bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Magnesium AZ31B Alloy After Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification
Authors: Hou Xiaoning , Zhang Ruixia , Ren Zhencheng , Ye Chang , Dong Yalin , Qin Haifeng , Doll Gary , Zhou Xianfeng , Mankoci Steven , Sahai Nita
Published: September 2016

An innovative surface treatment method, ultrasonic nanocrystal surface deformation (UNSM), was used to process a magnesium (Mg) AZ31B alloy in this study. In the UNSM process, ultrasonic impacts induce plastic deformation on material surface that lead to grain refinement and surface morphology changes. The hardness, tensile strength, surface morphology and weight loss from immersion testing of the materials before and after UNSM were studied systematically. Compared with the unprocessed samples, the UNSM-processed samples show significant improvements in hardness (64%) and yield stress (43%). Surface topography results reveal that UNSM generates a smooth surface with an average roughness of 93 nm. In addition, the immersion results in cell medium demonstrate that the UNSM-processed group showed lower weight loss, especially during the early immersion period. It can thus be concluded that UNSM can significantly improve the hardness and yield strength of Mg alloys and reduce the corrosion rate, indicating that UNSM is a promising new method to enhance the mechanical properties of the degradable Mg alloys.
Improvement in Material Flow During Non-Isothermal Warm Deep Drawing of Non-Heat Treatable Aluminum Alloy Sheets
Authors: Panicker Sudhy S. , Panda Sushanta Kumar
Published: September 2016

Automotive industries are very much interested in implementing warm forming technology for fabrication of light weight auto-body panels using aluminum alloys without localized thinning or splitting. A non-heat treatable and low formable AA5754-H22 aluminum alloy sheet was selected in the present work, and a laboratory scale warm deep drawing test set-up and process sequences were designed to improve material flow through independent heating of punch and dies. Significant enhancement in cup depth was observed when the temperature of punch and dies were set to 30°C and 200°C respectively. Thermo-mechanical finite element model of the non-isothermal deep drawing test was developed successfully to study the improvement in material flow incorporating Barlat-89 yield theory using temperature dependent anisotropy coefficients and Cowper-Symonds hardening model of AA5754-H22 material. It was found that a non-isothermal temperature gradient of approximately 93°C was established within the blank from the center to flange at the start of deformation, and subsequent evolution of temperature gradient helped in improving material flow into the die cavity. The effect of temperature gradient on forming behavior in terms of cup height, ear profile and thinning development across flange, cup wall, and blank center were predicted and validated with experimental results.
Meso-Scale Digital Materials: Modular, Reconfigurable, Lattice-Based Structures
Authors: Jenett Benjamin , Cellucci Daniel , Gregg Christine , Cheung Kenneth
Published: September 2016

We present a modular, reconfigurable system for building large structures. This system uses discrete lattice elements, called digital materials, to reversibly assemble ultralight structures that are 99.7% air and yet maintain sufficient specific stiffness for a variety of structural applications and loading scenarios. Design, manufacturing, and characterization of modular building blocks are described, including struts, nodes, joints, and build strategies. Simple case studies are shown using the same building blocks in three different scenarios: a bridge, a boat, and a shelter. Field implementation and demonstration is supplemented by experimental data and numerical simulation. A simplified approach for analyzing these structures is presented which shows good agreement with experimental results.
Modeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion in Vertical Wheel Bioreactors Using Lactate Production Rate in Regenerative Medicine Biomanufacturing
Authors: Kumar Arun , Starly Binil
Published: September 2016

Stem cells are critical components of regenerative medicine therapy. However, the therapy will require millions to billions of therapeutic stem cells. To address the need, we have recently cultured stem cells in 3D microgels and used them as a vehicle for cell expansion within a low shear stress rotating wheel type bioreactor within a 500ml volumetric setting. This study specifically highlights the cell encapsulation in microbead process, harvesting and operation of microbeads within a dynamic bioreactor environment. We have specifically encapsulated stem cells (human adipose derived) into microbeads prepared from alginate hydrogels via an electrostatic jetting process. This study highlights the effect of fabrication process parameters on end-point biological quality measures such as stem cell count and viability. We were able to maintain a >80% viability during the 21 day static culture period. We have also measured the concentration of metabolites produced during the expansion, specifically lactate production measured during specific time points within culture inside the rotating wheel bioreactor Future work will need to address predicting yields in higher volume settings, efficiency of harvest and a more detailed description of the hydrodynamics affecting stem cell growth.
Loading-Unloading Cycles of 3D-Printing Built Bi-Material Structures With Ceramic and Elastomer
Authors: Kao Yi-Tang , Zhang Ying , Wang Jyhwen , Tai Bruce L.
Published: September 2016

This paper studies the loading-unloading behaviors of a 3D-printing built bi-material structure consisting of an open-cellular plaster frame filled with silicone. The combination of the plaster (ceramic phase) and silicone (elastomer phase) is hypothesized to possess a non-linearly elastic property and a better ductility. Four-point bending test with programmed cycles of preceding deformations was conducted. The results show that there exists a linear-nonlinear transition when the bending deflection is around 2 mm in the first cycle bending. As the cycle proceeds, this transition is found at the maximum deflection of the previous cycle; meanwhile, the bending stiffness degrades. It is believed that the occurrence of micro-cracks inside the plaster frame is the mechanism behind the phenomenon. The ductile silicone provides a strong network suppressing the abrupt crack propagation in a brittle material. The effects of the frame structure and plaster-silicone ratio were also compared. A high plaster content and large cell size tend to have a higher stiffness and obvious linear to non-linear transition while it also has more significant stiffness degradation.
Part Damage due to Proximity Effects During Sub-Micron Additive Manufacturing via Two-Photon Lithography
Authors: Saha Sourabh K. , Divin Chuck , Cuadra Jefferson A. , Panas Robert M.
Published: September 2016

Two-photon lithography is a direct laser write process that enables fabrication of millimeter scale 3D structures with nanoscale building blocks. In this technique, writing is achieved via a nonlinear two-photon absorption process during which two photons are near-simultaneously absorbed at high laser intensities. Due to the high laser intensities, it is essential to carefully select the incident power so that two-photon polymerization (TPP) occurs without any laser damage of the resist. Currently, the feasible range of laser power is identified by writing small test patterns at varying power levels. Herein, we demonstrate that the results of these tests cannot be generalized because the damage threshold power is dependent on the proximity of features and reduces by as much 37.5% for overlapping features. We have identified that this reduction occurs due to a combination of reduced TPP for overlapping features and increased single-photon absorption of the resin after curing. We have captured the damage arising out of this proximity effect via 3D computed tomography images of a non-homogenous part that has varying feature density. Part damage manifests in the form of internal spherical voids that arise due to boiling of the resist at high laser intensities. Herein, we have empirically quantified this proximity effect by identifying the damage threshold power at different writing speeds and feature overlap spacings. In addition, we present a first-order analytical model that captures the scaling of this proximity effect. The scaling laws and the empirical data generated here can be used to select the appropriate writing process parameters so as to correct for proximity effects and prevent part damage during sub-micron additive manufacturing of parts with closely spaced features.
Fabrication of a Micron/Nanofluidic Platform via 3-Axis Robotic Dispensing System
Authors: Yuan Hanwen , Cambron Scott , Crain Mark , Keynton Robert
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this work is to introduce a new fabrication technique for creating a fluidic platform with embedded micro or nanoscale channels. This new technique includes: 1) a 3-axis robotic dispensing system for drawing micro/nanoscale suspended polymer fibers at prescribed locations; 2) dry film resist photolithography; and, 3) replica molding. This new technique provides flexibility and precise control of the micro and nanochannel location with the ability to create multiple channels of varying sizes embedded in a single fluidic platform. These types of micro/nanofluidic platforms are attractive for numerous applications, such as the separation of biomolecules, cell transport and transport across cell membranes via electroporation. The focus of this work is on the development of a fabrication technique for the creation of a nanoscale electroporation device.
Electrically Assisted Global Springback Elimination in AMS-T-9046 Titanium After Single Point Incremental Forming
Authors: Grimm Tyler J. , Roth John T. , Ragai Ihab
Published: September 2016

Incremental Forming (IF) is a new type of sheet metal forming method being investigated by many because of its great potential in the manufacturing industry. The IF method forms sheet metal by use of a hemispherically shaped tool which follows a specified path that gradually forms the material as it traverses across the material. No dies are needed for this process, which is where the potential lies.

IF is currently being researched in order to reduce the drawbacks of the process. These drawbacks include a maximum formable wall angle, degraded surface finish, low part accuracy, and local and global springback. This research focuses on the reduction of global springback, which arises from the stresses induced in the workpiece.

This research approaches the problem with the use of electrical paths ran through the residual stress concentrations. The stress concentrations were mapped using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and multiple tests were done to see which path had the greatest effect on springback.

It was concluded that the best paths to apply electrical current through in order to reduce springback in an incrementally formed truncated pyramid are: along the formed corners from top to bottom, across the upper section of the formed corner, and along each side of the inner formed square. In addition, it was found that the path the electricity takes has a greater effect on the amount of springback reduction than the amount of paths applied. It is hypothesized that this is due to the stiffening effects of certain stresses.
A Reverse Compensation Framework for Shape Deformation in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Xu Kai , Kwok Tsz-Ho , Chen Yong
Published: September 2016

Shape deformation is an important issue in additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as the projection-based Stereolithography. Volumetric shrinkage and thermal cooling during the photopolymerization process combined with other factors such as the layer-constrained building process lead to complex deformation that is difficult to predict and control. In this paper, a general reverse compensation method and related computation framework are presented to reduce the shape deformation of AM fabricated parts. During the reverse compensation process, the shape deformation is calculated based on physical measurements of shape deformation. A novel method for identifying the correspondence between the deformed shape and the given nominal computer-aided design (CAD) model is presented based on added markers. Accordingly, a new CAD model based on the shape deformation and related compensation is computed. The intelligently revised CAD model by going through the same building process can result in a fabricated part that is close to the nominal CAD model. Two test cases have been designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method and the related computation framework. The shape deformation in terms of L2- and L∞-norm based on measuring the geometric errors is reduced by 40–60%.
Sensorless Monitoring of Cutting Force Variation With Fractured Tool Under Heavy Cutting Condition
Authors: Yamada Yuki , Kakinuma Yasuhiro , Ito Takamichi , Fujita Jun , Matsuzaki Hirohiko
Published: September 2016

Cutting force is widely regarded as being the one of the most valuable information for tool condition monitoring. Considering sustainability, sensorless cutting force monitoring technique using inner information of machine tool attracts attention. Cutting force estimation based on motor current is one of the example, and it is applicable to detection of tool breakage with some signal processing technique. However, current signal could not capture fast variation of cutting force. By improving monitoring performance of cutting force, the hidden tool condition information is more accessible.

In this study, monitoring performance of cutting force variation due to tool fracture was enhanced by using multi-encoder-based disturbance observer (MEDOB) and simple moving average. Friction force and torque which deteriorate monitoring performance was eliminated by moving average. First, monitoring accuracy of cutting force was verified through end milling test. Next, local peak value of estimated cutting force was extracted and the ratio of neighboring peak value was calculated to capture the tool fracture. Estimated value using MEDOB could capture the variation resulting from tool fracture.
A Stereolithography-Based Sugar Foaming Method for Porous Strucutre Fabrication
Authors: Song Xuan , Zhang Zhuofeng , Chen Zeyu , Chen Yong
Published: September 2016

Porous structure has wide application in industry, thanks to some of its special properties such as low density, low thermal conductivity, high surface area and efficient stress transmission. Both templating and foaming agent methods are used to fabricate porous structures. However, these methods can only produce simple geometries. In recent years, many research studies have been done to use additive manufacturing (AM), e.g. stereolithography (SLA), in the fabrication of porous structure, but the porosity that can be achieved is relatively small due to their limited accuracy in building micro-scale features on a large area. This paper presents a projection based SLA process to fabricate porous polymer structures using sugar as the foaming agent. With a solid loading of 50wt% of the sugar in the resin, the method can achieve a porosity over 50%. This method can be used to increase the porosity achieved by current SLA methods by over 100%.
Parameter Study on 3D-Printing Graphene Oxidize Based on Directional Freezing
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Feng , Lin Dong , Zhou Chi
Published: September 2016

Graphene is one of the most promising carbon nanomaterial due to its excellent electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties. However, it is still very challenging to unlock its exotic properties and widely adopt it in real-world applications. In this paper, we introduces a new 3D graphene structure printing approach with pure graphene oxide material, better inter-layer bonding, and complex architecture printing capability. Various parameters related to this novel process are discussed in detail in order to improve the printability, reliability and accuracy. We have shown that the print quality largely depends on the duty cycle of print head, applied pressure and travel velocity during printing. A palette of printed samples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique along with the optimal parameter settings. The proposed process proves to be a promising 3D printing technique for fabricating multi-scale nanomaterial structures. The theory revealed and parameters investigated herein are expected to significantly advance the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental mechanism of the proposed directional freezing based 3D nano printing process. Furthermore the outcome of this research has the potential to open up a new avenue for fabricating multi-functional nanomaterial objects.
Evaluation of Cellular Solids Derived From Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Cellucci Daniel , Cheung Kenneth C.
Published: September 2016

Cellular solids are a class of materials that have many interesting engineering applications, including ultralight structural materials [1]. The traditional method for analyzing these solids uses convex uniform polyhedral honeycombs to represent the geometry of the material [2], and this approach has carried over into the design of digital cellular solids [3]. However, the use of such honeycomb-derived lattices makes the problem of decomposing a three-dimensional lattice into a library of two-dimensional parts non-trivial. We introduce a method for generating periodic frameworks from Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS), which result in geometries that are easier to decompose into digital parts. Additionally, we perform multi-scale analysis of two cellular solids generated from two TPMS, the P- and D-Schwarz, and two cellular solids, the Kelvin and Octet honeycombs. We show that the simulated behavior of these TMPS-derived structures shows the expected modulus of the cellular solid scaling linearly with relative density, and matches the behavior of the octet truss.
Laser Nanopatterning for Wettability Applications
Authors: Orazi Leonardo , Gnilitskyi Iaroslav , Serro Ana Paula
Published: September 2016

We report on periodic, homogenous nanoripples fabricated on stainless steel (SS), copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al) substrates using an ytterbium pulsed femtosecond laser. These structures called Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) are processed at a relatively high-speed allowing us to fabricate quasi regular nanoripples in a short time over large areas. This paper investigates the effect of LIPSS on wettability behavior of SS, Cu and Al surfaces. It is shown that nanoripples significantly influenced the wettability character of these metals turning them from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior. The most notable behavioral change is observed for SS and Al, where strong hydrophobicity is observed after the generation of LIPSS.
Impact of template stiffness during peeling release in nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Chalvin Florian , Nakamura Naoto , Tochino Takamitsu , Yasuda Masaaki , Kawata Hiroaki , Hirai Yoshihiko
Published: September 2016

In earlier works, the authors observed that the template stiffness played a role in the success of the demolding step in nanoimprint lithography. They established that the release force increases with the template stiffness whereas the induced stress in the resist follows an opposite trend, decreasing with an increase in the template stiffness. However, the results obtained were quantitatively inconsistent with the experimental results; therefore, the authors set up a new simulation model in order to obtain realistic values. They successfully demonstrated that the bending of the template, depending on its stiffness, is a key factor to be optimized in order to reduce the defect formation during the process.
Effects of post-annealing temperature and oxygen concentration during sputtering on the structural and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 films
Authors: Dong Linpeng , Jia Renxu , Xin Bin , Zhang Yuming
Published: September 2016

In this study, β-Ga2O3 thin films were directly deposited on sapphire substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. The effects of post-annealing temperature and oxygen concentration during sputtering on the structural and optical properties of the films were investigated in detail. The results indicated that the crystalline quality of the films improved with increasing post-annealing temperature. When 1 vol. % oxygen was included in the deposition process, β-Ga2O3 film displayed the best crystalline quality, the band gap and atomic ratios of O to Ga of the film were increased, and the content of oxygen vacancies in the film was effectively lowered. These results revealed an effective, convenient method to prepare high-quality β-Ga2O3 thin films.
Development of a PET/OMRI combined system for simultaneous imaging of positron and free radical probes for small animals
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Watabe Tadashi , Ikeda Hayato , Kanai Yasukazu , Ichikawa Kazuhiro , Nakao Motonao , Kato Katsuhiko , Hatazawa Jun
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Positron emission tomography (PET) has high sensitivity for imaging radioactive tracer distributions in subjects. However, it is not possible to image free radical distribution in a subject by PET. Since free radicals are quite reactive, they are related to many diseases, including but not limited to cancer, inflammation, strokes, and heart disease. The Overhauser enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (OMRI) is so far the only method that images free radical distribution in vivo. By combining PET and OMRI, a new hybrid imaging modality might be developed that can simultaneously image the radioactive tracer and free radical distributions. For this purpose, the authors developed a PET/OMRI combined system for small animals.

Methods

The developed PET/OMRI system used an optical fiber‐based PET system combined with a permanent magnet‐based OMRI system. The optical fiber‐based PET system uses flexible optical fiber bundles. Eight optical fiber‐based block detectors were arranged in a 56 mm diameter ring to form a PET system. The LGSO blocks were located inside the field‐of‐view (FOV) of the OMRI, and the position sensitive photomultiplier tubes were positioned behind the OMRI to minimize the interference between the PET and the OMRI. The OMRI system used a 0.0165 T permanent magnet. The system has an electron spin resonance coil to enhance the MRI signal using the Overhauser effect to image the free radical in the FOV of the PET/OMRI system.

Results

The spatial resolution and sensitivity of the optical fiber‐based PET system were 1.2 mm FWHM and 1.2% at the central FOV, respectively. The OMRI system imaged the distribution of a nitroxyl radical (NXR) solution. The interference between PET and OMRI was small. Simultaneous imaging of the positron radiotracer and the NXR solution was successfully conducted with the developed PET/OMRI system for phantom and small animal studies.

Conclusions

The authors developed a PET/OMRI combined system with the potential to provide interesting new results in molecular imaging research, such as in vivo molecular and free radical distributions.
Lupus and leptin
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: September 2016

The hormone and cytokine leptin promotes disease progression in mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Papers of note in
Science
and
Science Immunology
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2016

This week’s articles describe how commensal bacteria can induce tolerance to pathogenic bacteria and how a thermosensory circuit in the brain senses thermal stress.
One way fumarate can promote metastasis
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2016

Accumulation of the metabolite fumarate induces epigenetic changes that promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
History of Smallpox and Its Spread in Human Populations
Authors: Thèves Catherine , Crubézy Eric , Biagini Philippe
Published: September 2016

Smallpox is considered among the most devastating of human diseases. Its spread in populations, initiated for thousands of years following a probable transmission from an animal host, was concomitant with movements of people across regions and continents, trade and wars. Literature permitted to retrace the occurrence of epidemics from ancient times to recent human history, smallpox having affected all levels of past society including famous monarchs. The disease was officially declared eradicated in 1979 following intensive vaccination campaigns.

Paleomicrobiology dedicated to variola virus is restricted to few studies, most unsuccessful, involving ancient material. Only one recent approach allowed the identification of viral DNA fragments from lung tissue of a 300-year-old body excavated from permafrost in Eastern Siberia; phylogenetic analysis revealed that this ancient strain was distinct from those described during the 20th century.
Human Lice in Paleoentomology and Paleomicrobiology
Authors: Drali Rezak , Mumcuoglu Kosta , Raoult Didier
Published: September 2016

Lice are a classic example of cospeciation. Human lice confirm this cospeciation with lice specialized in hominids which differ from those of gorillas and chimpanzees. Head lice and body lice seem to belong to closely related species with different ecotypes and a different geographical distribution which may reflect population movements. Paleo-entomology allows us in some cases to trace the migrations of archaic human populations. The analysis of lice found on mummies in Egypt and South America has clarified a certain number of these migrations, also the study of lice and the diseases they transmit has shed a new light on the epidemics of the past.
Ancient Resistome
Authors: Olaitan Abiola Olumuyiwa , Rolain Jean-Marc
Published: September 2016

Antibiotic resistance is an ancient biological mechanism in bacteria, although its proliferation in our contemporary world has been amplified through antimicrobial therapy. Recent studies conducted on ancient environmental and human samples have uncovered numerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. The resistance genes that have been reported from the analysis of ancient bacterial DNA include genes coding for several classes of antibiotics, such as glycopeptides, β-lactams, tetracyclines, and macrolides. The investigation of the resistome of ancient bacteria is a recent and emerging field of research, and technological advancements such as next-generation sequencing will further contribute to its growth. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this research will help us to better understand the evolution of antibiotic resistance genes and will also be used in drug design as a proactive measure against antibiotic resistance.
Paleomicrobiology of Leprosy
Authors: Spigelman Mark , Rubini Mauro
Published: September 2016

The use of paleomicrobiological techniques in leprosy has the potential to assist paleopathologists in many important aspects of their studies on the bones of victims, solving at times diagnostic problems. With
Mycobacterium leprae
, because of the unique nature of the organism, these techniques can help solve problems of differential diagnosis. In cases of co-infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, they can also suggest a cause of death and possibly even trace the migratory patterns of people in antiquity, as well as explain changes in the rates and level of infection within populations in antiquity.
Cholera
Authors: Lippi Donatella , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Caini Saverio
Published: September 2016

Cholera is an acute disease of the gastrointestinal tract caused by
Vibrio cholerae
. Cholera was localized in Asia until 1817, when a first pandemic spread from India to several other regions of the world. After this appearance, six additional major pandemics occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries, the latest of which originated in Indonesia in the 1960s and is still ongoing. In 1854, a cholera outbreak in Soho, London, was investigated by the English physician John Snow (1813 to 1858). He described the time course of the outbreak, managed to understand its routes of transmission, and suggested effective measures to stop its spread, giving rise to modern infectious disease epidemiology. The germ responsible for cholera was discovered twice: first by the Italian physician Filippo Pacini during an outbreak in Florence, Italy, in 1854, and then independently by Robert Koch in India in 1883, thus favoring the germ theory over the miasma theory of disease. Unlike many other infectious diseases, such as plague, smallpox, and poliomyelitis, cholera persists as a huge public health problem worldwide, even though there are effective methods for its prevention and treatment. The main reasons for its persistence are socioeconomic rather than purely biological; cholera flourishes where there are unsatisfactory hygienic conditions and where a breakdown of already fragile sanitation and health infrastructure occurs because of natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
Paleopathology of Human Infections: Old Bones, Antique Books, Ancient and Modern Molecules
Authors: Dutour Olivier
Published: September 2016

Paleopathology studies the traces of disease on human and animal remains from ancient times. Infectious diseases have been, for over a century, one of its main fields of interest. The applications of paleogenetics methods to microbial aDNA, that started in the 90s combined to the recent development of new sequencing techniques allowing ‘paleogenomics’ approaches, have completely renewed the issue of the infections in the past. These advances open up new challenges in the understanding of the evolution of human-pathogen relationships, integrated in “One Health” concept.

In this perspective, an integrative multidisciplinary approach combining data from ancient texts and old bones to those of old molecules is of great interest for reconstructing the past of human infections. Despite some too optimistic prediction of their eradication in the late 20th century, some of these ancient human diseases, such as plague, leprosy or tuberculosis, are still present and continue their evolution at the beginning of this 21rst century. Better know the past to predict a part of the future of human diseases remains, more than ever, the motto of the paleopathological science.
Anthropometric measures and prevalence trends in adolescents with coeliac disease: a population based study
Authors: Assa Amit , Frenkel-Nir Yael , Leibovici-Weissman Ya'ara , Tzur Dorit , Afek Arnon , Katz Lior H , Levi Zohar , Shamir Raanan
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To investigate the impact of coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis on anthropometric measures at late adolescence and to assess trends in the prevalence of diagnosed CD over time.

Design

A population based study.

Patients

Prior to enlistment, at the age of 17 years, most of the Israeli Jewish population undergoes a general health examination. Subjects' medical diagnoses are entered into a structured database.

Interventions

The enlistment database was thoroughly searched for CD cases between the years 1988 and 2015. Medical records of 2 001 353 subjects were reviewed.

Main outcome measures

Anthropometric measures at the age of 17 years.

Results

Overall, 10 566 CD cases (0.53%) were identified and analysed. Median age at data ascertainment was 17.1 years (IQR, 16.9–17.4). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that boys with CD were leaner (Body Mass Index 21.2±3.7 vs 21.7±3.8, p=0.02) while girls with CD were shorter (161.5±6 cm vs 162.1±6 cm, p=0.017) than the general population. The prevalence of diagnosed CD increased from 0.5% to 1.1% in the last 20 years with a female predominance (0.64% vs 0.46%). CD prevalence was significantly lower in subjects of lower socioeconomic status and those of African, Asian and former Soviet Union origin.

Conclusions

Adolescent boys with CD were leaner and girls with CD were shorter compared with the general population. However, the clinical relevance of the small differences suggests that when CD is diagnosed during childhood, final weight and height are not severely impaired. Our cohort reinforces the observed increase in diagnosed CD.
Euglycaemic ketoacidosis in a postoperative Whipple patient using canaglifozin
Authors: Wood Trevor , Pang Allison J , Hallet Julie , Greig Paul
Published: September 2016

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of oral antihyperglycaemic agents that have garnered much attention for their attractive efficacy profile in glycaemic control along with the added benefit of weight loss. There has been increasing concern for the risk of euglycaemic (serum glucose 4–8 mmol/L) ketoacidosis with these agents. In the setting of a postoperative patient, the use of these drugs may exacerbate the normal physiological stresses of the body and increase the risk of developing euglycaemic ketoacidosis (euKDA). This case highlights a postoperative patient who was using an SGLT2 inhibitor and developed severe euKDA after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The goal of this case report was to bring awareness to the possibility of this rare adverse event. In doing so, it may aid in preoperative planning of the diabetic patient and trigger appropriate management for those who develop euKDA.
Maternal-related deaths and impoverishment among adolescent girls in India and Niger: findings from a modelling study
Authors: Verguet Stéphane , Nandi Arindam , Filippi Véronique , Bundy Donald A P
Published: September 2016

Background

High levels of maternal mortality and large associated inequalities exist in low-income and middle-income countries. Adolescent pregnancies remain common, and pregnant adolescent women face elevated risks of maternal mortality and poverty. We examined the distribution across socioeconomic groups of maternal deaths and impoverishment among adolescent girls (15–19 years old) in Niger, which has the highest total fertility rate globally, and India, which has the largest number of maternal deaths.

Methods

In Niger and India, among adolescent girls, we estimated the distribution per income quintile of: the number of maternal deaths; and the impoverishment, measured by calculating the number of cases of catastrophic health expenditure incurred, caused by complicated pregnancies. We also examined the potential impact on maternal deaths and poverty of increasing adolescent girls' level of education by 1 year. We used epidemiological and cost inputs sourced from surveys and the literature.

Results

The number of maternal deaths would be larger among the poorer adolescents than among the richer adolescents in Niger and India. Impoverishment would largely incur among the richer adolescents in Niger and among the poorer adolescents in India. Increasing educational attainment of adolescent girls might avert both a large number of maternal deaths and a significant number of cases of catastrophic health expenditure in the 2 countries.

Conclusions

Adolescent pregnancies can lead to large equity gaps and substantial impoverishment in low-income and middle-income countries. Increasing female education can reduce such inequalities and provide financial risk protection and poverty alleviation to adolescent girls.
Hotspots for porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) bycatch in the southwestern Atlantic (51°S–57°S)
Authors: Cortés Federico , Waessle Juan A.
Published: September 2016

Fisheries bycatch can severely affect the population status of species with low resilience such as sharks. Bycatch monitoring is an important issue for the development of conservation and management plans for these species. The main objectives of this study were to quantify and model the spatiotemporal trend of bycatch for porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) in the Argentinean surimi trawl fleet to identify hotspots in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Using onboard observer data, we have demonstrated that L. nasus was usually caught as bycatch by the surimi trawl fleet operating in the southern limits of the southwestern Atlantic (51°S–57°S), representing an important part of the reported catch for the Atlantic Ocean. Delta and Tweedie models indicated that bycatch had a relatively stable trend, was concentrated in a limited region of the study area, and was associated with spatiotemporal, operational, environmental, and prey availability variables. The model with the best predictive capability used for the spatial delineation of hotspots for L. nasus bycatch showed that the areas located south of 54°12′S and over the continental shelf-break were critical for the porbeagle conservation and management strategies in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
Effect of rotor type on the separation of isotope-labeled and unlabeled Escherichia coli RNA by isopycnic density ultracentrifugation
Authors: Herrmann Elena , Koch Patrick , Riedel Christian U. , Young Wayne , Egert Markus
Published: September 2016

Separation of differentially isotope-labeled bacterial RNA by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation is a critical step in RNA-based stable isotope probing analyses, which help to link the structure and function of complex microbial communities. Using isotope-labeled Escherichia coli RNA, we showed that an 8 mL near-vertical rotor performed better than a 2 mL fixed-angle rotor, thereby corroborating current recommendations. Neither increased concentrations of formamide nor urea in the medium improved the separation results using the fixed-angle rotor.
Dual symmetry in a generalized Maxwell theory
Authors: Brandt F. T. , Frenkel J. , McKeon D. G. C.
Published: September 2016

We examine Podolsky’s electrodynamics, which is non-invariant under the usual duality transformation. We deduce a generalization of Hodge’s star duality, which leads to a dual gauge field and restores to a certain extent the dual symmetry. The model becomes fully dual symmetric asymptotically, when it reduces to the Maxwell theory. We argue that this strict dual symmetry directly implies the existence of the basic invariants of the electromagnetic fields.
Effect of quasi-particle number fluctuations on thermodynamic properties of 183,184,185W
Authors: Kargar Z. , Dehghani V.
Published: September 2016

The modified BCS (MBCS) and modified Lipkin–Nogami (MLN) models were used to calculate the thermodynamic properties of [Formula: see text]W nuclei. We also compared the results with the results of BCS model. In the case of heat capacity, modified methods give results which are qualitatively closer to the experimental data compared to the predictions of BCS model.
The Challenges of Aging Population: Demographic Development of Labor Force and Immigration Policy
Authors: XIA Belle Selene
Published: September 2016

Given that the amount of elderly population in Finland is growing fast, the author takes a look at the economic policies that aim at combating the challenges brought by aging population in developed countries. The degree of urbanization of a capital city can be determined by the level of demographic changes over time. In this study, the author uses the urban data to analyze the determinants of demographic changes, which have a significant impact on regional policies and regulations. The results reveal important insights on the implications of migration and employed labor force on the regional economy. It is acknowledged that factors such as quality of human capital, labor mobility and housing facilities are integral parts of demographic development. One of the important predictors of demographic changes is labor mobility. The results of ARIMA-models show how the number of employed labor force will change in future in the capital region. New research opportunities are opened in the policy control of inbound and outbound migration to the capital city as well as in the strategic implications of income gap on the regional economy.
Functional Interactions between BKCaα‐Subunit and Annexin A5: Implications in Apoptosis
Authors: Brazier Stephen P. , Telezhkin Vsevolod , Kemp Paul J.
Published: September 2016

Proteomic studies have suggested a biochemical interaction between α subunit of the large conductance, voltage‐ and Ca2+‐activated potassium channel (BKCaα), and annexin A5 (ANXA5), which we verify here by coimmunoprecipitation and double labelling immunocytochemistry. The observation that annexin is flipped to the outer membrane leaflet of the plasma membrane during apoptosis, together with the knowledge that the intracellular C‐terminal of BKCaα contains both Ca2+‐binding and a putative annexin‐binding motif, prompted us to investigate the functional consequences of this protein partnership to cell death. Membrane biotinylation demonstrated that ANXA5 was flipped to the outer membrane leaflet of HEK 293 cells early in serum deprivation‐evoked apoptosis. As expected, serum deprivation caused caspase‐3/7 activation and this was accentuated in BKCaα expressing HEK 293 cells. The functional consequences of ANXA5 partnership with BKCaα were striking, with ANXA5 knockdown causing an increase and ANXA5 overexpression causing a decrease, in single BKCa channel Ca2+‐sensitivity, measured in inside‐out membrane patches by patch‐clamp. Taken together, these data suggest a novel model of the early stages of apoptosis where membrane flippage results in removal of the inhibitory effect of ANXA5 on K+ channel activity with the consequent amplification of Ca2+ influx and augmented activation of caspases.
Response of Hydrological Drought to Meteorological Drought under the Influence of Large Reservoir
Authors: Wu Jiefeng , Chen Xingwei , Gao Lu , Yao Huaxia , Chen Ying , Liu Meibing
Published: September 2016

Based on monthly streamflow and precipitation data from 1960 to 2010 in the Jinjiang River Basin of China, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) were used to represent meteorological and hydrological drought, respectively. The response of hydrological drought to meteorological drought under the influence of Shanmei reservoir was investigated. The results indicate that SPI and SSI have a decreasing trend during recent several decades. Monthly scales of SSI series have a significant decreasing trend from November to the following February and a significant increasing trend from May to July at Shilong hydrological station. There are three significant periodic variations with a cycle of 6-7 years, 11-12 years, and 20-21 years for annual scales of SSI series. SPI series have the same periodic variations before the 1980s, but they have not been synchronous with SSI since the 1980s at Shilong due to influences of Shanmei reservoir, especially at the periodic variations of 20-21 years. The variation of the lag time of hydrological drought in response to meteorological drought is significant at the seasonal scale. The lag time of hydrological drought to meteorological drought extends one month on average in spring, summer, and autumn but about three months in winter.
Radium-223 Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Update on Literature with Case Presentation
Authors: Nguyen Nghi C. , Shah Muhammad , Appleman Leonard J. , Parikh Rahul , Mountz James M.
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose. Radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo®, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.) is the first α-particle emitter therapeutic agent approved by the FDA, with benefits in overall survival and delay in symptomatic skeletal event for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Recent post hoc analyses of the phase III ALSYMPCA trial support the previously established safety profile as well as therapeutic effect and clinical outcome of Radium-223. Currently, Radium-223 is approved as a single agent therapy for metastatic CRPC. Clinical trials are currently investigating Radium-223 in additional clinical settings such as earlier asymptomatic disease and in combination with other agents including hormonal therapeutic agents and immunotherapeutic as well as chemotherapeutic agents. Trials are also ongoing in patients with other primary cancers such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and renal cancer metastatic to bone. In this article, the physics and radiobiology, as well as a literature update on the use of Radium-223, are provided along with case presentations, aiming at a better appreciation of research data as well as the assimilation of research data into clinical practice.
Stent Graft-in-Stent Graft as a Rescue Technique for Endovascular Treatment of Giant Extracranial Internal Carotid Aneurysm
Authors: Góes Junior Adenauer Marinho de Oliveira , Jeha Salim Abdon Haber
Published: September 2016

Endovascular treatment of a giant extracranial internal carotid aneurysm by a stent graft implantation was unsuccessful due to a high flow leak directly through the stent graft’s coating. The problem was solved deploying a second stent graft inside the previously implanted one resulting in complete exclusion of the aneurysmal sac and patent carotid lumen preservation. The review of the literature did not provide a case using this endovascular strategy. Follow-up for more than 12 months, using CT angiography, showed confirmed aneurysmal exclusion and carotid patency and no clinical complications have been detected.
Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Dentigerous Cyst
Authors: Pinto Antonione Santos Bezerra , Costa André Luiz Ferreira , Galvão Neiandro dos Santos , Ferreira Thásia Luiz Dias , Lopes Sérgio Lúcio Pereira de Castro
Published: September 2016

Odontogenic cysts have a high prevalence in the dental clinic population, with dentigerous cyst being one of the most frequent ones and whose aetiology involves accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth. In the diagnostic process of these lesions, one should consider complementary imaging exams such as conventional radiography and computed tomography, which are commonly used for providing anatomical information on the tissues compromised by the lesion, but not on the nature of it. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are noninvasive modalities which, due to their unique acquisition characteristics, can provide distinct information on the nature of the lesion. This study reports on a case of dentigerous cyst in the mandible of a 9-year-old patient, documented by means of different imaging modalities. MRI played an important role in both diagnosis of the lesion and differential diagnosis between neoplastic lesions presenting similar imagenological behaviour under other techniques of radiography.
Does Tumor Size Influence the Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology for Thyroid Nodules?
Authors: Koo Do Hoon , Song KwangSeop , Kwon Hyungju , Bae Dong Sik , Kim Ji-hoon , Min Hye Sook , Lee Kyu Eun , Youn Yeo-Kyu
Published: September 2016

Background. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is diagnostic standard for thyroid nodules. However, the influence of size on FNAC accuracy remains unclear especially in too small or too large thyroid nodules. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the effect of nodule size on FNAC accuracy.Methods.All consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy for nodules in 2010 were enrolled. FNAC results (according to the Bethesda system) were compared to pathological diagnosis. The nodules were categorized into groups A–E on the basis of maximal diameter on ultrasound (≤0.5, >0.5–1, >1-2, >2–4, and >4 cm, resp.).Results.There were 502 cases with 690 nodules. Overall FNAC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 95.4%, 98.2%, 99.4%, 86.4%, and 96.0%, respectively. False-negative rates (FNRs) of groups A–E were 3.2%, 5.1%, 1.3%, 13.3%, and 50%, respectively. Accuracy rates of groups A–E were 96.8%, 94.8%, 99%, 94.7%, and 87.5%, respectively.Conclusion.Although accuracy rates of FNAC in thyroid nodules smaller than 0.5 cm are comparable to the other group, thyroid nodules larger than 4 cm with benign cytology carry a higher risk of malignancy, which suggest that those should be considered for intensive follow-up or repeated biopsy.