bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emission Characteristics of Laser-Induced Plasma Using Collinear Long and Short Dual-Pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Deguchi Yoshihiro , Liu Renwei , Ikutomo Akihiro , Zhang Zhenzhen , Chong Daotong , Yan Junjie , Liu Jiping , Shiou Fang-Jung
Published: April 2017

Collinear long and short dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) was employed to clarify the emission characteristics from laser-induced plasma. The plasma was sustained and became stable by the long pulse-width laser with the pulse width of 60 μs under free running (FR) conditions as an external energy source. Comparing the measurement results of stainless steel in air using single-pulse LIBS (SP-LIBS) and DP-LIBS, the emission intensity was markedly enhanced using DP-LIBS. The temperature of plasma induced by DP-LIBS was maintained at a higher temperature under different gate delay time and short pulse-width laser power conditions compared with those measured using short SP-LIBS. Moreover, the variation rates of plasma temperatures measured using DP-LIBS were also lower. The superior detection ability was verified by the measurement of aluminum sample in water. The spectra were clearly detected using DP-LIBS, whereas it cannot be identified using SP-LIBS of short and long pulse widths. The effects of gate delay time and short pulse-width laser power were also discussed. These results demonstrate the feasibility and enhanced detection ability of the proposed collinear long and short DP-LIBS method.
Critical agency and the future of critique
Authors: Rebughini Paola
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to offer a cartography of the current debate on critical agency, starting from the inner ambivalences of the modern notion of critique as resistant negation and affirmative creation of new practices. First, the article discusses the double-faced nature of critique and its interpretations in the European tradition of critical thought. It then engages in reflection on some alternative pathways to conceptualizing critical agency developed by American pragmatism, as well as by anti-Eurocentric and anti-anthropocentric theoretical approaches. The aim of this investigation is to understand the premises for developing critical agency in contemporary historical conditions, and to shed light on the characteristics of critical agency at a time when critique can no longer be solely an unmasking tool, while we have not abandoned the aspiration to link the contingency of situated critical agencies with an image of the future.
Corrective Nasal Surgery after Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Experience from 379 Cases
Authors: Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan , Lee Pi‐Jung , Awad Michael , Riley Robert W. , Zaghi Soroush
Published: April 2017

Objective

Efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with degree of maxillary advancement. Large maxillary advancement leads to profound changes of the nasolabial region. We present the incidence and indications of post‐MMA corrective nasal surgery in a large cohort.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

University medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 379 subjects with OSA underwent MMA at Stanford Hospital (surgeons: S.Y.L., R.W.R.) from August 1992 to December 2015. Data were collected on age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, polysomnography parameters, and history of nasal surgery. Primary outcome parameters were the incidence and indications of post‐MMA corrective nasal surgery.

Results

Of 379 subjects, the surgical success rate was 76.3% based on the change in respiratory disturbance index. Seventy‐one subjects (18.7%) underwent corrective nasal surgery after MMA, whereas 48 underwent functional nasal surgery and 23 underwent both functional and aesthetic nasal surgery. Lower oxygen saturation nadir and higher baseline respiratory disturbance index were associated with increased likelihood of post‐MMA corrective nasal surgery.

Conclusion

MMA surgical success is associated with degree of maxillary advancement, which is especially significant in patients with severe OSA. Patients must be counseled on its impact in nasal function and aesthetics. Our series, the largest to date to address this question, suggests that the incidence of post‐MMA corrective nasal surgery is at least 18.7%. Prospectively, refinement in MMA techniques is needed to minimize postoperative compromise in nasal form and function.
Is Neck Dissection Associated with an Increased Risk of Postoperative Stroke?
Authors: Cramer John D. , Patel Urjeet A. , Maas Matthew B. , Samant Sandeep , Smith Stephanie Shintani
Published: April 2017

Objective

Prior studies have reported widely disparate rates of postoperative stroke, with conflicting analyses of whether neck dissection is an independent risk factor.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Setting

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013.

Subjects and Methods

We compared the 30‐day rate of postoperative stroke between patients undergoing complete or modified radical neck dissection and a control cohort composed of those undergoing resections in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx without neck dissection. Propensity scores and paired statistics were used to compare the groups while adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

We identified 9697 patients, including 5827 with neck dissection and 3870 without neck dissection. In the full cohort, the rate of postoperative stroke was greater with neck dissection than without it (0.31% vs 0.11%, P =. 052), although the relationship was attenuated by propensity score matching to adjust for comorbidities (0.30% vs 0.13%, P =. 18). Among patients with ≥2 risk factors for carotid artery stenosis, neck dissection was associated with an increased rate of postoperative stroke (2.68% with bilateral neck dissection, 0.41% with unilateral neck dissection, and 0.24% without neck dissection, P =. 04). The incidence of stroke was strongly associated with 30‐day mortality (7.4% vs 0.2%, P <. 001).

Conclusions

Stroke is a rare but highly morbid complication after head and neck surgery. Compared with other head and neck surgery, neck dissection in patients at risk for carotid artery stenosis is associated with an increased risk of postoperative stroke.
Factors Influencing Cochlear Patency after Translabyrinthine Surgery
Authors: Rodgers Brian , Stucken Emily , Metrailer Aaron , Sargent Eric
Published: April 2017

Objective

To determine predictive factors for cochlear obliteration after translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Neurotology referral center.

Subjects and Methods

In total, 345 charts were reviewed, resulting in 103 patients who underwent translabyrinthine surgery between January 2010 and July 2015 and had postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for review. Surveillance MRI performed after translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannomas was reviewed. Heavily T2‐weighted MRI obtained an average of 21.8 months after surgery was reviewed to assess cochlear patency. Tumor size, preoperative audiograms, and MRI cochlear fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) intensity were compared between patients with retained cochlear patency and those without.

Results

Fifty‐four percent of patients retained cochlear patency after translabyrinthine surgery. Tumor size did not differ statistically between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference in speech reception thresholds, pure‐tone average, or word recognition scores between patent and nonpatent groups. Preoperative MRI FLAIR intensity did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

More than half of patients retain cochlear patency after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma surgery. Cochlear patency is required for cochlear implant in patients with unilateral deafness. Preoperative tumor size, hearing performance, and intensity on MRI FLAIR do not predict cochlear patency. To prevent loss of opportunity for cochlear implantation, simultaneous implantation and cochlear lumen keeper placement are options.
Defining Quality in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Vila Peter M. , Rich Jason T. , Desai Shaun C.
Published: April 2017

Microvascular free flap reconstruction has now become the standard of care in the reconstruction of selected head and neck defects. Although uncommon, flap failure is a catastrophic event that results in significant patient morbidity, extended length of hospitalization, and increased cost. However, there is currently no gold standard for measuring the quality of a reconstructive center. Structure and process outcomes have recently been developed, but outcome measures are still lacking. Areas for future research include preoperative nutrition, preoperative flap planning, intraoperative fluid management, appropriate thromboembolism prophylaxis, consistent perioperative antibiotic regimens, skilled ancillary staff, and clear outcome measures for performance measurement.
Impact of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery on cytokines in epicardial adipose tissue: comparison with subcutaneous fat
Authors: Mach Lukas , Bedanova Helena , Soucek Miroslav , Karpisek Michal , Konecny Tomas , Nemec Petr , Orban Marek
Published: April 2017

Background:

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have been shown to stimulate a systemic inflammatory response which has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Adipose tissue, both epicardial (EAT) and subcutaneous (SAT), is a known source of inflammatory cytokines, but its role in the pathophysiology of surgery- and CPB-induced systemic inflammatory response has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a study to establish levels of selected cytokines in EAT and SAT prior to and after surgery with CPB.

Methods:

Adipose tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing planned cardiac surgery on CPB. Samples from EAT and SAT were collected before and immediately after CPB. Levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP), leptin and adiponectin were determined by ELISA, which were adjusted for a total concentration of proteins in the individual samples.

Results:

Samples from 77 patients (mean age 67.68 ± 11.5 years) were obtained and analysed. Leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α and AFABP were shown to decrease their concentrations statistically significantly in the EAT after CPB while no statistically significant drop was observed in the SAT. On the contrary, IL-6 showed only a slight and statistically insignificant decrease in the EAT after CPB and it was in the SAT where a statistically significant drop was observed.

Discussion:

One of the most relevant findings of this study was the marked decrease in EAT levels of TNF-α, AFABP, leptin and adiponectin after the CPB termination. Our results suggest that EAT might serve as a pool of cytokines which are released into the circulation in reaction to surgery with CPB. Should these novel findings be confirmed, new strategies to assess and possibly reduce EAT contribution on adverse outcomes of cardiac surgery may be developed.
Proximal femoral nail antirotation versus dynamic hip screw fixation for treatment of osteoporotic type 31-A1 intertrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Zeng Xianshang , Zhang Nan , Zeng Dan , Zhang Lili , Xu Ping , Cao Lei , Yu Weiguang , Zhan Ke , Zhang Xinchao
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate long-term radiographic and functional outcomes between dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) fixation for treatment of osteoporotic type 31-A1 intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs) among elderly patients

Methods

A retrospective comparative study was carried out. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The primary outcome was the radiographic outcome, and the secondary outcome was the functional outcome.

Results

A significant difference in radiographic complications was observed between the DHS group (n = 45, 40.2%) and PFNA group (n = 15, 13.6%). The risk of femoral shaft fracture after implant removal at the 1-year follow-up was increased by 0.9% (n = 1) and 6.3% (n = 7) in the PFNA and DHS groups, respectively. This difference persisted with rates of 3.6% (n = 4) and 12.5% (n = 14) at the final follow-up. Additionally, significant differences were present in the Harris hip score at each visit.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that PFNA yields better outcomes than DHS fixation among elderly patients with osteoporotic type 31-A1 IFFs.
Simultaneous Reconstruction of the Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments for Chronic Combined Ligament Injuries of the Ankle
Authors: Yasuda Toshito , Shima Hiroaki , Mori Katsunori , Tsujinaka Seiya , Neo Masashi
Published: April 2017

Background:

Objective data on chronic injuries of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the ankle are scarce. Chronic MCL injuries are frequently associated with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries. For patients with chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries, the authors have performed simultaneous surgery of the 2 ligaments.

Hypothesis:

Simultaneous surgery of the 2 ligaments may be effectively used to treat chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Surgical outcomes were evaluated in 29 consecutive patients presenting with chronic MCL and LCL injuries (30 ankles; 15 men and 14 women; mean age, 31 years; 13 competitive and 10 recreational athletes). Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were measured with the Karlsson score and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale score. The patients underwent preoperative and postoperative functional measurements and a radiological examination. In addition, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, arthroscopic findings, and histology of the MCL were evaluated.

Results:

Preoperatively, the deep fibers of the MCL did not appear striated in 29 ankles, and high-intensity signal changes were observed in 23 ankles on T2-weighted or gradient echo MRI. MCL ruptures were confirmed with arthroscopic surgery. Medial impingement lesions and focal chondral lesions were confirmed in 10 and 21 ankles, respectively. Histology of the reconstructed MCL showed dense collagen fibers with vessels. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 30 months (range, 24-52 months). There was a significant change between preoperative and postoperative Karlsson scores (69.0 vs 96.1 points, respectively; P < .0001) and JSSF scores (69.8 vs 94.5 points, respectively; P < .0001). On varus and valgus stress radiography, the postoperative talar tilt angle was significantly lower than the preoperative angle. Postoperative anterior displacement on stress radiography was significantly lower than preoperative anterior displacement. Postoperatively, all 23 athletes returned to their preinjury level of sports participation.

Conclusion:

MCL insufficiency resulted from medial ankle instability and medial impingement lesions. Outcomes in the patients indicated that MCL reconstruction or resection of medial impingement lesions, performed in addition to LCL reconstruction, is effective for treating chronic combined MCL and LCL injuries of the ankle.
News video quality affects online sites’ credibility
Authors: Chen Gina Masullo , Chen Peter S. , Chang Chen-Wei , Abedin Zainul
Published: April 2017

Exposure to low-quality news videos on a newspaper website led a younger audience to see the news organization as less credible and lacking in value. Findings offer a cautionary tale for news organizations because even a few low-quality news videos on a newspaper website might damage newspapers’ fervent effort to attract a younger audience.
Obamacare headlines mirror local political leanings
Authors: Szuminsky Brandon , Sherman Chad
Published: April 2017

This 485-newspaper study investigated the substantive differences in the media agenda in reports of the 2012 Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act (‘Obamacare’), as represented by newspaper front page articles, with emphasis on differences in coverage between red and blue states. Newspapers in blue states used positive headlines more often and negative headlines less than did newspapers in red states.
Promoting Parent and Child Physical Activity Together: Elicitation of Potential Intervention Targets and Preferences
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , Lim Clarise
Published: April 2017

Promoting physical activities that involve both parents and their children would be very useful to the improved health and well-being of families, yet coactivity interventions have been particularly unsuccessful in past research. The purpose of this study was to elicit the salient parental beliefs about coactivity framed through theory of planned behavior in order to inform future intervention content. A representative sample of Canadian parents ( N = 483) with children aged 6 to 14 years completed belief elicitation measures of theory of planned behavior, as well as coactivity and program preferences. Analyses included content theming by physical activity belief and preference through tallies of the percentages of parents endorsing each belief. Exploratory analyses of differences in endorsed themes were conducted by parent (mother, father), age of child (6-10 years, 11-14 years), and sex of the child. The results showed that behavioral beliefs about health, interpersonal and educational/learning opportunities and control beliefs about lack of time, various incompatible parent/child factors, parental health, and bad weather were dominant themes. Most of these themes did not vary in endorsement by parent and child characteristics. By contrast, preferences for various activities varied by parent and child characteristics, yet parents overwhelmingly desired the activities to be outdoors, close to home, after work, and originally delivered from community health professionals via Internet or face-to face means. Overall, the findings provide several considerations for specific targets to improve future physical activity intervention approaches among parents and their children.
Women entrepreneurs
Authors: Hopkinson Gillian , Aman Asad
Published: April 2017

The article explores hegemony in bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) marketing, specifically rural distribution schemes operated through women. Using Laclau and Mouffe’s theory of discourse, the article considers the joint articulation of ‘women entrepreneurs’ through analysis of the Unilever Shakti system. It argues the discourse shapes subject positions, prescribes conduct and defines actors and the relationships between them. Discursive construction of entrepreneurs and empowered mothers obscures to an extent, economic aspects of the arrangement. It also imposes new forms of conduct without unsettling traditional hierarchies. Further research is needed in relating such schemes both to western forms of distribution and to other forms of market and models of distribution in BOP locations.
Trajectory planning with residual vibration suppression for space manipulator based on particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Xin Pengfei , Rong Jili , Yang Yongtai , Xiang Dalin , Xiang Yang
Published: April 2017

Space manipulator suffers from vibration problems mainly due to the flexibility of joints and links in a microgravity environment. This article presents a new optimization method of trajectory planning with minimum residual vibration for space manipulator system which is modeled by absolute coordinate-based method. First, absolute nodal coordinate formulation, which can describe large rotation and large deformation of flexible bodies precisely, is used to describe the deformation of flexible links, and natural coordinate formulation with nonlinear torsion stiffness function is used to model flexible joints. Then, joint rotation trajectory resulting from the planned end-effector trajectory by inverse kinematics theory is discrete through the proposed cosine-based function that has been validated to suppress the residual vibration. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to achieve minimum residual vibration by optimizing redundant coefficients of movement derived from inverse kinematics theory. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated via simulation of a planar three-link manipulator taking large deformation and large rotation into account. Results show that the optimized method can exhibit better features for the residual vibration suppression as compared to those of the original cosine-based trajectory.
Extended state observer–based finite-time controller design for coupled spacecraft formation with actuator saturation
Authors: Ye Dong , Zhang Jianqiao , Sun Zhaowei
Published: April 2017

This article investigates the consensus tracking control problem of the leader–follower spacecraft formation system in the presence of model uncertainties, external disturbances, and actuator saturation, where the relative motion of the leader and the follower need to track a desired time-varying trajectory given in advance. First, the six-degree-of-freedom relative-coupled translational and rotational dynamics models are derived using the exponential coordinates on the Lie group SE(3). Then, a fast terminal sliding mode control law is proposed to guarantee the tracking control objective come true in finite time robust against all the aforementioned drawbacks. As a stepping stone, an extended state observer is designed to estimate and compensate the total composed disturbances of the system, and it is proved that the estimate errors can converge to a really small neighborhood of the origin in finite time. Based on the observer information, a less-conservative modified controller is furthermore developed to eliminate the chattering caused by the signum function. The stability of the closed-loop system is shown by theoretical analysis. Finally, the validity of the proposed schemes is illustrated through numerical simulations.
Numerical investigation of a two-stage serial vibration isolation system using frequency response function based substructuring method
Authors: Guo Rong , Wang Meng-jia , Zhou Sheng-qi , Qiu Shan
Published: April 2017

The mechanical system applied in industry and manufacturing fields is generally a complex multi-stage isolation system, which contains a lot of connection parts. In order to better analyze the effect of the connection parts, the transfer path model of a two-stage serial system is developed in this article using frequency response function based substructuring method. To verify the proposed transfer path model, a finite element model that simulates a two-stage serial vibration isolation system is built. By comparing the predicted results and exact values, the model proves to be correct. Furthermore, the random noise is introduced into the system-level frequency response functions for error sensitivity analysis and the influence on the substructure frequency response functions is quantified through comparison. Since the possible errors are unknown in the experimental measurement, 5%, 25%, and 50% random errors are introduced into all the input frequency response functions individually to analyze the influence of different noise levels on the prediction accuracy. In order to solve the ill-conditioned inverse problem involved in the model, the truncated singular value decomposition is also applied. The simulation results show that compared with the direct-inverse method, truncated singular value decomposition can decrease the prediction error caused by the introduced noise more effectively.
A data-driven study on the sample size of cellular handoff probe system
Authors: He Shanglu , Cheng Yang , Zhong Gang , Ran Bin
Published: April 2017

The popularity of big data from cell phone communication records makes cellular handoff probe system become an optimal choice for the collection of traffic speeds, especially for the large-scale freeway network. As a probe-based technique, the issues related to sample size are vital for the accuracy of cellular handoff probe system. Based on the current findings from simulation and field test, this study made an extensive discussion about the sample size problems using the field data. The subsequent investigation began with the correlation analysis between the sample size and the potentially influencing factors (the length of handoff link and traffic volume). Furthermore, a Weibull distribution model was set up to fit sample size for different handoff links. And then, the impact of sample size on the accuracy of cellular handoff probe system was following. Finally, based on the above explorations, several concluding remarks were presented as a reference for determining appropriate sample size to achieve high precision.
Thermo-fluid-coupled analysis and simulation of calorimeter of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak neutral beam injection system on the thermal inertia principle
Authors: Tao Ling , Hu Chundong , Xie Yuanlai
Published: April 2017

An efficient and accurate thermo-fluid-coupled analysis is the basis of structure design and optimization for high-heat-flux components in neutral beam injection system of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak and has an important significance of exploring the optimal structure of components and realizing the temperature control of components at a high-parameter steady-state condition. In this article, take the calorimeter in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak–neutral beam injection system on the thermal inertia principle, for example, an accurate numerical solution method of thermo-fluid-coupled analysis based on the turbulent heat transfer is established and combined with the near-wall function model, and the working characteristics of three-dimensional calorimeter plate under different deposited beam powers are simulated and analyzed. The temperature distribution of solid structure and corresponding flow field under given cooling condition is calculated. The results obtained by the proposed method coincide well with experimental results, which validate this method. This study provides a potentially useful method for thermo-fluid-coupled analysis and structural design of other high-heat-flux components in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak–neutral beam injection system.
The highly reintegrative approach of electronic monitoring in the Netherlands
Authors: Boone Miranda , van der Kooij Matthijs , Rap Stephanie
Published: April 2017

This contribution describes the way electronic monitoring (EM) is organized and implemented in the Netherlands. It will become clear that the situation in the Netherlands is characterized by, in particular, two features. The application of EM is highly interwoven with the Probation Service and its reintegrative objectives, a characteristic that dominates the organization and use of EM to a great extent. Paradoxically, EM is hardly used in the Netherlands as an autonomous (stand-alone) replacement for short prison sentences. The most straightforward explanation for this situation is that the Netherlands does not really need EM to replace prison capacity since its prison population already decreased drastically since 2005. A second explanation is that the intense involvement of the probation service in the enforcement of electronic monitoring has as a side-effect that these sanctions are not accepted as punitive sanctions, but fully framed into the rehabilitative perspective.
HUS and atypical HUS
Authors: Jokiranta T. Sakari
Published: April 2017

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney failure. HUS is usually categorized as typical, caused by Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, as atypical HUS (aHUS), usually caused by uncontrolled complement activation, or as secondary HUS with a coexisting disease. In recent years, a general understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms driving HUS has increased. Typical HUS (ie, STEC-HUS) follows a gastrointestinal infection with STEC, whereas aHUS is associated primarily with mutations or autoantibodies leading to dysregulated complement activation. Among the 30% to 50% of patients with HUS who have no detectable complement defect, some have either impaired diacylglycerol kinase ε (DGKε) activity, cobalamin C deficiency, or plasminogen deficiency. Some have secondary HUS with a coexisting disease or trigger such as autoimmunity, transplantation, cancer, infection, certain cytotoxic drugs, or pregnancy. The common pathogenetic features in STEC-HUS, aHUS, and secondary HUS are simultaneous damage to endothelial cells, intravascular hemolysis, and activation of platelets leading to a procoagulative state, formation of microthrombi, and tissue damage. In this review, the differences and similarities in the pathogenesis of STEC-HUS, aHUS, and secondary HUS are discussed. Common for the pathogenesis seems to be the vicious cycle of complement activation, endothelial cell damage, platelet activation, and thrombosis. This process can be stopped by therapeutic complement inhibition in most patients with aHUS, but usually not those with a DGKε mutation, and some patients with STEC-HUS or secondary HUS. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of the different forms of HUS may prove helpful in clinical practice.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: April 2017

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune complication of heparin therapy caused by antibodies to complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. Pathogenic antibodies to PF4/heparin bind and activate cellular FcγRIIA on platelets and monocytes to propagate a hypercoagulable state culminating in life-threatening thrombosis. It is now recognized that anti-PF4/heparin antibodies develop commonly after heparin exposure, but only a subset of sensitized patients progress to life-threatening complications of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Recent scientific developments have clarified mechanisms underlying PF4/heparin immunogenicity, disease susceptibility, and clinical manifestations of disease. Insights from clinical and laboratory findings have also been recently harnessed for disease prevention. This review will summarize our current understanding of HIT by reviewing pathogenesis, essential clinical and laboratory features, and management.
Immune dysfunctionality of replicative senescent mesenchymal stromal cells is corrected by IFNγ priming
Authors: Chinnadurai Raghavan , Rajan Devi , Ng Spencer , McCullough Kenneth , Arafat Dalia , Waller Edmund K. , Anderson Larry J. , Gibson Greg , Galipeau Jacques
Published: April 2017

Key Points

Replication exhausted human MSCs display attenuated immunosuppressive properties partly because of defective kynurenine production. IFNγ prelicensing can rescue replicative senescence-associated immune defects of human bone marrow–derived MSCs.
A novel lncRNA uc.134 represses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting CUL4A-mediated ubiquitination of LATS1
Authors: Ni Wen , Zhang Yuqin , Zhan Zetao , Ye Feng , Liang Yonghao , Huang Jing , Chen Keli , Chen Longhua , Ding Yi
Published: April 2017

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and tumor recurrence and metastasis are major factors that contribute to the poor outcome of patients with HCC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate different tumorigenic processes, and a growing body of evidence indicates that Hippo kinase signaling is inactivated in many cancers. However, the upstream lncRNA regulators of Hippo kinase signaling in HCC are poorly understood.

Methods

Using a lncRNA microarray, we identified a novel lncRNA, uc.134, whose expression was significantly decreased in the highly aggressive HCC cell line HCCLM3 compared with MHCC97L cells. Furthermore, we evaluated uc.134 expression in clinical samples using in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The full-length transcript of uc.134 was confirmed using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analyses. To investigate the biological function of uc.134, we performed gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanisms of uc.134 in HCC were investigated using RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination assays, Western blotting, mRNA microarray analyses, and qRT-PCR analyses.

Results

The ISH assay revealed that uc.134 expression was significantly decreased in 170 paraffin-embedded samples from patients with HCC compared with adjacent tissues and uc.134 expression directly correlated with patient prognosis. Furthermore, we defined a 1867-bp full-length transcript of uc.134 using 5′- and 3′-RACE analysis. The overexpression of uc.134 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, whereas the knockdown of uc.134 produced the opposite results. Furthermore, we confirmed that uc.134 (1408–1867 nt) binds to CUL4A (592–759 aa region) and inhibits its nuclear export. Moreover, we demonstrated that uc.134 inhibits the CUL4A-mediated ubiquitination of LATS1 and increases YAPS127 phosphorylation to silence the target genes of YAP. Finally, a positive correlation between uc.134, LATS1, and pYAPS127 was confirmed in 90 paraffin-embedded samples by ISH and immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusions

Our study identifies that a novel lncRNA, uc.134, represses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting the CUL4A-mediated ubiquitination of LATS1 and increasing YAPS127 phosphorylation. The use of this lncRNA may offer a promising treatment approach by inhibiting YAP and activating Hippo kinase signaling.
BIM-Driven components library for Islamic Facilities (BIM-IF)
Authors: Almaimani Ayad K. , Nawari Nawari O.
Published: April 2017

Islamic architectural history encompasses a substantial amount of information that needs to be categorized and digitally modeled so it can be utilized proficiently in the design phases of any project that seeks Islamic construction character. This paper centers on developing BIM-driven three-dimensional object library for Hejazi Islamic Architecture (HIAC) styles, construction methods, structural elements, and architectural components. The Ottoman style architecture has had profound effects on the Hijazi region for more than three hundred years. This influence remains largely uncategorized and digitally undocumented. Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach is used to develop parametric three-dimensional models of HIACs that are used in the structure and construction of Hijazi buildings. The HIACs are aggregated and classified according to their type and origin with respect to the chronological timeline of Islamic Architecture (IA). The creation of this BIM-Driven Components Library for Islamic Facilities (BIM-IF), thus allows for the use of HIACs in the design phases of projects that aim to incorporate IA styles. Each HIAC in the BIM-IA library contains architectural, structural and constructional data that is categorized using informatics tables appended with the digital models. In addition to the essential design data, the BIM-IF library provides designers with various historical information and details about numerous unique Ottoman styles.
Solving the tensorial 3D acoustic wave equation: A mimetic finite-difference time-domain approach
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Tapley Benjamin
Published: April 2017

Generating accurate numerical solutions of the acoustic wave equation (AWE) is a key computational kernel for many seismic imaging and inversion problems. Although finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approaches for generating full-wavefield solutions are well-developed for Cartesian computational domains, several challenges remain when applying FDTD approaches to scenarios arguably best described by more generalized geometry. In particular, how best to generate accurate and stable FDTD solutions for scenarios involving grids conforming to complex topography or internal surfaces. We address these issues by developing a mimetic FDTD (MFDTD) approach that combines four key components: a tensorial 3D AWE, mimetic finite-difference (MFD) operators, fully staggered grids (FSGs), and MFD Robin boundary conditions (RBC). The tensorial formulation of the 3D AWE permits wave propagation to be specified on (semi-) analytically defined coordinate meshes designed to conform to complex domain boundaries. MFD operators allow for higher order FD stencils to be applied throughout the model domain, including the boundary region where implementing centered FD stencils can be problematic. The FSG approach combines wavefield information propagated on four complementary subgrids to ensure the existence of all wavefield gradients required for computing the tensorial Laplacian operator, and thereby avoids interpolation approximations. The RBCs are implemented with a flux-preserving mimetic boundary operator that forestalls introduction of nonphysical energy into the grid by enforcing underlying flux-conservation laws. After validating the 3D MFDTD scheme on a sheared Cartesian mesh, we generate 3D wavefield simulation examples for internal boundary (IB) and topographic coordinate systems. The numerical examples demonstrate that the MFDTD scheme is capable of providing accurate and low-dispersion impulse responses for scenarios involving distorted IB meshes conforming to water-bottom surfaces and topographic coordinate systems exhibiting 2.5 km of topographic relief and including steep (65°) slope angles.
Exercise Is Medicine, But Does It Interfere With Medicine?
Authors: McLaughlin Mackenzie , Jacobs Ira
Published: April 2017

Exercise frequently is prescribed therapeutically, either on its own or combined with drugs. A drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion can be affected by the user’s anatomy and physiology, which are both changed by the myriad of complex adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. This article reviews the research that suggests exercise may influence a drug’s plasma concentration, and thus its efficacy and safety.
Modeling a Multitarget Attacker–Defender Game with Budget Constraints
Authors: Guan Peiqiu , He Meilin , Zhuang Jun , Hora Stephen C.
Published: April 2017

Though the choices of terrorists’ attack targets are vast, their resources are limited. In this paper, a game-theoretical model is proposed to study both the defender’s (government) and the attacker’s (terrorist) expenditures among multiple targets under budget constraints to guide investment in defense. We study how the defender’s and the attacker’s equilibrium allocations depend on the budget constraints, target valuations, cost effectiveness of their investments, and inherent defense levels of targets in both sequential-move and simultaneous-move games. The equilibrium solutions are provided using the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. At the subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium, the defender’s total marginal effects are the same among targets. Moreover, the defender’s total marginal effects can be decomposed into direct and indirect effects. We also use the multiple-infrastructure and multiple-urban-area data sets to demonstrate the model results. The regression analysis shows that both the attacker’s and the defender’s equilibrium investments increase with their own target valuations, because a higher valuation for themselves means a higher attractiveness. Interestingly, the attacker’s equilibrium investment is negatively correlated with the defender’s target valuations, since a higher defender’s valuation would make it more difficult for the attacker to successfully attack the target. By contrast, the defender’s equilibrium investment is positively correlated with the attacker’s target valuations, as a higher attacker’s valuations would increase the urgency for the defender to protect the target. To show the utility of the new model, we compare the results of this model and the model in which the defender assumes that only a single target will be attacked when there could actually be multiple targets attacked. Our results show that the defender will suffer higher expected losses if she assumes that the attacker will attack only one target. The analysis of the attacker’s and the defender’s budget constraints show that (a) the higher the budget the defender has, the less likely it is that her most valuable target will be attacked; (b) a higher proportion of defense resources should be allocated to the most valuable target if the defender’s budget is low; and (c) the attacker is less concentrated on attacking the most valuable target and spreads the resources to attack more targets as his budget increases.
Two Components of Aversive Memory inDrosophila, Anesthesia-Sensitive and Anesthesia-Resistant Memory, Require Distinct Domains Within the Rgk1 Small GTPase
Authors: Murakami Satoshi , Minami-Ohtsubo Maki , Nakato Ryuichiro , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Tabata Tetsuya
Published: April 2017

Multiple components have been identified that exhibit different stabilities for aversive olfactory memory inDrosophila. These components have been defined by behavioral and genetic studies and genes specifically required for a specific component have also been identified. Intermediate-term memory generated after single cycle conditioning is divided into anesthesia-sensitive memory (ASM) and anesthesia-resistant memory (ARM), with the latter being more stable. We determined that the ASM and ARM pathways converged on the Rgk1 small GTPase and that the N-terminal domain-deleted Rgk1 was sufficient for ASM formation, whereas the full-length form was required for ARM formation. Rgk1 is specifically accumulated at the synaptic site of the Kenyon cells (KCs), the intrinsic neurons of the mushroom bodies, which play a pivotal role in olfactory memory formation. A higher than normal Rgk1 level enhanced memory retention, which is consistent with the result that Rgk1 suppressed Rac-dependent memory decay; these findings suggest thatrgk1bolsters ASM via the suppression of forgetting. We propose that Rgk1 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of memory stabilization by serving as a molecular node that resides at KC synapses, where the ASM and ARM pathway may interact.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMemory consists of multiple components.Drosophilaolfactory memory serves as a fundamental model with which to investigate the mechanisms that underlie memory formation and has provided genetic and molecular means to identify the components of memory, namely short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term memory, depending on how long the memory lasts. Intermediate memory is further divided into anesthesia-sensitive memory (ASM) and anesthesia-resistant memory (ARM), with the latter being more stable. We have identified a small GTPase inDrosophila, Rgk1, which plays a pivotal role in the regulation of olfactory memory stability. Rgk1 is required for both ASM and ARM. Moreover, N-terminal domain-deleted Rgk1 was sufficient for ASM formation, whereas the full-length form was required for ARM formation.
Nanocellulose in Thin Films, Coatings, and Plies for Packaging Applications: A Review
Authors: Hubbe Martin A. , Ferrer Ana , Tyagi Preeti , Yin Yuanyuan , Salas Carlos , Pal Lokendra , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: April 2017

This review article was prompted by a remarkable growth in the number of scientific publications dealing with the use of nanocellulose (especially nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and bacterial cellulose (BC)) to enhance the barrier properties and other performance attributes of new generations of packaging products. Recent research has confirmed and extended what is known about oxygen barrier and water vapor transmission performance, strength properties, and the susceptibility of nanocellulose-based films and coatings to the presence of humidity or moisture. Recent research also points to various promising strategies to prepare ecologically-friendly packaging materials, taking advantage of nanocellulose-based layers, to compete in an arena that has long been dominated by synthetic plastics. Some promising approaches entail usage of multiple layers of different materials or additives such as waxes, high-aspect ratio nano-clays, and surface-active compounds in addition to the nanocellulose material. While various high-end applications may be achieved by chemical derivatization or grafting of the nanocellulose, the current trends in research suggest that high-volume implementation will likely incorporate water-based formulations, which may include water-based dispersions or emulsions, depending on the end-uses.
Novelties in the orchid flora of the Municipality of Benedito Novo, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and an updated checklist
Authors: Caetano Jader Oslim , Raddatz Randi , Schmitt Juliane L. , Schlemper Carlos R. , Guimarães Leonardo R.S.
Published: April 2017

In 2013, Caetano and colleagues published two lists of the Orchidaceae of the Municipality of Benedito Novo, Santa Catarina, totalling 99 species. Between January 2014 and September 2016, other field trips were made and new species were found in the region. Thus, in this paper an updated checklist of the Orchidaceae of Benedito Novo is presented based on herbarium collections and field surveys. A total of 184 species distributed in 66 genera are registered, comprising about 35% of the species and 60% of the genera cited for Santa Catarina. The richest genera are Acianthera Scheidw. (18 species), Pabstiella Brieger & Senghas (14), Epidendrum L., Gomesa R.Br., and Maxillaria Ruiz & Pav. (13 each). We also proposed a new combination and a lectotypification in the genus Pabstiella.
Abraham – ojciec wiary odważnej
Authors: Mazurek Mateusz
Published: April 2017

Artykuł omawia i analizuje historię Abrahama i egzystencjalne implikacje, które z niej wypływają. W opinii autora historia ta ukazuje trzy szczególnie ważne aspekty: zbawienie jako wyzwolenie od lęku, głęboką wolność płynącą z takiego doświadczenia i posłuszeństwo Bogu jako przekroczenie tego, co rozumowo poznawalne. Wszystkie te (powiązane z sobą) aspekty życia chrześcijańskiego są niezwykle ważne. Dziś, kiedy kultura jest w przeważającej mierze antychrześcijańska, przekazuje i promuje anty­‑chrześcijańskie wzorce i wartości, jest szczególnie istotne, żeby wiara była wiarą odważną.
Pytanie o luterańską tożsamość
Authors: Medwid Wojciech
Published: April 2017

Celem artykułu jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie o luterańską tożsamość w dzisiejszym świecie na podstawie dokumentu Usprawiedliwienie i wolność, przygotowującego protestantów duchowo i organizacyjnie do uroczystości 500-lecia reformacji. Reformacja była wydarzeniem historycznym, które wpłynęło na kulturowe, społeczne i polityczne oblicze Europy. W centrum teologicznych wypowiedzi reformatorów znajduje się kwestia relacji Bóg–człowiek, a fundamentem ruchu z XVI wieku stało się usprawiedliwienie, które trzeba ujmować przez pryzmat miłości, uznania i docenienia, przebaczenia i wolności, aby zweryfikować wiarygodność doświadczenia iustificatio. Reformacja nie jest czymś zamkniętym, ale stanowi proces odnowy w duchu reformacyjnym. Teologia protestancka wyraża się w pięciu zasadach: solus Christus, sola gratia, solo verbo, sola scriptura i sola fide. Przez te elementy podjęto próbę przeniesienia idei usprawiedliwienia na obecny czas. Świętowanie 500-lecia reformacji ma się odbyć w rozsądnej równowadze między tradycją a innowacją, nie ignorując głębokiego znaczenia reformacji dla teraźniejszości. Dokument Usprawiedliwienie i wolność podejmujący temat usprawiedliwienia z łaski przez wiarę w Chrystusa poddano krytyce.