bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Experimental Research on the Slicing Temperature of the Sapphire with Diamond Wire
Authors: Huang Xuerun , Huang Hui , Guo Hua
Published: March 2018

Temperature has an important influence on the sapphire wafer quality sliced using fixed abrasive diamond wire saw. In this paper, temperature field distribution on the wafer outer surface during the slicing of sapphire ingot was computationally and experimentally studied by taking the effect of coolant into account. The simulation temperature field distribution without coolant is in good agreement with the experimental result, and the cutting depth increases, the maximum temperature located at the middle of slicing zone. Coolant had a significant influence on the wafer temperature field distribution and the movement of slicing wire in a narrow kerf affected the coolant supply, which caused a deviation in the temperature distribution obtained by numerical simulation result and experimental measurement.
The Cosserat Point Element as an Accurate and Robust Finite Element Formulation for Implicit Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Jabareen Mahmood , Pestes Yehonatan
Published: March 2018

The reliability of numerical simulations manifested the need for an accurate and robust finite element formulation. Therefore, in the present study, an eight node brick Cosserat point element ( CPE ) for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of three-dimensional (3D) solids including both thick and thin structures is developed. Within the present finite element formulation, a strain energy function is proposed and additively decoupled into two parts. One part is characterized by any 3D strain energy function, while the other part controls the response to inhomogeneous deformations. Several example problems are presented, which demonstrate the accuracy and the robustness of the developed CPE in modeling the dynamic response of elastic structures.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model to Study Effect of RyR Calcium Channel, ER Leak and SERCA Pump on Calcium Distribution in Oocyte Cell
Authors: Naik Parvaiz Ahmad , Pardasani Kamal Raj
Published: March 2018

Calcium ions control many cellular processes by relaying signals in the form of their spatio-temporal distribution. Dynamics and patterns of calcium concentration such as repetitive waves, coherent oscillations or spatially localized elevations activate diverse physiological functions. Calcium is the most universal second messenger in cells and plays an important role in initiation, sustenance and termination of various activities in cells required for maintaining the structure and function of the cell. Calcium signal at fertilization is necessary for egg activation and exhibits specialized spatial and temporal dynamics. The specific calcium concentration distribution patterns in oocytes required for various activities like egg fertilization, maturation, etc. are not well understood. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model is proposed to study the spatio-temporal calcium distribution in oocytes. The parameters such as buffers, SERCA pump, ER Leak, ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium channel, point source and line source of calcium are incorporated in the model. The appropriate initial and boundary conditions have been framed on the basis of the physical condition of the problem. A program is developed in MATLAB for simulation. The results have been used to study the effect of source geometry, RyR calcium channel, ER Leak, SERCA pump and buffers on cytosolic calcium concentration distribution in oocytes.
Semi-Numerical, Semi-Analytical Approximations of the Rayleigh Equation for Gas-Filled Hyper-Spherical Bubble
Authors: Qin Yupeng , WANG Zhen , Zou Li , He Mingfeng
Published: March 2018

A new semi-numerical, semi-analytical approach based on the differential transform method is proposed to solve the problems of a gas-filled hyper-spherical bubble governed by the Rayleigh equation. Semi-numerical, semi-analytical approximations are constructed for the Rayleigh equation in the form of piecewise functions. The proposed approach is compared with the standard fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and the standard differential transform method, respectively. The results reveal two main benefits of the new approach, one is that it possesses result with higher precision than the standard fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, the other is that it remains valid and accurate for longer time compared to the standard differential transform method. In addition, we also consider the Rayleigh equation in [Formula: see text] dimensions when the surface tension is not zero.
An Adaptive CIP-FEM for the Polygonal-Line Grating Problem
Authors: Wang Zhoufeng , Zhu Lingxue
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with the diffraction by a polygonal-line grating. We develop a continuous interior penalty finite element method based on the truncation of the nonlocal boundary operators for solving the problem. An a posteriori error estimate is derived for the method. The truncation parameter is determined through the truncation error of the a posteriori error estimate. Numerical experiments are also presented to show the efficiency and robustness of the proposed adaptive algorithm.
Periglacial complexes and the deductive evidence of ‘wet’-flows at the Hale impact crater, Mars
Authors: Soare R. J. , Conway S. J. , Gallagher C. , Dohm J. M. , Reiss D.
Published: March 2018

The Hale impact crater is a large complex crater (
c.
150 ×
c.
125 km) in the southern hemisphere of Mars. Recurring slope lineae have been observed on its central-peak slopes, as have relatively youthful gully-like landforms; the latter are observed adjacent to or in the midst of the former, as well as on all of the rim-material slopes. Three of the gullied slopes on the northern-rim materials exhibit landscape features that, on Earth, are synonymous with
wet
periglaciation, i.e. landscape modification by the freeze–thaw cycling of water. These features include: (1) gelifluction-like lobes; (2) patches of surface polygonization, possibly underlain by ice wedges and formed by thermal-contraction cracking; and (3) shallow, rimless and polygonized basins morphologically akin to terrestrial alases. Here, we use the spatial association of the gully-like landforms together with the putatively
wet
periglacial assemblages or complexes to deduce and ascribe, albeit indirectly, a wet origin to the former.
One hundred years of cross-country mobility prediction in Germany
Authors: Malm Florian
Published: March 2018

The potential for cross-country mobility (CCM) by vehicles has increasingly become an integral part of tactical planning for military operations and depends on a multitude of parameters. A comprehensive trafficability forecast requires the analysis of terrain, including slope, land cover and soil properties, and weather, as well as specific vehicle parameters. Terrain and weather interactions were recognized as important for the first time during World War I, when all types of vehicle would frequently bog down in muddy ground. The lessons learned influenced the orientation of future German military geology. During World War II, German military geologists and engineers prepared their first CCM maps. However, these often lacked a consistent format and standardized analysis. During the Cold War, the US Army carried out extensive research to create empirical mobility models based on physical properties and trafficability tests. These results were incorporated into the production of CCM maps. Present day computer-based data processing and analysis have opened up the possibility of enhancements to trafficability forecasting and thus make a vital contribution to providing the armed forces with advice on exercises and operations.
Groundwater supplies to maritime and coastal defences in southern England: a story of risk and innovation
Authors: Mather John D.
Published: March 2018

The viability of any fort or garrison depends on the availability of a reliable water supply. The source of choice is an underlying aquifer, reached by a secure on-site well or borehole. Unfortunately, at coastal and maritime sites, seawater intrusion can cause problems. In the late eighteenth century a deep well was sunk to supply the garrison at Sheerness, Kent, which successfully exploited sands beneath the London Clay. At Landguard Fort in Suffolk, a shallow gallery was designed to skim freshwater overlying saline water within loose sand and shingle. In the mid-nineteenth century, a network of forts was built to defend the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth, which included some offshore forts on the Spithead shoals. Boreholes were drilled beneath these forts to abstract water from the Chalk thought to lie beneath. The Chalk proved to be at too great a depth, but the Bracklesham Group yielded a sustainable supply from <200 m. In carrying out these projects, military engineers sank wells and drilled speculative boreholes, taking financial risks, unacceptable in other parts of the public sector. They developed new technologies and their innovative ideas and discoveries led to an increased understanding of the distribution and use of groundwater.
Role of outer marginal collapse on salt deposition in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, Campos and Santos basins
Authors: Pindell James , Graham Rod , Horn Brian W.
Published: March 2018

Outer marginal collapse (OMC), a recently proposed process by which top-rift and base-salt unconformities formed near sea level may subside rapidly to 2.5–3 km at continental margins as mantle exhumation or seafloor spreading begins, needs further examination. We examine salt deposition at three margins and find that the differing positions and volumes of salt can be related to different durations of salt deposition as OMC and subsequent mantle exhumation proceed. Along NW Florida, salt is thin but deep and is interpreted as having formed at the start of OMC, before drowning further to abyssal depths. In the Campos Basin, salt is thick and extends across tens of kilometres of interpreted exhumed mantle, interpreted as having formed during the entire period of OMC before spreading onto mantle during exhumation. In the Santos Basin, salt is thick and extends across
c.
100 km of interpreted exhumed mantle and/or oceanic crust, arguably requiring ‘lateral tectonic accommodation’, whereby salt deposition persists near global sea level across the conjugated salt basin during mantle exhumation beneath mobile salt. The supposition that OMC can account for salt deposition in three different basins without invoking problematic 1.5–2 km-deep subaerial depressions provides further support for the process.
Comparison of Two Methods for Improving Distance Perception in Virtual Reality
Authors: Kelly Jonathan W. , Cherep Lucia A. , Klesel Brenna , Siegel Zachary D. , George Seth
Published: March 2018

Distance is commonly underperceived in virtual environments (VEs) compared to real environments. Past work suggests that displaying a replica VE based on the real surrounding environment leads to more accurate judgments of distance, but that work has lacked the necessary control conditions to firmly make this conclusion. Other research indicates that walking through a VE with visual feedback improves judgments of distance and size. This study evaluated and compared those two methods for improving perceived distance in VEs. All participants experienced a replica VE based on the real lab. In one condition, participants visually previewed the real lab prior to experiencing the replica VE, and in another condition they did not. Participants performed blind-walking judgments of distance and also judgments of size in the replica VE before and after walking interaction. Distance judgments were more accurate in the preview compared to no preview condition, but size judgments were unaffected by visual preview. Distance judgments and size judgments increased after walking interaction, and the improvement was larger for distance than for size judgments. After walking interaction, distance judgments did not differ based on visual preview, and walking interaction led to a larger improvement in judged distance than did visual preview. These data suggest that walking interaction may be more effective than visual preview as a method for improving perceived space in a VE.
Structural modularity and grid activity in the medial entorhinal cortex
Authors: Naumann Robert K. , Preston-Ferrer Patricia , Brecht Michael , Burgalossi Andrea
Published: March 2018

Following the groundbreaking discovery of grid cells, the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) has become the focus of intense anatomical, physiological, and computational investigations. Whether and how grid activity maps onto cell types and cortical architecture is still an open question. Fundamental similarities in microcircuits, function, and connectivity suggest a homology between rodent MEC and human posteromedial entorhinal cortex. Both are specialized for spatial processing and display similar cellular organization, consisting of layer 2 pyramidal/calbindin cell patches superimposed on scattered stellate neurons. Recent data indicate the existence of a further nonoverlapping modular system (zinc patches) within the superficial MEC layers. Zinc and calbindin patches have been shown to receive largely segregated inputs from the presubiculum and parasubiculum. Grid cells are also clustered in the MEC, and we discuss possible structure-function schemes on how grid activity could map onto cortical patch systems. We hypothesize that in the superficial layers of the MEC, anatomical location can be predictive of function; thus relating functional properties and neuronal morphologies to the cortical modules will be necessary for resolving how grid activity maps onto cortical architecture. Imaging or cell identification approaches in freely moving animals will be required for testing this hypothesis.
Comparison of Efficacy and Ocular Surface Disease Index Score between Bimatoprost, Latanoprost, Travoprost, and Tafluprost in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: El Hajj Moussa Wissam Georges , Farhat Rebecca Georges , Nehme Joseph Claud , Sahyoun Marwan Antoun , Schakal Alexandre Raymond , Jalkh Alexandre Edmond , Abi Karam Mariana Pierre , Azar Georges Georges
Published: March 2018

Aim. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 4 prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) and to determine the incidence of ocular surface disease in newly diagnosed, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients started on one of those 4 PGAs: bimatoprost (benzalkonium chloride, BAK, 0.3 mg/mL), latanoprost (BAK 0.2 mg/mL), travoprost (polyquad), and tafluprost (BAK-free). Patients and Methods. In this single-center, open-label trial, 32 patients newly diagnosed with POAG were randomly started on one of the four PGAs. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological exam at presentation and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. Dry eye disease (DED) was assessed using the original Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, in order to evaluate the impact of the drops on the quality of life of patients. Results. The mean age was 60.06 years ± 11.76. All four drugs equally and significantly reduced the intraocular pressure (IOP) with respect to the baseline IOP. There was a trend for a slightly greater reduction of IOP with bimatoprost, but the difference was not found to be statistically significant when compared to other PGAs. OSDI scores were significantly superior for travoprost (10.68 ± 5.73) compared to the other three drugs (p<0.05). Latanoprost caused the most significant eyelash growth and iris discoloration. Conjunctival hyperemia and superficial keratitis occurrence were similar in the four groups. Conclusion. All prostaglandin analogues equally and significantly reduce the IOP in patients with POAG. According to the results of the OSDI score, latanoprost seems to be the least tolerated among the four drugs.
Experimental Study on the Blasting Performance of Water‐Soil Composite Stemming in Underground Mines
Authors: Qiu Xianyang , Shi Xiuzhi , Zhang Shu , Liu Bo , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2018

Top stemming is necessary to stop the explosive energy from escaping through the upper part of blast‐holes in cutting blasts of large‐diameter deep‐hole blasting in underground mines. The often‐used single soil stemming frequently leads to material clogging which results in reduction of blasting efficiency. In this paper, a new water‐soil composite stemming is proposed to solve the problem. A series of small‐scale tests were conducted on solid concrete masonry blocks to investigate the effect of top stemming material and stemming length on blasting performance. The experimental results indicated that water stemming was worse at improving the utilization rate of the explosion energy compared with single soil stemming of the same length. Further, the mean fragment size decreased with the increase of stemming length for single water stemming. Three schemes of water‐soil composite stemming were designed and the scheme with soil in the lower part and water filled in bags in the higher part had the best fragmentation. The water‐soil composite stemming was applied in underground stopes, and field results indicated that the newly proposed stemming led to similar rock fragmentation with traditional single soil stemming, but greatly reduced the clogged blast hole ratio, thus effectively improving blasting and mining efficiency.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Sodium Niobate: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Fritsch Daniel
Published: March 2018

In recent years, much effort has been devoted to replace the most commonly used piezoelectric ceramic lead zirconate titanate Pb[ZrxTi1−x]O3 (PZT) with a suitable lead‐free alternative for memory or piezoelectric applications. One possible alternative to PZT is sodium niobate as it exhibits electrical and mechanical properties that make it an interesting material for technological applications. The high‐temperature simple cubic perovskite structure undergoes a series of structural phase transitions with decreasing temperature. However, particularly the phases at room temperature and below are not yet fully characterised and understood. Here, we perform density functional theory calculations for the possible phases at room temperature and below and report on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the different phases in comparison to experimental findings.
A Miniaturized Reconfigurable CRLH Leaky-Wave Antenna Using Complementary Split-Ring Resonators
Authors: Patron Damiano , Liu Yuqiao , Dandekar Kapil R.
Published: March 2018

Composite Right-/Left-Handed (CRLH) Leaky-Wave Antennas (LWAs) are a class of radiating elements characterized by an electronically steerable radiation pattern. The design is comprised of a cascade of CRLH unit cells populated with varactor diodes. By varying the voltage across the varactor diodes, the antenna can steer its directional beam from broadside to backward and forward end-fire directions. In this paper, we discuss the design and experimental analysis of a miniaturized CRLH Leaky-Wave Antenna for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. The miniaturization is achieved by etching Complementary Split-Ring Resonator (CSRR) underneath each CRLH unit cell. As opposed to the conventional LWA designs, we take advantage of a LWA layout that does not require thin interdigital capacitors; thus we significantly reduce the PCB manufacturing constraints required to achieve size reduction. The experimental results were compared with a nonminiaturized prototype in order to evaluate the differences in impedance and radiation characteristics. The proposed antenna is a significant achievement because it will enable CRLH LWAs to be a viable technology not only for wireless access points, but also potentially for mobile devices.
MicroRNA and Microvascular Complications of Diabetes
Authors: Barutta F. , Bellini S. , Mastrocola R. , Bruno G. , Gruden G.
Published: March 2018

In the last decade, miRNAs have received substantial attention as potential players of diabetes microvascular complications, affecting the kidney, the retina, and the peripheral neurons. Compelling evidence indicates that abnormally expressed miRNAs have pivotal roles in key pathogenic processes of microvascular complications, such as fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Moreover, clinical research into innovative both diagnostic and prognostic tools suggests circulating miRNAs as possible novel noninvasive markers of diabetes microvascular complications. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and understanding of the role of miRNAs in the injury to the microvascular bed in diabetes and discuss the potential of miRNAs as clinical biomarkers of diabetes microvascular complications.
Efficacy of On-Demand Therapy Using 20-mg Vonoprazan for Mild Reflux Esophagitis
Authors: Umezawa Mariko , Kawami Noriyuki , Hoshino Shintaro , Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Koizumi Eriko , Takenouchi Nana , Hanada Yuriko , Kaise Mitsuru , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: March 2018

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of on-demand therapy using 20-mg vonoprazan for mild reflux esophagitis (RE). Methods: On-demand therapy by taking one 20-mg tablet of vonoprazan only when reflux symptoms occurred was performed for 24 weeks using 30 patients with mild RE who were receiving maintenance therapy with proton pomp inhibitors (PPIs). The presence or absence of RE, degree of overall satisfaction with the treatment, score of symptoms, and fasting gastrin level before breakfast were examined before and after on-demand therapy. The number of tablets taken during the 24-week period was also noted. Results: One of the 30 patients dropped out of on-demand therapy 1 week after its initiation. Remission was maintained in 25 (86.2%) of the 29 patients (all 10 [100%] Los Angeles classification grade A patients and 15 (78.9%) of the 19 grade B patients). However, 4 grade B patients exhibited grade B relapse. There were no differences in the degree of overall satisfaction, score of symptoms or the gastrin level between PPI and on-demand therapies. The number of vonoprazan tablets taken during the observation period was 33 tablets (median)/24 weeks. Conclusion: On-demand therapy using 20-mg vonoprazan tablets is an effective alternative maintenance therapy for mild RE.
Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Gel for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesion: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Liu Huafang , Xu Yanli , Yi Nuo , Yi Wei
Published: March 2018

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of hyaluronic acid gel for the prevention of postoperative intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Results: Six RCTs with a total of 564 patients met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that, compared to no other treatment method, hyaluronic acid gel significantly reduced the rate of any IUA (risk ratio [RR] 0.68; 95% CI 0.53–0.86; p = 0.03; I2 = 64%) and adhesion score (standard mean difference = –2.90; 95% CI –4.61 to –1.49; p < 0.00001; I2 = 98%) following intraperitoneal or intrauterine surgery. Treatment lowered the rate of IUAs classified as moderate (RR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13–0.52; p = 0.13; I2 = 0%), but not those deemed mild (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.62–1.21; p = 0.39; I2 = 3%) or severe (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.03–3.09; p = 0.33; I2 = 0). Compliance with hyaluronic acid gel treatment was low. Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid gel can prevent IUAs, particularly those with moderate severity and a lower adhesion score.
High-Dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and Encephalopathy (HEAL): A Randomized Controlled Trial – Background, Aims, and Study Protocol
Authors: Juul Sandra E. , Comstock Bryan A. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Mayock Dennis E. , Goodman Amy M. , Hauge Stephanie , Gonzalez Fernando , Wu Yvonne W.
Published: March 2018

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains an important cause of neonatal death and frequently leads to significant long-term disability in survivors. Therapeutic hypothermia, while beneficial, still leaves many treated infants with lifelong disabilities. Adjunctive therapies are needed, and erythropoietin (Epo) has the potential to provide additional neuroprotection. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the current incidence, mechanism of injury, and sequelae of HIE, and to describe a new phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Epo neuroprotection in term and near-term infants with moderate to severe HIE treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Methods: This article presents an overview of HIE, neuroprotective functions of Epo, and the design of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of high-dose Epo administration, enrolling 500 neonates ≥36 weeks of gestation with moderate or severe HIE diagnosed by clinical criteria. Results and Conclusions: Epo has robust neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, and phase I/II trials suggest that multiple high doses of Epo may provide neuroprotection against brain injury in term infants. The High Dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and Encephalopathy (HEAL) Trial will evaluate whether high-dose Epo reduces the combined outcome of death or neurodevelopmental disability when given in conjunction with hypothermia to newborns with moderate/severe HIE.
Accordance of Online Health Information on Prostate Cancer with the European Association of Urology Guidelines
Authors: Bruendl Johannes , Rothbauer Clemens , Ludwig Bernd , Dotzler Bernhard , Wolff Christian , Reimann Sandra , Borgmann Hendrik , Burger Maximilian , Breyer Johannes
Published: March 2018

Background: The internet is an emerging source of information for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Since little is known about the quality of information on PCa provided online, we investigated its accordance to the latest European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. Methods: A total of 89 German web pages were included for analysis. A quality model classifying the provider of information and its expertise was introduced. Correctness of provided information was systematically compared to the EAU guidelines. Results: Information was provided by medical experts (41%), media (11%), and pharmaceutical companies (6%). Certificates were found in 23% with a significantly higher rate if provided by medical experts (p = 0.003). The minority of web pages showed information in accordance with the EAU guidelines regarding screening (63%), diagnosis (32%), classification (39%), therapy (36%), complications (8%), and follow-up (27%). Web pages by medical experts as well as websites with any kind of certification showed a significantly higher guideline conformity regarding diagnosis (p = 0.027, p = 0.002), therapy (p = 0.010, p = 0.011), follow-up (p = 0.005, p < 0.001), and availability of references (p = 0.017, p = 0.003). Conclusions: The present study reveals that online health information on PCa lacks concordance to current guidelines. Certified websites or websites provided by medical experts showed a significantly higher quality and accordance with guidelines.
Design, Rationale, Methodology, and Aims of a Greek Prospective Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry: Investigating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Greece (INDULGE IPF)
Authors: Bouros Demosthenes , Daniil Zoe , Papakosta Despoina , Antoniou Katerina M. , Markopoulou Katerina , Kolilekas Likurgos , Konstantopoulos George , Papiris Spyros ,   on behalf of the INDULGE IPF Study Group
Published: March 2018

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown origin. Despite the fact that the guidelines on the diagnosis and management of the disease were updated in 2015, incorporating novel agents recently introduced in the therapeutic approach of IPF, there is a lack of data on the epidemiology, disease status, and treatment in clinical practice. Contemporary data provided by national registries in IPF provide valuable information to guide clinical management of the disease in the real-world setting, adjusted to the local needs. Objective: Investigating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Greece (INDULGE IPF) is a Greek observational registry aiming at gaining further knowledge on the characteristics, management, progression, and outcomes of patients with IPF treated under real-world, clinical practice conditions in Greece. Methods: Approximately 300 patients will be enrolled consecutively in seven reference centers, constituting the largest IPF registry ever established in Greece. Conclusion: This registry is expected to provide data on the characteristics of IPF patients in Greece and the entire clinical management during the course of the disease.
Hand-Sewn versus Stapled Closure of Loop Ileostomy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Madani Rana , Day Nigel , Kumar Lalit , Tilney Henry S. , Gudgeon Andrew Mark
Published: March 2018

Background: Individual trials comparing hand-sewn with stapled closure of loop ileostomy show different outcomes due to lack of statistical power. A systematic review, with a pooled analysis of results, might provide a more definitive answer. This review aimed to compare hand-sewn with stapled anastomotic technique for closure of a loop ileostomy and looked at the effect of bowel resection on the complication rates. Methodology: Relevant studies were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane database. All randomised clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies comparing hand-sewn with stapled closure of loop ileostomy were included. Results: Of the 4,917 patients in 15 identified studies, 3,406 had hand-sewn and 1,511 stapled anastomosis. There was no difference in the rate of anastomotic leak between the hand-sewn (2.93%, 55/1,877) and the stapled group (2.08%, 25/1,202) (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.43–1.54, p = 0.52, I2 = 33%). The rate of small-bowel obstruction was higher in the hand-sewn group (7.03%, 231/3,284) compared to the stapled group (5.58%, 73/1,308; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.92, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%). There was no difference in the incidence of anastomotic leak and small-bowel obstruction in the hand-sewn anastomosis between patients with or without bowel resection. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the rate of anastomotic leakage between the hand-sewn and stapled techniques. The rate of small-bowel obstruction was higher in the hand-sewn group. Performance of bowel resection does not significantly increase the incidence of anastomotic leak or small-bowel obstruction.
Update on Vitamin E and Its Potential Role in Preventing or Treating Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Stone Jr. Cosby A. , McEvoy Cindy T. , Aschner Judy L. , Kirk Ashudee , Rosas-Salazar Christian , Cook-Mills Joan M. , Moore Paul E. , Walsh William F. , Hartert Tina V.
Published: March 2018

Vitamin E is obtained only through the diet and has a number of important biological activities, including functioning as an antioxidant. Evidence that free radicals may contribute to pathological processes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a disease of prematurity associated with increased lung injury, inflammation and oxidative stress, led to trials of the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol) to prevent BPD with variable results. These trials were all conducted at supraphysiologic doses and 2 of these trials utilized a formulation containing a potentially harmful excipient. Since 1991, when the last of these trials was conducted, both neonatal management strategies for minimizing oxygen and ventilator-related lung injury and our understanding of vitamin E isoforms in respiratory health have advanced substantially. It is now known that there are differences between the effects of vitamin E isoforms α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol on the development of respiratory morbidity and inflammation. What is not known is whether improvements in physiologic concentrations of individual or combinations of vitamin E isoforms during pregnancy or following preterm birth might prevent or reduce BPD development. The answers to these questions require adequately powered studies targeting pregnant women at risk of preterm birth or their premature infants immediately following birth, especially in certain subgroups that are at increased risk of vitamin E deficiency (e.g., smokers). The objective of this review is to compile, update, and interpret what is known about vitamin E isoforms and BPD since these first studies were conducted, and suggest future research directions.
Acetazolamide Reduces Retinal Inner Nuclear Layer Thickness in Microcystic Macular Edema Secondary to Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Borruat François-Xavier , Dysli Muriel , Voide Nathalie , Abegg Mathias
Published: March 2018

Optic neuropathy (ON) is commonly complicated by microcystic macular edema (MME), that is, small vertical cystoid spaces in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the macula. We performed a retrospective consecutive case series of 14 eyes from 11 patients with ON and MME that were treated with oral acetazolamide, acting on cellular water transport. Contralateral eyes without MME were used as controls. Segmentation of images obtained with OCT was used to determine changes of individual retinal layer thickness during treatment. Retinal INL thickness consistently decreased in all eyes after 2–3 weeks of treatment. Recurrence of MME was observed after treatment cessation. No significant change of retinal thickness was found in contralateral unaffected eyes. Visual function did not change with treatment. Acetazolamide significantly improved the MME in eyes with ON. However, visual function did not. Acetazolamide is a treatment option for MME associated with ON but without an impact on the visual function.
Are Aedes aegypti mosquitoes potential vectors for leishmaniasis? – Case report
Authors: Coelho Willian Marinho Dourado , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva , Coêlho Juliana de Carvalho Apolinário , Anjos Luciano Alves dos , Buzetti Wilma Aparecida Starke
Published: March 2018

In Brazil dipters of the Lutzomyia genus are the main vectors of leishmaniasis for humans and animals. However, other hematophagous insects such as ticks, fleas, and horse flies may also be considered potential vectors of this protozoon. This paper, regarding an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis, is the the first description of the Leishmania spp. presence in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Two A. aegypti mosquitoes were captured: one of them was feeding on a polysymptomatic dog with leishmaniasis, confirmed by parasitic demonstration and positive PCR for Leishmania spp., and the other was collected in the environment where the dog was isolated. The mosquito engorged with dog’s blood was crushed between two microscopic slides and the other one was processed by the polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) searching for the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA. Amastigote forms of Leishmania sp, were observed in the smear prepared from one mosquito by microscopic examination, as well as other protozoa’s flagellated forms. In the other insect it was observed Leishmania DNA amplification. This observation reinforces the role of dogs as sources of infection of Leishmania spp. even to other potential vector species.
Caracterização genética do gene da hemaglutinina em vírus da cinomose canina de cães naturalmente infectados no Brasil
Authors: Cortez Adriana , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Fonseca Junior Antônio Augusto , Costa Luciana Fachini da , Souza Vanessa Aparecida Feijó de , Megid Jane
Published: March 2018

A cinomose canina é uma das principais doenças infecciosas em cães e animais selvagens, resultando em alta morbidade e mortalidade. O gene H tem uma das maiores variabilidades genéticas entre os genes codificados pelo vírus da cinomose canina (CDV), e tem sido utilizado para caracterizar as estirpes de CDV, permitindo a identificação de linhagens específicas. A variação no gene H pode permitir que o vírus evite o reconhecimento por anticorpos induzidos pela vacina, resultando em falha vacinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o gene H em estirpes de CDV de cães infectados naturalmente no estado de São Paulo. A análise filogenética revelou que as estirpes de CDV brasileiras estão geneticamente relacionadas as estirpes circulantes no Uruguai, na Argentina e na Europa. Não foi encontrada nenhuma evidência da circulação no estado de São Paulo das linhagens América do Sul 2 e 3. O grau de divergência genética entre linhagens selvagens de CDV brasileiras e as estirpes vacinais podem sugerir a possibilidade de falhas vacinais e consequentemente a ocorrência de surtos de cinomose canina.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius multirresistente isolado do cão: relato de caso
Authors: Aizawa Juliana , Souza-Filho Antonio Francisco de , Cortez Adriana , Vasconcelos Carla Gasparotto Chande , Biotto Janaina , Heinemann Marcos Bryan
Published: March 2018

O potencial zoonótico de bactérias multirresistentes é uma preocupação global e os animais de companhia têm sido implicados na disseminação de bactérias resistentes; assim, é importante a vigilância, pois já existem relatos de transmissão destas bactérias do cão para o homem e vice-versa. Um cão, sem raça definida e de cinco anos de idade, foi atendido na cidade de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil, apresentando urolitíase obstrutiva de estruvita recorrente há um ano e meio. Na urocultura do animal foi isolada uma estirpe de Staphylococcus spp. multirresistente; o tratamento com vancomicina possibilitou acura clínica. A estirpe de Staphylococcus spp. isolada foi identificada molecularmente como S. pseudintermedius e nela foi identificada a presença do gene mecA, o principal responsável por S. pseuidintermedius resistente à meticilina (MRSP), e que é frequentemente resistente à múltiplos antimicrobianos. As hipóteses para este caso clínico são a transmissão do homem para o animal, pois o tutor era um médico intensivista, ou que a própria bactéria fazia parte da microbiota do animal e, devido a outros fatores como estresse e doença urinária obstrutiva, abriu-se uma porta de entrada para a infecção pelo S. pseudintermedius. Mais estudos são necessários para a elucidação da transmissão de bactérias multirresistentes entre animais de companhia e o ser humano.
Cardiac Kir2.1 and Na
V
1.5 Channels Traffic Together to the Sarcolemma to Control Excitability
Authors: Ponce-Balbuena Daniela , Guerrero-Serna Guadalupe , Valdivia Carmen R. , Caballero Ricardo , Diez-Guerra F. Javier , Jiménez-Vázquez Eric N. , Ramírez Rafael J. , Monteiro da Rocha André , Herron Todd J. , Campbell Katherine F. , Willis B. Cicero , Alvarado Francisco J. , Zarzoso Manuel , Kaur Kuljeet , Pérez-Hernández Marta , Matamoros Marcos , Valdivia Héctor H. , Delpón Eva , Jalife José
Published: March 2018

Rationale:

In cardiomyocytes, Na
V
1.5 and Kir2.1 channels interact dynamically as part of membrane bound macromolecular complexes.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to test whether Na
V
1.5 and Kir2.1 preassemble during early forward trafficking and travel together to common membrane microdomains.

Methods and Results:

In patch-clamp experiments, coexpression of trafficking-deficient mutants Kir2.1
Δ314-315
or Kir2.1
R44A/R46A
with wild-type (WT) Na
V
1.5
WT
in heterologous cells reduced inward sodium current compared with Na
V
1.5
WT
alone or coexpressed with Kir2.1
WT
. In cell surface biotinylation experiments, expression of Kir2.1
Δ314-315
reduced Na
V
1.5 channel surface expression. Glycosylation analysis suggested that Na
V
1.5
WT
and Kir2.1
WT
channels associate early in their biosynthetic pathway, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments demonstrated that coexpression with Kir2.1 increased cytoplasmic mobility of Na
V
1.5
WT
, and vice versa, whereas coexpression with Kir2.1
Δ314-315
reduced mobility of both channels. Viral gene transfer of Kir2.1
Δ314-315
in adult rat ventricular myocytes and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes reduced inward rectifier potassium current and inward sodium current, maximum diastolic potential and action potential depolarization rate, and increased action potential duration. On immunostaining, the AP1 (adaptor protein complex 1) colocalized with Na
V
1.5
WT
and Kir2.1
WT
within areas corresponding to t-tubules and intercalated discs. Like Kir2.1
WT
, Na
V
1.5
WT
coimmunoprecipitated with AP1. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Na
V
1.5
WT
channels interact with AP1 through the Na
V
1.5
Y1810
residue, suggesting that, like for Kir2.1
WT
, AP1 can mark Na
V
1.5 channels for incorporation into clathrin-coated vesicles at the
trans
-Golgi. Silencing the AP1 ϒ-adaptin subunit in human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes reduced inward rectifier potassium current, inward sodium current, and maximum diastolic potential and impaired rate-dependent action potential duration adaptation.

Conclusions:

The Na
V
1.5-Kir2.1 macromolecular complex pre-assembles early in the forward trafficking pathway. Therefore, disruption of Kir2.1 trafficking in cardiomyocytes affects trafficking of Na
V
1.5, which may have important implications in the mechanisms of arrhythmias in inheritable cardiac diseases.
Ideas, Ideology, and the Anomalous Problem of Revolutionary Causation
Authors: Rakove Jack N.
Published: March 2018

When properly taught, the arguments of The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution pivot on three issues; (1) how a Radical Whig ideology explains increasing American resistance after 1765; (2) how colonial and imperial differences on ideas such as representation, the nature of a constitution, and sovereignty illustrate the ways American governance had diverged from British antecedents; and (3), how Loyalists’ failure to recognize the depth of grievances demonstrates what Bailyn called “the [Revolution's] transforming radicalism.”
The Ordeal and the Constitution
Authors: Bilder Mary Sarah
Published: March 2018

Bernard Bailyn's The Ordeal of Thomas Hutchinson demonstrated that losers provide a method to recover the historical reality of people who did not know which political and constitutional arguments would ultimately win. Applying this insight, this essay argues that the meanings ascribed to “The Constitution” arose after the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
Global Turns: Other States, Other Civilizations
Authors: Kidd Colin
Published: March 2018

Although Ideological Origins was published before ‘globalization’ had entered the historical lexicon, Bernard Bailyn recovered the global perspectives of eighteenth-century Britons, who were keenly aware of parallels with ancient Rome, alert to the character of contemporary empires across Eurasia, and anxious about the recent Europe-wide decline of limited monarchies into despotisms.
From Representation to the Biopolitical?
Authors: Charlesworth Amy
Published: March 2018

This review article considers the position of Angela Dimitrakaki’s 2013 bookGender, artWork and the global imperative: A materialist feminist critiquewithin the field of Art History and feminist politics.
Role of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve in Rodent Lower Incisor Stem Cells
Authors: Hayano S. , Fukui Y. , Kawanabe N. , Kono K. , Nakamura M. , Ishihara Y. , Kamioka H.
Published: March 2018

In developing teeth, the sequential and reciprocal interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues promote stem/progenitor cell differentiation. However, the origin of the stem/progenitor cells has been the subject of considerable debate. According to recent studies, mesenchymal stem cells originate from periarterial cells and are regulated by neurons in various organs. The present study examined the role of innervation in tooth development and rodent incisor stem/progenitor cell homeostasis. Rodent incisors continuously grow throughout their lives, and the lower incisors are innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). In this study, we resected the IAN in adult rats, and the intact contralateral side served as a nonsurgical control. Sham control rats received the same treatment as the resected rats, except for the resection process. The extent of incisor eruption was measured, and both mesenchymal and epithelial stem/progenitor cells were visualized and compared between the IAN-resected and sham-operated groups. One week after surgery, the IAN-resected incisors exhibited a chalky consistency, and the eruption rate was decreased. Micro–computed tomography and histological analyses performed 4 wk after surgery revealed osteodentin formation, disorganized ameloblast layers, and reduced enamel thickness in the IAN-resected incisors. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a reduction in the CD90- and LRIG1-positive mesenchymal cell ratio in the IAN-resected incisors. However, the p40-positive epithelial stem/progenitor cell ratio was comparable between the 2 groups. Thus, mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell homeostasis is more related to IAN innervation than to epithelial stem/progenitor cells. Furthermore, sensory nerve innervation influences subsequent incisor growth and formation.
Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer: Promises and Challenges
Authors: Nonaka T. , Wong D.T.W.
Published: March 2018

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It remains one of the leading causes of death, and its early detection is crucial. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool for detecting and monitoring the disease status of patients with early and advanced cancers. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and exosomal miRNAs have received enormous attention because of their apparent clinical implications. Analyses of these circulating biomarkers have paved the way for novel therapeutic approaches and precision medicine. A growing number of reports have implicated the use of circulating biomarkers for detection, treatment planning, response monitoring, and prognosis assessment. Although these new biomarkers can provide a wide range of possible clinical applications, no validated circulating biomarkers have yet been integrated into clinical practice for head and neck cancer. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of circulating biomarkers in this field, focusing on their feasibility, limitations, and key areas of clinical applications. We also highlight recent advances in salivary diagnostics and their potential application in head and neck cancer.
Always looking for something better? The impact of job insecurity on turnover intentions: Do employables and irreplaceables react differently?
Authors: Balz Anne , Schuller Karin
Published: March 2018

This study contributes to the current research on the effect of job insecurity on turnover intentions by examining what happens to employees when job security is replaced with employment security. It analyzes whether perceived employability and irreplaceability (a) increase or decrease turnover intentions, or (b) buffer or intensify the negative effects of job insecurity on turnover intentions. The study focuses on an international context by using International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) data to assess the generalizability of the results. The findings show that perceived job insecurity increases turnover intentions in all countries. In addition, perceived employability increases turnover intentions in most countries, whereas weak evidence suggests that employees who feel irreplaceable are less likely to have turnover intentions. The results on the question about whether employees who feel employable or irreplaceable react differently to job insecurity – with respect to turnover intentions – vary widely between countries, and so a general conclusion about buffering effects cannot be drawn.