarding judicious and necessary, rather than routine, use of obstetric interventions.
Mate Value Discrepancy and Mate Retention Behaviors of Self and Partner
Authors: Sela Yael , Mogilski Justin K. , Shackelford Todd K. , Zeigler‐Hill Virgil , Fink Bernhard
Published: August 2016

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between perceived mate value discrepancy (i.e., the difference between an individual's mate value and their partner's mate value) and perceived frequency of mate retention performed by an individual relative to his or her partner.

Method

In two studies, participants in long‐term, exclusive, sexual, heterosexual relationships reported their own, and their partner's, mate value and mate retention. Samples included 899 community members (Study 1) and 941 students and community members (Study 2).

Results

In Study 1, we documented that individuals with higher self‐perceived short‐term mate value, and who perceive their partner to have lower (vs. higher) short‐term mate value, perform less frequent Benefit‐Provisioning mate retention, controlling for the partner's Benefit‐Provisioning mate retention. In Study 2, we documented that individuals who perceive that they could less easily replace their partner, and who perceive their partner could more (vs. less) easily replace them, perform more frequent mate retention (Benefit‐Provisioning and Cost‐Inflicting), controlling for the partner's mate retention.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of assessing perceived discrepancies in mate value (notably, regarding the replaceability of self and partner with another long‐term mate) and perceived mate retention behaviors of self, relative to partner, between men and women in long‐term relationships.
Broadening of acoustic repertoire in Pomacentridae: tonal sounds in the Ambon damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis
Authors: Parmentier E. , Frédérich B.
Published: August 2016

Damselfish are prolific callers, identified as being able to produce different kinds of sounds (pops and chirps) associated with various behaviors. During courtship and chase behaviors, the coral reef damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis produces a previously unknown additional kind of call that we have named the wiping sound. These calls have two to three long (54 ± 13 ms) units that do not show the usual percussive aspect of the pomacentrid sounds. Calls consist of a high‐pitched (from 550 to 775 Hz) tonal sound in which the cycle repetition rate corresponds to the peak frequency. The high frequency of this tonal sound can be excluded as coming from the contraction of sound producing muscles. These sounds could be the result of a mechanism that drives the merging of successive pops. In the noisy environment of coral reefs and the resulting competition for acoustic space, the wiping sounds appear to be a good way to increase signal distinctiveness and opportunities for correct signal discrimination. This new kind of sound supports that acoustic communication is highly important in the biology of damselfishes and their diversification.
Patterns in megabenthic assemblages on a seamount summit (Ormonde Peak, Gorringe Bank, Northeast Atlantic)
Authors: Ramos Manuela , Bertocci Iacopo , Tempera Fernando , Calado Gonçalo , Albuquerque Mónica , Duarte Pedro
Published: August 2016

Gettysburg and Ormonde are two shallow peaks located on the Gorringe seamount about 200 and 240 km WSW off Cape St. Vincent (Portugal, NE Atlantic), within the Portuguese Economic Exclusive Zone. Despite the ecological importance of the biological assemblages on these peaks and the need to preserve seamounts as valuable habitats, no management plans have been yet implemented at this site, which only recently has been included in the list of Sites of Community Importance of Portugal. Video imagery collected using a ROV during the 2011 Oceana campaigns was used here to analyse qualitative and quantitative patterns of benthic assemblage composition at the summit of the seamount (between 30 and 230 m depth). The results suggest that Ormonde is a biologically important area made up of vulnerable marine ecosystem elements that change significantly with depth. These include: kelp beds, in the euphotic zone; encrusting coralline algal communities and solitary colonies or mixed associations of suspension‐feeders (scleractinians, gorgonians, antipatharians, encrusting demosponges and ascidians), at the lower limit of the euphotic zone; mixed coral gardens and erect sponges, in the disphotic zone; and dense sponge aggregations, on the upper slope. These results were further used to propose amendments to the European Nature Information System habitat classification as a tool to work towards resolving the seamounts management issue. The results also provide information on taxa and habitats with high ecological value and classified as threatened or vulnerable, which is essential for the implementation of the cornerstones of Europe's biodiversity conservation policy, namely the OSPAR Convention and the EU Habitats Directive.
Multiple mutualist effects on genomewide expression in the tripartite association between Medicago truncatula, nitrogen‐fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Afkhami Michelle E. , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: August 2016

While all species interact with multiple mutualists, the fitness consequences and molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions remain largely unknown. We combined factorial ecological experiments with genomewide expression analyses to examine the phenotypic and transcriptomic responses of model legume Medicago truncatula to rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. We found synergistic effects of these mutualists on plant performance and examined unique features of plant gene expression responses to multiple mutualists. There were genomewide signatures of mutualists and multiple mutualists on expression, with partners often affecting unique sets of genes. Mycorrhizal fungi had stronger effects on plant expression than rhizobia, with 70% of differentially expressed genes affected by fungi. Fungal and bacterial mutualists had joint effects on 10% of differentially expressed genes, including unexpected, nonadditive effects on some genes with important functions such as nutrient metabolism. For a subset of genes, interacting with multiple mutualists even led to reversals in the direction of expression (shifts from up to downregulation) compared to interacting with single mutualists. Rhizobia also affected the expression of several mycorrhizal genes, including those involved in nutrient transfer to host plants, indicating that partner species can also impact each other's molecular phenotypes. Collectively, these data illustrate the diverse molecular mechanisms and transcriptional responses associated with the synergistic benefits of multiple mutualists.
UAP56 is a conserved crucial component of a divergent mRNA export pathway in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Serpeloni Mariana , Jiménez‐Ruiz Elena , Vidal Newton Medeiros , Kroeber Constanze , Andenmatten Nicole , Lemgruber Leandro , Mörking Patricia , Pall Gurman S. , Meissner Markus , Ávila Andréa R.
Published: August 2016

Nucleo‐cytoplasmic RNA export is an essential post‐transcriptional step to control gene expression in eukaryotic cells and is poorly understood in apicomplexan parasites. With the exception of UAP56, a component of TREX (Transcription Export) complex, other components of mRNA export machinery are not well conserved in divergent supergroups. Here, we use Toxoplasma gondii as a model system to functionally characterize TgUAP56 and its potential interaction factors. We demonstrate that TgUAP56 is crucial for mRNA export and that functional interference leads to significant accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus. It was necessary to employ bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis to identify orthologs related to mRNA export, which show a remarkable low level of conservation in T. gondii. We adapted a conditional Cas9/CRISPR system to carry out a genetic screen to verify if these factors were involved in mRNA export in T. gondii. Only the disruption of TgRRM_1330 caused accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus as found with TgUAP56. This protein is potentially a divergent partner of TgUAP56, and provides insight into a divergent mRNA export pathway in apicomplexans.
Brain iron accumulation in Wilson disease: a post mortem 7 Tesla MRI – histopathological study
Authors: Dusek P. , Bahn E. , Litwin T. , Jabłonka‐Salach K. , Łuciuk A. , Huelnhagen T. , Madai V. I. , Dieringer M. A. , Bulska E. , Knauth M. , Niendorf T. , Sobesky J. , Paul F. , Schneider S. A. , Czlonkowska A. , Brück W. , Wegner C. , Wuerfel J.
Published: August 2016

Aims

In Wilson disease (WD), T2/T2*‐weighted (T2*w) MRI frequently shows hypointensity in the basal ganglia that is suggestive of paramagnetic deposits. It is currently unknown whether this hypointensity is related to copper or iron deposition. We examined the neuropathological correlates of this MRI pattern, particularly in relation to iron and copper concentrations.

Methods

Brain slices from nine WD and six control cases were investigated using a 7T‐MRI system. High‐resolution T2*w images were acquired and R2* parametric maps were reconstructed using a multigradient recalled echo sequence. R2* was measured in the globus pallidus (GP) and the putamen. Corresponding histopathological sections containing the lentiform nucleus were examined using Turnbull iron staining, and double staining combining Turnbull with immunohistochemistry for macrophages or astrocytes. Quantitative densitometry of the iron staining as well as copper and iron concentrations were measured in the GP and putamen and correlated with R2* values.

Results

T2*w hypointensity in the GP and/or putamen was apparent in WD cases and R2* values correlated with quantitative densitometry of iron staining. In WD, iron and copper concentrations were increased in the putamen compared to controls. R2* was correlated with the iron concentration in the GP and putamen, whereas no correlation was observed for the copper concentration. Patients with more pronounced pathological severity in the putamen displayed increased iron concentration, which correlated with an elevated number of iron‐containing macrophages.

Conclusions

T2/T2*w hypointensity observed in vivo in the basal ganglia of WD patients is related to iron rather than copper deposits.
Ancient animal migration: a case study of eyeless, dimorphic Devonian trilobites from Poland
Authors: Błażejowski Błażej , Brett Carlton E. , Kin Adrian , Radwański Andrzej , Gruszczyński Michał
Published: August 2016

We report evidence of one of the oldest known animal migratory episodes in the form of queues of the eyeless trilobite Trimerocephalus chopini Kin & Błażejowski, from the Late Devonian (Famennian) of central Poland. In addition, there is evidence for two morphs in this population, one with nine segments and the other with ten. We infer that these queues represent mass migratory chains coordinated by chemotaxis, comparable to those observed in modern crustaceans such as spiny lobsters, and further suggest that the two forms, which occur in an approximately 1:1 ratio, may be dimorphs. These ancient arthropods may have migrated periodically to shallow marine areas for mass mating and spawning. The sudden death of the trilobites in the queues may have been caused by excess carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide introduced into the bottom water by distal storm disturbance of anoxic sediments. This study demonstrates the potential for further research on the evolution and ecology of aggregative behaviour in marine arthropods.
Prediction of the midtracheal level based on external anatomical landmarks: implication of the optimal insertion depth of endotracheal tubes in pediatric patients
Authors: Song In‐Kyung , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Ryu Jaehui , Lee Eunju , Oh Hyung‐Min , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: August 2016

Background

Optimal positioning of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) decreases the risk of accidental extubation or endobronchial intubation. This study evaluated the usefulness of external anatomical landmarks as practical references for determining an insertion depth of an ETT in pediatric patients.

Methods

Computed tomography images of the necks of 183 pediatric patients (≤16 years of age) were reviewed. Levels corresponding to the vocal cords, cricoid cartilage, suprasternal notch, manubriosternal junction, and carina were identified on sagittal reconstructed images. The surface measurements from the cricoid cartilage to the suprasternal notch and that from the suprasternal notch to the manubriosternal junction were determined. Bland–Altman analysis was used to interpret the relationship between the midtracheal level and the surface measurements.

Results

The difference between the midtracheal level and the surface distance from the cricoid cartilage to the suprasternal notch was 3.5 ± 7.0 mm, which was closer to zero than that between the midtracheal level and the surface distance from the suprasternal notch to the manubriosternal junction of 15.1 ± 6.1 mm.

Conclusion

The midtracheal level, helpful in planning the insertion depth of an ETT, can be predicted by measuring the surface distance from the cricoid cartilage to suprasternal notch in pediatric patients.
Antibacterial resistance patterns of pediatric community‐acquired urinary infection: Overview
Authors: Konca Capan , Tekin Mehmet , Uckardes Fatih , Akgun Sadik , Almis Habip , Bucak Ibrahim Hakan , Genc Yeliz , Turgut Mehmet
Published: August 2016

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children. The aim of this study was therefor to construct a guide for the empirical antibiotic treatment of community‐acquired UTI by investigating the etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of uropathogens and analyzing the epidemiological and clinical patient characteristics.

Methods

A total of 158 children with positive urine culture were included in the study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed with Vitek 2 Compact for 28 commonly used antimicrobials.

Results

Mean age was 3.36 ± 3.38 years (range, 45 days–15 years). Escherichia coli (60.1%), and Klebsiella spp. (16.5%) were the most common uropathogens. For all Gram‐negative isolates, a high level of resistance was found against ampicillin/sulbactam (60.1%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (44.2%), cefazolin (36.2%), cefuroxime sodium (33.5%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (31.5%). A low level of resistance was noted against cefepime (8.7%), ertapenem (4.6%), norfloxacin (1.3%), and meropenem (0.7%). There was no resistance against amikacin.

Conclusions

There is high antibiotic resistance in children with UTI. The patterns of uropathogen antimicrobial resistance vary in susceptibility to antimicrobials depending on region and time. Thus, the trends of antibiotic susceptibility patterns should be analyzed periodically to select the appropriate regimen for UTI treatment.
Renal outcome and risk factors for end‐stage renal disease in pediatric rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Authors: Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Ananboontarick Chompoonut , Supavekin Suroj , Sumboonnanonda Achra
Published: August 2016

Background

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), defined as acute nephritic syndrome with dramatic loss of renal function within a few months, is associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis (CresGN), which requires ≥50% crescents on pathology. The disease characteristics and renal outcome in children with RPGN, however, will differ according to the percentage of crescents.

Methods

To evaluate the renal outcomes and factors associated with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), this retrospective cohort study assessed children aged ≤15 years with RPGN at a tertiary medical center.

Results

Of 67 patients with RPGN, 32 (47.8%) were male; mean age was 10.6 ± 3.0 years; median follow up was 1.1 years (range, 0.02–9.17 years) and 24 (35.8%) progressed to ESRD. Post‐infectious glomerulonephritis was the most frequent cause of RPGN (50.7%). The incidence of ESRD was significantly higher in patients with ≥50% than <50% crescents (57.9% vs 28.6%, P = 0.029). On Cox regression analysis, disease etiology, serum creatinine >3 mg/dL, need for acute dialysis, ≥80% crescents and ≥20% tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF) were associated with ESRD. On multivariate analysis, need for acute dialysis (HR, 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1–7.3, P = 0.041) and ≥20% TA/IF (HR, 4.8; 95% CI: 1.4–16.1, P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for the development of ESRD.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of children with RPGN developed ESRD; and need for acute dialysis and TA/IF ≥20% were independent risk factors for ESRD.
Signalling pathways associated with IL‐6 production and epithelial–mesenchymal transition induction in prostate epithelial cells stimulated with Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Han I. H. , Kim J. H. , Kim S. S. , Ahn M. H. , Ryu J. S.
Published: August 2016

Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) has been found in patient tissue of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and suggested to cause chronic prostatitis. IL‐6 is known as one of the important factors of chronic inflammation in prostate cancer. Patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) had higher levels of IL‐6 in seminal plasma. Furthermore, inflammatory conditions induced by pathogen infections have been shown to promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we investigated the signals involved in IL‐6 production by human prostate epithelial cells (PECs) stimulated with Tv and examined whether Tv induces EMT in PECs. We found that PECs stimulated with Tv increased the production of IL‐6, as well as the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MAPKs (p38, JNK, ERK), NF‐κB and JAK2/STAT3, and levels of ROS. Inhibition of TLR2 or TLR4 reduced IL‐6 production as well as expression of these other factors, and agents inhibiting ROS, MAPKs, NF‐κB and JAK reduced IL‐6 production. However, when PECs were stimulated with Tv, transcripts of mesenchymal cell markers increased, and epithelial cell markers decreased. In addition, the induction of EMT was suppressed by inhibitors of JAK or NF‐κB. These findings are the first evidence that Tv infection of prostate epithelial cells may induce EMT.
How detrimental are seed galls to their hosts? Plant performance, germination, developmental instability and tolerance to herbivory in Inga laurina, a leguminous tree
Authors: Santos J. C. , de Araujo N. A. V. , Venâncio H. , Andrade J. F. , Alves‐Silva E. , Almeida W. R. , Carmo‐Oliveira R.
Published: August 2016

Gall inducers use these structures as shelters and sources of nutrition. Consequently, they cause multiple physiological changes in host plants.

We studied the impact caused by seed coat galls of a braconid wasp on the performance of fruits, seeds and seedlings of tree Inga laurina. We tested whether these seed galls are ‘nutrient sinks’ with respect to the fruit/seed of host plant, and so constrain the reproductive ability and reduce seedling longevity. We measured the influence of such galls on the secondary compounds, fruit and seed parameters, seed viability and germination and seedling performance.

Inga laurina has indehiscent legumes with polyembryonic seeds surrounded by a fleshy sarcotesta rich in sugars. The galls formed inside the seed coat and galled tissues presented higher phenol concentrations, around 7‐fold that of ungalled tissues. Galls caused a significant reduction in parameters such as fruit and seed size, seed weight and the number of embryos. Fluctuating asymmetry (a stress indicator) was 31% higher in leaves of galled seed plants in comparison to ungalled seed plants. However, the negative effects on fruit and seed parameters were not sufficient to reduce seed germination (except the synchronization index) or seedling performance (except leaf area and chlorophyll content).

We attributed these results to the ability of I. laurina to tolerate gall attack on seeds without a marked influence on seedling performance. Moreover, because of the intensity of seed galling on host plant, we suggest that polyembryony may play a role in I. laurina reproduction increasing tolerance to seed damage.
The Narrative Uses of Evidence
Authors: Schlaufer Caroline
Published: August 2016

When scientific evidence is used in policy controversies, it is always embedded in narrative stories. The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) is an empirical framework used to study the role of narratives in public policy. While the NPF has considered the relationship between evidence and narratives from different angles, it has not used a consistent approach in examining how evidence is embedded in narratives. This article develops a categorization of narrative uses of evidence. A narrative use of evidence is defined by the different roles that evidence plays in the plot of a narrative depending on which narrative element is addressed by a given piece of evidence. To distinguish different narrative uses of evidence, the article examines how competing coalitions use the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) study in Swiss direct‐democratic campaigns on school policy. Quantitative and qualitative content analyses of newspaper articles and governmental documents show how evidence may relate to all main narrative elements and may play different roles in the plot of a narrative. The findings demonstrate significant differences in the narrative uses of PISA between coalitions related to the story types and narrative strategies that each coalition uses. Finally, the implications for future NPF research are discussed.
Mechanistic target of rapamycin is activated in bovine granulosa cells after LH surge but is not essential for ovulation
Authors: da Rosa PRA , Dau AMP , De Cesaro MP , dos Santos JT , Gasperin BG , Duggavathi R , Bordignon V , Gonçalves PBD
Published: August 2016

Contents

The LH surge induces functional and morphological changes in granulosa cells. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an integrator of signalling pathways in multiple cell types. We hypothesized that mTOR kinase activity integrates and modulates molecular pathways induced by LH in granulosa cells during the preovulatory period. Cows were ovariectomized and granulosa cells collected at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr after GnRH injection. While RHEB mRNA levels increased at 3 and 6 hr, returning to basal levels by 12 hr after GnRH treatment, RHOA mRNA levels increased at 6 hr and remained high thereafter. Western blot analyses revealed increased S6K phosphorylation at 3 and 6 hr after GnRH injection. Similarly, mRNA levels of ERK1/2, STAR and EGR‐1 were higher 3 hr after GnRH treatment. Rapamycin treatment inhibited mTOR activity and increased AKT activity, but did not alter ERK1/2 phosphorylation and EGR1 protein levels in cultured bovine granulosa cells. Rapamycin also inhibited LH‐induced increase in EREG mRNA abundance in granulosa cells in vitro. However, intrafollicular injection of rapamycin did not suppress ovulation. These findings suggest that mTOR is involved in the control of EREG expression in cattle, which may be triggered by LH surge stimulating RHEB and S6K activity.
Minimising invasiveness in diagnostics: developing a rapid urine‐based monoclonal antibody dipstick test for malaria
Authors: Markakpo Uri S. , Bosompem Kwabena M. , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Danso‐Appiah Anthony , Essuman Edward E. , Anyan William K. , Suzuki Mitsuko , Stephens Judith K. , Anim‐Baidoo Isaac , Asmah Richard H. , Ofori Michael F. , Madjitey Parnor , Danquah Jonas B. , Frempong Naa Adjeley , Kwofie Kofi D. , Amoa‐Bosompem Michael , Sullivan David , Fobil Julius N. , Quakyi Isabella A.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To generate monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for developing a rapid malaria diagnostic urine‐based assay (RUBDA), using Plasmodium‐infected human urinary antigens.

Methods

Plasmodium‐infected human urinary (PAgHU) and cultured parasite (CPfAg) antigens were used to generate mouse MAbs. The reactivity and accuracy of the MAbs produced were then evaluated using microplate ELISA, SDS‐PAGE, Western blotting assay, microscopy and immunochromatographic tests.

Results

Ninety‐six MAb clones were generated, of which 68.8% reacted to both PAgHU and CPfAg, 31.3% reacted to PAgHU only, and none reacted to CPfAg only. One promising MAb (UCP4W7) reacted in WBA, to both PAgHU and CPfAg, but not to Plasmodium‐negative human urine and blood, Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni antigens nor measles and poliomyelitis vaccines.

Conclusion

MAb UCP4W7 seems promising for diagnosing Plasmodium infection. Urine is a reliable biomarker source for developing non‐invasive malaria diagnostic tests. SDS‐PAGE and MAb‐based WBA appear explorable in assays for detecting different levels of Plasmodium parasitaemia.
Frictional Energy Dissipation in Wavy Surfaces
Authors: Liu Lejie , Eriten Melih
Published: August 2016

Accurate estimation and tuning of frictional damping are critical for proper design, safety, and reliability of assembled structures. In this study, we investigate how surface geometry and boundary conditions affect frictional energy dissipation under microslip contact situations. In particular, we investigate the frictional losses of a two-dimensional (2D) deformable wavy surface in contact with rigid plate under specific normal and tangential loading. We also propose a dissipation tuning mechanism by tension-induced wrinkling of a composite surface. This surface is made of stiff strips printed on a compliant substrate. We show that the contact geometry of wrinkling surfaces can be altered significantly by tensile loading and design of the composite surface. Using this, we present frictional dissipation maps as functions of applied tension and one of the geometric parameters in the composite design; spacing between stiff strips. Those maps illustrate the dissipation tuning capability of wrinkled surfaces, and thus present a unique mean of damping control.
Enhanced Evaporation of Microscale Droplets With an Infrared Laser
Authors: Ferraz-Albani Luis A. , Baldelli Alberto , Knapp Chrissy J. , Jäger Wolfgang , Vehring Reinhard , Nobes David S. , Olfert Jason S. , Kostiuk Larry W.
Published: August 2016

Enhancement of water droplet evaporation by added infrared radiation was modeled and studied experimentally in a vertical laminar flow channel. Experiments were conducted on droplets with nominal initial diameters of 50 μm in air with relative humidities ranging from 0% to 90% RH. A 2800 nm laser was used with radiant flux densities as high as 4 × 105 W/m2. Droplet size as a function of time was measured by a shadowgraph technique. The model assumed quasi-steady behavior, a low Biot number liquid phase, and constant gas–vapor phase material properties, while the experimental results were required for model validation and calibration. For radiant flux densities less than 104 W/m2, droplet evaporation rates remained essentially constant over their full evaporation, but at rates up to 10% higher than for the no radiation case. At higher radiant flux density, the surface-area change with time became progressively more nonlinear, indicating that the radiation had diminished effects on evaporation as the size of the droplets decreased. The drying time for a 50 μm water droplet was an order of magnitude faster when comparing the 106 W/m2 case to the no radiation case. The model was used to estimate the droplet temperature. Between 104 and 5 × 105 W/m2, the droplet temperature changed from being below to above the environment temperature. Thus, the direction of conduction between the droplet and the environment also changed. The proposed model was able to predict the changing evaporation rates for droplets exposed to radiation for ambient conditions varying from dry air to 90% relative humidity.
Area Schedule Based Design of High-Pressure Recovery Radial Diffusion Systems
Authors: Gao Ruhou , Spakovszky Zoltán , Rusch Daniel , Hunziker René
Published: August 2016

High-pressure ratio centrifugal compressors require advanced diffusion systems to achieve enhanced efficiencies set by future turbocharger applications. To address the shortcomings of the commonly used channel diffuser and airfoil cascade design perspectives, a streamtube based area schedule is adopted paying special attention to the diffuser entry region. It is shown that the diffusion in the semivaneless space, controlled chiefly by inlet flow angle and the vane suction side geometry, plays a key role in improving diffuser performance. Removing excess thickness from the suction side eliminates flow overspeed, increases effective diffusion length, and leads to higher pressure recovery at reduced stagnation pressure loss. The pressure side thickness distribution controls the channel area schedule. Thin leading edges (LEs) ensure smooth flow area transition into the channel and reduce the vane upstream influence, mitigating high-cycle fatigue related mechanical issues.
Max Planck and the birth of the quantum hypothesis
Authors: Nauenberg Michael
Published: August 2016

Based on the functional dependence of entropy on energy, and on Wien's distribution for black-body radiation, Max Planck obtained a formula for this radiation by an interpolation relation that fitted the experimental measurements of thermal radiation at the Physikalisch Technishe Reichanstalt (PTR) in Berlin in the late 19th century. Surprisingly, his purely phenomenological result turned out to be not just an approximation, as would have been expected, but an exact relation. To obtain a physical interpretation for his formula, Planck then turned to Boltzmann's 1877 paper on the statistical interpretation of entropy, which led him to introduce the fundamental concept of energy discreteness into physics. A novel aspect of our account that has been missed in previous historical studies of Planck's discovery is to show that Planck could have found his phenomenological formula partially derived in Boltzmann's paper in terms of a variational parameter. But the dependence of this parameter on temperature is not contained in this paper, and it was first derived by Planck.
Video recording true single-photon double-slit interference
Authors: Aspden Reuben S. , Padgett Miles J. , Spalding Gabriel C.
Published: August 2016

Commercially available cameras do not have a low-enough dark noise to directly capture double-slit interference at the single photon level. In this work, camera noise levels are significantly reduced by activating the camera only when the presence of a photon has been detected by the independent detection of a time-correlated photon produced via parametric down-conversion. This triggering scheme provides the improvement required for direct video imaging of Young's double-slit experiment with single photons, allowing clarified versions of this foundational demonstration. We present video data of the evolving interference patterns. Also, we introduce variations on this experiment aimed at promoting discussion of the role spatial coherence plays in such a measurement, emphasizing complementary aspects of single-photon measurement and highlighting the roles of transverse position and momentum correlations between down-converted photons, including examples of “ghost” imaging and diffraction.