bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manual dexterity in young and healthy older adults. 1. Age‐ and gender‐related differences in unimanual and bimanual performance
Authors: Vasylenko Olena , Gorecka Marta M. , Rodríguez‐Aranda Claudia
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to better characterize age‐related differences in dexterity by using an integrative approach where movement times and kinematics were measured for both hands. Forty‐five young (age 19–31) and 55 healthy older adults (age 60–88) were evaluated during unimanual and bimanual performance of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Gender effects were also assessed. From video‐recorded data, movement times and kinematics were obtained for reaching, grasping, transport, and inserting. Results showed that older adults had longer movement times for grasping and inserting with the right hand, and across all movements with the left hand. Kinematic differences were found in path length, linear, and angular velocity. The patterns of slowing were similar in unimanual and bimanual tasks. Gender effects showed more slowing in older males than older females. Age differences in dexterity not only comprise slowing of movements but also kinematic alterations. The importance of gender in hand function was demonstrated.
The nature of the beast: examining climate adaptation options in forests with stand‐replacing fire regimes
Authors: Halofsky Joshua S. , Donato Daniel C. , Franklin Jerry F. , Halofsky Jessica E. , Peterson David L. , Harvey Brian J.
Published: March 2018

Building resilience to natural disturbances is a key to managing forests for adaptation to climate change. To date, most climate adaptation guidance has focused on recommendations for frequent‐fire forests, leaving few published guidelines for forests that naturally experience infrequent, stand‐replacing wildfires. Because most such forests are inherently resilient to stand‐replacing disturbances, and burn severity mosaics are largely indifferent to manipulations of stand structure (i.e., weather‐driven, rather than fuel‐driven fire regimes), we posit that pre‐fire climate adaptation options are generally fewer in these regimes relative to others. Outside of areas of high human value, stand‐scale fuel treatments commonly emphasized for other forest types would undermine many of the functions, ecosystem services, and other values for which these forests are known. For stand‐replacing disturbance regimes, we propose that (1) managed wildfire use (e.g., allowing natural fires to burn under moderate conditions) can be a useful strategy as in other forest types, but likely confers fewer benefits to long‐term forest resilience and climate adaptation, while carrying greater socio‐ecological risks; (2) reasoned fire exclusion (i.e., the suppression component of a managed wildfire program) can be an appropriate strategy to maintain certain ecosystem conditions and services in the face of change, being more ecologically justifiable in long‐interval fire regimes and producing fewer of the negative consequences than in frequent‐fire regimes; (3) low‐risk pre‐disturbance adaptation options are few, but the most promising approaches emphasize fundamental conservation biology principles to create a safe operating space for the system to respond to change (e.g., maintaining heterogeneity across scales and minimizing stressors); and (4) post‐disturbance conditions are the primary opportunity to implement adaptation strategies (such as protecting live tree legacies and testing new regeneration methods), providing crucial learning opportunities. This approach will provide greater context and understanding of these systems for ecologists and resource managers, stimulate future development of adaptation strategies, and illustrate why public expectations for climate adaptation in these forests will differ from those for frequent‐fire forests.
Optical Absorption Spectra of Divalent Neodymium (Nd2+) in Bromide and Iodide Hosts
Authors: Karbowiak Mirosław , Rudowicz Czesław
Published: March 2018

The electronic spectra for Nd2+ions in bromide and iodide hosts are reported for the first time. These spectra, together with the recently obtained spectra for the chloride matrix, constitute a substantial series of Nd2+spectra in crystals. Importantly, these crystals differ in the factors important for the physical properties of the divalent lanthanide Ln2+ions; that is, the ligand's chemical character and the symmetry of the crystal field. The available experimental data allow systematic investigations of the impact of these factors on the electronic spectra, and thus, spectroscopic properties of Nd2+ions. These investigations are the main aim of this study. The results indicate that due to the increasing covalence of the Nd2+environment in the Cl–Br–I series, the energy of the first f–d transition shifts into the infrared region, from 6121 cm–1for SrCl2/Nd2+to ca. 5260 cm–1for SrI2/Nd2+, whereas the strength of the crystal field decreases along this series. Calculations using the parametric Hamiltonian and superposition model are carried out to quantitatively interpret the measured spectra. The simulated spectra exhibit good agreement with the experimental spectra. Using the proposed approach, a meaningful interpretation and assignment of the bands observed in the spectra has been achieved.
Regioselective Catalysis by the {Mo132} Nanocapsule: A Computational Inspection
Authors: Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Bo Carles
Published: March 2018

By means of density functional calculations, we perform a mechanistic analysis of the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction taking place with the chemical involvement of the {Mo132} nanocapsule, initially reported by Besson and others [Dalton Trans. 2012, 41, 9852–9854], whereby a 2:1 regioselectivity is obtained by chemically grafting the reactants onto the cavity walls of this metal‐oxide catalyst. We explore the mechanistic pathways quantitatively and explore the basis of this regioselectivity. When propiolate is coordinated to the nanocapsule, the selectivity of the catalytic system is both kinetically and thermodynamically in favour of the formation of 1,4‐triazole, whereas in the alternative pathway, which begins with the triazidoacetate coordination, the selectivity is kinetic alone. The former and latter pathways have activation barrier differences between each isomer of 29.9 kJ/mol and 39.2 kJ/mol, respectively.
Direct Access to N‐tert‐Butanesulfinyl Imines from Aryl Iodides, Alkenyl Alcohols, and N‐tert‐Butanesulfinamide
Authors: Ikhlef Sofiane , Behloul Cherif , Lahosa Alejandro , Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel
Published: March 2018

The reaction of aryl iodides, N‐tert‐butanesulfinamide, and allyl or homoallyl alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)2, NaHCO3 as a base, and TBAB leads to the formation of N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl imines in moderate yields. In this one‐pot process, a sequential Heck‐type arylation of the alkenol, isomerization of the double bond, and imine formation take place.
Broadening the Scope of the Gold‐Catalyzed [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction: Synthesis of Vinylcyclobutenes and Further Transformations
Authors: Elena de Orbe M. , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: March 2018

The gold(I)‐catalyzed reaction of 1,3‐enynes with alkenes gives rise to 1‐vinylcyclobutenes through a formal [2+2] cycloaddition reaction. The corresponding reaction of alkynes or 1,3‐enynes with 1,3‐dienes or other dienes also gives cyclobutenes. Cyclobutenes can be transformed into a variety of products by one‐pot reactions that involve cycloaddition, ring opening, expansion, or contraction.
Spirokermeline: A Macrocyclic Spirolactone from Kermadecia elliptica Brongn. & Gris
Authors: Khazem Mays , Jolly Claire , Gaslonde Thomas , Massip Stéphane , Negrier Philippe , Espeau Philippe , Michel Sylvie , Litaudon Marc
Published: March 2018

Spirokermeline, a new macrocyclic compound derived from resorcinol, was isolated from Kermadecia elliptica, an endemic species of New Caledonia. The structure of spirokermeline was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction analysis. This is the first time that a 3H,3′H‐spiro[benzofuran‐2,1′‐isobenzofuran]‐3,3′‐dione was isolated from higher plants and only the second time that this scaffold was found in nature. A possible biosynthetic pathway is proposed.
Comparison of geomorphological field mapping and 2D‐InSAR mapping of periglacial landscape activity at Nordnesfjellet, northern Norway
Authors: Eckerstorfer Markus , Eriksen Harald Øverli , Rouyet Line , Christiansen Hanne H. , Lauknes Tom Rune , Blikra Lars Harald
Published: March 2018

The ability to continuously monitor the dynamic response of periglacial landforms in a climate change context is of increasing scientific interest. Satellite radar interferometry provides information on surface displacement that can be related to periglacial processes. Here we present a comparison of two‐dimensional (2D) surface displacement rates and geomorphological mapping at periglacial landform and sediment scale from the mountain Nordnesfjellet in northern Norway. Hence, 2D Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) results stem from a 2009–2014 TerraSAR‐X dataset from ascending and descending orbits, decomposed into horizontal displacement vectors along an east–west plane, vertical displacement vectors and combined displacement velocity. Geomorphological mapping was carried out on aerial imagery and validated in the field. This detailed landform and sediment type mapping revealed an altitudinal distribution dominated by, weathered bedrock blockfields, surrounded primarily by slightly, to non‐vegetated solifluction landforms at the mountain tops. Below, an active rockslide and associated rockfall deposits are located on the steep east‐facing side of the study area, whereas glacial sediments dominate on the gentler western side. We show that 2D InSAR correctly depicts displacement rates that can be associated with typical deformation patterns for flat‐lying or inclined landforms, within and below the regional permafrost limit, for both wet and dry areas. A net lowering of the entire landscape caused by general denudation of the periglacial landforms and sediments is here quantified for the first time using radar remote sensing. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo imaging of Α7 nicotinic receptors as a novel method to monitor neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Colás Lorena , Domercq Maria , Ramos‐Cabrer Pedro , Palma Ana , Gómez‐Vallejo Vanessa , Padro Daniel , Plaza‐García Sandra , Pulagam Krishna R. , Higuchi Makoto , Matute Carlos , Llop Jordi , Martín Abraham
Published: March 2018

In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is a promising tool for the imaging evaluation of neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of α7 nAChRs after brain diseases such as cerebral ischemia and its involvement in inflammatory reaction is still largely unknown. In vivo and ex vivo evaluation of α7 nAChRs expression after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was carried out using PET imaging with [11C]NS14492 and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pharmacological activation of α7 receptors was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [18F]DPA‐714 PET, IHC, real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and neurofunctional studies. In the ischemic territory, [11C]NS14492 signal and IHC showed an expression increase of α7 receptors in microglia and astrocytes after cerebral ischemia. The role played by α7 receptors on neuroinflammation was supported by the decrease of [18F]DPA‐714 binding in ischemic rats treated with the α7 agonist PHA 568487 at day 7 after MCAO. Moreover, compared with non‐treated MCAO rats, PHA‐treated ischemic rats showed a significant reduction of the cerebral infarct volumes and an improvement of the neurologic outcome. PHA treatment significantly reduced the expression of leukocyte infiltration molecules in MCAO rats and in endothelial cells after in vitro ischemia. Despite that, the activation of α7 nAChR had no influence to the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability measured by MRI. Taken together, these results suggest that the nicotinic α7 nAChRs play a key role in the inflammatory reaction and the leukocyte recruitment following cerebral ischemia in rats.
Vestibular brain changes within 70 days of head down bed rest
Authors: Yuan Peng , Koppelmans Vincent , Reuter‐Lorenz Patricia , De Dios Yiri , Gadd Nichole , Wood Scott , Riascos Roy , Kofman Igor , Bloomberg Jacob , Mulavara Ajitkumar , Seidler Rachael
Published: March 2018

Head‐down‐tilt bed rest (HDBR) is frequently utilized as a spaceflight analog research environment to study the effects of axial body unloading and fluid shifts that are associated with spaceflight in the absence of gravitational modifications. HDBR has been shown to result in balance changes, presumably due to sensory reweighting and adaptation processes. Here, we examined whether HDBR results in changes in the neural correlates of vestibular processing. Thirteen men participated in a 70‐day HDBR intervention; we measured balance, functional mobility, and functional brain activity in response to vestibular stimulation at 7 time points before, during, and after HDBR. Vestibular stimulation was administered by means of skull taps, resulting in activation of the vestibular cortex and deactivation of the cerebellar, motor, and somatosensory cortices. Activation in the bilateral insular cortex, part of the vestibular network, gradually increased across the course of HDBR, suggesting an upregulation of vestibular inputs in response to the reduced somatosensory inputs experienced during bed rest. Furthermore, greater increase of activation in multiple frontal, parietal, and occipital regions in response to vestibular stimulation during HDBR was associated with greater decrements in balance and mobility from before to after HDBR, suggesting reduced neural efficiency. These findings shed light on neuroplastic changes occurring with conditions of altered sensory inputs, and reveal the potential for central vestibular‐somatosensory convergence and reweighting with bed rest.
Presurgical language fMRI: Clinical practices and patient outcomes in epilepsy surgical planning
Authors: Benjamin Christopher F. A. , Li Alexa X. , Blumenfeld Hal , Constable R. Todd , Alkawadri Rafeed , Bickel Stephan , Helmstaedter Christoph , Meletti Stefano , Bronen Richard , Warfield Simon K. , Peters Jurriaan M. , Reutens David , Połczyńska Monika , Spencer Dennis D. , Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: March 2018

The goal of this study was to document current clinical practice and report patient outcomes in presurgical language functional MRI (fMRI) for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy surgical programs worldwide were surveyed as to the utility, implementation, and efficacy of language fMRI in the clinic; 82 programs responded. Respondents were predominantly US (61%) academic programs (85%), and evaluated adults (44%), adults and children (40%), or children only (16%). Nearly all (96%) reported using language fMRI. Surprisingly, fMRI is used to guide surgical margins (44% of programs) as well as lateralize language (100%). Sites using fMRI for localization most often use a distance margin around activation of 10mm. While considered useful, 56% of programs reported at least one instance of disagreement with other measures. Direct brain stimulation typically confirmed fMRI findings (74%) when guiding margins, but instances of unpredicted decline were reported by 17% of programs and 54% reported unexpected preservation of function. Programs reporting unexpected decline did not clearly differ from those which did not. Clinicians using fMRI to guide surgical margins do not typically map known language‐critical areas beyond Broca's and Wernicke's. This initial data shows many clinical teams are confident using fMRI not only for language lateralization but also to guide surgical margins. Reported cases of unexpected language preservation when fMRI activation is resected, and cases of language decline when it is not, emphasize a critical need for further validation. Comprehensive studies comparing commonly‐used fMRI paradigms to predict stimulation mapping and post‐surgical language decline remain of high importance.
Impaired rich club and increased local connectivity in children with traumatic brain injury: Local support for the rich?
Authors: Verhelst Helena , Vander Linden Catharine , De Pauw Toon , Vingerhoets Guy , Caeyenberghs Karen
Published: March 2018

Recent evidence has shown the presence of a “rich club” in the brain, which constitutes a core network of highly interconnected and spatially distributed brain regions, important for high‐order cognitive processes. This study aimed to map the rich club organization in 17 young patients with moderate to severe TBI (15.71 ± 1.75 years) in the chronic stage of recovery and 17 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Probabilistic tractography was performed on diffusion weighted imaging data to construct the edges of the structural connectomes using number of streamlines as edge weight. In addition, the whole‐brain network was divided into a rich club network, a local network and a feeder network connecting the latter two. Functional outcome was measured with a parent questionnaire for executive functioning. Our results revealed a significantly decreased rich club organization (p values < .05) and impaired executive functioning (p < .001) in young patients with TBI compared with controls. Specifically, we observed reduced density values in all three subnetworks (p values < .005) and a reduced mean strength in the rich club network (p = .013) together with an increased mean strength in the local network (p = .002) in patients with TBI. This study provides new insights into the nature of TBI‐induced brain network alterations and supports the hypothesis that the local subnetwork tries to compensate for the biologically costly subnetwork of rich club nodes after TBI.
The effect of biological soil crusts on soil moisture dynamics under different rainfall conditions in the Tengger Desert, China
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Xin‐ping , Zhang Ya‐feng , Pan Yan‐xia , Hu Rui , Jin Yan‐xia
Published: March 2018

Rainfall is considered as the dominant water replenishment in desert ecosystems, and the conversion of rainfall into soil water availability plays a central role in sustaining the ecosystem function. In this study, the role of biological soil crusts (BSCs), typically formed in the revegetated desert ecosystem in the Tengger Desert of China, in converting rainfall into soil water, especially for the underlying soil moisture dynamics, was clarified by taking into account the synthetic effects of BSCs, rainfall characteristics, and antecedent soil water content on natural rainfall conditions at point scale. Our results showed that BSCs retard the infiltration process due to its higher water holding capacity during the initial stage of infiltration, such negative effect could be offset by the initial wet condition of BSCs. The influence of BSCs on infiltration amount was dependent on rainfall regime and soil depth. BSCs promoted a higher infiltration through the way of prolonged water containing duration in the ground surface and exhibited a lower infiltration at deep soil layer, which were much more obvious under small and medium rainfall events for the BSCs area compared with the sand area. Generally, the higher infiltration at top soil layer only increased soil moisture at 0.03 m depth; in consequence, there was no water recharge for the deep soil, and thus, BSCs had a negative effect on soil water effectiveness, which may be a potential challenge for the sustainability of the local deep‐rooted vegetation under the site specific rainfall conditions in northwestern China.
Serum DHEA and Its Sulfate Are Associated With Incident Fall Risk in Older Men: The MrOS Sweden Study
Authors: Ohlsson Claes , Nethander Maria , Karlsson Magnus K , Rosengren Björn E , Ribom Eva , Mellström Dan , Vandenput Liesbeth
Published: March 2018

The adrenal-derived hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) are the most abundant circulating hormones and their levels decline substantially with age. Many of the actions of DHEAS are considered to be mediated through metabolism into androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues. The predictive value of serum DHEA and DHEAS for the likelihood of falling is unknown. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the associations between baseline DHEA and DHEAS levels and incident fall risk in a large cohort of older men. Serum DHEA and DHEAS levels were analyzed with mass spectrometry in the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study in Sweden (n = 2516, age 69 to 81 years). Falls were ascertained every 4 months by mailed questionnaires. Associations between steroid hormones and falls were estimated by generalized estimating equations. During a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, 968 (38.5%) participants experienced a fall. High serum levels of both DHEA (odds ratio [OR] per SD increase 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92) and DHEAS (OR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.95) were associated with a lower incident fall risk in models adjusted for age, BMI, and prevalent falls. Further adjustment for serum sex steroids or age-related comorbidities only marginally attenuated the associations between DHEA or DHEAS and the likelihood of falling. Moreover, the point estimates for DHEA and DHEAS were only slightly reduced after adjustment for lean mass and/or grip strength. Also, the addition of the narrow walk test did not substantially alter the associations between serum DHEA or DHEAS and fall risk. Finally, the association with incident fall risk remained significant for DHEA but not for DHEAS after simultaneous adjustment for lean mass, grip strength, and the narrow walk test. This suggests that the associations between DHEA and DHEAS and falls are only partially mediated via muscle mass, muscle strength, and/or balance. In conclusion, older men with high DHEA or DHEAS levels have a lesser likelihood of a fall. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
“She's woke”: The paradoxical effects of the 2016 election on an individual client
Authors: Raskin Patricia M.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this article is to present a case history of an individual client deeply affected by the 2016 election of Donald Trump: an unexpected key to her self‐empowerment. Raised in poverty and with a history of being sexually abused, the client's anger and frustration at Hillary Clinton's loss in the election led to an examination in therapy of the role of gender in her life and enabled her to strengthen her sense of agency in her world.
Impact of the 2016 US presidential election on OCD symptom presentation: A case illustration
Authors: Davis Michelle L. , McCann Matthew , Goodman Wayne K. , Storch Eric A.
Published: March 2018

A recent survey of Americans found that the majority experienced stress during and after the 2016 United States presidential election. Psychosocial, environmental stressors can have a unique impact on symptom presentation in mental health disorders. This manuscript details a case illustration of an individual whose symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder were directly linked to the election, as well as how these symptoms were addressed via treatment with intensive exposure and response prevention.
From candidate to president: Donald Trump's effect on an executive coaching client
Authors: Thomas Laurie
Published: March 2018

Political events leading up to, and following the results of, the November, 2016 election have affected patients in psychotherapy as well as clients working with executive coaches. This article follows developments in coaching work with one male, middle‐aged, highly successful but “interpersonally challenged” client that are traceable to the client's reactions to the election and to the president himself.
Backpackers in the Nepal 2015 earthquake: The contribution of personal and social resources to mental health
Authors: Weiss‐Dagan Shlomit , Itzhaky Haya , Taubman‐Ben‐Ari Orit
Published: March 2018

Psychologists and social workers are usually called into action after natural disasters such as earthquakes, which obviously arouse psychological distress among locals. However, the question of assisting tourists who have also been affected by the disaster has scarcely been studied. In this study, we focused specifically on backpackers who were in Nepal at the time of the 2015 earthquake, and survived. Our aim was to estimate factors that protect a backpacker's mental health after an earthquake, to deepen social workers’ knowledge regarding potential effective interventions. Based on the conservation of resources theory, we examined the contribution of optimism, emotion regulation, as well as the support of family and friends to backpackers’ mental health. A cross‐sectional sample survey was conducted to collect data from 145 backpackers 1 week to 3 months after the disaster. The findings indicated that optimism, emotion regulation in the form of reassessment, and friends’ support contributed positively to backpackers’ mental health, whereas suppression of expression contributed negatively. Findings are discussed with the aim of providing recommendations for social workers.
Contractile heterogeneity in ventricular myocardium
Authors: Pan Wen , Yang Ziqi , Cheng Jun , Qian Cheng , Wang Yanggan
Published: March 2018

The transmural heterogeneity of the contractility in ventricular muscle has not been well‐studied. Here, we investigated the calcium transient and sarcomere contraction/relaxation in the endocardial (Endo) and epicardial (Epi) myocytes. Endo and Epi myocytes were isolated from C57/BL6 mice by Langendorff perfusion. Ca2+ transient and sarcomere contraction/relaxation were recorded simultaneously at different stimulation frequencies using a dual excitation fluorescence photomultiplier system. We found that the Endo myocytes have higher baseline diastolic calcium, significantly larger calcium transient and stronger sarcomere shortening than Epi myocytes. However, both the rising and decline phases for calcium transient and sarcomere shortening were slower in Endo than in Epi myocytes. When simulation frequency was increased from 1 to 3 Hz, a greater percent increase in the diastole calcium level, Ca2+ transient and sarcomere shortening amplitude has been observed in the Endo myocytes. Accordingly, the frequency‐dependent acceleration in the decay rate of calcium transient and sarcomere relaxation was more profound in the Endo than in Epi myocytes. Western blot analysis showed that CaMKII activity was significantly higher in Epi than in Endo myocardium before stimulation. However, this transmural heterogeneity was reversed by rapid pacing. CaMKII inhibition by KN93 diminished the frequency‐dependent alterations of Ca2+ transient and sarcomere contraction. Our results suggest that the contractility of ventricular myocytes is heterogeneous. The Endo‐myocardium is the major force generating layer in the heart, both at slow and fast heart rate, and the transmural heterogeneity of CaMKII activation plays an important role in the frequency‐dependent alterations.
Research advances and challenges in anammox immobilization for autotrophic nitrogen removal
Authors: Manonmani Umapathy , Joseph Kurian
Published: March 2018

Application of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process using suspended or attached growth technology has limitations of slow growth rate such as biomass washout, and large footprint. This has led to the development of smaller, compact immobilized systems. In recent years, wastewater treatment using anammox immobilized cells has received much attention due to its advantages of high biomass content, retention of biomass by prevention of washout, good solid–liquid separation and lower toxicity to microorganisms. This article critically reviews the existing literature on autotrophic nitrogen removal using anammox bacteria in its immobilized form. Different methods of using immobilized anammox bacteria were identified. Characteristics of various polymeric gels such as solubility, biodegradability, stability, diffusivity and growth of biomass in the polymeric gel were studied. However, there is insufficient study of disposal methods and costs involved in anammox immobilization to guide future implementation of immobilized anammox technologies for autotrophic nitrogen removal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic diagnosis of four water beads causing small‐bowel obstruction in an 18‐month‐old boy
Authors: Yang Xiuzhen , Zhang Yuebin , Ye Jingjing
Published: March 2018

We report a rare case of sonographic (US) diagnosis of four water beads causing small‐bowel obstruction in an 18‐month‐old boy. The boy presented with a 3‐day history of repeated bouts of abdominal pain and vomiting, which became bilious on the last day. Abdominal US examination showed four rounded anechoic masses in the small bowel. Urgent exploratory laparotomy revealed that the obstruction was caused by three large water beads with a diameter of 2.8 cm and fragments of a fourth one. Foreign bodies should be considered in cases of small‐bowel obstruction; US can be very helpful in the diagnosis of water beads in the bowel.
Relationship between inferior vena cava diameter ratio and central venous pressure
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Xiaoting , Su Longxiang , Zhang Hongmin , Chai Wenzhao , Chao Yangong , He Wei , Liu Dawei
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To explore the relationship between the shape of the inferior vena cava (IVC) lumen and central venous pressure (CVP).

Methods

In 60 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and CVP monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July to October 2016, we measured with B‐mode ultrasonography the transverse maximum (MXD) and minimum diameter (MID) of the IVC at end expiration, and calculated the diameter ratio (DR) as MXD/MID. Patients were divided into three groups according to CVP: low (CVP < 8 mm Hg), intermediate (8 mm Hg ≤ CVP ≤ 10 mm Hg), and high (CVP > 10 mm Hg).

Results

MXD was 2.32 ± 0.41 cm, MID was 1.41 ± 0.40 cm, and DR was 1.76 ± 0.49. CVP was 9.27 ± 2.99 mm Hg. DR correlated with CVP (r = −0.527, P < .001). The low‐CVP group had greater dispersion of DR values, with a large variety in IVC shape (elliptical, irregular, teardrop‐shaped, partially collapsed…). The area under the ROC curve for predicting CVP with DR, with a CVP threshold of 8 mm Hg was 0.835 (95% CI, 0.726–0.945; P < .05). With a DR cutoff value of 1.76, sensitivity was 0.765 and specificity was 0.781.

Conclusions

DR above 1.7 is predictive of CVP < 8 mm Hg.
Distribution and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the grape weevil Naupactus xanthographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Vera Waleska , Bergmann Jan
Published: March 2018

The grape weevil, Naupactus xanthographus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a polyphagous insect native to southern South America that causes considerable damage in grape and other fruit species. In this study, the morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and the antennal sensilla of N. xanthographus were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The antennae consist of a scape, a pedicel, a funicle, and a zone called the “club,” which are all formed by a total of 12 antennomers. Different types of sensilla were observed: sensilla trichoidea, sensilla chaetica type 1 and 2, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla rod‐like. No sexual dimorphism was observed. The possible functions of the sensilla are discussed in relation to their morphology and ultrastructure.
“A disease of our time”: The Catholic Church's condemnation and absolution of psychoanalysis (1924–1975)
Authors: Foschi Renato , Innamorati Marco , Taradel Ruggero
Published: March 2018

The present paper is focused on the evolution of the position of the Catholic Church toward psychoanalysis. Even before Freud's The Future of an Illusion (1927), psychoanalysis was criticized by Catholic theologians. Psychoanalysis was viewed with either contempt or with indifference, but nonpsychoanalytic psychotherapy was accepted, especially for pastoral use. Freudian theory remained for most Catholics a delicate and dangerous subject for a long time. From the center to the periphery of the Vatican, Catholic positions against psychoanalysis have varied in the way that theological stances have varied. In the middle decades of the twentieth century, some Catholics changed their attitudes and even practiced psychoanalysis, challenging the interdict of the Holy Office, which prohibited psychoanalytic practice until 1961. During the Cold War, psychoanalysis progressively became more and more relevant within Catholic culture for two main reasons: changes in psychoanalytic doctrine (which began to stress sexuality to a lesser degree) and the increasing number of Catholic psychoanalysts, even among priests. Between the 1960s and the 1970s, psychoanalysis was eventually accepted and became the main topic of a famous speech by Pope Paul VI. This paper illustrates how this acceptance was a sort of unofficial endorsement of a movement that had already won acceptance within the Church. The situation was fostered by people like Maryse Choisy or Leonardo Ancona, who had advocated within the Church for a sui generis use of psychoanalysis (e.g., proposing a desexualized version of Freudian theories), despite warnings and prohibitions from the hierarchies of the Church.
Successful catheter ablation of ventricular premature complexes from the right atrial side of the atrioventricular septum with good contact force
Authors: Arai Marina , Fukamizu Seiji , Kawamura Iwanari , Miyazawa Satoshi , Hojo Rintaro , Sakurada Harumizu , Hiraoka Masayasu
Published: March 2018

The acquisition of good contact force for radiofrequency catheter ablation of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) originating from the basal septum of the left ventricle (LV) is often difficult. We describe a case of VPCs originating from the basal septum of the LV, which were successfully eliminated by applying radiofrequency at the right atrium (RA) side of the atrioventricular septum (AVS) without causing any significant impairment of atrioventricular conduction because the ablation catheter could obtain better contact force through the RA approach. Moreover, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and RA angiography effectively demonstrated the AVS.
The inter‐decadal change in anomalous summertime water vapour transport modes over the tropical Indian Ocean–western Pacific in the mid‐1980s
Authors: Zou Meng , Qiao Shaobo , Feng Taichen , Wu Yongping , Feng Guolin
Published: March 2018

Using the monthly reanalysis data sets of National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for 1961–2015, the inter‐decadal change in inter‐annual water vapour transport over the tropical Indian Ocean–western Pacific during summer and the related mechanisms were analysed in this article. The results show that two major modes of anomalous water vapour transport over the tropical Indian Ocean–western Pacific (60°–140°E, 10°S–30°N) experienced a significant inter‐decadal change in the mid‐1980s. The first mode (EOF1) shows that the anticyclonic water vapour transport over the northwestern Pacific moves significantly southwards after the mid‐1980s. Before the mid‐1980s, the anomalous water vapour originates from the subtropical western Pacific and moves through the South China Sea to eastern China. However, the anomalous water vapour mainly originates from the tropical western Pacific and moves through the South China Sea to eastern China after the mid‐1980s. The second mode (EOF2) reflects the enhanced effect of the anomalous water vapour transport over the tropical Indian Ocean on East Asia after the mid‐1980s. Before the mid‐1980s, the distribution of the water vapour anomalies is uneven over the tropical Indian Ocean and the magnitude of water vapour is relatively small, so it has a weak effect on rainfall over East Asia. After the mid‐1980s, anomalous anticyclonic water vapour transport originates from the tropical Indian Ocean and moves along the Arabia Sea, Indian Peninsula and Indo‐China Peninsula and then forms an anomalous cyclonic water vapour transport over south China. Furthermore, the possible causes of the inter‐decadal transition in anomalous water vapour transport are investigated for the two major modes. The significant inter‐decadal transition in anomalous water vapour transport is associated with the enhanced effect of the sea surface temperature (SST). Before the mid‐1980s, the relationships between the two major modes and the SST of the tropical oceans are relatively weak. After the mid‐1980s, the EOF1 becomes significantly regulated by the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the previous winter, and the positive (negative) phase of the principal component of the first mode (PC1) corresponds to significantly positive (negative) SST anomalies over the tropical northern Indian Ocean and Maritime Continent during the same period. For EOF2, the anomalous water vapour transport over the tropical Indian Ocean is related to the enhanced inter‐annual variability of tropical Indian Ocean dipole (TIOD) after the mid‐1980s.
Effects of freezing conditions on quality changes in blueberries
Authors: Cao Xuehui , Zhang Fangfang , Zhao Dongyu , Zhu Danshi , Li Jianrong
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Freezing preservation is one of the most effective methods used to maintain the flavour and nutritional value of fruit. This research studied the effects of different freezing conditions, −20 °C, −40 °C, −80 °C, and immersion in liquid nitrogen, on quality changes of freeze–thawed blueberries. The water distribution estimates of blueberries were measured based on low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) analysis. The pectin content, drip loss, and fruit texture were also detected to evaluate quality changes in samples.

RESULTS

The freezing curves of blueberry showed super‐cooling points at −20 °C and − 40 °C, whereas super‐cooling points were not observed at −80 °C or in liquid nitrogen. After freeze–thaw treatment, the relaxation time of the cell wall water (T21), cytoplasm water and extracellular space (T22), and vacuole water (T23) were significantly shortened compared to fresh samples, which suggested a lower liquidity. Although the freezing speed for samples immersed in liquid nitrogen was faster than other treatments, samples treated at −80 °C showed better quality regarding vacuole water holding, drip loss, and original pectin content retention.

CONCLUSION

This study contributed to understanding how freezing temperature affects the qualities of blueberries. The super‐fast freezing rate might injure fruit, and an appropriate freezing rate could better preserve blueberries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mathematical model of CO2 release during milk fermentation using natural kefir grains
Authors: Goršek Andreja , Ritonja Jožef , Pečar Darja
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Milk fermentation takes place in the presence of various micro‐organisms, producing a variety of dairy products. The oldest of them is kefir, which is usually produced by the fermentation of milk with kefir grains. Carbon dioxide (CO2), as one of the process products, also contributes to the characteristic flavor of kefir. The amount of CO2 generated during fermentation depends on bioprocessing conditions and may change, which is not desirable at the industrial level.

RESULTS

In this study we developed a simplified mathematical model of CO2 release in the milk‐fermentation process. An intuitive approach based on superposition and experimental analysis was used for the modeling. The chemical system studied was considered as a two‐input (temperature, rotational frequency of the stirrer) one‐output (CO2 concentration) dynamic system.

CONCLUSION

Based on an analysis of CO2 release transients in the case of non‐simultaneous stepwise changed input quantities, two differential equations were defined that describe the influence of the two input quantities on the output quantity. The simulation results were verified by experiments. The proposed model can be used for a comprehensive analysis of the process that is being studied and for the design and synthesis of advanced control systems, which will ensure a controlled CO2 release at the industrial level. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an orange juice beverage formulated with oat beta‐glucan and whey protein isolate
Authors: Wan Wenjing , Xu Baojun
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

A beverage was developed using beta‐glucan and whey protein isolate (WPI). The sensory attributes and changes of the physiochemical properties (pH value, total acidity, total soluble solids, sugar‐acid ratio, color, viscosity, turbidity, and browning index) of the beverage during 48‐h storage were evaluated by comparison with the commercial product and a blank sample.

RESULTS

The sweetness, smoothness, and overall acceptance of the developed beverage were similar to the commercial and blank samples. The suspension stability of the developed beverage was significantly better than that of the commercial products. The total acidity of the beverage decreased considerably after 36‐h storage. Regarding color changes, the three samples showed a significant increase inLandbvalues after 6 h of storage. The viscosity of the developed beverage rose significantly after 24 h of storage. The increase in the concentration of beta‐glucan in the mixed hydrocolloid caused a significant elevation in the levels of viscosity.

CONCLUSION

The sensory and physicochemical analysis results obtained by the panelists revealed that the developed beverage was acceptable and possessed stable physicochemical attributes. Our present findings indicate that the developed beverage has excellent potential for commercialization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Could OX40 agonist antibody promote activation of the anti‐tumor immune response in gastric cancer?
Authors: Martins Mário R. , Santos Rogério L. d. , Jatahy Kleber d. N. , Matta Marina C. d. , Batista Thales P. , Júnior José Iran C. , Begnami Maria D. F. S. , Torres Leuridan C.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

OX40, a membrane‐bound molecule of the tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐receptor superfamily, is a critical costimulatory receptor during the immune response, especially to T cells, but studies described their presence of OX‐40 on neutrophils and monocytes, suggesting a potential role in the activation of immune response. Our aim was to characterize costimulatory receptors OX40 expression on circulating leukocytes in gastric cancer to identify novel targets for immunotherapy.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 24 gastric cancer patients and 34 healthy controls and the expression of costimulatory (OX40) receptors were analyzed on T cells, neutrophil and monocyte using monoclonal antibodies by flow cytometry.

Results

We found that the higher levels of OX40 + T cells, monocytes/OX40+ and neutrophils/OX40+ from gastric cancer patients when compared to controls (P < 0.0001), and also higher levels of OX40+ T cells when compared to stages III and IV (P  = 0.02). Percentage levels of total T cells were similar between patients and controls.

Conclusions

OX40 as a therapeutic agent has been investigated in many preclinical tumor models. Our findings suggest that of levels of costimulatory in T cells in GC will direct future studies on the role that costimulatory receptors play in the failure of T cell‐mediated immunity.
Evaluating Z Scores to Quantify Levator Hiatal Distensibility by 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography in Nulliparas and Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Wen Lieming , Liu Minghui , Zhao Baihua , Qing Zhenzhen
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To use Z scores to quantify hiatal distensibility and to test the performance of Z scores for levator hiatal areas in predicting substantial pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We undertook a retrospective study of the data from 145 nulliparas and 166 patients with POP who had a clinical POP examination with 3‐dimensional translabial ultrasonography. Z scores were used to normalize levator hiatal areas of nulliparas. The Z score model for the hiatal area was built by the formula Z score = (measured value – predicted mean value)/predicted standard deviation and was used to evaluate hiatal ballooning in women with POP.

Results

Valid data were gathered from 134 nulliparas and 159 patients with POP. POP stage 1 was found in 46 women, stage 2 in 62, stage 3 in 43, and stage 4 in 8. We built the Z score model as follows: Z‐Av = (measured value – 17.15)/3.11, where Av represented the minimal levator hiatal area on the maximum Valsalva maneuver. The levator hiatal area was strongly related to the POP stage (P < .001). On a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff of Z‐Av was 1 for POP stage 2 or higher (sensitivity, 77%; specificity, 60%) and substantial POP on ultrasonography (sensitivity, 84%; specificity, 75%).

Conclusions

Hiatal distensibility can be exactly evaluated by Z‐Av. A Z‐Av value of less than 1.0 was defined as a “normal hiatal expansion,” 1 to 3 as “mild ballooning,” 3 to 5 as “moderate ballooning,” 5 to 7 as “marked ballooning,” and 7 or greater as “severe ballooning.”
Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Power Doppler Ultrasound and a New Microvascular Doppler Ultrasound Technique (AngioPLUS) for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Masses
Authors: Jung Hae Kyoung , Park Ah Young , Ko Kyung Hee , Koh Jieun
Published: March 2018

This study was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of power Doppler ultrasound (US) and a new microvascular Doppler US technique (AngioPLUS; SuperSonic Imagine, Aix‐en‐Provence, France) for differentiating benign and malignant breast masses. Power Doppler US and AngioPLUS findings were available in 124 breast masses with confirmed pathologic results (benign, 80 [64.5%]; malignant, 44 [35.5%]). The diagnostic performance of each tool was calculated to distinguish benign from malignant masses using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and compared. The area under the curve showed that AngioPLUS was superior to power Doppler US in differentiating benign from malignant breast masses, but the difference was not statistically significant.