bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Thrombolysis and Calcium Channel Antagonists in the Treatment of Acute Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Ikhanipour Kaveh , Turturro Michael A.
Published: July 2016

Therapy following an acute cerebrovascular insult traditionally has focused on preserving function of the uninjured cerebral tissue. However, in recent years, interest has developed on the possibility of restoration of function to the injured areas of the brain. Lessons learned in reperfusion following acute myocardial infarction have raised newer questions about the utility of reperfusion to other areas of the body subjected to acute ischemic events. In addition, studies with acute cerebral ischemia have suggested that calcium channel antagonists improve outcome, either by decreasing cerebral vasospasm, offering neuronal protection by inhibiting the formation of toxic metabolites in the injured neurons, or by some combination of these two mechanisms. Other experimental therapies, such as the use of hypervolemic hemodilution, attempt to restore cerebral blood flow following an acute vasospasmic or thromboembolic event. As these new therapies develop, we will see a major emphasis on restoring cerebral function following acute stroke.
Physicians Must Confront the Increasing Threat of Nuclear War
Authors: Lown Bernard
Published: July 2016

This is an age of unprecedented uncertainty. Life is now perilously posed at the precipice of history. Never before has man possessed the destructive resources to make this planet uninhabitable. Having unlocked the Pandora's box of the atom, a new dimension has been provided to our potential for self-annihilation.

An objective assessment indicates no vital national interest that would justify nuclear war. Nonetheless, the nuclear arms race is ever accelerating.
Mobile Hyperbaric Chambers for Early Treatment and Air Transportation in Diving Accidents
Authors: Manni Corrado , Magalini Sergio I.
Published: July 2016

The rescue of victims of accidents during underwater activities, and the treatment of the pathology provoked by too rapid ascent in diving, are unfortunately problems which still remain relevant today. The concept of rapid artificial recompression is at the basis of the fundamental therapeutic techniques for the early treatment of all those involved in accidents of this type. Though numerous advances have been achieved in this field, many practical limitations still prevent their complete utilization.
Distribution of Learning Styles and Preferences for Learning Environment Characteristics Among Emergency Medical Care Assistants (EMCAs) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Campeau Anthony G.
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

In Ontario, Canada, Emergency Medical Care Assistants (EMCAs) have many opportunities for continuing education. However, little is known about how EMCAs learn.

Objectives:

The intent of this study was to explore the distribution of learning styles, preferences for major learning environment characteristics, and the associations between these two factors among the EMCA population in Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

Following review of the literature, a 32-item survey of learning environment characteristics was constructed to measure the respondents' preferences. Using a random number generator, 386 EMCAs were selected for participation. Each received: a) an explanatory cover letter; b) a copy of the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) questionnaire; c) a second questionnaire consisting of learning environment characteristics; and d) a stamped, return addressed envelope. Completed surveys were scored to determine the respondent's Learning Style. The LSI and Learning Environment survey results were entered into a data base and subjected to Dual Scaling analysis in order to 1) Identify the distribution of learning styles; and 2) Explore associations between styles and environmental characteristics.

Results:

A total of 75 completed surveys were returned, each of the four styles of learning (Converger; Diverger; Assimilator; and Accommodator) were identified in the sample. Dual Scaling analysis indicated a noteworthy association (R(jt) correlation >0.300) between learning style and 10 of the 32 environmental characteristics. The data describe the usefulness of each of the learning styles.

Accommodators believed courses with a strong emphasis on practical applications and working in groups to be very useful, but were less interested in courses with a strong emphasis on theory. Assimilators felt lectures and courses with a strong emphasis on theory very useful, but were less interested in providing input into course objectives. Divergers found that a lot of verbal explanation is useful, but were less interested in working with teachers who act as coaches. Convergers believed that working with teachers who act as coaches is useful. They also preferred courses with a strong emphasis on practical applications, but were less interested in courses with a strong emphasis on theory.

Conclusion:

The findings in this study, provide some additional insight into the connections between learning style and elements of the learning environment, and their application may contribute to operationalizing learning theory.
The Emergency Medical Services System Response to a Commercial Airliner Incident at the Very Remote Location of Shemya, Alaska
Authors: Anderson Paul B. , Johnson Mark S. , Bartley Bruce
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

A multiple patient incident involving a commercial airliner is a challenge for any community EMS system. When the community is on a remote island in the North Pacific Ocean, where there is no hospital and only a small clinic staffed by just one physician and several nurses and technicians, the challenge is much greater. The incident described herein necessitated providing emergency care at the airport, and at the same time, activating a response capability from hundreds of miles away to transport the patients to definitive care. The situation was compounded further by the fact that most of those injured spoke little or no English. This paper reviews the events that occurred and the lessons learned..

Objective:

To identify the events that occurred when a commercial airliner, with more than 250 passengers and crew aboard, experienced an in-flight “upset” that resulted in many being injured. What was learned may help other areas be better prepared for such events.

Study Population:

A commercial airliner incident that occurred in April, 1993 resulted in the need for emergency medical care at the remote island location of Shemya, Alaska initially, and fixed-wing transport of the injured to definitive care in Anchorage, Alaska, USA, which is about 1,300 miles (2,130 km) from Shemya.

Methods:

A case review methodology was used that included interviews with key persons involved in the response to this incident to learn first-hand what occurred; by review of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports, and by having agencies involved in the event review draft report materials to ensure accuracy.

Results:

This study showed how a remote site with a small cadre of medically trained personnel could organize and effectively provide initial emergency care for >200 persons, an have them transported more than a thousand miles to definitive care.

Conclusion:

Valuable lessons were learned from this incident that may help other areas be better prepared, particularly in remote areas, for large multiple patient events.
Advanced Care Medical Kit for Prehospital Emergencies
Authors: Medrek Paul L. , Lockwood William B.
Published: July 2016

Since 1 August 1986, the [U.S.] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required medical kits be carried on all aircraft with thirty or more seats. In addition, kits are commercially available, as are published suggestions for the composition of kits which can be used by physicians during wilderness, overseas, and shipboard travel. However, little data are available regarding medical kits to be carried in a physician's private automobile for use in prehospital emergencies. It was the goal of this study to design such a kit for use by the residents, graduates, and faculty of the Emergency Medicine Residency at Wright State University. This paper will discuss how and why the various items were chosen for inclusion in this kit.
Recognition and Use of Sentinel Markers in Preventing Industrial Disasters
Authors: Richter Elihu D. , Deutsch Pamela V. , Adler Jacov
Published: July 2016

Workers, managers, occupational health and safety inspectors, and the general community can be trained to detect and promote action by the use of sentinel markers for detecting industrial disasters. A sentinel marker is a pre-disaster warning sign of impending failure in prevention. Administration sentinel markers are: weak occupational health and safety programs; lack of spontaneous access to top management; failure to accept responsibility for sub-contractors; absence of written disaster plans and drills for emergency response in the factory and in the adjacent community; non-investigation of prodromal leaks, exposures, spills, or injuries; punishment of “trouble-some” individuals (“whistleblowers”) reporting prodromal events; non-use or misuse of data on illness, injury, and absenteeism; and sub-optimal work conditions and supervision of shift workers. Information sentinel markers are: absence of worker and community right-to-know programs; non-use of data on earlier mishaps from similar technologies; and failure to provide toxicologic data to hospitals in the pre-disaster phase. Technological sentinel markers include the absence of fail-safe controls, interlocks, and automated alarm systems driven by real-time monitoring. Transportation sentinel markers include sub-optimal vehicle standards, alcohol and drug abuse, and fatigue in drivers. Preventive programs based on identification of all sentinel markers by workers and others outside a narrow spectrum of specialists are suggested to be more effective than are selective actions based on risk assessment analysis.
Prehospital Pediatric Endotracheal Intubation: A Survey of the United States
Authors: Stratton Samuel J. , Underwood Luanne A. , Whalen Sharon M. , Gunter Carol S.
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

The standard of practice and teaching for prehospital pediatric endotracheal intubation (PETI) in the United States currently is unknown. The accepted practice of prehospital PETI is of interest because it has contradictory support in the medical literature.

Hypothesis:

PETI is an accepted method of prehospital airway control in the United States.

Methods:

Nationwide mail survey (June 1991 to March 1992) of each state emergency medical service (EMS) agency and all known paramedic training sites.

Results:

The use of PETI is supported by 100% of state EMS agencies and the American Virgin Islands. Ninety-seven percent (339 of 349) of the responding (349 of 523) paramedic training sites reported that PETI was taught in their programs. The results of the survey did not identify a predominate method for instructing paramedics in PETI. Lectures, mannequins, operating room demonstration, animal models, and cadavers were used in various ways for teaching the skill.

Conclusion:

Endotracheal intubation is an accepted standard in prehospital pediatric care. This standard exists with marginal support in published literature and study of prehospital PETI is needed to define the benefits, risks, and optimal instruction methods for the procedure.
Introduction to Disaster Management: Lesson 5—Technologies of Disaster Management
Authors: Cuny Frederick C.
Published: July 2016

Disaster managers should be familiar with certain technologies or sets of information used in disaster management. Among the more important are mapping, interpretation of aerial photography, communications, information management, logistics and computer applications, epidemiology, and preventive medicine.
Reanimatology: The Science of Resuscitation
Authors: Negovsky Vladimir
Published: July 2016

The time has come when it may be asserted quite categorically that a new medical science, the theoretical foundation of reanimation, has emerged on the medical scene. At the International Congress of Traumatology held in Budapest in 1961, I proposed to call this new sciencereanimatology. My suggestion was based on the medical tradition of using the Latin roots of words. I am pleased that not only this term but also its notion are being increasingly used by experts in the field.
Prehospital Life-Support Studies
Authors: Keller Martin D. , Chirikas Thomas N. , Lanese Richard R. , Lewis Richard P.
Published: July 2016

In an emergency medical services (EMS) system, a certain number of events come to the attention of the pre-hospital subsystem that are subsequently characterized as having required “life-supportive” care. Such cases represent an undetermined portion of the persons, in the population served, who actually require such care. Generally, the life-support units that are available in a community are dispatched on the basis of information received at a medical emergency dispatching center. Very often, the information obtained from the caller is too ambiguous for a clear decision and, inevitably, there is a significant portion of “false-positive” or inappropriate runs. In systems in which little or no attempt is made to screen calls, the dispatching procedure inevitably becomes a “first come, first served” phenomenon and the inappropriateness of the responses is bound to be even greater.
Resuscitation Training for Laypersons
Authors: Hossli Georg
Published: July 2016

Emergency medicine is, to a great extent, based on the progress made in clinical anesthesiology and resuscitation. It is only natural for these clinically approved measures, which are routinely used for surgery and anesthesia in recovery rooms and intensive care stations, to be applied outside the hospital, where first aid is required, be this at the scene of an accident or at bedside.

Anemergencyexists when “immediate danger to life or danger of serious lasting injury is present, cannot be excluded or has to be expected.” This is particularly the case with disturbances of the vital functions, respiration and circulation in polytraumatized patients, for example, with injuries of body cavities, head and cervical spine, hemorrhagic shock, coma or somnolence; or in patients with acute heart insufficiency.
Assessment of School Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) Needs and Evaluation of a School Trauma Awareness Program
Authors: May Jean T.
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate a school Trauma Awareness (TA) program conducted by the Health Education Center (HEC) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under contract with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Institutes. A total of 44 presentations were made before 3545 persons dealing with school children in seven counties of western Pennsylvania. The TA program was undertaken because: l) the leading cause of death among school-age children in the USA during the 1970s was accidents, 60% of which occurred on school premises or going to and from school; and 2) there was a need for improvement of EMS in the local schools.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Problems in Large Urban Communities
Authors: Rottman Steven
Published: July 2016

In order to introduce EMS problems in large urban communities, I will first tell you the parable of the County of Smog. It covers an area of about 4,000 square miles and includes areas of mountain wilderness, dense urban population, coastal ocean communities and a peculiar blend of heat, foul air, and residential and industrial communities known simply as “The Valley.” About ten years ago, Smog County health officials established a pilot program to train a handful of firemen in reading electrocardiograms, the pharmacology of emergency cardiac drugs, intravenous infusions, and defibrillation. The firemen responded in a station wagon from a hospital. It was readily learned that these paramedical personnel could impact positively on the outcome of patients with cardiac conditions.
Resuscitation in the Prehospital Phase—Continuum of Physician Leadership from Scene to Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Authors: Lust Paul
Published: July 2016

Resuscitation in the prehospital phase is feasible. As intensivists, however, we know that many cases could reach our intensive care units (ICU's) in far better condition if prehospital care were improved. We have learned from feedback on our cases in the unit that we physicians are indeed the best prepared specialists for fast and efficient intervention outside the hospital. Diagnosis and, hence, titrated therapy are more and more transportable and, under acute conditions, it is often safer to transport medicine to the patient, rather than the patient to medicine. Technological problems are no longer an excuse for the doctor to refuse to go to the scene.
Effect of Colloid Oncotic Pressure on Closing Lung Volumes in Dogs
Authors: Havasi George , Gintautas Jonas , Havasi Ilona
Published: July 2016

The question of whether colloids are better than crystalloid solutions for resuscitation of hypovolemic patients remains to be answered.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the closing lung volume is affected by a reduction of colloid oncotic pressure.

We measured closing lung volumes of anesthetized dogs in the presence of undisturbed serum proteins (COP= 18.9–22.1 mmHg). Following these determinations, we reduced the colloid oncotic pressure to 10.9–12.9 mmHg by administration of 50 ml/kg of 5% dextrose solution. Closing lung volumes were evaluated repeatedly from 10 to 90 minutes following the completion of infusion.
Spinal Injuries in Aquatic Sports
Authors: Brophy Tess , Merry Glen S. , Jamieson Kenneth G.
Published: July 2016

Spinal injuries associated with aquatic sports account for about 30 admissions per year to spinal injury units in Australia. These injuries are considered not only for their significance to the victim, to his family and to the community, but to ensure that voluntary organizations are teaching first-aid measures which help to reduce morbidity and mortality—for on those first-aid measures depend the quality of the victim's life.
Hospital Management of Cold Water Drowning
Authors: Simcock Anthony D.
Published: July 2016

There have been 81 patients brought to Treliske Hospital, Truro, UK in the last 6 years, having been rescued from near-drowning. Only 5 have been declared dead on arrival and not treated. We consider that hypothermia is a major factor in patients who have apparently drowned, particularly when it has been known that they were strong swimmers. In 1980, 45% of all drownings had rectal temperatures less than 35°C. The sea temperature around our shores varies between 5°C in January and 15.5°C in September. Hypothermia causes little problem until a central temperature of 35°C or less is reached. Between 35°C and approximately 32°C there is disorientation and incoordination, which may make swimming difficult to maintain efficiently. Below 32°C there is loss of consciousness; when this occurs, the victim's head drops below the water level and drowning occurs just as quickly as in a victim who is unconscious on entering the water.
Training in Third World Countries: The International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO)
Authors: Bodi Milan
Published: July 2016

The International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) is helping a large proportion of the Third World Countries where Civil Protection is considered, promoted and organized as a State Service, an obligation of the Authorities toward the population to save it from the devastating effects of a natural or technological disaster or the after-effects of a serious accident. The absence of the industrialized countries within the ICDO has not prevented the poor countries from developing a protection and safety system within the Technical Cooperation Program of ICDO, by their own efforts and with their own resources. The system is based on intervention units, which although sometimes in their embryonic stages, are already capable, however, of administering emergency first aid. Hence the keen interest of those countries in resuscitation techniques.
Combined Radiation Injuries and Medical Preparedness
Authors: Messerschmidt Otfried
Published: July 2016

An understanding of combined injuries caused by both whole-body irradiation and wounds or burns is still at the present, in a clinical sense, largely lacking. This is, in part, due to the fact that Japanese and American scientists paid attention mainly to the individual injuries, especially those of subjects with acute radiation diseases, which had not been observed until then. Under the threat of a global nuclear confrontation, an intensive radiation biological investigation was initiated, especially in the military laboratories in the USA, the European countries, and the Soviet Union. The study of combined injuries, however, was relatively neglected. This may be because many investigators have considered combined injuries to be just modified radiation injuries, for which the same treatment principles are valid, that apply to radiation diseases.
The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activates ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in tumor-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Zhang Qian , Doucet Michele , Tomlinson Ryan E , Han Xiaobin , Quarles L Darryl , Collins Michael T , Clemens Thomas L
Published: July 2016

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-1α mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-1α and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle-shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-1α protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-1α expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-1α inhibitors decreased HIF-1α and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-1α-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-1α consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-1α inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-1α is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-1α activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.
Body size dynamics in young adults: 8-year follow up of cohorts in Brazil and Thailand
Authors: Yiengprugsawan V , Horta B L , Motta J V S , Gigante D , Seubsman S-A , Sleigh A
Published: July 2016

Increase in body size has appeared as an epidemic in Western countries and is now rapidly emerging in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases worldwide. Brazil and Thailand have gone through similar economic and health transitions, and this unique comparative study investigates changes in body size (body mass index) in relation to socioeconomic status in two cohorts of similar age followed from 2004/2005 to 2012/2013. At 20–24 years of age, Pelotas cohort members had a much higher prevalence of overweight and obesity (20.7 and 8.6%) than the Thai cohort (6.0 and 1.7%); these proportions rose to 34.6% and 22.9% vs 15.8% and 5.1%, respectively, in their early 30s. An association between a higher socioeconomic status and increase in overweight and obesity was observed among males; but an inverse pattern was noted for females in both cohorts and remained statistically significant after 8 years of follow up. Our comparative longitudinal analyses highlight the relationship between two middle-income settings facing rapid increases in body size (2–3 fold increase in the rate of overweight and obesity). Long-term follow up and a lifecourse approach for effective prevention of obesity will minimize adverse health burdens in later life.
Quantum computation based on photonic systems with two degrees of freedom assisted by the weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Luo Ming-Xing , Li Hui-Ran , Lai Hong
Published: July 2016

Most of previous quantum computations only take use of one degree of freedom (DoF) of photons. An experimental system may possess various DoFs simultaneously. In this paper, with the weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity, we investigate the parallel quantum computation dependent on photonic systems with two DoFs. We construct nearly deterministic controlled-not (CNOT) gates operating on the polarization spatial DoFs of the two-photon or one-photon system. These CNOT gates show that two photonic DoFs can be encoded as independent qubits without auxiliary DoF in theory. Only the coherent states are required. Thus one half of quantum simulation resources may be saved in quantum applications if more complicated circuits are involved. Hence, one may trade off the implementation complexity and simulation resources by using different photonic systems. These CNOT gates are also used to complete various applications including the quantum teleportation and quantum superdense coding.
The sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) associate
Authors: Mistry Abinash C. , Wynne Brandi M. , Yu Ling , Tomilin Viktor , Yue Qiang , Zhou Yiqun , Al-Khalili Otor , Mallick Rickta , Cai Hui , Alli Abdel A. , Ko Benjamin , Mattheyses Alexa , Bao Hui-Fang , Pochynyuk Oleh , Theilig Franziska , Eaton Douglas C. , Hoover Robert S.
Published: July 2016

The thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) are two of the most important determinants of salt balance and thus systemic blood pressure. Abnormalities in either result in profound changes in blood pressure. There is one segment of the nephron where these two sodium transporters are coexpressed, the second part of the distal convoluted tubule. This is a key part of the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron, the final regulator of salt handling in the kidney. Aldosterone is the key hormonal regulator for both of these proteins. Despite these shared regulators and coexpression in a key nephron segment, associations between these proteins have not been investigated. After confirming apical localization of these proteins, we demonstrated the presence of functional transport proteins and native association by blue native PAGE. Extensive coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated a consistent interaction of NCC with α- and γ-ENaC. Mammalian two-hybrid studies demonstrated direct binding of NCC to ENaC subunits. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and immunogold EM studies confirmed that these transport proteins are within appropriate proximity for direct binding. Additionally, we demonstrate that there are functional consequences of this interaction, with inhibition of NCC affecting the function of ENaC. This novel finding of an association between ENaC and NCC could alter our understanding of salt transport in the distal tubule.
Import of a major mitochondrial enzyme depends on synergy between two distinct helices of its presequence
Authors: Kalef-Ezra Ester , Kotzamani Dimitra , Zaganas Ioannis , Katrakili Nitsa , Plaitakis Andreas , Tokatlidis Kostas
Published: July 2016

Mammalian glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), a nuclear-encoded enzyme central to cellular metabolism, is among the most abundant mitochondrial proteins (constituting up to 10% of matrix proteins). To attain such high levels, GDH depends on very efficient mitochondrial targeting that, for human isoenzymes hGDH1 and hGDH2, is mediated by an unusually long cleavable presequence (N53). Here, we studied the mitochondrial transport of these proteins using isolated yeast mitochondria and human cell lines. We found that both hGDHs were very rapidly imported and processed in isolated mitochondria, with their presequences (N53) alone being capable of directing non-mitochondrial proteins into mitochondria. These presequences were predicted to form two α helices (α1: N 1–10; α2: N 16–32) separated by loops. Selective deletion of the α1 helix abolished the mitochondrial import of hGDHs. While the α1 helix alone had a very weak hGDH mitochondrial import capacity, it could direct efficiently non-mitochondrial proteins into mitochondria. In contrast, the α2 helix had no autonomous mitochondrial-targeting capacity. A peptide consisting of α1 and α2 helices without intervening sequences had GDH transport efficiency comparable with that of N53. Mutagenesis of the cleavage site blocked the intra-mitochondrial processing of hGDHs, but did not affect their mitochondrial import. Replacement of all three positively charged N-terminal residues (Arg3, Lys7 and Arg13) by Ala abolished import. We conclude that the synergistic interaction of helices α1 and α2 is crucial for the highly efficient import of hGDHs into mitochondria.
Comparison of clutter rejection techniques for measurement of small displacements of body surface using radar
Authors: Okumura S. , Sakamoto T. , Sato T. , Yoshioka M. , Inoue K. , Fukuda T. , Sakai H.
Published: July 2016

To measure vital signs using Doppler radar, a common approach involves the use of time‐varying echo phase. To acquire these measurements, clutter rejection is necessary because clutter power is often larger than echo power. To reject static clutter, several techniques have been proposed that assume relatively large phase rotation angles because many studies assume the measurement of the upper torso, where displacement is mainly caused by respiration. However, signals from other parts of the human body are known to have smaller displacements that exhibit small phase rotation angles, which make clutter rejection more difficult. Three clutter rejection techniques for measuring small displacements are compared and their performances are investigated. Using numerical analysis, one method is demonstrated to be the most effective, even for small displacements in noisy data. The best method successfully estimates the centre with an error of −13.4 and −24.0 dB, with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 10 and 40 dB and the range of phase rotation angles of 90° and 15°.
Design and experimental validation of convex conformal reflectarray antennas
Authors: Beccaria M. , Pirinoli P. , Dassano G. , Orefice M.
Published: July 2016

The design, the numerical analysis and the experimental characterisation of a convex conformal reflectarray (CRA) has been carried out, with the aim of investigating the feasibility of reflectarrays bent on convex curved surfaces. A medium‐size offset CRA in Ka‐band has been designed, and a demonstrator has been manufactured and measured. The results prove the correctness of the design procedure and the feasibility of this type of antenna, pointing out the differences, also in terms of radiation performances, with respect to a planar reflectarray.
Illiquid Capital: Are Conservation Easement Payments Reinvested in Farms?
Authors: Duke Joshua M. , Schilling Brian J. , Sullivan Kevin P. , Esseks J. Dixon , Gottlieb Paul D. , Lynch Lori
Published: July 2016

Agricultural conservation easements have positive externalities but few studies examine the supply‐side. This paper explores whether easements may also overcome a credit‐market failure, as banks may not be lending based on the full developed value of land. Original survey data test our research hypotheses and show profitable owners and nonoperators to be using easement payments to extract capital from their land by using the preservation programs as a bank. The results also show that the unprofitable owners and operators are reinvesting in their agricultural enterprises. Both results are consistent with an underlying credit‐market failure, and the latter suggests that easements may provide indirect efficiency enhancement. The results suggest an integration of policies on agricultural finance and land preservation might lead to improved efficiency.
Harvest Reporting, Timely Information, and Incentives for Technology Adoption
Authors: Holzer Jorge
Published: July 2016

Natural resource managers typically adopt precautionary quota buffers to account for scientific and management uncertainty. Such buffers ensure compliance with harvest targets up to a confidence level set by the manager, but represent foregone profits and create incentives for firms’ voluntary investment in the provision of information that lessens the regulator's uncertainty. This paper characterizes conditions under which the fishing industry would willingly upgrade its reporting technology to provide accurate and timely catch data. Wireless technologies currently available to harvesters make the provision of real‐time information feasible and affordable. Industry's incentives critically depend on the manager's expected choice of effort restrictions under the alternative technologies. Upgrading is attractive if the new distribution of reporting error shifts probability mass away from large errors so that the quantile at the confidence level is reduced. First‐order stochastic dominance by the distribution under the baseline technology is a sufficient condition. Evidence from the Maryland Blue Crab Accountability Pilot Program, an industry‐led initiative that tested the feasibility of adopting e‐logbooks, illustrates the results. Real‐time availability of accurate catch information under electronic reporting would translate into in‐season adjustments of the manager's controls that could increase the industry's total harvest.
Alien plant invasions and native plant extinctions: a six-threshold framework
Authors: Downey Paul O. , Richardson David M.
Published: July 2016

Biological invasions are widely acknowledged as a major threat to global biodiversity. Species from all major taxonomic groups have become invasive. The range of impacts of invasive taxa and the overall magnitude of the threat is increasing. Plants comprise the biggest and best-studied group of invasive species. There is a growing debate; however, regarding the nature of the alien plant threat—in particular whether the outcome is likely to be the widespread extinction of native plant species. The debate has raised questions on whether the threat posed by invasive plants to native plants has been overstated. We provide a conceptual framework to guide discussion on this topic, in which the threat posed by invasive plants is considered in the context of a progression from no impact through to extinction. We define six thresholds along the ‘extinction trajectory’, global extinction being the final threshold. Although there are no documented examples of either ‘in the wild’ (Threshold 5) or global extinctions (Threshold 6) of native plants that are attributable solely to plant invasions, there is evidence that native plants have crossed or breached other thresholds along the extinction trajectory due to the impacts associated with plant invasions. Several factors may be masking where native species are on the trajectory; these include a lack of appropriate data to accurately map the position of species on the trajectory, the timeframe required to definitively state that extinctions have occurred and management interventions. Such interventions, focussing mainly on Thresholds 1–3 (a declining population through to the local extinction of a population), are likely to alter the extinction trajectory of some species. The critical issue for conservation managers is the trend, because interventions must be implemented before extinctions occur. Thus the lack of evidence for extinctions attributable to plant invasions does not mean we should disregard the broader threat.
Identification of a human intestinal myeloid cell subset that regulates gut homeostasis
Authors: Barman Soumik , Kayama Hisako , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ogino Takayuki , Osawa Hideki , Matsuno Hiroshi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Mori Masaki , Nishimura Junichi , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: July 2016

Inappropriate activation of T helper (Th) cells, such as Th1 and Th17 cells, is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders including ulcerative colitis (UC). CX3CR1high macrophages contribute to intestinal homeostasis through various mechanisms in mice. However, whether mononuclear phagocytes with regulatory functions are present in the human colon is not clearly defined. We investigated whether innate myeloid cells that suppress activation of effector T cells exist in the human intestinal mucosa. Among intestinal lamina propria cells, Lin− HLA-DRhigh CD14+ CD163high cells were subdivided into CD160low and CD160high cells. Both subsets produced high levels of IL-10. CD163high CD160high cells suppressed effector T cell proliferation, whereas CD163high CD160low cells induced Th17 differentiation. Patients with UC exhibited increased numbers of CD163high CD160low cells, while showing profoundly decreased numbers of CD163high CD160high cells. In this context, CD163high CD160high cells had higher CD80/CD86 expression and lower IL10RB expression, and these cells did not suppress effector T cell proliferation. The CD163high CD160high subset in normal intestinal mucosa inhibits inappropriate Th1/Th17 responses through suppression of their proliferation, and its number and suppressive activity are impaired in patients with UC. These findings indicate how human innate immune cells might prevent UC development.
The Yiqi and Yangyin Formula ameliorates injury to the hematopoietic system induced by total body irradiation
Authors: Zhang Junling , Li Hongyu , Lu Lu , Yan Lixiang , Yang Xiangdong , Shi Zhexin , Li Deguan
Published: July 2016

In this study, we examined whether the Yiqi and Yangyin Formula (YYF), used in traditional Chinese medicine, could ameliorate damage to the hematopoietic system induced by total body irradiation (TBI). Treatment with 15 g/kg of YYF increased the survival rate of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to 7.5 Gy TBI. Furthermore, YYF treatment increased the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) counts in ICR mice exposed to 2 Gy or 4 Gy TBI. Treatment with YYF also increased the number of bone marrow cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the colony-forming ability of granulocyte–macrophage cells. YYF alleviated TBI-induced suppression of the differentiation ability of HPCs and HSCs and decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs), HPCs and HSCs from mice exposed to 2 Gy or 4 Gy TBI. Overall, our data suggest that YYF can ameliorate myelosuppression by reducing the intracellular ROS levels in hematopoietic cells after TBI at doses of 2 Gy and 4 Gy.
Radiosensitivity and relative biological effectiveness based on a generalized target model
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wu Di , Mi Dong , Sun Yeqing
Published: July 2016

By considering both cellular repair effects and indirect effects of radiation, we have generalized the traditional target model, and made it have a linear–quadratic–linear characteristic. To assess the repair capacity–dependent radiosensitivity and relative biological effectiveness (RBE), the generalized target model was used to fit the survival of human normal embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells in the G0 and G1 phases after various types of radiations. The fitting results indicate that the generalized target model works well in the dose ranges considered. The resulting calculations qualitatively show that the parameter ratio (a/V) in the model could represent the cellular repair capacity. In particular, the significant linear correlations between radiosensitivity/RBE and cellular repair capacity are observed for different slopes of the linear regression curves. These results show that the radiosensitivity and RBE depend on the cellular repair capacity and can be regulated by linear energy transfer. These analyses suggest that the ratio a/V in the generalized target model can also be used for radiation damage assessment in radiotherapy.
Pathology and biology of radiation-induced cardiac disease
Authors: Tapio Soile
Published: July 2016

Heart disease is the leading global cause of death. The risk for this disease is significantly increased in populations exposed to ionizing radiation, but the mechanisms are not fully elucidated yet. This review aims to gather and discuss the latest data about pathological and biological consequences in the radiation-exposed heart in a comprehensive manner. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying radiation-induced damage in heart tissue and cardiac vasculature will provide novel targets for therapeutic interventions. These may be valuable for individuals clinically or occupationally exposed to varying doses of ionizing radiation.
Sparing of tissue by using micro-slit-beam radiation therapy reduces neurotoxicity compared with broad-beam radiation therapy
Authors: Mukumoto Naritoshi , Nakayama Masao , Akasaka Hiroaki , Shimizu Yasuyuki , Osuga Saki , Miyawaki Daisuke , Yoshida Kenji , Ejima Yasuo , Miura Yasushi , Umetani Keiji , Kondoh Takeshi , Sasaki Ryohei
Published: July 2016

Micro-slit-beam radiation therapy (MRT) using synchrotron-generated X-ray beams allows for extremely high-dose irradiation. However, the toxicity of MRT in central nervous system (CNS) use is still unknown. To gather baseline toxicological data, we evaluated mortality in normal mice following CNS-targeted MRT. Male C57BL/6 J mice were head-fixed in a stereotaxic frame. Synchrotron X-ray-beam radiation was provided by the SPring-8 BL28B2 beam-line. For MRT, radiation was delivered to groups of mice in a 10 × 12 mm unidirectional array consisting of 25-μm-wide beams spaced 100, 200 or 300 μm apart; another group of mice received the equivalent broad-beam radiation therapy (BRT) for comparison. Peak and valley dose rates of the MRT were 120 and 0.7 Gy/s, respectively. Delivered doses were 96–960 Gy for MRT, and 24–120 Gy for BRT. Mortality was monitored for 90 days post-irradiation. Brain tissue was stained using hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate neural structure. Demyelination was evaluated by Klüver–Barrera staining. The LD50 and LD100 when using MRT were 600 Gy and 720 Gy, respectively, and when using BRT they were 80 Gy and 96 Gy, respectively. In MRT, mortality decreased as the center-to-center beam spacing increased from 100 μm to 300 μm. Cortical architecture was well preserved in MRT, whereas BRT induced various degrees of cerebral hemorrhage and demyelination. MRT was able to deliver extremely high doses of radiation, while still minimizing neuronal death. The valley doses, influenced by beam spacing and irradiated dose, could represent important survival factors for MRT.
Upregulation of microRNA-98 increases radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Ying-Ying , Chen Qing-Juan , Wei Yang , Wang Ya-Li , Wang Zhong-Wei , Xu Kun , He Yun , Ma Hong-Bing
Published: July 2016

Although radiation resistance is a common challenge in the clinical treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), an effective treatment strategy has yet to be developed. Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is responsible for cancer sensitivity to radiation. In this study, we aimed to identify the miRNAs that are associated with radioresistance in ESCC. We used a miRNA microarray to perform a comparison of miRNA expression in both ESCC parental and acquired radioresistance cell lines. qRT-PCR was used to confirm the alterations. Cell radiosensitivity was determined with a survival fraction assay. Functional analyses of the identified miRNA in ESCC cells with regard to metastasis and apoptosis were performed by transwell assays and flow cytometry. The miRNA targets were identified with pathway analysis and confirmed with a luciferase assay. miR-98 was recognized as the most downregulated miRNA in established radioresistant cell line. AmiR-98 mimic enforced the expression of miRNA-98 and made ESCC cells sensitive to radiotherapy, while anti-miR-98 reversed this process. Optimal results were achieved by decreasing cellular proliferation, decreasing cell migration and inducing apoptosis. The luciferase target gene analysis results showed that the overexpression of miRNA-98 inhibited tumor growth and resistance tolerance by directly binding to the BCL-2 gene. Our study indicated that increasing miRNA-98 expression can be used as a potential radiosensitive therapeutic strategy for treating esophageal cancer cells.
Protective effects of seabuckthorn pulp and seed oils against radiation-induced acute intestinal injury
Authors: Shi Jing , Wang Lan , Lu Yan , Ji Yue , Wang Yaqing , Dong Ke , Kong Xiangqing , Sun Wei
Published: July 2016

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome, including nausea, diarrhea and dehydration, contributes to morbidity and mortality after medical or industrial radiation exposure. No safe and effective radiation countermeasure has been approved for clinical therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of seabuckthorn pulp and seed oils against radiation-induced acute intestinal injury. C57/BL6 mice were orally administered seabuckthorn pulp oil, seed oil and control olive oil once per day for 7 days before exposure to total-body X-ray irradiation of 7.5 Gy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used for the measurement of apoptotic cells and proteins, inflammation factors and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Seabuckthorn oil pretreatment increased the post-radiation survival rate and reduced the damage area of the small intestine villi. Both the pulp and seed oil treatment significantly decreased the apoptotic cell numbers and cleaved caspase 3 expression. Seabuckthorn oil downregulated the mRNA level of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Both the pulp and seed oils elevated the level of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and reduced the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38. Palmitoleic acid (PLA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) are the predominant components of pulp oil and seed oil, respectively. Pretreatment with PLA and ALA increased the post-radiation survival time. In conclusion, seabuckthorn pulp and seed oils protect against mouse intestinal injury from high-dose radiation by reducing cell apoptosis and inflammation. ALA and PLA are promising natural radiation countermeasure candidates.
Avena sterilis L. Genotypes as a Potential Source of Resistance to Oat Powdery Mildew
Authors: Okoń Sylwia , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta , Ociepa Tomasz , Koroluk Aneta , Sowa Sylwia , Kowalczyk Krzysztof , Chrząstek Maria
Published: July 2016

The aim of the present study was to identify Avena sterilis genotypes demonstrating a high level of resistance against oat powdery mildew, using host-pathogen tests. The study was conducted on 350 A. sterilis genotypes from different parts of the world. Six single-spore isolates of Blumeria graminis (DC.) f. sp. avenae, which demonstrated different levels of virulence to control lines and cultivars, were used in host-pathogen screening tests. To confirm the resistant response of selected genotypes, 13 other isolates were used. Reactions to the isolates were grouped into three classes: resistant, intermediate, and susceptible. Susceptible cultivars Sam and Fuchs were used as controls to estimate the degree of infection. The results of the screening test showed that 10 genotypes were classified as resistant. The second test based on 13 other isolates revealed that only four of the 10 genotypes were a valuable source of resistance against powdery mildew. The identified genotypes may be used in oat breeding programs to increase the level of resistance against powdery mildew. First, however, further studies aimed at identifying whether this resistance is conditioned by a single gene or combinations of different genes are required.