bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen venular saturation correlates with a functional loss in primary open‐angle glaucoma and normal‐tension glaucoma patients
Authors: Shimazaki Takeru , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Nakano Yuki , Nitta Eri , Ukegawa Kaori , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To investigate whether there are differences in retinal oxygen saturation in upper and lower visual field hemispheres in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and in normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

This study enrolled POAG and NTG patients exhibiting differences between the upper and lower total deviation (TD) that were either more than 10 or <5 dB. Retinal oxygen saturation measurements in these patients with glaucoma were performed by a non‐invasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter. The Student's t‐test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Evaluations of the worse and better hemifields in the patients with POAG who exhibited differences in the upper and lower hemifield TD that was <5 dB (n = 25) showed that there were no statistically significant differences for the retinal venous saturation of oxygen (SaO2). However, there was a higher mean SaO2 in the worse (57.0 ± 7.5%) versus the better (54.3 ± 7.0%) hemifield in the patients with NTG (n = 22; p = 0.007). Evaluations of the patients with more than a 10‐dB difference in the upper and lower hemifield TD showed statistically significant differences for the retinal venous SaO2 in the venous vessels between the POAG (n = 19) and the NTG (n = 26) patients.

Conclusion

Although there was no significant difference in retinal SaO2 in the venules between the better and worse hemifield when the difference between the better and worse hemifield in the patients with POAG was <5 dB, there was a higher SaO2 in the venous vessels in the worse hemifield in the patients with NTG.
Canada’s dependence on natural capital wealth: Was Innis wrong?
Authors: Olewiler Nancy
Published: November 2017

Canada has abundant natural resources—its stock of natural capital wealth. A recurring debate in the literature is whether resource rich countries benefit in the form of higher sustained growth rates or not from the export of their natural resources. Canada's Harold Innis wrote extensively on this subject over 80 years ago and argued for the “no” side in the debate. Was he was right or wrong? I begin with the foundations of natural resource theory then turn to empirical work in recent decades. I agree with the literature that Canada overall has benefited from the export of its natural resources, but question whether that can continue given the focus on short term growth and the failure to account for the social costs of resource extraction and use—the environmental externalities that degrade and reduce stocks of natural capital. These externalities increasingly threaten our water and land resources and without more effective policy, the ability of resources to sustain growth and well‐being is questionable. Was Innis wrong? Yes in that the evidence supports the counter argument—resources have helped Canada become a developed economy with relatively high incomes and sustained growth rates. Innis was right that the uneven distribution of resources causes different impacts regionally especially during booms and busts and recognized the need to find substitutes for declining and degrading resource stocks. But Innis, like many after him, focused more on the intrinsic features of natural resources than policy to address the social costs of their development, a legacy that leaves us in a precarious position today.
Beyond Pink and Blue: The Complexity of Early Androgen Effects on Gender Development
Authors: Berenbaum Sheri A.
Published: November 2017

Why do girls and women differ from boys and men? Gender development is typically considered to result from socialization, but sex hormones present during sensitive periods of development, particularly prenatal androgens, play an important role. Data from natural experiments, especially from females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, show the complexity of the effects of androgens on behavior: Prenatal androgens apparently have large effects on interests and engagement in gendered activities; moderate effects on spatial abilities; and relatively small or no effects on gender identity, gender cognitions, and gendered peer involvement. These differential effects provide an opportunity to move beyond identifying sources of variation in behavior to understanding developmental processes. These processes include links among gendered characteristics, psychological and neural mechanisms underlying development, and the joint effects of biological predispositions and social experiences.
Randomized controlled trial of colonic stent insertion in non‐curable large bowel obstruction: a post hoc cost analysis
Authors: Young C. J. , Zahid A.
Published: November 2017

Aim

In view of the increasing burden on the healthcare system, this study aims to perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis of the management of incurable large bowel obstruction comparing the cost of a stent vs surgery.

Method

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at two major teaching hospitals in Australia between September 2006 and November 2011. Fifty‐six patients with malignant incurable large bowel obstruction were randomized to stent insertion or surgical decompression, of whom 52 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected at all points during the patient journey and quality of life data were obtained by patient surveys. All data points were analysed and a cost‐effectiveness study was performed to compare the costs between the two treatment groups.

Results

Stenting as a procedure was significantly more expensive than surgery (A$4462.50 vs A$3251.50; P < 0.001). Post‐procedure stay for stented patients was significantly lower (median 7 vs 11 days; P = 0.03). Combined costs of stent group ward stay, multidisciplinary team discussion and complication management were significantly lower (P = 0.013). Overall cost difference between the two treatment groups was A$3902.44 (P = 0.101). European Quality of Life – 5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) scores for the first 4 weeks gave mean area under the curve adjusted weeks of 2.411 vs 2.271 for the stent and surgery groups respectively (P = 0.603). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio between the surgery and the stent group was $22 955.53 in favour of stenting.

Conclusions

Treatment with stenting is cheaper than open surgery and provides quicker discharge from hospital.
Reconstitution of T and NK cells after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation using αβ T cell–depleted grafts and the clinical implication of γδ T cells
Authors: Park Meerim , Im Ho Joon , Lee Yu‐Jin , Park Nuree , Jang Seongsoo , Kwon Seog Woon , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Choi Eun Seok , Koh Kyung Nam , Seo Jong Jin
Published: November 2017

To investigate reconstitution of T and NK cells after αβ T lymphocyte–depleted haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HHCT) and the clinical implications of γδ T cells, we analyzed 50 pediatric patients who received 55 HHCTs using αβ T cell–depleted grafts. The number of CD3+ T cells and CD8+ T cells recovered rapidly and reached donor levels at days 180 and 60, respectively. Recovery of NK cells was rapid, and the median of NK cells at day 14 was comparable to the donor level. At day 14, median percentage of γδ T lymphocytes was 70.5%. After day 14, the percentage of γδ T cells gradually decreased, while the percentage of αβ T cells gradually increased. Patients with a low percentage (≤21%) of γδ T cells at day 30 had significantly higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation compared to patients with a high percentage (>70%) of γδ T cells (P < .01). In patients with acute leukemia, patients with high percentage of γδ T cells at day 30 showed significantly higher relapse‐free survival compared to those with low percentage of γδ T cells (P = .02). Data suggest that early recovery of γδ T cells decreases the risk of CMV reactivation and leukemia relapse.
Treatment strategies for lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Beck Michael
Published: November 2017

Over the past several years the number of treatments available for patients with lysosomal storage disorders has rapidly increased. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction, and chaperone therapies are currently available, and gene therapies and other treatments are rapidly advancing. Despite remarkable advances, the efficacy of most of these therapies is limited, particularly because the treatments are usually initiated when organ damage has already occurred. To circumvent this limitation, screening in newborn infants for lysosomal storage disorders has been introduced in many countries. However, this screening is complicated by the broad clinical variability of the disorders and the fact that many individuals who will be detected as having an enzyme deficiency will develop symptoms very late or never in their life. This paper provides an overview of available therapies for lysosomal storage disorders and describes those treatments that are under development.

What this paper adds

For a few lysosomal storage disorders, new therapies are available or under development.

These therapies include enzyme replacement therapy, small molecules, and gene therapy.

The new therapies cannot cure patients, but can stabilize organ function or slow progression.
Nesting aggregation as a predictor of brood parasitism in mason bees (Osmia spp.)
Authors: GROULX ADAM F. , FORREST JESSICA R. K.
Published: November 2017

1. Parasitism can be an important source of mortality for insect populations; however, we know little about the factors influencing vulnerability of wild bees to parasites. Mason bees (genus Osmia; Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) are important pollinators of crops and wild plants and are vulnerable to attack by brood parasites. High nest densities may increase rates of brood parasitism by attracting disproportionate numbers of parasites.

2. Three years of field observations from multiple sites were analysed to assess whether mason bee brood parasitism increased with host density. Mason bees were allowed to nest in artificial nesting blocks and establish natural variation in nesting density. Nest cells constructed by bees were checked for the presence of parasite eggs.

3. Parasitism of nest cells strongly increased with the number of actively nesting bees at a nesting block. Mason bees showed no preference for nesting in blocks that were occupied or unoccupied by other mason bees. Parasitism also increased with the number of days a nest was provisioned and decreased over the course of the season. Nest cells constructed last in a nest were significantly more parasitised than inner cells, despite being sealed against invasions.

4. These findings show positively density‐dependent parasitism in mason bees. They also suggest that bees terminate parasitised nests, causing parasitised cells to become outermost nest cells – a behaviour that may represent a defence against parasites. Our results have implications for the management of mason bees as agricultural pollinators, as cultivating them at high densities could reduce offspring survival.
A review of Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis: state of the art and applications
Authors: Mariz Fernanda B.A.R. , Almeida Mariana R. , Aloise Daniel
Published: November 2017

This article reports the evolution of the literature on Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis (DDEA) models from 1996 to 2016. Systematic searches in the databases Scopus and Web of Science were performed to outline the state of the art. The results enabled the establishment of DDEA studies as the scope of this article, analyzing the transition elements to represent temporal interdependence. The categorization of these studies enabled the mapping of the evolution of the DDEA literature and identification of the relationships between models. The three most widely adopted studies to conduct DDEA research were classified as structuring models. Mapping elucidated the literature behavior through three phases and showed an increase in publications with applications in recent years. The analysis of applications indicated that most studies address evaluations in the agriculture and farming, banking and energy sectors and consider the facilities as transition elements between analysis periods.
Ranking corporate sustainability: a flexible multidimensional approach based on linguistic variables
Authors: Liern V. , Pérez‐Gladish B.
Published: November 2017

Corporate sustainability implies a compromise between the present environmental, social, and economic needs of a firm's stakeholders and their future needs. Corporate sustainability is therefore a multidimensional concept. Nowadays, several independent rating agencies rate firms in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. These ratings are usually used by main sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FTSE4 Good, Stoxx Sustainability Index, or Euronext Vigeo Family to select companies to invest in. Only those firms performing better than the average of their sector are selected. However, although providing linguistic ratings about the performance of the firms in individual ESG criteria with respect to their sector, rating agencies do not usually provide overall ESG rates describing the global performance of the firms in terms of ESG. In this paper, we propose a flexible operator, linguistic ordered weighted geometric aggregating operator (LOWGA), which will allow us to define the fuzzy ESG performance of the firms based on the linguistic labels provided by the rating agencies. Once overall ESG scores have been obtained, we will use them together with financial criteria to rank the firms in terms of their sustainability using a suitable multiple criteria decision aid (MCDA) approach, namely, TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution).
Annual Research Review: Suicide among youth – epidemiology, (potential) etiology, and treatment
Authors: Cha Christine B. , Franz Peter J. , M. Guzmán Eleonora , Glenn Catherine R. , Kleiman Evan M. , Nock Matthew K.
Published: November 2017

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death and a complex clinical outcome. Here, we summarize the current state of research pertaining to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth. We review their definitions/measurement and phenomenology, epidemiology, potential etiological mechanisms, and psychological treatment and prevention efforts.

Results

We identify key patterns and gaps in knowledge that should guide future work. Regarding epidemiology, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth varies across countries and sociodemographic populations. Despite this, studies are rarely conducted cross‐nationally and do not uniformly account for high‐risk populations. Regarding etiology, the majority of risk factors have been identified within the realm of environmental and psychological factors (notably negative affect‐related processes), and most frequently using self‐report measures. Little research has spanned across additional units of analyses including behavior, physiology, molecules, cells, and genes. Finally, there has been growing evidence in support of select psychotherapeutic treatment and prevention strategies, and preliminary evidence for technology‐based interventions.

Conclusions

There is much work to be done to better understand suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth. We strongly encourage future research to: (1) continue improving the conceptualization and operationalization of suicidal thoughts and behaviors; (2) improve etiological understanding by focusing on individual (preferably malleable) mechanisms; (3) improve etiological understanding also by integrating findings across multiple units of analyses and developing short‐term prediction models; (4) demonstrate greater developmental sensitivity overall; and (5) account for diverse high‐risk populations via sampling and reporting of sample characteristics. These serve as initial steps to improve the scientific approach, knowledge base, and ultimately prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth.
Characterisation of lattice damage formation in tantalum irradiated at variable temperatures
Authors: IPATOVA I. , WADY P.T. , SHUBEITA S.M. , BARCELLINI C. , IMPAGNATIELLO A. , JIMENEZ‐MELERO E.
Published: November 2017

The formation of radiation‐induced dislocation loops and voids in tantalum at 180(2), 345(3) and 590(5)°C was assessed by 3MeV proton irradiation experiments and subsequent damage characterisation using transmission electron microscopy. Voids formed at 345(3)°C and were arranged into a body centred cubic lattice at a damage level of 0.55 dpa. The low vacancy mobility at 180(2)°C impedes enough vacancy clustering and therefore the formation of voids visible by TEM. At 590(5)°C the Burgers vector of the interstitial‐type dislocation loops is a<100>, instead of the a/2 <111> Burgers vector characteristic of the loops at 180(2) and 345(3)°C. The lower mobility of a<100> loops hinders the formation of voids at 590(5)°C up to a damage level of 0.55 dpa.
Trust in organization as a moderator of the relationship between self‐efficacy and workplace outcomes: A social cognitive theory‐based examination
Authors: Ozyilmaz Adnan , Erdogan Berrin , Karaeminogullari Aysegul
Published: November 2017

Drawing on a social cognitive theory perspective, we contend that an employee's trust in oneself, or self‐efficacy, will interact with the individual's trust in the system, or trust in organization, to predict job attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, we expected that self‐efficacy would have stronger effects on job attitudes (job satisfaction and turnover intentions) and behaviours (task performance and organizational citizenship behaviours) to the degree to which employees perceive high levels of trust in organization. Using data collected from 300 employees and their respective supervisors at a manufacturing organization in Turkey across three waves, we found that self‐efficacy had more positive effects on job satisfaction, task performance, and citizenship behaviours when trust in organization was high. Interestingly, self‐efficacy had a positive effect on turnover intentions when trust in organization was low, indicating that high trust in organization buffered the effects of self‐efficacy on intentions to leave. The results suggest that the motivational value of trust in oneself is stronger to the degree to which employees also have high trust in the system, whereas low trust in system neutralizes the motivational benefits of self‐efficacy.

Practitioner points

Practicing managers should not only invest in increasing self‐efficacy of their employees, but also invest in building trust to improve employees’ attitudes, behaviours, and performance. This is because when employee trust in organization is high, employee self‐efficacy has greater potential to have a positive influence over job satisfaction, task performance, and organizational citizenship behaviours.

Self‐efficacy may actually increase an employee's desire to leave the organization when organizational conditions are unfavourable, such as in the case of low trust in the organization. Practicing managers should be aware that employees who have high levels of confidence may be at higher risk of turnover when they are unhappy with the organization.
Reliability of an adherence monitoring sensor embedded in an oral appliance used for treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Gjerde K. , Lehmann S. , Naterstad I. F. , Berge M. E. , Johansson A.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to test whether digitally registered use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) by a built‐in thermal sensor was reliable compared to a self‐reported diary of MAD use. Eighty consecutive patients referred to a specialist outpatient sleep medicine clinic (HUS) were recruited. Patients of both genders, aged from 25 to 70 years with a diagnosis of mild, moderate or severe, were included. All participants signed a written informed consent when they received the MAD. For the purpose of this reliability study, we found it sufficient to include the first 30 nights of MAD use in the reliability analysis. At the 30th night follow‐up visit, the self‐reported diary with duration of MAD use was returned and data on the duration of MAD use with the built‐in sensor were retrieved. From a total of 2400 nights, complete data from both methods were retrieved for 2108 nights (84.6%). Missing data were largely a result of missing self‐reported diaries, whereas technical failure occurred in 6 nights (0.002%). The relative reliability was very high with ICC3,1 0.847, and the absolute reliability for digitally registered MAD usage was calculated to −0.17 (95% CI: 1.47 to −1.81) hours in decimal conversion. Objectively collected data from built‐in thermal sensors in MADs are as reliable as those of the self‐report assessments. This opens new possibilities for more accurate measurements of MAD adherence.
ePTFE‐TIPS vs repetitive LVP plus albumin for the treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Bucsics Theresa , Hoffman Sophie , Grünberger Johanna , Schoder Maria , Matzek Wolfgang , Stadlmann Alexander , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwabl Philipp , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Trauner Michael , Karner Josef , Karnel Franz , Reiberger Thomas
Published: November 2017

Background & Aims

Reduction in portal pressure by self‐expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)‐covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is a treatment option for refractory ascites. Data on clinical outcomes after ePTFE‐TIPS vs repetitive large‐volume paracentesis (LVP) plus albumin (A) administration for the treatment of patients with refractory ascites are limited.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of ePTFE‐TIPS vs LVP+A in terms of (i) control of ascites, (ii) occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and (iii) transplant‐free survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

Results

Among n = 221 patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, n = 140 received ePTFE‐TIPS and were compared to n = 71 patients undergoing repetitive LVP+A. After ePTFE‐TIPS, ascites was controlled without any further need for paracentesis in n = 76 (54%; n = 7 without and n = 69 with diuretics). The need for frequent large‐volume paracentesis was significantly higher in the LVP+A group than with ePTFE‐TIPS (median 0.67 (IQR: 0.23‐2.63) months vs 49.5 (IQR: 5.07‐102.60) months until paracentesis, log‐rank P < .001). De‐novo incidence of HE was similar in ePTFE‐TIPS and LVP+A patients (log‐rank P = .361). Implantation of ePTFE‐TIPS was associated with improved 1‐year survival as compared to LVP+A (65.6% vs 48.4%, log‐rank P = .033). Age (odds ratio (OR):1.05; 95% confidence interval (95% CI):1.03‐1.07; P < .001), serum albumin (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92‐0.99; P = .013) and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.06‐2.58; P = .026) emerged as independent predictors of survival.

Conclusions

ePTFE‐TIPS results in superior control of ascites without increasing the risk for overt HE as compared to LVP+A. Although ePTFE‐TIPS improved 1‐year survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, its use was not independently associated with transplant‐free survival.
Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for treatment of hepatitis C virus in sofosbuvir‐experienced, NS5A treatment‐naïve patients: Findings from two randomized trials
Authors: Tam Edward , Luetkemeyer Anne F. , Mantry Parvez S. , Satapathy Sanjaya K. , Ghali Peter , Kang Minhee , Haubrich Richard , Shen Xianlin , Ni Liyun , Camus Gregory , Copans Amanda , Rossaro Lorenzo , Guyer Bill , Brown Robert S. ,   the RESCUE and ACTG A5348 study investigators
Published: November 2017

Background & Aims

We report data from two similarly designed studies that evaluated the efficacy, safety, and optimal duration of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ± ribavirin (RBV) for retreatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in individuals who failed to achieve sustained virological response (SVR) with prior SOF‐based, non‐NS5A inhibitor‐containing regimens.

Methods

The RESCUE study enrolled HCV mono‐infected adults with genotype (GT) 1 or 4. Non‐cirrhotic participants were randomized to 12 weeks of LDV/SOF or LDV/SOF + RBV. Compensated cirrhotic participants were randomized to LDV/SOF + RBV (12 weeks) or LDV/SOF (24 weeks). The AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5348 study randomized genotype 1 adults with HCV/HIV co‐infection to LDV/SOF + RBV (12 weeks) or LDV/SOF (24 weeks). Both studies used SVR at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) as the primary endpoint.

Results

In the RESCUE study, 82 participants were randomized and treated, and all completed treatment. Overall, SVR12 was 88% (72/82); 81‐100% in non‐cirrhotic participants treated with LDV/SOF or LDV/SOF + RBV for 12 weeks and 80‐92% in cirrhotic participants treated with LDV/SOF + RBV for 12 weeks or LDV/SOF for 24 weeks. Adverse events (AEs), mostly mild‐to‐moderate in severity, were experienced by 78% of participants, with headache and fatigue most frequently reported. One serious AE, not related to treatment, was observed. No premature discontinuations of study drug, or deaths occurred. In the A5348 study, seven participants were randomized (cirrhotic n = 1; GT1a n = 5) and all attained SVR12, with no serious AEs or premature discontinuations.

Conclusions

In this SOF‐experienced, NS5A inhibitor‐naïve population, which included participants with cirrhosis or HCV/HIV co‐infection, high SVR12 rates were achieved.
Successive evolutionary steps drove Pooideae grasses from tropical to temperate regions
Authors: Zhong Jinshun , Robbett Meghan , Poire Alfonso , Preston Jill C.
Published: November 2017

Angiosperm adaptations to seasonally cold climates have occurred multiple times independently. However, the observation that less than half of all angiosperm families are represented in temperate latitudes suggests internal constraints on the evolution of cold tolerance/avoidance strategies. Similar to angiosperms as a whole, grasses are primarily tropical, but one major clade, subfamily Pooideae, radiated extensively within temperate regions. It is posited that this Pooideae niche transition was facilitated by an early origin of long‐term cold responsiveness around the base of the subfamily, and that a set of more ancient pathways enabled evolution of seasonal cold tolerance.

To test this, we compared transcriptome‐level responses of disparate Pooideae to short‐/long‐term cold and with those previously known in the subtropical grass rice (Ehrhartoideae).

Analyses identified several highly conserved cold‐responsive ‘orthogroups’ within our focal Pooideae species that originated successively during the diversification of land plants, predominantly via gene duplication. The majority of conserved Pooideae cold‐responsive genes appear to have ancient roles in stress responses, with most of the orthogroups also being sensitive to cold in rice. However, a subgroup of genes was likely co‐opted de novo early in the Pooideae.

These results highlight a plausible stepwise evolutionary trajectory for cold adaptations across Pooideae.
Clinical safety and performance of a MRI conditional pacing system in patients undergoing cardiac MRI
Authors: Ching Chi Keong , Chakraborty Rabindra Nath , Kler Tarlochan Singh , Pumprueg Satchana , Ngarmukos Tachapong , Chan Joseph Yat Sun , Anand Sumit , Yadav Rakesh , Sitthisook Surapun , Yim Ka Wing , Jaswal Rakesh K. , Bhargava Kartikeya
Published: November 2017

Background

Utilization of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) as an imaging modality in clinical practice is rapidly increasing. More evidence from randomized studies establishing clinical safety and performance of pacing systems in patients undergoing a cMRI scan is needed.

Objectives

The purpose of this prospective, multicenter, randomized study was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of the Accent MRI™ conditional pacing systems (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) in patients undergoing cMRI scan.

Methods

Patients (n  =  283) indicated for dual‐chamber pacemaker implant were randomized to either the MRI Group (MG) (n  =  140) or the Control Group (CG) (n  =  143) after successful device implantation of the Accent MRI™ system. Clinical evaluation and device interrogation were performed at pre‐ and post‐MRI scan, and 1 month post‐MRI for all patients. At 9–12 weeks postimplant, patients in MG underwent a nondiagnostic cMRI scan at 1.5 Tesla (T), while patients in CG underwent device interrogation and clinical evaluation twice with a 45‐minute waiting period in between. The safety endpoint was freedom from MRI scan‐related complications and that for efficacy was significant changes in right atrial/ventricular capture threshold and sensing amplitude between right before MRI, immediately after MRI, and 1 month post‐MRI.

Results

Results showed 100% freedom from MRI scan‐related complications. There were no significant changes in device performance between pre‐MRI scan and 1 month post‐MRI scan time points in both study groups.

Conclusions

cMRI scanning with 1.5 T scanners is safe in patients implanted with the Accent MRI™ conditional pacing system and has no significant effect on the electrical parameters of the device and leads.
The potential significance of alpha‐enolase (ENO1) in lung adenocarcinomas – A utility of the immunohistochemical expression in pathologic diagnosis
Authors: Okudela Koji , Mitsui Hideaki , Matsumura Mai , Arai Hiromasa , Shino Kimihisa , Sekine Akimasa , Woo Tetsukan , Suzuki Takehisa , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Umeda Shigeaki , Tajiri Michihiko , Masuda Munetaka , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: November 2017

We herein analyzed the relationships among the immunohistochemical expression of alpha‐enolase (ENO1) and clinicopathological factors in order to define the significance of ENO1 in lung adenocarcinomas (ADCs). ENO1 expression was detected in most of the ADCs examined (95.8%), but not in bronchial and alveolar epithelia. ENO1 expression was typically observed in the cytoplasm among most ADCs (95.8%), but was also detected in the nucleus (56.3%). The levels were significantly higher in terminal respiratory unit (TRU) cytological subtype ADCs. Neither cytoplasmic nor nuclear expression was associated with any other clinicopathological factors including post‐operative survival and growth activity. These results suggest that ENO1 is a crucial factor promoting neoplastic transformation exclusively in TRU subtype ADCs. We also investigated the potential utility of the immunohistochemical expression of ENO1 to differentiate TRU‐type ADC cells from the reactive hyperplasia of pneumocytes and bronchiolar epithelial cells because difficulties are associated with discriminating these lesions in small biopsy specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of ENO1 (cytoplasmic/nuclear) were 87.5%/37.5% and 88.9%/100%, respectively, which are superior to those of p53 (18.8% and 100%). ENO1 has potential as a biomarker to assist in the histopathological detection of TRU subtype ADC cells.
The former presence of organic matter caused its later absence: Burn‐down of organic matter in oceanic red beds enhanced by bioturbation (Eocene Variegated Shale, Carpathians)
Authors: Wetzel Andreas , Uchman Alfred
Published: November 2017

Eocene oceanic red beds that formed in a well‐oxygenated setting at low sedimentation rates below the calcite compensation depth are effectively barren of organic carbon in the present state. Recurrent distal low‐erosive turbidites preserve the bioturbated zone underneath that documents seasonal and long‐term fluctuating accumulation of considerable amounts of organic matter on the sea floor as evidenced by Scolicia; the producers of this trace fossil exploited nutritious organic matter conserved in turbidite‐buried sea floor deposits. Over the long‐term, slow average sedimentation of (hemi)pelagic oxic (red) mud led to long oxygen exposure times and low burial of organic matter. Consequently, trace fossils representing persistent sediment‐feeding modes are of small size. Although the food‐limited setting appears appropriate for producers of graphoglyptids, such ‘stationary’ burrows have not been encountered because seasonal deposition of organic matter fostered at least temporary surface layer feeding organisms, for instance producers of Nereites irregularis that intensively reworked the sediment and, hence, hindered graphoglyptid production. These findings confirm palaeoceanographic modelling results that suggest upwelling in the study area during the Eocene.
Reframing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Studying Culture to Identify Communication Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kendall-Taylor Nathaniel , Fond Marissa
Published: November 2017

Implicit cultural understandings challenge those working to increase public awareness and support for programs to prevent and address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Understanding these cultural beliefs reveals key challenges that communicators face; it also helps identify opportunities to foster public engagement and build support for policies and programs that are important for reducing the prevalence of FASD as a public health issue. Through a series of interviews with members of the public in Manitoba, Canada, we identify the cultural models that members of the Manitoban public draw on to make sense of this issue. These models and their implications are used to create a set of recommendations that can improve understanding of the issue, increase issue salience, and generate support for solutions. While the research presented is specific to Manitoba, findings have significance for those working on FASD in other areas and for those working on other public health and science translation projects.
Enhanced skeletal muscle regrowth and remodelling in massaged and contralateral non‐massaged hindlimb
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Hamilton Karyn L. , Majeed Zana R. , Abshire Sarah M. , Confides Amy L. , Hayek Amanda M. , Hunt Emily R. , Shipman Patrick , Peelor Frederick F. , Butterfield Timothy A. , Dupont‐Versteegden Esther E.
Published: November 2017

Key points

Muscle fibre cross sectional area is enhanced with massage in the form of cyclic compressive loading during regrowth after atrophy.

Massage enhances protein synthesis of the myofibrillar and cytosolic, but not the mitochondrial fraction, in muscle during regrowth.

Focal adhesion kinase activation and satellite cell number are elevated in muscles undergoing massage during regrowth.

Muscle fibre cross sectional area and protein synthesis of the myofibrillar fraction, but not DNA synthesis, are elevated in muscle of the contralateral non‐massaged limb.

Massage in the form of cyclic compressive loading is a potential anabolic intervention during muscle regrowth after atrophy.

Massage, in the form of cyclic compressive loading (CCL), is associated with multiple health benefits, but its potential anabolic effect on atrophied muscle has not been investigated. We hypothesized that the mechanical activity associated with CCL induces an anabolic effect in skeletal muscle undergoing regrowth after a period of atrophy. Fischer–Brown Norway rats at 10 months of age were hindlimb unloaded for a period of 2 weeks. The rats were then allowed reambulation with CCL applied at a 4.5 N load at 0.5 Hz frequency for 30 min every other day for four bouts during a regrowth period of 8 days. Muscle fibre cross sectional area was enhanced by 18% with massage during regrowth compared to reloading alone, and this was accompanied by elevated myofibrillar and cytosolic protein as well as DNA synthesis. Focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation indicated that CCL increased mechanical stimulation, while a higher number of Pax7+ cells likely explains the elevated DNA synthesis. Surprisingly, the contralateral non‐massaged limb exhibited a comparable 17% higher muscle fibre size compared to reloading alone, and myofibrillar protein synthesis, but not DNA synthesis, was also elevated. We conclude that massage in the form of CCL induces an anabolic response in muscles regrowing after an atrophy‐inducing event. We suggest that massage can be used as an intervention to aid in the regrowth of muscle lost during immobilization.
Efficient Visualization Strategies for Large-Scale Finite Element Models
Authors: Liangyin Xu , Yunpeng Li , Sheng Zhang , Biaosong Chen
Published: November 2017

In this paper, an effective strategy is proposed to realize the smooth visualization of large-scale finite element models on a desktop computer. Based on multicore parallel and graphics processing unit (GPU) computing techniques, the large-scale data of a finite element model and the corresponding graphics data can be handled and rendered effectively. The proposed strategies mainly consist of four parts. First, a parallel surface extraction technology based on the dual connections of elements and nodes is developed to reduce the graphics data. Second, the OpenGL vertex buffer object (VBO) technology is used to improve the rendering efficiency after surface extraction. Third, the element-hiding and cut-surface functions are implemented to facilitate the observation of the interior of the meshes. Finally, the stream/filter architecture, which has the advantages of efficient computation and communication, is introduced to meet the needs of large-scale data processing and various visualization methods. These strategies are developed on the general visualization system SiPESC.Post. Using these strategies, SiPESC.Post implements high-performance display and real-time operation for large-scale finite element models, especially for models containing millions or tens of millions of elements. To demonstrate the superiority and feasibility of the presented strategies, large-scale numerical examples are presented, and the strategies are compared with several commercial finite element software systems and open-source visual postprocessing packages in terms of visualization efficiency.
Influence of Rotor Tip Blockage on Near Stall Blade Vibrations in an Axial Compressor Rig
Authors: Möller Daniel , Jüngst Maximilian , Schiffer Heinz-Peter , Giersch Thomas , Heinichen Frank
Published: November 2017

Rotor blade vibrations observed in the Darmstadt transonic compressor rig are investigated in this paper. The vibrations are nonsynchronous and occur in the near stall (NS) operating region. Rotor tip flow fluctuations traveling near the leading edge (LE) against the direction of rotation (in the rotor relative frame of reference) with about 50% blade tip speed are found to be the reason for the occurrence of the vibrations. The investigations show that the blockage at the rotor tip is an important factor for the aeroelastic stability of the compressor in the NS region. It is found that by application of a recirculating tip injection (TI) casing treatment, the aeroelastic stability increases as a result of reduced blockage in the rotor tip region.
High-Speed Imaging of Forced Ignition Kernels in Nonuniform Jet Fuel/Air Mixtures
Authors: Wei Sheng , Sforzo Brandon , Seitzman Jerry
Published: November 2017

This paper describes experimental measurements of forced ignition of prevaporized liquid fuels in a well-controlled facility that incorporates nonuniform flow conditions similar to those of gas turbine engine combustors. The goal here is to elucidate the processes by which the initially unfueled kernel evolves into a self-sustained flame. Three fuels are examined: a conventional Jet-A and two synthesized fuels that are used to explore fuel composition effects. A commercial, high-energy recessed cavity discharge igniter located at the test section wall ejects kernels at 15 Hz into a preheated, striated crossflow. Next to the igniter wall is an unfueled air flow; above this is a premixed, prevaporized, fuel–air flow, with a matched velocity and an equivalence ratio near 0.75. The fuels are prevaporized in order to isolate chemical effects. Differences in early ignition kernel development are explored using three synchronized, high-speed imaging diagnostics: schlieren, emission/chemiluminescence, and OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). The schlieren images reveal rapid entrainment of crossflow fluid into the kernel. The PLIF and emission images suggest chemical reactions between the hot kernel and the entrained fuel–air mixture start within tens of microseconds after the kernel begins entraining fuel, with some heat release possibly occurring. Initially, dilution cooling of the kernel appears to outweigh whatever heat release occurs; so whether the kernel leads to successful ignition or not, the reaction rate and the spatial extent of the reacting region decrease significantly with time. During a successful ignition event, small regions of the reacting kernel survive this dilution and are able to transition into a self-sustained flame after ∼1–2 ms. The low-aromatic/low-cetane-number fuel, which also has the lowest ignition probability, takes much longer for the reaction zone to grow after the initial decay. The high-aromatic, more easily ignited fuel, shows the largest reaction region at early times.
Variable Geometry Compressors for Heavy Duty Truck Engine Turbochargers
Authors: Wöhr Michael , Müller Markus , Leweux Johannes
Published: November 2017

This paper presents the development approach, design, and evaluation of three turbocharger compressors with variable geometry for heavy duty engines. The main goal is the improvement of fuel economy without sacrifices regarding any other performance criteria. In a first step, a vaned diffuser parameter study shows that efficiency improvements in the relevant operating areas are possible at the cost of reduced map width. Concluding from the results, three variable geometries with varying complexity based on vaned diffusers are designed. Results from the hot gas test stand and engine test rig show that all systems are capable of increasing compressor efficiency and thus improving fuel economy in the main driving range of heavy duty engines. The most significant differences can be seen regarding the engine brake performance. Only one system meets all engine demands while improving fuel economy.
Impact of Precessing Vortex Core Dynamics on Shear Layer Response in a Swirling Jet
Authors: Frederick Mark , Manoharan Kiran , Dudash Joshua , Brubaker Brian , Hemchandra Santosh , O'Connor Jacqueline
Published: November 2017

Combustion instability, the coupling between flame heat release rate oscillations and combustor acoustics, is a significant issue in the operation of gas turbine combustors. This coupling is often driven by oscillations in the flow field. Shear layer roll-up, in particular, has been shown to drive longitudinal combustion instability in a number of systems, including both laboratory and industrial combustors. One method for suppressing combustion instability would be to suppress the receptivity of the shear layer to acoustic oscillations, severing the coupling mechanism between the acoustics and the flame. Previous work suggested that the existence of a precessing vortex core (PVC) may suppress the receptivity of the shear layer, and the goal of this study is to first, confirm that this suppression is occurring, and second, understand the mechanism by which the PVC suppresses the shear layer receptivity. In this paper, we couple experiment with linear stability analysis to determine whether a PVC can suppress shear layer receptivity to longitudinal acoustic modes in a nonreacting swirling flow at a range of swirl numbers. The shear layer response to the longitudinal acoustic forcing manifests as an m = 0 mode since the acoustic field is axisymmetric. The PVC has been shown both in experiment and linear stability analysis to have m = 1 and m = −1 modal content. By comparing the relative magnitude of the m = 0 and m = −1,1 modes, we quantify the impact that the PVC has on the shear layer response. The mechanism for shear layer response is determined using companion forced response analysis, where the shear layer disturbance growth rates mirror the experimental results. Differences in shear layer thickness and azimuthal velocity profiles drive the suppression of the shear layer receptivity to acoustic forcing.
Systemic IL-6 and Myoglobin Response to Three Different Resistance Exercise Intensities in Older Men
Authors: Cornish Stephen M. , Chase Jeremie E. , Bugera Eric M. , Giesbrecht Gordon G.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research was to identify if three different intensities of resistance exercise would acutely and differentially effect the systemic release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myoglobin in older men (≥65 years). A total of 11 older men performed isovolume resistance exercise on six different apparatuses at three different intensities (144 reps at 60%, 120 reps at 72%, and 108 reps at 80% of 1-repetition maximum), with the intensity order randomly allocated, to determine the systemic release of IL-6 and myoglobin in the blood. Blood samples were collected at six time points, including preexercise, immediately postexercise, and 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr postexercise. There were no differences between intensity levels; therefore, data for all conditions were pooled. IL-6 did not show any change from baseline values throughout all time points (p > .05), whereas myoglobin was elevated at 3, 6, and 24 hr postexercise and returned to baseline after 48 hr (p < .05).
Directing Gaze on a Scene Before Reaching for an Object: Changes Over the First Year of Life
Authors: Wiener Rebecca F. , Thurman Sabrina L. , Corbetta Daniela
Published: November 2017

We used eye tracking to investigate where infants and adults directed their gaze on a scene right before reaching. Infants aged 5, 7, 9, and 11 months old and adults looked at a human hand holding an object out of reach for 5 s, then the hand moved the object toward the participant for reaching. We analyzed which part of the scene (the object, the hand, or elsewhere) infants and adults attended the most during those 5 s before reaching. Findings revealed that adults’ visual fixations were majorly focused on the object to reach. Young infants’ looking patterns were more widely distributed between the hand holding the object, the object, and other nonrelevant areas on the scene. Despite distributed looking on the scene, infants increased their amount of time looking at the object between 5 and 11 months. Nine- and 11-month-olds showed overall accumulated looking durations comparable to adults’ for most of the objects; however, 9-month-olds differed in their rate of gaze transition between scene areas. From the age of 5 months old, infants are able to sustain their gaze to the pertinent scene area when the scene contains a central object on which they will later be able to act.
The Role of Preperformance and In-Game Emotions in Cognitive Interference During Sport Performance: The Moderating Role of Self-Confidence and Reappraisal
Authors: Stanger Nicholas , Chettle Ryan , Whittle Jessica , Poolton Jamie
Published: November 2017

This research examined whether prevalent preperformance (Study 1) and in-game (Study 2) emotions were associated with cognitive interference (i.e., thoughts of escape, task-irrelevant thoughts, and performance worries) and whether any effects were moderated by reappraisal and self-confidence. In Study 1, team-sport players’ preperformance anxiety positively, and excitement negatively, predicted cognitive interference during a competitive match. However, no moderating effects for reappraisal or confidence were revealed. In Study 2, badminton players’ in-game anxiety, dejection, and happiness positively predicted, whereas excitement negatively predicted, cognitive interference during a competitive match. Moreover, reappraisal and confidence moderated the relationships of excitement and happiness with task-irrelevant thoughts. The findings underscore the role that preperformance and in-game emotions can play in athletes’ thought processing during sport performance, as well as highlighting the importance of considering the effects of self-confidence and reappraisal on the role of in-game emotions in cognitive interference.