bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in gut microbiota of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Ohtsu Anri , Takeuchi Yasuo , Katagiri Sayaka , Suda Wataru , Maekawa Shogo , Shiba Takahiko , Komazaki Rina , Udagawa Sayuri , Sasaki Naoki , Hattori Masahira , Izumi Yuichi
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Increasing evidence suggests that periodontitis can exacerbate diabetes, and gut bacterial dysbiosis appears to be linked with the diabetic condition. The present study examined the effects of oral administration of the periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, on the gut microbiota and systemic conditions in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.

Materials and Methods

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection in C57BL/6J male mice (STZ). STZ and wild‐type (WT) mice were orally administered P. gingivalis (STZPg, WTPg) or saline (STZco, WTco). Feces were collected, and the gut microbiome was examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The expression of genes related to inflammation, epithelial tight junctions, and glucose/fatty acid metabolism in the ileum or liver were examined by quantitative PCR.

Results

The relative abundance of several genera, including Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Facklamia, was significantly increased in STZco mice compared to WTco mice. The relative abundances of Staphylococcus and Turicibacter in the gut microbiome were altered by oral administration of P. gingivalis in STZ mice. STZPg mice showed higher concentrations of fasting blood glucose and inflammatory genes levels in the ileum, compared to STZco mice.

Conclusions

Oral administration of P. gingivalis altered the gut microbiota and aggravated glycemic control in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.
Saving sevoflurane: Automated gas control can reduce consumption of anesthetic vapor by one‐third in pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Moran Peter , Barr David , Holmes Chris
Published: January 2019

Background

Many modern anesthetic machines offer automated control of anesthetic vapor. The user simply sets a desired end‐tidal concentration and the machine will manipulate the vaporizer and gas flow rates to obtain and maintain the preset target. Greater efficiency, and more accurate delivery of anesthetic vapor have been documented across multiple machines within the adult setting however, there is little evidence for their use in children.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the consumption of sevoflurane using the Maquet Flow‐i anesthesia machine (Maquet, Solna, Sweden) in automatic gas control mode vs manual mode in pediatric anesthesia. The primary outcome measure is rate of sevoflurane use.

Method

Data logs were collected from our three Maquet Flow‐i anesthesia machines over a 4‐week period. We compared the rate of sevoflurane use when in manual mode vs cases where the automatic gas control mode was used. We also examined each automatic gas control case to determine whether percentage of anesthesia time in this mode correlated significantly with average rate of sevoflurane consumption.

Results

Sevoflurane was the primary anesthetic used in 220 cases, comprising over 230 hours of anesthesia time. Of these, 36 cases were identified as automatic gas control cases and 184 as manual cases. Consumption of sevoflurane liquid in mL/min was significantly lower in automatic gas control cases (median 0.46, IQR 0.32‐0.72 mL/min for automatic gas control; median 0.82, IQR 0.62‐1.17 mL/min for manual; P < 0.001 by Wilcoxon Rank Sum test). For a case of median duration (49 minutes), average rate of sevoflurane liquid consumption was 0.54 mL/min for automatic gas control cases vs 0.81 mL/min for manual cases, a reduction of 33% (bootstrapped 95% CI 0.21‐0.61 mL/min, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Maquet's Flow‐i automatic gas control mode reduced use of sevoflurane an average of one‐third in a pediatric anesthesia setting.
Why you do what you do: The power in knowing and naming pedagogies
Authors: Gin Deborah H.C. , Hearn Mark Chung
Published: January 2019

This article is for those educators who want to become more intentional in their craft of teaching. The authors introduce eight different pedagogies through their historical lineage, intending for readers to gain an appreciation for, and understanding of, the broader trajectory of educational philosophies, and illustrate how common teaching techniques can be shaped by the pedagogies. By familiarizing themselves with a specific educational philosophy or philosophies, educators begin to identify and name the ways they teach, how students best learn, what counts as knowledge, and the desired outcomes. In doing so, educators increase their opportunities to provide more meaningful and impactful education. This article also includes quick‐reference guides to the pedagogies for readers to return to frequently.
Forum on seminary teaching and formation online
Authors: Gin Deborah H.C. , Lester G. Brooke , Blodgett Barbara
Published: January 2019

This Forum explores what the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has been learning about formation in online contexts through the Educational Models and Practices project. Deborah Gin's opening essay briefly enumerates operating assumptions, several widespread misconceptions, and emerging recommended practices. G. Brooke Lester proposes a definition of formation as transformation towards community, which is grounded in constructivist learning theory. He then reflects on the possibilities for this kind of community through online learning environments. Barbara Blodgett's contribution draws on “transactional distance theory” to analyze how a variety of pedagogical techniques (both online and face to face) can work to either exacerbate or minimize the distance between learners, which is an important contributor to formation and community. The Forum originated as panel presentations at the November 2017 Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion conferences.
Determining weight‐bearing tissue condition using peak reactive hyperemia response trend and ultrasonographic features: Implications for pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Yapp Jong Heng , Raja Ahmad Raja Mohd Kamil , Mahmud Rozi , Mohtarrudin Norhafizah , Mohamad Yusof Loqman , Abdul Rahim Ezamin , Ahmad Siti Anom , Abu Bakar Md Zuki
Published: January 2019

Frequent repositioning is important to prevent pressure ulcer (PU) development, by relieving pressure and recovering damages on skin areas induced by repetitive loading. Although repositioning is the gold standard to prevent PU, there is currently no strategy for determining tissue condition under preventive approaches. In this study, the peak reactive hyperemia (RH) trends and ultrasonographic (US) features are compared with the tissue condition under histopathological examination to determine the potential use of these features in determining the tissue condition noninvasively. Twenty‐one male Sprague–Dawley rats (seven per group), with body weight of 385–485 g, were categorized into three groups and subjected to different recovery times, each with three repetitive loading cycles at skin tissues above of right trochanter area. The first, second, and third groups were subjected to short (3 minutes), moderate (10 minutes), and prolonged (40 minutes) recovery, respectively, while applying fixed loading time and pressure (10 minutes and 50 mmHg, respectively), to provide different degree of recovery and tissue conditions (tissue damage and tissue recovery). Peak RH was measured in the three cycles to determine RH trend (increasing, decreasing, and inconsistent). All rat tissues were evaluated using ultrasound at pre‐ and post‐experiment and rated by two raters to categorize the severity of tissue changes (no, mild, moderate, and severe). The tissue condition was also evaluated using histopathological examination to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. Most of the samples with increasing RH trend is related to abnormal tissue (71%); while inconsistent RH trends is more related to normal tissue (82%). There is no relationship between the tissue conditions evaluated under ultrasonographic and histopathological examination. Peak RH trend over repetitive loading may serve as a new feature for determining the tissue condition that leading to pressure ulcer.
One-step bone marrow-derived cell transplantation in talarosteochondral lesions: mid-term results
Authors: Buda Roberto , Vannini Francesca , Cavallo Marco , Baldassarri Matteo , Natali Simone , Castagnini Francesco , Giannini Sandro
Published: January 2019

Purpose: to verify the capability of scaffold-supported bone marrow-derived cells to be used in the repair of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Methods: using a device to concentrate bone marrow-derived cells, a scaffold (collagen powder or hyaluronic acid membrane) for cell support and platelet gel, a one-step arthroscopic technique was developed for cartilage repair. In a prospective clinical study, we investigated the ability of this technique to repair talar osteochondral lesions in 64 patients. The mean follow-up was 53 months. Clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale score. We also considered the influence of scaffold type, lesion area, previous surgery, and lesion depth.

Results: the mean preoperative AOFAS scale score was 65.2 ± 13.9. The clinical results peaked at 24 months, before declining gradually to settle at a score of around 80 at the maximum follow-up of 72 months.

Conclusions: the use of bone marrow-derived cells supported by scaffolds to repair osteochondral lesions of the talus resulted in significant clinical improvement, which was maintained over time.

Level of Evidence: level IV, therapeutic case series.
A novel multi-scale immuno-epidemiological model of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs
Authors: Welker Jonathan Shane , Martcheva Maia
Published: January 2019

Leishmaniasis is a neglected and emerging disease prevalent in Mediterranean and tropical climates. As such, the study and development of new models are of increasing importance. We introduce a new immuno-epidemiological model of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs. The within-host system is based on previouslyВ  collectedВ  and published data, showing the movement and proliferation of the parasite in the skin and the bone-marrow, as well as the IgG response. The between-host system structures the infected individuals inВ  time-since-infection and is of vector-host type. The within-host system has a parasite-free equilibrium and at least one endemic equilibrium, consistent with the fact that infected dogs do not recover without treatment. We compute the basic reproduction number R0 of the immuno-epidemiological modelВ  and provide the existence and stability results of the population-levelВ  disease-free equilibrium. Additionally, we prove existence of an uniqueВ  endemic equilibrium when R0 > 1, and evidence of backward bifurcation and existence of multiple endemic equilibria when R0 < 1.
Atomic layer etching of AlGaN using Cl2 and Ar gas chemistry and UV damage evaluation
Authors: Fukumizu Hiroyuki , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru , Kanomaru Koji , Kikuchi Takuo
Published: January 2019

The atomic layer etching (ALE) characteristics of AlGaN using Cl2 plasma in the modification step and Ar plasma in the removal step were investigated in comparison with conventional reactive ion etching (RIE). Although surface roughening and GaN composition changes were observed in the RIE process, the ALE process did not result in such changes. However, the etching damage of the AlGaN layer evaluated using cathodoluminescence in AlGaN/GaN stacked films in the case of ALE was 30% higher than that in RIE. This was attributed to the longer process time of ALE compared to RIE. The GaN layer underneath the AlGaN layer was also damaged. This could be mainly caused by UV photons during the modification step using Cl2 plasma. The authors introduced a modification step using Cl2 gas instead of Cl2 plasma; thus, the etching damage was successfully reduced while maintaining good surface characteristics.
Acoustical boundary hologram for macroscopic rigid-body levitation
Authors: Inoue Seki , Mogami Shinichi , Ichiyama Tomohiro , Noda Akihito , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: January 2019

In previous studies, acoustical levitation in the far-field was limited to particles. Here, this paper proposes the “boundary hologram method,” a numerical design technique to generate a static and stable levitation field for macroscopic non-spherical rigid bodies larger than the sound wavelength λ. This paper employs boundary element formulation to approximate the acoustic radiation force and torque applied to a rigid body by discretizing the body surface, which is an explicit function of the transducer's phase and amplitude. Then, the drive of the phased array is numerically optimized to yield an appropriate field that stabilizes the body's position and rotation. In experiments, this paper demonstrates the levitation in air of an expanded polystyrene sphere with a diameter of 3.5 λ and a regular octahedron with diagonal length of 5.9 λ, both located 24 λ from the acoustic elements, by a 40 kHz (λ = 8.5 mm) ultrasonic phased array. This method expands the variety of objects that can be levitated in the far-field of an ultrasonic phased array.
Vision-referential speech enhancement of an audio signal using mask information captured as visual data
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuharu
Published: January 2019

This paper describes a vision-referential speech enhancement of an audio signal using mask information captured as visual data. Smartphones and tablet devices have become popular in recent years. Most of them not only have a microphone but also a camera. Although the frame rate of the camera in such devices is very low compared to the audio signal from the microphone, it will be useful to enhance the speech signal if both signals are used adequately. In the proposed method, the speaker broadcasts not only his/her speech signal through a loudspeaker but also its mask information through a display. The receiver can enhance the speech combining the speech signal captured by the microphone and the reference signal captured by the camera. Some experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared to a typical sparse approach. It was confirmed that the speech could be enhanced even when there were different kinds of noise and a high level of real noise in the environments. Experiments were also conducted to check the sound quality of the proposed method. They were compared to clear audio data compressed with various bps mp3 format. The sound quality was sufficient for practical application.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Collected in Latin American Countries: Results from the INFORM Global Surveillance Program, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , Stone Gregory G. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: January 2019

The International Network for Optimal Resistance Monitoring (INFORM) global surveillance program collected clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
(
n
 = 7,665) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n
 = 1,794) from 26 medical centers in six Latin American countries from 2012 to 2015. The
in vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators was determined for the isolates using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference broth microdilution method.
In Vitro
Synergism of Rifabutin with Clarithromycin, Imipenem, and Tigecycline against the
Mycobacterium abscessus
Complex
Authors: Cheng Aristine , Tsai Yi-Tzu , Chang Shu-Yuan , Sun Hsin-Yun , Wu Un-In , Sheng Wang-Huei , Chen Yee-Chun , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: January 2019

Infections caused by the difficult-to-treat bacterium
Mycobacterium abscessus
are increasing in frequency. Rifabutin, in contrast to rifampin, appears to be active
in vitro
against
M. abscessus
, especially against clarithromycin-resistant strains.
Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 15696 and Bifidobacterium breve 24b Metabolic Interaction Based on 2′-
O
-Fucosyl-Lactose Studied in Steady-State Cultures in a Freter-Style Chemostat
Authors: Centanni Manuela , Ferguson Scott A. , Sims Ian M. , Biswas Ambarish , Tannock Gerald W.
Published: January 2019

This study addresses the microbiology and function of a natural ecosystem (the infant bowel) using
in vitro
experimentation with bacterial cultures maintained under controlled growth and environmental conditions. We studied the growth of bifidobacteria whose nutrition centered on the hydrolysis of a human milk oligosaccharide. The results revealed responses relating to metabolism occurring in a
Bifidobacterium bifidum
strain when it provided nutrients that allowed the growth of
Bifidobacterium breve
, and so discovered biochemical features of these bifidobacteria in relation to metabolic interaction in the shared environment. These kinds of experiments are essential in developing concepts of bifidobacterial ecology that relate to the development of the gut microbiota in early life.
Talaromyces marneffei
Mp1 Protein, a Novel Virulence Factor, Carries Two Arachidonic Acid-Binding Domains To Suppress Inflammatory Responses in Hosts
Authors: Lam Wai-Hei , Sze Kong-Hung , Ke Yihong , Tse Man-Kit , Zhang Hongmin , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Lau Candy C. Y. , Xu Simin , Lai Pok-Man , Zhou Ting , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Kao Richard Y. T. , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Hao Quan
Published: January 2019

Talaromyces marneffei
infection causes talaromycosis (previously known as penicilliosis), a very important opportunistic systematic mycosis in immunocompromised patients. Different virulence mechanisms in
T. marneffei
have been proposed and investigated.
Hookworm-Derived Metabolites Suppress Pathology in a Mouse Model of Colitis and Inhibit Secretion of Key Inflammatory Cytokines in Primary Human Leukocytes
Authors: Wangchuk Phurpa , Shepherd Catherine , Constantinoiu Constantin , Ryan Rachael Y. M. , Kouremenos Konstantinos A. , Becker Luke , Jones Linda , Buitrago Geraldine , Giacomin Paul , Wilson David , Daly Norelle , McConville Malcolm J. , Miles John J. , Loukas Alex
Published: January 2019

Iatrogenic hookworm therapy shows promise for treating disorders that result from a dysregulated immune system, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using a murine model of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we demonstrated that low-molecular-weight metabolites derived from both somatic extracts (LMWM-SE) and excretory-secretory products (LMWM-ESP) of the hookworm,
Ancylostoma caninum
, display anti-inflammatory properties.
PmrC (EptA) and CptA Negatively Affect Outer Membrane Vesicle Production in Citrobacter rodentium
Authors: Sinha Anshul , Nyongesa Sammy , Viau Charles , Gruenheid Samantha , Veyrier Frédéric J. , Le Moual Hervé
Published: January 2019

Although OMVs secreted by Gram-negative bacteria fulfill multiple functions, the molecular mechanism of OMV biogenesis remains ill defined. Our group has previously shown that PmrC (also known as EptA) and CptA maintain OM integrity and provide resistance to iron toxicity and antibiotics in the murine pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
. In several enteric bacteria, these proteins modify the lipid A and core regions of lipopolysaccharide with phosphoethanolamine moieties. Here, we show that these proteins also repress OMV production in response to environmental iron in
C. rodentium
. These data support the emerging understanding that lipopolysaccharide modifications are important regulators of OMV biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria.
Expression of MDM2 in Macrophages Promotes the Early Postentry Steps of HIV-1 Infection through Inhibition of p53
Authors: Breton Yann , Desrosiers Vincent , Ouellet Michel , Deshiere Alexandre , Torresilla Cynthia , Cohen Éric A. , Tremblay Michel J.
Published: January 2019

Macrophages, with their long life span
in vivo
and their resistance to HIV-1-mediated cytopathic effect, might serve as viral reservoirs, contributing to virus persistence in an infected individual. Identification of host factors that increase the overall susceptibility of macrophages to HIV-1 might provide new therapeutic targets for the efficient control of viral replication in these cells and limit the formation of reservoirs in exposed individuals. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of p53 regulation by MDM2, which creates a cellular environment more favorable to the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Moreover, we show that p53 stabilization reduces virus infection in human macrophages, highlighting the important role of p53 in antiviral immunity.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Picocystis
sp. Strain ML, Cultivated from Mono Lake, California
Authors: Junkins Emily N. , Stamps Blake W. , Corsetti Frank A. , Oremland Ronald S. , Spear John R. , Stevenson Bradley S.
Published: January 2019

The microscopic alga
Picocystis
sp. strain ML is responsible for recurrent algal blooms in Mono Lake, CA. This organism was characterized by only very little molecular data, despite its prominence as a primary producer in saline environments.
Draft Genome Sequences for Five
Photorhabdus
Bacterial Symbionts of Entomopathogenic
Heterorhabditis
Nematodes Isolated from India
Authors: Somvanshi Vishal Singh , Dubay Bhumika , Kushwah Jyoti , Ramamoorthy Sivakumar , Vishnu Udayakumar S. , Sankarasubramanian Jagadesan , Rajendhran Jeyaprakash , Rao Uma
Published: January 2019

Photorhabdus
bacteria exhibit contrasting lifestyles; they are virulent insect pathogens but symbionts of the entomopathogenic
Heterorhabditis
nematodes.
Photorhabdus
genomes encode several secondary metabolites and insecticidal protein toxins.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of the Fungus Penicillium citrinum Reveals the Biosynthesis Gene Cluster for the Mycotoxin Citrinin
Authors: Schmidt-Heydt Markus , Stoll Dominic , Geisen Rolf
Published: January 2019

Penicillium citrinum
is a food-contaminating ascomycete that consistently produces large amounts of the mycotoxin citrinin. Citrinin exhibits, besides its toxicity, antibiotic effects and thus potentially forces antibiotic resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Influenza D Virus Strain Identified in a Pig with Subclinical Infection in the United States
Authors: Thielen Peter , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Nelson Sarah W. , Mehoke Thomas S. , Howser Craig , Bowman Andrew S.
Published: January 2019

Influenza D virus was first described in 2011 from a pig with respiratory disease; however, recent evidence indicates that cattle are the major viral reservoir. Here, we describe the genome sequence of the eighth complete swine-origin influenza D virus deposited into GenBank, D/swine/Kentucky/17TOSU1262/2017, which was collected at a 2017 swine exhibition.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Legionella jordanis Strains NML 060502 and NML 130005, Recovered from a Lower Respiratory Tract Infection and Water, Respectively
Authors: Bernier Anne-Marie , Bernard Kathryn
Published: January 2019

Draft genome sequences of two strains of the rarely isolated organism
Legionella jordanis
, NML 060502 (from a patient with a lower respiratory infection) and NML 130005 (from water), were assembled and studied. Respectively, the genome sizes obtained were 2,927,328 bp and 3,101,130 bp, with G+C contents of 41.9% and 41.7%.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Isolates of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. funduliforme, Obtained from Blood from Patients with Lemierre’s Syndrome
Authors: Lyster Catrine , Kristensen Lena Hagelskjær , Prag Jørgen , Jensen Anders
Published: January 2019

Two isolates (F1260 and F1291) of
Fusobacterium necrophorum
subsp.
funduliforme
were recovered from blood from patients with Lemierre’s syndrome. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of these two isolates. The genomes of F1260 and F1291 comprise one chromosome with lengths of 2.29 and 2.14 Mb, respectively.
Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Viridilinea halotolerans” Chok-6, Isolated from a Saline Sulfide-Rich Spring
Authors: Grouzdev Denis S. , Burganskaya Ekaterina I. , Krutkina Maria S. , Sukhacheva Marina V. , Gorlenko Vladimir M.
Published: January 2019

The draft genome sequence of the green filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic (FAP) bacterium “
Candidatus
Viridilinea halotolerans” strain Chok-6, isolated from a cold saline sulfide-rich spring near Lake Chokrak, is presented. The genome sequence is annotated for elucidation of the taxonomic position of Chok-6 and to extend the public genome database.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Atopobacter
sp. Strain AH10, Isolated from a Vaginal Swab from Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Chang Dong-Ho , Seo Hyung Seok , Park Kyeong Ryang , Lee Sung-Ki , Jeong Kang-Jin , Jeong Haeyoung , Kim Byoung-Chan
Published: January 2019

A bacterial strain belonging to the genus
Atopobacter
was isolated from a vaginal swab from a crab-eating macaque (
Macaca fascicularis
). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, AH10.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus halitosis sp. nov., Isolated from the Dorsal Surface of the Tongue of a Patient with Halitosis
Authors: Tetz George , Vikina Daria , Brown Stuart , Zappile Paul , Dolgalev Igor , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Heguy Adriana , Tetz Victor
Published: January 2019

Here, we report the draft genome of
Streptococcus halitosis
sp. nov. strain VT-4, a novel bacterium isolated from the dorsal part of the tongue of a patient with halitosis. The genome comprised 1,880,608 bp with a GC content of 41.0%.
Rectal adenocarcinoma presenting with thigh muscle metastasis as the only metastatic site
Authors: Doroudinia Abtin , Mehrian Payam , Dorudinia Atosa , Kaghazchi Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Rectal carcinoma with metastasis to skeletal muscle is a rare finding. According to literature review, 17 cases of skeletal muscle metastasis from colorectal carcinoma have been documented where only six cases were rectal carcinomas.

We discuss a case of a middle-aged man with a known history of high-grade mucinous adenocarcinoma of the rectum, status post abdominoperineal resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. During the planned chemotherapy course, a right proximal thigh subcutaneous mass was incidentally found which on subsequent biopsy proved to be metastatic from rectal primary site. On subsequent 18F-FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan after completion of chemotherapy for the purpose of treatment response evaluation, only FDG-avid lesion was residual right proximal thigh metastatic mass without involvement of other common sites, such as liver and lung. In this case, the 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan was able to exclude additional metastatic sites and also evaluate the patient’s treatment response.
Spontaneous spinal subdural haematoma in a patient on apixaban
Authors: Mchaourab Ahmad , Evans Gwenllian Ying-Huey Rees , Austin Richard
Published: January 2019

A 68-year-old man on apixaban presented to the emergency department with back pain following a long-haul flight. Investigations for pulmonary embolus and aortic dissection were negative and he was discharged with analgesia for mechanical back pain. He presented three more times with worsening back pain, third time with urinary retention and the fourth time with lower limb weakness and loss of coordination. He was found to have a spinal subdural haematoma on MRI and transferred to a tertiary centre, where he was managed conservatively and discharged for rehabilitation with good neurological recovery.
Urachal Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Pereira Ryan , McGeorge Stephen , Perera Marlon , Vela Ian
Published: January 2019

A 57-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of pelvic fullness. He had no lower urinary tract symptoms or altered bowel habits. On examination, there was a non-tender pelvic mass which extended from the pubic symphysis to the level of the umbilicus. CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a 22×11×11 cm cystic mass arising from the pelvis extending into the midline and superiorly to the umbilicus. Other than raised carcinoembryonic antigen of 7.6 ng/mL (<5.0), the remainder of his blood test were unremarkable. Flexible cystoscopy demonstrated a convex deformity of the bladder wall in keeping with the compression and displacement as seen on the CT. The patient underwent an open excision of the cystic structure (urachal remnant), partial cystectomy, partial excision of anterior abdominal wall and pelvic lymphadenectomy. A check cystogram performed 12 days following the initial operation was unremarkable.
Did psychotropic drug consumption increase during the 2008 financial crisis? A cross-sectional population-based study in Spain
Authors: Arroyo Elena , Cabrera-León Andrés , Renart Gemma , Saurina Carme , Serra Saurina Laura , Daponte Antonio , Saez Marc
Published: January 2019

Objectives and setting

Although psychotropic drugs are used to treat mental health disorders, little evidence analyses the effects the 2008 economic downturn had on psychotropic drug consumption in the case of Spain. We analyse these effects, considering both gender and employment situation.

Participants

We used the microdata from the face-to-face cross-sectional population-based Spanish National Health Survey for two periods: 2006–2007 (n=28 954) and 2011–2012 (n=20 509). Our samples included adults (>15 years old).

Methods

The response variables are consumption (or not) of antidepressants or sedatives and the explanatory variables are the year of the survey, gender and employment status. Covariates are mental health problems, mental health index General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and self-reported health outcome variables such as self-rated health, chronic diseases, smoking behaviour, sleeping hours, body mass index, physical activity in the workplace, medical visits during the past year, age, region of residence (autonomous communities), educational level, marital status and social class of the reference person. Finally, we include interactions between time period, gender and employment status. We specify random effects logistic regressions and use Bayesian methods for the inference.

Results

The economic crisis did not significantly change the probability of taking antidepressant drugs (OR=0.56, 95% CI 0.18 to 2.56) nor sedatives (OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.26 to 5.49). In general, the probability of consuming antidepressants among men and women decreases, but there are differences depending on employment status. The probability of consuming sedatives also depends on the employment status.

Conclusions

While the year of the financial crisis is not associated with the consumption of antidepressants nor sedatives, it has widened the gap in consumption differences between men and women. Although antidepressant use dropped, the difference in consumption levels between men and women grew significantly among the retired, and in the case of sedatives, risk of women taking sedatives increased in all groups except students.
A paper-based colorimetric microfluidic sensor fabricated by a novel spray painting prototyping process for iron analysis
Authors: Deng Muhan , Liao Changhan , Wang Xiufeng , Chen Shangda , Qi Fugang , Zhao Xueliang , Yu Peng
Published: January 2019

A novel, simple, and low-cost spray painting technique has been developed for the fabrication of microfluidic paper-based devices. The devices that we developed utilize aerosol spray paint to build hydrophobic barriers and employ a hole puncher to obtain paper-based patterned layers and paper dots without using any specialized instruments (e.g., without a laser cutter). The entire manufacturing process is extremely simple, inexpensive, and rapid, which means that it can be applied broadly. Furthermore, the application of the device to iron detection was demonstrated. A linear relationship between the colour value and the iron concentration was observed from 0 to 0.02 g/L. The developed microfluidic paper-based device for iron detection exhibited a low detection limit (0.00090 g/L), good selectivity, and acceptable recovery.
“Acid spike” formation in the fast neutron radiolysis of supercritical water at 400 °C studied by Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations
Authors: Patwary Md Mohsin , Sanguanmith Sunuchakan , Meesungnoen Jintana , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: January 2019

A reliable understanding of radiolysis processes in supercritical water (SCW) cooled reactors is required to ensure optimal water chemistry control. In this perspective, Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations of the radiolysis of pure, deaerated SCW at 400 °C by 2 MeV mono-energetic neutrons were carried out as a function of water density between 0.15 and 0.6 g/cm3. The yields of hydronium ions (H3O+) formed at early time were obtained based on the G values calculated for the first three generated recoil protons. Combining our calculated G(H3O+) values with a cylindrical track model allowed us to estimate the concentrations of H3O+ and the corresponding pH values. An abrupt, transient, and highly acidic pH response (“acid spikes”) was observed at early times around the “native” fast neutron and recoil proton trajectories. This intra-track acidity was found to be strongest at times of less than a few tens to a hundred of picoseconds, depending on the value of the density considered (pH ∼ 1). At longer times, the pH gradually increased for all densities, finally reaching a constant value corresponding to the non-radiolytic, pre-irradiation concentration of H3O+, due to the autoprotolysis of water. Interestingly, the lower the density of the water, the longer the time required to reach this constant value. Because many in-core processes in nuclear reactors critically depend on the pH, the present work raises the question whether such highly acidic pH fluctuations, though local and transitory, could promote or contribute to corrosion and degradation of materials under proposed SCW-cooled reactor operating conditions.
A Streaming Algorithm for k-Means with Approximate Coreset
Authors: Li Min , Xu Dachuan , Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2019

For computing the [Formula: see text]-means clustering of the streaming and distributed big sparse data, we present an algorithm to obtain the sparse coreset for the [Formula: see text]-means in polynomial time. This algorithm is mainly based on the explicit form of the center of mass and the approximate [Formula: see text]-means. Because of the existence of the approximation, the coreset of the output inevitably has a factor, which can be controlled to be a very small constant.
Study and Design of Single and Double Layer Square Patch Antennas for UWB Applications
Authors: Lakrit Soufian , Ammor Hassan , Matah Soufiane , Terhzaz Jaouad , Tribak Abdelouahd
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the design of Single and Double Layer microstrip patch antennas for ultra-wideband applications. This structure consists of a square patch with a partial ground plane, fed by a 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] microstrip line. This antenna is designed for a system to detect malignant tumors by microwave imaging. Prototypes of the two antennas are fabricated and tested with a network analyzer. The proposed antenna can achieve an ultra-wide bandwidth with VSWR[Formula: see text]2 from 3.82[Formula: see text]GHz to 11.72[Formula: see text]GHz for single layer antenna and from 3.2[Formula: see text]GHz to 10.95[Formula: see text]GHz for double layer antenna, with stable and bi-directional radiation pattern. The gain is good and has a peak value of 6.5[Formula: see text]dBi. The simulation of this antenna has been performed using Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) and Computer Simulation Technology-Microwave Studio (CST).
Maximum Vibration Transmissibility of Paper Honeycomb Sandwich Structures
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Dong-Mei , Liang Ning , Guo Yan-Feng
Published: January 2019

The maximum vibration transmissibility of paper honeycomb sandwich structures with different sizes of honeycomb core under various static stresses was investigated using the sine frequency sweep test. The effects of the cell length of the honeycomb, the thickness of the sandwich structure, and the static stress on the maximum vibration transmissibility were evaluated and a linear polynomial equation for evaluating the maximum vibration transmissibility was obtained. The results show that the maximum vibration transmissibility increases steadily with the increase in the cell length of the honeycomb, the thickness of the sandwich structure, and the static stress. The proposed equation for the maximum vibration transmissibility is suitable for predicting the maximum vibration transmissibility of paper honeycomb sandwich structures. In addition, the fitted three-dimensional diagrams of the effects of the factors on the maximum vibration transmissibility derived from the evaluation equation were shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Nanocarrier-Based Biological Fluorescent Probes for Simultaneous Detection of Ketamine and Amphetamine in Latent Fingermarks
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhao Gaoling , Lu Wangwei , Zhan Lingtong , Han Gaorong
Published: January 2019

Nanocarrier-based biological fluorescent probes for ketamine and amphetamine have been prepared by conjugating red and green fluorescent nanoparticles (150-nm-sized) with anti-ketamine and anti-amphetamine antibodies, respectively, with the assistance of carbodiimide/[Formula: see text]-hydroxysuccinimide. Biological fluorescent probes for ketamine and amphetamine could simultaneously detect these two drugs within a single fingermark by one-step test. Nanoparticles as carrier played dual-functional roles for not only fingermark visualization but also drug recognition. Latent fingermarks were visualized by the fluorescence signal generated from nanoparticles. The developed fingermarks clearly revealed ridge pattern and sufficient minutiae for individual identification. Ketamine and amphetamine were recognized by simply observing the colors of fluorescent images when the fingermark was checked in red and green channels. Detection limit of ketamine or amphetamine was 50[Formula: see text]ng in fingermark. This work therefore provides a novel nanocarrier-based strategy of drug detection as well as personal identification with high selectivity, low background interference and fast testing, which can be further broadened to other drugs and molecules.
BARAN
Authors: Mirhosseini Amirhossein , Sadrosadati Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Fatemeh , Modarressi Mehdi , Sarbazi-Azad Hamid
Published: January 2019

Virtual channels are employed to improve the throughput under high traffic loads in Networks-on-Chips (NoCs). However, they can impose non-negligible overheads on performance by prolonging clock cycle time, especially under low traffic loads where the impact of virtual channels on performance is trivial. In this article, we propose a novel architecture, called
BARAN
, that can either improve on-chip network performance or reduce its power consumption (depending on the specific implementation chosen), not both at the same time, when virtual channels are underutilized; that is, the average number of virtual channel allocation requests per cycle is lower than the number of total virtual channels. We also introduce a reconfigurable arbitration logic within the BARAN architecture that can be configured to have multiple latencies and, hence, multiple slack times. The increased slack times are then used to reduce the supply voltage of the routers or increase their clock frequency in order to reduce power consumption or improve the performance of the whole NoC system. The power-centric design of
BARAN
reduces NoC power consumption by 43.4% and 40.6% under CMP and GPU workloads, on average, respectively, compared to a baseline architecture while imposing negligible area and performance overheads. The performance-centric design of
BARAN
reduces the average packet latency by 45.4% and 42.1%, on average, under CMP and GPU workloads, respectively, compared to the baseline architecture while increasing power consumption by 39.7% and 43.7%, on average. Moreover, the performance-centric
BARAN
postpones the network saturation rate by 11.5% under uniform random traffic compared to the baseline architecture.
Preparing communication design students as facilitators
Authors: Lauren Benjamin
Published: January 2019

Building from previous work by Lauren and Schreiber (2017) and research individually conducted by the author (Lauren, 2018), this brief teaching case provides a rationale for coursework in project management that draws from experiential learning to teach facilitation. The case begins by providing a research context for how communication designers are increasingly focused on practices of facilitation in their work, particularly in fast-paced, distributed work environments. The case presents two metaphors (gardening and cooking) for helping students think about facilitation techniques. Then, the article describes a project management course that emphasizes the importance of facilitation in classroom exercises and major assignments by developing skills in three foundational areas: improvisation, document design, and systems design. Each area is described with examples to help instructors of project management adapt or use similar approaches at their own unique institutional, programmatic, and classroom contexts. The article concludes with four suggestions, such as partnering with industry practitioners and arranging site visits to see project management in action. As well, the concluding suggestions explain recent iterations of the course's design.
Pedagogical strategies for integrating SEO into technical communication curricula
Authors: Atkins Anthony T. , Reilly Colleen A.
Published: January 2019

Preparing students to understand and practice search engine optimization (SEO) teaches them writing skills, technological literacies, and theoretical background needed to pursue a successful technical communication career. SEO employs a multifaceted skillset, including an understanding of coding, skills in shaping and crafting effective user experience (UX), marketing skills, effective research strategies, and competence in accessibility. We argue that instruction in SEO in undergraduate and graduate programs in technical communication prepares graduates for the interdisciplinary and agile profession they seek to enter and enables them to be successful in positions from information architect to technical editor. Our article details how studying and enacting SEO helps students to develop proficiencies and knowledge central to technical communication pedagogies, including technological literacies, an understanding of the interconnections between human and non-human actors in digital spaces, and the ethical concerns central to work within those spaces. We then detail how SEO can be incorporated into technical communication curricula and share details of client-based projects that can facilitate that integration..
Theory to practice
Authors: Mallette Jennifer C. , Gehrke Megan
Published: January 2019

In technical communication, discussions on how to best prepare graduates to meet workplace challenges range from responding to changing technology and occupational needs to focusing on creating flexible workers. Part of this conversation centers on expertise: what kinds of expertise are most valued and how can graduates be trained to be experts? In this article, we explore our field's understandings of expertise by focusing on a recent master's graduate and practitioner, Megan. As first an intern then a full-time employee at HP Inc, Megan experienced clashes between the classroom and workplace, which she sought to reconcile. In addition, she also had to learn to assert herself as a subject matter expert (SME) while working alongside SMEs. This navigation was not something her education necessarily prepared her for, and when compared to surveyed graduates' experiences, may be something programs could emphasize. We conclude with recommendations for how academic programs can incorporate conversations about expertise and equip students to assert themselves as communication SMEs and build on that expertise after graduation.
Book review
Authors: Martin Dan
Published: January 2019

Willerton, R. (2015). Plain Language and Ethical Action: A Dialogic Approach to Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. New York: Routledge.
Psychology's Replication Crisis and Clinical Psychological Science
Authors: Tackett Jennifer L. , Brandes Cassandra M. , King Kevin M. , Markon Kristian E.
Published: January 2019

Despite psychological scientists’ increasing interest in replicability, open science, research transparency, and the improvement of methods and practices, the clinical psychology community has been slow to engage. This has been shifting more recently, and with this review, we hope to facilitate this emerging dialogue. We begin by examining some potential areas of weakness in clinical psychology in terms of methods, practices, and evidentiary base. We then discuss a select overview of solutions, tools, and current concerns of the reform movement from a clinical psychological science perspective. We examine areas of clinical science expertise (e.g., implementation science) that should be leveraged to inform open science and reform efforts. Finally, we reiterate the call to clinical psychologists to increase their efforts toward reform that can further improve the credibility of clinical psychological science.
Gestational hypertensive disorders show unique patterns of circulatory deterioration with ongoing pregnancy
Authors: Gyselaers Wilfried , Vonck Sharona , Staelens Anneleen Simone , Lanssens Dorien , Tomsin Kathleen , Oben Jolien , Dreesen Pauline , Bruckers Liesbeth
Published: January 2019

A combined assessment of heart, arteries, veins, and body fluid content throughout pregnancy has not yet been reported. We hypothesized that a gradual aggravation of circulatory dysfunction exists from the latent to the clinical phase of gestational hypertensive disease (GHD), and that pathways are unique for preeclampsia with early onset < 34 wk (EPE) and late onset ≥ 34 wk (LPE), and gestational hypertension (GH). Women with singleton pregnancy and no known diseases were invited for a prospective, observational study and had standardized sphygmomanometric blood pressure measurement, bioimpedance body water spectrum analysis, impedance cardiography for cardiac and arterial assessment, and combined Doppler-ECG of hepatic and renal interlobar veins and uterine arteries. Outcome was categorized as uncomplicated (UP, n = 1,700), EPE ( n = 87), LPE ( n = 218), or GH ( n = 188). A linear mixed model for repeated measurements, corrected for age, parity, and body mass index, was employed in SAS 9.4 to analyze trimestral changes within and between groups. From the first to the third trimester, body water increased in all groups, and an increasing number of abnormal parameters relative to UP occurred in all GHD. First-trimester blood pressure and peripheral resistance were higher in GHD than UP, together with increased uterine flow resistance and extracellular water in EPE, and with lower heart rate and aorta flow velocity in LPE. An overall gestational rise of body water volumes coexists with a gradual worsening of cardiovascular dysfunction in GHD, of which pathophysiological pathways are unique for EPE, LPE, and GH, respectively.