bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of intensive statin therapy on N‐terminal pro‐BNP level in non‐ST‐segment elevation acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Shehata Mohamed , Samir Ayman , Dardiri May
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study explored the impact of intensive daily dosing of atorvastatin on in‐hospital N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level, left ventricular systolic function and incidence of major adverse cardiac events in non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Background

Several studies showed that early initiation of statin therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients has a favorable prognostic impact.

Methods

Hundred statin naive patients were prospectively enrolled. Once eligible, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a moderate daily dose that is, 20 mg (Group A) or an intensified daily dose that is, 80 mg (Group B) of atorvastatin, in addition to an equally divided loading dose given 24 and 12 h before coronary angiography (80 mg each). N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels were recorded before and after coronary intervention. Collected data after 3 months included; N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, left ventricle systolic function and major adverse cardiac events.

Results

Mean age of the study cohort was 55 ± 10 years, 68% being males. There was no significant difference between both groups concerning procedural data. Group B patients showed a significantly lower N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels at both sampling occasions, i.e., after coronary intervention and 3 months later (P < 0.001). After 3 months, the same group showed higher left ventricle ejection fraction (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups regarding incidence of major adverse cardiac events.

Conclusion

Intensive atorvastatin therapy in non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with; lower in‐hospital N‐terminal pro BNP level and higher LVEF after 3 months.
Tailorable Thermal Expansion of Lightweight and Robust Dual-Constituent Triangular Lattice Material
Authors: Wei Kai , Peng Yong , Wen Weibin , Pei Yongmao , Fang Daining
Published: August 2017

Current studies on tailoring the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of materials focused on either exploring the composition of the bulk material or the design of composites which strongly depend on a few negative CTE materials or fibers. In this work, an approach to achieve a wide range of tailorable CTEs through a dual-constituent triangular lattice material is studied. Theoretical analyses explicitly reveal that through rational arrangement of commonly available positive CTE constituents, tailorable CTEs, including negative, zero, and large positive CTEs can be easily achieved. We experimentally demonstrate this approach through CTE measurements of the specimens, which were exclusively fabricated from common alloys. The triangular lattice material fabricated from positive CTE alloys is shown to yield large positive (41.6 ppm/°C), near-zero (1.9 ppm/°C), and negative (−32.9 ppm/°C) CTEs. An analysis of the collapse strength and stiffness ensures the robust mechanical properties. Moreover, hierarchal triangular lattice material is proposed, and with certain constituents, wide range of tailorable CTEs can be easily obtained through the rationally hierarchal structure design. The triangular lattice material presented here integrates tailorable CTEs, lightweight characteristic, and robust mechanical properties, and is very promising for engineering applications where precise control of thermally induced expansion is in urgently needed.
An Enhanced Spring-Particle Model for Red Blood Cell Structural Mechanics: Application to the Stomatocyte–Discocyte–Echinocyte Transformation
Authors: Chen Mingzhu , Boyle Fergal J.
Published: August 2017

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most abundant cellular element suspended in blood. Together with the usual biconcave-shaped RBCs, i.e., discocytes, unusual-shaped RBCs are also observed under physiological and experimental conditions, e.g., stomatocytes and echinocytes. Stomatocytes and echinocytes are formed from discocytes and in addition can revert back to being discocytes; this shape change is known as the stomatocyte–discocyte–echinocyte (SDE) transformation. To-date, limited research has been conducted on the numerical prediction of the full SDE transformation. Spring-particle RBC (SP-RBC) models are commonly used to numerically predict RBC mechanics and rheology. However, these models are incapable of predicting the full SDE transformation because the typically employed bending model always leads to numerical instability with severely deformed shapes. In this work, an enhanced SP-RBC model is proposed in order to extend the capability of this model type and so that the full SDE transformation can be reproduced. This is achieved through the leveraging of an advanced bending model. Transformed vesicle and RBC shapes are predicted for a range of reduced volume and reduced membrane area difference (MAD), and very good agreement is obtained in the comparison of predicted shapes with experimental observations. Through these predictions, vesicle and SDE transformation phase diagrams are developed and, importantly, in the SDE case, shape boundaries are proposed for the first time relating RBC shape categories to RBC reduced volume and reduced MAD.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Hybrid III Dummy Response to Simulated Underbody Blast Impacts
Authors: Somasundaram Karthik , Kalra Anil , Sherman Don , Begeman Paul , Yang King H. , Cavanaugh John
Published: August 2017

Anthropometric test devices (ATDs) such as the Hybrid III dummy have been widely used in automotive crash tests to evaluate the risks of injury at different body regions. In recent years, researchers have started using automotive ATDs to study the high-speed vertical loading response caused by underbody blast impacts. This study analyzed the Hybrid III dummy responses to short-duration, large magnitude vertical accelerations in a laboratory setup. Two unique test conditions were investigated using a horizontal sled system to simulate underbody blast loading conditions. The biomechanical responses in terms of pelvis acceleration, chest acceleration, lumbar spine force, head accelerations, and neck forces were measured. Subsequently, a series of finite element (FE) analyses were performed to simulate the physical tests. The correlation between the Hybrid III test and numerical model was evaluated using the correlation and analysis (cora) version 3.6.1. The score for the Wayne State University (WSU) FE model was 0.878 and 0.790 for loading conditions 1 and 2, respectively, in which 1.0 indicated a perfect correlation between the experiment and the simulated response. With repetitive vertical impacts, the Hybrid III dummy pelvis showed a significant increase in peak acceleration accompanied by a rupture of the pelvis foam and flesh. The revised WSU Hybrid III model indicated high stress concentrations at the same location, providing a possible explanation for the material failure in actual Hybrid III tests.
CO and H2O Time-Histories in Shock-Heated Blends of Methane and Ethane for Assessment of a Chemical Kinetics Model
Authors: Mathieu O. , Mulvihill C. R. , Petersen E. L. , Zhang Y. , Curran H. J.
Published: August 2017

Methane and ethane are the two main components of natural gas and typically constitute more than 95% of it. In this study, a mixture of 90% CH4/10% C2H6 diluted in 99% Ar was studied at fuel lean (equiv. ratio = 0.5) conditions, for pressures around 1, 4, and 10 atm. Using laser absorption diagnostics, the time histories of CO and H2O were recorded between 1400 and 1800 K. Water is a final product from combustion, and its formation is a good marker of the completion of the combustion process. Carbon monoxide is an intermediate combustion species, a good marker of incomplete/inefficient combustion, as well as a regulated pollutant for the gas turbine industry. Measurements such as these species time histories are important for validating and assessing chemical kinetics models beyond just ignition delay times and laminar flame speeds. Time-history profiles for these two molecules were compared to a state-of-the-art detailed kinetics mechanism as well as to the well-established GRI 3.0 mechanism. Results show that the H2O profile is accurately reproduced by both models. However, discrepancies are observed for the CO profiles. Under the conditions of this study, the CO profiles typically increase rapidly after an induction time, reach a maximum, and then decrease. This maximum CO mole fraction is often largely over-predicted by the models, whereas the depletion rate of CO past this peak is often over-estimated for pressures above 1 atm.
Cross-Layer Optimization Model Toward Service-Oriented Robotic Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Liu Quan , Xu Wenjun , Zhou Zude , Pham Duc Truong
Published: August 2017

Service-oriented robotic manufacturing system (SORMS) is an integrated system, in which the industrial robots (IRs) operate within a service-oriented manufacturing model, and can be virtualized and servitized as services, so as to provide on-demand, agile, configurable, and sustainable manufacturing capability services to users in workshop environment. Manufacturing capability of such systems can be divided into three layers, including manufacturing cell layer, production process layer, and workshop layer. However, currently most of the existing works carried out the optimization on each layer individually. Manufacturing cells are the component parts of a production process, and there are close relationships between them and can affect the operation and performance for each other; therefore, it is essential to jointly consider the manufacturing capability service optimization on both layers. In this context, a cross-layer optimization model is proposed to conquer the existing limitation and provide a comprehensive performance assurance to SORMSs. The proposed model has different decision-making mechanisms on each layer, and the communications and interaction between the two layers can further coordinate the optimizations. A case study based on robotic assembly is implemented to demonstrate the availability and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Predicting Sheet Forming Limit of Aluminum Alloys for Cold and Warm Forming by Developing a Ductile Failure Criterion
Authors: Sheng Z. Q. , Mallick P. K.
Published: August 2017

In this study, the forming limit of aluminum alloy sheet materials is predicted by developing a ductile failure criterion (DFC). In the DFC, the damage growth is defined by Mclintock formula, stretching failure is defined at localized necking (LN) or fracture without LN, while the critical damage is defined by a so-called effect function, which reflects the effect of strain path and initial sheet thickness. In the first part of this study, the DFC is used to predict forming limit curves (FLCs) of six different aluminum sheet materials at room temperature. Then, the DFC is further developed for elevated temperature conditions by introducing an improved Zener–Hollomon parameter (Z′), which is proposed to provide enhanced representation of the strain rate and temperature effect on limit strain. In warm forming condition, the improved DFC is used to predict the FLCs of Al5083-O and failure in a rectangular cup warm draw process on Al5182 + Mn. Comparison shows that all the predictions match quite well with the experimental measurements. Thanks to the proposal of effect function, the DFC needs calibration only in uniaxial tension, and thus, provides a promising potential to predict forming limit with reduced effort.
Optimal Design of Nonlinear Multimaterial Structures for Crashworthiness Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Detwiler Duane , Tovar Andres
Published: August 2017

This study presents an efficient multimaterial design optimization algorithm that is suitable for nonlinear structures. The proposed algorithm consists of three steps: conceptual design generation, clustering, and metamodel-based global optimization. The conceptual design is generated using a structural optimization algorithm for linear models or a heuristic design algorithm for nonlinear models. Then, the conceptual design is clustered into a predefined number of clusters (materials) using a machine learning algorithm. Finally, the global optimization problem aims to find the optimal material parameters of the clustered design using metamodels. The metamodels are built using sampling and cross-validation and sequentially updated using an expected improvement function until convergence. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using examples from multiple physics and compared with traditional multimaterial topology optimization (MTOP) method. The proposed approach is applied to a nonlinear, multi-objective design problems for crashworthiness.
Risk-Adaptive Set-Based Design and Applications to Shaping a Hydrofoil
Authors: Royset J. O. , Bonfiglio L. , Vernengo G. , Brizzolara S.
Published: August 2017

The paper presents a framework for set-based design under uncertainty and demonstrates its viability through designing a super-cavitating hydrofoil of an ultrahigh speed vessel. The framework achieves designs that safely meet the requirements as quantified precisely by superquantile measures of risk (s-risk) and reduces the complexity of design under uncertainty. S-risk ensures comprehensive and decision-theoretically sound assessment of risk and permits a decoupling of parametric uncertainty and surrogate (model) uncertainty. The framework is compatible with any surrogate building technique, but we illustrate it by developing for the first time risk-adaptive surrogates that are especially tailored to s-risk. The numerical results demonstrate the framework in a complex design case requiring multifidelity simulation.
Acoustic and perceptual effects of amplitude and frequency compression on high-frequency speech
Authors: Alexander Joshua M. , Rallapalli Varsha
Published: August 2017

This study investigated how six different amplification methods influence acoustic properties, and subsequently perception, of high-frequency cues in fricatives that have been processed with conventional full bandwidth amplification or nonlinear frequency compression (NFC)—12 conditions total. Amplification methods included linear gain, fast/slow-acting wide dynamic range compression crossed with fixed/individualized compression parameters, and a method with adaptive time constants. Twenty-one hearing-impaired listeners identified seven fricatives in nonsense syllables produced by female talkers. For NFC stimuli, frequency-compressed filters that precisely aligned 1/3-octave bands between input and output were used to quantify effective compression ratio, audibility, and temporal envelope modulation relative to the input. Results indicated significant relationships between these acoustic properties, each of which contributed significantly to fricative recognition across the entire corpus of stimuli. Recognition was significantly better for NFC stimuli compared with full bandwidth stimuli, regardless of the amplification method, which had complementary effects on audibility and envelope modulation. Furthermore, while there were significant differences in recognition across the amplification methods, they were not consistent across phonemes. Therefore, neither recognition nor acoustic data overwhelmingly suggest that one amplification method should be used over another for transmission of high-frequency cues in isolated syllables. Longer duration stimuli and more realistic listening conditions should be examined.
The U.S. Culture Collection Network Responding to the Requirements of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing
Authors: McCluskey Kevin , Barker Katharine B. , Barton Hazel A. , Boundy-Mills Kyria , Brown Daniel R. , Coddington Jonathan A. , Cook Kevin , Desmeth Philippe , Geiser David , Glaeser Jessie A. , Greene Stephanie , Kang Seogchan , Lomas Michael W. , Melcher Ulrich , Miller Scott E. , Nobles David R. , Owens Kristina J. , Reichman Jerome H. , da Silva Manuela , Wertz John , Whitworth Cale , Smith David
Published: August 2017

The U.S. Culture Collection Network held a meeting to share information about how culture collections are responding to the requirements of the recently enacted Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The meeting included representatives of many culture collections and other biological collections, the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Secretariat of the CBD, interested scientific societies, and collection groups, including Scientific Collections International and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network. The participants learned about the policies of the United States and other countries regarding access to genetic resources, the definition of genetic resources, and the status of historical materials and genetic sequence information. Key topics included what constitutes access and how the CBD Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House can help guide researchers through the process of obtaining Prior Informed Consent on Mutually Agreed Terms. U.S. scientists and their international collaborators are required to follow the regulations of other countries when working with microbes originally isolated outside the United States, and the local regulations required by the Nagoya Protocol vary by the country of origin of the genetic resource. Managers of diverse living collections in the United States described their holdings and their efforts to provide access to genetic resources. This meeting laid the foundation for cooperation in establishing a set of standard operating procedures for U.S. and international culture collections in response to the Nagoya Protocol.
Quantifying Transmission
Authors: Woolhouse Mark
Published: August 2017

Transmissibility is the defining characteristic of infectious diseases. Quantifying transmission matters for understanding infectious disease epidemiology and designing evidence-based disease control programs. Tracing individual transmission events can be achieved by epidemiological investigation coupled with pathogen typing or genome sequencing. Individual infectiousness can be estimated by measuring pathogen loads, but few studies have directly estimated the ability of infected hosts to transmit to uninfected hosts. Individuals’ opportunities to transmit infection are dependent on behavioral and other risk factors relevant given the transmission route of the pathogen concerned. Transmission at the population level can be quantified through knowledge of risk factors in the population or phylogeographic analysis of pathogen sequence data. Mathematical model-based approaches require estimation of the per capita transmission rate and basic reproduction number, obtained by fitting models to case data and/or analysis of pathogen sequence data. Heterogeneities in infectiousness, contact behavior, and susceptibility can have substantial effects on the epidemiology of an infectious disease, so estimates of only mean values may be insufficient. For some pathogens, super-shedders (infected individuals who are highly infectious) and super-spreaders (individuals with more opportunities to transmit infection) may be important. Future work on quantifying transmission should involve integrated analyses of multiple data sources.

View related correspondence here.
Zika pandemic online trends, incidence and health risk communication: a time trend study
Authors: Adebayo Gbenga , Neumark Yehuda , Gesser-Edelsburg Anat , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Levine Hagai
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We aimed to describe the online search trends of Zika and examine their association with Zika incidence, assess the content of Zika-related press releases issued by leading health authorities and examine the association between online trends and press release timing.

Design

Using Google Trends, the 1 May 2015 to 30 May 2016 online trends of Zika and associated search terms were studied globally and in the five countries with the highest numbers of suspected cases. Correlations were then examined between online trends and Zika incidence in these countries. All Zika-related press releases issued by WHO/Pan America Health Organization (PAHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the study period were assessed for transparency, uncertainty and audience segmentation. Witte's Extended Parallel Process Model was applied to assess self-efficacy, response efficacy, susceptibility and severity. AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with an eXogenous predictor variable (ARIMAX) (p,d,q) regression modelling was used to quantify the association between online trends and the timing of press releases.

Results

Globally, Zika online search trends were low until the beginning of 2016, when interest rose steeply. Strong correlations (r=0.748–0.922; p<0.001) were observed between online trends and the number of suspected Zika cases in four of the five countries studied. Compared with press releases issued by WHO/PAHO, CDC press releases were significantly more likely to provide contact details and links to other resources, include figures/graphs, be risk-advisory in nature and be more readable and briefer. ARIMAX modelling results indicate that online trends preceded by 1 week press releases by WHO (stationary-R2=0.345; p<0.001) and CDC (stationary-R2=0.318; p=0.014).

Conclusions

These results suggest that online trends can aid in pandemic surveillance. Identification of shortcomings in the content and timing of Zika press releases can help guide health communication efforts in the current pandemic and future public health emergencies.
Combining leaf gas-exchange and stable carbon isotopes to assess mycoheterotrophy in three species of Pyroleae
Authors: Bowler Rebecca , Massicotte Hugues B. , Fredeen Arthur L.
Published: August 2017

Determining the extent of mycoheterotrophy (MH) in plants, primarily through the use of stable isotope methods, has gained considerable attention in the last decade. The aim of this study was to characterize the rates of photosynthesis (PS) and several gas-exchange parameters, as well as stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of partially mycoheterotrophic (PMH) Pyroleae compared with autotrophic reference species of Ericaceae. An end-member mixing model was applied to δ13C, deriving estimates of % C gained via fungi (CDF). The δ13C was significantly enriched for Orthilia secunda and Pyrola chlorantha (relative to autotrophs) resulting in estimates of CDF ranging from 13.8% to 20.8%. Despite significantly lower PS rates for O. secunda and P. chlorantha, as well as lower conductance and transpiration, there were no significant differences in the Ci:Ca ratios across all of the species, suggesting that the C isotope inferences for these two species were reflective of fungal C gains. By contrast, results for all of the variables indicated primarily autotrophic C nutrition for Chimaphila umbellata. Further studies, such as isotope labelling experiments or assessments of biochemical constraints to autotrophy, may resolve the uncertainties in these species, allowing more accurate understanding of the complex nutritional mode of these plants.
Experimental and modelling liquid–liquid equilibrium for the system 2-ethyl-1-hexanol + glycerol
Authors: Araujo A.L. , Ferreira M.O. , Souza C.P. , Cardozo Filho L. , de Sousa E.M.B.D
Published: August 2017

This work presents experimental data on liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) for the system 2-ethyl-1-hexanol + glycerin. Equilibrium data were obtained through “cloud point” method, at temperatures of 298.15 K, 313.15 K, 333.15 K, 368.15 K, 383.15 K, 403.15 K, and 433.1 K. For the experimental data, a UNIQUAC model was used to describe the phase’s equilibrium performance. Posteriorly, a phase split stability test was done to validate the parameters found in this model. The system presented “upper critical solution temperature” (UCST), and the parameters of the UNIQUAC model were satisfactorily adjusted (1.27% standard deviation). The stability phase test (phase split) proved the validation of the tested model.
Role of zinc oxide nanoparticles in alleviating hepatic fibrosis and nephrotoxicity induced by thioacetamide in rats
Authors: Bashandy Samir A.E. , Alaamer Abdulaziz , Moussa Sherif A. Abdelmottaleb , Omara Enayat A.
Published: August 2017

The present research studied the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs; 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) on the liver and kidney injuries motivated by thioacetamide (TAA; 100 mg/kg, i.p.). Each treatment was carried out 3 times per week for 8 weeks. ZnO-NPs relieved the decrease of hepatic or renal reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) induced by TAA. Moreover, ZnO-NPs lowered tissue malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator for lipid peroxidation). TAA treatment led to a significant increase in plasma inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6), liver enzymes (gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and kidney function parameters (creatinine, urea, uric acid). However, these parameters were reduced after treatment with ZnO-NPs. In addition, the hepatic fibrosis markers, hydroxyproline level, and α-smooth muscle actin immunopositive stain were lowered by ZnO-NPs. The protective effect of ZnO-NPs in respect to biochemical changes was also confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies in the liver and kidney sections. Our results suggested that ZnO-NPs may attenuate TAA toxicity via suppression of oxidative stress.
The stability of self-accelerating Universe in modified gravity with dynamical torsion
Authors: Nikiforova Vasilisa
Published: August 2017

We consider the model of modified gravity with dynamical torsion. This model was previously found to have promising stability properties about various backgrounds. Here, we study the stability of linear perturbations about the self-accelerating solution. We apply the (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-decomposition and consider the scalar sector of perturbations. We find that the number of degrees of freedom is equal to 2, which is the same as in Minkowski background. However, there is at least one instability in the scalar sector, if the value of background torsion is large enough. This does not rule out the possibility of stable self-acceleration with torsion of the order of the effective cosmological constant.
Dark photon search at a circular e+e− collider
Authors: He Min , He Xiao-Gang , Huang Cheng-Kai
Published: August 2017

One of the interesting portals linking a dark sector and the Standard Model (SM) is the kinetic mixing between the SM [Formula: see text] field with a new dark photon [Formula: see text] from a [Formula: see text] gauge interaction. Stringent limits have been obtained for the kinetic mixing parameter [Formula: see text] through various processes. In this work, we study the possibility of searching for a dark photon interaction at a circular [Formula: see text] collider through the process [Formula: see text]. We find that the constraint on [Formula: see text] for dark photon mass in the few tens of GeV range, assuming that the [Formula: see text] invariant mass can be measured to an accuracy of 0.5% [Formula: see text], can be better than [Formula: see text] for the proposed CEPC with a 10-year running at [Formula: see text] (statistic) level, and better than [Formula: see text] for FCC-ee with even just one-year running at [Formula: see text], better than the LHCb, ATLAS, CMS experiments and other facilities can do in a similar dark photon mass range. For FCC-ee, running at [Formula: see text], the constraint can be even better.
How Single-Cell Genomics Is Changing Evolutionary and Developmental Biology
Authors: Marioni John C. , Arendt Detlev
Published: August 2017

The recent flood of single-cell data not only boosts our knowledge of cells and cell types, but also provides new insight into development and evolution from a cellular perspective. For example, assaying the genomes of multiple cells during development reveals developmental lineage trees—the kinship lineage—whereas cellular transcriptomes inform us about the regulatory state of cells and their gradual restriction in potency—the Waddington lineage. Beyond that, the comparison of single-cell data across species allows evolutionary changes to be tracked at all stages of development from the zygote, via different kinds of stem cells, to the differentiating cells. We discuss recent insights into the evolution of stem cells and initial attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary cell type tree of the mammalian forebrain, for example, by the comparative analysis of neuron types in the mesencephalic floor. These studies illustrate the immense potential of single-cell genomics to open up a new era in developmental and evolutionary research.
Applying Movement Ecology to Marine Animals with Complex Life Cycles
Authors: Allen Richard M. , Metaxas Anna , Snelgrove Paul V.R.
Published: August 2017

Marine animals with complex life cycles may move passively or actively for fertilization, dispersal, predator avoidance, resource acquisition, and migration, and over scales from micrometers to thousands of kilometers. This diversity has catalyzed idiosyncratic and unfocused research, creating unsound paradigms regarding the role of movement in ecology and evolution. The emerging movement ecology paradigm offers a framework to consolidate movement research independent of taxon, life-history stage, scale, or discipline. This review applies the framework to movement among life-history stages in marine animals with complex life cycles to consolidate marine movement research and offer insights for scientists working in aquatic and terrestrial realms. Irrespective of data collection or simulation strategy, breaking each life-history stage down into the fundamental units of movement allows each unit to be studied independently or interactively with other units. Understanding these underlying mechanisms of movement within each life-history stage can then be used to construct lifetime movement paths. These paths can allow further investigation of the relative contributions and interdependencies of steps and phases across a lifetime and how these paths influence larger research topics, such as population-level movements.
Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arany Zoltan
Published: August 2017

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is the unexplained loss of maternal cardiac systolic function in the period surrounding parturition. PPCM affects women worldwide and is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The cause of PPCM has remained elusive until recently. We review here the epidemiology of PPCM, recent findings that strongly indicate hormonal and genetic contributions to the development of PPCM, and implications for the management of women with PPCM.
Adaptive responses of rat descending vasa recta to ischemia
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Payne Kristie , Pallone Thomas L.
Published: August 2017

tested whether rat descending vasa recta (DVR) undergo regulatory adaptations after the kidney is exposed to ischemia. Left kidneys (LK) were subjected to 30-min renal artery cross clamp. After 48 h, the postischemic LK and contralateral right kidney (RK) were harvested for study. When compared with DVR isolated from either sham-operated LK or the contralateral RK, postischemic LK DVR markedly increased their NO generation. The selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W blocked the NO response. Immunoblots from outer medullary homogenates showed a parallel 2.6-fold increase in iNOS expression ( P = 0.01). Microperfused postischemic LK DVR exposed to angiotensin II (ANG II, 10 nM), constricted less than those from the contralateral RK, and constricted more when exposed to 1400W (10 µM). Resting membrane potentials of pericytes from postischemic LK DVR pericytes were hyperpolarized relative to contralateral RK pericytes (62.0 ± 1.6 vs. 51.8 ± 2.2 mV, respectively, P < 0.05) or those from sham-operated LK (54.9 ± 2.1 mV, P < 0.05). Blockade of NO generation with 1400W did not repolarize postischemic pericytes (62.5 ± 1.4 vs. 61.1 ± 3.4 mV); however, control pericytes were hyperpolarized by exposure to NO donation from S-nitroso- N-acetyl- dl-penicillamine (51.5 ± 2.9 to 62.1 ± 1.4 mV, P < 0.05). We conclude that postischemic adaptations intrinsic to the DVR wall occur after ischemia. A rise in 1400W sensitive NO generation and iNOS expression occurs that is associated with diminished contractile responses to ANG II. Pericyte hyperpolarization occurs that is not explained by the rise in ambient NO generation within the DVR wall.
Variance in exposed perturbations impairs retention of visuomotor adaptation
Authors: Canaveral Cesar Augusto , Danion Frédéric , Berrigan Félix , Bernier Pierre-Michel
Published: August 2017

Sensorimotor control requires an accurate estimate of the state of the body. The brain optimizes state estimation by combining sensory signals with predictions of the sensory consequences of motor commands using a forward model. Given that both sensory signals and predictions are uncertain (i.e., noisy), the brain optimally weights the relative reliance on each source of information during adaptation. In support, it is known that uncertainty in the sensory predictions influences the rate and generalization of visuomotor adaptation. We investigated whether uncertainty in the sensory predictions affects the retention of a new visuomotor relationship. This was done by exposing three separate groups to a visuomotor rotation whose mean was common at 15° counterclockwise but whose variance around the mean differed (i.e., SD of 0°, 3.2°, or 4.5°). Retention was assessed by measuring the persistence of the adapted behavior in a no-vision phase. Results revealed that mean reach direction late in adaptation was similar across groups, suggesting it depended mainly on the mean of exposed rotations and was robust to differences in variance. However, retention differed across groups, with higher levels of variance being associated with a more rapid reversion toward nonadapted behavior. A control experiment ruled out the possibility that differences in retention were accounted for by differences in success rates. Exposure to variable rotations may have increased the uncertainty in sensory predictions, making the adapted forward model more labile and susceptible to change or decay.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The brain predicts the sensory consequences of motor commands through a forward model. These predictions are subject to uncertainty. We use visuomotor adaptation and modulate uncertainty in the sensory predictions by manipulating the variance in exposed rotations. Results reveal that variance does not influence the final extent of adaptation but selectively impairs the retention of motor memories. These results suggest that a more uncertain forward model is more susceptible to change or decay.
Effects of Addition of Preoperative Intravenous Ibuprofen to Pregabalin on Postoperative Pain in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery
Authors: Pınar Hüseyin Ulaş , Karaca Ömer , Karakoç Fatma , Doğan Rafi
Published: August 2017

Objective. Ibuprofen and pregabalin both have independent positive effects on postoperative pain. The aim of the study is researching effect of 800 mg i.v. ibuprofen in addition to preoperative single dose pregabalin on postoperative analgesia and morphine consumption in posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Materials and Methods. 42 adult ASA I-II physical status patients received 150 mg oral pregabalin 1 hour before surgery. Patients received either 250 ml saline with 800 mg i.v. ibuprofen or saline without ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to the surgery. Postoperative analgesia was obtained by morphine patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and 1 g i.v. paracetamol every six hours. PCA morphine consumption was recorded and postoperative pain was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in postoperative recovery room, at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th hours. Results. Postoperative pain was significantly lower in ibuprofen group in recovery room, at the 1st, 2nd, 36th, and 48th hours. Total morphine consumption was lower in ibuprofen group at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 48th hours. Conclusions. Multimodal analgesia with preoperative ibuprofen added to preoperative pregabalin safely decreases postoperative pain and total morphine consumption in patients having posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery, without increasing incidences of bleeding or other side effects.
An Approximate Solution for Predicting the Heat Extraction and Preventing Heat Loss from a Closed-Loop Geothermal Reservoir
Authors: Wu Bisheng , Ma Tianshou , Feng Guanhong , Chen Zuorong , Zhang Xi
Published: August 2017

Approximate solutions are found for a mathematical model developed to predict the heat extraction from a closed-loop geothermal system which consists of two vertical wells (one for injection and the other for production) and one horizontal well which connects the two vertical wells. Based on the feature of slow heat conduction in rock formation, the fluid flow in the well is divided into three stages, that is, in the injection, horizontal, and production wells. The output temperature of each stage is regarded as the input of the next stage. The results from the present model are compared with those obtained from numerical simulator TOUGH2 and show first-order agreement with a temperature difference less than 4°C for the case where the fluid circulated for 2.74 years. In the end, a parametric study shows that (1) the injection rate plays dominant role in affecting the output performance, (2) higher injection temperature produces larger output temperature but decreases the total heat extracted given a specific time, (3) the output performance of geothermal reservoir is insensitive to fluid viscosity, and (4) there exists a critical point that indicates if the fluid releases heat into or absorbs heat from the surrounding formation.
Using a Cloud Computing System to Reduce Door-to-Balloon Time in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Transferred for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ho Chi-Kung , Chen Fu-Cheng , Chen Yung-Lung , Wang Hui-Ting , Lee Chien-Ho , Chung Wen-Jung , Lin Cheng-Jui , Hsueh Shu-Kai , Hung Shin-Chiang , Wu Kuan-Han , Liu Chu-Feng , Kung Chia-Te , Cheng Cheng-I
Published: August 2017

Background. This study evaluated the impact on clinical outcomes using a cloud computing system to reduce percutaneous coronary intervention hospital door-to-balloon (DTB) time for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods. A total of 369 patients before and after implementation of the transfer protocol were enrolled. Of these patients, 262 were transferred through protocol while the other 107 patients were transferred through the traditional referral process. Results. There were no significant differences in DTB time, pain to door of STEMI receiving center arrival time, and pain to balloon time between the two groups. Pain to electrocardiography time in patients with Killip I/II and catheterization laboratory to balloon time in patients with Killip III/IV were significantly reduced in transferred through protocol group compared to in traditional referral process group (both p<0.05). There were also no remarkable differences in the complication rate and 30-day mortality between two groups. The multivariate analysis revealed that the independent predictors of 30-day mortality were elderly patients, advanced Killip score, and higher level of troponin-I. Conclusions. This study showed that patients transferred through our present protocol could reduce pain to electrocardiography and catheterization laboratory to balloon time in Killip I/II and III/IV patients separately. However, this study showed that using a cloud computing system in our present protocol did not reduce DTB time.
Pathway Interaction Network Analysis Identifies Dysregulated Pathways in Human Monocytes Infected by Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Fan Wufeng , Zhou Yuhan , Li Hao
Published: August 2017

In our study, we aimed to extract dysregulated pathways in human monocytes infected by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) based on pathway interaction network (PIN) which presented the functional dependency between pathways. After genes were aligned to the pathways, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to calculate the pathway activity for each pathway, followed by detecting seed pathway. A PIN was constructed based on gene expression profile, protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and cellular pathways. Identifying dysregulated pathways from the PIN was performed relying on seed pathway and classification accuracy. To evaluate whether the PIN method was feasible or not, we compared the introduced method with standard network centrality measures. The pathway of RNA polymerase II pretranscription events was selected as the seed pathway. Taking this seed pathway as start, one pathway set (9 dysregulated pathways) with AUC score of 1.00 was identified. Among the 5 hub pathways obtained using standard network centrality measures, 4 pathways were the common ones between the two methods. RNA polymerase II transcription and DNA replication owned a higher number of pathway genes and DEGs. These dysregulated pathways work together to influence the progression of LM infection, and they will be available as biomarkers to diagnose LM infection.
Determination of Vitamin D Status in a Population of Ecuadorian Subjects
Authors: Maldonado G. , Paredes C. , Guerrero R. , Ríos C.
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Vitamin D is a preprohormone known to play a key role in phosphocalcic metabolism; its main source comes from the synthesis at the skin level by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of vitamin D in an Ecuadorian population.Materials and Methods. Retrospective study of Ecuadorian subjects from the city of Guayaquil, who had an initial study of 25 (OH)-D serum, as the indicator of Vitamin D status, in the period of 2015-2016.Results. A total of 269 Ecuadorian subjects were analyzed, with a mean age of 54.73 ± 16.58; 85% (229) were females and 15% (41) males; mean vitamin D was 27.29 ± 10.12 ng/dl[6.41–88.74]; 70% of the population showed levels below 30 ng/dL of vitamin D, whereas only 30% (81) had normal values. 69% (185) had levels between 29 and 10 ng/dl and 1% (3) levels below 10 ng/dl. High levels of vitamin D were evidenced in the summer months in relation to the winter months.Conclusion. It is evident that, despite the location of Ecuador and the intensity of UV rays it receives throughout the year, Ecuadorian subjects have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
Biomechanical Measurement Error Can Be Caused by Fujifilm Thickness: A Theoretical, Experimental, and Computational Analysis
Authors: Sarwar Ahmed , Srivastava Simli , Chu Chris , Machin Alan , Schemitsch Emil H. , Bougherara Habiba , Bagheri Zahra S. , Zdero Radovan
Published: August 2017

This is the first study to quantify the measurement error due to the physical thickness of Fujifilm for several material combinations relevant to orthopaedics. Theoretical and experimental analyses were conducted for cylinder-on-flat indentation over a series of forces (750 and 3000 N), cylinder diameters (0 to 80 mm), and material combinations (metal-on-metal, MOM; metal-on-polymer, MOP; metal-on-bone, MOB). For the scenario without Fujifilm, classic Hertzian theory predicted the true line-type contact width as WO={(8FDcyl)/(πLcyl)[(1-νcyl2)/Ecyl+(1-νflat2)/Eflat]}1/2, where F is compressive force, Dcyl is cylinder diameter, Lcyl is cylinder length, νcyl and νflat are cylinder and flat Poisson’s ratios, and Ecyl and Eflat are cylinder and flat elastic moduli. For the scenario with Fujifilm, experimental measurements resulted in contact widths of WF=0.1778×F0.2273×D0.2936 for MOM tests, WF=0.0449×F0.4664×D0.4201 for MOP tests, and WF=0.1647×F0.2397×D0.3394 for MOB tests, where F is compressive force and D is cylinder diameter. Fujifilm thickness error ratio WF/WO showed a nonlinear decrease versus cylinder diameter, whilst error graphs shifted down as force increased. Computational finite element analysis for several test cases agreed with theoretical and experimental data, respectively, to within 3.3% and 1.4%. Despite its wide use, Fujifilm’s measurement errors must be kept in mind when employed in orthopaedic biomechanics research.
Manual Acupuncture at PC6 Ameliorates Acute Restraint Stress‐Induced Anxiety in Rats by Normalizing Amygdaloid Noradrenergic Response
Authors: Zhao ZhengLin , Kim Sang Chan , Liu HongFeng , Zhang Jie , Wang YuHua , Cho Il Je , Lee Bong Hyo , Song Chang Hyun , Lee Chul Won , Yang Chae Ha , Zhao RongJie , Wu YiYan
Published: August 2017

Acupuncture improves ethanol withdrawal‐induced anxiety in rats in an acupoint‐dependent manner. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of acupuncture on acute restraint stress‐ (ARS‐) induced anxiety. Male rats were exposed to ARS for 3 h followed by acupuncture at either PC6 (Neiguan), HT7 (Shenmen), or a nonacupoint (tail) once a day for three consecutive days. Five minutes after the third acupuncture treatment, anxiety‐like behavior was evaluated in an elevated plus maze (EPM). Additionally, plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxy‐phenylglycol (MHPG) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Acupuncture at PC6, but not HT7 or a nonacupoint, attenuated anxiety‐like behavior, but this attenuation was abolished by a postacupunctural intra‐CeA infusion of NE. Acupuncture at PC6 also reduced the oversecretion of plasma CORT and inhibited increases in amygdaloid NE and MHPG induced by ARS. Further, Western blot analyses and real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that acupuncture at PC6 prevented ARS‐induced enhancements in the protein and mRNA expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase in the CeA. These results suggest that acupuncture performed specifically at acupoint PC6 reduces ARS‐induced anxiety‐like behavior by dampening amygdaloid noradrenergic responses.
Impact of Thyroid Hormone Levels on Functional Outcome in Neurological and Neurosurgical Early Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Boltzmann Melanie , Schmidt Simone B. , Rollnik Jens D.
Published: August 2017

Background. Neurological and neurosurgical early rehabilitation (NNER) is a specialized treatment option for patients with severe neurological disorders. The present study investigated whether thyroid hormone levels on admission have an impact on the outcome of NNER patients. Method. The study included 500 NNER patients who were admitted to the BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf between 2009 and 2010. Data such as age, sex, diagnoses, comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale score, length of stay, and thyroid hormone levels (obtained as part of clinical routine care) were analyzed retrospectively. Improvement in the Early Rehabilitation Barthel Index (ERBI) at the end of the NNER treatment was defined as outcome parameter. Results. Most patients made functional progress during treatment, as reflected in significant enhancements of the ERBI. Approximately half of the patients were transferred to further rehabilitation treatment. Young age, early onset of NNER treatment, low functional impairment on admission, and, in particular, low total T3 levels were independently associated with a good outcome. Conclusion. Age, severity of disease, and time between injury and admission are known to predict outcome. The present study confirms the influence of these general factors. In addition, an association between thyroid hormones and functional outcome was demonstrated for NNER patients.