bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential impact of weedy Brassicaceae species on oil and meal quality of oilseed rape (canola) in Australia
Authors: Salisbury P A , Potter T D , Gurung A M , Mailer R J , Williams W M
Published: February 2018

Brassicaceae weeds are a widespread problem in Australian oilseed rape crops. The weeds not only compete for resources during crop growth, but also have the potential to reduce both oil and meal quality of the harvested crop. This study investigated oil and meal quality of weedy species from the Brassicaceae family that were collected throughout cropping regions of Australia. Eighty‐nine lines from 19 species were grown and evaluated in the same environment for their potential to contaminate Australian oilseed rape seed lots. Seed and flowering characteristics of each species were also examined. The glucosinolate concentration of most of the weedy species was greater than 100 μmol g−1 of oil‐free meal, well above the threshold for meeting oilseed rape quality. Erucic acid content of 18 of the 19 weedy species also exceeded the oilseed rape quality standard of less than 2% erucic acid. This study highlights the potential of the weedy species to reduce the quality of Australian oilseed rape crops.
Treatment of SU-8 surfaces using atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: de Novais Schianti Juliana , do Nascimento Fellype , Cordoba Ramirez Jhonattan , Machida Munemasa , Gabrielli Lucas Heitzmann , Hernandez-Figueroa Hugo Enrique , Moshkalev Stanislav
Published: February 2018

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was used to change the wettability of a SU-8 photoresist, reducing the contact angle and improving the surface smoothness. As most polymers, SU-8 has hydrophobic surfaces which prevents the adhesion of biological samples when used to fabricate biochemical sensors. Here, DBD Plasma treatment was conducted over the SU-8 surface, reducing the contact angle from 78° to 12°. The advantage of this treatment is that the SU-8 surface maintains the hydrophilic surface behavior over 24 h time period. DBD plasma modified the SU-8 surface wettability under low temperature variation and does not cause great irregularities on the surface. The highest value of root mean square surface roughness after 10 min exposure was 2.9 ± 0.3 nm.
Modulation detection interference in cochlear implant listeners under forward masking conditions
Authors: Chatterjee Monita , Kulkarni Aditya M.
Published: February 2018

Little is known about cochlear implant (CI) users' ability to process amplitude modulation (AM) under conditions of forward masking (forward-modulation detection/discrimination interference, or F-MDI). In this study, F-MDI was investigated in adult CI listeners using direct electrical stimulation via research interface. The target was sinusoidally amplitude modulated at 50 Hz, and presented to a fixed electrode in the middle of the array. The forward masker was either amplitude modulated at the same rate (AM) or unmodulated and presented at the peak amplitude of its AM counterpart (steady-state peak, SSP). Results showed that the AM masker produced higher modulation thresholds in the target than the SSP masker. The difference (F-MDI) was estimated to be 4.6 dB on average, and did not change with masker-target delays up to 100 ms or with masker-target spatial electrode distances up to eight electrodes. Results with a coherent remote cue presented with the masker showed that confusion effects did not play a role in the observed F-MDI. Traditional recovery from forward masking using the same maskers and a 20-ms probe, measured in four of the subjects, confirmed the expected result: higher thresholds with the SSP masker than the AM masker. Collectively, the results indicate that significant F-MDI occurs in CI users.
Complete Genome Sequences of 11 Type Species from the
Thermococcus
Genus of Hyperthermophilic and Piezophilic Archaea
Authors: Oger Philippe M.
Published: February 2018

We report here the genome sequences of the type strains of the species
Thermococcus barossii
,
T. celer
,
T. chitonophagus
,
T. gorgonarius
,
T. pacificus
,
T. peptonophilus
,
T. profundus
,
T. radiotolerans
,
T. siculi
, and
T. thioreducens
, as well as the prototype of a possible type strain of a novel
Thermococcus
species, strain P6.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methylocella silvestris TVC, a Facultative Methanotroph Isolated from Permafrost
Authors: Wang Jing , Geng Kan , Farhan Ul Haque Muhammad , Crombie Andrew , Street Lorna E. , Wookey Philip A. , Ma Ke , Murrell J. Colin , Pratscher Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Permafrost environments play a crucial role in global carbon and methane cycling. We report here the draft genome sequence of
Methylocella silvestris
TVC, a new facultative methanotroph strain, isolated from the Siksik Creek catchment in the continuous permafrost zone of Inuvik (Northwest Territories, Canada).
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. Strain UFRGS-B20, a Hydrocarbon Degrader
Authors: Dörr de Quadros Patricia , Fulthorpe Roberta , Saati Rosemary , Cerqueira Vanessa , Bento Fátima Menezes
Published: February 2018

Bacillus
sp. strain UFRGS-B20 was isolated in 2012 from Brazilian land-farming soil contaminated with petrochemical oily sludge. This strain was subjected to hydrocarbon biodegradation tests, showing degradation rates of up to 60%. Here, we present the 6.82-Mb draft genome sequence of the strain, which contains 2,178 proteins with functional assignments.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Strain of Tanay Virus, Isolate YN15_103_01, from Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhao Lu , Xia Han , Wang Yujuan , Evans Atoni , Zhang Yunzhi , Yuan Zhiming
Published: February 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of a new strain of Tanay virus, isolate YN15_103_01, which was isolated from
Anopheles sinensis
mosquitoes caught in China. Sequence analysis showed that it shares a 79% nucleotide sequence identity with the only other previously reported strains of Tanay virus, which were isolated from the Philippines.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Porcine Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Li Zhaoli , Song Ningning , Li Weijie , Hardwidge Philip R. , Bu Zhigao , Liu Siguo
Published: February 2018

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is one of the main causes of illness and death in neonatal and recently weaned pigs. Here, we sequenced the genomes of two ETEC strains that were previously used as inactivated vaccines in China.
Genomic Sequence of Mycobacteriophage OKCentral2016
Authors: Patton Christopher James , Kotturi Hari
Published: February 2018

OKCentral2016 is the first mycobacteriophage sequenced from Oklahoma soil using the bacterial host
Mycobacterium smegmatis
strain mc
2
155. OKCentral2016 has a double-stranded DNA genome composed of 50,072 bp, with 84 predicted coding genes and 1 tRNA sequence. This mycobacteriophage has sequence similarities to members of the A10 subcluster.
Where beavers (Castor canadensis) build: testing the influence of habitat quality, predation risk, and anthropogenic disturbance on colony occurrence
Authors: Mumma M.A. , Gillingham M.P. , Johnson C.J. , Parker K.L.
Published: February 2018

Species distributions are shaped by numerous factors that vary in importance across spatiotemporal scale. Understanding drivers of the distribution of North American beavers (Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) is paramount given their profound influence on ecological communities. Our objectives were to evaluate the influence of habitat quality, risk of gray wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) predation, and anthropogenic disturbance on the occurrence of beaver colonies in northeast British Columbia (BC), Canada. We used mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression to model the occurrence of active and inactive colonies and t tests to compare landscape covariates associated with active versus inactive colonies. We determined that occurrence of beavers was driven by habitat quality. Occurrence increased in areas with higher vegetation-class richness and greater proportions of open water, nutrient-rich fen, and deciduous swamp. We also observed that active colonies were surrounded by greater amounts of deciduous swamps relative to inactive colonies. We found no evidence that predation risk or industrial activities decreased the occurrence of beavers in northeast BC, although numerical changes in abundance might occur without changes in distribution. This research illuminated drivers of beaver distribution while providing a means to predict the occurrence of a keystone species in the boreal ecosystem.
High-energy emission from gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Nava Lara
Published: February 2018

The number of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected at high energies ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV) has seen a rapid increase over the last decade, thanks to observations from the Fermi-Large Area Telescope. The improved statistics and quality of data resulted in a better characterization of the high-energy emission properties and in stronger constraints on theoretical models. In spite of the many achievements and progresses, several observational properties still represent a challenge for theoretical models, revealing how our understanding is far from being complete. This paper reviews the main spectral and temporal properties of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV emission from GRBs and summarizes the most promising theoretical models proposed to interpret the observations. Since a boost for the understanding of GeV radiation might come from observations at even higher energies, the present status and future prospects for observations at very-high energies (above [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]100[Formula: see text]GeV) are also discussed. The improved sensitivity of upcoming facilities, coupled to theoretical predictions, supports the concrete possibility for future ground GRB detections in the high/very-high energy domain.
On the symmetries of the 12C nucleus
Authors: Cseh J. , Trencsényi R.
Published: February 2018

The consequences of some symmetries of the three-alpha system are discussed. In particular, the recent description of the low-energy spectrum of the [Formula: see text]C nucleus in terms of the algebraic cluster model (ACM) is compared to that of the multichannel dynamical symmetry (MUSY), which is the intersection of the shell and cluster models. The previous one applies interactions of a [Formula: see text] geometric symmetry [D. J. Marin-Lambarri et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113 (2014) 012502], while the latter one has a U(3) dynamical symmetry. The available data is in line with both descriptions.
Computational social science ≠ computer science + social data
Authors: Wallach Hanna
Published: February 2018

The important intersection of computer science and social science.
How can we trust a robot?
Authors: Kuipers Benjamin
Published: February 2018

If intelligent robots take on a larger role in our society, what basis will humans have for trusting them?
Time-inconsistent planning
Authors: Kleinberg Jon , Oren Sigal
Published: February 2018

In many settings, people exhibit behavior that is inconsistent across time---we allocate a block of time to get work done and then procrastinate, or put effort into a project and then later fail to complete it. An active line of research in behavioral economics and related fields has developed and analyzed models for this type of time-inconsistent behavior.

Here we propose a graph-theoretic model of tasks and goals, in which dependencies among actions are represented by a directed graph, and a time-inconsistent agent constructs a path through this graph. We first show how instances of this path-finding problem on different input graphs can reconstruct a wide range of qualitative phenomena observed in the literature on time-inconsistency, including procrastination, abandonment of long-range tasks, and the benefits of reduced sets of choices. We then explore a set of analyses that quantify over the set of all graphs; among other results, we find that in any graph, there can be only polynomially many distinct forms of time-inconsistent behavior; and any graph in which a time-inconsistent agent incurs significantly more cost than an optimal agent must contain a large "procrastination" structure as a minor. Finally, we use this graph-theoretic model to explore ways in which tasks can be designed to motivate agents to reach designated goals.
Responsible research with crowds
Authors: Silberman M. S. , Tomlinson B. , LaPlante R. , Ross J. , Irani L. , Zaldivar A.
Published: February 2018

High-level guidelines for the treatment of crowdworkers.
The long noncoding RNA SNHG1 promotes nucleus pulposus cell proliferation through regulating miR-326 and CCND1
Authors: Tan Hongyu , Zhao Liang , Song Ruipeng , Liu Yilin , Wang Limin
Published: February 2018

Aberrant nucleus pulposus cell proliferation is implicated in the development of intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). Recent studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can modulate cell proliferation in several pathological conditions. Here, we indicate that expression of SNHG1 was upregulated in IDD tissues compared with control tissues and that higher SNHG1 expression was associated with disk degeneration grade. In addition, we show that ectopic expression of SNHG1 promoted nucleus pulposus (NP) cell proliferation and increased the PCNA and cyclin D1 expression in NP cells. Ectopic expression of SNHG1 inhibited miR-326 expression in nucleus pulposus cells and promoted CCND1 expression, which is a direct target gene of SNHG1. Moreover, we demonstrate that expression of miR-326 was downregulated in IDD tissues compared with control tissues and that lower SNHG1 expression was associated with disk degeneration grade. Expression of miR-326 was negatively associated with SNHG1 expression in disk degeneration tissues. Overexpression of miR-326 inhibited NP cell growth and inhibited PCNA and cyclin D1 expression in NP cells. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of SNHG1 promoted nucleus pulposus cell proliferation through inhibiting miR-326 expression. These data shed novel light on the role of SNHG1 in the pathogenesis of IDD.
Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR mediates the estrogen-induced metastasis of endometrial cancer cells via the miR-646/NPM1 axis
Authors: Zhou Yun-xiao , Wang Chuan , Mao Li-wei , Wang Yan-li , Xia Li-qun , Zhao Wei , Shen Jie , Chen Jun
Published: February 2018

LncRNA homeobox (HOX) transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) has been confirmed to be involved in the tumorigenic progression of endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, the molecular mechanisms of HOTAIR in EC are not fully elucidated. The expression of HOTAIR and miR-646 in human EC tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-646 on EC cells was assessed by the cell viability, migration, and invasion using CCK-8 assays and transwell assays. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays and RNA pull-down assays were performed to explore the interaction between HOTAIR and miR-646. The regulation of miR-646 on nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) was tested using luciferase reporter assays. MiR-646 expression was significantly decreased both in human EC tissues ( n = 23) and cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1-A) compared with the control. Moreover, miR-646 expression was negatively related to HOTAIR in human EC tissues ( n = 23). Our results also showed that miR-646 overexpression considerably attenuated the E2-promoted viability, migration, and invasion of Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells in vitro. In addition, HOTAIR was confirmed to regulate the viability, migration, and invasion of EC cells through negative regulating miR-646. More importantly, we also demonstrated that NPM1 was the target of miR-646, and HOTAIR promoted NPM1 expression through interacting with miR-646 in EC cells. Taken together, our findings presented that HOTAIR could regulate NPM1 via interacting with miR-646, thereby governing the viability, migration, and invasion of EC cells.
Prolactin regulates liver growth during postnatal development in mice
Authors: Moreno-Carranza Bibiana , Bravo-Manríquez Marco , Baez Arelí , Ledesma-Colunga Maria G. , Ruiz-Herrera Xarubet , Reyes-Ortega Pamela , de los Ríos Ericka A. , Macotela Yazmín , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Clapp Carmen
Published: February 2018

The liver grows during the early postnatal period first at slower and then at faster rates than the body to achieve the adult liver-to-body weight ratio (LBW), a constant reflecting liver health. The hormone prolactin (PRL) stimulates adult liver growth and regeneration, and its levels are high in the circulation of newborn infants, but whether PRL plays a role in neonatal liver growth is unknown. Here, we show that the liver produces PRL and upregulates the PRL receptor in mice during the first 2 wk after birth, when liver growth lags behind body growth. At postnatal week 4, the production of PRL by the liver ceases coinciding with the elevation of circulating PRL and the faster liver growth that catches up with body growth. PRL receptor null mice ( Prlr−/−) show a significant decrease in the LBW at 1, 4, 6, and 10 postnatal weeks and reduced liver expression of proliferation [cyclin D1 ( Ccnd1)] and angiogenesis [platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 ( Pecam1)] markers relative to Prlr+/+ mice. However, the LBW increases in Prlr−/− mice at postnatal week 2 concurring with the enhanced liver expression of Igf-1 and the liver upregulation and downregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 ( Socs2) and Socs3, respectively. These findings indicate that PRL acts locally and systemically to restrict and stimulate postnatal liver growth. PRL inhibits liver and body growth by attenuating growth hormone-induced Igf-1 liver expression via Socs2 and Socs3-related mechanisms.
Prognostic Value of Volume-Based Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients after Comprehensive Therapy
Authors: Tian Yueli , Bakari Khamis Hassan , Liao Shanshan , Xia Xiaotian , Sun Xun , Qin Chunxia , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli
Published: February 2018

Objective. We assessed the prognostic value of standardized uptake value (SUV) and volume-based methods including whole-body metabolic tumor volume (WBMTV) and whole-body total lesion glycolysis (WBTLG) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after therapy. Methods. A total of 221 posttherapy NPC cases were enrolled, all of whom had undergone PET/CT scanning and follow-up in this retrospective study. The diagnostic results of PET/CT were analyzed and compared with histopathological diagnosis or clinical follow-up. Receiver operator characteristic curves, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test were used to assess the optimal cutoff values for WBMTV and WBTLG to identify independent predictors of survival. Results. The detection rates of the threshold SUV were 2.5, 20%, and 40%, and SUV background methods were 65.6% (378/576), 80.2% (462/576), 71.5% (412/576), and 90.4% (521/576), respectively (P<0.005). Patients with a WBMTV < 8.10 and/or a WBTLG < 35.58 had significantly better 5-year overall survival than those above the cutoffs (90.7% versus 51.2%, P<0.001; 91.7% versus 50.4%, P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression modeling showed both WBTLG (RR, 1.002; P=0.004) and age (RR, 1.046; P=0.006) could be used to predict overall survival. WBTLG (RR, 1.003; P<0.001) may have predictive relevance in estimating disease-free survival. Conclusions. SUV volume-based threshold background methodology had a significantly higher detection rate for metastatic lesions. WBTLG could be used as an independent prognostic indicator for posttherapy NPC.
Upfront Radiotherapy with Concurrent and Adjuvant Vismodegib Is Effective and Well-Tolerated in a Patient with Advanced, Multifocal Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Franco Abigail I. , Eastwick Gary , Farah Ramsay , Heyboer Marvin , Lee Mijung , Aridgides Paul
Published: February 2018

We present a case report of a male with multifocal and extensive basal cell carcinoma. Due to extremely large size and deep tumor infiltration, he was not a surgical candidate. Combined modality treatment of fractionated radiation with concurrent vismodegib was chosen. Concurrent treatment was previously reported in the palliative and recurrent setting. This is the first case of concurrent vismodegib and radiation therapy for upfront definitive management. The patient experienced complete response in all treated lesions.
Focus Energy Determination of Mining Microseisms Using Residual Seismic Wave Attenuation in Deep Coal Mining
Authors: Zhang Mingwei , Liu Shengdong , Chen Shuzhao , Chen Yanlong , Xu Guang , Qian Deyu
Published: February 2018

Based on the energy attenuation characteristics of residual wave in deep rock, a method was developed to determine the microseismic focus energy. Differential energy loss in infinitesimal spreading distance is logically deduced, upon which energy attenuation equation was established. With a logarithmic transformation, a linear relation of the residual seismic energy with distance is formulated. Its intercept was used to determine the microseismic focus energy. The result is compared with that determined by the energy density method. The reliability of the determined focus energy and the impact of the built‐in velocity threshold on the residual wave energy computation are discussed. Meanwhile, the energy absorption coefficient used for representing the absorption characteristics of the rock medium in the mining region under study is also clarified. Key findings show that the microseismic focus energy confirmed by the residual wave attenuation is reliable. The result’s accuracy is quite high, especially for the events in deep rock with great homogeneity. The developed focus energy computation method is closely dependent on the integrity of waveform, accuracy of repositioning, and reliability of effective components extraction. The new method has been shown to be effective and practical.
Surgical Management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Patient
Authors: Shahbazov R. , Talanian M. , Alejo J. L. , Azari F. , Agarwal A. , Brayman K. L.
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome of progressive fibrotic change in response to prolonged, repetitive, and typically severe insult to the peritoneal mesothelium, often occurring in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Clear guidelines for successful management remain elusive. We describe the successful surgical management of EPS in a 28-year-old male s/p deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This patient received PD for 7 years but changed to hemodialysis (HD) in the year of transplant due to consistent signs and symptoms of underdialysis. EPS was visualized at the time of transplant. Despite successful renal transplantation, EPS progressed to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring PEG-J placement for enteral nutrition and gastric decompression. The patient subsequently developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula necessitating chronic TPN and multiple admissions for pain crises and bowel obstruction. He was elected to undergo surgical intervention due to deteriorating quality of life and failure to thrive. Surgical management included an exploratory laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions (LOA), repair of gastrocutaneous fistula, and end ileostomy with Hartmann’s pouch. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the SBO, and the patient was transitioned to NGT feeds and eventually only PO intake. He is continuing with PO nutrition, gaining weight, and free from dialysis.Conclusion. Surgical intervention with LOA and release of small intestine can be successful for definitive management of EPS in the proper setting. In cases such as this, where management with enteral nutrition fails secondary to ongoing obstructive episodes, surgical intervention can be pursued in the interest of preserving quality of life.
Preliminary Exploration of Epidemiologic and Hemodynamic Characteristics of Restrictive Filling Diastolic Dysfunction Based on Echocardiography in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Yi , Yin Wanhong , Qin Yao , Zeng Xueying , Zou Tongjuan , Wang Xiaoting , Chao Yangong , Zhang Lina , Kang Yan , Group (CCUSG) Chinese Critical Ultrasound Study
Published: February 2018

Objective. To preliminarily describe the epidemiologic and hemodynamic characteristics of critically ill patients with restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction based on echocardiography. Setting. A retrospective study. Methods. Epidemiologic characteristics of patients with restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction in ICU were described; clinical and hemodynamic data were preliminarily summarized and compared between patients with and without restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction; most of the data were based on echocardiography. Results. More than half of the patients in ICU had diastolic dysfunction and about 16% of them had restrictive filling pattern. The patients who had restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction were more likely to have wider diameter of IVC (2.18±0.50 versus 1.92±0.43, P=0.037), higher extravascular lung water score (15.9±9.2 versus 13.2±9.1, P=0.014), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (EF-S: 53.0±16.3 versus 59.3±12.5, P=0.014), and lower percentage of normal LAP that was estimated by E/e′ (8.9% versus 90.0%, P=0.001) when compared with those of patients without restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion. Our results suggest that critically ill patients with restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction may experience rising volume status, increasing extravascular lung water ultrasonic score, reducing long-axis systolic dysfunction, and less possibility of normal left atrial pressure. Intensivists are advised to pay more attention to patients with diastolic dysfunction, especially the exquisite fluid management of patients with restrictive filling pattern due to the close relationship of restrictive filling diastolic dysfunction with volume status and extravascular lung water in our study.
Recurrent Ameloblastoma: A Surgical Challenge
Authors: Aramanadka Chithra , Kamath Abhay Taranath , Kudva Adarsh
Published: February 2018

Ameloblastoma is locally aggressive benign odontogenic tumour with increased risk of recurrence rate. The choice of treatment depends on the histologic subtype. Radical therapy is the recommended modality for solid ameloblastomas. The possibilities of recurrence even after enbloc resection are still high. The author presents two case reports of recurrent ameloblastomas postradical resection. First case describes the recurrence of ameloblastoma in the bone graft which was used for reconstruction, and the second case depicts recurrence in the infratemporal fossa. Intraoperative radiography of the frozen section of the soft tissue margin plays an important role in the holistic management of these lesions.
Modification of Lipid Profile in Commercial Cow Milk Samples before and after Their Expiration Date: Evaluation of Storage Crucial Parameters and Possible Environmentally Friendly Disposal Alternatives
Authors: Sommella Eduardo , Basilicata Manuela Giovanna , Tenore Gian Carlo , Manfra Michele , Mastrocinque Raffaella , Ostacolo Carmine , Vitale Andrea , Chieppa Marcello , Campiglia Pietro , Pepe Giacomo
Published: February 2018

Milk waste is considered a highly polluting material and its disposal is an economic and environmental problem for the dairy sector. Despite this, it can be turned into a source of nutraceutical products and biodiesel substrate. The objective of this study was to determine the qualitative and quantitative variation of single fatty acids in cow milk samples before expiration date and within 28 days after expiration date in order to monitor how the profile of the lipid fraction is influenced by different physicochemical parameters. It was shown that lipolysis in milk is a process independent of time but dependent on the values of pH and total titratable acidity, while crucial parameters for the lipid oxidation are temperature and time of exposure to atmospheric oxygen. All of these factors are at the basis of the efficacy of milk storage conditions. Moreover, our data demonstrate that milk, several weeks after its expiry date, is a rich source of fatty acids that may be recovered as potential substrates for the formulation of economically viable products and eco-friendly diesel-like fuels.
Meaningful Image Encryption Based on Reversible Data Hiding in Compressive Sensing Domain
Authors: Li Ming , Fan Haiju , Ren Hua , Lu Dandan , Xiao Di , Li Yang
Published: February 2018

A novel method of meaningful image encryption is proposed in this paper. A secret image is encrypted into another meaningful image using the algorithm of reversible data hiding (RDH). High covertness can be ensured during the communication, and the possibility of being attacked of the secret image would be reduced to a very low level. The key innovation of the proposed method is that RDH is applied to compressive sensing (CS) domain, which brings a variety of benefits in terms of image sampling, communication and security. The secret image after preliminary encryption is embedded into the sparse representation coefficients of the host image with the help of the dictionary. The embedding rate could reach 2 bpp, which is significantly higher than those of other state-of-art schemes. In addition, the computational complexity of receiver is reduced. Simulations verify our proposal.
Chorioidale Neovaskularisationen bei seltenen retinalen Erkrankungen: Es besteht anhaltender Handlungsbedarf
Authors: Feltgen Nicolas
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs with a pro re nata (PRN) regimen for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks (AS). Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter, noncomparative case series of consecutive AS eyes affected by treatment-naïve CNV. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed every 30-45 days after the loading phase, including fluorescein angiography and/or optical coherence tomography. Results: In all, 52 eyes of 39 patients were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab and followed up for a mean of 33.8 months. The best corrected visual acuity at baseline was 20/40, and it deteriorated by an average of 6.8 ETDRS letters per year (p < 0.001). We performed an average of 5.1, 6.5, and 6.8 injections at the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: Intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs in a PRN regimen with close monitoring appear to slow the progression of CNV in AS, but they do not prevent the affected eyes from progressive visual loss.
Phenotypic Variability in Autosomal Dominant Familial Alzheimer Disease due to the S170F Mutation of Presenilin-1
Authors: Tiedt Hannes O. , Benjamin Beate , Niedeggen Michael , Lueschow Andreas
Published: February 2018

Background: In rare cases, patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) present at an early age and with a family history suggestive of an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Mutations of the presenilin-1 (PSEN1) gene are the most common causes of dementia in these patients. Early-onset and particularly familial AD patients frequently present with variable non-amnestic cognitive symptoms such as visual, language or behavioural changes as well as non-cognitive, e.g. motor, symptoms. Objective: To investigate the phenotypic variability in carriers of the PSEN1 S170F mutation. Methods: We report a family with 4 patients carrying the S170F mutation of whom 2 underwent detailed clinical examinations. We discuss our current findings in the context of previously reported S170F cases. Results: The clinical phenotype was consistent regarding initial memory impairment and early onset in the late twenties found in all S170F patients. There were frequent non-amnestic cognitive changes and, at early stages of the disease, indications of a more pronounced disturbance of visuospatial abilities as compared to face and object recognition. Non-cognitive symptoms most often included myoclonus and cerebellar ataxia. A review of the available case reports indicates some phenotypic variability associated with the S170F mutation including different constellations of symptoms such as parkinsonism and delusions. Conclusion: The variable clinical findings associated with the S170F mutation highlight the relevance of atypical phenotypes in the context of research and under a clinical perspective. CSF sampling and detection of Aβ species may be essential to indicate AD pathology in unclear cases presenting with cognitive and motor symptoms at a younger age.
The Significance of Extracellular Cholesterol Crystals or a Cholesterol Granuloma in Xanthelasma
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Ma Lina , Wolkow Natalie , Sutula Francis C. , Freitag Suzanne K.
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Xanthelasma is an unreliable indicator of systemic hyperlipidemia. A review in search of unusual histopathologic features of cellular composition that might correlate with systemic hyperlipidemia was conducted. Methods: An observational case series of 3 cases was performed. Slides were stained and analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff as well as for iron. Three lesions displayed an atypical morphologic finding and were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD20, CD68, CD163, S100, and adipophilin. Results: The three lesions comprised in this study had classical xanthoma cells with densely packed fine vacuoles. The xanthoma cells were CD68, CD163, and adipophilin positive and S100 negative. In case 1, extracellular, nonpolarizing cholesterol crystalloids displayed totally negative staining for all biomarkers. In cases 2 and 3, the cholesterol granulomas were surrounded and permeated by CD68- or CD163-positive epithelioid and giant cells and by CD3-positive T lymphocytes. The 3 cases each harbored squamous cysts. Conclusion: In case 1, the uninflamed extracellular cholesterol crystalloids were associated with severely dysregulated systemic hyperlipidemia. In cases 2 and 3, the cholesterol granulomas were interpreted as a local manifestation of a cyst that might have partially ruptured and did not portend serious hyperlipidemia.
Low Discontinuation Rate of Infliximab Treatment in Steroid-Dependent/Refractory Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Kaymak Tanay , Moriconi Federico , Niess Jan H. , Beglinger Christoph , Hruz Petr
Published: February 2018

Background: Many patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) are treated with infliximab (IFX). As most of these patients experience a long-lasting therapy, the outcome and withdrawal of IFX treatment are important clinical questions. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the treatment outcome in moderate to severe CD patients with a steroid-dependent/refractory disease course started on IFX. Withdrawal of IFX was evaluated in patients with deep remission defined as clinical (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≤4), biochemical (fecal calprotectin [FC] ≤150 μg/g stool) over a period of 2 years, and endoscopic and histological remission before discontinuation of IFX. Results: After induction with IFX, clinical remission was observed in 45/109 patients (41.3%) and clinical response in 61/109 patients (56.0%). Only 8/109 patients (7.3%) achieved deep remission and therefore could be discontinued from IFX therapy. In 4 of these patients (50%), relapse was observed after discontinuation of IFX treatment. FC decreased in these 8 patients in deep remission from 652 ± 168 μg/g stool (mean ± SE) at baseline to 24.9 ± 8.1 μg/g stool at 14 weeks. When compared to patients in deep remission, FC had decreased significantly less at 14 weeks in patients in clinical remission after induction with IFX (n = 31; 154 ± 55 μg/g stool; p = 0.01), in patients with clinical response after induction achieving clinical remission during the maintenance phase (n = 11; 352 ± 67 μg/g stool; p = 0.004), or in patients with chronic active disease course on maintenance therapy (n = 50; 645 ± 93 μg/g stool; p < 0.001). Conclusion: A low discontinuation rate was observed for steroid-dependent/refractory moderate to severe CD patients with IFX treatment. As FC showed a more or less pronounced decrease depending on the response to the IFX treatment, monitoring of FC may become a noninvasive tool for tailoring biological therapy in CD patients.
Reflection of Cardioprotection by Remote Ischemic Perconditioning in Attenuated ST-Segment Elevation During Ongoing Coronary Occlusion in Pigs
Authors: Kleinbongard Petra , Amanakis Georgios , Skyschally Andreas , Heusch Gerd
Published: February 2018

Rationale:

Reduction of infarct size by remote ischemic perconditioning (perRIC) is evident only after several hours reperfusion.

Objective:

To develop a potential real-time estimate of cardioprotection by perRIC, we have analyzed the time course of ST-segment elevation.

Methods and Results:

Anesthetized open-chest pigs were subjected to 60-minute coronary occlusion and 180-minute reperfusion (placebo; n=19). PerRIC (n=18; 4×5 min/5 min hindlimb occlusion/reperfusion) was induced 20 minutes after coronary occlusion. Regional myocardial blood flow was measured with microspheres, areas of no-reflow with thioflavin-S, area at risk with blue dye, and infarct size with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B α/β/γ, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was determined by Western blot. ST-segment elevation was analyzed in a V2-like ECG-lead at baseline, 5- and 55-minute coronary occlusion, and 10-, 30-, 60-, and 120-minute reperfusion. Transmural blood flow at 5-minute coronary occlusion was not different between perRIC (0.029±0.015 mL/min per gram; mean±SD) and placebo (0.024±0.018 mL/min per gram) as was area at risk (perRIC: 24±6% of the left ventricle; placebo: 21±4%). Areas of no-reflow tended to be smaller with perRIC (9±12% of area at risk versus 15±14% with placebo;
P
=0.13). Infarct size with perRIC was 23±12% of area at risk versus 40±11% with placebo (
P
<0.001). PerRIC increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 at 120-minute reperfusion by 196±142% versus 109±120% with placebo (
P
=0.047). The time courses of ST-segment elevation in perRIC and placebo protocols, respectively, were different (
P
=0.017). With similar ST-segment elevation at 5-minute coronary occlusion (perRIC 282±34 µV; placebo 259±28 µV), partial recovery of ST-segment elevation between 5- and 55-minute coronary occlusion was more pronounced with perRIC than placebo (by 111±84 versus 15±94 µV;
P
=0.028).

Conclusion:

Infarct size reduction by perRIC is reflected in the ST-segment elevation during coronary occlusion in pigs, supporting the notion of protection from ischemic injury.
Re-born Translated
Authors: Stănescu Bogdan-Alexandru
Published: February 2018

Starting in the 1980s, Romanian intellectual debates on national identity centered on “cultural complexes” and “paradoxes” to account for the local modes of cultural production in relation to hegemonic cultural centers in Western Europe, and especially Paris. This essay deals with the enduring effects of this perspective, examined through the lens of today’s circulation of translated Romanian fiction. I focus on one of the most celebrated Romanian novelists on the international stage, Gabriela Adameșteanu, and I analyze the changes in the mode of production of her postcommunist writings, once her works start to travel in translation. My argument will be framed by Walkowitz’s notion of novels “written for translation,” and Moretti’s notion of semi-peripheral novels as a compromise between the foreign form and the “local material.”
Revisiting the spider genus Eutichurus Simon, 1897 (Araneae, Eutichuridae): new species and complementary descriptions
Authors: BONALDO ALEXANDRE B. , LISE ARNO A. , RAMÍREZ MARTÍN J. , SATURNINO REGIANE
Published: February 2018

Six new species of the genus Eutichurus Simon, 1897 are described: E. murgai new species (based on male and female) and E. paredesi new species (male) from Peru; E. cumbia new species (female) and E. tequendama new species (male) from Colombia; E. yungas new species (male and female) from Bolivia, and E. nancyae new species (male and female) from Brazil. The males of E. marquesae Bonaldo, 1994, E. madre Bonaldo, 1994 and E. zarate Bonaldo, 1994 are described for the first time. Eutichurus brescoviti Bonaldo, 1994, described on males, is synonymized with E. tropicus (L. Koch, 1866), previously known only from females. New records for E. ibiuna Bonaldo, 1994, E. ravidus Simon, 1897, E. putus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1898, E. silvae Bonaldo, 1994, E. lizeri Mello-Leitão, 1938, E. saylapampa Bonaldo, 1994, E. tropicus and E. manu Bonaldo, 1994 are presented. A key to all species of Eutichurus is provided, variation in the epigynal morphology of E. ibiuna is recorded and the fine morphology of E. marquesae is documented.
The Role of the Water Vapor Feedback in the ITCZ Response to Hemispherically Asymmetric Forcings
Authors: Clark Spencer K. , Ming Yi , Held Isaac M. , Phillipps Peter J.
Published: February 2018

In comprehensive and idealized general circulation models, hemispherically asymmetric forcings lead to shifts in the latitude of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Prior studies using comprehensive GCMs (with complicated parameterizations of radiation, clouds, and convection) suggest that the water vapor feedback tends to amplify the movement of the ITCZ in response to a given hemispherically asymmetric forcing, but this effect has yet to be elucidated in isolation. This study uses an idealized moist model, coupled to a full radiative transfer code, but without clouds, to examine the role of the water vapor feedback in a targeted manner.

In experiments with interactive water vapor and radiation, the ITCZ latitude shifts roughly twice as much off the equator as in cases with the water vapor field seen by the radiation code prescribed to a static hemisperically symmetric control distribution. Using energy flux equator theory for the latitude of the ITCZ, the amplification of the ITCZ shift is attributed primarily to the longwave water vapor absorption associated with the movement of the ITCZ into the warmer hemisphere, further increasing the net column heating asymmetry. Local amplification of the imposed forcing by the shortwave water vapor feedback plays a secondary role. Experiments varying the convective relaxation time, an important parameter in the convection scheme used in the idealized moist model, yield qualitatively similar results, suggesting some degree of robustness to the model physics; however, the sensitivity experiments do not preclude that more extreme modifications to the convection scheme could lead to qualitatively different behavior.
Manufacturing Smugglers: From Irregular to Clandestine Mobility in the Sahara
Authors: Brachet Julien
Published: February 2018

For decades, mobility between the Sahel and northern Africa was mostly irregular, but not clandestine. Most of the border crossings were supervised and (illegally) taxed by border police; everyone knew who did what with whom, and Saharan drivers were not thought of as smugglers of people. Starting in the early 2000s, European countries intervened, considering all trans-Saharan movements as a first step on a journey toward Europe, thus encouraging national authorities to stop them. This led to the tightening of border controls across northwest Africa. This article shows how the resulting criminalization of travel to and through the Sahara has led to the development of specialized passenger transport as a clandestine activity, resulting in an increase in the human and financial costs of those journeys. Thus, smugglers, as a particular category of actors, appear as directly manufactured by the migration policies that were drafted to control them.
Community Dimensions of Smuggling: The Case of Afghanistan and Somalia
Authors: Majidi Nassim
Published: February 2018

This article uses an ecological systems approach to detail community involvement in smuggling in Afghanistan and Somalia—two countries that have similar patterns of irregular outmigration to the West and geopolitical and human security dynamics. I emphasize community connections and family ties as the key points around which irregular migration takes place and smuggling persists. In both of these countries, smugglers are members of local communities. The social organization of smuggling is strongest at community-based points of origin, then weakens as migrants and smugglers get farther from their homes, owing to a growing diversity of actors, cultures, and languages. By analyzing the strength of ties in communities involved in smuggling, the dynamics of referrals and guarantees, and interactions across various distances, this analysis takes the focus away from the causal and economic logic of smuggling to delve instead into its relational dimensions.
Assessment of Performance Carryover Effects Due to Successive Exposure to Different Lateral Camera Rotations in a Laparoscopic Training Environment
Authors: Neilson Brittany N. , Klein Martina I.
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess performance carryover effects associated with different successive lateral camera rotations in the laparoscopic training environment.

Background

Laparoscopy requires surgeons to adapt to disruptions of visuomotor mapping. A gradual adaptation process is hypothesized to be effective up to a given rotation threshold; this threshold may have performance implications for successive exposure to different lateral camera rotations.

Method

Two experiments utilized a laparoscopic training task. Experiment 1 exposed novices to a subsequent rotation that was either 45° larger than one of the initial rotations of 45°, 75°, 105°, and 135° or 45° smaller than one of the initial rotations of 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°. Experiment 2 exposed novices to either stepwise increasing rotations (0° to 180°) or stepwise decreasing rotations (180° to 0°).

Results

Regarding Experiment 1, performance generally improved for subsequent rotations that were 45° larger than the initial rotation, except for one condition (initial rotation, 105°; subsequent rotation, 150°). Performance generally improved for subsequent rotations that were 45° smaller than the initial rotation, except for one condition (initial rotation, 120°; subsequent rotation, 75°). Experiment 2 indicated worst performance at 120° for the increasing and decreasing conditions. This finding suggests an identical threshold for increasing and decreasing rotations, which is inconsistent with Experiment 1 results.

Conclusion

Improved performance due to carryover effects from successive exposure to lateral camera rotations in the laparoscopic training environment is contingent on the specific camera rotations.

Application

Supplementary laparoscopic training might be needed for surgeries that entail certain successive lateral camera rotations.
Non-Communio Trinitarian Ecclesiology: Furthering Neil Ormerod’s Account
Authors: Ryliškytė Ligita
Published: February 2018

As a corrective for the idealizing, romanticizing, and universalizing tendencies of communio ecclesiology, Neil Ormerod recently proposed an alternative non- communio trinitarian approach based on the ‘four-point hypothesis’ originating in Bernard F. Lonergan’s trinitarian theology. Ormerod’s account focuses on the missio rather than communio dimension of the church and thus gives primacy to ecclesial ‘operator’ over ‘integrator.’ This article aims at furthering Ormerod’s account of a non- communio trinitarian ecclesiology. In the light of Thomas Aquinas’s teaching, recent developments in ecclesiology and biblical scholarship, this essay (1) critically engages Ormerod’s account and (2) suggests a complementary route grounded in the biblical foundations of trinitarian doctrine.