bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial communities and diazotrophic activity differ in the root‐zone of Alamo and Dacotah switchgrass feedstocks
Authors: Rodrigues Richard R. , Moon Jinyoung , Zhao Bingyu , Williams Mark A.
Published: August 2016

Nitrogen (N) bioavailability is a primary limiting nutrient for crop and feedstock productivity. Associative nitrogen fixation (ANF) by diazotrophic bacteria in root‐zone soil microbial communities have been shown to provide significant amounts of N to some tropical grasses, but this potential in switchgrass, a warm‐season, temperate, US native, perennial tallgrass has not been widely studied. ‘Alamo’ and ‘Dacotah’ are cultivars of switchgrass, adapted to the southern and northern regions of the United States, respectively, and offer an opportunity to better describe this plant–bacterial association. The nitrogenase enzyme activity, microbial communities, and amino acid profiles in the root‐zones of the two ecotypes were studied at three different plant growth stages. Differences in the nitrogenase enzyme activity and free soluble amino acid profiles indicated the potential for greater nitrogen fixation in the high productivity Alamo compared with the lower productivity Dacotah. Changes in the amino acid profiles and microbial community structure (rRNA genes) of the root‐zone suggest different plant–bacterial interactions can help to explain differences in nitrogenase activity. PICRUSt analysis revealed functional differences, especially nitrogen metabolism, that supported ecotype differences in root‐zone nitrogenase enzyme activity. It is thought that the greater productivity of Alamo increased the belowground flow of carbon into roots and root‐zone habitats, which in turn support the high energy demands needed to support nitrogen fixation. Further research is thus needed to understand plant ecotype and cultivar trait differences that can be used to breed or genetically modify crop plants to support root‐zone associations with diazotrophs.
Preliminary evidence that rivastigmine‐induced inhibition of serum butyrylcholinesterase activity improves behavioral symptoms in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bando Nobuyasu , Nakamura Yu
Published: August 2016

Aim

To investigate whether the inhibitory rate of serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease is correlated with cognitive function, behavioral symptoms and caregiver burden.

Methods

A total of 61 patients with mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease who were not undergoing cholinesterase enzyme inhibitor/memantine combinatorial treatment received a rivastigmine (18 mg) patch for 24 weeks. The rate of inhibition of BuChE was correlated with scores obtained on cognitive (Mini‐Mental State Examination), behavioral (the Japanese version of the modified Crichton Geriatric Behavioral Rating Scale [CGBRS] and Vitality Index [VI]) and burden (the Japanese version of Zarit Burden Inventory [ZBI]) scales; and the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale.

Results

The serum BuChE activity showed a significant decrease after 24 weeks compared with baseline (P < 0.001). Overall, significant effects were found in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score, VI score and modified CGBRS score. We then divided patient groups into a high inhibitory rate (≥40%) group and a low inhibitory rate (<40%) group; there were significant improvements in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score, VI score and modified CGBRS score in both groups. However, favorable results were seen in cooperation, restlessness and leisure on modified CGBRS subscales in the high inhibitory rate group (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P < 0.001, respectively), and rehabilitation and other activities on VI subscales in the high inhibitory rate group (P = 0.005) compared with those in the low inhibitory rate group.

Conclusions

Demonstrable significant improvements in behavioral symptoms, such as low cooperation, restlessness or low activities in patients with Alzheimer's disease, were achieved on inhibition of BuChE at a rate of 40% or more. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1306–1312.
Personal Support Worker (PSW)‐supported home hemodialysis: A paradigm shift
Authors: Pierratos Andreas , Tremblay Melanie , Kandasamy Gokulan , Woodward Graham , Blake Peter , Graham Janet , Hebert Marc , Harvey Rebecca
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Despite improving clinical outcomes associated with the use of home hemodialysis (HD), its utilization is low in most countries. The inability or unwillingness of patients and their families to participate in their own treatment is one of the most important barriers to the adoption of home HD.

Methods: We hypothesized that paid helper‐delivered home HD supported by public funds would be successful and welcomed by patients and be delivered at an affordable cost. We conducted a pilot project to dialyze six patients at home using Personal Support Workers (PSW) and resolve regulatory, organizational and financial constraints.

Findings: cWe provided publically‐funded PSW‐supported home HD to six patients. We describe the administrative structure of the pilot project allowing scalability and turnkey operation in the province of Ontario. Regulatory and insurance concerns were resolved and patients and staff were enthusiastic. The projected total dialysis cost, when economies of scale are met, are expected to be lower than the cost of in‐center HD.

Discussion: A second phase of the project is currently under way including 8 hospitals and 67 patients. If equally successful, it may have significant implications for the delivery of care for End Stage Renal Disease in Ontario and similar jurisdictions. It promises to increase the utilization of home dialysis possibly at a lower cost than in‐center HD. This would be particularly important in providing dialysis in underserviced and geographically hard to access areas.
Safety of fondaparinux for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in urological malignancy: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hata Kenichi , Kimura Takahiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Ishii Gen , Kido Masahito , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Miki Jun , Yamada Hiroki , Furuta Akira , Miki Kenta , Egawa Shin
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the safety of postoperative fondaparinux in comparison with low molecular weight heparin in patients undergoing uro‐oncological surgery.

Methods

The present study was a prospective, single‐blind, non‐inferiority randomized trial. A total of 359 patients undergoing surgery for urological malignancy were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2012. A total of 298 of these patients (fondaparinux group, 152; low molecular weight heparin group, 146) were evaluable for the intention‐to‐treat‐analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to low‐dose unfractionated heparin, 5000 units twice daily until postoperative day 1 plus either fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily or low molecular weight heparin 2000 units twice daily until postoperative day 5. The primary end‐point was postoperative bleeding as by independent review, and the study was powered to show the non‐inferiority of fondaparinux versus low molecular weight heparin. The other adverse events were evaluated. D‐dimer and soluble fibrin monomer complex levels were measured perioperatively.

Results

Bleeding occurred in 21 patients (12 in the fondaparinux group and 9 in low molecular weight heparin group, respectively). No significant differences were detected in the incidence of postoperative bleeding and the other adverse events between the two groups. The D‐dimer was elevated on postoperative day 1 in one patient (16.6 μg/mL). In another patient, the soluble fibrin monomer complex was elevated (109 μg/mL).

Conclusions

Fondaparinux is non‐inferior to low molecular weight heparin with respect to risk of bleeding. The favorable safety profile of fondparinux supports its prophylactic use as an alternative to low molecular weight heparin after surgery for urological malignancy.
Atorvastatin promotes the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and attenuates murine colitis
Authors: Lei Aihua , Yang Qiong , Li Xing , Chen Haiwen , Shi Maohua , Xiao Qiang , Cao Yingjiao , He Yumei , Zhou Jie
Published: August 2016

Statins, widely prescribed as cholesterol‐lowering drugs, have recently been extensively studied for their pleiotropic effects on immune systems, especially their beneficial effects on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. However, the mechanism of statin‐induced immunosuppression is far from understood. Here, we found that atorvastatin promoted the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Atorvastatin‐derived MDSCs suppressed T‐cell responses by nitric oxide production. Addition of mevalonate, a downstream metabolite of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, almost completely abrogated the effect of atorvastatin on MDSCs, indicating that the mevalonate pathway was involved. Along with the amelioration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) ‐induced murine acute and chronic colitis, we observed a higher MDSC level both in spleen and intestine tissue compared with that from DSS control mice. More importantly, transfer of atorvastatin‐derived MDSCs attenuated DSS acute colitis and T‐cell transfer of chronic colitis. Hence, our data suggest that the expansion of MDSCs induced by statins may exert a beneficial effect on autoimmune diseases. In summary, our study provides a novel potential mechanism for statins‐based treatment in inflammatory bowel disease and perhaps other autoimmune diseases.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy in burn patients
Authors: Teng Shou‐Cheng
Published: August 2016

According to previous research, adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can help manage infected wounds when applied along with appropriate debridement and antibiotic therapy as deemed clinically relevant. NPWT not only removes fluid, and reduces oedema, but also promotes perfusion around the wounds. In addition, NPWT may lead to improved graft fixation when used as a bolster, especially in patients who are less compliant or have poor graft fixation that result from using traditional methods. NPWT is a good choice to bolster skin grafts in young, active and less‐compliant patients. We propose an enhanced segmental compartment‐covered technique, which uses NPWT adjunctively as first‐line wound treatment to help manage postoperative infection. Moreover, NPWT promotes granulation tissue formation to prepare the wound bed for subsequent skin graft and may be used as a bolster over the graft, which helps to attain skin graft viability.
Management of the open abdomen: clinical recommendations for the trauma/acute care surgeon and general surgeon
Authors: Fernández Luis G
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Traditionally, the surgical approach to managing abdominal injuries was to assess the extent of trauma, repair any damage and close the abdomen in one definitive procedure rather than leave the abdomen open. With advances in medicine, damage control surgery using temporary abdominal closure methods is being used to manage the open abdomen (OA) when closure is not possible. Although OA management is often observed in traumatic injuries, the extension of damage control surgery concepts, in conjunction with OA, for the management of the septic patient requires that the general surgeon who is faced with these challenges has a comprehensive knowledge of this complex subject. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to the acute care and general surgeon on the use of OA negative pressure therapy (OA‐NPT; ABTHERA™ Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System, KCI, an ACELITY Company, San Antonio, TX) for OA management. A literature review of published evidence, clinical recommendations on managing the OA and a case study demonstrating OA management using OA‐NPT have been included.
Sealing Glass‐Ceramics with Near‐Linear Thermal Strain, Part II: Sequence of Crystallization and Phase Stability
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Griego James J. M. , Dai Steve
Published: August 2016

The sequence of crystallization in a recrystallizable lithium silicate sealing glass‐ceramic Li2O–SiO2–Al2O3–K2O–B2O3–P2O5–ZnO was analyzed by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HTXRD). Glass‐ceramic specimens have been subjected to a two‐stage heat‐treatment schedule, including rapid cooling from sealing temperature to a first hold temperature 650°C, followed by heating to a second hold temperature of 810°C. Notable growth and saturation of Quartz was observed at 650°C (first hold). Cristobalite crystallized at the second hold temperature of 810°C, growing from the residual glass rather than converting from the Quartz. The coexistence of quartz and cristobalite resulted in a glass‐ceramic having a near‐linear thermal strain, as opposed to the highly nonlinear glass‐ceramic where the cristobalite is the dominant silica crystalline phase. HTXRD was also performed to analyze the inversion and phase stability of the two types of fully crystallized glass‐ceramics. While the inversion in cristobalite resembles the character of a first‐order displacive phase transformation, i.e., step changes in lattice parameters and thermal hysteresis in the transition temperature, the inversion in quartz appears more diffuse and occurs over a much broader temperature range. Localized tensile stresses on quartz and possible solid‐solution effects have been attributed to the transition behavior of quartz crystals embedded in the glass‐ceramics.
Contact‐Force Catheters: Efficacy Versus Safety? Case Report of 2 Atrioesophageal Fistulae
Authors: GITENAY EDOUARD , O' HARA GILLES EDOUARD , SARRAZIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , NAULT ISABELLE , PHILIPPON FRANÇOIS , SADRON BLAYE‐FELICE MARIE , LAAOUAJ JAMAL , CHAMPAGNE JEAN
Published: August 2016

Contact‐Force Catheters

Contact‐force (CF) catheters appear to be more effective compared to standard ablation catheters for complex radiofrequency ablation including atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation when optimal CF >10 g is achieved. Some have suggested that this technology could also improve procedural safety. We report 2 cases of atrioesophageal fistulae (AEF), a rare but catastrophic complication of AF ablation. These are to our knowledge the first cases of AEF described after using CF catheters.
The three moments of skin cream application: an evidence‐based proposal for use of skin creams in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis in the workplace
Authors: Hines J. , Wilkinson S.M. , John S.M. , Diepgen T.L. , English J. , Rustemeyer T. , Wassilew S. , Kezic S. , Maibach H.I.
Published: August 2016

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases, with serious impact on quality of life, lost days at work and a condition that may be chronically relapsing. Regular prophylactic skin cream application is widely acknowledged to be an effective prevention strategy against occupational contact dermatitis; however, compliance rates remain low. To present a simple programme for skin cream application in the workplace with focus on implementation to drive down the rate of occupational irritant contact dermatitis, an expert panel of eight international dermatologists combined personal experience with extensive literature review. The recommendations are based on clinical experience as supported by evidence‐based data from interventional studies. The authors identified three moments for skin cream application in the work place: (i) before starting a work period; (ii) after washing hands; and (iii) after work. Affecting behaviour change requires systematic communications, monitoring and reporting, which is proposed through Kotter's principles of organizational change management. Measurement tools are provided in the appendix. Interventional data based on application of this proposal is required to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Phenotypes optimized for early‐life reproduction exhibit faster somatic deterioration with age, revealing a latent cost of high condition
Authors: Adler M. I. , Telford M. , Bonduriansky R.
Published: August 2016

High condition enables individuals to express a phenotype with greater reproductive potential. However, life‐history theory predicts that reproduction will trade off with somatic maintenance and viability, and several studies have reported faster age‐related decline in performance in high‐condition individuals, suggesting that high condition in early life is associated with accelerated somatic deterioration. This trade‐off may be especially pronounced in males, which often express condition‐dependent secondary sexual traits that can impose viability costs during development and through damage‐inflicting adult sexual behaviours. To test this prediction, we reared larvae of the neriid flyTelostylinus angusticollison diets of varying nutrient content and quantified somatic deterioration in solitary males, males housed in all‐male or mixed‐sex groups and immobilized males subjected to mechanical stress. We found that males reared on a nutrient‐rich larval diet (high‐condition males) suffered a higher rate of somatic deterioration with age, particularly when housed in groups. Perhaps as a result of accelerated somatic deterioration, high‐condition males did not outlive low‐condition males. In addition, high‐condition males housed in all‐male groups experienced a greater reduction in escape response with age than males housed in mixed‐sex groups, suggesting that male–male combat promotes somatic deterioration. However, even when immobilized, high‐condition males were still found to be more susceptible to somatic damage than low‐condition males. Our findings suggest that a high‐condition male phenotype is more prone to somatic damage, both as a result of associated behaviours such as combat, and because of the inherent fragility of the high‐condition body.
Can positron emission tomography detect colorectal adenomas and cancers?
Authors: Igarashi Kimihiro , Hotta Kinichi , Imai Kenichiro , Yamaguchi Yuichiro , Ito Sayo , Kawata Noboru , Tanaka Masaki , Kakushima Naomi , Takizawa Kohei , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Endo Masahiro , Asakura Kouiku , Oishi Takuma , Shimoda Tadakazu , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Fluorine‐18 2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (PET) is effective and less invasive than other modalities used to diagnose tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detectability of adenomas and CRCs, especially in the early stages, is unclear.

Methods

We evaluated the records of 2323 consecutive eligible patients who underwent both a total colonoscopy (TCS) and PET between October 2002 and September 2012 at a tertiary cancer center. The PET findings were verified by TCS performed independently within 1 year. Target lesions were defined as CRCs and adenomas that were 6 mm or larger in size.

Results

Total colonoscopy detected 532 target lesions ≥ 6 mm in size: 56 T2–T4 CRCs, 39 T1 CRCs, 223 advanced adenomas, and 214 low‐grade adenomas. Of the 532 lesions, 216 (40.6%) were PET positive. Of the 369 cases with positive uptakes, PET detected target lesions in the matched segments for 58.5% (216/369). Sensitivity of PET to T2–T4 CRCs, T1 CRCs, advanced adenomas, and low‐grade adenomas was 92.9%, 79.5%, 50.7%, and 9.3%, respectively. PET could detect 76.5% (13/17) of T1 CRCs whose size is 10 to 19 mm and 85.0% (17/20) of T1 CRCs equal or larger than 20 mm.

The multivariate analysis excluding T2–T4 CRCs showed malignant histology, larger size, protruded lesions, villous histology, and lesions in distal colon were significant factors.

Conclusions

Sensitivity of PET for detecting T2–T4 and even T1 cancers are promising. However, sensitivity of PET to adenomas, even advanced adenomas, is limited.
Global Patterns and Trends for Non‐Metallic Minerals used for Construction
Authors: Miatto Alessio , Schandl Heinz , Fishman Tomer , Tanikawa Hiroki
Published: August 2016

Despite accounting for almost 50% of global material use, nonmetallic minerals—mostly used for construction of buildings and infrastructure—are the material flow analysis (MFA) category with the highest uncertainty. The main reason for this is incomplete reporting in official national statistics because of ease of availability and the low per‐unit cost of these materials. However, the environmental burden associated with nonmetallic minerals, which include energy use for extraction and transport, land‐use change, and disposal of large amounts of construction demolition waste, call for a thorough understanding of the magnitude of nonmetallic mineral flows. Previous estimates for nonmetallic minerals have used simplistic assumptions. This study aims to increase the precision of nonmetallic mineral accounts at national and global level using consumption of bitumen, bricks, cement, and railways in combination with technical coefficients from the engineering literature to infer the actual yearly consumption of nonmetallic minerals. We estimate the extraction of nonmetallic minerals and provide uncertainty estimates for the new accounts as well as information about consumption by different sectors. Analyzing the evolution of consumption for seven world regions, we find that, in North America and Europe, the consumption of nonmetallic minerals over the past 40 years has followed the growth patterns of population, whereas for all other regions consumption has been closely related to gross domestic product (GDP). A more accurate account of global and country‐by‐country extraction of nonmetallic minerals may provide insights into supply shortages and inform waste management strategies for construction and demolition waste.
A Framework for Modeling Local Production Systems with Techno‐Ecological Interactions
Authors: Martinez‐Hernandez Elias , Leung Pah Hang Melissa Yuling , Leach Matthew , Yang Aidong
Published: August 2016

At the local scale, interconnected production, consumption, waste management, and other man‐made technological components interact with local ecosystem components to form a local production system. The purpose of this work is to develop a framework for the conceptual characterization and mathematical modeling of a local production system to support the assessment of process and component options that potentially create symbiosis between industry and ecosystem. This framework has been applied to a case study to assess options for the establishment of a local energy production system that involves a heathland ecosystem, bioenergy production, and wastewater treatment. We found that the framework is useful to analyze the two‐way interactions between these components in order to obtain insight into the behavior and performance of the bioenergy production system. In particular, the framework enables exploring the levels of the ecosystem states that allow continuous provisioning of resources in order to establish a sustainable techno‐ecological system.
Visual–motor integration, visual perception and motor coordination in a population with Williams syndrome and in typically developing children
Authors: Heiz J. , Barisnikov K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) is characterised by severe deficits in visual–spatial abilities in contrast to relatively well‐developed language abilities. There is very limited knowledge about visual–motor integration (VMI) in people with WS.

Method

Twenty‐six participants with WS aged 6 to 41 years were assessed with all three tests of the Beery‐VMI test, namely the VMI test, the visual perception test (VP) and the motor coordination test (MC). Their results were compared with those of 154 typically developing children (TD) aged 4 to 12.

Results

No influence of age on the three tested abilities was found amongst the participants with WS in comparison with the TD children. The participants with WS scored similarly to the 5‐year‐old TD children in all three tasks; their scores on the VMI correlated with the results on the VP and MC tests, which were similar to those of the TD children. Finally, the scores on the non‐verbal intelligence test (Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices) were highly predictive of the scores in the VMI and VP tests and partially explain the variance in the MC scores.

Conclusions

The present study is the first to use all three tasks of the Beery‐VMI test. For the TD children, the performances on the three subtests did not show the same developmental trajectory. In contrast, the participants with WS did not show the same developmental trajectory. The participants with WS exhibited poor performances on all tasks with scores comparable with the 5‐year‐old TD children. As high correlations between these abilities were observed, improving VP and MC could help the development of VMI, which in turn could improve visual–spatial abilities in individuals with WS.
Ventral tegmental area subcircuits process rewarding and aversive experiences
Authors: Bariselli Sebastiano , Glangetas Christelle , Tzanoulinou Stamatina , Bellone Camilla
Published: August 2016

The ventral tegmental area is a heterogeneous brain structure that plays a central role in rewarding and aversive experience processing. Studies suggest that several subpopulations within the ventral tegmental area form subcircuits that are differentially involved in rewarding and aversive experiences and that could be individually affected in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we focus on the recent advances concerning the functional description of the three major neuronal subpopulations, in terms of neurotransmitter release, their input and output structures, and their role in controlling specific behavioral outcomes.

image

Several subpopulations within the Ventral Tegmental Area form subcircuits that are differentially involved in rewarding and aversive experiences and that could be individually affected in several neuropsychiatric disorders. We focus on the recent advances concerning the functional description of the three major neuronal subpopulations, their input and output structures, and their role in controlling specific behavioral outcomes.

This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
The Role of Implicit Associations in the Hypothetical Bias
Authors: Verneau Fabio , La Barbera Francesco , Del Giudice Teresa
Published: August 2016

The current paper aims to contribute to the explanation of the so‐called hypothetical bias, that is, the different behavior shown by individuals in hypothetical and real scenarios, in stated preference techniques. The factors determining this difference have not been fully investigated, and the lack of clarity about this phenomenon has been widely noted. Therefore, we investigated the extent to which implicit associations—which have not been studied in relation to the hypothetical bias—account for the gap between individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) in hypothetical and real auctions. From a theoretical point of view, implicit associations could be a crucial factor in differentiating the hypothetical and the real setting, because they should exert their effect only (or almost) in the latter. As expected, results show that implicit associations affect participants' WTP only in the real auction. Theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed.
The Role of Refund Expectations in Savings: Evidence from Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Programs in the United States
Authors: Porto Nilton , Collins J. Michael
Published: August 2016

Millions of households in the United States receive federal income tax refunds annually, many for substantial amounts. Consumers can use the proceeds of income tax refunds for spending and saving, but tests of prior programs to encourage savings show low take‐up rates. This field study shows that the majority of tax filers make no estimate of their refund amount in advance, but that consumers who are able to estimate their refund in advance of completing their tax returns tend to be reasonably accurate in their estimates. Moreover, taxpayers who estimate their refunds before filing their taxes are more likely to save their refunds than those who do not. These results highlight the importance of expectations and planning with respect to savings decisions.
DOES GOVERNMENT SPENDING AFFECT INCOME INEQUALITY? A META‐REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: Anderson Edward , Jalles D'Orey Maria Ana , Duvendack Maren , Esposito Lucio
Published: August 2016

In this paper findings of a meta‐regression analysis are presented exploring the effects of government spending on income inequality, with a particular focus on low‐ and middle‐income countries. We identify a total of 84 separate studies containing over 900 estimates of the effect of one or more measures of spending on one or more measures of income inequality. The results show some evidence of a moderate negative relationship between government spending and income inequality, which is strongest for social welfare and other social spending, and when using the Gini coefficient or the top income share as the measure of inequality. However, both the size and direction of the estimated relationship between government spending and income inequality is affected by a range of other factors, including the control variables and estimation method used. We also find evidence of publication bias, in that negative estimates of the relationship appear to be under‐reported in the literature.
Sonographic Changes in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Associated with Supra‐ versus Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Ertl Michael , Schierling Wilma , Kasprzak Piotr M. , Kopp Reinhard , Brückl Corinna , Schlachetzki Felix , Pfister Karin
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantification of changes in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ocular sonography (OS) constitutes an elegant technique for estimating intracranial and intraspinal pressure. Aortic aneurysm repair (AAR) is associated with a reasonable risk of increased spinal fluid pressure, which is largely dependent on the extent of aneurysm repair (supra‐ vs. infrarenal). The aim of this study was to compare ONSD measurements in patients with suprarenal AAR (sAAR) or infrarenal AAR (iAAR).

METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent elective endovascular repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms (Group iAAR) were included in the study; the characteristics in these cases were prospectively analyzed and compared with those in a previously investigated group of 28 patients treated for suprarenal aortic aneurysms (Group sAAR). Six measurements of ONSDs were performed in each patient at five consecutive time points. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A highly significant difference between pre‐ and postinterventional values could be detected in both patient groups (P < .01). In Group sAAR, there was a mean .3‐mm increase of the ONSD, whereas in Group iAAR, a mean .2‐mm decrease could be detected. Both groups roughly reached baseline values by the end of their inpatient stay.

CONCLUSIONS

ONSD changes seem to be a reliable marker to estimate spinal perfusion. Since OS provides a suitable bedside tool for rapid reevaluation, it may guide physicians in the identification and treatment of patients at high risk for spinal cord ischemia.
Three‐dimensional analysis of jaw kinematic alterations in patients with chronic TMD – disc displacement with reduction
Authors: Mapelli A. , Machado B. C. Z. , Garcia D. M. , Rodrigues Da Silva M. A. M. , Sforza C. , de Felício C. M.
Published: August 2016

The study investigated whether chronic TMD patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDR), performing non‐assisted maximum jaw movements, presented any changes in their mandibular kinematics with respect to an age‐matched control group. Moreover, it was examined whether jaw kinematics and a valid clinic measure of oro‐facial functional status have significant associations. Maximum mouth opening, mandible protrusion and bilateral laterotrusions were performed by 20 patients (18 women, 2 men; age, 18–34 years) and 20 healthy controls (17 women, 3 men; age, 20–31 years). The three‐dimensional coordinates of their mandibular interincisor and condylar reference points were recorded by means of an optoelectronic motion analyser and were used to quantitatively assess their range of motion, velocity, symmetry and synchrony. Three functional indices (opening–closing, mandibular rototranslation, laterotrusion – right and left – and protrusion) were devised to summarise subject's overall performance, and their correlation with the outcome of a clinical protocol, the oro‐facial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES), was investigated. TMD patients were able to reach maximum excursions of jaw movements comparable to healthy subjects’ performances. However, their opening and closing mandibular movements were characterised by remarkable asynchrony of condylar translation. They had also reduced jaw closing velocity and asymmetric laterotrusions. The functional indices proved to well summarise the global condition of jaw kinematics, highlighting the presence of alterations in TMD‐DDR patients, and were linearly correlated with the oro‐facial functional status. The jaw kinematic alterations seem to reflect both oro‐facial motor behaviour adaptation and a DDR‐related articular impairment.
Low-volume solubility assessment during high-concentration protein formulation development
Authors: Hofmann Melanie , Winzer Matthias , Weber Christian , Gieseler Henning
Published: August 2016

Objective

Solubility is often one of the limiting factors for high-concentration protein formulation (HCF) development. Determination of protein solubility is challenging and requires high amount of material. Therefore, low-volume and predictive approaches are desired.

Methods

This work presents a simple and material-saving approach using static light scattering to describe non-ideal solution behaviour of HCF. Non-ideality can be related to protein–protein interactions in solution. The type and strength of these interactions indicate maximum protein solubility at actual formulation compositions. Interactions of four therapeutic model proteins at multiple formulation compositions were investigated, and deduced solubility was compared to apparent solubility behaviour determined by ether turbidity or content measurements.

Key findings

Protein–protein interactions and deduced solubilities matched actual solubility data for all tested formulations. Protein solubility was found to be lowest at pH values near the isoelectric point of each model protein. Buffer salts and ionic strength were also found to strongly influence protein solubility. In addition, sucrose and a combination of arginine and glycine enhanced protein solubility, whereas surfactants such as polysorbate 20 did not influence protein solubility.

Conclusions

The introduced screening procedure is a powerful tool during (early) protein formulation development. It meets several requirements of HCF development and enables reliable prediction of protein solubility based on determination of protein interactions. In addition, rare data about the influence of several common excipients on apparent solubility of therapeutic proteins were shown.
Phosphate and feldspar mineralogy of equilibrated L chondrites: The record of metasomatism during metamorphism in ordinary chondrite parent bodies
Authors: Lewis Jonathan A. , Jones Rhian H.
Published: August 2016

In ordinary chondrites (OCs), phosphates and feldspar are secondary minerals known to be the products of parent‐body metamorphism. Both minerals provide evidence that metasomatic fluids played a role during metamorphism. We studied the petrology and chemistry of phosphates and feldspar in petrologic type 4–6 L chondrites, to examine the role of metasomatic fluids, and to compare metamorphic conditions across all threeOCgroups. Apatite in L chondrites is Cl‐rich, similar to H chondrites, whereas apatite inLLchondrites has lower Cl/F ratios. Merrillite has similar compositions among the three chondrite groups. Feldspar in L chondrites shows a similar equilibration trend toLLchondrites, from a wide range of plagioclase compositions in petrologic type 4 to a homogeneous albitic composition in type 6. This contrasts with H chondrites which have homogeneous albitic plagioclase in petrologic types 4–6. Alkali‐ and halogen‐rich and likely hydrous metasomatic fluids acted during prograde metamorphism onOCparent bodies, resulting in albitization reactions and development of phosphate minerals. Fluid compositions transitioned to a more anhydrous, Cl‐rich composition after the asteroid began to cool. Differences in secondary minerals between H and L,LLchondrites can be explained by differences in fluid abundance, duration, or timing of fluid release. Phosphate minerals in the regolith breccia, Kendleton, show lithology‐dependent apatite compositions. Bulk Cl/F ratios forOCs inferred from apatite compositions are higher than measured bulk chondrite values, suggesting that bulk F abundances are overestimated and that bulk Cl/F ratios inOCs are similar toCI.
Effect of Road Surface, Vehicle, and Device Characteristics on Energy Harvesting from Bridge–Vehicle Interactions
Authors: Cahill Paul , Jaksic Vesna , Keane John , O'Sullivan Anthony , Mathewson Alan , Ali Shaikh Faruque , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: August 2016

Energy harvesting to power sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM) has received huge attention worldwide. A number of practical aspects affecting energy harvesting and the possibility of health monitoring directly from energy harvesters is investigated here. The key idea is the amount of power received from a damaged and an undamaged structure varying and the signature of such variation can be used for SHM. For this study, a damaged bridge and an undamaged bridge are considered with harvesters located at different positions and the power harvested is accessed numerically to determine how energy harvesting can act as a damage detector and monitor. Bridge–vehicle interaction is exploited to harvest energy. For a damaged bridge, a bilinear breathing crack is considered. Variable surface roughness according to ISO 8606:1995(E) is considered such that the real values can be considered in the simulation. The possibility of a drive‐by type health monitoring using energy harvesting is highlighted and the effects of road surface on such monitoring are identified. The sensitivity of the harvester health monitoring to locations and extents of crack damage are reported. This study investigates the effects of multiple harvesters and the effects of vehicular parameters on the harvested power. Continuous harvesting over a length of the bridge is considered semianalytically. A comparison among the numerical simulations, detailed finite element analysis, and experimental results emphasizes the feasibility of the proposed method.
Increased yield pressure in the anal canal during sacral nerve stimulation: a pilot study with the functional lumen imaging probe
Authors: Haas S. , Liao D. , Gregersen H. , Lundby L. , Laurberg S. , Krogh K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a well‐established treatment for fecal incontinence but its mode of action remains obscure. Anal sphincter function is usually evaluated with manometry but resistance to distension may be a more appropriate parameter than luminal pressure. The functional lumen imaging probe allows detailed description of distension properties of the anal canal. Our objective in this study was to characterize the impact of SNS on distension properties of the anal canal in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.

Methods

We studied 10 women (median age 64 [44–79] years) with idiopathic fecal incontinence at baseline and during SNS. The luminal geometry of the anal canal was examined with the FLIP at rest and during squeeze and the distensibility of the anal canal was investigated during filling of the bag.

Key results

All patients were successfully treated with SNS and the mean Wexner Incontinence Score was reduced from 14.9 ± 4 to 7.1 ± 4.8 (P<.001). The pressure required to open the narrowest point of the anal canal during distension (yield pressure) increased from 14.5 ± 12.2 mmHg at baseline to 20.5 ± 13.3 mmHg during SNS (P<.01). The pressure‐strain elastic modulus increased non‐significantly from 2.2 ± 0.5 to 2.9 ± 1.6 kPa, indicating increased stiffness of the anal canal.

Conclusion and inferences

The yield pressure and the resistance to distension increased in response to SNS for idiopathic fecal incontinence. This will inevitably increase the resistance to flow through the anal canal, which may contribute to the benefits of sacral nerve stimulation.
Colonic content: effect of diet, meals, and defecation
Authors: Bendezú R. A. , Mego M. , Monclus E. , Merino X. , Accarino A. , Malagelada J. R. , Navazo I. , Azpiroz F.
Published: August 2016

Background

The metabolic activity of colonic microbiota is influenced by diet; however, the relationship between metabolism and colonic content is not known. Our aim was to determine the effect of meals, defecation, and diet on colonic content.

Methods

In 10 healthy subjects, two abdominal MRI scans were acquired during fasting, 1 week apart, and after 3 days on low‐ and high‐residue diets, respectively. With each diet, daily fecal output and the number of daytime anal gas evacuations were measured. On the first study day, a second scan was acquired 4 hours after a test meal (n=6) or after 4 hours with nil ingestion (n=4). On the second study day, a scan was also acquired after a spontaneous bowel movement.

Results

On the low‐residue diet, daily fecal volume averaged 145 ± 15 mL; subjects passed 10.6 ± 1.6 daytime anal gas evacuations and, by the third day, non‐gaseous colonic content was 479 ± 36 mL. The high‐residue diet increased the three parameters to 16.5 ± 2.9 anal gas evacuations, 223 ± 19 mL fecal output, and 616 ± 55 mL non‐gaseous colonic content (P<.05 vs low‐residue diet for all). On the low‐residue diet, non‐gaseous content in the right colon had increased by 41 ± 11 mL, 4 hours after the test meal, whereas no significant change was observed after 4‐hour fast (−15 ± 8 mL; P=.006 vs fed). Defecation significantly reduced the non‐gaseous content in distal colonic segments.

Conclusion & Inferences

Colonic content exhibits physiologic variations with an approximate 1/3 daily turnover produced by meals and defecation, superimposed over diet‐related day‐to‐day variations.
ABNORMAL VASCULAR BUNDLES regulates cell proliferation and procambium cell establishment during aerial organ development in rice
Authors: Ma Ling , Sang Xianchun , Zhang Ting , Yu Zhanyang , Li Yunfeng , Zhao Fangming , Wang Zhongwei , Wang Yantong , Yu Peng , Wang Nan , Zhang Changwei , Ling Yinghua , Yang Zhenglin , He Guanghua
Published: August 2016

To understand the molecular mechanisms of rice aerial organ development, we identified a mutant gene that caused a significant decrease in the width of aerial organs, termed ABNORMAL VASCULAR BUNDLES (AVB).

Histological analysis showed that the slender aerial organs were caused by cell number reduction. In avb, the number of vascular bundles in aerial organs was reduced, whereas the area of the vascular bundles was increased.

Ploidy analysis and the in situ expression patterns of histone H4 confirmed that cell proliferation was impaired during lateral primordia development, whereas procambium cells showed a greater ability to undergo cell division in avb. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) showed that the development process was affected in avb. Map‐based cloning and genetic complementation demonstrated that AVB encodes a land plant conserved protein with unknown functions.

Our research shows that AVB is involved in the maintenance of the normal cell division pattern in lateral primordia development and that the AVB gene is required for procambium establishment following auxin signaling.
Small heat shock proteins and the postharvest chilling tolerance of tomato fruit
Authors: Ré Martín D. , Gonzalez Carla , Escobar Mariela R. , Sossi María Laura , Valle Estela M. , Boggio Silvana B.
Published: August 2016

Plants have the largest number of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) (15–42 kDa) among eukaryotes, but little is known about their function in vivo. They accumulate in response to different stresses, and specific sHsps are also expressed during developmental processes such as seed development, germination, and ripening. The presence of organelle‐specific sHsps appears to be unique to plants. The sHsps expression is regulated by heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs). In this work, it was explored the role of sHsps in the chilling injury of tomato fruit. The level of transcripts and proteins of cytoplasmic and organellar sHsps was monitored in fruit during ripening and after cold storage (4 weeks at 4°C). Expression of HsfA1, HsfA2, HsfA3, and HsfB1 was also examined. Two cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) contrasting in chilling tolerance were assayed: Micro‐Tom (chilling‐tolerant) and Minitomato (chilling‐sensitive). Results showed that sHsps were induced during ripening in fruit from both cultivars. However, sHsps were induced in Micro‐Tom fruit but not in Minitomato fruit after storage at a low temperature. In particular, sHsp 17.4‐CII and sHsp23.8‐M transcripts strongly accumulated in Micro‐Tom fruit and HsfA3 transcript diminished after cold storage. These data suggest that sHsps may be involved in the protection mechanisms against chilling stress and substantiate the hypothesis that sHsps may participate in the mechanism of tomato genotype chilling tolerance.
Analysis of Double Single Index Models
Authors: Chen Kun , Ma Yanyuan
Published: August 2016

Motivated from problems in canonical correlation analysis, reduced rank regression and sufficient dimension reduction, we introduce a double dimension reduction model where a single index of the multivariate response is linked to the multivariate covariate through a single index of these covariates, hence the name double single index model. Because nonlinear association between two sets of multivariate variables can be arbitrarily complex and even intractable in general, we aim at seeking a principal one‐dimensional association structure where a response index is fully characterized by a single predictor index. The functional relation between the two single‐indices is left unspecified, allowing flexible exploration of any potential nonlinear association. We argue that such double single index association is meaningful and easy to interpret, and the rest of the multi‐dimensional dependence structure can be treated as nuisance in model estimation. We investigate the estimation and inference of both indices and the regression function, and derive the asymptotic properties of our procedure. We illustrate the numerical performance in finite samples and demonstrate the usefulness of the modelling and estimation procedure in a multi‐covariate multi‐response problem concerning concrete.