bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Activity‐Based Design Methodology for Novice Visual Communication Designers
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Lee Hyunju
Published: March 2016

The notion of design thinking is becoming more concrete nowadays, as design researchers and practitioners study the thinking processes involved in design and employ the concept of design thinking to foster better solutions to complex and ill‐defined problems. The goal of the present research is to develop a cognitive activity‐based design methodology for novice visual communication designers, which will be achieved by mapping the findings from a comparative analysis of novice and expert visual communication designers' thinking processes onto the prospective methodology. Under the proposed methodology, activity modes take place in a chronological flow under specific guidelines involving various forms of design cognition. The guidelines correlate to design phases from problem structuring to detailed design and to the cognitive processes of divergent and convergent thinking. The methodology gives open‐ended instruction to novices endeavouring to proceed with the design process, solve complex design problems and make better design decisions. This research has value for its unique approach to methodology development. Furthermore, the proposed methodology provides guidance for more effective cognitive activities during the design process and holds potential for implementation in design education due to its focus on the needs of novice designers.
An Autoethnographical Study of Culture, Power, Identity and Art Education in Post‐Colonial South Korea
Authors: Jeong Ok‐Hee
Published: March 2016

This article reflects my experiences of learning art in the 1970s and 1980s and my teaching career in school art education in twenty‐first century South Korea. This autobiographical reflection shows how I have struggled with my identity as an art teacher in the post‐colonial context of Western influences on Korean society since World War II. There has been greater tension and a greater struggle for different values, practices and identities when new values and practices have been introduced into the particular socio‐cultural context of South Korea. My struggles with particular kinds of pedagogic identity valued within the rapidly changing political, economic and cultural context of Western influences on Korean art education demonstrate the hidden structural mechanism of the relationship between culture, power and identity in the post‐colonial world of globalisation. This study as an autoethnographical research provides critical insights into how identities are produced by pedagogic discourses and practices of art education that are constructed through the specific systems of practice and language which transmit and regulate such identities and values.
Drawing with Children: An Experiment in Assisted Creativity
Authors: Kouvou Ourania
Published: March 2016

This report outlines the cognitive accomplishments of young children involved in graphic dialogue with adults. A token of collaborative drawing is examined exhibiting the degree to which adult informed tutoring enabled children in their drawing development, enhanced their motivation and ability in narration and resulted in drawings meaningful to them. The case studies examined are the result of a three‐year research project conducted by undergraduate students of Athens University Department of Early Childhood Education under the supervision of the author of this article. This game‐like pedagogical strategy is inspired by L. Vygotsky's educational philosophy and based on B. & M. Wilson's model of adult–child graphic dialogue. It is understood as a method of instructing drawing enabling children to pass from that which they can achieve alone to that which they can accomplish with adult assistance. This educational approach answers to a call for a more socially accountable art education addressing the child's need to deal with issues he encounters in his everyday life and as such is open to adult and cultural interference. A similar educational approach intends to challenge the long‐standing, non‐interventionist art educational theory also known as ‘child art’ and its contention that a prerequisite for a creative individual is expression free from social and adult influence.
Inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress by an imidazopyridine derivative X22 prevents heart injury from obesity
Authors: Qian Yuanyuan , Zhang Yali , Zhong Peng , Peng Kesong , Xu Zheng , Chen Xuemei , Lu Kongqin , Chen Gaozhi , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang
Published: March 2016

Inflammation and oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of obesity‐related complications and cardiovascular disease. Benzimidazole and imidazopyridine compounds are a class of compounds with a variety of activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and anti‐cancer. X22 is an imidazopyridine derivative we synthesized and evaluated previously for anti‐inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages. However, its ability to alleviate obesity‐induced heart injury via its anti‐inflammatory actions was unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of X22 using cell culture studies and a high‐fat diet rat model. We observed that palmitic acid treatment in cardiac‐derived H9c2 cells induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis and hypertrophy. All of these changes were inhibited by treatment with X22. Furthermore, oral administration of X22 suppressed high‐fat diet‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, hypertrophy and fibrosis in rat heart tissues and decreased serum lipid concentration. We also found that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative actions of X22 were associated with Nrf2 activation and nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) inhibition, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study indicate that X22 may be a promising cardioprotective agent and that Nrf2 and NF‐κB may be important therapeutic targets for obesity‐related complications.
MicroRNA‐20a‐5p contributes to hepatic glycogen synthesis through targeting p63 to regulate p53 and PTEN expression
Authors: Fang Weiwei , Guo Jun , Cao Yuan , Wang Shuyue , Pang Cheng , Li Meng , Dou Lin , Man Yong , Huang Xiuqing , Shen Tao , Li Jian
Published: March 2016

Recently, it is implicated that aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRs) is associated with insulin resistance. However, the role of miR‐17 family in hepatic insulin resistance and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we provided mechanistic insight into the effects of miR‐20a‐5p, a member of miR‐17 family, on the regulation of AKT/GSK pathway and glycogenesis in hepatocytes. MiR‐20a‐5p was down‐regulated in the liver of db/db mice, and NCTC1469 cells and Hep1‐6 cells treated with high glucose, accompanied by reduced glycogen content and impaired insulin signalling. Notably, inhibition of miR‐20a‐5p significantly reduced glycogen synthesis and AKT/GSK activation, whereas overexpression of miR‐20a‐5p led to elevated glycogenesis and activated AKT/GSK signalling pathway. In addition, miR‐20a‐5p mimic could reverse high glucose‐induced impaired glycogenesis and AKT/GSK activation in NCTC1469 and Hep1‐6 cells. P63 was identified as a target of miR‐20a‐5p by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Knockdown of p63 in the NCTC1469 cells and the Hep1‐6 cells by transfecting with siRNA targeting p63 could increase glycogen content and reverse miR‐20a‐5p inhibition‐induced reduced glycogenesis and activation of AKT and GSK, suggesting that p63 participated in miR‐20a‐5p‐mediated glycogenesis in hepatocytes. Moreover, our results indicate that p63 might directly bind to p53, thereby regulating PTEN expression and in turn participating in glycogenesis. In conclusion, we found novel evidence suggesting that as a member of miR‐17 family, miR‐20a‐5p contributes to hepatic glycogen synthesis through targeting p63 to regulate p53 and PTEN expression.
Advertising Media Planning, Optimal Pricing, and Welfare
Authors: Esteban Lola , Hernández José M.
Published: March 2016

This paper analyzes optimal media planning strategies in a pricing‐advertising competition model where firms can use mass and specialized advertising. We find that although targeted advertising avoids the wasting of ads, firms might find it optimal to mix specialized advertising with the mass media. We also show that the characteristics of the specialized media available crucially affect the outcome of price competition between firms, which can range from a full fragmentation of the market into local monopolies to lower average prices (compared to the case where firms had only mass advertising available). Regarding welfare, we prove that although the use of specialized advertising can lower consumer surplus and drive a fragment of consumers out of the market, this advertising technology is welfare‐improving, and can be Pareto superior.
Quality Attributes of Dark Chocolate Produced from Vietnamese Cocoa Liquors
Authors: Tran Phuong Diem , Van Durme Jim , Van de Walle Davy , de Winne Ann , Delbaere Claudia , de Clercq Nathalie , Phan Thi Thanh Que , Phuc Nguyen Cat‐Hanh , Tran Dung Nhan , Dewettinck Koen
Published: March 2016

This study provides the quality aspects of Vietnamese (VN) dark chocolates produced by cocoa liquors exhibiting different degrees of acidity. Hereto, the impact of preconching the highly acidic cocoa liquors was investigated. Results show that three out of four VN chocolates attained comparable solid fat content at 35C, particle sizes and flow properties to a Ghanaian reference, ensuring a similar volatile release and taste perception. Principal component analysis of the aroma compounds obtained using headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography mass‐spectrometry clustered the chocolates into three groups: those from GH and VN liquor with intermediate acidity, those from preconched VN liquors and that from highly acidic VN liquor. A more detailed interpretation of the flavor profile revealed that VN chocolates exhibit more profound acidic, fruity and flowery aroma. Furthermore, liquor preconching positively affected chocolate flow and decreased volatile acids, however, partly removed both highly and less volatile, desired aroma compounds.

Practical Applications

As the demand and deficit for chocolate are increasing worldwide, the hunt for additional high‐quality cocoa resources will bring added value for both farmers and chocolate industry. Vietnamese (VN) cocoa, as a newcomer, is recently expanding its global market potential, however, how its quality can be positioned in the world supply is not assessed yet. The results of this study could reveal the applicability of VN cocoa liquors varying in acidity for the production of high‐quality dark chocolates with specific aroma notes. However, the typical high acidity in Southeast Asian cocoa is regarded as detrimental flavor attribute, thus inspiring this work to study whether cocoa liquor preconching could improve the overall aroma as well as mouthfeel perception.
Abscisic acid and ethephon regulation of cellulase in the endosperm cap and radicle during lettuce seed germination
Authors: Chen Bingxian , Ma Jun , Xu Zhenjiang , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of cellulase in endosperm cap weakening and radicle elongation during lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed germination. The application of abscisic acid (ABA) or ethephon inhibits or promotes germination, respectively, by affecting endosperm cap weakening and radicle elongation. Cellulase activities, and related protein and transcript abundances of two lettuce cellulase genes, LsCEL1 and LsCEL2, increase in the endosperm cap and radicle prior to radicle protrusion following imbibition in water. ABA or ethephon reduce or elevate, respectively, cellulase activity, and related protein and transcript abundances in the endosperm cap. Taken together, these observations suggest that cellulase plays a role in endosperm cap weakening and radicle elongation during lettuce seed germination, and that the regulation of cellulase in the endosperm cap by ABA and ethephon play a role in endosperm cap weakening. However, the influence of ABA and ethephon on radicle elongation may not be through their effects on cellulase.
Population prevalence of Down's syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Alexander M. , Ding Y. , Foskett N. , Petri H. , Wandel C. , Khwaja O.
Published: March 2016

Background

Aim was to estimate the age and sex‐stratified prevalence of Down's syndrome (DS) in the United Kingdom (UK) general population using a large primary care database.

Method

Data source was the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We divided the number of individuals with a record of DS present on 01/07/2014 by the total number of individuals, and computed Wilson's confidence intervals. Prevalence by age and sex was represented using local linear smoothing plots.

Results

On July 1st 2014, 1159 females and 1317 males with DS were present in the data, corresponding to a prevalence of 5.9 per 10 000 (95% CI: 5.5; 6.2) in females and 6.8 (6.5; 7.2) per 10 000 in males. Prevalence of DS was increased in individuals aged 40 to 55 years compared to adjacent age groups.

Conclusions

A relative peak prevalence of DS at age 40–55 years may be attributed to the combined effects of a rise in life expectancy and the still limited availability of selective abortion.
Light sheet microscopy and live imaging of plants
Authors: BERTHET BÉATRICE , MAIZEL ALEXIS
Published: March 2016

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is increasingly used to investigate biological processes in animals as well as in plants. LSFM achieves optical sectioning by the selective illumination of a single plane of the sample with a sheet of laser light while simultaneously recording emitted fluorescence orthogonally to the illumination plane. A 3D image of the sample can then be generated with a temporal resolution ranging from seconds to several days, and at scales ranging from subcellular to whole organ. By design, LSFM provides fast imaging, and low phototoxicity, two key criteria for live imaging under physiological conditions. Despite its potential, LSFM remains underutilized in plant biology. This review aims to highlight challenges of live imaging in plants, to describe key steps in using LSFM on live plant samples and finally at providing an overview of published examples of applications of LSFM in plants.
Degradation of nonmodified and rhodium modified aluminide coating deposited on CMSX 4 superalloy
Authors: ZAGULA‐YAVORSKA MARYANA , WIERZBIŃSKA MAŁGORZATA , GANCARCZYK KAMIL , SIENIAWSKI JAN
Published: March 2016

The Ni‐base superalloy CMSX 4 used in the turbine blades of aircraft engines was coated with rhodium layer (0.5‐μm thick). Next coated CMSX 4 superalloy was aluminized by the CVD method. The rhodium modified aluminide coating and nonmodified aluminide coating were oxidized at 1100°C at the air atmosphere. The rhodium modified aluminide coating showed about twice better oxidation resistance than the nonmodified one. The spallation equal 62% of the total area was observed on the surface of the nonmodified coating whereas only 36% spallation area was observed on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating after the oxidation test. The oxide layer formed on the surface of the nonmodified coating was composed of nonprotective (Ni,Cr)Al2O4 and (Ni,Cr)O phases. Aluminium in the coating reacts with oxygen, forming a protective α‐Al2O3 oxide on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating. When the oxide cracks and spalls due to oxidation, additional aluminium from the coating diffuses to the surface to form the oxide. The presence of protective Al2O3 oxide on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating slows coating degradation. Therefore, rhodium modified aluminide coating has better oxidation resistance than the nonmodified one.
An MRI‐Based Atlas for Correlation of Imaging and Pathologic Findings in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Raman Mekala R. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Murray Melissa E. , Lowe Val J. , Dickson Dennis W. , Jack Clifford R. , Kantarci Kejal
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pathologic diagnosis is the gold standard in evaluating imaging measures developed as biomarkers for pathologically defined disorders. A brain MRI atlas representing autopsy‐sampled tissue can be used to directly compare imaging and pathology findings. Our objective was to develop a brain MRI atlas representing the cortical regions that are routinely sampled at autopsy for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Subjects (n = 22; ages at death = 70‐95) with a range of pathologies and antemortem 3T MRI were included. Histology slides from 8 cortical regions sampled from the left hemisphere at autopsy guided the localization of the atlas regions of interest (ROIs) on each subject's antemortem 3D T1‐weighted MRI. These ROIs were then registered to a common template and combined to form one ROI representing the volume of tissue that was sampled by the pathologists. A subset of the subjects (n = 4; ages at death = 79‐95) had amyloid PET imaging. Density of β‐amyloid immunostain was quantified from the autopsy‐sampled regions in the 4 subjects using a custom‐designed ImageScope algorithm. Median uptake values were calculated in each ROI on the amyloid‐PET images.

RESULTS

We found an association between β‐amyloid plaque density in 8 ROIs of the 4 subjects (total ROI n = 32) and median PiB SUVR (r2 = .64; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In an atlas developed for imaging and pathologic correlation studies, we demonstrated that antemortem amyloid burden measured in the atlas ROIs on amyloid PET is strongly correlated with β‐amyloid density measured on histology. This atlas can be used in imaging and pathologic correlation studies.
Actors have feelings too: An examination of justice climate effects on the psychological well‐being of organizational authority figures
Authors: Bernerth Jeremy B. , Whitman Daniel S. , Walker H. Jack , Mitchell David T. , Taylor Shannon G.
Published: March 2016

Although a substantial amount of research explores how work units collectively benefit from authority figures who adhere to the rules of justice (i.e., justice climate), virtually no research explores how authority figures themselves benefit from creating a climate of fairness. We draw from relational theories of human behaviour and psychological well‐being to develop a theoretical model of the relationship between justice climate and authority figures' well‐being. Using data from a sample of 1297 employees and 162 authority figures within 162 work units, we find that procedural justice (PJ) and interactional justice (IJ) climate relate to authority figures' occupational satisfaction and emotional exhaustion; IJ climate also relates to positive affect. In addition, in line with an agent‐related justice perspective, IJ climate has a stronger overall impact than PJ climate on authority figures' well‐being.

Practitioner points

Finding individuals who want to be organizational authority figures is difficult if there are perceived psychological costs associated with being an authority figure. The reported research suggests organizations may want to highlight the positive relationship between adherence to rules of justice and the psychological well‐being of authority figures as a potential benefit of assuming authority positions.

Whereas traditional approaches to job design suggest the redesign of significant portions of the job (which is not always practical), our results suggest large‐scale changes may not be the only method for enhancing the positive feelings authority figures have about their job. Organizations could instead emphasize the positive impact that authority figures have on the work group as a whole. Given that working closely with the beneficiaries of one's efforts is intrinsically gratifying, such an emphasis might be enough to help create a more healthy and enjoyable environment for organizational authority figures.

Managers should pay particular attention to the interpersonal interactions they have with their employees. Our results suggest it is the interpersonal component of justice climate, as compared to the more process‐ or policy‐oriented components, that is the most beneficial to organizational authority figures.
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE SPIRITUAL COPING STRATEGIES SCALE ARABIC VERSION IN SAUDI PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Cruz Jonas P. , Baldacchino Donia R. , Alquwez Nahed
Published: March 2016

Background

Patients often resort to religious and spiritual activities to cope with physical and mental challenges. The effect of spiritual coping on overall health, adaptation and health‐related quality of life among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) is well documented. Thus, it is essential to establish a valid and reliable instrument that can assess both the religious and non‐religious coping methods in patients undergoing HD.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale Arabic version (SCS‐A) in Saudi patients undergoing HD.

Method

A convenience sample of 60 Saudi patients undergoing HD was recruited for this descriptive, cross‐sectional study. Data were collected between May and June 2015. Forward–backward translation was used to formulate the SCS‐A. The SCS‐A, Muslim Religiosity Scale and the Quality of Life Index Dialysis Version III were used to procure the data. Internal consistency reliability, stability reliability, factor analysis and construct validity tests were performed. Analyses were set at the 0.05 level of significance.

Results

The SCS‐A showed an acceptable internal consistency and strong stability reliability over time. The EFA produced two factors (non‐religious and religious coping). Satisfactory construct validity was established by the convergent and divergent validity and known‐groups method.

Conclusion

The SCS‐A is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure the religious and non‐religious coping strategies of patients undergoing HD in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim and Arabic‐speaking countries.
Perceptions of supported and unsupported prone‐restraint positions
Authors: Barnett R. , Stirling C. , Hall J. , Davies A. , Orme P.
Published: March 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Although the use of prone restraint should be avoided, it may remain a last resort emergency intervention for violent behaviour in psychiatric settings. However, when used as a last resort, concerns remain about the ability of staff to maintain the dignity, welfare and safety of the patient and minimize the potential adverse outcomes associated with restraint.

This study builds on existing research regarding the risks of prone restraint by focusing on the psychological perceptions of individuals held in this position.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Individuals, who were asked to rate the psychological impact of two different prone‐restraint positions (Supported and Unsupported Prone Positions) reported that the Supported Prone Position was more comfortable, less anxiety inducing and less limiting to breathing.

Although no individual found prone restraint a positive experience, it shows that individuals found the psychological impact of the Supported Prone Position was less than the Unsupported Prone Position.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health professionals have a clear responsibility to maintain the dignity, safety and wellbeing of individuals subject to prone restraint as a short‐term emergency procedure for the management of violent behaviour.

Reducing both the physiological and psychological impact of prone restraint will help to reduce any adverse impact on individuals subject to such interventions. The findings will help influence current practice and promote the removal of the USPP as a specific prone‐restraint intervention.

Aim

Restraint‐related deaths are multi‐factorial with prone restraint remaining a concern due to the physiological and psychological risks. This study builds on evidence presented by (Barnett et al. Medicine, Science and the Law (2012b): 1) that the Supported Prone Position (SPP) reduces physiological risks, by examining if the SPP also reduces the psychological impact of prone restraint.

Methods

Twenty participants ran to near maximal exertion before being held in two prone‐restraint positions: SPP and Unsupported Prone Position (USPP). Perceptions of comfort, anxiety and breathing limitation were measured using Visual Analogue Scales.

Results

Results showed that (1) comfort was 23% greater in the SPP; (2) anxiety was 55% less in the SPP; and (3) perception of breathing limitation was 32% less in the SPP when compared with the USPP. Negative perceptions expressed for the USPP included feeling trapped, vulnerable and concern over heart rate.

Discussion

In addition to reducing physiological risks, this study shows that the SPP reduced the psychological impact of prone restraint compared to USPP.

Implications for Practice

Settings where prone restraint cannot be avoided should remove the USPP as an emergency procedure in favour of the SPP as a way of maintaining safety and reducing the psychological impact of prone restraint.
Effects of dietary supplementation of synbiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, sIgA content and antioxidant capacities of broilers
Authors: Min Y. N. , Yang H. L. , Xu Y. X. , Gao Y. P.
Published: March 2016

Today, several strategies are being used to decrease the serious effects of antibiotics abuse on broilers industry and public health, among which synbiotics are one of the most promising antibiotic alternative. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of synbiotics, which composed of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) and prebiotics (xylooligosaccharide and mannanoligosaccharide), on growth performance, intestinal morphology, sIgA content and antioxidant parameters of broilers. Four hundred and fifty one‐day‐old commercial Cobb48 broilers were assigned to five treatments consisting of six replicates of 15 birds each pen. Five dietary treatments include basal diets (control), basal diets plus antibiotics (4 mg/kg Xanthomycin), basal diets plus 1 g of probiotics B. subtilis product/kg of diets (4 × 108 cfu/kg), basal diets plus 150 mg/kg xylooligosaccharide (35%) and 1 g/kg mannanoligosaccharide (75%), and basal diets plus synbiotics (1 g of probiotics B. subtilis product/kg of diets (4 × 108 cfu/kg), 150 mg/kg xylooligosaccharide (35%) and 1 g/kg mannanoligosaccharide (75%). The results demonstrated that on 21 and 42 days, dietary supplementation of the synbiotics significantly increased daily weight gain (p < 0.05), feed efficiency (p < 0.05), the villus height and villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05), as well as intestinal mucosa sIgA content (p < 0.05), serum T‐SOD activity (p < 0.05) and lysozyme content (p < 0.05), comparing with control group. In conclusion, synbiotics (B. subtilis and xylooligosaccharide and mannanoligosaccharide) is one of the safe and ideal dietary supplementations to increase broilers' growth performance by improving small intestinal morphology, sIgA content and antioxidant capabilities.
The acute effects of a protein‐rich meal on the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio in healthy dogs
Authors: Zeugswetter F. K. , Zwack D. , Luckschander‐Zeller N. , Schwendenwein I.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this prospective crossover study was to investigate the effects of a high‐protein diet on canine urinary corticoid‐to‐creatinine ratio (UCCR). The hypothesis was that meal‐induced hypercortisolism is, as has been shown in humans, a predictable and consistent finding in healthy dogs. Eight clinic‐owned beagles were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The allocation to the groups defined the sequence of a protein‐enriched meal (meal A) or no meal on the first and second days, whereas on the third day all dogs again received an identical meal (meal B) to test reproducibility. Urinary corticoids were measured using a solid‐phase, competitive CLIA on unextracted urine. Contrary to our expectations, consistent incremental responses of the UCCR were not observed (meal A vs. no meal [anova]: absolute increase, F = 2.546, p = 0.162; relative increase, F = 4.084, p = 0.09; AUC(UCCR), F = 0.279, p = 0.616). Nevertheless, the robust increases in two dogs above 60% of baseline suggest that the collection of urine prior to feeding likely increases the specificity of the UCCR to discriminate between dogs with and without hypercortisolism.
Effect of supplementation of calf starter with fennel powder on performance, weaning age and fermentation characteristics in Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Saeedi S. , Dayani O. , Tahmasbi R. , Khezri A.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects on performance, weaning age and rumen fermentation characteristics in Holstein calves when fennel powder was added to their starter diets. Thirty Holstein calves with a mean birth weight 40 kg (SD = 0.5) were allocated randomly to one of the following experimental diets: (i) control (starter diet without fennel powder), (ii) starter diet containing 0.4% of fennel powder and (iii) starter diet containing 0.8% of fennel powder (DM basis). The effect of treatments on mean dry matter intake was significant (p < 0.05) in the post‐weaning and total experimental periods. Average daily weight gain before (0.38, 0.49 and 0.47 kg/day) and after (0.6, 1.01 and 0.83 kg/day) weaning and during the entire study (0.45, 0.7 and 0.58 kg/day) was influenced by diets of 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.05). Maximum daily weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio were achieved with 0.4% fennel powder. Mean weaning age of the calves supplemented with fennel powder was lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. Ruminal fluid pH in calves offered starter containing 0.8% fennel powder was lower (p < 0.05) compared to calves fed the other diets. Ammonia nitrogen content increased (p < 0.05) in the third week of feeding fennel powder. The mean concentration of total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and propionate molar percentage in the ruminal fluid of the calves fed with the fennel powder were higher (p < 0.05) at 6 weeks and 2 weeks after weaning than control group; however, acetate‐to‐propionate molar ratio was lower (p < 0.05). The results showed that adding 0.4% fennel powder to the starter increased the propionate molar percentage in the rumen and improved the calf performance, allowing the calves to be weaned at an earlier age.
Treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection in decompensated cirrhosis – pre‐ or post‐liver transplantation? the ironic conundrum in the era of effective and well‐tolerated therapy
Authors: Bunchorntavakul C. , Reddy K. Rajender
Published: March 2016

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis has evolved dramatically over the past few years mainly due to the availability of all‐oral antiviral regimens. The currently approved all‐oral direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) containing sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin, in various combinations, have shown to be safe and effective in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with sustained virological response (SVR) rates nearly comparable to those with well‐compensated liver disease. Unique issues yet remain such as the challenges with renal insufficiency, tolerability of ribavirin and risk of further hepatic decompensation with a protease inhibitor‐based regimen. While most patients who achieve SVR have demonstrated improvement in hepatic synthetic function over the short course of follow, the long‐term beneficial effects are unknown. Further, the baseline predictors of improvement in hepatic function have not been well delineated and thus have left us in a quandary as to what we might expect with successful therapy and thus we are at a loss to well educate our patients. The major concern, in potential liver transplant candidates, is of unintended ‘harm’ by achieving SVR but without improvement in hepatic function to an extent where the patients might function well. As HCV therapies are as effective in liver transplant recipients, there is a growing sentiment in some of the transplant quarters that those with decompensated liver disease and awaiting liver transplant be treated for HCV after liver transplant. This strategy would thus eliminate any concern of leaving a patient in ‘no person's’ land by treating HCV successfully pretransplant but not to the point of functional normalcy, while also would maintain the risk of HCC. Yet a contrarian view would be that not all patients have access to liver transplantation (LT), cannot bear the cost, have comorbidities or contraindications to LT. While the debate continues, it is essential that we develop robust predictors of improvement in liver function so that we can carefully select our patients for therapy in the context of liver transplantation.
Material type and roughness influence structure of inter‐tidal communities on coastal defenses
Authors: Cacabelos Eva , Martins Gustavo M. , Thompson Richard , Prestes Afonso C. L. , Azevedo José Manuel N. , Neto Ana I.
Published: March 2016

On a global scale, urbanization has resulted in substantial proportions of coasts being replaced by artificial structures such as marinas, breakwaters and seawalls. There is broad consensus that coastal defense structures are poor surrogates of the natural habitats that they replace. Here we investigated the effects of the type and roughness of materials used for the construction of artificial structures on the surrounding biota by comparing abundances and distribution of key inter‐tidal taxa between natural shores and coastal defenses. Lower abundances of gastropods and barnacles were found on artificial coastal defense structures (regardless of the material type). At small spatial scales, abundances of key taxa increased with increasing roughness. Our results suggest that the choice of materials used for the construction of coastal defense structures has little effect on community structureper se, but that enhanced roughness could make coastal defenses better surrogates of natural habitats by supporting assemblages that are more similar to those found on natural shores.
A Microvascular Wall Shear Rate Function Derived From In Vivo Hemodynamic and Geometric Parameters in Continuously Branching Arterioles
Authors: Al‐Khazraji Baraa K. , Jackson Dwayne N. , Goldman Daniel
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Conventional approaches to WSR estimation in the microcirculation involve assumptions that may result in under–/over‐estimation of WSR. Therefore, our objectives were: (i) calculate WSR from RBC velocity profiles for a wide range of arteriolar diameters, (ii) provide an experimentally derived and straightforward WSR estimation function, and (iii) compare calculated to conventional WSR estimations.

Methods

We characterized RBC velocity profiles in arterioles (n = 39) of branching networks (21–115 μm) in the rat gluteus maximus muscle (n = 6). Measures included mean and maximum velocities, CFL thickness, and RBC column edge velocity, and an experiment‐based WSR function was derived.

Results

CFL thickness (1–4.3 μm) positively correlated with arteriolar diameter (r2 = 0.64). Results from the WSR equation were similar to values from edge RBC velocities/CFL. Experimental WSRs (1317–4334/sec) were independent of arteriolar diameter, and were greater than pseudoshear rates (for VRatio of 1.6, 2, or diameter‐dependent VRatio function) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A WSR equation was derived from experimental hemodynamic parameters, and is adaptable to other velocity measurement techniques in order to obtain WSR and stress (when plasma viscosity is known). These findings provide insight on the nature of conventional WSR calculation methods in underestimating microvascular WSR values.
An Automatic Algorithm Based on Morphological Stability During Fast Ventricular Arrhythmias Predicts Successful Antitachycardia Pacing in ICD Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: MATÍA ROBERTO , HERNÁNDEZ‐MADRID ANTONIO , SÁNCHEZ‐HUETE GONZALO , MARTÍNEZ‐FERRER JOSÉ BAUTISTA , ALZUETA JAVIER , VIÑOLAS XAVIER , RUBIO JERÓNIMO , PORRES JOSÉ MANUEL , RODRÍGUEZ ANÍBAL , GARCÍA ENRIQUE , FERNÁNDEZ‐LOZANO IGNACIO , ÁLVAREZ MIGUEL , MORENO JAVIER
Published: March 2016

Background

Different types of ventricular arrhythmias (monomorphic ventricular tachycardia [VT], polymorphic VT, or ventricular fibrillation) can be detected by implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) in fast VT zone. The efficacy of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) depends on the type of the treated arrhythmia. We hypothesized that an automatic algorithm based on morphological affinity of ICD far‐field electrograms during tachycardia can predict ATP success and the need of shock.

Methods

The algorithm was evaluated on ventricular arrhythmias recorded in CareLink ICD remote monitoring system (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Patients were selected if first ATP programmed was a burst of eight pulses at 88% coupling interval and if a far‐field electrogram was available. The algorithm calculated a stability coefficient (SC) for all their stored ATP‐treated fast ventricular arrhythmia (VA) episodes (LC 200–300 ms), analyzing the morphology homogeneity of the last eight recorded far‐field electrograms before ventricular arrhythmias detection.

Results

Inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 717 patients from 29 centers. Three hundred and twenty fast VA were recorded in 103 patients. A higher SC was observed in episodes terminated with the first‐ATP (0.78 [0.72–0.84] vs 0.74 [0.60–0.84]; P = 0.006). These differences were especially marked among the 62 episodes of very fast VA (CL ≤250 ms) (0.77 [0.74–0.85] vs 0.64 [0.51–0.8]; P = 0.006). In the multivariate analysis, a SC > 70% was independently associated with a higher likelihood of first‐ATP success (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4–4.5], P = 0.001) and a lower need of shock (OR = 0.37; [95% CI = 0.2–0.7], P = 0.002).

Conclusion

This automatic algorithm (stability coefficient) shows that ATP therapy response can be predicted in fast ventricular arrhythmias through morphology evaluation.
Gene frequency of human platelet alloantigens‐1 to ‐6 and ‐15 in Saudi blood donors
Authors: Al‐Ouda S. K. , Al‐Banyan A. A. , Abdel Gader A. G. M. , Bayoumy N. M. , Al‐Gahtani F. H.
Published: March 2016

Background

Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several clinical conditions, such as platelet transfusion purpura (PTP), refractoriness to platelet transfusion and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAITP). Typing of HPA (1–6 and 15) has not been carried on the Saudi population. This is the first study of all the seven HPA systems on Arabs. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the frequency of HPA (1–6 and 15) in Saudis.

Study design and methods

A total of 100 randomly selected Saudi blood donor samples were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).

Results

The most common HPA genotypes among Saudis were HPA‐1 a + b− (75%), HPA‐2 a + b− (62%), HPA‐3 a + b− (51·5%), HPA‐4 a + b− (99%), HPA‐5 a + b− (76·5%), HPA‐6 a + b− (100%) and HPA‐15 a + b + (50%). The prevalent allele among the HPA systems was (a), except in the HPA‐15 system where the (b) allele was found in 52% of the subjects. Comparisons with other ethnic populations uncovered marked differences in the distribution of HPA alleles.

Conclusion

Studying the prevalence of HPA antigens in Saudi population will help in the understanding of its role in platelet‐related disorders. It will also enable the blood bank to establish an HPA‐based donor registry that will be a valuable source of compatible platelet‐therapeutic products to alloimmunised patients. This will also enhance the safety and efficacy of platelet transfusion. This data obtained will form an addition to the existing body of literature in transfusion research.
Season and time of day affect capillary blood hemoglobin level and low hemoglobin deferral in blood donors: analysis in a national blood bank
Authors: Bäckman Sari , Larjo Antti , Soikkeli Juha , Castrén Johanna , Ihalainen Jarkko , Syrjälä Martti
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Low hemoglobin (Hb) is the most common reason for temporary blood donor deferral. However, factors that affect Hb measurement may not portray donor health but reflect external circumstances.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The effects of season, time of day, donor age, ABO, and D on capillary blood Hb level (cHb) and low Hb deferral were analyzed in 1,396,645 donor registrations from the years 2010 to 2014 in a national blood bank.

RESULTS

cHb was lower in the summer (July mean 154.1 g/L in men, 139.6 g/L in women) and in the evening (7 pm mean 153.8 g/L in men, 138.9 g/L in women) than in the winter (January mean 156.9 g/L in men, 141.8 g/L in women) and in the morning (11 am mean 157.2 g/L in men, 142.8 g/L in women; all p < 0.0001). This affected donor deferral due to low Hb, with 7.8% donors deferred in July at 7 pm and 1.6% deferred in January at 11 am (p < 0.0001). With age, cHb increased in women and decreased in men. The lowest cHb was observed in blood group A (mean 154.9 g/L in men, 140.3 g/L in women) and the highest in blood group B (mean 156.6 g/L in men, 141.5 g/L in women). D had no practically significant effect on cHb.

CONCLUSION

External factors, which do not reflect donor health, affect cHb and donor deferral due to low Hb. These factors should be considered when donor eligibility guidelines and procedures are developed.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Transferred Volume in Phosphor Dip-Transfer Coating Process of Light-Emitting Diodes Packaging
Authors: Shang Bofeng , Yu Xingjian , Zheng Huai , Xie Bin , Chen Qi , Luo Xiaobing
Published: March 2016

The phosphor dip-transfer coating method is simple and flexible for transferring a pre-analyzed volume of phosphor gel, which can be beneficial to the high angular color uniformity (ACU) of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The crux of this method is the volume control of the phosphor gel; however, the critical factors which influence the volume control remain unrevealed. In this paper, we concentrate on investigating the transferred volume in terms of three parameters: withdrawal speed, post radius, and dipping depth. Numerical simulations were carried out utilizing the volume of fluid (VOF) model combined with the dynamic mesh model. The experiments were also conducted on an optical platform equipped with a high-speed camera. The simulation results coincide well with the experimental results, with the maximum relative difference within 15%. The results show that the transferred volume increases with the increasing withdrawal speed and remains stable when the speed is greater than 1 mm/s, and it shows a linear relationship with the cube of post radius. And the transferred volume will increase with the dipping depth. Based on the experimental and numerically work, it is concluded that the volume of the pre-analyzed phosphor gel can be precisely obtained.
Dynamics and Stability of Phase Controlled Oscillators
Authors: Brack Tobias , Kern Dominik , Chen Mengdi , Dual Jürg
Published: March 2016

This paper systematically analyzes linear oscillators, e.g., spring-mass-damper systems or RLC-circuits that are controlled by an extension of a phase-locked loop (PLL). These systems are often used in measurement applications where the stability and dynamics directly influence the measurement quality. Therefore, a description of the control loop in terms of phase signals is sought. However, the classical oscillator turns into a highly nonlinear system when it is formulated in amplitude/phase-variables of its input and output signals. Up to now, there were made either ab-initio assumptions of slowly varying parameters or trial-and-error designs. The novel approach proposed in this paper derives a universally valid description in state space form which enables the use of standard methods of nonlinear system theory. Using this description, the stability of phase controlled oscillators is analyzed by means of Lyapunov functions. A linearization is applied in order to effectively design the controller and optimize the closed-loop dynamics. Simulations with the original nonlinear systems are conducted to justify the linear approach. Thereby, two application scenarios are under consideration: Tracking of the desired target value (target phase shift) and resonance tracking (changes of the system parameters). It is found that including the phase dynamics of the oscillator significantly improves the description of the closed-loop behavior. Finally, the results are validated experimentally for an application measuring the viscosity of fluids.
A Computational Tool for the Microstructure Optimization of a Polymeric Heart Valve Prosthesis
Authors: Serrani M. , Brubert J. , Stasiak J. , De Gaetano F. , Zaffora A. , Costantino M. L. , Moggridge G. D.
Published: March 2016

Styrene-based block copolymers are promising materials for the development of a polymeric heart valve prosthesis (PHV), and the mechanical properties of these polymers can be tuned via the manufacturing process, orienting the cylindrical domains to achieve material anisotropy. The aim of this work is the development of a computational tool for the optimization of the material microstructure in a new PHV intended for aortic valve replacement to enhance the mechanical performance of the device. An iterative procedure was implemented to orient the cylinders along the maximum principal stress direction of the leaflet. A numerical model of the leaflet was developed, and the polymer mechanical behavior was described by a hyperelastic anisotropic constitutive law. A custom routine was implemented to align the cylinders with the maximum principal stress direction in the leaflet for each iteration. The study was focused on valve closure, since during this phase the fibrous structure of the leaflets must bear the greatest load. The optimal microstructure obtained by our procedure is characterized by mainly circumferential orientation of the cylinders within the valve leaflet. An increase in the radial strain and a decrease in the circumferential strain due to the microstructure optimization were observed. Also, a decrease in the maximum value of the strain energy density was found in the case of optimized orientation; since the strain energy density is a widely used criterion to predict elastomer's lifetime, this result suggests a possible increase of the device durability if the polymer microstructure is optimized. The present method represents a valuable tool for the design of a new anisotropic PHV, allowing the investigation of different designs, materials, and loading conditions.