bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: a review of 20 years of research
Authors: Boublay N. , Schott A. M. , Krolak‐Salmon P.
Published: July 2016

Assessing morphological, perfusion and metabolic brain changes preceding or associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) will help in the understanding of pathophysiological underlying processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aimed to highlight the main findings on significant associations between neuroimaging and NPSs, the pathophysiology to elucidate possible underlying mechanisms, and methodological issues to aid future research. Research papers published from January 1990 to October 2015 were identified in the databases PsycInfo, Embase, PubMed and Medline, using key words related to NPSs and imaging techniques. In addition to a semi‐systematic search in the databases, we also performed hand searches based on reported citations identified to be of interest. Delusions, apathy and depression symptoms were particularly associated with brain changes in AD. The majority of studies disclosed an association between frontal lobe structural and/or metabolic changes and NPSs, implicating, interestingly, for all 12 NPSs studied, the anterior cingulate cortex although temporal, subcortical and parietal regions, and insula were also involved. Given the high degree of connectivity of these brain areas, frontal change correlates of NPSs may help in the understanding of neural network participation. This review also highlights crucial methodological issues that may reduce the heterogeneity of results to enable progress on the pathophysiological mechanisms and aid research on NPS treatments in AD. Based on a broad review of the current literature, a global brain pattern to support the huge heterogeneity of neuroimaging correlates of NPSs in AD and methodological strategies are suggested to help direct future research.
Increases in the mean and variability of thermal regimes result in differential phenotypic responses among genotypes during early ontogenetic stages of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
Authors: Dammerman Kari J. , Steibel Juan P. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: July 2016

Climate change is affecting thermal conditions worldwide. Understanding organismal responses associated with predicted changes are essential for predicting population persistence. Few studies have examined the effects of both increased mean and variance in temperature on organismal traits, particularly during early life stages. Using lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) from Black Lake, MI, we tested whether phenotypic variation differed among families reared in two constant (10 and 18°C) and two fluctuating‐temperature treatments (10–19°C) representing temperatures experienced in the river and a simulated anthropogenic disturbance. Body length, body area, and yolk‐sac area were quantified at hatch. Family‐by‐treatment interactions explained up to 50% of the variance observed among families in offspring hatch traits. Families incubated in 18°C and the fluctuating anthropogenic treatment had 6–10 times higher variance in traits than those incubated at 10°C. Hatched larvae were placed in raceways with ambient river water. Emergence body length, emergence timing, and growth were quantified upon emergence. Families differed in time to emergence and growth with the greatest range observed in the 18°C treatment. Results demonstrate that differential responses among genotypes to changes in the mean and variability of thermal incubation regimes can affect traits at hatch as well as a subsequent ontogenetic stage.
Does soil aging affect the N2O mitigation potential of biochar? A combined microcosm and field study
Authors: Hagemann Nikolas , Harter Johannes , Kaldamukova Radina , Guzman‐Bustamante Ivan , Ruser Reiner , Graeff Simone , Kappler Andreas , Behrens Sebastian
Published: July 2016

The application of biochar as a soil amendment to improve soil fertility has been suggested as a tool to reduce soil‐borne CO2 and non‐CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, especially nitrous oxide (N2O). Both laboratory and field trials have demonstrated N2O emission reduction by biochar amendment, but the long‐term effect (>1 year) has been questioned. Here, we present results of a combined microcosm and field study using a powdered beech wood biochar from slow pyrolysis. The field experiment showed that both CO2 and N2O emissions were still effectively reduced by biochar in the third year after application. However, biochar did not influence the biomass yield of sunflower for biogas production (Helianthus annuus L.). Biochar reduced bulk density and increased soil aeration and thus reduced the water‐filled pore space (WFPS) in the field, but was also able to suppress N2O emission in the microcosms experiment conducted at constant WFPS. For both experiments, biochar had limited impact on soil mineral nitrogen speciation, but it reduced the accumulation of nitrite in the microcosms. Extraction of soil DNA and quantification of functional marker genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that biochar did not alter the abundance of nitrogen‐transforming bacteria and archaea in both field and microcosm experiments. In contradiction to previous experiments, this study demonstrates the long‐term N2O emission suppression potential of a wood biochar and thus highlights its overall climate change mitigation potential. While a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms requires further research, we provide evidence for a range of biochar‐induced changes to the soil environment and their change with time that might explain the often observed N2O emission suppression.
Relation between osteoporosis and radiographic and clinical signs of osteoarthritis/arthrosis in the temporomandibular joint: a population‐based, cross‐sectional study in an older Swedish population
Authors: Bäck Karin , Ahlqwist Margareta , Hakeberg Magnus , Björkelund Cecilia , Dahlström Lars
Published: July 2016

Objective

The aim was to elucidate the relation between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis/arthrosis (OA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Background

General epidemiological data support the hypothesis that osteoporosis and OA are inversely correlated but is not conclusively investigated in the TMJ.

Materials and methods

A group of 114 representative elderly women and men, randomised from a comprehensive population study in Gothenburg, Sweden, had bone mineral density established with whole‐body, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as part of a health survey. In addition, dental examinations were performed, including panoramic radiographs exposed as an overview of the TMJ's and jaws. In 88 of the 80‐year‐old participants (48 women and 40 men), a clinical orofacial examination according to the RDC/TMD system was performed.

Results

A diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis was found in 36% of the 114, with a statistically different greater proportion of women. Condylar alterations evaluated from panoramic radiographs were observed in 34%, with no significant gender difference. No significant differences were found in the proportion of individuals with osteopenia/osteoporosis and any condylar radiographic alteration or not. Forty‐one of the clinically examined subjects, 47%, fulfilled the criteria for an RDC/TMD diagnosis with no gender difference. All participants graded the orofacial pain as low chronic pain. An opening capacity of <40 mm denoted a higher risk of having pain in the temporomandibular system. No association was found between clinical diagnosis of RDC/TMD and osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis appears not to be of importance for radiological or clinical findings of OA in the TMJ.
Sarcopenia and mortality in older people living in a nursing home in Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Ahmet , Aras Sevgi , Atmis Volkan , Cengiz Ozlem Karaarslan , Cinar Esat , Atli Teslime , Varli Murat
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between mortality and sarcopenia defined by the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People in older nursing home residents in Turkey.

Methods

This was an observational prospective study. Nursing home residents who were aged older than 65 years and living in the Seyranbagları Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center (Ankara, Turkey) were recruited for the study. The main outcome measure was the relationship between sarcopenia and mortality. Diagnosis of sarcopenia was carried out according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used for skeletal muscle mass measurement. Muscle strength and muscle performance were evaluated by handgrip testing and gait speed, respectively. Mortality was assessed at the end of 2 years. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and all‐cause mortality.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were 29% and 25.4%, respectively. A total of 44% (18) of sarcopenic participants died, whereas 15% (15) of participants without sarcopenia died after 2 years of follow up (P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, sarcopenia was associated with all‐cause mortality among older nursing home residents in Turkey (HR 2.38, 95% CI 1.04–5.46; P = 0.039). However, sarcopenia was not significantly related with mortality after adjustment of MNA score (HR 2.04, 95% CI 0.85–4.9; P = 0.1).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia independently increases all‐cause mortality in older nursing home residents in Turkey. Nutritional status plays a role in sarcopenia‐related mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1118–1124.
Aristotle the Virtue Doctor
Authors: Stackle Erin C.
Published: July 2016

It is difficult for us to effectively diagnose our current character state such that we can follow Aristotle's advice to aim for the opposite extreme. The law can provide us a general standard, and the household strives to fill in the particular gaps inevitable to laws that must be universal. Neither, however, can ensure a proper diagnosis. Careful attention to Aristotle's discussion (in both his Metaphysics and his Nicomachean Ethics) of how the medical doctor generates health gives us a model we can apply to Aristotle's discussions of character virtues and vices in Book IV of Nicomachean Ethics. The medical doctor must identify the form of health and its various lacks, must have a sufficiently varied set of images by which to properly grasp these in the varied context of human beings, must attend carefully to the patient's impeded form of health, and must trace this impediment back to some cause on the basis of which she can act to correct the problem. By applying this model, we can more profitably employ Aristotle's discussions of individual virtues in our responsible attempts to diagnose and heal the characters of those who belong to us.
Asylum Systems in the Western Balkan Countries: Current Issues
Authors: Kogovšek Šalamon Neža
Published: July 2016

Asylum systems in the Western Balkans are one of the many results of the externalization of European Union border controls. Regardless of the hopes that the EU might have for these systems to function as a “buffer zone”, there is a need to be realistic about the actual effect that these systems can have. There are a number of gaps showing that the countries in the region are neither willing nor able to process the number of asylum applications that could potentially be lodged by all the persons transiting the region today. These gaps include the lack of capacity to identify and register asylum seekers and to process asylum applications, the failure to conduct refugee status determination procedures in line with basic legal standards, the lack of return procedures and the inability to develop all the necessary systems (such as detention and return) in parallel.
Accruals Management to Avoid Losses
Authors: Xu Weihong
Published: July 2016

This study examines whether firms engage in accruals management to beat the zero earnings benchmark from the perspective of earnings per share (EPS). Based on net income scaled by lagged market value of equity (E/MV) to define just‐miss and just‐beat test bins, previous studies provide no or inconclusive evidence of accruals management to beat the zero earnings benchmark. I conjecture that because managers focus on shares scaled earnings performance rather than market value scaled earnings performance, forming test bins based on EPS instead of E/MV is a better approach to detect accruals management. As expected, I find evidence of accruals management to beat the zero EPS benchmark. I also find that firms are more likely to manipulate accruals when managers have stronger incentives to beat the zero EPS benchmark. In addition, accruals of firms just beating the zero EPS benchmark are more likely to reverse the next year, resulting in relatively lower future earnings for firms just beating the benchmark compared with firms just missing the benchmark.
The Young and the Restless: A Study of Age and Acquisition Propensity of CEOs of UK Firms
Authors: Zhang Teng , Sabherwal Sanjiv , Jayaraman Narayanan , Ferris Stephen P.
Published: July 2016

Using a large sample of CEOs of UK firms, we show that CEO age is a key determinant of acquisition activity. We find that younger CEOs are more likely to acquire another firm and spend more on large capital expenditures. We argue that while younger CEOs of both UK and US firms undertake more acquisitions than their older peers, their motivations for acquisitions might differ. We find that the stock market perceives acquisitions by younger CEOs to be of a higher quality. Following previous studies, we use CEO tenure as a proxy for reputation, and find that large acquisitions enhance CEO reputation, especially for younger CEOs. In contrast to the previous findings for CEOs of US firms, we determine that the compensation of CEOs in the UK does not increase after acquisitions. This absence of a compensation incentive for CEOs of UK firms is consistent with the idea that the UK compensation structure is more restrictive and has a smaller equity‐based component. Our evidence is also inconsistent with an overconfidence effect. Overall, our results provide consistent evidence of executive signaling by younger CEOs of UK firms eager to distinguish themselves.
Evaluation of real‐time PCR assay for the detection of Ascaris suum contamination in meat and organ meats
Authors: Nguyen Yen Thi Hoang , Wang Zhenzhen , Maruyama Haruhiko , Horii Yoichiro , Nonaka Nariaki , Yoshida Ayako
Published: July 2016

Ascarid larva migrans syndrome (ascarid LMS) is caused by ascarid roundworms including Ascaris suum. In East Asia, ascarid LMS has been considered as a food‐borne disease in adulthood who has the dietary habitat of consuming raw or lightly cooked meat and organ meats. To evaluate the potential risk of A. suum infection from these foods, Ascaris specific real‐time PCR was developed. The assay could constantly detect A. suum DNA up to 10 fg. Its specificity was confirmed by non‐amplification with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati DNA. A. suum DNA could be amplified from not only a single larva but also mouse liver spiked with a larva. Moreover, the assay could detect A. suum DNA in experimentally infected mouse liver, and showed higher sensitivity than a conventional digestion method. This real‐time PCR assay would be useful for detecting the A. suum larval contamination in meat and organ meats.

Practical applications

It has been considered that one of the most important risk factors for ascarid LMS in humans is the consumption of raw or undercooked meat or organ meats of domestic animals infected with Ascaris suum. Thus, we developed the novel real‐time PCR with the high sensitivity and specificity in order to specifically detect A. suum DNA from animal tissues. This assay can be applied to the meat inspection procedure for the identification of parasite larval contamination that may adversely impact on public health as well as on animal health and welfare.
Development and Validation of the Marital Metaphor Questionnaire (MMQ‐10) for Urban Chinese Women
Authors: Zhou Ruth D. H. , Chiu Marcus Y. L. , Chui Wing‐Yip
Published: July 2016

Metaphors have long been applied to marital counseling and couple therapy. This pioneering study measures marital conceptualization through metaphors. It reports the validation of the Marital Metaphor Questionnaire (MMQ‐10), designed to measure the marriage conceptualization of Chinese women through marital metaphors. The MMQ‐10 was found to have favorable psychometric properties including reliable internal consistency, a good discriminative prediction of marriage at risk and moderate correlation with a Chinese indigenous multidimensional marital satisfaction inventory. Factor analysis reveals that the MMQ‐10 is composed of three dimensions: conjugal relationship, marital anguish, and marital conviction. The MMQ‐10 appears to be suitable for the use with Chinese women in premarital or marital counseling sessions. The present researchers hope that this study may support the use of metaphors in future research and clinical practice in other nations and cultures.
Biostatistical analysis of quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy images
Authors: GILES C. , ALBRECHT M.A. , LAM V. , TAKECHI R. , MAMO J.C.
Published: July 2016

Semiquantitative immunofluorescence microscopy has become a key methodology in biomedical research. Typical statistical workflows are considered in the context of avoiding pseudo‐replication and marginalising experimental error. However, immunofluorescence microscopy naturally generates hierarchically structured data that can be leveraged to improve statistical power and enrich biological interpretation. Herein, we describe a robust distribution fitting procedure and compare several statistical tests, outlining their potential advantages/disadvantages in the context of biological interpretation. Further, we describe tractable procedures for power analysis that incorporates the underlying distribution, sample size and number of images captured per sample. The procedures outlined have significant potential for increasing understanding of biological processes and decreasing both ethical and financial burden through experimental optimization.
Energy and protein requirements of weaned male and female Saanen goats
Authors: Figueiredo F. O. M. , Leite R. F. , St‐Pierre N. R. , Resende K. T. , Almeida A. K. , Souza A. P. , Teixeira I. A. M. A.
Published: July 2016

The objective of this research was to estimate the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth in male (castrated and intact) and female Saanen goat kids between 15 and 30 kg BW. To determine the net energy requirements for maintenance (NEm) and the net protein requirements for maintenance (NPm), 75 goats (25 castrated and 26 intact males and 24 females) were used. Twenty‐one goats (seven castrated and eight intact males and six females) were randomly assigned for slaughter to estimate the initial empty body composition. The 54 remaining animals (18 castrated and 18 intact males and 18 females) were randomly assigned in a split‐plot design using a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three sexes and three levels of intake (ad libitum and restricted feed to 75% or 50% of the ad libitum intake). Within each sex, six blocks (three goats per block) were formed and one goat was randomly assigned to each level of intake. The 75% and the 50% of ad libitum rationing were determined daily, based on the DMI of the animal fed ad libitum on the previous day. All animals within block were slaughtered when the animal fed ad libitum reached 30 kg BW. The net energy requirements for gain (NEg) and the net protein requirements for gain (NPg) were obtained using 58 animals (20 castrated and 20 intact males and 18 females). The animals were fed ad libitum and slaughtered at targeted BW (15, 23 or 30 kg). Sex did not affect NEg and NPm (277.8 kJ/kg0.75 BW day and 2.98 g CP/kg0.75 BW day respectively), as well as NPg (180.9 ± 6.48 g/kg EBW gain) in Saanen goat kids. However, castrated males and females had similar NEg (varied from 12.6 ± 0.424 to 17.9 ± 1.38 MJ/kg EBW gain), greater than intact males (varied from 9.74 ± 0.420 to 10.7 ± 0.984 MJ/kg EBW gain), as the BW increased from 15 to 30 kg.
Formation of shatter cones in MEMIN impact experiments
Authors: Wilk J. , Kenkmann T.
Published: July 2016

Shatter cones are the only macroscopic feature considered as evidence for shock metamorphism. Their presence is diagnostic for the discovery and verification of impact structures. The occurrence of shatter cones is heterogeneous throughout the crater record and their geometry can diverge from the typical cone shape. The precise formation mechanism of shatter cones is still not resolved. In this study, we aim at better constraining the boundary conditions of shatter cone formation in impact experiments and test a novel approach to qualitatively and quantitatively describe shatter cone geometries by white light interferometry. We recovered several ejected fragments from MEMIN cratering experiments that show slightly curved, striated surfaces and conical geometries with apices of 36°–52°. These fragments fulfilling the morphological criteria of shatter cones were found in experiments with 20–80 cm sized target cubes of sandstone, quartzite and limestone, but not in highly porous tuff. Targets were impacted by aluminum, steel, and iron meteorite projectiles at velocities of 4.6–7.8 km s−1. The projectile sizes ranged from 2.5–12 mm in diameter and produced experimental peak pressures of up to 86 GPa. In experiments with lower impact velocities shatter cones could not be found. A thorough morphometric analysis of the experimentally generated shatter cones was made with 3D white light interferometry scans at micrometer accuracy. SEM analysis of the surfaces of recovered fragments showed vesicular melt films alternating with smoothly polished surfaces. We hypothesize that the vesicular melt films predominantly form at strain releasing steps and suggest that shatter cones are probably mixed mode fractures.
Weathering of ordinary chondrites from Oman: Correlation of weathering parameters with 14C terrestrial ages and a refined weathering scale
Authors: Zurfluh Florian J. , Hofmann Beda A. , Gnos Edwin , Eggenberger Urs , Jull A. J. Timothy
Published: July 2016

We have investigated 128 14C‐dated ordinary chondrites from Oman for macroscopically visible weathering parameters, for thin section‐based weathering degrees, and for chemical weathering parameters as analyzed with handheld X‐ray fluorescence. These 128 14C‐dated meteorites show an abundance maximum of terrestrial age at 19.9 ka, with a mean of 21.0 ka and a pronounced lack of samples between 0 and 10 ka. The weathering degree is evaluated in thin section using a refined weathering scale based on the current W0 to W6 classification of Wlotzka (1993), with five newly included intermediate steps resulting in a total of nine (formerly six) steps. We find significant correlations between terrestrial ages and several macroscopic weathering parameters. The correlation of various chemical parameters including Sr and Ba with terrestrial age is not very pronounced. The microscopic weathering degree of metal and sulfides with newly added intermediate steps shows the best correlation with 14C terrestrial ages, demonstrating the significance of the newly defined weathering steps. We demonstrate that the observed 14C terrestrial age distribution can be modeled from the abundance of meteorites with different weathering degrees, allowing the evaluation of an age‐frequency distribution for the whole meteorite population.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Percutaneous Octapolar Leads in Pain Treatment with Spinal Cord Stimulation of Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome During a 1‐Year Follow‐Up: A Prospective Multicenter International Study
Authors: Gatzinsky Kliment , Baardsen Roald , Buschman Hendrik P.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous octapolar (8‐contact) leads in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) patients who have not reached their therapy goals with other treatment interventions.

Methods

Our prospective, multicenter, open‐label, nonrandomized study included 93 patients ≥ 18 years of age suffering from chronic (≥ 6 months), intractable pain predominantly in the legs. Patients implanted with octapolar lead(s) and a neurostimulator after a successful test trial were followed for 12 months. Patients provided self‐reported data on change in visual analog scale (VAS) score for leg pain (primary outcome) and low back pain, quality of life (EuroQol 5 dimensions [EQ‐5D] index), sleep, medication use, and paresthesia coverage (secondary outcomes). Adverse events and preferred stimulation settings were documented.

Results

Eighty‐one (87%) patients had a successful SCS trial. Patients reported significantly improved leg pain relief; average VAS score was 72 ± 17 prior to SCS treatment and 32 ± 24 at 12 months (P < 0.001). Significant decrease in back pain (P < 0.001), improvement in quality of life (P < 0.001), and improvement in sleep (P < 0.05) was observed. Sixty‐three percent and 40% of patients were responders (≥ 50% pain reduction) on leg and back pain, respectively, after 12 months. A decrease in medication use was seen for antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Eighty‐eight percent of the patients managed with 1 or 2 programs for optimal effect and paresthesia coverage. Twenty‐five SCS‐related adverse events were registered in 22 patients (24%). Surgical revision due to lead displacement or dysfunction was needed in 6 (6%) of the patients.

Conclusions

Use of percutaneous octapolar SCS leads gives significant long‐term pain relief and improvement in quality of life and sleep in FBSS patients. The outcomes are better than reported on 4‐contact leads and indicate that the progress in SCS technology that has taken place during the past decade correlates with therapy improvements.
Agreement between clients with schizophrenia and mental health workers on clients' social quality of life: The role of social cognition and symptoms
Authors: Ofir‐Eyal Shani , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Bar‐Kalifa Eran , Kravetz Shlomo , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Studies have showed that therapists and mental health workers of persons with schizophrenia tend to estimate their patients’ social quality of life (SQoL) as poorer than the clients’ own estimation. This study explores the hypothesis that this discrepancy is related to clients’ social cognition and symptomatology.

Design

Cross‐sectional assessment of both clients and their mental health workers.

Methods

Ninety persons with schizophrenia and 12 persons who were formal care providers participated in the study. All responded to a parallel version (client and clinician) of social quality‐of‐life scales. Clients’ emotion identification, theory of mind and symptoms were also assessed.

Results

Low social cognitive abilities of persons with schizophrenia, as well as negative symptomatology and having children, may be related to the negative bias of mental health workers, with regard to their client's SQoL.

Conclusions

While more severe levels of negative symptoms and more deficits of social cognition were related to reduced levels of agreement, paradoxically, a relatively normative family life that includes parenting was also related to lower levels of agreement.

Practitioner points

Attention should be given to low agreement between clients with schizophrenia and clinicians with regard to the client's quality of life, as it is central to alliance and outcome.

Clinicians tend to estimate clients’ social quality of life as poorer than the clients’ own estimation when those clients have low social cognition, high negative symptomatology and children.

There is a need to identify additional factors that contribute to agreement and alliance in therapy.

Longitudinal assessment during therapy can trace the process of construction of agreement.
Loose Anagen Syndrome: A Retrospective Chart Review of 37 Cases
Authors: Swink Shane M. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie
Published: July 2016

Background/Objectives

Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) is a disorder of abnormal anchorage of the hair to the scalp. Its symptoms include an inability to grow hair long and hair that is easily pulled out.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with LAS over the last 10 years at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and found 37 cases.

Results

LAS was more common in females and was found in all hair colors and skin types.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of LAS should be made based on history, microscopic findings, and hair bulb and shaft features.
Antibody‐mediated rejection after ABO‐incompatible pediatric living donor liver transplantation for propionic acidemia: A case report
Authors: Honda Masaki , Sakamoto Seisuke , Sakamoto Rieko , Matsumoto Shirou , Irie Tomoaki , Uchida Koushi , Shimata Keita , Kawabata Seiichi , Isono Kaori , Hayashida Shintaro , Yamamoto Hidekazu , Endo Fumio , Inomata Yukihiro
Published: July 2016

We herein present the case of a four‐yr‐old boy with PA who developed AMR after ABO‐incompatible LDLT despite undergoing B cell desensitization using rituximab. Although the CD19+ lymphocyte count decreased to 0.1% nine days after the administration of rituximab, he developed a high fever which was accompanied by arthralgia due to a streptococcal infection 13 days after rituximab prophylaxis. After the clearance of the infection, he underwent ABO‐incompatible LDLT 36 days after the administration of rituximab. The CD19+ lymphocyte count just prior to LDLT was 1.2%. He developed AMR five days after LDLT, and the antidonor‐type IgM and IgG antibody titers increased to 1:1024 and 1:1024, respectively. He was treated by plasma exchange, IVIG, steroid pulse therapy, and rituximab re‐administration; however, his liver dysfunction continued. Despite intensive treatment, he died due to complicated abdominal hernia, acute renal failure, and ARDS. This case suggests that a streptococcal infection may induce the activation of innate immune responses; thus, additional desensitization therapy should be considered prior to ABO‐incompatible LDLT if B cell reactivation is suspected.
Association between levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and asthma exacerbations in Thai children
Authors: Visitsunthorn Nualanong , Mahawichit Nawinda , Maneechotesuwan Kittipong
Published: July 2016

Background and objective

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been used as a marker for airway inflammation. We evaluated the association between FeNO levels and asthma exacerbations (AEs) in Thai children and young adults.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study in patients with atopic asthma aged 7–20 years. Asthma control level and management were evaluated every 3 months for 1 year. Spirometry and FeNO measurements were performed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months.

Results

In all, 70 patients (median age: 12.6 (7.2–19.8) years) were enrolled, of whom 18% had an AE during the study period. Median FeNO levels were significantly higher in patients with an AE than in those without an AE (35.6 ppb vs 16.5 ppb; P = 0.012). FeNO of 31 ppb provided optimal sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (75.4%) for AE prediction. Sensitivity and specificity of FeNO levels were higher than those of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity bronchodilator reversibility for the prediction of an AE, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.121). None of the patients with FeNO level of 0–20 ppb had an AE within 12 months. Percentage of patients with FeNO of 21–40 ppb who suffered an AE was 20% and 30% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusion

The optimal cut‐off point of FeNO level for the prediction of AE is 31 ppb. AE within the next 12 months was significantly more common in patients with higher FeNO levels and in patients with a higher rate of previous 12‐month exacerbations.
Effects of selective carotid body stimulation with adenosine in conscious humans
Authors: Tubek Stanislaw , Niewinski Piotr , Reczuch Krzysztof , Janczak Dariusz , Rucinski Artur , Paleczny Bartlomiej , Engelman Zoar J. , Banasiak Waldemar , Paton Julian F. R. , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: July 2016

Key points

In humans, excitation of peripheral chemoreceptors with systemic hypoxia causes hyperventilation, hypertension and tachycardia. However, the contribution of particular chemosensory areas (carotid vs. aortic bodies) to this response is unclear.

We showed that selective stimulation of the carotid body by the injection of adenosine into the carotid artery causes a dose‐dependent increase in minute ventilation and blood pressure with a concomitant decrease in heart rate in conscious humans. The ventilatory response was abolished and the haemodynamic response was diminished following carotid body ablation.

We found that the magnitude of adenosine evoked responses in minute ventilation and blood pressure was analogous to the responses evoked by hypoxia. By contrast, opposing heart rate responses were evoked by adenosine (bradycardia) vs. hypoxia (tachycardia).

Intra‐carotid adenosine administration may provide a novel method for perioperative assessment of the effectiveness of carotid body ablation, which has been recently proposed as a treatment strategy for sympathetically‐mediated diseases.

Stimulation of peripheral chemoreceptors by acute hypoxia causes an increase in minute ventilation (VI), heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (BP). However, the contribution of particular chemosensory areas, such as carotid (CB) vs. aortic bodies, to this response in humans remains unknown. We performed a blinded, randomized and placebo‐controlled study in 11 conscious patients (nine men, two women) undergoing common carotid artery angiography. Doses of adenosine ranging from 4 to 512 μg or placebo solution of a matching volume were administered in randomized order via a diagnostic catheter located in a common carotid artery. Separately, ventilatory and haemodynamic responses to systemic hypoxia were also assessed. Direct excitation of a CB with intra‐arterial adenosine increased VI, systolic BP, mean BP and decreased HR. No responses in these variables were seen after injections of placebo. The magnitude of the ventilatory and haemodynamic responses depended on both the dose of adenosine used and on the level of chemosensitivity as determined by the ventilatory response to hypoxia. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the CB abolished the adenosine evoked respiratory response and partially depressed the cardiovascular response in one participant. The results of the present study confirm the excitatory role of purines in CB physiology in humans and suggest that adenosine may be used for selective stimulation and assessment of CB activity. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01939912.
Estimation of the Particle Deposition on a Subsonic Axial Compressor Blade
Authors: Suman Alessio , Morini Mirko , Kurz Rainer , Aldi Nicola , Brun Klaus , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero
Published: July 2016

The quality and purity of the air entering a gas turbine is a significant factor influencing its performance and life. Foulants in the ppm range which are not captured by the air filtration system usually cause deposits on blading, which results in a severe drop in the performance of the compressor. Through the interdisciplinary approach proposed in this paper, it is possible to determine the evolution of the fouling phenomenon through the integration of studies in different research fields: (i) numerical simulation, (ii) power plant characteristics, and (iii) particle-adhesion characteristics. In fact, the size of the particles, their concentrations and adhesion ability, and filtration efficiency represent the major contributors for performing a realistic quantitative analysis of fouling phenomena in an axial compressor. The aim of this work is the estimation of actual deposits on the blade surface in terms of location and quantity. This study combines the impact/adhesion characteristic of the particles obtained through a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and the real size distribution of the contaminants in the air swallowed by the compressor. The blade zones affected by deposits are clearly reported by using easy-to-use contaminant maps realized on the blade surface, in terms of contaminant mass. The analysis has shown that particular fluid-dynamic phenomena and airfoil shape influence the pattern deposition. The use of a filtration system decreases the contamination of blade and the charge level of electrostatic filters seems to be less important than the air contaminant concentration. From these analyses, some guidelines for proper installation and management of the power plant (in terms of filtration systems and washing strategies) can be drawn up. Characterization of the air contaminants in the power plant location represents the most important step in improving the management of the gas turbine power plant.
Numerical Investigation of Boundary Layers in Wet Steam Nozzles
Authors: Starzmann Jörg , Hughes Fiona R. , White Alexander J. , Grübel Marius , Vogt Damian M.
Published: July 2016

Condensing nozzle flows have been used extensively to validate wet steam models. Many test cases are available in the literature, and in the past, a range of numerical studies have dealt with this challenging task. It is usually assumed that the nozzles provide a one- or two-dimensional flow with a fully turbulent boundary layer (BL). The present paper reviews these assumptions and investigates numerically the influence of boundary layers on dry and wet steam nozzle expansions. For the narrow nozzle of Moses and Stein, it is shown that the pressure distribution is significantly affected by the additional blockage due to the side wall boundary layer. Comparison of laminar and turbulent flow predictions for this nozzles suggests that laminar–turbulent transition only occurs after the throat. Other examples are the Binnie and Green nozzle and the Moore et al. nozzles for which it is known that sudden changes in wall curvature produce expansion and compression waves that interact with the boundary layers. The differences between two- and three-dimensional calculations for these cases and the influence of laminar and turbulent boundary layers are discussed. The present results reveal that boundary layer effects can have a considerable impact on the mean nozzle flow and thus on the validation process of condensation models. In order to verify the accuracy of turbulence modeling, a test case that is not widely known internationally is included within the present study. This experimental work is remarkable because it includes boundary layer data as well as the usual pressure measurements along the nozzle centerline. Predicted and measured boundary layer profiles are compared, and the effect of different turbulence models is discussed. Most of the numerical results are obtained with the in-house wet steam Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver, Steamblock, but for the purpose of comparison, the commercial program ansys cfx is also used, providing a wider range of standard RANS-based turbulence models.
An Experimental Investigation of Digging Via Localized Fluidization, Tested With RoboClam: A Robot Inspired by Atlantic Razor Clams
Authors: Isava Monica , Winter V Amos G.
Published: July 2016

The Atlantic razor clam, Ensis directus, burrows underwater by expanding and contracting its valves to fluidize the surrounding soil. Its digging method uses an order of magnitude less energy than would be needed to push the clam directly into soil, which could be useful in applications such as anchoring and sensor placement. This paper presents the theoretical basis for the timescales necessary to achieve such efficient digging and gives design parameters for a device to move at these timescales. It then uses RoboClam, a robot designed to imitate the razor clam's movements, to test the design rules. It was found that the minimum contraction time is the most critical timescale for efficient digging and that efficient expansion times vary more widely. The results of this paper can be used as design rules for other robot architectures for efficient digging, optimized for the size scale and soil type of the application.
Design Roadmapping: A Framework and Case Study on Planning Development of High-Tech Products in Silicon Valley
Authors: Kim Euiyoung , Chung Jaewoo , Beckman Sara , Agogino Alice M.
Published: July 2016

We propose a framework for design roadmapping that parallels existing product roadmapping and technology roadmapping processes. It leverages three needs we have observed in organizations as they use existing roadmapping processes: (1) to focus on development of customer and user experiences (UX), not just on features; (2) to increase engagement of designers early in the planning process; and (3) to provide a means for rapidly responding to changes in the environment. Design roadmapping is an attempt to reconcile differences that arise when customer/user needs are not considered simultaneously with technology choices. The proposed design roadmapping process assists project prioritization and selection. The process aggregates design experience elements along a timeline that associates key user needs with the products, services, and/or systems the organization wishes to deliver. To illustrate the design roadmapping process, we conducted a case study in which we applied the design roadmapping process to projects undertaken by a large corporation's innovation lab located in research centers in San Francisco and Mountain View, CA, in partnership with corporate stakeholders located in Asia. The five-step design roadmapping procedure is provided along with detailed information. The decisions from the design roadmapping process have been incorporated into the company's commercial plans. Key findings in this corporate case study bolster the positive impact of design roadmapping in moving strategic thinking from a technology/feature-driven process to one that is design/experience-driven. It shows how firms might weigh choices between user needs, design principles, and technological innovation.
Precise determination of the refractive index of suspended particles: light transmission as a function of refractive index mismatch
Authors: McClymer J. P.
Published: July 2016

Many fluids appear white because refractive index differences lead to multiple scattering. In this paper, we use safe, low-cost commercial index matching fluids to quantitatively study light transmission as a function of index mismatch, reduce multiple scattering to allow single scattering probes, and to precisely determine the index of refraction of suspended material. The transmission profile is compared with Rayleigh-Gans and Mie theory predictions. The procedure is accessible as a student laboratory project, while providing advantages over other standard methods of measuring the refractive index of an unknown nanoparticle, making it valuable to researchers.
Oersted Lecture 2014: Physics education research and teaching modern Modern Physics
Authors: Zollman Dean
Published: July 2016

Modern Physics has been used as a label for most of physics that was developed since the discovery of X-rays in 1895. Yet, we are teaching students who would not use the label “modern” for anything that happened before about 1995, when they were born. So, are we and our students in worlds that differ by a century? In addition to content, sometimes our students and we have differing views about methods and styles of teaching. A modern course in any topic of physics should include applications of contemporary research in physics education and the learning sciences as well as research and developments in methods of delivering the content. Thus, when we consider teaching Modern Physics, we are challenged with deciding what the content should be, how to adjust for the ever increasing information on how students learn physics, and the constantly changing tools that are available to us for teaching and learning. When we mix all of these together, we can teach modern Modern Physics or maybe teach Modern Physics modernly.
Effective variations of peer instruction: The effects of peer discussions, committing to an answer, and reaching a consensus
Authors: Lasry Nathaniel , Charles Elizabeth , Whittaker Chris
Published: July 2016

Peer Instruction (PI) is a widely used student-centered pedagogy, but one that is used differently by different instructors. While all PI instructors survey their students with conceptual questions, some do not allow students to discuss with peers. We studied the effect of peer discussion by polling three groups of students (N = 86) twice on the same set of nine conceptual questions. The three groups differed in the tasks assigned between the first and second poll: the first group discussed, the second reflected in silence, and the third was distracted so they could neither reflect nor discuss. Comparing score changes between the first and second poll, we find minimal increases in the distraction condition (3%), sizable increases in the reflection condition (10%), and significantly larger increases in the peer discussion condition (21%). We also examined the effect of committing to an answer before peer discussion and reaching a consensus afterward. We compared a lecture-based control section to three variations of PI that differed in their requirement to commit to an answer or reach consensus (N = 108). We find that all PI groups achieve greater conceptual learning and traditional problem solving than lecture-based instruction. We find one difference between these groups: the absence of consensus building is related to a significant decrease in expert views and beliefs. Our findings can therefore be used to make two recommendations: always use peer discussions and consider asking students to reach a consensus before re-polling.
Visual capture of a stereo sound: Interactions between cue reliability, sound localization variability, and cross-modal bias
Authors: Montagne Christopher , Zhou Yi
Published: July 2016

Multisensory interactions involve coordination and sometimes competition between multiple senses. Vision usually dominates audition in spatial judgments when light and sound stimuli are presented from two different physical locations. This study investigated the influence of vision on the perceived location of a phantom sound source placed in a stereo sound field using a pair of loudspeakers emitting identical signals that were delayed or attenuated relative to each other. Results show that although a similar horizontal range (+/−45°) was reported for timing-modulated and level-modulated signals, listeners' localization performance showed greater variability for the timing signals. When visual stimuli were presented simultaneously with the auditory stimuli, listeners showed stronger visual bias for timing-modulated signals than level-modulated and single-speaker control signals. Trial-to-trial errors remained relatively stable over time, suggesting that sound localization uncertainty has an immediate and long-lasting effect on the across-modal bias. Binaural signal analyses further reveal that interaural differences of time and intensity—the two primary cues for sound localization in the azimuthal plane—are inherently more ambiguous for signals placed using timing. These results suggest that binaural ambiguity is intrinsically linked with localization variability and the strength of cross-modal bias in sound localization.
Smad7
gene delivery prevents muscle wasting associated with cancer cachexia in mice
Authors: Winbanks Catherine E. , Murphy Kate T. , Bernardo Bianca C. , Qian Hongwei , Liu Yingying , Sepulveda Patricio V. , Beyer Claudia , Hagg Adam , Thomson Rachel E. , Chen Justin L. , Walton Kelly L. , Loveland Kate L. , McMullen Julie R. , Rodgers Buel D. , Harrison Craig A. , Lynch Gordon S. , Gregorevic Paul
Published: July 2016

Muscle-directed
Smad7
gene delivery prevents the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength in mouse models of cachexia, an important contributor to poor prognosis in patients with advanced cancer.