bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling activity-dependent changes of velocity in C-fibers
Authors: Tigerholm J. , Petersson M.E. , Obreja O. , Lampert A. , Carr R. , Schmelz M. , Fransén E. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Aims
When C-nociceptors are activated repeatedly using electrical stimulation at relatively low frequencies (0.125–2 Hz), their propagation velocity will decrease. This is referred to as activity-dependent slowing (ADS). The main reason why activity-dependent changes in velocity are of interest is that they can be recorded directly, using invasive methods (microneurography), in patients with chronic pain. Interestingly, in certain patients with neuropathic pain, reduced activity-dependent slowing of conduction has been observed, indicating that these axons have an increased excitability. Through a computational model, it is possible to link such velocity alterations with changes in active conductances, opening for an understanding the underlying excitability changes occurring in these patients.

Methods
We have developed a detailed multicompartment model of a C-nociceptor fiber. This model incorporates a wide range of voltage-gated ion channels (Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Nav1.9, K
dr, K
A, K
M, K
Na and h) which were implemented across a detailed and realistic axon morphology.

Results
The model predicts that the small diameter of the axon can accumulate intracellular sodium when it is repeatedly activated in a similar fashion as during single fiber microneurography. This increase of intracellular sodium concentration can shift the balance between ion channel currents, shift the membrane potential and membrane input resistance, and thereby generate activity-dependent changes of velocity, such as ADS as well as recovery cycle supernormality.

Conclusions
Our results thus provide insight into how activity-dependent excitability changes can be generated in C-fibers. By identifying which ion channels are contributing to activity-dependent changes of velocity this could provide insight into ion channel alterations in neuropathic pain patients.
Omics as a potential tool to identify biomarkers and to clarify the mechanism of chronic pain development
Authors: Gerra M.C. , Dagostino C. , D’Agnelli S. , Boggiani L. , Rizza V. , Marchesini M. , Allegri M. , Fanelli G. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Aims
The present study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms in the acute to chronic pain transition. Acute pain is a physiological response to an experience of noxious stimuli that can progress to chronic, becoming a disease. The negative consequences as personal suffering, reduction in physical function, maladaptive behaviours, reduction of productivity, make this condition a central and common problem affecting individuals and the society. After an acute damage, pain in some cases persists, being the process attributed to different causes, in particular persistent tissue and neuronal damages, central neuroplastic changes, psychosocial factors.

Methods
The techniques actually used to investigate acute and chronic pain offer only a partial explanation of the process and in addition, the obtained results are often far away from the possibility to lead some benefits in the clinical practice. Omics technologies could be the right way to detect biomarkers explaining these mechanisms. Our previous study examined epigenetic and pharmacogenetic aspects of acute and chronic pain in a large group of patients. Other omic approaches, such as metabolomics and glycomics, could help to (1) better identify metabolites that can serve as chronic pain development or side effects therapy biomarkers and to (2) better understand new insights involved into the pathophysiological mechanism that drives from acute to chronic pain. SNPs, DNA methylation, miRNA analyses, expression and protein assays on the identified pathway would than clarify the causative molecular mechanisms. In addition, linking these results to clinical evaluation of the central sensitization processes through algometry in nociceptive and neuropathic pain patients may reveal crucial clinical and pharmacological implications.

Conclusions
Our project will be implemented by omic technologies in different chronic pain patient cohorts (acute low back pain vs chronic low back pain patients and chronic postsurgical pain patients) in order to evaluate new possible pathophysiological mechanism with special focus in central sensitization.
A novel hybrid back-stepping and fuzzy logic control strategy for a quadcopter
Authors: Shraim H. , Harkouss Y. , Bazzi H. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThis article aims to present a novel control strategy for quadrotor helicopter. It is composed of three main parts constituting the system modelling, the integral back-stepping control, and fuzzy logic compensator. In the first part, a non-linear model is presented taking in consideration some non-linearities and variables that are usually neglected. In the second part, a controller based on the integral back-stepping algorithm has been developed for the system in order to make the system follows a desired path. However, due to complexity of paths and to the presence of unknown disturbances, a fuzzy logic compensator is added in parallel to the integral back-stepping controller to improve trajectory tracking in some critical conditions (high wind speed, mass variation, etc.). Simulation results have been presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Tectonic and climatic controls on the late Pleistocene to Holocene evolution of Paleolake Ullum-Zonda in the Precordillera of the central Andes, Argentina
Authors: Blanc Pablo A. , Perucca Laura P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Ullum-Zonda tectonic depression located in the central Andes Precordillera records several lacustrine episodes from frequent natural damming of the San Juan River during the late Quaternary. We analyzed stratigraphic, geomorphic, and geologic data and obtained new radiocarbon ages for Paleolake Ullum-Zonda. Results show the existence of a late Pleistocene age (16.7–15.2 ka BP) unit and an early to middle Holocene (9475–7685 yr BP) unit. Subsurface data show lacustrine episodes were common during the late Pleistocene, with probably nine episodes occurring during that period. Two transgressive events are evident in the Holocene unit, dated to ~8420±30 and shortly after 7460±30 14C yr BP. The maximum extent of the paleolake occurred at 6930±30 14C yr BP, shortly before the lake desiccated. Fault propagation folds and growth strata in Quaternary alluvial deposits relate to the Villicum-Zonda Fault and may indicate early to middle Holocene activity for this fault. The deformation observed in an ancient shoreline of the paleolake could be related to middle to late Holocene activity of the Cerro Zonda Norte Fault at a mean vertical uplift rate of ~0.8 mm/yr in the hanging wall block.
Raciolinguistic ideology and Spanish-English bilingualism on the US labor market: An analysis of online job advertisements
Authors: Subtirelu Nicholas Close 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMultilingualism is often framed as human capital that increases individuals’ labor market value. Such assertions overlook the role of ideology in assigning value to languages and their speakers based on factors other than communicative utility. This article explores the value assigned to Spanish-English bilingualism on the United States labor market through a mixed methods analysis of online job advertisements. Findings suggest that Spanish-English bilingualism is frequently preferred or required for employment in the US, but that such employment opportunities are less lucrative. The results suggest a penalty associated with Spanish-English bilingualism in which positions listing such language requirements advertise lower wages than observationally similar positions. Quantitative disparities and qualitative differences in the specification of language requirements across income levels suggest that bilingual labor is assigned value through a racial lens that leads to linguistic work undertaken by and for US Latinxs being assigned less value. (Multilingualism, labor market, Spanish in the United States, economics of language, raciolinguistics, human capital)*
How to compare performance of robust design optimization algorithms, including a novel method
Authors: Persson Johan A. , Ölvander Johan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes a method to compare the performances of different methods for robust design optimization of computationally demanding models. Its intended usage is to help the engineer to choose the optimization approach when faced with a robust optimization problem. This paper demonstrates the usage of the method to find the most appropriate robust design optimization method to solve an engineering problem. Five robust design optimization methods, including a novel method, are compared in the demonstration of the comparison method. Four of the five compared methods involve surrogate models to reduce the computational cost of performing robust design optimization. The five methods are used to optimize several mathematical functions that should be similar to the engineering problem. The methods are then used to optimize the engineering problem to confirm that the most suitable optimization method was identified. The performance metrics used are the mean value and standard deviation of the robust optimum as well as an index that combines the required number of simulations of the original model with the accuracy of the obtained solution. These measures represent the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of the compared methods. The results of the comparison show that sequential robust optimization is the method with the best balance between accuracy and number of function evaluations. This is confirmed by the optimizations of the engineering problem. The comparison also shows that the novel method is better than its predecessor is.
Brain abscesses in children: an Italian multicentre study
Authors: RAFFALDI I. , GARAZZINO S. , CASTELLI GATTINARA G. , LIPRERI R. , LANCELLA L. , ESPOSITO S. , GIANNINI A. M. , MONTAGNANI C. , MARSEGLIA G. L. , PIGNATA C. , BERNARDI F. , TOVO P.-A. ,   SITIP BRAIN ABSCESSES REGISTRY
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYBrain abscess is uncommon in paediatric population, but of clinical importance because of significant long-term morbidity and mortality. In this multicentre study, promoted by the Italian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, we retrospectively collected patients aged 0–18 years, with a diagnosis of ‘brain abscess’. Seventy-nine children were included; the median age was 8·75 years. As predisposing factor, 44 children had preceding infections. The Gram-positive cocci were mostly isolated (27 cases). Sixty (76%) children underwent a surgical intervention. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered in all patients, then switched to oral treatment. Clinical sequelae were recorded in 31 (39·2%) children. Twenty-one of them had a single sequela, of which, the most represented, was epilepsy in nine of them. This study focus the attention on the need to have standardized national guidelines or adequate recommendations on type and duration of antibiotic treatment.
The high frequency of non-aspartic acid residues at HA222 in influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic viruses is associated with mortality during the upsurge of 2015: a molecular and epidemiological study from central India
Authors: BARDE P. V. , SAHU M. , SHUKLA M. K. , BHARTI P. K. , SHARMA R. K. , SAHARE L. K. , UKEY M. J. , SINGH N. 
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYInfluenza A(H1N1) viruses of the 2009 pandemic (A(H1N1)pdm09) continue to cause outbreaks in the post-pandemic period. During January to May 2015, an upsurge of influenza was recorded that resulted in high fatality in central India. Genetic lineage, mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene and infection by quasi-species are reported to affect disease severity. The objective of this study is to present the molecular and epidemiological trends during the 2015 influenza outbreak in central India. All the referred samples were subjected to qRT–PCR for diagnosis. HA gene sequencing (23 survivors and 24 non-survivors) and cloning were performed and analyzed using Molecular Evolutionary Genomic Analyzer (MEGA 5·05). Of the 3625 tested samples, 1607 (44·3%) were positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, of which 228 (14·2%) individuals succumbed to death. A significant trend was observed in positivity (P= 0·003) and mortality (P< 0·0001) with increasing age. The circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was characterized as belonging to clade-6B. Clinically significant mutations were detected. Patients infected with the quasi-species of the virus had a greater risk of death (P= 0·009). This study proposes a robust molecular and clinical surveillance program for the detection and characterization of the virus, along with prompt treatment protocols to prevent outbreaks.
Estimation of the transmission dynamics of African swine fever virus within a swine house
Authors: NIELSEN J. P. , LARSEN T. S. , HALASA T. , CHRISTIANSEN L. E. 
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYThe spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) threatens to reach further parts of Europe. In countries with a large swine production, an outbreak of ASF may result in devastating economic consequences for the swine industry. Simulation models can assist decision makers setting up contingency plans. This creates a need for estimation of parameters. This study presents a new analysis of a previously published study. A full likelihood framework is presented including the impact of model assumptions on the estimated transmission parameters. As animals were only tested every other day, an interpretation was introduced to cover the weighted infectiousness on unobserved days for the individual animals (WIU). Based on our model and the set of assumptions, the within- and between-pen transmission parameters were estimated toβw= 1·05 (95% CI 0·62–1·72),βb= 0·46 (95% CI 0·17–1·00), respectively, and the WIU = 1·00 (95% CI 0–1). Furthermore, we simulated the spread of ASFV within a pig house using a modified SEIR-model to establish the time from infection of one animal until ASFV is detected in the herd. Based on a chosen detection limit of 2·55% equivalent to 10 dead pigs out of 360, the disease would be detected 13–19 days after introduction.
Effect of high-dose oral cholecalciferol on cardiac mechanics in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Deveci Murat , Aytaç Mehmet Baha , Altun Gürkan , Kayabey Özlem , Babaoğlu Kadir 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCardiovascular factors are an important cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease, and vitamin-D deficiency is common in this patient population. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of oral cholecalciferol on cardiac mechanics in children with chronic kidney disease. A total of 41 children with chronic kidney disease – the patient group – and 24 healthy subjects – the control group – free of any underlying cardiac or renal disease with low 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 levels were evaluated by conventional tissue Doppler imaging and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography, both at baseline and following Stoss vitamin-D supplementation. Left ventricular strain and strain rate values were compared between the study groups. Initial longitudinal and radial strain as well as strain rate values of the left ventricle were significantly lower in patients. After vitamin-D supplementation, these improved significantly in patients, whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. Our study showed that, although conventional and tissue Doppler imaging methods could not determine any effect, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography revealed the favourable effects of high-dose cholecalciferol on cardiac mechanics, implying the importance of vitamin-D supplementation in children with chronic kidney disease.
Infant feeding decisions and behaviours among low-income smoke-exposed women: timing and change during pregnancy
Authors: Risica Patricia Markham , McCausland Kristen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to describe change in feeding intentions and predictors of breast-feeding intentions during the course of pregnancy.DesignAnalysis of prospectively collected data from a larger randomized controlled trial of a health education intervention to reduce environmental smoke exposure among women during and after pregnancy.SettingParticipants were recruited from prenatal clinics, but all further communication occurred with participating women living in the community.SubjectsLow-income, adult women (n399) were interviewed during the 16th and 32nd week of pregnancy to ascertain prenatal feeding intentions and breast-feeding knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. Characteristics of women by infant feeding intention were assessed along with differences in intention from 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy and feeding behaviours after delivery. Differences in psychosocial variables between women of different intention for infant feeding were measured. Women in each category of feeding intention were assessed for changes in psychosocial factors by eventual infant feeding behaviour.ResultsFeeding intention early in pregnancy was strongly, but not consistently, associated with feeding intention late in pregnancy, feeding initiation and later feeding patterns. Over one-third of women who were undecided at 16 weeks’ gestation or earlier initiated breast-feeding. Increases in knowledge and improvement in time, social factors and social support barriers were found among those who exclusively breast-fed.ConclusionsResults indicate that feeding decisions may change during pregnancy. Determining when women make feeding decisions during their pregnancy warrants more research. Interventions to increase breast-feeding intentions should target knowledge, self-efficacy and barriers.
Exploring beliefs about dietary supplement use: focus group discussions with Dutch adults
Authors: Pajor Emília Margit , Oenema Anke , Eggers Sander Matthijs , de Vries Hein 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveAlthough dietary supplement use is increasing in Europe and the USA, little research involving adults’ beliefs regarding dietary supplements has been conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore and compare users’ and non-users’ beliefs towards dietary supplements.DesignThirteen focus group discussions were conducted of which seven groups were dietary supplement users and six groups were non-users. Based on the socio-cognitive factors of the Integrated Change Model, a semi-structured topic guide was set up. The discussions were audio-recorded and subjected to qualitative content analysis, applying the framework approach.SettingData were collected in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in 2014 and 2015.SubjectsIn total fifty-six individuals participated in the study, of whom twenty-eight were dietary supplement users and twenty-eight non-users. The average age of participants was 42·9 years.ResultsDietary supplement users’ attitude beliefs were mainly related to mental and physical health enhancement, illness prevention and curative health benefits. Users were critical of the nutritional knowledge of health professionals and of the quality of food products. Non-users were convinced that the human body does not need any support and that regular food is enough to cover one’s nutritional needs. Users and non-users held comparable beliefs regarding the definition and risks of dietary supplements, and perceived social influences.ConclusionsIn their decision about dietary supplement use, both groups were guided by their own convictions to a great extent. Both groups would benefit from improved understanding of the health effects of dietary supplements to improve informed decision making.
Implication of our technological species being first and early
Authors: Whitmire Daniel P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAccording to the Principle of Mediocrity, a cornerstone of modern cosmology, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, we should believe that we are a typical member of an appropriately chosen reference class. If we assume that this principle applies to the reference class of all extant technological species, then it follows that other technological species will, like us, typically find that they are both the first such species to evolve on their planet and also that they are early in their potential technological evolution. Here we argue that this suggests that the typical technological species becomes extinct soon after attaining a modern technology and that this event results in the extinction of the planet's global biosphere.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis by suppressing miR-624-3p in human chondrosarcoma cells
Authors: Lin Chih-Yang , Wang Shih-Wei , Chen Yen-Ling , Chou Wen-Yi , Lin Ting-Yi , Chen Wei-Cheng , Yang Chen-Yu , Liu Shih-Chia , Hsieh Chia-Chu , Fong Yi-Chin , Wang Po-Chuan , Tang Chih-Hsin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractChondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignancy of bone, and one of the most difficult bone tumors to diagnose and treat. It is well known that increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) promote active tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic tumor spread to regional lymph nodes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to promote metastasis in human chondrosarcoma cells. Knowing more about the mechanism of BDNF in VEGF-C expression and lymphangiogenesis in human chondrosarcoma would improve our understanding as how to prevent chondrosarcoma angiogenesis and metastasis, which currently lacks effective adjuvant treatment. Here, we found that BDNF expression was at least 2.5-fold higher in the highly migratory JJ012(S10) cell line as compared with the primordial cell line (JJ012). In addition, VEGF-C expression and secretion was markedly increased in JJ012(S10) cells. Conditioned medium from JJ012(S10) cells significantly promoted migration and tube formation of human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whereas knockdown of BDNF attenuated LEC migration and tube formation by suppressing VEGF-C production in JJ012(S10) cells. Mechanistic investigations indicated that BDNF facilitated VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis through the MEK/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway. We also showed that microRNA (miR)-624-3p expression was negatively regulated by BDNF via the MEK/ERK/mTOR cascade. Importantly, BDNF knockdown profoundly inhibited tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Further analyses identified that BDNF promoted tumor lymphangiogenesis by downregulating miR-624-3p in human chondrosarcoma tissues. In conclusion, this study is the first to reveal the mechanism underlying BDNF-induced lymphangiogenesis. We suggest that BDNF may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the restriction of VEGF-C-mediated tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.