bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channels May Contribute to Regional Anesthetic Effects of Lidocaine
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Ke Bowen , Zhao Yi , Liang Peng , Liao Daqing , Li Tao , Liu Jin , Chen Xiangdong
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbstract

The efficacy and duration of anesthesia after sciatic nerve block and intrathecal administration of lidocaine are altered in HCN1 knockout mice. Lidocaine inhibits HCN currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro. Local anesthetic blockade of HCN channels may contribute to the intensity and duration of local anesthesia.

Background:

Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine) have been found to inhibit hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels besides sodium channels. However, the exact role of HCN channels in regional anesthesia in vivo is still elusive.

Methods:

Sciatic nerve block and intrathecal anesthesia were performed using lidocaine in wild-type and HCN1 channel knockout (HCN1−/−) mice. EC50 of lidocaine and durations of 1% lidocaine were determined. In electrophysiologic recordings, effects of lidocaine on HCN channel currents, voltage-gated sodium channel currents, and neural membrane properties were recorded on dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Results:

In both sciatic nerve block and intrathecal anesthesia, EC50 of lidocaine for tactile sensory blockade (2 g von Frey fiber) was significantly increased in HCN1−/− mice, whereas EC50 of lidocaine for pinprick blockade was unaffected. Durations of 1% lidocaine were significantly shorter in HCN1−/− mice for both sciatic nerve block and intrathecal anesthesia (n = 10). ZD7288 (HCN blocker) could significantly prolong durations of 1% lidocaine including pinprick blockade in sciatic nerve block (n = 10). Forskolin (raising cyclic adenosine monophosphate to enhance HCN2) could significantly shorten duration of pinprick blockade of 1% lidocaine in sciatic nerve block (n = 10). In electrophysiologic recordings, lidocaine could nonselectively inhibit HCN channel and sodium channel currents both in large and in small dorsal root ganglia neurons (n = 5 to 6). Meanwhile, lidocaine caused neural membrane hyperpolarization and increased input resistance of dorsal root ganglia neurons but not in large dorsal root ganglia neurons from HCN1−/− mice (n = 5–7).

Conclusions:

These data indicate that HCN channels may contribute to regional anesthetic effects of lidocaine. By inhibiting HCN channels, lidocaine could alter membrane properties of neurons.
Acute and Perioperative Care of the Burn-injured Patient
Authors: Bittner Edward A. , Shank Erik , Woodson Lee , Martyn J. A. Jeevendra
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbstract

Care of burn-injured patients requires knowledge of the pathophysiologic changes affecting virtually all organs from the onset of injury until wounds are healed. Massive airway and/or lung edema can occur rapidly and unpredictably after burn and/or inhalation injury. Hemodynamics in the early phase of severe burn injury is characterized by a reduction in cardiac output and increased systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. Approximately 2 to 5 days after major burn injury, a hyperdynamic and hypermetabolic state develops. Electrical burns result in morbidity much higher than expected based on burn size alone. Formulae for fluid resuscitation should serve only as guideline; fluids should be titrated to physiologic endpoints. Burn injury is associated basal and procedural pain requiring higher than normal opioid and sedative doses. Operating room concerns for the burn-injured patient include airway abnormalities, impaired lung function, vascular access, deceptively large and rapid blood loss, hypothermia, and altered pharmacology.

Major burn injury affects almost every organ. Understanding the complex and often paradoxical pathophysiological responses in the early and late phases of injury is imperative to provide expert care in the acute and perioperative period.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.
Genetic variants modify the effect of age on APOE methylation in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network study
Authors: Ma Yiyi , Smith Caren E. , Lai Chao‐Qiang , Irvin Marguerite R. , Parnell Laurence D. , Lee Yu‐Chi , Pham Lucia , Aslibekyan Stella , Claas Steven A. , Tsai Michael Y. , Borecki Ingrid B. , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Berciano Silvia , Ordovás José M. , Absher Devin M. , Arnett Donna K.
Published: December 2014

Although apolipoprotein E (APOE) variants are associated with age‐related diseases, the underlying mechanism is unknown and DNA methylation may be a potential one. With methylation data, measured by the Infinium Human Methylation 450 array, from 993 participants (age ranging from 18 to 87 years) in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study, and from Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) consortium, combined with published methylation datasets, we described the methylation pattern of 13 CpG sites within APOE locus, their correlations with gene expression across cell types, and their relationships with age, plasma lipids, and sequence variants. Based on methylation levels and the genetic regions, we categorized the 13 APOE CpG sites into three groups: Group 1 showed hypermethylation (> 50%) and were located in the promoter region, Group 2 exhibited hypomethylation (< 50%) and were located in the first two exons and introns, and Group 3 showed hypermethylation (> 50%) and were located in the exon 4. APOE methylation was negatively correlated with gene expression (minimum r = −0.66, P = 0.004). APOE methylation was significantly associated with age (minimum P = 2.06E‐08) and plasma total cholesterol (minimum P = 3.53E‐03). Finally, APOE methylation patterns differed across APOE ε variants (minimum P = 3.51E‐05) and the promoter variant rs405509 (minimum P = 0.01), which further showed a significant interaction with age (P = 0.03). These findings suggest that methylation may be a potential mechanistic explanation for APOE functions related to aging and call for further molecular mechanistic studies.
Stability of murine bradykinin type 2 receptor despite treatment with NO, bradykinin, icatibant, or C1‐INH
Authors: Khosravani F. , Suvorava T. , Dao V. T.‐V. , Brockmann N. , Kocgirli O. , Herbst F. F. , Valcaccia S. , Kassack M. U. , Bas M. , Kojda G.
Published: December 2014

Background

Little is known about factors which trigger and/or contribute to hereditary angioedema or ACE‐inhibitor‐mediated angioedema including variations in bradykinin type 2 receptor (B2R) expression and activity.

Methods

Protein and mRNA expression of B2R and the increase of intracellular calcium (iCa) in response to bradykinin were monitored in porcine and murine endothelial cells in response to NO donors or bradykinin. B2R protein expression was evaluated in skin, heart, and lung of (i) mice with endothelial‐specific overexpression of eNOS (eNOStg), (ii) in eNOS−/− mice and (iii) in C57BL/6 mice treated with the NO donor pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), the NOS inhibitor l‐nitroarginine (L‐NA), plasma pool C1‐INH, and the B2R antagonist icatibant. Aortic reactivity to bradykinin was investigated including eNOS−/− mice.

Results

B2R protein and mRNA expression remained unchanged in cells subjected to L‐NA, NO donors, and bradykinin in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Likewise, increases of iCa in murine brain endothelial cells remained unchanged. B2R protein levels were similar in eNOStg and eNOS−/− as compared to transgene‐negative littermates. Likewise, treatment of C57BL/6 mice with PETN, L‐NA, C1‐INH or icatibant did not change B2R protein expression. In aortic rings of C57BL/6 mice, bradykinin induced B2R‐dependent constrictions which were attenuated by endothelial NO and abolished by diclofenac indicating the functional importance of B2R‐induced activation of endothelial NO synthase and cyclooxygenase.

Conclusion

These data suggest that alterations of B2R protein expression induced by NO, bradykinin, C1‐INH, or icatibant unlikely contribute to bradykinin‐induced angioedema. This finding does not rule out a role for NO in bradykinin‐induced extravasation and/or angioedema.
The Elusive Inclusive: Black Food Geographies and Racialized Food Spaces
Authors: Ramírez Margaret Marietta
Published: December 2014

North American food scholars, activists and policymakers often consider how to make a community food project more inclusive to “vulnerable populations” to increase participation in local food efforts. Drawing from qualitative research conducted with two community food organizations in Seattle, Washington, I argue that inclusive efforts are not addressing the power asymmetries present in organizations and within communities. Engaging with black geographies literature, I reveal how a black food justice organization grapples with violent histories of slavery and dispossession rooted in a black farming imaginary, and works to re‐envision this imaginary to one of power and transformation. The spatial imaginaries and spaces of each food organization acknowledge racial histories differentially, informing their activism. Black geographies possess knowledge and spatial politics that can revitalize community food movements, and I consider how white food activists might reframe their work so that their efforts are not fueling the displacement of residents of color.
Effect of feeding Aspergillus awamori and canola seed on the growth performance and muscle fatty acid profile in broiler chicken
Authors: Saleh Ahmed A , Hayashi Kunioki , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to examine effects of dietary supplementation with Aspergillus awamori and feeding canola seed on the growth and fatty acid profile in broilers. Twenty‐eight chicks (15 days old) were assigned to the following groups: (1) control, fed a basal diet; (2) awamori, fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.05% A. awamori; (3) canola, fed a diet containing 5% canola seed; and (4) canola + awamori, fed the canola diet supplemented with A. awamori (seven birds/group). Body weight gain was increased by A. awamori but not influenced by canola seed. Breast muscle weight was increased in either awamori or canola groups. Although plasma triglyceride and cholesterol were decreased by feeding A. awamori or canola seed, fat content in the breast muscle were increased, accompanied by decrease in saturated fatty acids and increase in unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and increased α‐tocopherol content in the breast muscle was observed in all experimental groups. In conclusion, these results suggested that feeding canola seed and A. awamori might improve growth performance, and modified muscle fatty acid profile and α‐tocopherol content, suggesting that they may improve meat quality.
Mortality from adverse drug reactions in adult medical inpatients at four hospitals in South Africa: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Mouton Johannes P. , Mehta Ushma , Parrish Andy G. , Wilson Douglas P. K. , Stewart Annemie , Njuguna Christine W. , Kramer Nicole , Maartens Gary , Blockman Marc , Cohen Karen
Published: December 2014

Aims

Fatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are important causes of death, but data from resource‐limited settings are scarce. We determined the proportion of deaths in South African medical inpatients attributable to ADRs, and their preventability, stratified by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status.

Methods

We reviewed the folders of all patients who died over a 30 day period in the medical wards of four hospitals. We identified ADR‐related deaths (deaths where an ADR was ‘possible’, ‘probable’ or ‘certain’ using WHO‐UMC criteria and where the ADR contributed to death). We determined preventability according to previously published criteria.

Results

ADRs contributed to the death of 2.9% of medical admissions and 56 of 357 deaths (16%) were ADR‐related. Tenofovir, rifampicin and co‐trimoxazole were the most commonly implicated drugs. 43% of ADRs were considered preventable. The following factors were independently associated with ADR‐related death: HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 12), exposure to more than seven drugs (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3, 4.8) and increasing comorbidity score (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7).

Conclusions

In our setting, where HIV and tuberculosis are highly prevalent, fatal in‐hospital ADRs were more common than reported in high income settings. Most deaths were attributed to drugs used in managing HIV and tuberculosis. A large proportion of the ADRs were preventable, highlighting the need to strengthen systems for health care worker training and support.
A welfare analysis of unilateral trade and FDI liberalization
Authors: Ahn JaeBin
Published: December 2014

This paper uses a heterogeneous‐firms model to examine the pro‐competitive channel through which FDI affects national welfare. The model shows that the country from which FDI originates experiences a welfare gain following liberalization. However, a counterintuitive finding is that the welfare of the host country deteriorates. This is explained by the production relocation process that leads to an increase in the mass of domestic firms in the source country and a decrease in the host country. The model also confirms that unilateral trade liberalization brings a similar result even in the presence of bilateral FDI flows.
Foreign direct investment, heterogeneous workers and employment security: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Baumgarten Daniel , Stiebale Joel
Published: December 2014

We analyze how foreign direct investment (FDI) affects employment security using administrative microdata for German employees. Measuring FDI intensity at the industry level enables us to take into account the sum of direct effects at multinationals as well as indirect effects of FDI throughout the affected industry. We find that both inward and outward FDI significantly reduce employment security. This is particularly the case for inward FDI coming from the western part of the European Union as well as for outward FDI going to Central and Eastern Europe. The effects are sizeable for older and low‐skilled workers.
Additive versus multiplicative trade costs and the gains from trade liberalizations
Authors: Sørensen Allan
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses welfare effects from trade liberalization in a Melitz () heterogeneous‐firms trade model including the empirically important per‐unit (i.e., additive) trade costs in addition to the conventional iceberg (i.e., multiplicative) and fixed trade costs. The novel contribution of the paper is the result that the welfare gain for a given increase in trade openness is higher for reductions in per‐unit (additive) trade costs than for reductions in iceberg (multiplicative) trade costs. The ranking derives from differences in intra‐industry reallocations and, in particular, from dissimilar impacts on the number of exporters (i.e., the extensive margin of trade).
Technology transfer with transboundary pollution: A signalling approach
Authors: Hong Fuhai
Published: December 2014

There are increasing complaints from the developing world that developed countries seem reluctant to transfer green technology, despite its benefits in helping to solve the climate problem. Identifying a signalling effect of technology transfer that was neglected by the previous literature, this paper offers a rationale for this reluctance in a North‐South model with transboundary pollution. In a benchmark case with complete information, the North makes complete technology transfer, leading to a Pareto improvement. However, if the North's valuation on climate damage is its private information, the North does not completely transfer the technology in “almost all” of the equilibria.
In Silico Design of Beta‐Secretase Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Semighini Evandro Pizeta
Published: December 2014

Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of senile dementia, flewing out 10% of 65 years old and 50% of 85 years old global population. The major fisiopathologic characteristics of Alzheimer's disease are the deposition of extracellular neuritic plaques and the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in memory‐related areas of the brain. The plaques are composed by the β‐amyloid peptide with 40 or 42 residues, result from hydrolysis of the amyloid precursor protein by the β‐secretase 1 (BACE‐1) on the amyloidogenic pathway, that begins with the BACE‐1 and which inhibition is considered one of the most promising treatments available of Alzheimer's disease. In this work, molecular modeling techniques such as virtual screening of compound libraries, pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular interaction fields, ADME/Tox predictions, and similarity search were used to design novel inhibitors of BACE‐1, starting from structures available in the Protein Data Bank. The results obtained from all virtual screening techniques leaded to 10 promising compounds, which were then evaluated by enzymatic assays, and, three of them showed inhibitory activity of BACE‐1 at a 1 μm range.
A Portion of Inhibitory Neurons in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy are Functionally Upregulated: An Endogenous Mechanism for Seizure Termination
Authors: Wen Bo , Qian Hao , Feng Jing , Ge Rong‐Jing , Xu Xin , Cui Zhi‐Qiang , Zhu Ru‐Yuan , Pan Long‐Sheng , Lin Zhi‐Pei , Wang Jin‐Hui
Published: December 2014

Main Problem

Epilepsy is one of the more common neurological disorders. The medication is often ineffective to the patients suffering from intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As their seizures are usually self‐terminated, the elucidation of the mechanism underlying endogenous seizure termination will help to find a new strategy for epilepsy treatment. We aim to examine the role of inhibitory interneurons in endogenous seizure termination in TLE patients.

Methods

Whole‐cell recordings were conducted on inhibitory interneurons in seizure‐onset cortices of intractable TLE patients and the temporal lobe cortices of nonseizure individuals. The intrinsic property of the inhibitory interneurons and the strength of their GABAergic synaptic outputs were measured. The quantitative data were introduced into the computer‐simulated neuronal networks to figure out a role of these inhibitory units in the seizure termination.

Results

In addition to functional downregulation, a portion of inhibitory interneurons in seizure‐onset cortices were upregulated in encoding the spikes and controlling their postsynaptic neurons. A patch‐like upregulation of inhibitory neurons in the local network facilitated seizure termination. The upregulations of both inhibitory neurons and their output synapses synergistically shortened seizure duration, attenuated seizure strength, and terminated seizure propagation.

Conclusion

Automatic seizure termination is likely due to the fact that a portion of the inhibitory neurons and synapses are upregulated in the seizure‐onset cortices. This mechanism may create novel therapeutic strategies to treat intractable epilepsy, such as the simultaneous upregulation of cortical inhibitory neurons and their output synapses.
Splenic Responses in Ischemic Stroke: New Insights into Stroke Pathology
Authors: Liu Zong‐Jian , Chen Chen , Li Feng‐Wu , Shen Jia‐Mei , Yang Yuan‐Yuan , Leak Rehana K. , Ji Xun‐Ming , Du Hui‐Shan , Hu Xiao‐Ming
Published: December 2014

In the past decade, the significant contribution of the spleen to ischemic brain damage has gained considerable attention in stroke research. As the largest natural reservoir of immune cells, the spleen establishes critical connections with the ischemic brain during the progression of stroke and mobilizes its cells to the site of injury. Multiple “alarm” signals released from the injured brain are essential for the initiation of brain–spleen communication. Spleen‐derived cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes/macrophages, are known to contribute significantly to ischemic brain damage. Understanding the dynamic splenic responses to stroke will not only provide insights into the evolvement of ischemic brain injury but will also identify potential targets for stroke treatment. Here, we review recent studies on the functions of the spleen in ischemic stroke. We have included a discussion of several therapeutic strategies that target splenic responses and reduce acute ischemic brain damage in preclinical studies. Future investigations on the effects of the spleen on long‐term stroke recovery are highly warranted.
Soil carbon sequestration and land use change associated with biofuel production: empirical evidence
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Dunn Jennifer B. , Kwon Hoyoung , Mueller Steffen , Wander Michelle M.
Published: December 2014

Soil organic carbon (SOC) change can be a major impact of land use change (LUC) associated with biofuel feedstock production. By collecting and analyzing data from worldwide field observations of majorLUCs from cropland, grassland, and forest to lands producing biofuel crops (i.e. corn, switchgrass,Miscanthus, poplar, and willow), we were able to estimateSOCresponse ratios and sequestration rates and evaluate the effects of soil depth and time scale onSOCchange. Both the amount and rate ofSOCchange were highly dependent on the specific land transition. Irrespective of soil depth or time horizon, cropland conversions resulted in an overallSOCgain of 6–14% relative to initialSOClevel, while conversion from grassland or forest to corn (without residue removal) or poplar caused significant carbon loss (9–35%). No significantSOCchanges were observed in land converted from grasslands or forests to switchgrass,Miscanthus,or willow. TheSOCresponse ratios were similar in both 0–30 and 0–100 cm soil depths in most cases, suggestingSOCchanges in deep soil and that use of top soil only forSOCaccounting in biofuel life cycle analysis (LCA) might underestimate totalSOCchanges. Soil carbon sequestration rates varied greatly among studies and land transition types. Generally, the rates ofSOCchange tended to be the greatest during the 10 years following land conversion and had declined to approach 0 within about 20 years for mostLUCs. Observed trends inSOCchange were generally consistent with previous reports. Soil depth and duration of study significantly influenceSOCchange rates and so should be considered in carbon emission accounting in biofuelLCA. High uncertainty remains for many perennial systems and forest transitions, additional field trials, and modeling efforts are needed to draw conclusions about the site‐ and system‐specific rates and direction of change.
Salivary gland homogenates from wild‐caught sand flies Lutzomyia flaviscutellata and Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) complexus showed inhibitory effects on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Francesquini Fernanda C. , Silveira Fernando T. , Passero Luiz Felipe D. , Tomokane Thaise Y. , Carvalho Ana Kely , Corbett Carlos Eduardo P. , Laurenti Márcia D.
Published: December 2014

During the natural transmission of Leishmania parasites, the infected sand fly female regurgitates promastigotes into the host's skin together with its saliva. It has been reported that vector saliva contains immunomodulatory molecules that facilitate the establishment of infection. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the specificity of Lutzomyia (Lu.) flaviscutellata and Lu. (Psychodopygus) complexus salivas on the infectivity of Leishmania (L.) (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, respectively. BALB/c mice were inoculated into the skin of hind footpad with L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes in the absence or presence of Lu. flaviscutellata and Lu. (P.) complexus salivary gland homogenates (SGHs). The evolution of the infection was evaluated by lesion size, histopathological analysis and determination of the parasite load in the skin biopsies collected from the site of infection at 4 and 8 weeks PI. The lesion size and the parasite load of both groups of mice infected in the presence of SGHs were smaller than the control groups. The histopathological features showed that the inflammatory reaction was less prominent in the groups of mice infected in the presence of both SGHs when compared to the control group. The results showed that the presence of SGHs of Lu. flaviscutellata and Lu. (P.) complexus led to induction of processes that were disadvantageous to parasite establishment during infection by L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. An inhibitory effect on Leishmania infection could be observed in both groups inoculated with SGHs, especially when the SGH from Lu. (P.) complexus was used.
Consensus guidelines for antifungal prophylaxis in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2014
Authors: Fleming S. , Yannakou C. K. , Haeusler G. M. , Clark J. , Grigg A. , Heath C. H. , Bajel A. , van Hal S. J. , Chen S. C. , Milliken S. T. , Morrissey C. O. , Tam C. S. , Szer J. , Weinkove R. , Slavin M. A.
Published: December 2014

There is a strong argument for the use of antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk patients given the significant mortality associated with invasive fungal disease, the late identification of these infections, and the availability of safe and well‐tolerated prophylactic medications. Clinical decisions about which patients should receive prophylaxis and choice of antifungal agent should be guided by risk stratification, knowledge of local fungal epidemiology, the efficacy and tolerability profile of available agents, and estimates such as number needed to treat and number needed to harm. There have been substantial changes in practice since the 2008 guidelines were published. These include the availability of new medications and/or formulations, and a focus on refining and simplifying patient risk stratification. Used in context, these guidelines aim to assist clinicians in providing optimal preventive care to this vulnerable patient demographic.
Consensus guidelines for the treatment of invasive mould infections in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2014
Authors: Blyth C. C. , Gilroy N. M. , Guy S. D. , Chambers S. T. , Cheong E. Y. , Gottlieb T. , McGuinness S. L. , Thursky K. A.
Published: December 2014

Mould species represent the pathogens most commonly associated with invasive fungal disease in patients with haematological malignancies and patients of haemopoietic stem cell transplants. Invasive mould infections in these patient populations, particularly in the setting of neutropenia, are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and significantly increase the complexity of management. While Aspergillus species remain the most prevalent cause of invasive mould infections, Scedosporium and Fusarium species and the Mucormycetes continue to place a significant burden on the immunocompromised host. Evidence also suggests that infections caused by rare and emerging pathogens are increasing within the setting of broad‐spectrum antifungal prophylaxis and improved survival times placing immunosuppressed patients at risk for longer. These guidelines present evidence‐based recommendations for the antifungal management of common, rare and emerging mould infections in both adult and paediatric populations. Where relevant, the role of surgery, adjunctive therapy and immunotherapy is also discussed.
The Effect of Examiner Variability on Multiple Canine Stifle Kinematic Gait Collections in a 3‐Dimensional Model
Authors: Torres Bryan T. , Gilbert Peter J. , Reynolds Lisa R. , Fu Yang‐Chieh , Navik Judith A. , Sornborger Andrew , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To evaluate examiner variability in a superficial skin marker model of canine stifle kinematics.

Study Design

Experimental.

Animals

Six clinically normal dogs.

Methods

Dogs had 11 retroreflective markers fixed to the skin on the right hindlimb. Dogs were trotted 5 times through the calibrated testing space and this was repeated on 4 different testing days. Examiner A applied all markers to a dog and collected 6 good trials for analysis. The markers were then removed and Examiner B immediately repeated the process on the same dog. This was repeated for each dog on the 4 testing days. The dogs were trotted at a velocity of 1.70–2.10 m/s through the testing space to obtain the dynamic data sets. Comparisons were performed with Fourier analysis and Generalized Indicator Function Analysis (GIFA). Significance was set atP < .05 for all comparisons.

Results

Fourier analysis and GIFA found differences within and between examiners. Fourier analysis found no differences in sagittal and transverse planes for the experienced (A) and novice examiner (B), respectively. Fourier analysis detected fewer differences for the experienced examiner (A).

Conclusion

Variability occurs within and between examiners using the same kinematic model. Transverse and frontal plane kinematics produce variable results between examiners. Prior experience with the model reduces the amount of variability and results in consistent and repeatable sagittal plane kinematic data collection.
Effect of an extruded pea or rice diet on postprandial insulin and cardiovascular responses in dogs
Authors: Adolphe J. L. , Drew M. D. , Silver T. I. , Fouhse J. , Childs H. , Weber L. P.
Published: December 2014

Peas are increasing in popularity as a source of carbohydrate, protein and fibre in extruded canine diets. The aim of this study was to test the health effects of two canine diets with identical macronutrient profiles, but containing either yellow field peas or white rice as the carbohydrate source on metabolism, cardiovascular outcomes and adiposity. First, the acute glycemic, insulinemic and cardiovascular responses to the pea‐ or rice‐based diets were determined in normal weight beagles (n = 7 dogs). The glycemic index did not differ between the pea diet (56 ± 12) and rice diet (63 ± 9). Next, obese beagles (n = 9) were fed the yellow field pea diet or white rice diet ad libitum for 12 weeks in a crossover study. Adiposity (measured using computed tomography), metabolic (oral glucose tolerance test, plasma leptin, adiponectin, C‐reactive protein) and cardiovascular assessments (echocardiography and blood pressure) were performed before and after each crossover study period. After 12 weeks on each diet, peak insulin (p = 0.05) and area under the curve (AUC) for insulin after a 10 g oral glucose tolerance test (p = 0.05) were lower with the pea than the rice diet. Diet did not show a significant effect on body weight, fat distribution, cardiovascular variables, adiponectin or leptin. In conclusion, a diet containing yellow field peas reduced the postprandial insulin response after glucose challenge in dogs despite continued obesity, indicating improved metabolic health.
Pre‐Processing in Sentence Comprehension: Sensitivity to Likely Upcoming Meaning and Structure
Authors: DeLong Katherine A. , Troyer Melissa , Kutas Marta
Published: December 2014

For more than a decade, views of sentence comprehension have been shifting toward wider acceptance of a role for linguistic pre‐processing – that is, anticipation, expectancy, (neural) pre‐activation, or prediction – of upcoming semantic content and syntactic structure. In this survey, we begin by examining the implications of each of these ‘brands’ of predictive comprehension, including the issue of potential costs and consequences to not encountering highly constrained sentence input. We then describe a number of studies (many using online methodologies) that provide results consistent with prospective sensitivity to various grains and levels of semantic and syntactic information, acknowledging that such pre‐processing is likely to occur in other linguistic and extralinguistic domains, as well. This review of anticipatory findings also includes some discussion on the relationship of priming to prediction. We conclude with a brief examination of some possible limits to prediction and with a suggestion for future work to probe whether and how various strands of prediction may integrate during real‐time comprehension.
PD‐L1 expression in melanoma shows marked heterogeneity within and between patients: implications for anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 clinical trials
Authors: Madore Jason , Vilain Ricardo E. , Menzies Alexander M. , Kakavand Hojabr , Wilmott James S. , Hyman Jessica , Yearley Jennifer H. , Kefford Richard F. , Thompson John F. , Long Georgina V. , Hersey Peter , Scolyer Richard A.
Published: December 2014

This study evaluated the expression of PD‐L1 in immunotherapy‐naïve metastatic melanoma patients to determine longitudinal intrapatient concordance and correlate PD‐L1 status with clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome. PD‐L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 58 patients (43 primary tumors, 96 metastases). Seventy‐two percent of patients had at least one specimen expressing PD‐L1 in ≥1% of tumor cells. Median positive tumor cell count overall was low (8% in nonzero specimens). PD‐L1 expression was frequently discordant between primary tumors and metastases and between intrapatient metastases, such that 23/46 longitudinal patient specimens were discordant. PD‐L1 was associated with higher TIL grade but not with other known prognostic features. There was a positive univariate association between PD‐L1 expression in locoregional metastases and melanoma‐specific survival, but the effect was not observed for primary melanoma. In locoregional lymph node metastasis, PD‐L1+/TIL+ patients had the best outcome, and PD‐L1+/TIL− patients had poor outcome.
Acoustic prepulse inhibition: One ear is better than two, but why and when?
Authors: Kumari Veena , Hamid Aseel , Brand Andrew , Antonova Elena
Published: December 2014

We examined whether monaural prepulses produce more prepulse inhibition (PPI) because they might be more attention capturing (unambiguous to locate) than binaural prepulses. Monaural and binaural PPI was tested under normal and verbal and visuospatial attention manipulation conditions in 55 healthy men, including 29 meditators. Attention manipulations abolished monaural PPI superiority, similarly in meditators and meditation‐naïve individuals, and this was most strongly evident for right ear PPI under visuospatial attention manipulation. Meditators performed better than meditation‐naïve individuals on attention tasks (verbal: more targets detected; visuospatial: faster reaction time). Spatial attention processes contribute to monaural PPI, particularly with the right ear. Better attentional performance, with similar attentional modulation of PPI, may indicate a stronger attentional capacity in meditators, relative to meditation‐naïve individuals.
“Women Like Me Are Bad at Math”: The Psychological Functions of Negative Self‐Stereotyping
Authors: Bell Angela C. , Burkley Melissa
Published: December 2014

The impact of negative stereotypes can be harmful, and as a result, stigmatized targets are often motivated to deny their accuracy. However, at times, targets of even the most unflattering stereotypes embrace them as valid. Early stigma researchers conceptualized this self‐stereotyping as a form of internalized self‐hatred. However, within the last few decades, stigma researchers have challenged this notion. This more contemporary approach asserts that there are situations where endorsing negative stereotypes can actually be of use to those who are targeted by them. For instance, endorsing negative self‐stereotypes can be used to help justify the status quo, fulfill assimilation and differentiation needs, and protect against personal and social threats. The purpose of the present paper is to review both traditional and contemporary explanations for the causes and consequences of negative self‐stereotyping. In doing so, we highlight strengths and limitations within the self‐stereotyping literature and suggest future directions for research.
Genetic variation and structure in native and invasive Solidago canadensis populations
Authors: Zhao S Y , Sun S G , Dai C , Gituru R W , Chen J M , Wang Q F
Published: December 2014

Solidago canadensis is native to North America, but has become a noxious invasive plant in China. We know only a little about its invasion history and the effects of introductions on its genetic composition. Here, we investigated genetic variation and structure between 15 North American and 13 Chinese populations of S. canadensis using AFLP makers. Four AFLP loci suggested relatively high genetic diversity of this weed and similar genetic variation between the invasive range and the native range. Most genetic variation was within populations across two ranges, but the Chinese range had a higher degree of among‐population variation than the North American range. Multiple tests, including Bayesian assignment, UPGMA analysis, PCoA and analysis of ‘isolation by distance’, showed that the Chinese populations originated from at least two distinct native sources and that secondary introduction or dispersal should be common in China. Also, North American populations were possibly a single genetic group. Overall, S. canadensis in China was probably founded from multiple introductions and then spread through long‐distance dispersal associated with human activities. Genetic variability in the species in the invaded range appears to have favoured establishment and spread and may well provide a challenge to successful control.
Impulse Turbine Injector Design Improvement Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Benzon D. , Židonis A. , Panagiotopoulos A. , Aggidis G. A. , Anagnostopoulos J. S. , Papantonis D. E.
Published: December 2014

This study utilizes two modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software packages (ansys®cfx® and ansys®fluent®) to analyze the basic geometric factors affecting the efficiency of a typical impulse turbine injector. A design of experiments (DOEs) study is used to look at the impact of four primary nozzle and spear design parameters on the injector losses over a range of inlet pressures. Improved injector designs for both solvers are suggested based on the results and comparisons are made. The results for both CFD tools suggest that steeper injector nozzle and spear angles than current literature describes will reduce the losses by up to 0.6%.
Direct Pipe® as Alternative to HDD in Permeable Soil Conditions
Authors: Lang Gerhard , Pfeff Diana
Published: December 2014

This paper provides an overview of the multiple case histories of the Direct Pipe technology in the US and overseas, including a 42″/48″ casing pipe installation by Michels Directional Crossings. Thereby illustrating the benefits for the owner, engineer and contractor in comparison to HDD in permeable soil conditions.

The Direct Pipe method has been first used in 2007 at the Rhine river crossing in Worms, Germany. Since then, more than 18 crossings have been installed in Europe and the US with great success. The longest installation so far had a total length of 4,600ft (1,400m) and a pipeline diameter of 48″. The peak performance during that installation was 756ft (232m) per day (24hrs).

The first installation in the US was in August 2010, crossing HI 70 in Florida. In 2011 the first 42″ system has been used at a project in Corning, NY by Michels Directional Crossings, for the installation of a casing pipe for a 24″ HDD crossing.

Laney Directional Drilling followed in early 2013 with the first 48″ Direct Pipe system being operated in North America at the Aquashicola crossing for Williams Pipelines in Monroe county, Pennsylvania.

August 2013 Direct Pipe made its debut in Canada at the Beaver River Crossing for Inter Pipeline Fund north of Bonnyville, Alberta.

The largest pipeline currently installed is a 56″ steel pipe in Preston, England with a total length of 2,820ft, serving as casing pipe for a post installed 36″ potable water pipeline (HDPE).

The combination of the well established Microtunneling technique with the Pipe Thruster technology makes it ideal for difficult (permeable) soil conditions which pose a certain risk for frack-outs using the HDD method.
Characteristics, Causes, and Management of Circumferential Stress-Corrosion Cracking
Authors: Fessler Raymond R. , Sen Millan
Published: December 2014

While much more rare than axial stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), circumferential SCC (CSCC) has been observed in pipelines in Canada, the United States, and two European countries. In some cases, the CSCC has been of sufficient size to cause in-service leaks. Because the orientation of stress-corrosion cracks invariably is perpendicular to the maximum tensile stress, the axial stresses at the locations of the cracks must have been greater than the hoop stress. The Poisson effect and thermal effects can account for about half of the axial stresses. Evidence from the field suggests that there are three probable sources of additional axial stresses that can promote CSCC: residual stresses in bent pipe, axial stresses caused by movement of unstable soil on slopes, and residual stresses opposite rock dents. CSCC can be managed by one or a combination of the following procedures: direct assessment (DA), in-line inspection (ILI), or hydrostatic testing. Guidance for selection of sites for DA is derived from industry experience, which was determined from responses to a questionnaire and published reports. The capabilities of ILI to detect circumferential stress-corrosion cracks or the conditions that promote them are summarized. The benefits and limitations of hydrostatic testing also are described. A method for calculating the size of circumferential flaws that can cause ruptures is presented and compared with service experience. That information can provide useful guidance for ILI requirements and decisions about which flaws need to be removed immediately.
Economic Feasibility of Transporting Natural Gas Hydrates in Slurry Pipelines
Authors: Botros K. K. , Hall S.
Published: December 2014

Natural Gas Hydrates are cage-like structures that are composed of natural gas (methane, ethane, etc.) molecules contained or entrapped within a water lattice. The hydrate structure contains tightly packed gas in ratios of over 160 to 1. Thus, there is a huge conceived upside to transporting the gas in this mode efficiency-wise if one could transport hydrates to a central processing facility where the hydrate would be processed to meet natural gas pipeline grid specifications. The question is: can they be transported in slurry form with water or oil as a carrier fluid, and what are the pros and cons of such mode of transportation. This paper attempts to answer these questions, and presents a feasibility analysis of three pipeline transportation scenarios to transport equivalent of 116 MMSCFD of natural gas over 500 km distance. It was found that for transportation of natural gas in the form of hydrates to be economically feasible, it has to be combined with transportation of crude oil as a carrying fluid rather than water, so that the cost of transportation per unit energy of the combined hydrates/oil slurry mixture is shared between the two energy commodities. This will result in even a lower cost below that of conventional transportation of natural gas in gaseous (vapour) form.
Corrosion Protection of a Pipeline Section Inside an HDD Coastal Landfall
Authors: Antunes Bruno Reis , Santana-Diaz Ernesto , Genaio Monica de C. , Cunha Bruno R. M. , Gouriou Morgan
Published: December 2014

Directional boring commonly known as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a technique widely employed in landfall areas. HDD provides advantages of crossing considerable lengths with local soil disturbance and low environmental impact, which has contributed to turn it into one of the preferred techniques between various authorities.

In despite of these advantages, the corrosion protection of the HDD is complex due to the unfeasibility of installation of sacrificial anodes distributed uniformly along the HDD, which would require a remote protection engineering solution as an alternative. The remote solution adopted, the level of coating damage on the pipeline after the installation, the corrosiveness and resistivity of the surrounding environment, in particular when very different environments encounter, i.e. sea-sand-rock, are major uncertainties that must be considered on the design. In addition, the lack of recommendation on international standards and the difficulties involved with the direct inspection of the pipeline section inside the HDD increases the robustness required for the design and its verification.

This paper presents the corrosion protection system of a gas line section inside a HDD in a landfall area, describing the combination of pipeline coating and cathodic protection systems both specified to resist the service life of the pipeline. After a brief review of published works related to this subject, this paper will focus on the coating and cathodic protection design presenting not only the premises, design data and methodology adopted, but also associated results and installation issues. Computing modeling and recommended practices are used to identify the best and the most feasible solution. Finally, conclusions and recommendations will be presented in order to support future projects with similar challenges.
Analysis of Two Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Full-Scale Fracture Propagation Tests
Authors: Cosham Andrew , Jones David G. , Armstrong Keith , Allason Daniel , Barnett Julian
Published: December 2014

Two full-scale fracture propagation tests have been conducted using dense phase carbon dioxide (CO2)-rich mixtures at the Spadeadam Test Site, United Kingdom (UK). The tests were conducted on behalf of National Grid Carbon, UK, as part of the COOLTRANS research programme.

The semi-empirical Two Curve Model, developed by the Battelle Memorial Institute in the 1970s, is widely used to set the (pipe body) toughness requirements for pipelines transporting lean and rich natural gas. However, it has not been validated for applications involving dense phase CO2 or CO2-rich mixtures. One significant difference between the decompression behaviour of dense phase CO2 and a lean or rich gas is the very long plateau in the decompression curve.

The objective of the two tests was to determine the level of ‘impurities’ that could be transported by National Grid Carbon in a 914.0 mm outside diameter, 25.4 mm wall thickness, Grade L450 pipeline, with arrest at an upper shelf Charpy V-notch impact energy (toughness) of 250 J. The level of impurities that can be transported is dependent on the saturation pressure of the mixture. Therefore, the first test was conducted at a predicted saturation pressure of 80.5 barg and the second test was conducted at a predicted saturation pressure of 73.4 barg.

A running ductile fracture was successfully initiated in the initiation pipe and arrested in the test section in both of the full-scale tests.

The main experimental data, including the layout of the test sections, and the decompression and timing wire data, are summarised and discussed.

The results of the two full-scale fracture propagation tests demonstrate that the Two Curve Model is not (currently) applicable to liquid or dense phase CO2 or CO2-rich mixtures.
Direct Hydrocarbon Leakage Detection of Pipelines Using Novel Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Parmar Kaushik , Park Simon
Published: December 2014

Leakage in pipelines carrying oil and natural gas cause significant financial losses and extreme environmental damage and endanger public safety. This study describes the design and fabrication of a cost-effective in situ carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymeric nanocomposite based sensor network system for direct hydrocarbon leak detection. CNT nanocomposites offer a unique approach to pipeline leak detection, where the sensing mechanism is attributed to the effect of physically absorbed hydrocarbon molecules between CNTs on the inter-CNT conductivity. A spray system was developed for atomizing the nanocomposite solution into microscopic droplets that produce an ultra-thin coating. The spray also keeps the sensor flexible and easy to implement on any surface, such as pipeline joints and weld sections. The proposed system provides direct hydrocarbon detection with high sensitivity for the gas and liquid hydrocarbon products that pipelines carry.