bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canine insulinomas appear hyperintense on MRI T2‐weighted images and isointense on T1‐weighted images
Authors: Walczak Raelyn , Paek Matthew , Uzzle Matthew , Taylor Jim , Specchi Swan
Published: January 2019

Clinical and imaging diagnosis of canine insulinomas has proven difficult due to nonspecific clinical signs and the small size of these tumors. The aim of this retrospective case series study was to describe MRI findings in a group of dogs with pancreatic insulinomas. Included dogs were presented for suspected pancreatic insulinoma, MRI was used to assist with localization of the primary lesion, and the diagnosis was confirmed with surgical exploratory laparotomy and histopathology. The MRI studies for each dog were retrieved and the following data were recorded: T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted signal intensities, type of contrast enhancement, size and location of the primary lesion, and characteristics of metastatic lesions (if present). A total of four dogs were sampled. In all patients, the insulinoma displayed high‐intensity signal on T2‐weighted fat saturation images, similar to human studies. On postcontrast T1‐weighted fat saturation images, the tumors were primarily isointense to normal pancreatic tissue, in contrast to human studies where a low‐intensity signal is typically identified. Abnormal islet tissue was detected with MRI in all four dogs and metastases were identified in three dogs. Variations in the MRI appearance of primary and metastatic lesions were identified and could have been related to the variation of tissue composition, including the presence of neoplastic cells, hemorrhage, and fibrovascular stroma, and to the transformation of this tissue throughout the disease process.
An Examination of Pre-Service Teachers’ Competencies in Lesson Planning
Authors: Süral Serhat
Published: January 2019

This study concerns the investigation of pre-service teachers’ competencies in lesson planning from different perspectives. In this respect, it is intended to develop a roadmap to figure out the pre-service teachers’ competency levels in lesson planning pertaining to a four-year- education program. The study was designed as a quantitative study and the general screening model was used. This model is designed with the relational screening model. The study population comprises of 3rd grade and senior students majoring in classroom, preschool, science, social sciences, mathematics and Turkish language teaching departments at Pamukkale University in the 2018-2019 academic year. “The Competency Scale for Lesson Planning” developed by the researcher attempted to determine pre-service teachers’ competencies in lesson planning. Considering reliability and validity levels of the scale, this scale can also be administered to different sample groups. The results denoted that pre-service teachers have an optimal level of competency in lesson planning.
Alcohol Consumption in Urban Settings in the Surrounding Area of a University in Bogotá. Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Pavajeau Juan Nicolás , Arias Daniela , Echeverria Maria Camila , Aranguren Paula , Gutérrez Luisa Natalia , Gómez Gutiérrez Luis Fernando
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to characterize the perceptions of university students regarding alcohol consumption and the availability of alcohol outlets in the urban perimeter of a university in Bogota. Methods: A mixed cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 undergraduate students aged 18-27 using a non-probabilistic sampling design. The perceptions regarding alcohol consumption in the surrounding area of the university were assessed via a self-reported questionnaire. Geographic Information Systems were used to identify the alcohol outlets. Results: Of the students surveyed, 66% reported that they had consumed alcohol in the surrounding area of the university, and 26% agreed with the implementation of strict measures to control alcohol consumption, with a higher percentage in those who did not consume alcohol (41.2%). The geographic analysis showed that several urban attributes were correlated with alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The results of this study show the potential influence that the availability of alcohol outlets near a university campus has as a public health issue. Further studies should be conducted in order to better understand the links between urban contexts near universities and alcohol consumption.
Epidemiology of Candidemia at a University Hospital in Colombia, 2008-2014
Authors: Barahona Correra Julián Esteban , Calvo Valderrama Maria Gabriela , Romero Alvernia Diana Marcela , Angulo Mora Juliana , Alarcón Figueroa Luisa Fernanda , Rodríguez Malagón María Nelcy , Garzón Herazo Javier Ricardo
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Candida species are commensal yeasts of the human microbiota. However, due to several host’s conditions, bloodstream infections may arise causing high morbimortality. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study of positive blood cultures for Candida spp. between 2008-2014 at a university hospital in Bogota, Colombia. We evaluated clinical and microbiological characteristics prior to the first positive blood sample was obtained and determined associations with non-C. albicans (NCA) species infections. Results: We included 123 candidemia cases. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species (42%). However, NCA species as a group were observed more often. Over 70% of cases were managed at the ICU, with a median stay of 14 days. Several medical factors were frequently observed, however none appeared to be associated with NCA species candidemia. Resistance to at least one antifungal agent was observed in 29% of cases, although a reduced sample of susceptibility tests was available. Conclusions: Our results support a worldwide shift towards NCA candidemia. However, clinical features were not associated with NCA infections. The identification of risk factors and the improvement of prediction scores must be prioritized, in order to identify patients at high risk who may benefit of pre-emptive therapy.
Design of a Wheelchair Robot for Active Postural Support
Authors: Murray Rosemarie C. , Ophaswongse Chawin , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: January 2019

This paper describes the design and control architecture of a novel wheelchair-mounted robot for active postural support (WRAPS). The WRAPS is a robotic exoskeleton that allows limited degrees-of-freedom of the trunk relative to the pelvis. There are three degrees-of-freedoms in the sagittal plane of the human body and one in lateral bending. The work is motivated by the needs of individuals with impaired trunk motor control, who currently rely on the use of passive and predominantly static supports to maintain a static posture. These devices can be overly restrictive and inhibit the user in their activities of daily living. The WRAPS is capable of supporting a human user within their active range of torso motion. It has the potential to assist users in their activities of daily living while encouraging a dynamic range of healthy postures.
A Screw Approach to the Approximation of the Local Geometry of the Configuration Space and of the Set of Configurations of Certain Rank of Lower Pair Linkages
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: January 2019

A motion of a mechanism is a curve in its configuration space (c-space). Singularities of the c-space are kinematic singularities of the mechanism. Any mobility analysis of a particular mechanism amounts to investigating the c-space geometry at a given configuration. A higher-order analysis is necessary to determine the finite mobility. To this end, past research leads to approaches using higher-order time derivatives of loop closure constraints assuming (implicitly) that all possible motions are smooth. This continuity assumption limits the generality of these methods. In this paper, an approach to the higher-order local mobility analysis of lower pair multiloop linkages is presented. This is based on a higher-order Taylor series expansion of the geometric constraint mapping, for which a recursive algebraic expression in terms of joint screws is presented. An exhaustive local analysis includes analysis of the set of constraint singularities (configurations where the constraint Jacobian has certain corank). A local approximation of the set of configurations with certain rank is presented, along with an explicit expression for the differentials of Jacobian minors in terms of instantaneous joint screws. The c-space and the set of points of certain corank are therewith locally approximated by an algebraic variety determined algebraically from the mechanism's screw system. The results are shown for a simple planar 4-bar linkage, which exhibits a bifurcation singularity and for a planar three-loop linkage exhibiting a cusp in c-space. The latter cannot be treated by the higher-order local analysis methods proposed in the literature.
Unscented MPSP for Optimal Control of a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
Authors: Mathavaraj S. , Padhi Radhakant
Published: January 2019

A new computationally efficient nonlinear optimal control synthesis technique, named as unscented model predictive static programming (U-MPSP), is presented in this paper that is applicable to a class of problems with uncertainties in time-invariant system parameters and/or initial conditions. This new technique is a fusion of two recent ideas, namely MPSP and Riemann–Stieltjes optimal control problems. First, unscented transform is utilized to construct a low-dimensional finite number of deterministic problems. The philosophy of MPSP is utilized next so that the solution can be obtained in a computational efficient manner. The control solution not only ensures that the terminal constraint is met accurately with respect to the mean value, but it also ensures that the associated covariance matrix (i.e., the error ball) is minimized. Significance of U-MPSP has been demonstrated by successfully solving two benchmark problems, namely the Zermelo problem and inverted pendulum problem, which contain parametric and initial condition uncertainties.
Designing a Bulb to Teach Electric Circuits to Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Okcu Betül , Sozbilir Mustafa
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to provide an effective teaching of the transformation of electrical energy into light energy to eighth-grade middle school students with visual impairment. The needs of these students were identified prior to designing the material. Their general and special needs were also taken into account. A case study approach was utilized as the research design. Participants of the study consisted of seven visually impaired students.
Farmer’s almanacs in Introductory Astronomy I: 102 questions for inquiry and investigation
Authors: Heafner Joe
Published: January 2019

In this, the first installment in a series, I present a list of approximately 102 questions that can be addressed in an introductory astronomy course using ubiquitous farmer’s almanacs. Some of these questions take the reader into the world of astrology and perhaps other pseudosciences, but that is okay with me because at one time astrology was widely practiced as science and most astronomical terminology originated there. Some of these questions may seem deceptively trivial, and I challenge you to research those closely. Some questions are more about almanacs themselves than the information they contain. Yes, some of these questions invite rote use of search engines. Keep in mind these didn’t exist when I was a child; books in libraries were all I had. Also keep in mind that not all almanacs tabulate the exact same information so some of these questions may not make sense for certain almanacs.
Analysis and experimental validation of longitudinally composite ultrasonic transducers
Authors: Lin Jiyan , Lin Shuyu , Xu Jie
Published: January 2019

The longitudinally cascaded piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is studied which is composed of two longitudinally sandwiched piezoelectric transducers connected together mechanically in series and electrically in parallel. When the losses and load are taken into account, the electromechanical equivalent circuit of the transducer is obtained; the input electric impedance is analyzed and the resonance/anti-resonance frequency equations are obtained assuming one dimensional longitudinal vibrational theory. The relationship among the resonance/anti-resonance frequency, the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient, the mechanical quality factor and the electro-acoustic efficiency with the geometrical dimension, the losses, and the load is analyzed. Two longitudinally composite transducers are designed, made, and measured. It is shown that the theoretical resonance/anti-resonance frequencies, the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient, and the mechanical quality factor are in good agreement with the experimental results. It is expected that this kind of composite transducer can be used in large power and high intensity ultrasonic applications, such as ultrasonic liquid processing, ultrasonic metal machining, and ultrasonic welding and soldering.
Scaling of bird wings and feathers for efficient flight
Authors: Sullivan T. N. , Meyers M. A. , Arzt E.
Published: January 2019

Why and how do birds as small as a hummingbird and as large as a condor fly? Research reveals new secrets.
Engineered botulinum neurotoxin B with improved binding to human receptors has enhanced efficacy in preclinical models
Authors: Elliott Mark , Favre-Guilmard Christine , Liu Sai Man , Maignel Jacquie , Masuyer Geoffrey , Beard Matthew , Boone Christopher , Carré Denis , Kalinichev Mikhail , Lezmi Stephane , Mir Imran , Nicoleau Camille , Palan Shilpa , Perier Cindy , Raban Elsa , Zhang Sicai , Dong Min , Stenmark Pål , Krupp Johannes
Published: January 2019

We report the preclinical characterization of two engineered botulinum neurotoxin serotype B proteins with significant therapeutic potential.
Deterministic splicing of
Dscam2
is regulated by Muscleblind
Authors: Li Joshua Shing Shun , Millard S. Sean
Published: January 2019

Alternative splicing of
Drosophila Dscam2
is regulated by cell type–specific expression of the RNA binding protein Muscleblind.
Dueling spacecraft look deep into Saturn and Jupiter
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: January 2019

NASA probes reveal surprising contrasts between two gas giants.
Microbial guardians of skin health
Authors: Stacy Apollo , Belkaid Yasmine
Published: January 2019

Skin microbes can promote skin immunity, repair, and antimicrobial defense
Adaptations of an ancient modular machine
Authors: Brandt Ulrich
Published: January 2019

Mechanism of energy conversion is conserved in the complex I superfamily
Why we need fetal tissue research
Authors: Temple Sally , Goldstein Lawrence S. B.
Published: January 2019

A vocal minority in the United States is intent on stopping federal funding for research using human fetal tissue, citing stem cell–based or other alternatives as adequate. This view is scientifically inaccurate. It ignores the current limitations of stem cell research and disregards the value of fetal tissue research in finding therapies for incurable diseases. If there is to be continued rapid progress in treating cancer, birth defects, heart disease, and infectious diseases, then we need fetal tissue research.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Dosing of Novel Pediatric Levofloxacin Dispersible Tablets in Children with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Exposure
Authors: Garcia-Prats Anthony J. , Purchase Susan E. , Osman Muhammad , Draper Heather R. , Schaaf H. Simon , Wiesner Lubbe , Denti Paolo , Hesseling Anneke C.
Published: January 2019

This study characterized the pharmacokinetics of novel 100-mg levofloxacin dispersible tablets in 24 children aged <5 years who had household multidrug-resistant tuberculosus (MDR-TB) exposure. The current data were pooled with previously published data from children (
n
 = 109) with MDR-TB receiving adult (250-mg) levofloxacin tablets, using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling.
Pharmacological, Toxicological, and Dose Range Assessment of OG716, a Novel Lantibiotic for the Treatment of
Clostridium difficile
-Associated Infection
Authors: Pulse Mark E. , Weiss William J. , Kers Johan A. , DeFusco Anthony W. , Park Jae H. , Handfield Martin
Published: January 2019

Lantibiotics present an attractive scaffold for the development of novel antibiotics. We report here a novel lantibiotic for the treatment of
Clostridium difficile
infection.
Overgrowth syndrome in neonates: a rare case series with a review of the literature
Authors: Pandita Aakash , Panghal Astha , Gupta Girish , Naranje Kirti M
Published: January 2019

We present here two-term neonates presenting with right lower limb hypertrophy, a port-wine stain, acral abnormalities and clubfeet. These neonates had overlapping features of Klippel Trenaunay syndrome and congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformation, epidermal nevi and scoliosis/skeletal abnormalities. Such overgrowth syndrome has not been previously described in the literature. Both the neonates are doing well and are under regular follow-up.
Lithium neurotoxicity presenting as dementia with therapeutic serum lithium levels
Authors: Soni Sarita
Published: January 2019

After 25 years of continuous lithium therapy, a woman with moderate intellectual disability and bipolar disorder developed symptoms suggestive of dementia. In fact, she had developed lithium neurotoxicity, but this was overlooked for 18 months as serial lithium levels were in the therapeutic range.
Azygos vein cannulation after catheterisation of the left internal jugular vein in a toddler
Authors: Kampouroglou Georgios , Noutsos Georgios , Skandalakis Panagiotis , Mirilas Petros
Published: January 2019

Central venous catheterisation is routinely performed in paediatric patients to facilitate therapeutic management when long-term vascular access is needed. Misplacement of the catheter tip in thoracic vessels other than the superior vena cava has been described, along with related complications. Hereby, a case of a 15-month-old child is presented with a fully functional Hickman catheter introduced via the left internal jugular vein. The tip of the catheter was misplaced into the azygos vein. Intraoperative spot fluoroscopic images and anatomical explanations for the course of the catheter are presented. An understanding of the aetiology of the radiological appearance may help to increase recognition of such cases and avoid complications.
Sulfur-oxidizing buffalo dung bacteria enhance growth and yield of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Authors: Dhiman Sandhya , Dubey Ramesh Chand , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Sandeep
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to harness the benefits of sulfur-oxidizing beneficial bacteria from buffalo dung to improve crop yields of Foeniculum vulgare. A total of 61 bacterial isolates were screened from buffalo dung, of which 40 isolates exhibited plant-growth-promoting attributes, such as phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production, and hydrogen cyanide production. Of these 40, four bacterial isolates, viz., BUFF12, BUFF14, BUFF23, and BUFF38, were the most potent, having plant-growth-promoting and sulfur-oxidizing properties. These four isolates produced phytase by solubilizing calcium phytate and sodium phytate. They solubilized potassium besides oxidizing the sulfur, causing an increase in soil fertility and crop production. All four isolates were nonpathogenic in nature, as demonstrated by a negative haemolysis test. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the isolate BUFF14 was identified as Proteus mirabilis. Proteus mirabilis BUFF14 maximized seed germination with enhanced vegetative and reproductive parameters during pot and field trial studies, compared with the other isolates.
Non-uniqueness of energy-conservative solutions to the isentropic compressible two-dimensional Euler equations
Authors: Klingenberg Christian , Markfelder Simon
Published: January 2019

We consider the 2-d isentropic compressible Euler equations. It was shown in [E. Chiodaroli, C. De Lellis and O. Kreml, Global ill-posedness of the isentropic system of gas dynamics, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 68(7) (2015) 1157–1190] that there exist Riemann initial data as well as Lipschitz initial data for which there exist infinitely many weak solutions that fulfill an energy inequality. In this paper, we will prove that there is Riemann initial data for which there exist infinitely many weak solutions that conserve energy, i.e. they fulfill an energy equality. As in the aforementioned paper, we will also show that there even exist Lipschitz initial data with the same property.
A world full of emojis
Authors: Gaci Maria
Published: January 2019

The
XRDS
blog highlights a range of topics from conference coverage, to security and privacy, to CS theory. Selected blog posts, edited for print, are featured in every issue. Please visit xrds.acm.org/blog to read each post in its entirety. If you are interested in joining as a student blogger, please contact us.
Considering social factors in new technologies
Authors: Zhang Amy X.
Published: January 2019

New technologies that alter how we interact with other people come and go, creating new opportunities but also upending social norms. How should builders of new technologies consider the social implications of their systems?
An interview with Lauren Maffeo
Authors: Anjum Bushra
Published: January 2019

Lauren Maffeo is a research analyst who joined the global technology sector in 2012. She started her career as a freelance journalist covering tech news for The Next Web and The Guardian. She has also worked with CEOs of pre-seed to profitable SaaS startups on media strategy. Lauren joined GetApp, a Gartner company, as a content editor in 2016. She covers the impact of emerging tech like AI on small and midsize business owners.

Lauren has been cited by sources including Forbes, Fox Business, DevOps Digest, The Atlantic, and Inc.com. In 2017, Lauren was named to The Drum's 50 Under 30 list of women worth watching in digital. She holds an M.Sc. from The London School of Economics and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy from MIT's Sloan School of Management.
Defective FXR-FGF15 signaling and bile acid homeostasis in cystic fibrosis mice can be restored by the laxative polyethylene glycol
Authors: Bertolini Anna , van de Peppel Ivo P. , Doktorova-Demmin Marcela , Bodewes Frank A. J. A. , de Jonge Hugo , Bijvelds Marcel , Verkade Henkjan J. , Jonker Johan W.
Published: January 2019

The gastrointestinal phenotype of cystic fibrosis (CF) features intestinal bile acid (BA) malabsorption, impaired intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation, and consequently reduced fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19, FGF15 in mice) production. The osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to decrease intestinal mucus accumulation in CF mice and could, by doing so, improve BA reabsorption. Here we determined the effect of PEG on BA excretion and FXR-FGF15 signaling in CF mice. Male Cftr−/−tm1Unc (CF) and wild-type (WT) littermates were administered PEG 4000 in drinking water and fed either chow or a semisynthetic diet. PEG was withdrawn for 3 days before termination. Fecal BA excretion was measured at PEG dosages of 37 g/l (100%) and 0 g/l (0%). Ileal FXR activation was assessed by gene expression of its downstream targets Fgf15 and small heterodimer partner ( Shp). In CF mice, PEG withdrawal increased fecal BA excretion on either diet compared with full PEG dosage (chow, 2-fold, P = 0.06; semisynthetic, 4.4-fold, P = 0.007). PEG withdrawal did not affect fecal BA excretion in WT mice on either diet. After PEG withdrawal, gene expression levels of intestinal FXR target genes Fgf15 and Shp were decreased in CF mice but unaffected in WT littermates. PEG did not affect the gene expression of the main intestinal BA transporter apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT). PEG treatment ameliorates intestinal BA malabsorption in CF mice and restores intestinal FXR-FGF15 signaling, independent from Asbt gene expression. These findings highlight the potential of PEG in the prevention and treatment of the gastrointestinal phenotype of CF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A gastrointestinal feature of cystic fibrosis is bile acid malabsorption and consequent impairment of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signaling. FXR-FGF15 signaling regulates various metabolic processes and could be implicated in metabolic and gastrointestinal complications of cystic fibrosis, such as diabetes and liver disease. In cystic fibrosis mice, treatment with the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol is associated with decreased fecal bile acid loss and restoration of FXR-FGF15 signaling.
Evidence for heterogeneous subsarcolemmal Na+ levels in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Skogestad J. , Lines G. T. , Louch W. E. , Sejersted O. M. , Sjaastad I. , Aronsen J. M.
Published: January 2019

The intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]) regulates cardiac contractility. Previous studies have suggested that subsarcolemmal [Na+] is higher than cytosolic [Na+] in cardiac myocytes, but this concept remains controversial. Here, we used electrophysiological experiments and mathematical modeling to test whether there are subsarcolemmal pools with different [Na+] and dynamics compared with the bulk cytosol in rat ventricular myocytes. A Na+ dependency curve for Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) current was recorded with symmetrical Na+ solutions, i.e., the same [Na+] in the superfusate and internal solution. This curve was used to estimate [Na+] sensed by NKA in other experiments. Three experimental observations suggested that [Na+] is higher near NKA than in the bulk cytosol: 1) when extracellular [Na+] was high, [Na+] sensed by NKA was ~6 mM higher than the internal solution in quiescent cells; 2) long trains of Na+ channel activation almost doubled this gradient; compared with an even intracellular distribution of Na+, the increase of [Na+] sensed by NKA was 10 times higher than expected, suggesting a local Na+ domain; and 3) accumulation of Na+ near NKA after trains of Na+ channel activation dissipated very slowly. Finally, mathematical models assuming heterogeneity of [Na+] between NKA and the Na+ channel better reproduced experimental data than the homogeneous model. In conclusion, our data suggest that NKA-sensed [Na+] is higher than [Na+] in the bulk cytosol and that there are differential Na+ pools in the subsarcolemmal space, which could be important for cardiac contractility and arrhythmogenesis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our data suggest that the Na+-K+-ATPase-sensed Na+ concentration is higher than the Na+ concentration in the bulk cytosol and that there are differential Na+ pools in the subsarcolemmal space, which could be important for cardiac contractility and arrhythmogenesis.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/heterogeneous-sodium-in-ventricular-myocytes/ .
Simultaneous amplification and testing method forMycobacterium tuberculosisrRNA to differentiate sputum-negative tuberculosis from sarcoidosis
Authors: Li Qiu-Hong , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Meng-Meng , Gu Ye , Hu Yang , Su Yi-Liang , Zhang Fen , Shen Li , Zhou Ying , Li Hui-Ping
Published: January 2019

We use the simultaneous application and testing method to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis rRNA (SAT-TB) with the endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) biopsy specimens to differentiate sputum-negative tuberculosis from sarcoidosis. In the first part, we validated the SAT-TB on the bronchial or EBUS-TBNA biopsy specimens from sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. In the second part, all EBUS-TBNA specimens for sputum smear-negative intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenopathies or sarcoidosis were tested with the SAT-TB, acid-fast bacilli smear, and culture. In the 16 sputum-positive tuberculosis cases, 5 showed negative SAT (2 nontuberculous mycobacteria and 3 had anti-tuberculosis therapies previously); the remaining 11 were positive. Of the 41 sputum-negative tuberculosis cases in the second part, five other diseases were negative. In the remaining 36 cases, 27 sarcoidosis cases were negative; 7 in 9 with sputum-negative tuberculosis were positive (77.78%). In these 36 patients, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the SAT method were 77.78, 100, 100, 93.10, and 94.44%, respectively. The SAT distinguished sputum-negative tuberculosis from sarcoidosis significantly ( P < 0.0001) and identified cases with active M. tuberculosis as accurately as the conventional methods (κ = 0.912, P < 0.0001). We conclude that the SAT-TB may be an effective method for using biopsy specimens to differentiate sputum-negative tuberculosis from sarcoidosis.
Impact of 24 weeks of supervised endurance versus resistance exercise training on left ventricular mechanics in healthy untrained humans
Authors: Oxborough David L. , Spence Angela , George Keith P. , Van Oorschot Frederieke , Thijssen Dick H. T. , Green Daniel J.
Published: January 2019

In addition to the well-known cardiac structural adaptation to exercise training, little work has examined changes in left ventricle (LV) mechanics. With new regional and global indexes available we sought to determine the effect of 24-wk endurance versus resistance training on LV mechanics. Twenty-three male subjects were randomly allocated to a 24-wk endurance or resistance training program. Pre- and posttraining two-dimensional echocardiographic images were acquired. Global LV mechanics [strain (ε)] were recorded in longitudinal, circumferential, and radial planes. Rotation was assessed at apical and basal levels. In addition, longitudinal ε-volume loops, across the cardiac cycle, were constructed from simultaneous LV ε (longitudinal and transverse strain) and volume measurements across the cardiac cycle as a novel measure of LV mechanics. Marginal differences in ε and rotation data were found between groups. After training, we found no change in global peak ε data. Peak basal rotation significantly increased after training, with changes in the endurance group (−2.2 ± 1.9° to −4.5 ± 3.3°) and the resistance group (−2.9 ± 3.0° to −3.4 ± 2.9°). LV ε-volume loops revealed a modest rightward shift in both groups. Although most global and regional indexes of LV mechanics were not significantly altered, 24 wk of intense supervised exercise training increased basal rotation. Further studies that assess LV mechanics in larger cohorts of subjects and those with cardiovascular disease and risk factors may reveal important training impacts.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study builds on previous work by our group and presents a comprehensive assessment of cardiac mechanics after dichotomous exercise training programs. We highlight novel findings in addition to the inclusion of strain-volume loops, which shed light on subtle differences in longitudinal and transverse contribution to volume change throughout the cardiac cycle. Our findings suggest that training has an impact on basal rotation and possibly strain-volume loops.
Clock gene expression is altered in veterans with sleep apnea
Authors: Canales Muna T. , Holzworth Meaghan , Bozorgmehri Shahab , Ishani Areef , Weiner I. David , Berry Richard B. , Beyth Rebecca J. , Gumz Michelle
Published: January 2019

Clock gene dysregulation has been shown to underlie various sleep disorders and may lead to negative cardio-metabolic outcomes. However, the association between sleep apnea (SA) and core clock gene expression is unclear. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 49 Veterans enrolled in a study of SA outcomes in veterans with chronic kidney disease, not selected for SA or sleep complaints. All participants underwent full polysomnography and next morning whole blood collection for clock gene expression. We defined SA as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/h; nocturnal hypoxemia(NH) was defined as ≥10% of total sleep time spent at <90% oxygen saturation. We used quantitative real-time PCR to compare the relative gene expression of clock genes between those with and without SA or NH. Clock genes studied were Bmal1, Ck1δ, Ck1ε, Clock, Cry1, Cry2, NPAS2, Per1, Per2, Per3, Rev-Erb-α, RORα, and Timeless. Our cohort was 90% male, mean age was 71 yr (SD 11), mean body mass index was 30 kg/m2 (SD 5); 41% had SA, and 27% had NH. Compared with those without SA, Per3 expression was reduced by 35% in SA ( P = 0.027). Compared with those without NH, NPAS2, Per1, and Rev-Erb-α expression was reduced in NH (50.4%, P = 0.027; 28.7%, P = 0.014; 31%, P = 0.040, respectively). There was no statistical difference in expression of the remaining clock genes by SA or NH status. Our findings suggest that SA or related NH and clock gene expression may be interrelated. Future study of 24 h clock gene expression in SA is needed to establish the role of clock gene regulation on the pathway between SA and cardio-metabolic outcomes.
Dihydrocaffeic Acid Prevents UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress Leading to the Inhibition of Apoptosis and MMP-1 Expression via p38 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Oliveira Mariana M. , Ratti Bianca A. , Daré Regina G. , Silva Sueli O. , Truiti Maria da Conceição T. , Ueda-Nakamura Tânia , Auzély-Velty Rachel , Nakamura Celso V.
Published: January 2019

Chronic UVB exposure promotes oxidative stress, directly causes molecular damage, and induces aging-related signal transduction, leading to skin photoaging. Dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) is a phenolic compound with potential antioxidant capacity and is thus a promising compound for the prevention of UVB-induced skin photodamage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effect of DHCA against oxidative stress, apoptosis, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway on L929 fibroblasts irradiated with UVB. DHCA exhibited high antioxidant capacity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS•+), and xanthine/luminol/xanthine oxidase (XOD) assays and reduced UVB-induced cell death in the neutral red assay. DHCA also modulated oxidative stress by decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, enhancing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Hence, cellular damage was attenuated by DHCA, including lipid peroxidation, apoptosis/necrosis and its markers (loss of mitochondria membrane potential, DNA condensation, and cleaved caspase 9 expression), and MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, DHCA reduced the phosphorylation of MAPK p38. These findings suggest that DHCA can be used in the development of skin care products to prevent UVB-induced skin damage.
Integrated System for Monitoring Muscular States during Elbow Flexor Resistance Training in Bedridden Patients
Authors: Xu Taojin , Jiang Zhongwei , Jeong Jongyeob , Morita Minoru , Xu Hongbin
Published: January 2019

To improve or maintain the physical function of bedridden patients, appropriate and effective exercises are required during the patient’s bed rest. Resistance training (RT) is an effective exercise for improving the physical function of bedridden patients, and the improvement of the physical function is caused by mechanical stimuli associated with RT. Currently, the measured mechanical stimuli are external variables which represent the synthetic effect of multiple muscles and body movements. Important features of stimuli experienced by muscles are of crucial importance in explaining muscular strength and power adaptation. This study describes an integrated system for assessing muscular states during elbow flexor resistance training in bedridden patients, and some experiments were carried out to test and evaluate this system. The integrated system incorporates an elbow joint angle estimation model (EJAEM), a musculoskeletal model (MSM), and a muscle-tendon model. The EJAEM enables real-time interaction between patient and MSM. The MSM is a three-dimensional model of the upper extremity, including major muscles that make up the elbow flexor and extensor, and was built based on public data. One set of concentric and eccentric contraction was performed by a healthy subject, and the results of the calculations were analyzed to show important features of mechanical stimuli experienced by muscles during the training. The integrated system provides a considerable method to monitor the body-level and muscle-level mechanical stimuli during elbow flexor resistance training in bedridden patients.
Changes in Redox Signaling in the Skeletal Muscle with Aging
Authors: Szentesi Péter , Csernoch László , Dux László , Keller-Pintér Anikó
Published: January 2019

Reduction in muscle strength with aging is due to both loss of muscle mass (quantity) and intrinsic force production (quality). Along with decreased functional capacity of the muscle, age-related muscle loss is associated with corresponding comorbidities and healthcare costs. Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress are the central driving forces for age-related skeletal muscle abnormalities. The increased oxidative stress in the aged muscle can lead to altered excitation-contraction coupling and calcium homeostasis. Furthermore, apoptosis-mediated fiber loss, atrophy of the remaining fibers, dysfunction of the satellite cells (muscle stem cells), and concomitant impaired muscle regeneration are also the consequences of increased oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function of the aged muscle. Here we summarize the possible effects of oxidative stress in the aged muscle and the benefits of physical activity and antioxidant therapy.
Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging Texture Analysis Predicts Early Progression in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation
Authors: Nardone Valerio , Reginelli Alfonso , Scala Fernando , Carbone Salvatore Francesco , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Sebaste Lucio , Carfagno Tommaso , Battaglia Giuseppe , Pastina Pierpaolo , Correale Pierpaolo , Tini Paolo , Pellino Gianluca , Cappabianca Salvatore , Pirtoli Luigi
Published: January 2019

Background. We hypothesized that texture analysis (TA) from the preoperative MRI can predict early disease progression (ePD), defined as the percentage of patients who relapsed or showed distant metastasis within three months from the radical surgery, in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC, stage II and III, AJCC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (C-RT). Methods. This retrospective monoinstitutional cohort study included 49 consecutive patients in total with a newly diagnosed rectal cancer. All the patients underwent baseline abdominal MRI and CT scan of the chest and abdomen to exclude distant metastasis before C-RT. Texture parameters were extracted from MRI performed before C-RT (T1, DWI, and ADC sequences) using LifeX Software, a dedicated software for extracting texture parameters from radiological imaging. We divided the cohort in a training set of 34 patients and a validation set of 15 patients, and we tested the data sets for homogeneity, considering the clinical variables. Then we performed univariate and multivariate analysis, and a ROC curve was also generated. Results. Thirteen patients (26.5%) showed an ePD, three of whom with lung metastases and ten with liver relapse. The model was validated based on the prediction accuracy calculated in a previously unseen set of 15 patients. The prediction accuracy of the generated model was 82% (AUC=0.853) in the training and 80% (AUC=0.833) in the validation cohort. The only significant features at multivariate analysis was DWI GLCM Correlation (OR: 0.239, p<0.001). Conclusion. Our results suggest that TA could be useful to identify patients that may develop early progression.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Contributes to Mitochondrial Exhaustion of CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Hurst Katie E. , Lawrence Kiley A. , Essman Matthew T. , Walton Zeke J. , Leddy Lee R. , Thaxton Jessica E.
Published: January 2019

Tumor antigen–specific T cells rapidly lose energy and effector function in tumors. The cellular mechanisms by which energy loss and inhibition of effector function occur in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are ill-defined, and methods to identify tumor antigen–specific TILs that experience such stress are unknown. Processes upstream of the mitochondria guide cell-intrinsic energy depletion. We hypothesized that a mechanism of T-cell–intrinsic energy consumption was the process of oxidative protein folding and disulfide bond formation that takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) guided by protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and downstream PERK axis target ER oxidoreductase 1 (ERO1α). To test this hypothesis, we created TCR transgenic mice with a T-cell–specific PERK gene deletion (OT1+Lckcre+PERKf/f, PERK KO). We found that PERK KO and T cells that were pharmacologically inhibited by PERK or ERO1α maintained reserve energy and exhibited a protein profile consistent with reduced oxidative stress. These T-cell groups displayed superior tumor control compared with T effectors. We identified a biomarker of ER-induced mitochondrial exhaustion in T cells as mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and found that PD-1+ tumor antigen–specific CD8+ TILs express mtROS. In vivo treatment with a PERK inhibitor abrogated mtROS in PD-1+ CD8+ TILs and bolstered CD8+ TIL viability. Combination therapy enabled 100% survival and 71% tumor clearance in a sarcoma mouse model. Our data identify the ER as a regulator of T-cell energetics and indicate that ER elements are effective targets to improve cancer immunotherapy.
Estratégias para ensino de orçamentação com adoção de BIM em ambiente acadêmico
Authors: Mattana Leticia , Librelotto Lisiane Ilha
Published: January 2019

Um dos grandes desafios das universidades é a introdução de inovações tecnológicas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, instruindo alunos a compreender novas técnicas e ferramentas que poderão ser utilizadas na vida profissional. Este artigo descreve estratégias para uma disciplina de gestão do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), através da prática pelo uso de ferramentas BIM (Building Information Modelling), que envolveram o planejamento de projetos e obras, principalmente a orçamentação. Trata-se da disciplina Tecnologia das Edificações IV (TEC IV), da 6ª fase do referido curso. O método foi aplicado nos semestres 2016/1 e 2017/1 e envolveu a simulação do processo produtivo de um jogo chamado LEAPCON Game e, posteriormente, o desenvolvimento de atividades práticas relacionadas ao levantamento de quantidades para orçamentação, usando BIM. Os resultados indicam que a colaboração entre os alunos e a qualidade da modelagem são essenciais para o sucesso do levantamento de quantitativos de modelos BIM, e que a inserção destas ferramentas em ambiente acadêmico é importante para auxiliar na preparação dos futuros profissionais para atuação no mercado.
Description of the first species of Cymodusa Holmgren from Brazil (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae)
Authors: ONODY HELENA C. , PENTEADO-DIAS ANGÉLICA MARIA
Published: January 2019

Cymodusa ypy sp. nov., the first species of the genus to be formally described from Brazil, is described and illustrated. This record extends significantly the known distribution of the genus in the Neotropical region.
Meteorological Impacts on Commercial Aviation Delays and Cancellations in the Continental United States
Authors: Goodman Christopher J. , Small Griswold Jennifer D.
Published: January 2019

Weather creates numerous operational and safety hazards within the National Airspace System (NAS). In 2014, extreme weather events attributed 4.3% to the total number of delay minutes recorded by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. When factoring weather’s impact on the NAS delays and aircraft arriving late delays, weather was responsible for 32.6% of the total number of delay minutes recorded. Hourly surface meteorological aviation routine weather reports (METARs) at major airports can be used to provide valuable insight into the likely causes of weather delays at individual airports. When combined with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Operations Network (OPSNET) delay data, METARs can be used to identify the major causes of delays and to create delay climatologies for a specific airport. Also, patterns for delays and cancellations for the study period of 2003–15 can be identified for the individual airports included in this study. These patterns can be useful for operators and airport planners to optimize performance in the future.
Formulation of Three-Dimensional Quasi-Residual Mean Flow Balanced with Diabatic Heating Rate and Potential Vorticity Flux
Authors: Kinoshita Takenari , Sato Kaoru , Ishijima Kentaro , Takigawa Masayuki , Yamashita Yousuke
Published: January 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) quasi-residual mean flow is derived to diagnose 3D dynamical material transport associated with stationary planetary waves. The 3D quasi-residual mean vertical flow does not include the vertical flow due to tilting of the potential temperature caused by stationary waves, which is apparent but not seen in the mass-weighted isentropic mean state. Thus, the quasi-residual mean vertical flow is balanced with the term of diabatic heating rate. The 3D quasi-residual mean horizontal flow is balanced with the sum of the forcing due to transient wave activity flux divergence and the forcing associated with fluctuation of the potential vorticity due to stationary waves (defined as the effective Coriolis forcing). The zonal mean of the effective Coriolis forcing corresponds to the divergence of stationary wave activity flux. Thus, the zonal mean of derived 3D quasi-residual mean flow is exactly equal to the traditional residual mean flow. To demonstrate the usefulness of this quasi-residual mean flow, we analyze material transport of atmospheric sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) by using an atmospheric chemistry transport model. Comparison between the derived 3D quasi-residual mean flow and traditional residual mean flow shows that the zonal mean of advection of SF6 associated with the 3D quasi-residual mean flow derived is almost equal to that of the traditional residual mean flow. Next, it is confirmed that the horizontal structure of advection of SF6 associated with the 3D quasi-residual mean flow is balanced with the transport because of the nonlinear, nonconservative effects of disturbances. This relation is similar to the results for traditional residual mean flow in the zonal-mean state.
A Prognostic Nested k-Nearest Approach for Microwave Precipitation Phase Detection over Snow Cover
Authors: Takbiri Zeinab , Ebtehaj Ardeshir , Foufoula-Georgiou Efi , Kirstetter Pierre-Emmanuel , Turk F. Joseph
Published: January 2019

Monitoring changes of precipitation phase from space is important for understanding the mass balance of Earth’s cryosphere in a changing climate. This paper examines a Bayesian nearest neighbor approach for prognostic detection of precipitation and its phase using passive microwave observations from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite. The method uses the weighted Euclidean distance metric to search through an a priori database populated with coincident GPM radiometer and radar observations as well as ancillary snow-cover data. The algorithm performance is evaluated using data from GPM official precipitation products, ground-based radars, and high-fidelity simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Using the presented approach, we demonstrate that the hit probability of terrestrial precipitation detection can reach to 0.80, while the probability of false alarm remains below 0.11. The algorithm demonstrates higher skill in detecting snowfall than rainfall, on average by 10%. In particular, the probability of precipitation detection and its solid phase increases by 11% and 8%, over dry snow cover, when compared to other surface types. The main reason is found to be related to the ability of the algorithm in capturing the signal of increased liquid water content in snowy clouds over radiometrically cold snow-covered surfaces.