bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Meaning of Cost Based Mo Polihu Lo Limu Custom of Gorontalo People
Authors: Amaliah Tri Handayani , Rahmat Abdul
Published: December 2017

Cost actualization is not only involved in company activity, however, it is also involved in custom tradition which prevailed in a society. This research aims to explore the meaning of cost towards custom procession of Mo Polihu Lo Limu. Mo Polihu Lo Limu is heredity tradition which still upheld by Gorontalo people purposed to sanctify the girls. This research was qualitative research which conducted by using ethnomethodology approach. Data analysis in this research followed ethnomethodology rules, which are data reduction, data display, indexicality, reflectivity, and conclusion drawing. The research result showed that costs which included in Mo Polihu Lo Limu custom mean as alms (sadakah), pray (du’a), and realization of affection (motoliango). Costs which included in the implementation of this tradition, for Gorontalo people, aims to reach happiness in this world and the hereafter. This paper is an attempt to find empirical theory by using local wisdom culture as focus to find the meaning of cost in order to give contribution towards the development of accounting science.Keywords: cost, ethnomeyhodology, Mo Polihu Lo Limu, custom value, Gorontalo people
Weather-Dependent Variation in the Winter Diet of Urban Roosting Long-Eared Owls Asio Otus in Pécs (Hungary)
Authors: Szép Dávid , Bocz Renáta , Purger Jenő J.
Published: December 2017

Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) usually winter in groups in settlements, hunt at night and rest in evergreen trees during the day. From prey remnants regurgitated as pellets, one can detect species present in their hunting areas and changes in their abundance. Our aim was to reveal how the ratio of small mammal species in Long-eared Owl prey changes during the winter, since weather can influence hunting success and the availability of prey. There were 40–60 Long-eared Owls wintering in the city of Pécs. From November 2014 to mid-March 2015 we collected 6,328 pellets from which 9,087 prey remains were identified. 97.5% of prey consisted of small mammals belonging to 21 species. The diversity of small mammals in the pellets collected in November was significantly lower in comparison with other months. With the increase of precipitation, the relative abundance of the Common Vole (Microtus arvalis) and Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) decreased, while that of the Striped Field Mouse (Apodemus agrarius) and Wood Mouse (A. sylvaticus) increased. In the periods when the area was covered by snow, the ratio of the Common Vole as prey continually decreased, probably because it stayed under the snow. Since the availability of the Common Vole declined, the proportions of the Striped Field Mouse and Lesser White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura suaveolens) as alternative prey grew significantly. In low temperature periods, Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and birds are more often preyed upon. Despite the hunting area being predominantly urban, species preferring open grassland habitats were significantly more common. As winter progressed, the role of forest-dwelling species in the diet continuously increased.
Adiposity in Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Samad Aaida , Stoll Matthew L. , Lavi Idit , Hsu Joyce J. , Strand Vibeke , Robinson Thomas N. , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Zisman Devy
Published: December 2017

Objective.

Adult patients with psoriatic arthritis are at increased risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome, but data regarding adiposity in children with juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) are limited. Our study assessed adiposity in children with JPsA in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) registry.

Methods.

Patients with JPsA in the CARRA registry were divided into nonoverweight and overweight groups using recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control, and differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between groups at baseline and after 1-year followup were assessed using chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, T test, or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. The prevalence of overweight status in the JPsA registry patients was compared to rheumatoid factor–positive and −negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (RF+polyJIA; RF−polyJIA) registry cohorts and the US pediatric population, using a chi-square goodness-of-fit test.

Results.

Overweight children represented 36.3% of this JPsA cohort (n = 320). Compared to nonoverweight children, they were significantly older at symptom onset and rheumatologist’s first assessment, and scored significantly worse on patient/physician outcome measures. At 1-year followup, changes in body mass index were not associated with changes in clinical features or outcome measures. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with JPsA was significantly higher than in RF+polyJIA patients, RF−polyJIA patients, and the US pediatric population.

Conclusion.

In this registry, almost 1 in 5 patients with JPsA were obese and more than one-third were overweight. This is significantly more than expected compared to the US pediatric population, and appropriate longterm followup of this JPsA subgroup is warranted.
Linking satisfaction to motivation determinants : Canadians’ travel to the Caribbean
Authors: Sarrasin Bruno , Arseneault Paul , Boivin Maryse
Published: December 2017

Toute destination touristique s’efforce de générer l’envie de voyager et d’attirer des visiteurs d’origines variées. Dans cette optique, nous nous intéresserons aux déterminants de la motivation et de la satisfaction lors d’un séjour vacances dans la Caraïbe. Pour comprendre les facteurs influençant la motivation et le choix d’un lieu pour les vacances, plusieurs auteurs soulignent l’importance des éléments liés à l’individu (dits « PUSH ») et ceux liés aux caractéristiques de la destination envisagée (dits « PULL »). L’industrie touristique étant fortement liée à la prestation de services, la notion de satisfaction est aussi largement étudiée au niveau des entreprises et des destinations. En continuité des travaux réalisés sur la dialectique motivation-satisfaction, cet article a pour objectif d’analyser les déterminants « PUSH » et « PULL » d’une étude de cas et suivant une logique de modèle de confirmation. L’enquête sur laquelle s’appuie cette étude a été réalisée auprès d’un panel web de 1 203 Canadiens provenant des provinces du Québec et de l’Ontario. Au cours de celle-ci, les aspects culturels, économiques, psychosociologiques et environnementaux intervenant dans le choix d’une destination de la Caraïbe ont été évalués pour ensuite être appréciés en termes de satisfaction.
Ce que les fonctionnaires peuvent apprendre au secteur privé
Authors: Hafsi Taïeb
Published: December 2017

On croit parfois à tort que les entreprises privées sont à l’origine de la plupart des principes du management et que le flot de l’inspiration est unidirectionnel, passant exclusivement du secteur privé vers le secteur public. Détruisons ce mythe !
Où se trouve la frontière entre le public et le privé ?
Authors: Lord Simon
Published: December 2017

Le secteur privé contribue régulièrement aux projets du secteur public au moyen de partenariats, de contrats de consultation et de services divers. En même temps, le secteur public subventionne le privé, lui accorde des crédits d’impôt et investit dans ses activités. Mais où commencent et finissent donc les secteurs public et privé ?
Sprint ‒ Résoudre les problèmes et trouver de nouvelles idées en cinq jours, de Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky et Braden Kowitz
Authors: Jézéquel Myriam
Published: December 2017

« Le brainstorming de groupe, où tout le monde braille ses idées, c’est très amusant », sauf que c’est assez décevant, constate Jack Knapp, ancien designer de projet chez Google Ventures. Une solution de rechange ? La méthode Sprint, qui permet d’évaluer la viabilité d’une idée en cinq jours.
Formes partielles et esse partialia
Authors: Roudaut Sylvain
Published: December 2017

L’article examine la question des formes partielles, qui constitue un aspect de la querelle sur la pluralité des formes à la fin du Moyen Âge. Il se propose dans un premier temps d’élucider l’émergence de cette théorie chez ses premiers défenseurs, puis il analyse dans un second temps les diverses réactions qu’elle a pu susciter, jusque dans les années 1350. L’étude de cette question révèle que cette théorie accompagne une modification générale de la manière de concevoir la composition hylémorphique.
Epidemiology of renal cancer in developing countries: Review of the literature
Authors: Medina-Rico Mauricio , López-Ramos Hugo , Lobo Manuel , Romo Jorge , Guillermo Prada Juan
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth most common cancer in men, and the 14th most common cancer in women. It has been reported that the incidence of RCC is rising. These changes are more common in developed countries because of better screening programs and disease registry. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology of RCC around the world.Methods: A literature review of four databases was performed: PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Scielo. Studies of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival of RCC were taken from different countries. Studies included were published in the last 10 years. Two reviewers independently selected the studies.Results: A total of 5275 references were reviewed by title and abstract. In the end, 42 references were selected for full-text review. The global incidence and prevalence of cancer vary. The highest incidence was described in North America and Northern Europe. In Canada, by 2007 the incidence was 17.9/100 000 and 10.3/100 000 in males and females, respectively. Developing countries like Colombia have fewer incidence rates, with less information in poor-income areas.Conclusions: We have seen a rise in the incidence and mortality of RCC globally. There is an association between RCC and smoking, obesity, hypertension, and socioeconomic status. Seeing the epidemiological data from some regions in developing countries and the lack of specialists in those places, it can be deduced there is underreporting of the disease that reveals the need to improve both surveillance and disease registration programs, especially in these countries.
The risk of urinary retention following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and its impact on early continence outcomes
Authors: Alnazari Mansour , Zanaty Marc , Ajib Khaled , El-Hakim Assaad , Zorn Kevin C.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors of acute urinary retention (AUR) following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), as well as the relationship of AUR with early continence outcomes.Methods: The records of 740 consecutive patients who underwent RARP by two experienced surgeons at our institution were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively collected database. Multiple factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), prostate volume, presence of median lobe, nerve preservation status, anastomosis time, and catheter removal time (Day 4 vs. 7), were evaluated as risk factors for AUR using univariate and multivariate analysis. The relation between AUR and early return of continence (one and three months) post-RARP was also evaluated.Results: The incidence of clinically significant vesico-urethral anastomotic (VUA) leak and AUR following catheter removal were 0.9% and 2.2% (17/740), respectively. In men who developed AUR, there was no significant relationship with regards to age, BMI, IPSS, prostatic volume, median lobe, nerve preservation, or anastomosis time; however, the incidence of AUR was significantly higher for men with catheter removal at Day 4 (4.5% [16/351]) vs. Day 7 (0.2% [1/389]) (p=0.004). Moreover, patients with early removal of the catheter (Day 4) who developed AUR had an earlier one-month return of 0-pad continence 87.5% (14/16) compared to patients without AUR 45.6% (153/335), with no significant difference at three months.Conclusions: While AUR is an uncommon complication of RARP, its incidence is much higher than VUA leakage. Further, it is often not well-discussed during patient counselling preoperatively. Moreover, earlier return of urinary continence was observed in patients experiencing AUR following RARP exclusively with catheter removal at Day 4. Future studies are warranted to validate the long-term impact of AUR on continence outcomes.
Outcomes of revision surgery for difficult to catheterize continent channels in a multi-institutional cohort of adults
Authors: Pagliara Travis J. , Gor Ronak A. , Liberman Daniel , Myers Jeremy B. , Luzny Patrik , Stoffel John T. , Elliott, on behalf of the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group Sean P.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: We aimed to describe the strategies of surgical revision for catheterizable channel obstruction and their outcomes, including restenosis and new channel incontinence.Methods: We retrospectively queried the charts of adults who underwent catheterizable channel revision or replacement from 2000‒2014 for stomal stenosis, channel obstruction, or difficulty with catheterization at the Universities of Minnesota, Michigan, and Utah. The primary endpoint was channel patency as measured by freedom from repeat surgical intervention. Secondary endpoints included post-revision incontinence and complication rates. Revision surgeries were classified by strategy into “above fascia,” “below fascia,” and “channel replacement” groupings.Results: A total of 51 patients who underwent 68 repairs (age 18‒82 years old; mean 45) were identified who met our inclusion criteria. Channel patency was achieved in 66% at a median 19 months post-revision for all repair types. There was no difference in patency by the type of channel being revised, but there was based on revision technique, with channel replacement and above the fascia repairs being more successful (p=0.046). Channel incontinence occurred in 40% and was moderate to severe in 12%. The type of channel being revised was strongly associated (p=0.003) with any postoperative channel incontinence. Surgical complications occurred in 29% of all revision procedures, although most were low-grade.Conclusions: Surgical revision of continent catheterizable channels for channel obstruction can be performed with acceptable rates of durable patency and incontinence; however, the surgeon needs to have experience in complex urinary diversion and familiarity with a variety of surgical revision strategies.
Argentinadansk: Semantiske, syntaktiske og morfologiske forskelle til rigsdansk
Authors: Petersen Jan Heegård , Kühl Karoline
Published: December 2017

Argentinadansk, som det i dag tales af efterkommerne til udvandringen fra Danmark mellem ca. 1890 og 1930, adskiller sig fra rigsdansk grammatisk, leksikalsk og fonologisk. I denne artikel præsenterer vi syv af disse grammatiske og leksikalske særtræk inden for bøjnings- og afledningsmorfologi, leksikologi, semantik, frasik og syntaks. Mere præcist ser vi på leksikalske indlån fra spansk, udvidet brug af ereverbalafledningen, semantisk-syntaktisk udvidelse i argentinadanske verbalfraser, forekomsten af subjektløse sætninger og overrepræsentationen af frasen mere eller mindre. Mens vi tilskriver disse træk kontakten med det samfundsmæssigt dominerende sprog spansk, mener vi, at den inkonsistens i det argentinadanske genussystem, som vi også inkluderer som argentinadansk særtræk, skyldes en kontaktuafhængig udvikling. Analyserne er baseret på et mindre datasæt af 16 talere, men vi har ved behov udvidet med data fra hele Corpus of South American Danish, som er en del af LANCHART-korpusset ved Københavns Universitet. Det overordnede mål med denne artikel er et første skridt på vejen til at beskrive argentinadansk og netop at pege på, om de træk, der adskiller argentinadansk fra rigsdansk, er et resultat af en direkte påvirkning fra spansk. Ud over dette tager vi beskrivelsen af de argentinadanske særtræk som anledning til at diskutere, hvad der skal til for at kunne tilskrive argentinadansk status som varietet.
Interminimum foF1 Differences and Their Physical Interpretation
Authors: Mikhailov A. V. , Perrone L.
Published: December 2017

Interminimum changes of June noontime monthly median foF1 were analyzed for European and Japanese ionosonde stations over the period of five (Moscow six) solar cycles. The magnitude of these changes is different at different stations and depends on the solar minima considered. In particular, both European and Japanese stations manifest a pronounced foF1 change between 1996/1997 and 2008/2009 solar minima, the latter being the deepest one. For the first time, the total EUV solar flux with λ ≤ 1,050 Å has been retrieved for the 1946–2015 period using observed June monthly median foF1. The deep solar minimum in 2008/2009 was the lowest one among the last six solar cycles comparing the retrieved EUV. The change from 1996/1997 to 2008/2009 in the retrieved EUV is ~2.0%, and this is much less than the difference of ~10–12% being discussed in the literature. A 10% interminimum change in the total EUV flux results in neutral temperature and gas density, which are larger in 2008 than in 1996, and this contradicts the satellite drag neutral gas density observations. The mechanism of foF1 interminimum changes is based on an interplay between molecular (NO+ and O2+) and O+ ions. The main contribution (>72%) to the interminimum NmF1 change provides [M+] ions via the total ion production rate variation, the rest is provided via O+ ions. The absence (or inversed) difference in foF1 between 1996 and 2008 minima implies that neutral temperature and density are larger in 2008 than in 1996, and this contradicts the satellite drag observations.
A comprehensive review of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate BDNF expression and function with relevance to major depressive disorder
Authors: Hing Benjamin , Sathyaputri Leela , Potash James B.
Published: December 2017

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that affects behavior and impairs cognition. A gene potentially important to this disorder is the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as it is involved in processes controlling neuroplasticity. Various mechanisms exist to regulate BDNF's expression level, subcellular localization, and sorting to appropriate secretory pathways. Alterations to these processes by genetic factors and negative stressors can dysregulate its expression, with possible implications for MDD. Here, we review the mechanisms governing the regulation of BDNF expression, and discuss how disease‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can alter these mechanisms, and influence MDD. As negative stressors increase the likelihood of MDD, we will also discuss the impact of these stressors on BDNF expression, the cellular effect of such a change, and its impact on behavior in animal models of stress. We will also describe epigenetic processes that mediate this change in BDNF expression. Similarities in BDNF expression between animal models of stress and those in MDD will be highlighted. We will also contrast epigenetic patterns at the BDNF locus between animal models of stress, and MDD patients, and address limitations to current clinical studies. Future work should focus on validating current genetic and epigenetic findings in tightly controlled clinical studies. Regions outside of BDNF promoters should also be explored, as should other epigenetic marks, to improve identification of biomarkers for MDD.
Clinical whole exome sequencing from dried blood spot identifies novel genetic defect underlying asparagine synthetase deficiency
Authors: Abhyankar Avinash , Lamendola‐Essel Michelle , Brennan Kelly , Giordano Jessica L. , Esteves Cecilia , Felice Vanessa , Wapner Ronald , Jobanputra Vaidehi
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

We add two novel variants to the existing mutation spectrum of ASNS gene. Loss of ASNS function should be suspected in newborns presenting with congenital microcephaly, intellectual disability, progressive cerebral atrophy, and intractable seizures. Acquisition and sequencing of stored newborn blood spot can be a valuable option when no biological samples are available from a deceased child.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Flow Induced by a Grooved High‐Shear Impeller in an Unbaffled Tank
Authors: Martínez-de Jesús Gaston , Ramírez-Muñoz Jorge , García-Cortés Daniel , Cota Luis G.
Published: December 2017

A detailed hydrodynamic characterization in the transitional flow regime of two variants of the Norstone Polyblade® high‐shear impeller (HSI), of industrial relevance, is presented. The study was carried out on a simulated Newtonian fluid using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Measurements of power number were carried out to validate the simulation results. Hydrodynamic parameters considered of key importance in powder dispersion processes (i.e., viscous dissipation and effective circulation) were used to assess the impellers' performance. Furthermore, their performances were compared with reported data for two ring‐style HSIs of two and four rings, and power number measurements of a sawtooth (Cowles‐type) impeller.
Selective oxidation of o‐chlorotoluene to o‐chlorobenzaldehyde catalyzed by (Co,Mn)(Co,Mn)2O4 catalysts
Authors: Liu Jiangyong , Zhang Yayun , Yan Xiaodong , Wang Zihao , Wu Faming , Fang Simeng , Jian Panming
Published: December 2017

Catalytic oxidation of chlorotoluene is an important reaction for the production of chlorobenzaldehyde. Many works have focused on the oxidation of p‐chlorotoluene, while little attention has been paid to the oxidation of o‐chlorotoluene (OCT). Herein, we, for the first time, report on the selective oxidation of OCT to o‐chlorobenzaldehyde (OCBD) with a cobalt‐manganese composite oxide ((Co,Mn)(Co,Mn)2O4) as a catalyst and O2 as a green and free oxidant. The Co centres are slightly more active than the Mn centres toward the catalytic oxidation of OCT. However, the Co sites seem active enough to further oxidize the OCBD to o‐chlorobenzoic acid. It is also found that the crystallinity of the (Co,Mn)(Co,Mn)2O4 catalysts or the valence state of the surface cations in the catalysts affects the activity and selectivity.
High‐volume forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard System to prevent contrast‐induced nephropathy: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Shah Rahman , Wood Sarah J. , Khan Sajjad A. , Chaudhry Amina , Rehan Khan M. , Morsy Mohamed S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is a well‐recognized complication of coronary angiography that is associated with poor outcomes. Several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have recently shown that in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), furosemide‐induced forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system can prevent its occurrence. However, individual studies have been underpowered and thus cannot show significant differences in major clinical endpoints.

Hypothesis

Forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods

Scientific databases and websites were searched for relevant RCTs. The pooled risk ratios were calculated using random‐effects models. The primary endpoint was CIN, and the secondary endpoints were major adverse clinical events (MACEs) and the need for renal replacement therapy.

Results

Data from 3 trials including 586 patients were analyzed. High‐volume forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system decreased risk of CIN by 60% (risk ratio: 0.40, 95% confidence interval: 0.25 to 0.65, P < 0.001), MACE rate by 59%, and the need for renal replacement therapy by 78%, compared with the standard of care.

Conclusions

In patients with CKD undergoing coronary angiography, high‐volume forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system significantly reduces the risk of CIN, MACE rate, and the need for renal replacement therapy. Larger RCTs with sufficient power are needed to confirm these findings.
Left atrial function and mortality in the oldest old
Authors: Leibowitz David , Koslowsky Jonathan , Gilon Dan , Jacobs Jeremy M. , Stessman‐Lande Irit , Stessman Jochanan
Published: December 2017

Background

Previous studies demonstrated that left atrium (LA) size is associated with mortality in an elderly population. It remains unclear whether indices of LA function including reservoir, conduit, or booster elements of LA function provide incremental prognostic information.

Hypothesis

Echocardiographic measures of the various parameters of LA function would predict 5‐year mortality in a community‐dwelling population of 85 to 86 year olds independently of LA volume.

Methods

Subjects ages 85 to 86 years old underwent home echocardiography. LA volumes were assessed by the biplane Simpson's method from apical views using measurements of phasic volumes and functions of the LA, including LA expansion index. LA passive and active emptying fractions were assessed. Survival status at 5‐year follow‐up was assessed.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐two subjects were included, of whom 87 (31%) had died at follow‐up. Survival of the subjects in the lowest quartile of the LA expansion index as well as LA active filling index was significantly lower. When measurements of LA volume index were added to the model, the relationship between survival and indices of LA function remained significant.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that elderly subjects aged 85 to 86 years with significantly impaired LA function had increased 5‐year mortality independently of indices of LA volume.
Flow cytometric false myeloperoxidase‐positive childhood B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Savaşan Süreyya , Buck Steven , Gadgeel Manisha , Gabali Ali
Published: December 2017

Background

Flow cytometric intracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO) staining of leukemic blasts is a useful tool in diagnosis of leukemia subtype. Interpretation of high MPO‐positivity can be a diagnostic challenge in B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). While very few such cases have been reported, high MPO positive B‐ALL cases without additional myeloid antigen positivity are suspect and require further investigation.

Methods

Three pediatric cases of B‐ALL with strong MPO staining (clone 8E6; Invitrogen) at diagnosis and three others with negative MPO staining were studied by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In‐vitro drug cytotoxicity, oxidative stress generation, and immunophenotyping using other MPO clones were performed to further investigate MPO presence.

Results

Expectedly, normal myeloid cells in all six samples were positive and mature lymphocytes negative for MPO staining. However, MPO monoclonal antibody (mAb) obtained from clones other than Invitrogen and other myeloid‐specific mAbs gave negative results suggesting false positivity of the initial MPO staining. Immunohistochemistry for MPO was also negative on all six cases tested. Furthermore, in‐vitro vincristine cytotoxicity was greater in leukemic cells from MPO false‐positive cases compared with MPO‐negative B‐ALL samples, demonstrating indirect lack of MPO activity. Moreover, drug treatment did not lead to generation of reactive oxidative species, also reflective of lack of significant MPO presence.

Conclusions

The cause of false‐positive MPO staining remains unknown in these three cases; a cross reactivity could be the culprit. Caution should be given to similar phenomena and detailed investigation may contribute to the understanding of altered protein expression in such outlier cases. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Climate of seed source affects susceptibility of coastal Douglas‐fir to foliage diseases
Authors: Wilhelmi Nicholas P. , Shaw David C. , Harrington Constance A. , St. Clair John Bradley , Ganio Lisa M.
Published: December 2017

Seed‐source movement trials using common garden experiments are needed to understand climate, tree (host), and pathogen interactions. Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var menziesii) is an important tree species native to western North America influenced by the foliar fungi Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, a biotroph and causal agent of Swiss needle cast (SNC), and Rhabdocline species, necrotrophs that cause Rhabdocline needle cast. We used the Douglas‐fir Seed‐Source Movement Trial, a large provenance study of Douglas‐fir that consists of populations and test sites chosen to represent the range of climate conditions experienced by Douglas‐fir west of the Cascade and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, USA, to assess disease severity and symptom expression in Douglas‐fir in relation to climatic differences between test sites and population sources. Using generalized linear mixed models, probability of disease severity/expression was modeled with respect to the climate variables May through September precipitation (MSP), mean winter temperature (MWT), and continentality. Stark differences in disease expression were observed in trees from different regions, especially in relation to resistance to Rhabdocline spp. and tolerance to P. gaeumannii. There were no major differences across seed‐source regions at any particular site in infection levels of P. gaeumannii assessed by fruiting body abundance, yet disease tolerance followed similar geographic patterns as resistance to Rhabdocline spp. Transfers of populations from low to high MSP, and/or cool to warm MWT, increased the probability of moderate to severe Rhabdocline spp. infection and SNC disease symptoms. Our results suggest that local seed sources are adapted to local climate and pathogen pressures and that seed sources from regions with high foliage disease pressure are most resistant/tolerant to those foliage diseases. We also confirm that temperature and precipitation are important epidemiological factors in forest disease and that assisted migration must take into account trophic interactions of trees. Movement of seed sources from dry spring and summer and/or cool winter conditions to mild, mesic environments is likely to lead to increased probability of losses due to these foliage diseases.
Rheological and structural properties of enzyme‐induced gelation of milk proteins by ficin and Polyporus badius
Authors: Shabani Reihaneh , Shahidi Seyed‐Ahmad , Rafe Ali
Published: December 2017

The rheological and microstructural characteristics of ewes’ milk curd obtained by coagulating with milk‐clotting enzymes, including ficin extract and Polyporus badius were evaluated. The gelation of milk was examined by small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements (SAOS). Different concentrations of ficin and P. badius extracts (1, 3, and 5%) were utilized to coagulate milk proteins. The ewes’ samples containing ficin and mushroom enzymes were heated from 25 to 45°C at a heating rate 1°C/min and kept for 30 min. Then, the curds were cooled down to 25°C with the same heating rate. The ficin extract could induce stronger gels at 45°C and 5% ficin. Similar results were also found for 5% P. badius extract and incubation at 45°C. However, P.badius gels achieved a network with more viscous characteristics and had a softer texture than ficin gels. Therefore, it may be concluded the induced gels with mushroom had higher moisture and lower protein contents, which related to the high proteolytic activity of P. badius. The microstructure survey showed that the mushroom‐induced gel had a more compact structure. By increasing enzyme concentration, both gels showed a coarser and more compact protein network. Whereas, the P. badius gels had more fusions and folds which indicate the greater proteolysis occurred during gelation and there was greater breakdown of protein. Our findings suggest the application of ficin and P. badius enzymes to develop a novel procedure to coagulate milk proteins and providing new structures in food systems.
The inhibitory potential of Zataria multiflora and Syzygium aromaticum essential oil on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus in culture media and Iranian white cheese
Authors: Moosavi‐Nasab Marzieh , Jamalian Jalal , Heshmati Hana , Haghighi‐Manesh Soroush
Published: December 2017

Antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) of Zataria multiflora (thyme) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) against Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production was studied in potato dextrose agar (PDA) and potato dextrose broth (PDB), as well as in Iranian white cheese as a food model. The results showed that the inhibitory potential of EOs in the PDB medium is more than PDA medium. Clove EO on PDB medium prevented fungal growth and aflatoxin B1 production at 300 and 100 ppm, respectively. However, the thyme EO was not able to inhibit fungal growth completely and showed the strongest inhibition effect at 400 ppm. EOs also had more inhibitory activity in laboratory culture media than the food environments. EOs in all concentrations reduced aflatoxin B1 production and fungal growth in cheese, but only the clove EO at 150 ppm was able to prevent the fungal growth and aflatoxin B1 production completely. Thyme EO reduced aflatoxin B1 value to below detection threshold (2 ppb) at 10 μl. Our findings propose EOs as a natural inhibitor to control fungal contamination of foodstuffs such as Iranian white cheese.
Differential impact of tongue exercise on intrinsic lingual muscles
Authors: Cullins Miranda J. , Krekeler Brittany N. , Connor Nadine P.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Aging is associated with muscle fiber hypotrophy and decreased percentages of rapidly contracting myosin heavy chain (MyHC) type IIb muscle fibers. Tongue exercise programs used to treat dysphagia target age‐related decline in tongue muscle function, but the impact of exercise on the intrinsic tongue muscles is unknown. We hypothesized that exercise would induce muscle fiber hypertrophy and increase the percentage of MyHC IIa fibers in the intrinsic tongue.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Eight old and eight young‐adult rats underwent 8 weeks of tongue exercise training, and 8 animals of each age group served as controls. Longitudinal, transverse, and verticalis muscle samples from the anterior, middle, and posterior regions of the tongue were sectioned and stained to determine muscle fiber diameter and MyHC composition.

Results

MyHC fiber type distribution was altered by exercise, and the effects differed by muscle and region of the tongue. In the exercise groups, as compared to the control groups, the anterior transverse and middle superior longitudinal muscles had significantly reduced percentages of MyHC IIx positive fibers and higher percentages of rapidly contracting fatigable MyHC IIb positive muscle fibers, whereas the middle transverse and posterior longitudinal muscles had increased percentages of the less rapidly contracting and more fatigue‐resistant MyHC IIa fibers. The impact of exercise did not differ with age, as there was no significant interaction between age and exercise. Tongue exercise had no significant effect on muscle fiber diameter.

Conclusions

The impact of exercise varied among the tongue muscles, which may indicate different functional contributions to the tongue exercise task.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 128:2245–2251, 2018
Viscoelastic properties of human aryepiglottic fold and ventricular fold tissues at phonatory frequencies
Authors: Kimura Miwako , Chan Roger W.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to quantify the viscoelastic shear properties of the human ventricular fold (or false vocal fold) mucosa and aryepiglottic fold mucosa at frequencies of phonation.

Methods

Linear viscoelastic shear properties of the mucosa of false vocal fold and aryepiglottic fold specimens from seven cadaveric subjects were determined as functions of frequency (5–250 Hz) and compared to those of the true vocal fold cover. Measurements of elastic shear modulus (G′) and dynamic viscosity (η′) were made with a controlled‐strain simple‐shear rheometer. Linear least‐squares regression was conducted to curve‐fit log G′ and log η′ versus log frequency, and statistical analysis was performed with one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

All specimens showed similar frequency dependence of the viscoelastic functions G′ and η′, with G′ gradually increasing with frequency and η′ monotonically decreasing with frequency. The magnitudes of G′ and η′ of the false fold mucosa were generally higher than those of the aryepiglottic fold mucosa and true vocal fold cover, but there were no significant differences in G′ and η′ among the false fold, aryepiglottic fold, and true vocal fold.

Conclusion

The false vocal fold and aryepiglottic fold mucosa showed similar frequency dependence and a similar range of tissue viscoelastic behavior as the true vocal fold. These preliminary findings suggested that such tissues could become candidates for the replacement of the true vocal fold lamina propria in patients with significant tissue loss and deficiencies, for those requiring laryngeal reconstruction following partial laryngectomy or airway reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, E297–E302, 2018
Graduating otolaryngology resident preparedness for fellowship as assessed by fellowship faculty
Authors: Highland Julie , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate fellowship program directors' perceptions of incoming clinical fellows' preparedness for subspecialty training and to thereby identify strengths and shortcomings in otolaryngology training programs' ability to prepare residents for fellowship.

Study Design

Validated e‐mail survey.

Methods

Two hundred eleven otolaryngology subspecialty fellowship program directors and faculty directly involved with training fellows were contacted. A validated survey by the American College of Surgeons was modified and distributed to otolaryngology fellowship faculty in six otolaryngology subspecialties. The 59‐item survey employed a five‐response Likert scale tailored to each subspecialty. Responses were collected between November 2016 and January 2017.

Results

One hundred ten otolaryngology faculty responded to the survey (52%). Respondents had worked with fellows for a mean of 12 years (standard deviation = 8). Respondents felt fellows were competent in the areas of professionalism, clinical evaluation, and management. Pediatric faculty were more likely to disagree about fellows' independence in the operating room (P = .004) and during call (P = .002) compared to other specialties. Laryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery faculty felt more neutral about anatomy recognition (P = .008), tissue manipulation (P = .002), and use of energy sources (e.g., cautery, lasers) (P < .001). Fellows in all subspecialties were felt to be least prepared in research and academic interest.

Conclusions

Faculty involved in fellowship training feel that fellows are well‐prepared overall upon entering fellowship. Residency programs may benefit from providing more experience with facial plastic reconstructive surgery, laryngology, and pediatrics. Regardless of specialty, residents could benefit from increased training in research design, data analysis, and basic statistics.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, E281–E287, 2018
Bariatric Surgery–Induced Cardiac and Lipidomic Changes in Obesity‐Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mikhalkova Deana , Holman Sujata R. , Jiang Hui , Saghir Mohammed , Novak Eric , Coggan Andrew R. , O'Connor Robert , Bashir Adil , Jamal Ali , Ory Daniel S. , Schaffer Jean E. , Eagon J. Christopher , Peterson Linda R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine the effects of gastric bypass on myocardial lipid deposition and function and the plasma lipidome in women with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

A primary cohort (N = 12) with HFpEF and obesity underwent echocardiography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy both before and 3 months and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Plasma lipidomic analysis was performed before surgery and 3 months after surgery in the primary cohort and were confirmed in a validation cohort (N = 22).

Results

After surgery‐induced weight loss, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire scores, cardiac mass, and liver fat decreased (P < 0.02, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007, respectively); echo‐derived e′ increased (P = 0.03), but cardiac fat was unchanged. Although weight loss was associated with decreases in many plasma ceramide and sphingolipid species, plasma lipid and cardiac function changes did not correlate.

Conclusions

Surgery‐induced weight loss in women with HFpEF and obesity was associated with improved symptoms, reverse cardiac remodeling, and improved relaxation. Although weight loss was associated with plasma sphingolipidome changes, cardiac function improvement was not associated with lipidomic or myocardial triglyceride changes. The results of this study suggest that gastric bypass ameliorates obesity‐related HFpEF and that cardiac fat deposition and lipidomic changes may not be critical to its pathogenesis.
Synthesis and properties of main‐chain polybenzoxazines based on bisphenol‐S
Authors: Parveen Shakila , Kim Haekyoung
Published: December 2017

Polybenzoxazines (PBzs) are novel thermosetting resins, having many prominent advantages, including high mechanical strength, innate flame retardancy, excellent dimensional stability, low water retention, beneficial dielectric, and relatively high char yields. In recent years, more attention has been paid to the synthesis of main‐chain PBz (MCPBz) precursors using difunctional amines and phenol. In this study, to enhance the rigidity and to improve the crosslink density of PBzs, novel high‐molecular‐weight PBz precursors were synthesized using bisphenol‐S, a diphenolic compound, and three different diamines (namely ethylene diamine, 1,4‐diaminobutane, and tetraethylenepentamine) through a Mannich‐type reaction. The onset of curing temperature for the three PBz precursors was much lower, in the range of 199–215°C, in comparison with bisphenol‐A and aniline‐based benzoxazine monomer [Tonset of BA‐a: 220°C]. The curing of PBz precursors proceeds via ring‐opening polymerization as monitored by FTIR analysis. Additionally, the polymer—PBz‐tepa possesses excellent thermal stability, showing 10% decomposition at 330°C with a char yield of 42.0%. Thus, the properties of PBz are greatly improved by preparing MCPBz and by incorporating sulfonyl group. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1766–1773, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of the Use of Novel Biomarkers to Augment Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Activities
Authors: Stover Kayla R. , Kenney Rachel M. , King Samuel Travis , Gross Alan E.
Published: December 2017

As antimicrobial stewardship increasingly receives worldwide attention for improving patient care by optimizing antimicrobial therapy, programs are evaluating new tools that may augment antimicrobial stewardship activities. Biomarkers are objective, accurate, and reproducible measures that provide information about medical conditions. A systematic literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE databases was performed to evaluate the use of novel biomarkers as additions to the antimicrobial stewardship armamentarium. Procalcitonin may help clinicians discriminate between bacterial and viral infections, help with antimicrobial discontinuation decisions, and predict mortality. β‐d‐glucan, Candida albicans germ tube antibody, and galactomannan are useful in suspected fungal infections and may reduce inappropriate antifungal use. Adrenomedullin and soluble triggering receptor on myeloid cells‐1 may be useful for mortality prediction and the determination of a need for empiric antibacterials. Although studies evaluating these biomarkers are promising, these biomarkers are not without limitations and should be used in combination with clinical signs, symptoms, or other biomarkers. For successful implementation of biomarker use, stewardship programs should consider the populations most likely to benefit, without using them indiscriminately in all patients. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should facilitate education of clinicians through institutional guidelines to ensure the appropriate use and interpretation of these biomarkers.
Intact Cell Mass Spectrometry as a Quality Control Tool for Revealing Minute Phenotypic Changes of Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Vaňhara Petr , Kučera Lukáš , Prokeš Lubomír , Jurečková Lucie , Peña-Méndez Eladia María , Havel Josef , Hampl Aleš
Published: December 2017

The stability of in vitro cell cultures is an important issue for any clinical, bio-industrial, or pharmacological use. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent; consequently, they possess the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers and are inherently prone to respond to differentiation stimuli. However, long-term culture inevitably yields clones that are best adapted to the culture conditions, passaging regimes, or differentiation sensitivity. This cellular plasticity is a major obstacle in the development of bio-industrial or clinical-grade cultures. At present, the quality control of cell cultures is limited by the lack of reliable (epi)genetic or molecular markers or by the focus on a particular type of instability such as karyotype abnormalities or adverse phenotypic traits. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for robust, feasible, and sensitive methods of determining or confirming cell status and for revealing potential divergences from the optimal state. We modeled both intrinsic and extrinsic changes in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) states using different experimental strategies and addressed the changes in cell status by intact cell mass spectrometry fingerprinting. The analysis of spectral fingerprints by methods routinely used in analytical chemistry clearly distinguished the morphologically and biochemically similar populations of hESCs and provided a biomarker-independent tool for the quality control of cell culture.
Comprehensive design of uniform robust exact disturbance observer and fixed‐time controller for reusable launch vehicles
Authors: You Ming , Zong Qun , Tian Bailing , Zhao Xinyi , Zeng Fanlin
Published: December 2017

The comprehensive design of uniform robust exact disturbance observer (UREDO) and fixed‐time controller for reusable launch vehicles is investigated. A UREDO which can estimate the disturbance after a fixed‐time independent of the initial error is presented. Based on the disturbance estimation, a non‐singular terminal sliding mode controller is designed to ensure that the guidance command can be tracked within a fixed‐time in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. A proof of the fixed‐time convergence of the closed‐loop system under the control scheme is derived with complete stability analysis using the Lyapunov technique. The features of the proposed control scheme contain that the disturbance estimation, as well as the attitude tracking, can be achieved within a fixed‐time, which is independent of initial conditions and the derivative information of states is not essential, which is valuable in engineering application. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the fixed‐time convergence performance of the proposed control scheme.