bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world comparison of the new 34 mm self‐expandable transcatheter aortic prosthesis Evolut R to its 31 mm core valve predecessor
Authors: Kalogeras Konstantinos , Kabir Tito , Mittal Tarun , Mirsadraee Saeed , Skondras Evangelos , Rahman Haley Shelley , Zuhair Mohamed , Vavuranakis Manolis , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Dalby Miles , Panoulas Vasileios
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of periprocedural complications and short‐term outcomes between the second‐generation recapturable 34 mm Evolut‐R and its first‐generation 31 mm predecessor.

Background

Although already in extensive clinical use in real world patients, the periprocedural complications and clinical outcomes of the new 34 mm device have not been investigated yet.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation in two centers with either a 31 mm CoreValve or a 34 mm Evolut‐R device were retrospectively studied. Periprocedural complications of malpositioning, valve‐in‐valve implantation, conversion to full sternotomy or percutaneous coronary intervention and vascular complications were compared between the two groups. Short‐term outcomes at discharge were compared using Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC‐2) criteria.

Results

The study group included 106 patients (35 Evolut‐R 34 mm; 71 CoreValve 31 mm). Significantly lower rates of valve‐in‐valve implantation were demonstrated for the 34 mm group compared to the first‐generation device (0% vs. 11.9%, respectively, P = 0.036). All other periprocedural complications were similar between groups.

At discharge, the rates of new pacemaker implantation (5.7% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.037) and bleeding complications (2.9% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.025) were statistically significantly lower among the 34 mm group. With regards to VARC‐2 defined combined endpoints, rates of early safety were significantly improved among the 34 mm group compared to 31 mm group (0% vs. 27.9%, respectively, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The recently introduced 34 mm Evolut‐R seems to demonstrate an improved safety profile, as evidenced by the reduced bleeding rates, lower rates of valve‐in‐valve implantation and lower PPM rates compared to its 31 mm predecessor.
Long‐term outcome of brachytherapy treatment for coronary in‐stent restenosis: Ten‐year follow‐up
Authors: Nakahama Hiroko , Jankowski Michelle , Dixon Simon R. , Abbas Amr E.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the long‐term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients treated with intracoronary brachytherapy (ICBT) for coronary in‐stent restenosis (ISR).

Background

ICBT was commonly used to treat coronary ISR prior to the availability of drug‐eluting stents (DES). The long‐term outcomes of ICBT for ISR remain unknown.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty consecutive patients who underwent ICBT treated for ISR between September 1998 and April 2005 were included in the study. Clinical and angiographic data were collected and the long‐term MACE were measured for all‐cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 10‐year follow‐up.

Results

Patients were 63 ± 11 years old (66% male). The majority of patients were treated with a bare metal stent 670/680 (99%) prior to ICBT. Significant baseline clinical findings include high incidence of smokers 479/680 (70%), hyperlipidemia 638/680 (94%), and multivessel disease 526/680 (77%). The majority of target lesions were diffuse 407/680 (60%), and either in the left anterior descending 258/680 (38%) or right coronary artery 215/680 (32%). At 10‐year follow‐up, the rate of death was 25%, MI was 22.4%, and TVR was 48%.

Conclusion

MACE at 10‐year follow‐up following ICBT for ISR indicates steady rate of death and MI and declining rate of TVR after 5 years.
Is a covered stent justifiable in the treatment of coronary artery perforation? An observational analysis of long‐term results of two different covered stent types
Authors: Rosseel Liesbeth , Scott Benjamin , Prihadi Edgard , Azzano Alessia , Degrauwe Sophie , Verheye Stefan , Convens Carl , Vermeersch Paul
Published: October 2018

Objectives

In this retrospective observational study, we investigate outcome of patients treated with or without covered stent (CS) implantation in the management of coronary artery perforation (CAP) during coronary intervention.

Background

CSs have shown to be effective devices to achieve acute hemostasis in large CAP. However, doubts have been raised regarding their long‐term outcome.

Methods

Data of 19 061 PCI procedures during a 10‐year period were reviewed. Fifty‐five cases of large CAP were withheld (Ellis type 2, 3 or cavity spilling). All medical and procedural records of these cases were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Twenty‐four (43.6%) patients were treated with CS implantation (15 polytetrafluoroethylene and 9 pericardium CSs). Twenty‐six (47.3%) patients were managed without CS implantation, of whom five had unsuccessful delivery of a CS (stent delivery failure 17.2%). Although significantly more Ellis type‐3 perforations were present in the CS group compared to the Non‐CS group (75.0% vs 45.2%; P = 0.03), in‐hospital mortality was not significantly different (8.3% vs 6.4%; [P = 0.79]). We observed a high rate of CS restenosis (29.2%) but a lower rate of CS thrombosis (4.2%). Despite these observations, 5‐year MACE and all‐cause mortality were not significantly different between CS and Non‐CS group (respectively, 58.8% vs 50.0% (P = 0.26) and 26.7% vs 13.3% (P = 0.36)).

Conclusion

Although deliverability of CSs was not flawless and a high rate of CS restenosis appeared, short‐ and long‐term outcome were comparable between patients treated with or without CS. Therefore, CSs are justifiable in the treatment of CAP.
Comparison of coronary revascularization appropriateness for non‐acute coronary syndrome cases under the 2017 update vs the 2012 appropriate use criteria
Authors: Case Brian C. , Geiser Katherine M. , Torguson Rebecca , Pichard Augusto D. , Satler Lowell F. , Waksman Ron , Ben‐Dor Itsik
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To compare coronary revascularization appropriateness for non‐acute coronary syndrome cases under the 2017 update vs the 2012 appropriate use criteria (AUC).

Background

In 2017, the 2012 AUC for coronary revascularization were updated. We examined how applying these new 2017 updates to our previous inappropriate cases would change their appropriateness.

Methods

We identified 50 cases of patients who underwent coronary revascularization for stable ischemic heart disease who were deemed inappropriate under the 2012 AUC. Two separate physicians reviewed the cases and applied a new AUC based on the 2017 AUC. Next, if there was a change, the reason was identified.

Results

Average age was 64, majority being male (29; 58%). Forty‐two (84%) were asymptomatic upon presentation. Most cases (27, 54%) dealt with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the right coronary artery. After applying the 2017 AUC, 34 of the 50 inappropriate failures (68%) would be changed from “inappropriate” to “may be appropriate care.” Of the 34 cases, 25 (73.5%) were changed due to the new AUC no longer expecting the patient to be on ≥2 anti‐angina medications prior to PCI. Of the 34 cases, eight (23.5%) were changed due to the new AUC expanding the use of non‐invasive modalities.

Conclusions

Applying the 2017 AUC led to a statistically higher number of cases being deemed “may be appropriate.” The most common cause for the change included the change in requirement for anti‐angina regimen and the expanded role of non‐invasive modalities.
Role of contractile reserve as a predictor of mortality in low‐flow, low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Buchanan Kyle D. , Rogers Toby , Steinvil Arie , Koifman Edward , Xu Linzhi , Torguson Rebecca , Okubagzi Petros G. , Shults Christian , Pichard Augusto D. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Satler Lowell F. , Waksman Ron , Asch Federico M.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of contractile reserve (CR) at baseline in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Patients with severe AS, left ventricular dysfunction, and low transaortic gradient are at high risk for mortality during surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Furthermore, patients without CR have been shown to have perioperative mortality comparable to that of patients treated medically for severe AS.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent TAVR with a diagnosis of low‐gradient severe AS (mean transvalvular aortic gradient < 40 mmHg, LVEF < 50%, and AVA ≤ 1.0 cm2 or AVAi ≤ 0.6 cm2) and who had a pre‐TAVR dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE). Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of CR, defined as an increase in stroke volume ≥ 20% during DSE.

Results

From 2008 to 2016, 61 patients with low‐gradient severe AS underwent TAVR and had pre‐TAVR DSE. CR was present in 31 patients (51%) and absent in 30 (49%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline demographics, medical history, access site, or types of valves. All‐cause mortality was similar in both groups at 30 days (13% with CR vs 10% without CR, P = 1.00) and 1 year (29% with CR vs 33% without CR, HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.49–2.96, P = 0.69).

Conclusion

In patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient severe AS undergoing TAVR, the presence or absence of CR does not predict all‐cause mortality at 30 days or 1 year.
Effect of percutaneous paravalvular leak closure on hemolysis
Authors: Panaich Sidakpal S. , Maor Elad , Reddy Gautam , Raphael Claire E. , Cabalka Allison , Hagler Donald J. , Reeder Guy S. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To study the effect of percutaneous paravalvular leak closure on hemolysis.

Background

Although transcatheter PVL closure reduces heart failure and mortality in symptomatic patients with paravalvular leaks (PVL), little is known about its effect on hemolysis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing transcatheter mitral or aortic PVL closure (January 2005–December 2016) at Mayo Clinic. Patients with anemia or abnormal hemolysis markers (LDH, haptoglobin) were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was defined as hemoglobin increase ≥ 1.5 mg/dL, decrease in LDH above median or improvement in haptoglobin. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression modeling were used to determine predictors of successful treatment of hemolysis.

Results

Final study population included 168 patients (130 [77%] mitral, 38 [23%] aortic PVL). Primary outcome occurred in 70 patients (42%). Hemoglobin increased by 1.74 ± 1.69 mg/dL in patients who reached primary outcome. 57/168 (34%) patients required blood transfusion prior to PVL closure compared to 35/168 (21%) postprocedure. The mean reduction in LDH was 403 U/L. Multivariate regression showed that patients with mechanical valves were more likely to have successful outcome (P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Percutaneous PVL closure is associated with modest improvement in hemolysis markers, increase in hemoglobin levels and reduction in blood transfusion requirements. This benefit is most significant in patients with mechanical valves.
Anorectal melanoma treated with abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Svoboda Shane M. , Attuwaybi Bashir
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

The diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the anorectum is extremely rare and carries a very poor prognosis. While it is the third most common site of a primary melanoma, it accounts for <1% of anorectal malignancies. We present cases of anorectal melanoma treated with abdominoperineal resection.
Research on the application of cloud computing mode in athletes' technical movement capture
Authors: Xie Yong , Su Huiming
Published: October 2018

Motion capture technology is an important means to obtain motion data. It is an emerging technology that intersects many disciplines such as computer animation, mathematics, computer graphics, and optics. Due to its powerful functions, it has attracted many domestic and foreign scholars' research interests in recent years. In this paper, a series of studies centering on motion capture are first reviewed, and the meanings and current research status of cloud computing and motion capture are summarized. Then, the basic skeleton of a tree‐like human body is established, and the collected scattered data are processed by cloud computing to realize the automation of data processing.
Research on financial data analysis based on data mining algorithm
Authors: Yu Wei , Li Shijun
Published: October 2018

At present, computer technology and Internet technology have been deeply integrated with the development of the Internet. This paper constructs a financial time series analysis and prediction model under the background of Internet e‐commerce development. As IT technology, data mining must be simple and fast. Therefore, starting from the model and based on the algorithm, this paper establishes a feasible serial data mining technology and theoretical system. Based on this, this paper deeply studies the data repair technology and interpolation technology such as EM algorithm for the actual more missing data, and the result is very satisfactory. Finally, this paper further studies the forward search algorithm, which is based on clustering to pretreat can complete the calculation process in a shorter time, reduce the possibility of errors, and improve efficiency.
Performance analysis of a pairwise method for partial inversion of complex block tridiagonal matrices
Authors: Spellacy Louise , Golden Darach , Rungger Ivan
Published: October 2018

The algorithm detailed below extends previous work on inversion of block tridiagonal matrices from the Hermitian/symmetric case to the general case and allows for varying sub‐block sizes. The sub‐blocks of the matrix are evenly distributed across p processes. Local sub‐blocks are combined to form a matrix on each process. These matrices are inverted locally and the inverses are combined in a pairwise manner. At each combination step, the updates to the global inverse are represented by updating “matrix maps” on each process. The matrix maps are finally applied to the original local inverse to retrieve the block tridiagonal elements of the global inverse. This algorithm has been implemented in Fortran with MPI. Calculated inverses are compared with inverses obtained using the well known libraries ScaLAPACK and MUMPS. Results are given for matrices arising from Density Functional Theory applications.
Orthopalladation of GFP‐Like Fluorophores Through C–H Bond Activation: Scope and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Collado Sandra , Pueyo Alejandro , Baudequin Christine , Bischoff Laurent , Jiménez Ana Isabel , Cativiela Carlos , Hoarau Christophe , Urriolabeitia Esteban P.
Published: October 2018

The luminescence of oxazolones R1‐C6H4CH=CC(O)O‐CN(R2) (1a–1j) and imidazolones R1‐C6H4CH=CC(O)NR3CN(R2) (1k–1q) has been examined. The new GFP‐like imidazolones (GFP = Green Fluorescent Protein) (1k–1q) have been prepared by reaction of the oxazolones with amines H2NR3 and bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide. The most intense fluorescence was found in push‐pull systems containing simultaneously strong electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents. The incorporation of the Pd atom into the molecular skeleton of oxazolones and imidazolones notably changes their luminescence. The reaction of oxazolones (1a–1j) and imidazolones (1k–1q) with Pd(OAc)2 (1:1 molar ratio) in carboxylic acids gives the dinuclear [Pd{R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)OCN(R2)}(µ‐carboxylate)]2 (2a–2j) and [Pd{R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)NR3CN(R2)}(µ‐carboxylate)]2 (2k–2q) through regioselective C–H bond activation of the ortho position of the respective 4‐arylidene rings. Complexes 2a–2q react with LiCl in MeOH to give the chloride‐bridge derivatives [Pd{R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)OCN(R2)}(µ‐Cl)]2 (3a–3j) and [Pd{R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)NR3CN(R2)}(µ‐Cl)]2 (3k–3q), which further react with Tl(acac) (acac = acetylacetonate) to give the mononuclear species [Pd(R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)OCN(R2)(acac)] (4a–4j) and [Pd{R1‐C6H3CH=CC(O)NR3CN(R2)(acac)}] (4k–4q). Complexes 4o and 4q, having an orthopalladated push‐pull imidazolone, are strongly fluorescent, showing a notable increase of the quantum yield with respect to the free ligands 1o and 1q up of one order of magnitude.
A Comparison of Underage, Young, Middle, and Late Adults in Indicated Prevention Following Impaired Driving
Authors: Schumacher Julie A. , Stafford Pamela A. , Beadnell Blair , Crisafulli Michele A.
Published: October 2018

The authors examined age differences in baseline features and program response in individuals completing indicated prevention (Prime For Life®) for impaired driving. Risk perception, substance use, and support differed by age at baseline and, despite improvements, continued to differ postprogram.
Comparison of free‐energy methods using a tripeptide‐water model system
Authors: Maurer Manuela , Hansen Niels , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: October 2018

We investigate the ability of several free‐energy calculation methods to combine two alchemical changes. We use Bennett acceptance ratio (BAR), thermodynamic integration (TI), extended TI (X‐TI), and enveloping distribution sampling (EDS) to perturb a water molecule, which is restrained to an amino acid that is also being perturbed. In addition to these pairwise methods, we present two two‐dimensional approaches, EDS‐TI and two‐dimensional TI (2D‐TI). We compare feasibility, efficiency and usability of these methods in regard to our simple model system, which mimics the displacement of a water molecule in the active site of a protein on residue mutation. The correct treatment of structural water has been shown to greatly aid binding affinity calculations in some cases that remained elusive otherwise. This is of broad interest in, for example, drug design, and we conclude that thus far, the pairwise method BAR and also the newer X‐TI remain the most suitable methods to treat this problem as long as few end states are involved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wrist Flexion Exercise Increases the Width of the Medial Elbow Joint Space During a Valgus Stress Test
Authors: Millard Nathaniel , DeMoss Andrew , McIlvain Gary , Beckett Joseph A. , Jasko John J. , Timmons Mark K.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The medial elbow is stabilized during valgus loading by the ulnar collateral ligament, the flexor pronator mass (FPM), and the radial head. Impairment of the FPM can occur as a result of repeated wrist flexion activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repeated elbow flexion exercise on medial elbow stability.

Methods

Thirty volunteers were included in this study. Ultrasound images of the medial joint space of the nondominant elbow of the participants were collected during a valgus stress test. The images were collected before and immediately after a wrist flexion exercise protocol.

Results

The wrist flexion strength measure decreased (7.5%) after the exercise protocol (t = 3.840; P = .001). The medial elbow width increased between unstressed (mean ± SD, 2.8 ± 0.1 mm) and stressed (3.6 ± 0.1 mm) conditions (P < .001). The stress‐by‐fatigue interaction was significant (P = .048). The medial elbow width increased after fatigue (0.9 ± 0.09 mm) while remaining unchanged in the unstressed condition.

Conclusions

This study found an effect of repeated wrist flexion exercise on decreasing the stability of the medial elbow. Future research needs to explore the mechanisms leading to the decrease in medial elbow stability and to identify the effect of FPM fatigue on the development of medial elbow pain associated with activities.
Are spinal deformities in ancient dogs related to weight bearing? The importance of fluctuating asymmetry
Authors: Janssens Luc August , Vitales Timothy , Lawler Dennis
Published: October 2018

The article “A howl from the grave: Osteological analysis of 12th‐ to 15th‐century dogs from Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018” DOI:10.1002/oa.2644 discusses two vertebral abnormalities of ancient dogs: flattening of the tip and lateral deviation of the dorsal spinous process and considers possible causal use of dogs as beasts of burden. This idea also has been suggested in previous reports. We question this view and evaluate such spinal abnormalities in a modern veterinary context, using computerized tomography (CT)–scanned pet dogs that were not carrying weights or pulling travois or sledge. We show that identical asymmetries and anatomical variations occur in CT images of modern dogs that have not been carrying weights or pulling sledges or travois. We suggest that these features can be normal variants, expressing fluctuating asymmetry. We emphasize that health care settings provide the procedural mechanics and the means to evaluate and distinguish among diagnostic possibilities. We plead for increased collaboration among experienced veterinary specialists and zooarchaeologists when aberrations of ancient osteological structures are encountered. This cooperation will lead to more informed interpretations and avoid misdiagnosis and unrealistic lifestyle interpretations.
Riluzole induces AR degradation via endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in androgen‐dependent and castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells
Authors: Wadosky Kristine M. , Shourideh Mojgan , Goodrich David W. , Koochekpour Shahriar
Published: October 2018

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is diagnosed at the highest rate of all non‐cutaneous male cancers in the United States. The androgen‐dependent (AD) transcription factor, androgen receptor (AR), drives PCa—but inhibiting AR or androgen biosynthesis induces remission for only a short time. At which point, patients acquire more aggressive castration‐resistant (CR) disease with re‐activated AR‐dependent signaling. To combat treatment resistance, down‐regulating AR protein expression has been considered as a potential treatment strategy for CR‐PCa.

Methods

AD‐ and CR‐PCa cell lines were treated with the well‐tolerated FDA‐approved oral medicine, riluzole. Expression of full‐length or wild‐type AR (AR‐FL) and constitutively active AR‐splice variant 7 (AR‐V7) was assessed by immunoblotting. AR‐FL/AR‐V7 activity was measured using qRT‐PCR of AR‐target genes. Cytoplasmic [Ca2+] levels were measured using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator microplate assay. Markers of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway and autophagy were assessed by immunoblotting. Direct interaction between AR and selective autophagy receptor p62 was demonstrated by co‐immunoprecipitation.

Results

We demonstrate that riluzole downregulates AR‐FL, mutant ARs, and AR‐V7 proteins expression by protein degradation through ERS pathway and selective autophagy. Riluzole also significantly inhibited AR transcription activity by decreasing its target genes expression (PSA, TMPRSS2, and KLK2).

Conclusions

We provide key mechanistic insights by which riluzole exerts its anti‐tumorigenic effects and induces AR protein degradation via ERS pathways. Our findings support the potential utility of riluzole for treatment of PCa.
Modeling Reactive Mixtures: Case Study for Spills of Formaldehyde Solutions
Authors: Drew David W. , Dharmavaram Seshu , Gilbert Kevin L.
Published: October 2018

When a liquid mixture, such as an aqueous formaldehyde solution, is released into the environment, the rate of evaporation into the atmosphere depends strongly on chemical reactions that regulate the evolution of formaldehyde vapors. Most of the consequence modeling methods and models currently used in the industry usually ignore any reaction phenomena. This article describes a dynamic model developed using the Aspen® Custom Modeling (ACM) tool kit. In the case of formaldehyde solutions, the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics of a mixture of formaldehyde (HCHO), water and methanol (CH3OH) are computed from models available in the open literature. The liquid‐phase, reversible, chemical reactions between water and formaldehyde, as well as methanol and formaldehyde, form oligomers—most of which are nonvolatile. The mass transfer and heat transfer coefficients between the surface of the spill and the atmosphere are computed by established correlations for flow over a semi‐infinite flat surface.

For a release scenario, the model computes the time‐varying liquid and vapor phase compositions and conditions. It also computes the required vaporization rates for HCHO and CH3OH resulting from, for example, a 54 wt% formaldehyde solution spill onto a relatively dry surface of a fixed area under specific meteorological conditions. The article presents details regarding the formaldehyde spill modeling methodology, with examples. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 38: 61–70, 2019
Risk Analysis of Oilfield Gathering Station
Authors: Chen Kun , Liu Dehuan , Fan Zhiwen , Chen Xu , Khan Faisal
Published: October 2018

Risk analysis and evaluation of oilfield gathering station (OGS) is a challenging task, given that much of the available data are highly uncertain and vague, and many of the mechanisms are complex and difficult to understand. A combinational method of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) is proposed in this study to assess hazards in OGS associated with multiple subsystems’ failures. The evaluation index system of safety performance in OGS was established, which included tank unit index, pipe unit index, digital monitoring unit index, and other systems. The weight of each index was confirmed through AHP method. Then the AHP and FCE methods were combined to validate the risk levels of representative enterprise S (S‐OGS). The evaluation results show that the evaluation grade of S‐OGS was low risk. This study provides a basis to improve the risk levels of OGS. It is expected that this work may serve as an assistance tool for managers of enterprise in improving the risk levels of oilfield operations. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 38: 71–77, 2019
Subcutaneous Leydig Stem Cell Autograft: A Promising Strategy to Increase Serum Testosterone
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Zuttion Marilia Sanches Santos Rizzo , Nahar Bruno , Lamb Dolores , Hare Joshua M. , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: October 2018

Exogenous testosterone therapy can be used to treat testosterone deficiency; however, it has several adverse effects including infertility due to negative feedback on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Leydig stem cell (LSC) transplantation could provide a new strategy for treating testosterone deficiency, but clinical translatability of injecting stem cells inside the testis is not feasible. Here, we explore the feasibility of subcutaneously autografting LSCs in combination with Sertoli and myoid cells to increase testosterone. We also studied whether the grafted LSCs can be regulated by the HPG axis and the molecular mechanism behind this regulation. LSCs were isolated from the testes of 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice, and subcutaneously autografted in combination with Sertoli cells and myoid cells. We found that LSCs alone were incapable of self-renewal and differentiation. However, in combination with Sertoli cells and myoid cells, LSCs underwent self-renewal as well as differentiation into mature Leydig cells. As a result, the recipient mice that received the LSC autograft showed testosterone production with preserved luteinizing hormone. We found that testosterone production from the autograft was regulated by hedgehog (HH) signaling. Gain of function and loss of function study confirmed that Desert HH (DHH) agonist increased and DHH antagonist decreased testosterone production from autograft. This study is the first to demonstrate that LSCs, when autografted subcutaneously in combination with Sertoli cells and myoid cells, can increase testosterone production. Therefore, LSC autograft may provide a new treatment for testosterone deficiency while simultaneously preserving the HPG axis. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:58–65
A new instrument for measuring pre‐service biology teachers' pedagogical content knowledge: The PCK‐IBI
Authors: Großschedl Jörg , Welter Virginia , Harms Ute
Published: October 2018

Teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) is highly important for effective design and implementation of school teaching. Thus, the current status, development and efficacy of this knowledge, its relationships with teaching quality parameters, and its impact on students' learning processes and success, require rigorous examination. Thoroughly validated, objective and reliable test instruments that are highly sensitive to changes in variables of proven knowledge‐related relevance in teacher education are also required. Previous attempts to design such instruments for assessing science teachers' PCK have largely focused on mathematical content. Therefore, here we present an instrument (the pedagogical content knowledge in biology inventory, PCK‐IBI), based on conceptualizations of teachers' professional competence, for assessing secondary school pre‐service biology teachers' PCK. In a series of three evaluations and refinements it was tested with samples of N = 274 and N = 432 German pre‐service as well as one sample of n = 65 German pre‐service and n = 35 German in‐service biology teachers. Item analysis, scale analysis and empirically obtained indicators of validity suggest that the final 34‐item‐version of the PCK‐IBI is unidimensional, provides objective test scores and enables reliable and valid registration of pre‐service biology teachers' PCK. Thus, hypotheses regarding specific aspects of the model on which the PCK‐IBI's construction is based on are empirically supported. The results of our study provide empirical support for the instrument's potential utility.
Teaching energy in high school by making use of history and philosophy of science
Authors: Bächtold Manuel , Munier Valérie
Published: October 2018

How to improve students' understanding of energy transformation and conservation remains one of the main challenges of energy teaching. To address this challenge, we developed a new teaching strategy suited to high school based on history and philosophy of science (HPS). It involves five key ingredients: study and reproduction of Joule's paddle‐wheel experiment, introduction of Rankine's definition, study of a historical text of Joule, use of an “ID card of energy,” and early introduction and multiple application of the principle of energy conservation. This strategy was built and implemented in the frame of a collaborative and iterative work involving researchers and teachers. We examined the effects of this HPS‐based teaching strategy on students' understanding of energy. We used a quantitative method based on pre‐ and post‐tests (N = 95/87) completed by a qualitative analysis using both video recordings of classroom activities and videos produced by students during one of the teaching sequences. The outcomes show that the teaching strategy had an overall positive impact on students' learning of energy: in particular, Joule's paddle‐wheel experiment seems to favor their understanding of the notion of energy transformation, while the early introduction and multiple application of the conservation principle appears as a relevant option to facilitate its mastering. This study illustrates how HPS might actually be introduced in classrooms and brings to light its usefulness for building new science teaching strategies.
Elementary teachers’ science subject matter knowledge across the teacher career cycle
Authors: Nixon Ryan S. , Smith Leigh K. , Sudweeks Richard R.
Published: October 2018

Although widely touted as important, there is little evidence regarding the influence of teaching experience on elementary teachers' science subject matter knowledge (SMK). To better understand this phenomenon, we administered an assessment of science topics taught in the fifth and sixth grades to 169 preservice teachers, 231 fifth‐grade teachers, and 208 sixth‐grade teachers. We then compared the mean scores of teachers at different stages in the career cycle using one‐way and two‐way ANOVA and explored the relationship between SMK scores and years of teaching experience using regression analysis. Findings indicate that (i) being assigned to a specific grade level had an impact on teachers' SMK for topics included in the grade level, (ii) teachers' SMK scores were lower later in their careers for both science topics they had never taught and for science topics they were responsible for teaching, and (iii) results differed for fifth and sixth grades. This study adds to the existing literature through the examination of a large sample of elementary teachers, with teachers of varying years of experience, while focusing on the science topics these teachers are responsible for teaching. The results of this study provide strong evidence that (i) years of experience teaching specific science topics is associated with the development of teachers' knowledge of these topics, and (ii) teaching experience, what teachers do in the context of their everyday practice, can be an effective means of self‐directed learning for teachers. There is also evidence that this influence is not uniform across years of teaching experience or science topics taught. These findings raise important implications about future research into the mechanism of SMK development through teaching experience and teacher grade‐level assignments.
Ten-dimensional lifts of global supersymmetry on curved spaces
Authors: Minasian Ruben , Prins Daniël
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Admissible curved space backgrounds for four-dimensional supersymmetric field theories are determined by solving Killing spinor equations of four-dimensional off-shell supergravities. These can be obtained by combining ten-dimensional type IIB supersymmetry with D-brane kappa-symmetry and identifying auxiliary fields of the four-dimensional supergravity fields in terms of type IIB fields. In this paper we show how to extend a number of solutions of four-dimensional Killing spinor equations with four or less supercharges to solutions of the ten-dimensional supersymmetry constraints.
NR3C2 Gene is Associated with Susceptibility to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema in Han Chinese
Authors: Yang Yingzhong , Xu Jin , Tang Feng , Ga Qin , Li Yuhong , Guan Wei , Ge Ri-Li
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The mineralocorticoid receptor is encoded by the NR3C2 gene and plays an important role in regulating vascular tone in high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This study aimed to investigate the association of the polymorphisms in the NR3C2 gene with HAPE susceptibility in Han Chinese.

Methods

We enrolled 133 HAPE patients and 131 matched healthy Han Chinese from the Yushu area in Qinghai, where the altitude is greater than 3500 m. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NR3C2 gene, rs2070951 and rs5522, were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY SNP assay.

Results

The genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of NR3C2 SNP rs5522 were significantly different between the HAPE and control groups ( P<0.05). The frequency of the A allele of rs5522 was significantly higher in the HAPE group than in the control group ( P<0.05) with an odds ratio of 1.7 (95% CI: 1.0−2.8). There were no significant differences in the genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of NR3C2 SNP rs2070951 between the HAPE and control groups. The frequencies of the C-A and C-G haplotypes were significantly higher in the HAPE group than in control group.

Conclusions

The rs5522 polymorphism of the NR3C2 gene was associated with HAPE susceptibility in Chinese subjects. The A allele may contribute to the susceptibility to HAPE. The frequency of the C-A and C-G haplotypes of rs2070951 and rs5522 in the NR3C2 gene may increase the risk of HAPE.
Poor Man's Crop: Evading opium monopoly
Authors: CEDERLÖF GUNNEL
Published: October 2018

Research on opium in colonial India has so far mainly focused on the competing Malwa and Bengal opium currents under the control of the Sindia and Holkar families and of the British East India Company, respectively. The historical trajectory has tended to emphasize the implementation of a draconian and all-encompassing British monopoly. This study joins the emerging efforts to search the regional histories on the margins of the strongest players’ actions on the global scene. It aims at nuancing the narratives by focusing on a region away from such centres. The study investigates the local cultivation and usage of opium in Rangpore district—a region in north Bengal that had recently been badly affected by a severe flood. Here, the drug was extensively used and the lucrative trade with neighbouring states gave small-scale cultivators an income also under hard environmental conditions. The fact that production and trade were small-scale, fragmented, and made use of markets in Cooch Bihar, Assam, and Bhutan impeded British attempts at getting in control of production and trade.
Language LearningSans Frontiers: A Translanguaging View
Authors: Wei Li , (Jenifer) Ho Wing Yee
Published: October 2018

In this article, we present an analytical approach that focuses on how transnational and translingual learners mobilize their multilingual, multimodal, and multisemiotic repertoires, as well as their learning and work experiences, as resources in language learning. The approach is that oftranslanguaging, which seeks to push the boundaries not only between different named languages but also between different modalities and across language scripts and writing systems. We base our arguments on a study of self-directed learning of Chinese via online platforms in the context of mobility and aim to demonstrate the transformative capacity of translanguaging. In doing so, we highlight the need for a transdisciplinary approach to language learning that transcends the boundaries between linguistics, psychology, and education, and in particular, the need to go beyond the artificial divides of the different modalities of language learning to strengthen the connections between research on bilingualism and multilingualism and research on language teaching and learning.
The Complexity of Study Abroad: Stories from Ethnic Minority American Students in China
Authors: Du Hang
Published: October 2018

This study focuses on the experiences of two African American and three Chinese American college students studying in China during the 2013–2014 academic year. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, all five students made progress in their Chinese proficiency, measured by test scores, lexical diversity, and total amount of language produced in each conversation. Qualitatively, the following themes emerged: (a) interactions with Chinese people outside the classroom, (b) how the concept of “self” was viewed by the Chinese people, (c) personality factors, and (d) the language progress. The student who did not enjoy the experience as much as the other students was ethnic Chinese with the highest level of Chinese proficiency. The explanation might be a mismatch between her ideal subject position of a successful language learner and the perceived subject position of a local Chinese person. This study provides additional evidence to show that experience abroad is complex and highly individualized. Even students from the same ethnic groups might have different experiences. Factors such as personality, prior cross-cultural experiences, language proficiency, expectations, and self-identification interact with each other in complex ways to influence the students’ experience abroad. Encouraging students to cultivate a more outgoing self in their second language (L2) might help them better take advantage of the study abroad experience.
Studying Abroad in the Dominican Republic: Preparing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teachers for 21st-Century Classrooms
Authors: Nero Shondel J.
Published: October 2018

This article describes the conception, goals, design, and evaluation of a 3-week study abroad program in the Dominican Republic for preservice teachers at New York University to address cultural diversity in teacher education. Taking a critical approach to teacher education and drawing on four interrelated areas of research—second language acquisition, study abroad, culturally responsive pedagogy, and intercultural competence—the program sought to deepen teachers’ understanding of their students’ cultures, develop empathy toward language learning, and promote culturally responsive pedagogy. Program evaluation revealed that participants developed more critical understandings of the Dominican language, culture, and education system, which they could harness to practice culturally responsive pedagogy.
Mitochondrial activity and cytoskeleton organization in three pronuclei oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Kotil Tuğba , Kervancıoğlu M. Ertan , Kanten Gülçin Ekter , Tunalı Gülden , Solakoğlu Seyhun
Published: October 2018

Digyny, the presence of a third pronucleus due to the failure of second polar body extrusion, is problematic after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) practices. Mitochondria have critical roles such as production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis during oocyte maturation, fertilization and the following development, while the regulation of meiotic spindle formation, chromosome segregation, pronuclear apposition and cytokinesis is closely associated with the cytoskeleton. In this study, mitochondrial membrane potential, distribution of F-actin and γ-tubulin, and the ultrastructure of three pronuclear (3PN) oocytes were investigated. 3PN oocytes after ICSI procedure were taken from patients who were enrolled in assisted reproduction programmes. For mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, fresh oocytes stained with the mitochondrial membrane potential probe JC-1, were evaluated under fluorescence microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential of three pronuclear oocytes showed similar results to normal zygotes. γ-Tubulin was stained strongly at the subplasmalemmal domain and microfilaments were localized at the cortical, but not the perinuclear, area. Cytoplasmic halos were moderately or not detected by electron microscopy; lipofuscin granules, degenerated mitochondria, and multilamellated bodies were seen in the ooplasm. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic findings suggested that mitochondrial membrane potential has no direct effect on second polar body extrusion. This abnormality can be associated with an altered cytoskeleton due to poor oocyte quality.
Identification and field evaluation of female sex pheromone of leaf-eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)
Authors: Bhanu K. R. M. , Hall D. R. , Awalekar R. V. , Chandrashekharaiah M. , Divya T. N. , Prabhakara M. S. , Jayanth K. P.
Published: October 2018

The leaf-eating caterpillar,Opisina arenosellaWalker, is the most destructive pest of coconut palm in India and Southeast Asia. The management practices employed againstO. arenosellaso far have been unsuccessful in many instances in India, due to the pest behaviour and coconut palm phenology. The life cycle, incidence and behaviour ofO. arenosellaare rather interesting and useful for the intervention of pheromone trapping technique for its management. We conducted the present study with the intention of identifying the female sex pheromone ofO. arenosellaand testing its efficacy under field conditions. Gas chromatography coupled electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of female pheromone glands extract of one-day-oldO. arenosellafemales confirmed the presence of (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-tricosatriene (Z3Z6Z9-23Hy) as the dominant sex pheromone component. The male antennal response to female pheromone gland extract and syntheticZ3Z6Z9-23Hy was recorded using GC–EAD, and the results revealed that antennal response was positive to both the treatments at 0.13 mV and 0.14 mV respectively, compared to control (air), which was 0.016 mV. It was also evident from wind-tunnel experiments that the male moth response was high (80%) with the female gland extract, compared to 60% with synthetic pheromone and 0% for control (air). Male moths caught in the traps with and without lure were assessed in two field sites and recorded 69.26% and 54.25% more moth catches in the traps with the lure. We also observed a similar result in the cage experiment in which male moths caught in the traps with and without lure were 64.50% and 12.40%, respectively. The study also confirmed that 93.20% moths caught in the pheromone-baited traps were male. From the study, it is evident that the presence of (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-tricosatriene, which is the sex pheromone compound from the female gland extract ofO. arenosella, is an effective attractant in pheromone traps for the male moth under field conditions.
Phosphate Status Affects Phosphate Transporter Expression and Glyphosate Uptake and Transport in Grand Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis)
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Campos Mastrotti , Tayengwa Reuben , Alves Pedro Luis Da Costa Aguiar , Peer Wendy Ann
Published: October 2018

Soluble phosphate availability is a major limiting factor for plant growth, development, and yield. To assure a constant phosphorous supply, plants employ both high- and low-affinity phosphate acquisition mechanisms. Glyphosate is an herbicide widely used throughout the world, and previous studies have suggested that it can be transported across the plasma membrane via phosphate transporters in herbaceous species. The effects of phosphate status on glyphosate uptake were investigated in the tree grand eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandisW. Hill ex. Maid.). Eucalyptus grandis’s putative phosphate transporters showed differential gene expression in leaves and roots in response to phosphate limitation. Overall, the expression of high-affinity phosphate transporters increased in phosphate-limiting treatments, particularly in roots. More [14C]glyphosate was absorbed and translocated in phosphate-limiting plants compared with control plants grown in phosphate-replete treatments. In leaf mesophyll protoplast assays, rapid uptake of [14C]glyphosate into protoplasts was observed, and addition of phosphate to the assays competed with [14C]glyphosate uptake. These data indicate that phosphate transporters represent one mechanism of glyphosate uptake inE. grandis. These results have implications for best management practices for weed control and glyphosate application under phosphate application regimes.
Traitement chirurgical du lipœdème
Authors: Rey Laure-Emilie , Koch Nathalie , Raffoul Wassim
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das Lipödem ist eine sich langsam entwickelnde Krankheit, die sich während der Adoleszenz bemerkbar macht und auf die unteren Extremitäten beschränkt. Eine von neun Frauen sind betroffen. Frühe Anzeichen sind unspezifisch, weshalb die Krankheit oft nicht diagnostiziert wird. Im späteren Verlauf sind Schmerzen und schwere Gliedmassen die vorherrschenden Symptome. Im fortgeschrittenen Stadium sind Gewebefibrose und Ödem kennzeichnend. In diesem Stadium sind die Patienten schwerbehindert und bettlägerig. In einem frühen Stadium ist die Behandlung konservativ. Beim schmerzhaften Lipödem wurde die Wirksamkeit von Liposuktion in Langzeitkontrolle gezeigt. Im fortgeschrittenen Stadium helfen nur noch komplexe Operationen in Verbindung mit Dermolipektomie und eine Liposuktion.
Conserving Riverside Habitat Could Bolster Bottom Lines
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: October 2018

Palm oil is in demand, and its agricultural footprint is expanding in the tropics. New research suggests that habitat buffers could improve conservation and prevent erosion that cuts into economic returns.