bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matched Placental and Circulating Plasmodium falciparum Parasites are Genetically Homologous at the var2csa ID1-DBL2X Locus by Deep Sequencing
Authors: Waltmann Andreea , Patel Jaymin C. , Thwai Kyaw L. , Hathaway Nicholas J. , Parobek Christian M. , Massougbodji Achille , Fievet Nadine , Bailey Jeffery A. , Deloron Philippe , Juliano Jonathan J. , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue , Meshnick Steven R.
Published: January 2018

In pregnancy-associated malaria, infected erythrocytes accumulate in the placenta. It is unclear if in polyclonal infections this results in distinct peripheral and placental parasite populations. We used long amplicon deep sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum var2csa ID1-DBL2X from 15 matched peripheral and placental samples collected at delivery from a high transmission area to determine genetic homology. Despite substantial sequence variation and detecting 23 haplotypes, the matched pairs mostly contained the same genetic variants, with 11 pairs sharing 100% of their variants, whereas others showed some heterogeneity. Thus, at delivery, peripheral and placental parasites appear to intermix and placental genotypes can be inferred through peripheral sampling.
Unexpected Southern Hemisphere ionospheric response to geomagnetic storm of 15 August 2015
Authors: Edemskiy Ilya , Lastovicka Jan , Buresova Dalia , Habarulema John Bosco , Nepomnyashchikh Ivan
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Geomagnetic storms are the most pronounced phenomenon of space weather. When studying ionospheric response to a storm of 15 August 2015, an unexpected phenomenon was observed at higher middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon was a localized total electron content (TEC) enhancement (LTE) in the form of two separated plumes, which peaked southward of South Africa. The plumes were first observed at 05:00 UT near the southwestern coast of Australia. The southern plume was associated with local time slightly after noontime (1–2 h after local noon). The plumes moved with the Sun. They peaked near 13:00 UT southward of South Africa. The southern plume kept constant geomagnetic latitude (63–64° S); it persisted for about 10 h, whereas the northern plume persisted for about 2 h more. Both plumes disappeared over the South Atlantic Ocean. No similar LTE event was observed during the prolonged solar activity minimum period of 2006–2009. In 2012–2016 we detected altogether 26 LTEs and all of them were associated with the southward excursion of Bz. The negative Bz excursion is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the LTE occurrence as during some geomagnetic storms associated with negative Bz excursions the LTE events did not appear.
Reviews and syntheses: to the bottom of carbon processing at the seafloor
Authors: Middelburg Jack J.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Organic carbon processing at the seafloor is studied by biogeochemists to
quantify burial and respiration, by organic geochemists to elucidate
compositional changes and by ecologists to follow carbon transfers within
food webs. Here I review these disciplinary approaches and discuss where they
agree and disagree. It will be shown that the biogeochemical approach
(ignoring the identity of organisms) and the ecological approach (focussing
on growth and biomass of organisms) are consistent on longer timescales.
Secondary production by microbes and animals is identified to potentially
impact the composition of sedimentary organic matter. Animals impact sediment
organic carbon processing by microbes in multiple ways: by governing organic
carbon supply to sediments, by aeration via bio-irrigation and by mixing
labile organic matter to deeper layers. I will present an inverted microbial
loop in which microbes profit from bioturbation rather than animals profiting
from microbial processing of otherwise lost dissolved organic resources.
Sediments devoid of fauna therefore function differently and are less
efficient in processing organic matter with the consequence that more organic
matter is buried and transferred from Vernadsky's biosphere to the geosphere.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation and recent oxygen decline in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Duteil Olaf , Oschlies Andreas , Böning Claus W.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The impact of the positive and negative phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on the extension of the poorly oxygenated regions of the eastern Pacific ocean has been assessed using a coupled ocean circulation-biogeochemical model. We show that during a typical PDO positive phase the volume of the suboxic regions expands by 7 % in 50 years due to a slow-down of the large scale circulation related with the decrease of the intensity of the trade winds. The oxygen levels are mostly constrained by advective processes between 10° N and 10° S while the diffusive processes are dominant poleward of 10°: in a typical PDO positive phase the sluggish equatorial current system provides less oxygen into the eastern equatorial part of the basin while the oxygen transport by diffusive processes significantly decreases south of 10° S. The region located north of 10° N displays less sensitivity to the phase of the PDO as the local upwelling-related processes play a dominant role compared to the large scale circulation in setting the oxygen concentration. Our study suggests that the prevailing PDO positive conditions since 1975 may explain a significant part of the current deoxygenation occurring in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Ellisembia pseudokaradkensis sp. nov. from Hainan, China
Authors: Qiao Min , Du Xing , Bian Zhao-Hui , Peng Jie , Yu Ze-Fen
Published: January 2018

Ellisembia pseudokaradkensis, isolated from decaying dicotyledonous leaves submerged in a stream, is described and illustrated as a new species. The fungus is characterized by obclavate conidia with long flagelliform apical appendages. The new taxon is compared with other
Ellisembia species having flagelliform appendages at the conidial tip.
Baeomyces lotiformis sp. nov. from China
Authors: Cao Shunan , He Jianfeng , Zhang Fang , Tian Huimin , Liu Chuanpeng , Wang Haiying , Zhou Qiming
Published: January 2018

A new species of lichenized fungus, Baeomyces lotiformis, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished by its short podetia and wide apothecium discs, and its affinity was confirmed by ITS sequence analysis.
Sporidesmiopsis lushanensis sp. nov. from Lushan Mountain, China
Authors: Wang Xiao-Mei , Zhao Zi-Jian , Chen Shan-Shan , Liu Xiao-Man , Li Hao-Hua , Zhang Xiu-Guo , Xia Ji-Wen
Published: January 2018

Sporidesmiopsis lushanensis is described and illustrated as a new species from dead stems of an unidentified broadleaf tree in Jiangxi Province, China. The fungus is characterized by macronematous conidiophores with apical branches and conidiogenous cells arising from stipe
and branches with 6–7-euseptate conidia. A key to Sporidesmiopsis species is provided.
A redescription of Zavrelia bragremia Guo & Wang, 2007 (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Lin Xiao-Long , Wang Xin-Hua
Published: January 2018

Examination of the holotype of Zavrelia bragremia Guo & Wang, 2007, revealed a few mistakes in the original description. Based on the type material and additional adult males from Oriental China, Z. bragremia is here redescribed and figured. An updated identification key to the males of Zavrelia is given.
Phonology and orthography: The orthographic characterization of rendaku and Lyman’s Law
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: January 2018

This paper argues that phonology and orthography go in tandem with each other to shape our phonological behavior. More concretely, phonological operations are non-trivially affected by orthography, and phonological constraints can refer to them. The specific case study comes from a morphophonological alternation in Japanese, rendaku. Rendaku is a process by which the first consonant of the second member of a compound becomes voiced (e.g., /oo/ + /tako/ → [oo+dako] ‘big octopus’). Lyman’s Law blocks rendaku when the second member already contains a voiced obstruent (/oo/ + /tokage/ → *[oo+dokage], [oo+tokage] ‘big lizard’). Lyman’s Law, as a constraint which prohibits a morpheme with two voiced obstruents, is also known to trigger devoicing of geminates in loanwords (e.g. /beddo/ → [betto] ‘bed’). Rendaku and Lyman’s Law have been extensively studied in the past phonological literature. Inspired by recent work that shows the interplay between orthographic factors and grammatical factors in shaping our phonological behaviors, this paper proposes that rendaku and Lyman’s Law actually operate on Japanese orthography. Rendaku is a process that assigns dakuten diacritics, and Lyman’s Law prohibits morphemes with two diacritics. The paper shows that a set of properties of rendaku and Lyman’s Law follows from this proposal. However, since some aspects of rendaku and Lyman’s Law are undoubtedly phonological, the ultimate conclusion is that it is most fruitful to recognize a model of phonology in which it has access to orthographic information. Several consequences of the current proposal are discussed.
*ABA in stem-allomorphy and the emptiness of the nominative
Authors: McFadden Thomas
Published: January 2018

In this paper I examine patterns of irregular allomorphy in nominal stems sensitive to case in a number of nominative-accusative languages. I will argue that the data surveyed reveal a certain regularity in the distribution of irregularity across the cases in that they conform to what I call the Nominative Stem-Allomorphy Generalization. One irregular stem form is always found in the nominative (and in other cases that may be systematically syncretic with it), with all other cases sharing a single other stem form. I will show that this subsumes a clear instance of a *ABA pattern, and in fact is even more restrictive, as it also shows *ABC and (qualified) *AAB. I will situate these findings relative to recent work on *ABA patterns and on case-sensitive irregularity in noun and pronoun suppletion, and then will build on that prior work to propose an account for the generalization in terms of a structured representation of nouns and case categories interacting with locality conditions on allomorphy.
AISLAMIENTO E IDENTIFICACIÓN DE BACILLUS subtilis Y EVALUACIÓN DEL ANTAGONISMO IN VITRO FRENTE HONGOS FITOPATÓGENOS
Authors: Méndez-Úbeda J.M. , Flores Hernández M.S. , Páramo-Aguilera L.A
Published: January 2018

Los microorganismos fitopatógenos son una amenaza importante para la producción de alimentos y su control mediante el uso de microorganismos antagonistas es una práctica mundial, lo que ha llevado a la investigación y búsqueda de nuevos aislamientos que sean efectivos en el control biológico. En esta investigación se llevó a cabo el aislamiento e identificación de bacterias a partir de bioinsumos producido artesanalmente en Nicaragua y se evaluó in vitro su antagonismo frente a hongos fitopatógenos de interés agrícola. Se realizó la caracterización morfológica de 14 aislados bacterianos y confirmación por secuenciación del gen ADNr 16S; posteriormente se evaluó el potencial antagónico mediante confrontación dual frente a los hongos identificados como Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium sp. y Alternaría alternata. Como resultado se encontraron 6 cepas con efecto inhibitorio, sobresaliendo Bacillus subtilis cepa F con los mejores porcentajes de inhibición del crecimiento de los fitopatógenos evaluados en un rango de 50-100%. Otros resultados de interés fueron obtenidos mediante la identificación de Bacillus megaterium y la utilización de Rhizobium sp, este último inhibió entre 50-90% el crecimiento de los hongos, lo cual sugiere considerar su aplicación no solo como bioestimulante, sino también como bioprotector al inhibir de crecimiento de ciertos fitopatógenos.
Trends and Variability in the Use of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Medicare Patients
Authors: Zmistowski Benjamin , Padegimas Eric M. , Howley Michael , Abboud Joseph , Williams Gerald , Namdari Surena
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

As policies are implemented to encourage high-quality care, it is important to identify any persistent limitations to the uniform delivery of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The study’s goal was to assess current TSA use and identify predictors of geographic variability.

Methods:

We used data from 2012 through 2014 that was obtained from public Medicare databases to identify the case volume, locations, and names of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually. We also recorded regional characteristics of the Medicare population, including demographic characteristics and health factors.

Results:

From 2012 through 2014, the number of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually increased from 824 to 1,060—an increase ranging from 0.75 to 0.95 TSAs per 1,000 beneficiaries. In 2012, there were 59 hospital referral regions with no TSAs performed; the number of regions decreased to 35 by 2014 (P = 0.009). The use of TSA varied widely across regions (range, 0.1 to 6.4 per 1,000 beneficiaries). A larger proportion of white patients and a smaller proportion of patients eligible for Medicaid were independent predictors for increased use of TSA. Despite this finding, 74.4% and 96.9% of the US population resided within 50 km and 200 km, respectively, of a surgeon performing at least 20 TSAs in Medicare patients annually.

Discussion:

TSA utilization in the Medicare population is increasing across the country. Although notable geographic disparities in the use of TSA persist, increased TSA utilization has provided greater access to surgeons with high-volume TSA caseloads.

Conclusion:

Substantial geographic variation in TSA use remains, largely due to socioeconomic factors.
A Corpus-based Study of Modal Verbs in Chinese Learners’ Academic Writing
Authors: Yang Xiaowan
Published: January 2018

While more Chinese students are going abroad to persue their further academic study, how to help them improve academic writing competence has received wide attention. Modality, as one of the complex areas of English grammar, reflects the writer’s attitude and is extremely important in academic written discourse. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how Chinese learners of English use modal verbs. For this purpose, a learner corpus (LC) with Chinese learners’ academic writing has been compiled and compared against a professional corpus (PC) which consists of published research articles. With the help of software Antconc 3.2.4w, the use of nine core modal verbs in both corpora has been explored. Findings indicate that compared with professional writers, Chinese learners tend to use modal verbs more frequently; they also tend to overuse can, will, could and would and underuse may. Based on an analysis of the two corpora, this study proposes possible reasons that account for these differences. This study provides some insights into the use of modal verbs by Chinese learners of English and thus informs teaching of modal verbs in the English classroom and contributes to the academic writing curricula design.
The Reasonableness Test of the Principal Purpose Test Rule in OECD BEPS Action 6 (Tax Treaty Abuse) versus the EU Principle of Legal Certainty and the EU Abuse of Law Case Law
Authors: Weber Dennis
Published: January 2018

The Reasonableness Test of the Principal Purpose Test Rule in OECD BEPS Action 6 (Tax Treaty Abuse) versus the EU Principle of Legal Certainty and the EU Abuse of Law Case Law

The OECD BEPS Action 6 report contains a principal purpose test rule (PPT rule) for the purpose of combating abuse of tax treaties. This PPT rule is also included in the OECD Multilateral Instrument.

The PPT rule is (amongst others) applicable when ‘it is reasonable to conclude’ that a benefit (granted by a tax treaty) was one of the principal purposes of any arrangement/transaction. This requirement contains two elements: the reasonableness test and the principal purpose test.

In literature it is observed that (i) the reasonableness test of the PPT rule could be contrary to the European Union’s principle of legal certainty; (ii) that the OECD PPT rule gives the tax authorities too much discretion and, therefore, is not in line with EU law and (iii) there is doubt whether the OECD PPT rule contains a genuine economic activity test and therefore is in contravention of the abuse of law case law of the CJEU.

In this contribution, I defend that none of the above-mentioned reasons the OECD PPT rule is contrary to EU law. The only potential problem I see is that the OECD PPT rule is broader (no artificiality required) compared to the GAARs in Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive and the Parent–Subsidiary Directive.
Skogen som klasserom i «Uteskoleveven». Et bidrag til artskunnskap og økologisk forståelse?
 The forest as a classroom in "Uteskoleveven". A contribution to knowledge of species and ecological understanding?
Authors: Eidissen Siw Elin
Published: January 2018

This article has taken a closer look on some of the aspects of the environmental learning project “Lære med skogen” (LMS) from the Forestry institute (Skogbrukets kursinstitutt) to consider its value in relation to education when it comes to sustainable development. The analysis of the 61 tuition activities in the digital learning resource “Uteskoleveven”, shows that the forest is not being presented as a functioning ecosystem, to the extent that it should. It is significant to highlight the forest’s ecosystem, if one is to use it as a classroom to teach about sustainable development. More ecological knowledge is essential in these activities and has to be present. In addition, more of the activities should be emphasizing the importance of dead wood being essential to the function of the forest’s ecosystem. If the students are meant to develop an understanding for the sustainable development in a forest, a theory about the forest as a functioning ecosystem has to be focused upon, taught in an environment with specific ecological qualities.
PARCERIAS NO TERCEIRO SETOR: ALGUMAS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA LITERATURA CIENTÍFICA NACIONAL E INTERNACIONAL
Authors: Kappel Lucas Borges , Seno João Paulo , De Sousa Edileusa Godói
Published: January 2018

Esse artigo objetivou estudar as contribuições práticas de estudos do Terceiro Setor, ou seja, as parcerias que podem ser estabelecidas com o setor público e privado a fim de sugerir ações semelhantes para os gestores sociais. Apesar de estudos já terem sido desenvolvidos sobre o tema, pouco foi levantado acerca das contribuições e aplicações práticas destes estudos para os gestores dessas organizações. Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica, o levantamento dessas contribuições, a categorização das mesmas e posteriores análises. Os principais resultados apontaram para 97 contribuições práticas à gestão das organizações sociais, uma vez que podem ser utilizadas por outras instituições do setor. A partir dessas contribuições, foram sugeridas ações baseadas nas categorias a seguir, a fim de auxiliar os gestores sociais: oportunidades, desafios, críticas, cidadãs, legais e econômicas. Ao final, ainda, foram propostos parâmetros de análise contemporâneos com a finalidade de permear destas relações de parceria entre as organizações dos três setores citados.
Změny sportovní výkonnosti ve vyšší nadmořské výšce u běžců na lyžích
Authors: Suchý Jiří , Pernica Jan , Opočenský Jakub
Published: January 2018

The article summarizes the results of the influence of 10 day stay and training in high altitude (1850 m ASL) on sport performance changes of cross country skiers at the level of aerobic, anaerobic and critical intensity load measured by heart rate (HR) and lactate concentrations in capillary blood. For verification was used a non-standardized running field tests (3 x 2km, with 10 minute rest). 7 subjects (deliberate sample, cross country skiers) performed the test five times altogether: initially in lowlands (480 m ASL), three times in high altitude (3rd, 6th and 9th day of stay) and the last 10 days after return to lowlands. HR and lactate levels at aerobic and anaerobic thresholds were higher in high altitude compared to lowlands during all tests, however, they did not change at critical intensity in either the places. Average values of HR and lactate levels achieved during the lowland test 10 days after returning from high altitude were significantly lower at all three intensities in comparison with initial data. The sport performance at aerobic and anaerobic thresholds during 10 day stay and training of cross country skiers in high altitude decreases, however significantly improves (in comparison with initial data) after the return to lowlands.
Stabilita stoja po únave brušných svalov
Authors: Gurín Daniel , Novotný Jan
Published: January 2018

In the pilot experimental study eight men with an average age of 33.5 ± 3.64 years were tested. The probands were tested on the Biodex Balance System before and after the exercise of the abdominal muscles. Exercise was carried out to the subjectively perceived maximum. The file was deliberately composed of mentally and physically trained individuals. Evaluated was the stability index, the smaller the nominal value, the better the stability. After the workout stability parameters were significantly worse than before the exercise (p = 0.025). The fatigue of the abdominal muscles thus negatively affects the stability of the stand.
Efektívnosť športovej prípravy mladších žiakov vo futbale
Authors: Benkovský Ľuboš , Mikulič Martin , Gregora Pavol , Peráček Pavol
Published: January 2018

The project aimed to deepen and broaden knowledge about sport training in basic phases of sports training younger pupils in football. The project runs parallel to the two youth player selection team FC Spartak Trnava U12, Slovakia (n: 19, age: 12.46 ± 0.23, height: 150.9 ± 6.92 cm, weight: 38.5 ± 4.8 kg; RHR 63.85 ± 7.79) and ŠK Senec U12, Slovakia (n: 17, age: 12.34 ± 0.41, height: 146.3 ± 7.71cm, weight: 37.5 ± 9.4 kg, RHR: 70.95 ± 5.37). Applied have different approaches in terms of the complexity of the content of the training process (methodological forms) between groups, the activity we observed a change in the selected indicators (indicative of motor performance: speed of 10m, 30m, 50m, 5 x 10m, lie-seat, long jump, Leger test, vertical jump without countermovement) in phases over time DT0, DT1, DT2. When intragroup comparison of test phases by the time we found out at FC Spartak Trnava U12 statistically significant differences in almost all the tests at the time DT0 to DT2 and 1% level of significance. The team ŠK Senec U12 were found statistically significant differences at the 1% level of significance at the time DT0 and DT2 speed test in 10m, 30m, 50m, long jump and Leger test). When analyzing game performance were found major differences in the activity coefficient (Ka) and success (KU) offensive and defensive phases of play in FC Spartak Trnava U12. Experimental content of the training process more effectively influenced the group, which were selected training approaches based on greater complexity.
Lateralita a rychlostně reakční schopnosti v badmintonu
Authors: Doležalová Lenka , Korvas Pavel
Published: January 2018

In this study we focused on the impact of the lower limbs laterality on the speed of the movement to the particular directions on the court. The main goal was to measure the time of the reaction ability to the particular directions (related to the specific movements of the badminton player) and to evaluate whether the differences are significant and related to the laterality of the probands in the research group. The research group consisted of 40 randomly chosen recreational players, 30 of them were righ- -handed and 10 left- handed. The results were elaborated based on the measurement made during the research of quick reaction abilities of the badminton players. The average time for the right-handed players to the front directions was 1497 ms  ± 186 to the right and 1492 ms ± 171 to the left, to the back directions it was 1687 ms ± 339 to the right and 1743 ms ± 366 to the left. For the left-handed players the average time to the front directions was 1674 ms ± 288 to the right and 1635 ms ± 217 to the left, to the back directions it was 2289 ms ± 506 to the right and 1864 ms ± 370 to the left. After the processing of the results we can state that right-handed players have quicker reaction ability to the back right direction while left-handed players to the back left direction. In the directions to the front the differences are not that significant. Both right-handed and left-handed players proved quicker reaction ability to the left right corner. The important difference between righ-handed and left-handed players was measured for the direction to the back right corner (p = 0,0001), to the front left corner (p = 0,04) and to the front right corner (p = 0,39). The results of this study should be helpful for the preparation of the trainers and for the players themselves.
Análise do ciclo de vida de veículos convencional, elétrico e híbrido plug-in para condições brasileiras
Authors: Souza Lidiane La Picirelli , Silva Lora Electo Eduardo , Escobar Palacio José Carlos , Rocha Mateus Henrique , Renó Maria Luiza Grillo
Published: January 2018

As emissões veiculares e o alto consumo de energia vinculado à cadeia de produção e uso de automóveis causam impactos significativos ao meio ambiente. Algumas medidas podem ser implementadas a fim de minimizar os danos causados por essas atividades. O uso eficiente de energia, assim como escolhas por produtos e serviços que liberem menores quantidades de poluentes, são práticas que visam à diminuição dos impactos ao meio ambiente. Diante dessa realidade, veículos elétricos e híbridos tem atraído a atenção por parte de fabricantes, governos e consumidores, principalmente devido aos problemas relacionados à poluição atmosférica causada por emissões veiculares, aquecimento global e diminuição da utilização de combustíveis fósseis. O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de realizar uma Análise do Ciclo de Vida (ACV) para diferentes cenários da tecnologia veicular/combustível no Brasil, a fim de se conhecer os impactos ambientais causadas por cada um desses sistemas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que cenários que utilizam etanol como parte do combustível, possui o maior potencial de impacto para a acidificação. Já os sistemas que utilizam gasolina como combustível possuem maior potencial de impacto para o aquecimento global. Finalmente, os veículos híbridos e elétricos que utilizam a bateria de íon de lítio possuem maiores impactos para a toxicidade humana.
Clinical management and therapy of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis
Authors: Assolari Andrea , Maestroni Silvia , Cumetti Davide , Valenti Anna , Parisi Federico , Brucato Antonio
Published: January 2018

Recurrent pericarditis is defined when pericarditic chest pain reappears after a symptom-free period of at least 4 to 6 weeks and after completion of full-dose anti-inflammatory therapy. Idiopathic pericarditis is the commonest etiology. The diagnosis of idiopathic cases is essentially an exclusion diagnosis, supported by a typical clinical course. The diagnosis is based on the association of typical symptoms and signs: mainly pericarditic chest pain plus pericardial rubs or electrocardiographic alterations or pericardial effusion. The optimal regimen for recurrences includes combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, colchicine, and corticosteroids. In the resistant forms, immunotherapy (azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulins, and particularly anakinra) has shown to be effective. The long term outcome of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis is good, with no evolution towards constrictive form.
Usefulness of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL) to confirm subclinical acute kidney injury and renal prognosis in patients following surgery
Authors: Park Se Jun , Koo Hoseok , Lee Kyoung Jin , Kim Seo Hyun , Yun Seo Young , Kim Seunghyup , Whang Dong Hee , Joo Shin Young , Lee Byungmo , Chin HoJun , Park Sihyung
Published: January 2018

Objectives The neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level following non cardiac surgery is useful for predicting acute kidney damage. However, there is insufficient conclusive evidence as to whether NGAL can be used to predict subclinical AKI following non-cardiac surgery. Methods We measured serum NGAL and creatinine levels in 41 patients following non-cardiac surgery, and the increase of these variables was used to predict acute decreases in kidney function. Results The study included a total of 41 patients. The mean age was 64.65 ± 17.09 years. The serum creatinine concentration was increased 12 hours after surgery. The mean SD serum NGAL decreased after 4hours after surgery and continued to decrease after 12 hours after surgery. The incidence of subclinical AKI determined by the 4 hour serum NGAL level was 10(24.4%), and the incidence of serum creatinine elevation was 0(0.0%). The incidence of subclinical AKI determined by the 12 hour serum NGAL level was 4(9.8%), and the incidence of subclinical AKI determined by serum creatinine was 4(9.8%). The elevation of NGAL was more rapid than the serum creatinine 4 hours after surgery Conclusions We verified the usefulness of the serum NGAL level as a predictive factor for subclinical AKI after non-cardiac surgery.
Recurrent fetal postpartum stress induced cardiomyopathy after normal vaginal delivery
Authors: Noh Yong-Sun , Her Sung-Ho , Kwon Jong Bum , Kim Chan Joon , Kim Tae-Seok
Published: January 2018

Stress induced cardiomyopathy is a disease that shows a dysfunction of the ventricle, but it can be rapidly reversible. It often occurs in older women primarily who suffers from emotional or physical stress. There are some case reports about postpartum stress induced cardiomyopathy. Most of the patients are recovered naturally within days to weeks. We report a case of a 37 years-old woman, who had experienced postpartum stress induced cardiomyopathy 8 years ago, revisited hospital because of cardiomyopathy after secondary delivery. Herein we report a rare case of recurrent stress induced cardiomyopathy after secondary normal vaginal delivery.
A Case of Primary Tracheal Schwannoma
Authors: Choi Sung Min , You Ji Hong , Lee Sang Bae , Kim Seong Han , Kim Yon Soo
Published: January 2018

Although benign nerve sheath tumors have been described, primary tracheal schwannomas are extremely rare. We report a case of primary tracheal schwannoma, a rare benign nerve sheath tumor in a 58-year-old man with atypical symptoms of chronic cough, sputum and dyspnea for 2 months. Chest computerized tomography showed a 1.7 cm polypoid lesion in posterior wall of mid trachea. The results of bronchoscopic biopsy and immuno-histo-chemical studies were consistent with schwannoma. A surgical treatment of tumor resection and tracheal reconstruction by end-to-end anastomosis was performed.
Coupling and noise in the circadian clock synchronization
Authors: Herrera-Valdez Marco A , Padilla-Longoria Pablo , Franci Alessio , Lara-Aparicio Miguel
Published: January 2018

The general purpose of this paper is to build up on our understanding of the basic mathematical principles that underlie the emergence of biological rhythms, in particular, the circadian clock. To do so, we study the role that the coupling strength and noise play in the synchronization of a system of nonlinear, linearly coupled oscillators. First, we study a deterministic version of the model to find plausible regions in the parameter space for which synchronization is observed. Second, we focus on studying how noise and coupling interact in determining the synchronized behavior. To do so, we leverage the Fokker-Planck equation associated with the system. The basic mechanisms behind the generation of oscillations and the emergence of synchrony that we describe here can be used as a guide to further study coupled oscillations in biophysical nonlinear models.
CoMiniGut—a small volumein vitrocolon model for the screening of gut microbial fermentation processes
Authors: Wiese Maria , Khakimov Bekzod , Nielsen Sebastian , Sørensen Helena , van den Berg Frans , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: January 2018

Driven by the growing recognition of the influence of the gut microbiota (GM) on human health and disease, there is a rapidly increasing interest in understanding how dietary components, pharmaceuticals and pre- and probiotics influence GM.In vitrocolon models represent an attractive tool for this purpose. With the dual objective of facilitating the investigation of rare and expensive compounds, as well as an increased throughput, we have developed a prototypein vitroparallel gut microbial fermentation screening tool with a working volume of only 5 ml consisting of five parallel reactor units that can be expanded with multiples of five to increase throughput. This allows e.g., the investigation of interpersonal variations in gut microbial dynamics and the acquisition of larger data sets with enhanced statistical inference. The functionality of thein vitrocolon model, Copenhagen MiniGut (CoMiniGut) was first demonstrated in experiments with two common prebiotics using the oligosaccharide inulin and the disaccharide lactulose at 1% (w/v). We then investigated fermentation of the scarce and expensive human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) 3-Fucosyllactose, 3-Sialyllactose, 6-Sialyllactose and the more common Fructooligosaccharide in fermentations with infant gut microbial communities. Investigations of microbial community composition dynamics in the CoMiniGut reactors by MiSeq-based 16S rRNA gene amplicon high throughput sequencing showed excellent experimental reproducibility and allowed us to extract significant differences in gut microbial composition after 24 h of fermentation for all investigated substrates and fecal donors. Furthermore, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified for all treatments and donors. Fermentations with inulin and lactulose showed that inulin leads to a microbiota dominated by obligate anaerobes, with high relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, while the more easily fermented lactulose leads to higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria. The subsequent study on the influence of HMOs on two infant GM communities, revealed the strongest bifidogenic effect for 3′SL for both infants. Inter-individual differences of infant GM, especially with regards to the occurrence of Bacteroidetes and differences in bifidobacterial species composition, correlated with varying degrees of HMO utilization foremost of 6′SL and 3′FL, indicating species and strain related differences in HMO utilization which was also reflected in SCFAs concentrations, with 3′SL and 6′SL resulting in significantly higher butyrate production compared to 3′FL. In conclusion, the increased throughput of CoMiniGut strengthens experimental conclusions through elimination of statistical interferences originating from low number of repetitions. Its small working volume moreover allows the investigation of rare and expensive bioactives.
Frecuencia y corrección colocacional en la producción escrita de aprendices de español
Authors:   Universidade da Coruña (España), García Salido Marcos
Published: January 2018

El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar si existe alguna relación entre la corrección de las colocaciones producidas por aprendices de español en textos escritos y la asociación que sus miembros presentan en un corpus representativo de esta lengua. Para ello se partirá de una muestra de colocaciones extraídas de un corpus de aprendices, las que han sido identificadas desde presupuestos fraseológicos, y se estudiará su frecuencia en un corpus representativo del español. A partir de estos datos, se comprobará si existe alguna relación entre la asociación de los miembros de una colocación en términos de frecuencia de coaparición e información mutua y la probabilidad con la que aparece producida correctamente en los textos de aprendices.
The Accelerating Land Carbon Sink of the 2000s May Not Be Driven Predominantly by the Warming Hiatus
Authors: Zhu Zaichun , Piao Shilong , Yan Tao , Ciais Philippe , Bastos Ana , Zhang Xuanze , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: January 2018

Recent studies attributed the accelerating land carbon sink (SLAND) during the 2000s to respiration decrease induced by the warming hiatus. We used two long‐term atmospheric inversions, three temperature data sets, and eight ecosystem models to test this attribution. Our results show that the changes in seasonal SLAND trend between the warming (1982–1998) and hiatus (1998–2014) periods do not track evidently the changes in seasonal temperature trends at both global and regional scales. A conceptual model of the annual/seasonal temperature response of respiration suggests that changes in seasonal temperature during this period are unlikely to cause a significant decrease in annual respiration. The ecosystem models suggest that trends in both gross primary production and terrestrial ecosystem respiration slowed down slightly, but the resulting slight acceleration in net ecosystem productivity is insufficient to explain the increasing trend in SLAND. Instead, the roles of alternative drivers on the accelerating SLAND seem to be important.
Mapping Inherited Fractures in the Critical Zone Using Seismic Anisotropy From Circular Surveys
Authors: Novitsky Christopher G. , Holbrook W. Steven , Carr Bradley J. , Pasquet Sylvain , Okaya David , Flinchum Brady A.
Published: January 2018

Weathering and hydrological processes in Earth's shallow subsurface are influenced by inherited bedrock structures, such as bedding planes, faults, joints, and fractures. However, these structures are difficult to observe in soil‐mantled landscapes. Steeply dipping structures with a dominant orientation are detectable by seismic anisotropy, with fast wave speeds along the strike of structures. We measured shallow (~2–4 m) seismic anisotropy using “circle shots,” geophones deployed in a circle around a central shot point, in a weathered granite terrain in the Laramie Range of Wyoming. The inferred remnant fracture orientations agree with brittle fracture orientations measured at tens of meters depth in boreholes, demonstrating that bedrock fractures persist through the weathering process into the shallow critical zone. Seismic anisotropy positively correlates with saprolite thickness, suggesting that inherited bedrock fractures may control saprolite thickness by providing preferential pathways for corrosive meteoric waters to access the deep critical zone.
Patient's specific integration of OAR doses (D2 cc) from EBRT and 3D image‐guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Gelover Edgar , Katherine Cabel , Mart Christopher , Sun Wenqing , Kim Yusung
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to assess the recommended DVH parameter (e.g., D2 cc) addition method used for combining EBRT and HDR plans, against a reference dataset generated from an EQD2‐based DVH addition method. A revised DVH parameter addition method using EBRT DVH parameters derived from each patient's plan was proposed and also compared with the reference dataset. Thirty‐one biopsy‐proven cervical cancer patients who received EBRT and HDR brachytherapy were retrospectively analyzed. A parametrial and/or paraaortic EBRT boost were clinically performed on 13 patients. Ten IMRT and 21 3DCRT plans were determined. Two different HDR techniques for each HDR plan were analyzed. Overall D2 cc and D0.1 cc OAR doses in EQD2 were statistically analyzed for three different DVH parameter addition methods: a currently recommended method, a proposed revised method, and a reference DVH addition method. The overall D2 ccEQD2 values for all rectum, bladder, and sigmoid for a conformal, volume optimization HDR plan generated using the current DVH parameter addition method were significantly underestimated on average −5 to −8% when compared to the values obtained from the reference DVH addition technique (P < 0.01). The revised DVH parameter addition method did not present statistical differences with the reference technique (P > 0.099). When PM boosts were considered, there was an even greater average underestimation of −8~−10% for overall OAR doses of conformal HDR plans when using the current DVH parameter addition technique as compared to the revised DVH parameter addition. No statistically significant differences were found between the 3DCRT and IMRT techniques (P > 0.3148). It is recommended that the overall D2 cc EBRT doses are obtained from each patient's EBRT plan.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment planning of thoracic vertebral metastases using stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Mallory Matthew , Pokhrel Damodar , Badkul Rajeev , Jiang Hongyu , Lominska Christopher , Wang Fen
Published: January 2018

Purpose/Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate the plan quality, treatment efficiency, and accuracy of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for thoracic spine metastases using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Materials/Methods

Seven patients with thoracic vertebral metastases treated with noncoplanar hybrid arcs (NCHA) (1 to 2 3D‐conformal partial arcs +7 to 9 IMRT beams) were re‐optimized with VMAT plans using three coplanar arcs. Tumors were located between T2 and T7 and PTVs ranged between 24.3 and 240.1 cc (median 48.1 cc). All prescriptions were 30 Gy in 5 fractions with 6 MV beams treated using the Novalis Tx linac equipped with high definition multileaf collimators (HDMLC). MR images were fused with planning CTs for target and OAR contouring. Plans were compared for target coverage using conformality index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), D90, D98, D2, and Dmedian. Normal tissue sparing was evaluated by comparing doses to the spinal cord (Dmax, D0.35, and D1.2 cc), esophagus (Dmax and D5 cc), heart (Dmax, D15 cc), and lung (V5 and V10). Data analysis was performed with a two‐sided t‐test for each set of parameters. Dose delivery efficiency and accuracy of each VMAT plan was assessed via quality assurance (QA) using a MapCHECK device. The Beam‐on time (BOT) was recorded, and a gamma index was used to compare dose agreement between the planned and measured doses.

Results

VMAT plans resulted in improved CI (1.02 vs. 1.36, P = 0.05), HI (0.14 vs. 0.27, P = 0.01), D98 (28.4 vs. 26.8 Gy, P = 0.03), D2 (32.9 vs. 36.0 Gy, P = 0.02), and Dmedian (31.4 vs. 33.7 Gy, P = 0.01). D90 was improved but not statistically significant (30.4 vs. 31.0 Gy, P = 0.38). VMAT plans showed statistically significant improvements in normal tissue sparing: Esophagus Dmax (22.5 vs. 27.0 Gy, P = 0.03), Esophagus 5 cc (17.6 vs. 21.5 Gy, P = 0.02), and Heart Dmax (13.1 vs. 15.8 Gy, P = 0.03). Improvements were also observed in spinal cord and lung sparing as well but were not statistically significant. The BOT showed significant reduction for VMAT, 4.7 ± 0.6 min vs. 7.1 ± 1 min for NCHA (not accounting for couch kicks). VMAT plans demonstrated an accurate dose delivery of 95.5 ± 1.0% for clinical gamma passing rate of 3%/3 mm criteria, which was similar to NCHA plans.

Conclusions

VMAT plans have shown improved dose distributions and normal tissue sparing compared to NCHA plans. Significant reductions in treatment time could potentially minimize patient discomfort and intrafraction movement errors. VMAT planning for SBRT is an attractive option for the treatment of metastases to thoracic vertebrae, and further investigation using alternative fractionation schedules is warranted.
Large‐Scale Nanophotonic Structures for Long‐Term Monitoring of Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil , Sathish Shivani , Sinha Abhishek , Shen Amy Q.
Published: January 2018

Innovative sensing materials have enabled the discovery of cell biology principles at the nanoscale. In order to evaluate cell behavior and responses, it is necessary to accurately monitor cell proliferation. However, it remains challenging to develop nanomaterials possessing pertinent properties for sensing, while ensuring long‐term cell survival and unaltered cellular responses. This work develops highly sensitive, large‐scale, and biocompatible nanoplasmonic biosensors for long‐term monitoring of cell proliferation, reported for the first time. The nanoplasmonic sensor consists of mushroom‐like structures, with stems of silicon dioxide and caps of gold covering a total surface area of 18.75 cm2. The localized surface plasmons on the nanomushroom caps are exploited to monitor proliferating fibroblast cells. Changes in nanoplasmonic resonances of the nanomushrooms are directly proportional to the number of cells that bind to them. Fibroblast proliferation is successfully monitored for 7 d, demonstrating remarkable biocompatibility of the nanomushroom substrates. These nanomushroom substrates preserve cell viability and serve as a label‐free platform for long‐term monitoring of cell proliferation. These results also open new opportunities in developing standard cell assays without chemical labels to detect cellular responses at the nanoscale.
Terthieno[3,2‐b]Thiophene (6T) Based Low Bandgap Fused‐Ring Electron Acceptor for Highly Efficient Solar Cells with a High Short‐Circuit Current Density and Low Open‐Circuit Voltage Loss
Authors: Shi Xueliang , Chen Jingde , Gao Ke , Zuo Lijian , Yao Zhaoyang , Liu Feng , Tang Jianxin , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: January 2018

A terthieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (6T) based fused‐ring low bandgap electron acceptor, 6TIC, is designed and synthesized for highly efficient nonfullerene solar cells. The chemical, optical, and physical properties, device characteristics, and film morphology of 6TIC are intensively studied. 6TIC shows a narrow bandgap with band edge reaching 905 nm due to the electron‐rich π‐conjugated 6T core and reduced resonance stabilization energy. The rigid, π‐conjugated 6T also offers lower reorganization energy to facilitate very low VOC loss in the 6TIC system. The analysis of film morphology shows that PTB7‐Th and 6TIC can form crystalline domains and a bicontinuous network. These domains are enlarged when thermal annealing is applied. Consequently, the device based on PTB7‐Th:6TIC exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.07% with a high JSC > 20 mA cm−2 and a high VOC of 0.83 V with a relatively low VOC loss (≈0.55 V). Moreover, a semitransparent solar cell based on PTB7‐Th:6TIC exhibits a relatively high PCE (7.62%). The device can have combined high PCE and high JSC is quite rare for organic solar cells.
Synthesis of V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Guo Caiping , Song Limin , Li Yamiao , Zhang Shujuan
Published: January 2018

V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts were prepared via the ion exchange method. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. The V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts show much higher photocatalytic activities than Ag/AgCl under visible light irradiation for methyl orange (MO) decomposition. Especially, the 2.0 wt% V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic activity and also high stability after five cycles. The MO degradation rate during each cycle is almost maintained at 97%. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and radical trapping experiments reveal that holes play an important role in the photocatalytic process.