bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided design of resonance-free vibration systems
Authors: Muliukhin Nikolai , Lobanov Dmitriy , Grigoriev Vladimir , Gartfelder Viktor
Published: October 2018

The article provides insight into application of vibration systems in different industries. Disadvantages of conventional devices and advantages of resonance-free vibration systems are revealed. Issues of simulating resonance-free vibration systems, determination of main parameters and technical specifications of operating elements on the example of piling vibrators are discussed. The article dwells upon issues of computer-aided design of vibration systems, power, strength and kinematic calculations of main structure elements in NX, Euler, Ansys software systems. The provided algorithm enables reducing labor intensity of designing resonance-free vibration systems, reducing product cost and increasing the design engineer’s performance. Prospects of further research on the subject matter are outlined.
Development of environmentally friendly technologies with spiral movement of aggregates for landscape agriculture
Authors: Strekalov Sergey , Strekalova Lubov , Pertsev Mikhail
Published: October 2018

Enhancing process energy efficiency and increasing labor productivity in different areas including agriculture are first and foremost related to the use of robotic tools. This article presents a robotic tool based on a spiral motion system, highlighting the power supply elements of the tool, helix pitch distance and the speed of the structural elements. The paper also considers spiral system active drive options which use renewable power sources to supply power to the operating machine. The paper reviews the state of farming and considers ecological aspects of landscape farming. A spiral farming scheme has been developed geared towards small agricultural operations in different agribusiness segments, using unified wave-type equipment for robotic systems.
Graph model development in the context of the grain cleaning machine
Authors: Butovchenko Andrey , Dorochenko Artem , Kotelnikova Inna
Published: October 2018

Schematic layout and graph model of seed-cleaning unit are introduced in the article. Input vector, vector of control factors and vector of output characteristics are mentioned. The general mathematical model of purification section process is given. This model together with an oriented graph allows to conduct a program forecast and to find out the rational directions of increasing the efficiency of the work of individual working bodies and the system as a whole.
Orale Gesundheit in Mikrogravitation
Authors: Polzer Jennifer
Published: October 2018

Die im Weltraum herrschenden Bedingungen stellen ein Risiko für die physische und psychische Integrität des menschlichen Körpers dar. Dass sowohl Kurzzeit- wie auch Langzeitaufenthalte in Schwerelosigkeit das Gleichgewicht des menschlichen Organismus gefährden und zu Störungen zum Beispiel des Herz-Kreislauf-, Muskel-, Knochen- und Immunsystems führen, ist gut dokumentiert. Im Gegensatz dazu wurden bisher nur wenige Studien publiziert, die sich mit der oralen Gesundheit unter Mikrogravitation und unter Raumflugbedingungen befassen. Die aeronautische Zahnmedizin als Teil der Weltraummedizin ist ein aufstrebendes Feld. Obwohl das Auftreten von zahnmedizinischen Ereignissen in der Raumfahrt bisher minimal war, wird bei Langzeitmissionen eine höhere Prävalenz für Karies, Parodontitis, Alveolarknochenverlust, Unterkieferfrakturen und Speichelsteine erwartet. Ursachen für dentale Probleme und deren Symptome sind vielfältig. Die zahnärztliche Behandlung unter Mikrogravitation ist eine Herausforderung und trotz Einschränkungen essenziell, um eine weitere Schädigung der menschlichen Gesundheit zu verhindern, einen möglichen Ausfall von Arbeitskräften zu begrenzen und schließlich den Missionserfolg sicherzustellen.
Substituent-Dependent Chemoselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized­ Benzo[h]quinolines and 4-Benzylpyrans from 2-Methyl-5-nitro-benzonitrile
Authors: Panwar Rahul , Shaw Ranjay , Elagamy Amr , Shah Chandan , Pratap Ramendra ,   Shally
Published: October 2018

A facile, efficient and atom-economic synthesis of highly substituted benzo[h]qninolines was established by reaction of 2-methyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile with suitably functionalized 2H-pyran-2-ones under basic conditions. We observed that the presence of a thiomethyl group at the C-4 position of pyran provides 6-aryl-4-(2-cyano-4-nitrobenzyl)-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-carbonitrile exclusively without any trace of benzo[h]quinolines. Depending on the nature of the functional group at C-4 of the pyran ring, different products were achieved. To probe the mechanism, we performed control experiments and isolated 3-(1-amino-7-nitro-3-thiophen-2-yl-naphthalen-2-yl)-3-piperidin-1-yl-acrylonitrile, which, on further treatment with base, provided the benzo[h]quinolines. The structure of one the products was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Bilateral Ulnar Styloid Impaction Syndrome Treated with Ulnar Styloidectomy
Authors: Scarano Kyle A. , Owusu-Sarpong Stephane , Mulligan Michael T.
Published: October 2018

Background Ulnar styloid impaction syndrome (USIS) is produced by the tip of an oversized ulnar styloid inappropriately contacting the triquetrum. This condition results in chondromalacia, synovitis, and ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Case Description We report a rare case of bilateral USIS that presented with a prolonged course. The patient's symptoms resolved in both wrists following two separate ulnar styloidectomy procedures.

Literature Review Our case differs from previous reports in that it involves a patient whose own history of USIS led to a timelier diagnosis of the same disease in the contralateral wrist. To the best of our knowledge, there are no prior reports of bilateral USIS.

Clinical Relevance USIS remains an uncommon cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and a particularly difficult diagnosis to confirm. Here, we illustrate that this syndrome can be confidently approached using a combination of careful attention to patient history, physical examination, and various imaging methods.
Neuronale Korrelate von sozialem Ausschluss bei psychischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Abler B. , Brown R. , Graf H. , Malejko K.
Published: October 2018

Ablehnung in zwischenmenschlichen Situationen oder sozialer Ausschluss wird umgangssprachlich häufig als schmerzhaft beschrieben. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen konnten zeigen, dass sozialer Ausschluss in der Tat gleichzeitig mit der Aktivierung von neuronalen Netzwerken einhergeht, die auch bei physischem Schmerz reagieren. Unter experimentellen Bedingungen wird sozialer Ausschluss dabei vorwiegend mit dem Cyberball-Paradigma operationalisiert, das in dem vorliegenden Artikel vorgestellt wird. Da einerseits sozialer Ausschluss als Risikofaktor für die Entwicklung psychischer Erkrankungen gilt und darüber hinaus Störungen der sozialen Interaktion ein diagnoseübergreifendes Symptom darstellen, ist die Untersuchung neurofunktioneller Korrelate sozialer Zurückweisung nicht nur von grundlagenwissenschaftlichem, sondern auch von klinischem Interesse. In diesem Artikel werden Befunde zu neuronalen Korrelaten sozialer Zurückweisung bei Patienten mit psychischen Erkrankungen vorgestellt, die zumeist mit funktionell-magnetresonanztomografischer Untersuchungen erhoben wurden. Wir fokussieren dabei auf Untersuchungen von Patienten mit emotional-instabiler Persönlichkeitsstörung vom Borderline-Typ, mit nicht suizidalem selbstverletzendem Verhalten sowie mit depressiver Störung.
Belohnung und das Opioidsystem
Authors: Malejko K. , Graf H. , Rau V.
Published: October 2018

Die Aussicht auf Belohnung ist eine fundamentale Motivation menschlichen Verhaltens und beeinflusst eine Vielzahl neurokognitiver Funktionen wie zielgerichtetes Verhalten und Lernen. Motivationales Verhalten wird im mesolimbischem Belohnungssystem maßgeblich durch den Neurotransmitter Dopamin moduliert. Eine Vielzahl tierexperimenteller und humaner Untersuchungen belegen jedoch eine Interaktion zwischen dem dopaminergen Belohnungssystem und Opioidsystem. Hinsichtlich der opioidergen Modulation des dopaminergen Belohnungssystems sind neben μ-Opioidrezeptoren und dopaminergen Neurone, auch GABAerge und glutamaterge Mechanismen relevant. In diesem Artikel sollen grundlegende Mechanismen der Interaktion zwischen dem Opioid- und dopaminergen Belohnungssystem vorgestellt werden. Das Verständnis dieser Interaktionen ist nicht nur in grundlagenwissenschaftlicher, sondern auch in klinischer Hinsicht relevant und soll am Beispiel des Opioidrezeptorantagonisten Naltrexon als medikamentöse Rückfallprophylaxe beim Alkoholabhängigkeitssyndrom und anhand der Verhaltenseffekte auf die Verarbeitung primärer Verstärker wie Nahrung dargestellt werden.
Blutungsrisiko unter Antidepressiva mit Hemmung der Serotoninwiederaufnahme
Authors: Connemann B. J. , Schönfeldt-Lecuona C. , Gahr M. , Zeiss R.
Published: October 2018

Gegenstand und Ziel: Blutungsereignisse unter Therapie mit Antidepressiva, die die Serotoninwiederaufnahme hemmen (SRI), sind in den Fokus der klinischen und wissenschaftlichen Aufmerksamkeit gerückt. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit wird ein Überblick über den Kenntnisstand zu SRI-assoziierten Blutungen, insbesondere in Hinblick auf möglichen Pathomechanismen und verschiedene Blutungslokalisationen gegeben. Material und Methoden: Es wurde eine narrative Übersichtsarbeit erstellt. Die Literaturrecherche wurde in der bibliografischen Datenbank MEDLINE durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Zahlreiche Studien deuten darauf hin, dass SRI, insbesondere SSRI, das Risiko für obere gastrointestinale Blutungen erhöhen können; eine Komedikation mit NSAID oder Thrombozytenaggregationshemmern erhöht dieses Risiko deutlich. Die Datenlage zu anderen Blutungslokalisationen ist für sichere Bewertungen gegenwärtig unzureichend. Es gibt Hinweise auf einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen der Affinität eines SRI zum Serotonintransporter (5-HTT) und dem assoziierten Blutungsrisiko. Schlussfolgerungen und klinische Relevanz: Ein erhöhtes Risiko für Blutungen (insbesondere obere gastrointestinale Blutungen) durch SRI sowie eine Erhöhung dieses Risikos durch NSAID und/oder Thrombozytenaggregationshemmer sollte bei der Verordnung von SRI, insbesondere von SRI mit hoher Affinität zum 5-HTT (z. B. SSRI), beachtet werden.
Besonderheiten des Hüftgelenkersatzes beim Rheumatiker
Authors: Ueckermann U. , Gaulke R.
Published: October 2018

Durch die Zertifizierung der sogenannten Endoprothesen-Zentren mit Hauptoperateuren, die ausschließlich Hüft-, bzw. Knieendoprothesen implantieren, wird die Operationstechnik unter besonderer Berücksichtigung biomechanischer Erfordernisse stark in den Vordergrund gestellt. Die Erkrankung, welche zum Hüftgelenkverschleiß geführt hat, tritt dem gegenüber deutlich in den Hintergrund. Insbesondere beim Rheumatiker sind hier neben der entzündlichen Erkrankung, welche durch den Reiz der Operation aktiviert werden kann, sowie das supprimierte Immunsystem zu berücksichtigen. Spezielle immunsupprimierende Medikamente müssen um die Operation herum pausiert oder gar ausgewaschen werden, um das Infektionsrisiko zu vermindern. Andererseits muss postoperativ ein sogenannter serositischer Rheumaschub umgehend erkannt und behandelt werden, um den drohenden Tod des Patienten abzuwehren.
Komplikationen in der Ellenbogenendoprothetik des Rheumatikers
Authors: Scholz R.
Published: October 2018

Komplikationsmöglichkeiten sind jedweder Therapiemaßnahme immanent, insbesondere den operativen Behandlungsverfahren. Den allgemeinen Komplikationen, wie sie beispielsweise eine gestörte Hämostase oder Infektionen der Atemwege, des harnableitenden Systems oder andere Allgemeininfekte darstellen, stehen lokale Komplikationsmöglichkeiten am operativ behandelten rheumatischen Ellenbogengelenk gegenüber. Als wesentliche lokale Komplikationen sind am Ellenbogengelenk besonders Wundheilungsstörungen und Infektionen gefürchtet. Der immunsupprimierende Einfluss der Grund erkrankung einerseits sowie der medikamentösen Therapie andererseits kompliziert diese Problematik nicht selten. Darüber hinaus sind neurologische Komplikationen durch direkte oder häufiger durch indirekte Nervenschädigungen im Rahmen der Ellenbogenchirurgie öfter als an vielen anderen Regionen anzutreffen. Schließlich gilt das Ellenbogengelenk als ausgesprochen sensibel hinsichtlich postoperativer Bewegungseinschränkungen und im Extremfall der Ausbildung von Kontrakturen. Mechanische Komplikationen treten zum Beispiel im Rahmen endoprothetischer Versorgungen auf. So sind Luxationen, Endoprothesenlockerungen und auch periprothetische Frakturen möglich. Gerade letztere spielen im Falle von Endoprothesenwechseloperationen eine nicht zu unterschätzende Rolle. In den vergangenen Jahren sind erste Ansätze technischer Neuerungen für die Entwicklung modularer Systeme entstanden. Dennoch muss häufiger als an anderen Gelenken nach Versagen der Endoprothese auf individuell angefertigte Sonderimplantate zurückgegriffen werden. Arthrodesen oder Resektions-Interpositions-Arthroplastiken sind als Salvage-Procedure nur selten sinnvoll möglich und oft mit erheblichen funktionellen Einschränkungen verbunden. Sie stellen somit keine wirklichen Alternativen zur Revisionsalloarthroplastik dar. Nur im Zusammenspiel einer subtilen Indikationsstellung, der korrekten Operationsplanung und einer präzisen Operationstechnik sowie adäquaten Nachsorge lässt sich die vergleichsweise höhere Komplikationsrate der Eingriffe am rheumatischen Ellenbogengelenk minimieren.
Transösophageale Echokardiografie – Schritt für Schritt
Authors: Er Fikret , Yilmaz Ali , Gassanov Natig
Published: October 2018

A practical step-by-step approach of transesophageal echocardiography.
Elucidating thermal behavior, native contacts, and folding funnels of simple lattice proteins using replica exchange Wang-Landau sampling
Authors: Shi Guangjie , Wüst Thomas , Landau David P.
Published: October 2018

We studied the folding behavior of two coarse-grained, lattice models, the HP (hydrophobic-polar) model and the semi-flexible H0P model, whose 124 monomer long sequences were derived from the protein Ribonuclease A. Taking advantage of advanced parallel computing techniques, we applied replica exchange Wang-Landau sampling and calculated the density of states over the models entire energy ranges to high accuracy. We then determined both energetic and structural quantities in order to elucidate the folding behavior of each model completely. As a result of sufficiently long sequences and model complexity, yet computational accessibility, we were able to depict distinct free energy folding funnels for both models. In particular, we found that the HP model folds in a single-step process with a very highly degenerate native state and relatively flat low temperature folding funnel minimum. By contrast, the semi-flexible H0P model folds via a multi-step process and the native state is almost four orders of magnitude less degenerate than that for the HP model. In addition, for the H0P model, the bottom of the free energy folding funnel remains rough, even at low temperatures.
Spin wave modes of two magnetostatic coupled spin transfer torque nano-oscillators
Authors: Mancilla-Almonacid D. , Arias R. E. , Escobar R. A. , Altbir D. , Allende S.
Published: October 2018

A detailed analytical and numerical study of the spin wave modes of two nanopillar spin torque nano-oscillators coupled by magnetostatic interactions is presented under the macrospin approximation. Results show that the normal modes of the system oscillate with the magnetizations in-phase or anti-phase in both disks. The frequencies and critical current densities necessary to induce auto-oscillations of the spin wave modes of the coupled system depend on the relative position of the nanopillars and the applied magnetic field. If the oscillators are identical, these modes are degenerate at a certain relative position of the nanopillars, while if the oscillators are non-identical, such degeneracy is removed. Then, we can conclude that the magnetostatic coupling between two spin transfer torque nano-oscillators is a powerful mechanism to control the spin wave modes of these systems.
Exchange-interaction by the induced growth of the soft phase on the extreme hard phase
Authors: Kang Hoju , Sugimoto Satoshi
Published: October 2018

The significant change is reported in interparticle interaction for nanocomposites of ε-Fe2O3 and FeCo as the grain size of the soft phase (FeCo) increases upon annealing. It undergoes a transition from the dipolar interaction dominant regime into the exchange-interaction dominant regime, starting from the crystalline soft phase size of 9.6 nm, which is coincident with the theoretical critical dimension. The effective anisotropy increases exponentially as the ordering dimension of the soft phase increases with the ratio between hard and soft phases stays constant, causing a delay in the demagnetization process. The emerged exchange-interaction is understood by the induced growth of the soft phase on the extreme hard phase.
Reduced interfacial magnetic moment of Y3Fe5O12 by capping Pt
Authors: Wang P. , Zhao H. , Liu S. , Chin Y. Y. , Lin H. J. , Zhang B. M. , Yuan Z. , Jiang S. W. , Ding H. F. , Du J. , Xu Q. Y. , Xia K. , Wu D.
Published: October 2018

The proximity effects of the Pt layers on the magnetic properties of the ultrathin Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) films have been systematically investigated. A significant decrease in the saturation magnetization is observed after capping the Pt films on the YIG films, indicating that a strong interaction occurs between Pt and YIG. In contrast, the magnetic properties remain essentially unchanged for YIG capping with the Cu films. The X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements show that a selective charge transfer occurs from Pt to the tetrahedral site Fe of YIG, leading to a reduction of the magnetic moment of the interfacial YIG. Our findings provide important clues to further understanding the pure spin current transport at the Pt/YIG interface.
Pseudorandom number generator based on the Bernoulli map on cubic algebraic integers
Authors: Saito Asaki , Yamaguchi Akihiro
Published: October 2018

We develop a pseudorandom bit generator using chaotic true orbits of the Bernoulli map on real cubic algebraic integers having complex conjugates. Although this generator has a high computational cost, it exactly simulates the Bernoulli map that can generate ideal random binary sequences. In particular, we clarify a seed selection method that can select initial points (i.e., seeds) without bias and can avoid overlaps in latter parts of the pseudorandom binary sequences derived from them. Moreover, in order to evaluate the memory usage of our generator, we give upper bounds concerning the growth of the representation of points on a true orbit. We also report results of a large variety of tests indicating that the generated pseudorandom sequences have good statistical properties as well as an advantage over one of the most popular generators at this point, the Mersenne Twister MT19937.
Digital pulse timing with semiconductor gamma-ray detectors using a wavelet transform technique
Authors: Nakhostin M.
Published: October 2018

Obtaining precise timing information from semiconductor gamma-ray detectors is of great interest for a variety of applications such as high-resolution positron emission tomography. However, pulse timing with these detectors through the common constant-fraction discrimination (CFD) method is strongly affected by the time-walk error that results from the inherent variations in the shape of the detectors’ pulses. This paper reports on the use of the wavelet transform for minimizing the time-walk error in digital CFD pulse timing with semiconductor gamma-ray detectors. The details of the method are described, and the experimental results with a 1 mm thick CdTe detector are shown. It is demonstrated that, by using the Haar wavelet transform of the digitized preamplifier pulses, the original tailed time spectrum of the detector with a time resolution of 8.22 ± 0.12 ns at full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) in the energy range of 300-550 keV improves to a symmetric time spectrum with a time resolution of 3.39 ± 0.02 ns (FWHM).
Influence of structural evolution on electrocaloric effect in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-SrTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Li Feng , Li Jiahao , Zhai Jiwei , Shen Bo , Li Shandong , Zhou Mingxing , Zhao Kunyu , Zeng Huarong
Published: October 2018

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) in lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics has gained significant interest over the past decades. However, certain aspects of the ECE in relaxor ferroelectrics, such as Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, remain poorly understood. In this work, we investigate the ECE by considering Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-SrTiO3 (BNT-ST) as an example. The results show that, for BNT-0.25ST ceramics, the directly-measured ECE is optimal when the freezing temperature is tailored to be about room temperature. For this material, ΔT = 0.51 K under an electric field of 6 kV/mm and the ECE has excellent thermal stability (the instability η ≤ 20% in the range 30–120 °C). The addition of strontium increases the cubic-phase fraction, enhances the local random field, and changes the local structure, as clarified by in situ Raman spectroscopy and piezoelectric force morphology. In addition, we discuss in detail the correlation between the ECE and local structure. This work thus improves our understanding of the ECE in BNT-based materials for EC cooling technologies.
Broadband visible-to-telecom wavelength germanium quantum dot photodetectors
Authors: Siontas Stylianos , Wang Haobei , Li Dongfang , Zaslavsky Alexander , Pacifici Domenico
Published: October 2018

Germanium (Ge) quantum dot (QD) photodetectors (PDs) were fabricated on Ge substrates exhibiting a broadband, visible to near-infrared (near-IR) photoresponse in the λ = 400–1550 nm range. Room-temperature responsivities (Rsp) up to 1.12 A/W and internal quantum efficiency IQE = 313% were obtained, superior to conventional silicon and germanium photodiodes. Noise analysis was performed at visible λ = 640 nm and telecom λ = 1550 nm wavelengths, both yielding room-temperature specific detectivity D* ≃ 2 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W−1. Lowering the operating temperature and incident power led to sharply enhanced performance, with D* = 1.1 × 1012 cm Hz1/2 W−1 and IQE = 1000% at T = 100 K for an incident power of 10 nW at λ = 1550 nm. Based on their simple fabrication and silicon technology compatibility, these Ge QD PDs represent a promising alternative for broadband, high-performance visible to near-IR detection.
Effects of activation energy on the instability of oblique detonation surfaces with a one-step chemistry model
Authors: Zhang Yining , Zhou Lin , Gong Jishuang , Ng Hoi Dick , Teng Honghui
Published: October 2018

A numerical study was performed to investigate the detailed effects of activation energy Ea on the oblique detonation wave surface instability. Numerical simulations were performed using an ideal reactive flow model given by the inviscid Euler equations with one-step irreversible Arrhenius reaction kinetics. The numerical results demonstrate two types of unstable structures following the initial smooth surface after detonation initiation. One exhibits by a “saw-tooth” reactive front and the other exhibits by a “keystone” feature. To quantify the destabilization processes, two characteristic length scales, L1 and L2, are defined statistically to be the length of the smooth detonation surface before the appearance of instabilities and the length of the unstable surface before the first cellular structure with the onset of right-running transverse waves, respectively. Their dependence on Ea was simulated and analyzed. In general, both lengths decrease with increasing Ea, making the surface more unstable. However, with increasing Ea, the high temperature sensitivity of the mixture causes an abrupt explosion in the initiation region, introducing a high overdriven surface and suppressing the instability. With the balance between the destabilizing effect of Ea and the stabilizing effect of increasing overdrive factor, both L1 and L2 are found to approach a near-constant value in the high Ea limit.
Nanoscale virtual potentials using optical tweezers
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Bechhoefer John
Published: October 2018

We combine optical tweezers with feedback to impose arbitrary potentials on a colloidal particle. The feedback trap detects a particle's position, calculates a force based on an imposed “virtual potential,” and shifts the trap center to generate the desired force. We create virtual harmonic and double-well potentials to manipulate particles. The harmonic potentials can be chosen to be either weaker or stiffer than the underlying optical trap. Using this flexibility, we create an isotropic trap in three dimensions. Finally, we show that we can create a virtual double-well potential with fixed well separation and adjustable barrier height. These are accomplished at length scales down to 11 nm, a feat that is difficult or impossible to create with standard optical-tweezer techniques such as time sharing, dual beams, or spatial light modulators.
Metabolic, follicular and embryo production responses of postpartum crossbred Holstein × Gir dairy cows fed diets with different energy levels
Authors: Bervian dos Santos Gustavo , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi , dos Santos Ribeiro Lilian , Arashiro Eduardo Kenji Nunes , Viana de Grazia João Gabriel , de Almeida Camargo Luiz Sérgio , Machado Fernanda Samarini , Varago Fabiana Cristina , Otto Pamela Itajara , Campos de Carvalho Bruno
Published: October 2018

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two diets with different energy levels and two genetic groups (3/4 and 7/8 Holstein × Gir (HG) cows) on the metabolic and hormonal changes and on the production profile of oocytes and embryos in dairy cows during the early postpartum period. The concentrations of oestrogen, progesterone, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor, urea and non-esterified fatty acids in follicular fluid, as well as blood plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, urea and non-esterified fatty acids, were evaluated. Oocyte collection was performed every 14 days after parturition. After classification, the oocytes were submitted to in vitro embryo production and cleavage, and blastocyst rates were evaluated. Five days after oocyte collection, the dominant follicle was measured and punctured for follicular fluid retrieval. The high-energy diet increased plasmatic insulin and glucose. The 3/4 HG cows presented a higher plasmatic concentration of insulin, glucose and urea. The hormonal and metabolic changes in plasma were not observed in the follicular fluid. The follicular fluid concentration of IGF-I was increased in cows fed the high-energy diet as well as in the 3/4 HG cows. A higher number of total and viable oocytes was recovered in the 3/4 HG cows, but the 7/8 HG cows had a higher cleavage rate. In conclusion, the high-energy diet was more efficient in maintaining the energy status of crossbred cows, as evidenced by their plasma metabolites and follicular fluid, and 3/4 HG cows were more efficient than 7/8 HG cows at producing oocytes in the early postpartum period.
Non-infectious illness after tick bite
Authors: Beaman Miles H
Published: October 2018

Tick bites are common and may have non-infectious complications. Reactions range from local reactions to systemic syndromes, tick paralysis, mammalian meat allergy and tick anaphylaxis. Management revolves around prevention with vector avoidance and immediate removal of the tick if bitten. Treatment of bite reactions is usually symptomatic only with anti-histamines or corticosteroids. Adrenaline may be indicated for severe cases.
Anterograde and retrograde signaling by an
Aplysia
neurotrophin forms a transsynaptic functional unit
Authors: Jin Iksung , Udo Hiroshi , Kassabov Stefan , Kosmidis Stylianos , Zhu Huixiang , Kandel Eric R. , Hawkins Robert D.
Published: October 2018

Significance

Intermediate- and long-term synaptic plasticity generally require coordinated pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. In our companion paper, we found that presynaptic autocrine signaling by an
Aplysia
neurotrophin (ApNT) forms part of a positive feedback loop during the consolidation of learning-related synaptic plasticity. Here we report that ApNT also acts through both anterograde and retrograde signaling, so that the pre- and postsynaptic compartments act as one functional unit.
Influence of solution-aging treatment on damping and tensile properties of Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O alloy
Authors: Wang Qian , He Qingxian , Wang Tao , Fei Yang
Published: October 2018

High-damping alloys have been used in aerospace, automobile manufacturing and other fields due to its capacity to weaken vibration and noise. The damping and tensile properties of the Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O (wt-%) alloy were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests. The results showed that aging treatment significantly improved the tensile strength. The Snoek-type relaxation was observed in the alloy with and without aging treatment, although the aging treatment exerted a negative influence on damping capacity, especially at high temperatures. This phenomenon could be related to the precipitation of the α phase and the segregation of oxygen in the α phase from the β phase during the aging process. As a result, the alloy aged at 713 K simultaneously presents excellent damping and tensile properties.
Indonesian Diaspora movement and citizenship law reform: towards ‘semi-dual citizenship’
Authors: Dewansyah Bilal
Published: October 2018

The movement of ‘Indonesian Diaspora’ abroad has shown significant institutionalized progress since the establishment of Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) in 2012. The central issue is that Indonesian diaspora is demanding the recognition of dual citizenship from Indonesia, while Act No. 12/2006 regarding Citizenship (Citizenship Law), recognizes the principle of a single nationality and limited dual citizenship only for children. However, the dual citizenship proposal has not yet been politically acceptable, not only because of the historical experience in the past, but also because of the constitutional identity aspect on single citizenship policy. Therefore, the immigration privilege and recognition of some legal rights, excluding some political rights and citizen rights, are practical solutions that are most likely to be adopted for Indonesian diaspora. I call this proposal as ‘semi-dual citizenship’. This article elaborates this proposal with special reference to the Indian experience in the context of ongoing debate over Citizenship Law amendment and also to certain immigration legislation. As a dynamic concept, ‘semi-dual citizenship’ scheme can be seen as a ‘diaspora test’ for Indonesian diaspora that can be gradually developed depending on how this legal scheme can be workable to maintain their social ties with Indonesian society.
The political (in) dependence of the judiciary in Cameroon: fact or fiction?
Authors: Kamga Gerard Emmanuel Kamdem
Published: October 2018

My main concern in this paper is to critically examine judicial deference to the executive within the context of Cameroon. I portray how authorities in the country purposely fail to invest the judiciary with substantial levels of independence. In so doing, I look at the nexus between the domineering executive entity and the prevailing Hobbesian conception of separation of powers according to which powers mutually divided destroy each other. My investigation revolves around the idea as to know whether it is possible to mitigate political intrusion and interference to judicial independence when such intrusion and interference have become inherent and consubstantial to the modus operandi of the political system itself. Various studies on judicial independence are available but the peculiarity of the current one is not about the extent or limitation to judicial independence but it questions whether this independence exists in the first place. The study further innovates by providing a theory based approach which is an attempt to capture judicial motivations as well as the rationale behind the erosion of the liberal political theory within the context of Cameroon.
The weak voltage dependence of pannexin 1 channels can be tuned by N-terminal modifications
Authors: Michalski Kevin , Henze Erik , Nguyen Phillip , Lynch Patrick , Kawate Toshimitsu
Published: October 2018

Pannexins are a family of ATP release channels important for physiological and pathological processes like blood pressure regulation, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. To study these important channels in vitro, voltage stimulation is the most common and convenient tool, particularly for pannexin 1 (Panx1). However, whether Panx1 is a voltage-gated channel remains controversial. Here, we carefully examine the effect of N-terminal modification on voltage-dependent Panx1 channel activity. Using a whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique, we demonstrate that both human and mouse Panx1, with their nativeN termini, give rise to voltage-dependent currents, but only at membrane potentials larger than +100 mV. This weak voltage-dependent channel activity profoundly increases when a glycine–serine (GS) motif is inserted immediately after the first methionine. Single-channel recordings reveal that the addition of GS increases the channel open probability as well as the number of unitary conductance classes. We also find that insertions of other amino acid(s) at the same position mimics the effect of GS. On the other hand, tagging the N terminus with GFP abolishes voltage-dependent channel activity. Our results suggest that Panx1 is a channel with weak voltage dependence whose activity can be tuned by N-terminal modifications.
TPMCalculator: one-step software to quantify mRNA abundance of genomic features
Authors: Vera Alvarez Roberto , Pongor Lorinc Sandor , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Landsman David
Published: October 2018

The quantification of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) abundance using a normalization method that calculates transcripts per million (TPM) is a key step to compare multiple samples from different experiments. TPMCalculator is a one-step software to process RNA-seq alignments in BAM format and reports TPM values, raw read counts and feature lengths for genes, transcripts, exons and introns. The program describes the genomic features through a model generated from the gene transfer format file used during alignments reporting of the TPM values and the raw read counts for each feature. In this paper, we show the correlation for 1256 samples from the TCGA-BRCA project between TPM and FPKM reported by TPMCalculator and RSeQC. We also show the correlation for raw read counts reported by TPMCalculator, HTSeq and featureCounts.

Availability and implementation

TPMCalculator is freely available at https://github.com/ncbi/TPMCalculator. It is implemented in C++14 and supported on Mac OS X, Linux and MS Windows.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Balanced Proinflammatory and Regulatory Cytokine Signature in Young African Children Is Associated With Lower Risk of Clinical Malaria
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Nhabomba Augusto J , Manaca Maria N , Berthoud Tamara , Aguilar Ruth , Quintó Llorenç , Barbosa Arnoldo , Rodríguez Mauricio H , Jiménez Alfons , Groves Penny L , Santano Rebeca , Bassat Quique , Aponte John J , Guinovart Caterina , Doolan Denise L , Alonso Pedro L
Published: October 2018

Background

The effect of timing of exposure to first Plasmodium falciparum infections during early childhood on the induction of innate and adaptive cytokine responses and their contribution to the development of clinical malaria immunity is not well established.

Methods

As part of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Mozambique using monthly chemoprophylaxis with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus artesunate to selectively control timing of malaria exposure during infancy, peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from participants at age 2.5, 5.5, 10.5, 15, and 24 months were stimulated ex vivo with parasite schizont and erythrocyte lysates. Cytokine messenger RNA expressed in cell pellets and proteins secreted in supernatants were quantified by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and multiplex flow cytometry, respectively. Children were followed up for clinical malaria from birth until 4 years of age.

Results

Higher proinflammatory (interleukin [IL] 1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokine concentrations during the second year of life were associated with reduced incidence of clinical malaria up to 4 years of age, adjusting by chemoprophylaxis and prior malaria exposure. Significantly lower concentrations of antigen-specific T-helper 1 (IL-2, IL-12, interferon-γ) and T-helper 2 (IL-4, IL-5) cytokines by 2 years of age were measured in children undergoing chemoprophylaxis compared to children receiving placebo (P < .03).

Conclusions

Selective chemoprophylaxis altering early natural exposure to malaria blood stage antigens during infancy had a significant effect on T-helper lymphocyte cytokine production >1 year later. Importantly, a balanced proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine signature, probably by innate cells, around age 2 years was associated with protective clinical immunity during childhood.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00231452.
Evaluation of SF3B1 Mutation Screening by High-Resolution Melting Analysis and its Clinical Utility for Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Ring Sideroblasts at the Point of Diagnosis
Authors: Mizuta Shumpei , Yamane Noriko , Komai Takao , Koba Yusuke , Ukyo Naoya , Tamekane Akira , Watanabe Mitsumasa
Published: October 2018

Background

SF3B1 (splicing factor 3B subunit-1) somatic mutation is specifically detected in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS). We investigated the sensitivity and utility of SF3B1 mutation analysis as a clinical laboratory test.

Method

Detection limit for SF3B1 mutations by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was investigated by plasmid mixture. In 67 MDS patients, we examined the association between SF3B1 mutation and prognostic evaluation using the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System and revalidated MDS classifications based on the revised 4th edition of the WHO classification.

Results

HRM analysis enabled mutation detection in the 12.5% SF3B1 mutant alleles. SF3B1 mutation was detected in 9 cases, mostly in the low-risk group. Cases of MDS with ring sideroblasts unrelated to SF3B1 mutation were detected in the high-risk group. Two cases were reclassified as MDS-RS after detecting SF3B1 mutation.

Conclusions

SF3B1 mutation analysis as an initial screening at diagnosis increases the accuracy of prognostic prediction and disease classification.
Effects of Zinc Combined with Probiotics on Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea Secondary to Childhood Pneumonia
Authors: Xiang Rong , Tang Qing , Chen Xiu-Qi , Li Mu-Yan , Yang Mei-Xiong , Yun Xiang , Huang Li , Shan Qing-Wen
Published: October 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of zinc combined with probiotics (Bifico) on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) secondary to pneumonia.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with AAD secondary to pneumonia were randomly divided into a probiotics group (Bifico) and a combined group (zinc combined with Bifico) and 25 pneumonia patients without AAD as the control group. Serum levels of zinc, diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, D-lactate and intestinal flora [Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium/E. coli (B/E) ratio] were detected before and after intervention.

Results

The results showed that zinc combined with Bifico had significantly higher overall efficiency than Bifico alone for treatment of AAD secondary to pneumonia. Notably, the combined treatment increased the population of Bifidobacterium, while the number of E. coli was reduced, the B/E value was improved and DAO activity and D-lactate levels were markedly reduced.

Conclusion

Patients with AAD secondary to pneumonia benefit from zinc supplementation of probiotic treatment.
Gambling and Subsequent Road Traffic Injuries: A Longitudinal Cohort Analysis
Authors: Bhatti Junaid A. , Thiruchelvam Deva , Redelmeier Donald A.
Published: October 2018

Background:

To compare the risks of a road traffic injury (RTI) crash among adults who were involved in high-risk gambling and those who did not gamble.

Methods:

We conducted a linked longitudinal cohort analysis of adult persons in large population survey conducted during 2007 and 2008 in Ontario, Canada. We used responses to Problem Gambling Severity Index to distinguish persons as nongamblers, no-risk, low-risk, or high-risk gamblers. All persons were subsequently monitored for a subsequent RTI crash as a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist up to March 31, 2014, through health insurance databases. We estimated relative risks as rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results:

In all, 30,652 adults were included, of whom 52% self-identified as gamblers, including 49% as no-risk gamblers, 2% as low-risk gamblers, and 1% as high-risk gamblers. During a median follow-up period of 6.8 years, 708 participants (2%) were involved in 821 RTI crashes. The absolute risks of an RTI were 6.4 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 3.7–10.4) in high-risk gamblers and 3.6 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 3.2–4.0) in nongamblers. The relative risks for RTI crashes were significantly higher in high-risk gamblers than in nongamblers (adjusted RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.03–2.76). The risks for RTI crashes as a driver were augmented in high-risk gamblers than in nongamblers (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.13–3.43).

Conclusions:

We found an increased risk of an RTI crash among drivers who self-identified as high-risk gamblers. Further research exploring the underlying mechanisms of these associations might interest health professionals to monitor RTI risks in adults involved in high-risk gambling.
Cutaneous adverse event associated with vemurafenib in a 3-year-old pediatric patient with BRAF mutation-positive metastatic melanoma and factor X deficiency
Authors: Büyükkapu Bay Sema , Kebudi Rejin , Zülfikar Bülent
Published: October 2018

Malignant melanoma is very rare in childhood. The approach to diagnosis and treatment in children has been adopted from adult guidelines. Vemurafenib is indicated in adults with BRAF V600 mutation-positive stage IIIc/IV melanoma and causes cutaneous adverse events. We report on a 3-year-old child with recurrent, metastatic (bone) BRAF mutation-positive melanoma. He also had severe factor X deficiency. Four days after vemurafenib treatment, bilateral palpebral edema and violet-colored hyperpigmentation were observed. There was no objective response to vemurafenib; however, bone pain regressed slightly. Our patient is the youngest patient who received vemurafenib for BRAF V600 mutation-positive metastatic melanoma in the literature.
Sexual behaviour of the female rat during late adolescence: effect of chronic cocaine treatment
Authors: Agrati Daniella , Machado Luna , Delgado Hernán , Uriarte Natalia , Zuluaga María J. , Ferreira Annabel
Published: October 2018

Sexual behaviour is highly motivated and female rats begin to express it during adolescence. The circuitries implicated in the control of motivated behaviours continue to mature during adolescence and seem more sensitive to the effects of psychostimulants such as cocaine. However, a putative differential effect of this drug on the sexual behaviour of females according to age has not yet been studied. Therefore, we compared the motivational value of a male and the expression of sexual behaviour of late-adolescent and adult female rats after chronic treatment with a vehicle or 15.0 mg/kg cocaine. The strong incentive value of a male rat, in a male versus female preference test, for adolescent and adult female rats, was not affected by cocaine. During sexual interaction, adolescents were as sexually receptive as were adults; however, they expressed more runaways and social investigation. Cocaine treatment did not modify the expression of sexual behaviour in either group, but increased social investigation in adolescent rats. These results indicate that late-adolescent pro-oestrus females are highly sexually motivated and might express behaviours typical of this life period during sexual interaction. Moreover, although chronic cocaine treatment seemed to affect more adolescents, it did not alter the sexual motivation or behaviour of females.
Investigating the influence of ‘losses disguised as wins’ on decision making and motivation in rats
Authors: Ferland Jacqueline-Marie N. , Adams Wendy K. , Murch Spencer , Wei Linda , Clark Luke , Winstanley Catharine A.
Published: October 2018

Multiline slot machines encourage continued play through ‘losses disguised as wins’ (LDWs), outcomes in which the money returned is less than that wagered. Individuals with gambling problems may be susceptible to this game feature. The cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms through which LDWs act are unknown. In a novel rat operant task, animals chose between a ‘certain’ lever, which always delivered two sugar pellets, or an ‘uncertain’ lever, resulting in four sugar pellets on 50% of trials. LDWs were then introduced as a return of three sugar pellets on 30–40% of uncertain rewarded trials. For half the rats, winning outcomes were paired with audiovisual feedback (cues). In a second study, the basolateral amygdala (BLA) was inactivated during initial presentation of LDWs. While LDWs shifted most rats’ choice toward the certain lever, a subgroup of LDW vulnerable rats continued to choose the uncertain option, when the reward rate diminished. This profile of LDW vulnerability was reproduced after inactivating the BLA. Persistent choice of uncertain outcomes despite lower reward rates may reflect impaired functioning within the BLA. Future work using this model may provide insight into the neurobiological mechanisms contributing to the motivational properties of LDWs and their contribution to problematic gambling.
Clinical Presentation and Cranial MRI Findings of Listeria monocytogenes Encephalitis
Authors: Arslan Ferhat , Ertan Gülhan , Emecen Ahmet N. , Fillatre Pierre , Mert Ali , Vahaboglu Haluk
Published: October 2018

Background:

Listeria monocytogenes–associated encephalitis is a severe clinical condition that can also be seen in immunocompetent patients. Clinical manifestation and radiologic features of this entity need to be elaborated.

Review Summary:

We searched the medical literature during the period spanning from 1991 to 2017 using the keyword “listeria AND (abscess OR brainstem OR encephalit* OR magnetic* OR imaging*).” We included in the review well-documented adult cases with a definitive diagnosis and having magnetic resonance imaging data. Confusion, hemiparesis, cerebellar ataxia, facial paralysis, and gait disturbance were the most frequent findings, detected in >30% of patients during admission. The high rate of facial paralysis was of particular interest. T2 hyperintensity (80/82), contrast enhancement (60/82), and ring-enhancing lesions, which are considered as brain abscess, were found in 46/82 patients. The mortality and neurological sequel rates were 20% and 68%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Listeria encephalitis is a severe disease and should be remembered in cases admitted with symptoms related to the brainstem and cranial nerve dysfunction. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging with brainstem and cerebellum involvements and contrast enhancement with or without abscess are particularly suggestive of the listeria-related infection.