Discussion of an instrumented screw pile load test and connected pile group load settlement behavior

The aim of the paper is to discuss a fully instrumented screw pile load test up to failure, in difficult heterogeneous soil conditions along the shaft. The pre-stressing of the pile during its installation process has been brought to attention as an important item to assisting in explaining the differences in pile capacity and load settlement curve on the one hand, and the data as registered from the pile shaft instrumentation. In the second part of the paper, starting info on the registered load settlement data of the foundation slabs of each of the three, closely positioned, oil tanks of 48m diameter and 19m of height are shared and briefly analyzed.

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Influence of GI parasites on productive and reproductive performances of Black Bengal goat under farm condition

2016-02-25T01-19-53Z
Source: International Journal of Livestock Research
Keshab Chandra Dhara, Nita Ray, Prabir K Bandopadhyay, Subhasish Biswas, Arunasish Goswami.
An experimental study was made for assessing the influence of parasitic infestation as well as variability of productive and reproductive performances of Black Bengal goat before recommendation of selection and breeding using an experimental design under farm condition and the productive and reproductive performances of sixty six progenies of the does were recorded. The average body weight in both first and second generation at nine months of age of T1 (10.12 kg and 10.23 kg) and T2 (10.01 kg and 10.36 kg) were significantly higher than T3 (9.68 kg and 9.79 kg). The average body weight at birth, three months and six months showed no variation among the groups. The result of physical characteristics of Black Bengal goat progenies showed that the overall heart girth of T1 (49.42 cm) and T2 (49.32 cm) were significantly higher than T3 (47.23 cm) at nine months of age. The result of heart girth at birth, three months and six months revealed no significant variation. Other physical characteristics i.e. body height and body length showed no significant difference between groups. No significant change was observed in any of the above traits between generations. The result of reproductive traits only for first generation progenies showed similar findings as that observed in field condition i.e. significant variation in WFK, SP and KI among the high and low EPG groups. It has been observed that the progenies of does having EPG count more than 1200 have no effect on body weight and physical characteristics only upto six months of age indicating the existence of maternal immunity upto six months. But give poor productive and reproductive performance at their adulthood. They also give birth to inferior progenies generation after generation and the progenies are also susceptible to infection.


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HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES IN DISCARDED BULLS

2016-02-25T01-19-53Z
Source: International Journal of Livestock Research
LSS Varaprasad Reddy, B.Sudhakara Reddy and BR NAIK.
Present study was aimed to record haematological profiles in discarded bulls which were sending to the slaughter house after response to the treatment. Most of the bulls in the study were suffered with different digestive disturbances including recurrent bloat, impaction and constipation. Observed signs in these animals were varied from the individual bull, but commonly all the animals showed anorexia, depression, ruminal impaction followed by loss of body weight. Haematological profiles revealed decreased hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume. Total leukocyte count was found to be significantly higher in association with eosinophilia and neutrophilia. Study assessed that discarded bulls sending to the slaughter house had the variation in the haematology profiles which had the role on health status of the bulls.


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Effect of exogenous Diethylstilbestrol on semen quality of Kundhi buffalo bull

2016-02-25T01-19-53Z
Source: International Journal of Livestock Research
Sheeraz Mustafa, Pershotam Khatri, Shahid Hussain Abro, Riaz Ahmed Laghari, Zaheer Ahmed Nizamani, Shamsuddin Bughio, Rani Wagan.
The study was conducted to figure out the impact of exogenous Diethylstilbestrol on semen quality of Khundi buffalo bulls. Six Kundhi buffaloes of aged 5-6 years were divided into two groups, three bulls were placed in group-1 treated as experimental group and three bull was kept as an untreated external control. 20mg of Diethylstilbestrol was injected intramuscularly to each experimental bull, parameters of semen and serum estrogen level was determined through ELISA.The comparative average semen volume, concentration, pH and motility in control and experimental animals were 4.7 vs. 5.39 ml, 1.43 vs. 1.27 x109, 6.76 vs. 6.66 and 73 vs. 71% respectively; the color of semen was creamy in control animals than experimental animals, except than the concentration of bull semen of control and experimental animals the all studied seminal parameters of bulls were statistically non-significant. The serum estrogen level was significantly declined after Diethylstilbestrol treatment. It was concluded that the administration of exogenous estrogens in buffalo bull has no or little impact in the improvement of semen quality and resulted in decline of serum estrogen level bulls. Further studies at molecular level like relative gene expression of estrogen receptors at mRNA level and immunohistochemistry are required to confirm the specific cellular localization estrogen receptor in the testes of buffalo bulls.


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Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 55: Cylindrospermopsin Biodegradation Abilities of Aeromonas sp. Isolated from Rusałka Lake

The occurrence of the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in freshwater reservoirs is a common phenomenon. However, the biodegradation of this toxin in environmental samples has been observed only occasionally. In this work the biodegradation ability of cylindrospermopsin was investigated based on isolates from lakes with previous cyanotoxin history. Bacterial strains were identified based on the 16S rDNA and rpoD gene comparison. CYN biodegradation was monitored using the HPLC method. The R6 strain identified as Aeromonas sp. was documented as being capable of CYN removal. This biodegradation was dependent on the pH and temperature. Additionally, the stimulation of the growth of the R6 strain in the presence of CYN was indicated. Our discovery supports the hypothesis that (in analogy to the well-known phenomenon of microcystin biodegradation) in lakes dominated by potential CYN-producing cyanobacteria, the processes of microbial utilization of this toxin may occur.

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Effectiveness of Exercise on Visceral Adipose Tissue in Older South Asian Women.

Introduction: Individuals of South Asian (SA) origin have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than other ethnic populations. This increased risk is in part explained by the unique obesity phenotype of elevated visceral adipose tissue (VAT) among this population. Aerobic exercise in Europeans is effective at reducing VAT but this has not been studied in SA who have some of the lowest levels of physical activity in the world. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if exercise can reduce VAT given the unique obesity phenotype and associated disease risk in the SA population. Methods: A total of 75 physically inactive, post-menopausal SA women were randomized to either culturally-based (Bhangra dance), standard (gym-based) or a control (non-exercise) program for 12-weeks. The primary outcome was change in VAT. Results: The average attendance in the culturally-based and standard program was 78 +/- 33% and 67 +/- 25%, respectively. Following an intent-to treat analysis, VAT was not significantly reduced in culturally-based (-60cm3, 95%CI: -172, 54, p=0.300) or standard (-98cm3, 95% CI: -216, 21, p=0.106) exercise compared to control after adjustment for baseline physical activity and age. In those participants who attended more than two-thirds of the exercise classes, VAT was significantly reduced compared to control (-109cm3, 95%CI: -204, -13, p=0.026). Conclusion: In intent-to-treat analysis VAT was not significantly reduced after 12-weeks of either standard or culturally-based exercise. However, attendance in both standard and culturally-based exercise was high and VAT was significantly reduced among SA women who adhered to these programs. (C) 2016 American College of Sports Medicine

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KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH AMONG MEDICAL POSTGRADUATES IN A TEACHING TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

2016-02-25T00-46-57Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Madhavrao C., Mythili Bai K., Rema Menon N., Sharath Babu K., Prathab Asir A..
Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the KAP towards principles of research in medical postgraduates in a teaching tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the IHEC and valid informed consent, the participants were recruited into the study. The study included 26 medical postgraduates from different disciples and who were asked to fill the pre-validated structured questionnaire on principles of research. The study was conducted during the period of January 2014- March 2015. The collected data from questionnaire forms were entered into Microsoft office excel 2007 and was expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: It was observed that more than 50% of study participants were able to answer the correct response for questions on knowledge about the principles of research. Majority of the study participants [88.46%] were able to mark the correct response for the definition of research. The study also showed that attitude towards research among medical postgraduates was positive with 92.31% were opined to have or undergo seminars/ workshops/CME to update their knowledge on principles of research periodically. However the practice towards principle of research seems to be not satisfactory. It was noticed that only 7.69% of study participants had experience in sending the manuscript for publication in peer reviewed journals. Conclusion: There was good knowledge and positive attitude, with poor practices towards principles of research among medical postgraduates.


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Return on investment: 30 years of commitment to the injured child has become a pathway to success.

No abstract available

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Widespread Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma Shown by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT.

We present the 18F-FDG and 68Ga prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT images of a 61-year-old patient with a newly diagnosed prostate carcinoma (4 + 4 Gleason score) and high serum prostate-specific antigen levels (460 ng/mL). In 18F-FDG PET/CT, minimal uptake was demonstrated in the prostatic mass without any accompanying pathological uptake. However, 68Ga prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT revealed multiple pathological uptake in the lung nodules, mediastinal nodes, abdominal-pelvic lymph nodes, bone lesions, and prostatic mass. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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18F-DOPA Uptake of Developmental Venous Anomalies in Children With Brain Tumors.

We report the finding of increased 18F-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine uptake of the brain parenchyma adjacent to developmental venous anomalies, incidentally discovered in 3 pediatric patients with diffusely infiltrating gliomas. One patient presented 3 developmental venous anomalies located distant from the tumor, whereas in the remaining 2 patients, the vascular anomalies were inside the tumoral area mimicking a focal area of increased tumor metabolism. In the setting of brain tumor imaging, focal increased 18F-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine uptake should be carefully interpreted in light of MRI findings, and nuclear medicine physicians should be aware of any incidental minor vascular abnormality for proper interpretation of PET data. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Experience of Circuit Survival in Extracorporeal Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Using Small-Calibre Venous Cannulae.

Objectives: To describe an experience of circuit survival in extracorporeal continuous renal replacement therapy using small-calibre (

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Delivery of Epinephrine in the Vapor Phase for the Treatment of Croup.

Objectives: The Vapotherm system delivers high humidity to the airway of patients by using semipermeable tubules where heated liquid water is in contact with air. The humidified air is conducted to the patient via a heated tube. Preliminary clinical observations in infants with croup suggested that epinephrine added to the water supplying the humidity was delivered successfully in the vapor phase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the delivery of epinephrine in the vapor phase and to develop the feasibility criteria for a clinical pilot study. Design: Thirty milligrams of epinephrine in a 1-L bag of sterile water was used as the humidification source for a Vapotherm 2000i. The output of the heated circuit was condensed and collected into a small Erlenmeyer flask via a metal coil while the whole collection system was submerged in an ice slurry to maintain the outflow temperature from the flask between 0[degrees]C and 2[degrees]C. The in vitro system was tested at 40[degrees]C with flows of 5, 10, and 15 L/min and L-epinephrine concentrations of 15, 30, and 60 mg/L. Each test was duplicated at each of the six conditions. Setting: Academic children's hospital research laboratory. Patients: None. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The system recovered more than 90% of the water vapor from the fully saturated air at 40[degrees]C. The epinephrine concentration recovery quantified by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry was 23.9% (27.5-20.4%) (mean and range) of the initial concentration. At flows of 5, 10, and 15 L/min, the delivery of epinephrine would be 1.8, 3.6, and 4.2 [mu]g/min, respectively, which is in the therapeutic range used for parenteral infusion in young children. Conclusions: The Vapotherm system can be used to deliver epinephrine in pharmacological doses to the respiratory system as a vapor and thus as an alternative to droplets by conventional nebulization. (C)2016The Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies

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Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Mortality in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Multicenter Study.

Objective: To establish the current respiratory practice patterns in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and investigate their associations with mortality across multiple centers. Design: Retrospective cohort between 2009 and 2014. Setting: Twelve children's hospitals in the United States. Patients: Two hundred twenty-two pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with acute respiratory failure using invasive mechanical ventilation. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: PICU mortality of our cohort was 60.4%. Mortality at 180 days post PICU discharge was 74%. Length of PICU stay prior to initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation was significantly lower in survivors, and the odds of mortality increased for longer length of PICU stay prior to intubation. A total of 91 patients (41%) received noninvasive ventilation at some point during their PICU stay prior to intubation. Noninvasive ventilation use preintubation was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.6; p = 0.010). Patients ventilated longer than 15 days had higher odds of death (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.2; p = 0.004). Almost 40% of patients (n = 85) were placed on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation with a mortality of 76.5% (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7-6.5; p = 0.0004). Of the 20 patients who survived high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, 18 were placed on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation no later than the third day of invasive mechanical ventilation. In this subset of 85 patients, transition to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation within 2 days of the start of invasive mechanical ventilation resulted in a 76% decrease in the odds of death compared with those who transitioned to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation later in the invasive mechanical ventilation course. Conclusions: This study suggests that perhaps earlier more aggressive critical care interventions in the pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient with respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation may offer an -opportunity to improve outcomes. (C)2016The Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies

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Species interactions can maintain resistance of subtidal algal habitats to an increasingly modified world

Falkenberg, LJ; Connell, SD; Coffee, OI; Ghedini, G; Russell, BD; (2015) Species interactions can maintain resistance of subtidal algal habitats to an increasingly modified world. Global Ecology and Conservation , 4 (C) pp. 549-558. 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.10.003 . Green open access

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Multi-step biocatalytic strategies for chiral amino alcohol synthesis

Villegas-Torres, MF; Martinez-Torres, RJ; Cázares-Körner, A; Hailes, H; Baganz, F; Ward, J; (2015) Multi-step biocatalytic strategies for chiral amino alcohol synthesis. Enzyme and Microbial Technology , 81 pp. 23-30. 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2015.07.003 . Green open access

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Novel application of luciferase assay for the in vitro functional assessment of KAL1 variants in three females with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD)

McCabe, MJ; Hu, Y; Gregory, LC; Gaston-Massuet, C; Alatzoglou, KS; Saldanha, JW; Gualtieri, A; McCabe, MJ; Hu, Y; Gregory, LC; Gaston-Massuet, C; Alatzoglou, KS; Saldanha, JW; Gualtieri, A; Thankamony, A; Hughes, I; Townshend, S; Martinez-Barbera, JP; Bouloux, PM; Dattani, MT; - view fewer (2015) Novel application of luciferase assay for the in vitro functional assessment of KAL1 variants in three females with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology , 417 pp. 63-72. 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.010 . Green open access

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MRI biomarker assessment of neuromuscular disease progression: a prospective observational cohort study

Morrow, JM; Sinclair, CD; Fischmann, A; Machado, PM; Reilly, MM; Yousry, TA; Thornton, JS; Morrow, JM; Sinclair, CD; Fischmann, A; Machado, PM; Reilly, MM; Yousry, TA; Thornton, JS; Hanna, MG; - view fewer (2016) MRI biomarker assessment of neuromuscular disease progression: a prospective observational cohort study. Lancet Neurology , 15 (1) pp. 65-77. 10.1016/S1474-4422(15)00242-2 . Green open access

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Lentiviral Engineered Fibroblasts Expressing Codon Optimized COL7A1 Restore Anchoring Fibrils in RDEB

Georgiadis, C; Syed, F; Petrova, A; Abdul-Wahab, A; Lwin, SM; Farzaneh, F; Chan, L; Georgiadis, C; Syed, F; Petrova, A; Abdul-Wahab, A; Lwin, SM; Farzaneh, F; Chan, L; Ghani, S; Fleck, RA; Glover, L; McMillan, JR; Chen, M; Thrasher, AJ; McGrath, JA; Di, WL; Qasim, W; - view fewer (2016) Lentiviral Engineered Fibroblasts Expressing Codon Optimized COL7A1 Restore Anchoring Fibrils in RDEB. Journal of Investigative Dermatology , 136 (1) 10.1038/jid.2015.364 . Green open access

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Innovation in Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Service-Delivery: The Integra Indexes of HIV and Reproductive Health Integration

Mayhew, SH; Ploubidis, GB; Sloggett, A; Church, K; Obure, CD; Birdthistle, I; Sweeney, S; Mayhew, SH; Ploubidis, GB; Sloggett, A; Church, K; Obure, CD; Birdthistle, I; Sweeney, S; Warren, CE; Watts, C; Vassall, A; - view fewer (2016) Innovation in Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Service-Delivery: The Integra Indexes of HIV and Reproductive Health Integration. PLoS One , 11 (1) , Article e0146694. 10.1371/journal.pone.0146694 . Green open access

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A physical explanation for the magnetic decrease ahead of dipolarization fronts

Yao, ZH; Liu, J; Owen, CJ; Forsyth, C; Rae, IJ; Pu, ZY; Fu, HS; Yao, ZH; Liu, J; Owen, CJ; Forsyth, C; Rae, IJ; Pu, ZY; Fu, HS; Zhou, X-Z; Shi, QQ; Du, AM; Guo, RL; Chu, XN; - view fewer (2015) A physical explanation for the magnetic decrease ahead of dipolarization fronts. Annales Geophysicae , 33 (10) pp. 1301-1309. 10.5194/angeo-33-1301-2015 . Green open access

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The role of social cognition and prosocial behaviour in relation to the socio-emotional functioning of primary aged children with specific language impairment

Bakopoulou, I; Dockrell, JE; (2016) The role of social cognition and prosocial behaviour in relation to the socio-emotional functioning of primary aged children with specific language impairment. Research in Developmental Disabilities , 49-50 pp. 354-370. 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.12.013 .

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Conformer specific dissociation dynamics of iodocyclohexane studied by velocity map imaging

Zaouris, DK; Wenge, AM; Murdock, D; Oliver, TAA; Richmond, G; Ritchie, GAD; Dixon, RN; Zaouris, DK; Wenge, AM; Murdock, D; Oliver, TAA; Richmond, G; Ritchie, GAD; Dixon, RN; Ashfold, MNR; - view fewer (2011) Conformer specific dissociation dynamics of iodocyclohexane studied by velocity map imaging. The Journal of Chemical Physics , 135 (9) , Article 094312. 10.1063/1.3628682 . Green open access

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Synergy of stereo cloud top height and ORAC optimal estimation cloud retrieval: evaluation and application to AATSR

Fisher, D; Poulsen, CA; Thomas, GE; Muller, J-P; (2015) Synergy of stereo cloud top height and ORAC optimal estimation cloud retrieval: evaluation and application to AATSR. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques Discussions , 8 (5) pp. 5283-5327. 10.5194/amtd-8-5283-2015 . Green open access

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Augmenting the logrank test in the design of clinical trials in which non-proportional hazards of the treatment effect may be anticipated

Royston, P; Parmar, MKB; (2016) Augmenting the logrank test in the design of clinical trials in which non-proportional hazards of the treatment effect may be anticipated. BMC Medical Research Methodology , 16 (1) 10.1186/s12874-016-0110-x . Green open access

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Theta phase precession and the temporal representation of space: Environmental and behavioural contributions to place cell firing in the rat.

Huxter, J.R.; (2004) Theta phase precession and the temporal representation of space: Environmental and behavioural contributions to place cell firing in the rat. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access

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Governance, accountability and the datafication of early years education in England

Roberts-Holmes, GP; Bradbury, A; (2016) Governance, accountability and the datafication of early years education in England. British Educational Research Journal 10.1002/berj.3221 .

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Uptake of atmospheric molecules by ice nanoparticles: Pickup cross sections

Lengyel, J; Kočišek, J; Poterya, V; Pysanenko, A; Svrčková, P; Fárník, M; Zaouris, DK; Lengyel, J; Kočišek, J; Poterya, V; Pysanenko, A; Svrčková, P; Fárník, M; Zaouris, DK; Fedor, J; - view fewer (2012) Uptake of atmospheric molecules by ice nanoparticles: Pickup cross sections. The Journal of Chemical Physics , 137 (3) , Article 034304. 10.1063/1.4733987 . Green open access

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“Of all the knottes that I se / I prese the knot in Trinite”: Trinitarian Iconography in the Middle English Lyric, An aungell fro heuen gan lyth’

Jones, N; (2015) "Of all the knottes that I se / I prese the knot in Trinite": Trinitarian Iconography in the Middle English Lyric, An aungell fro heuen gan lyth'. Viator , 46 (2) pp. 193-217. 10.1484/J.VIATOR.5.105367 . Green open access

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Associations between polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis and 12 cardiovascular diseases

Pujades-Rodriguez, M; Duyx, B; Thomas, SL; Stogiannis, D; Smeeth, L; Hemingway, H; (2016) Associations between polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis and 12 cardiovascular diseases. Heart , 102 (5) pp. 383-389. 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308514 . Green open access

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A collaborator par excellence: some reflections upon Sue Lewis’ contribution to cross national research on work and family life

Brannen, JM; nilsen, A; (2016) A collaborator par excellence: some reflections upon Sue Lewis' contribution to cross national research on work and family life. Community, Work & Family , 19 (2) pp. 171-180. 10.1080/13668803.2016.1134123 .

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Robust Model-Free Control Applied to a Quadrotor UAV

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to deal with a new technique based on Model-Free Control (MFC). The concept of this controller is to use a basic controller along with an ultra-local model to compensate for system's uncertainties and disturbances. In this paper, a proposed algorithm is introduced based on an integrated structure between the Nonlinear Integral-Backstepping technique (NIB) and the MFC. The LQR, NIB, LQR-MFC, and NIB-MFC are implemented on a real quadrotor UAV. Various real-time flight tests are conducted to validate the importance of using the MFC side by side with NIB. The proposed combination shows robust performance compared to the other algorithms under fault-free and actuator fault conditions.

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Cementless Titanium Mesh Fixation of Osteoporotic Burst Fractures of the Lumbar Spine Leads to Bony Healing: Results of an Experimental Sheep Model

Introduction. Current treatment strategies for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) focus on cement-associated solutions. Complications associated with cement application are leakage, embolism, adjacent fractures, and compromise in bony healing. This study comprises a validated VCF model in osteoporotic sheep in order to (1) evaluate a new cementless fracture fixation technique using titanium mesh implants (TMIs) and (2) demonstrate the healing capabilities in osteoporotic VCFs. Methods. Twelve 5-year-old Merino sheep received ovariectomy, corticosteroid injections, and a calcium/phosphorus/vitamin D-deficient diet for osteoporosis induction. Standardized VCFs (type AO A3.1) were created, reduced, and fixed using intravertebral TMIs. Randomly additional autologous spongiosa grafting (G1) or no augmentation was performed (G2, each). Two months postoperatively, macroscopic, micro-CT and biomechanical evaluation assessed bony consolidation. Results. Fracture reduction succeeded in all cases without intraoperative complications. Bony consolidation was proven for all cases with increased amounts of callus development for G2 (58.3%). Micro-CT revealed cage integration. Neither group showed improved results with biomechanical testing. Conclusions. Fracture reduction/fixation using TMIs without cement in osteoporotic sheep lumbar VCF resulted in bony fracture healing. Intravertebral application of autologous spongiosa showed no beneficial effects. The technique is now available for clinical use; thus, it offers an opportunity to abandon cement-associated complications.

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Oxidative potential of secondary organic aerosols produced from photooxidation of different hydrocarbons using outdoor chamber under ambient sunlight

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 131
Author(s): Huanhuan Jiang, Myoseon Jang, Tara Sabo-Attwood, Sarah E. Robinson
The oxidative potential of various secondary organic aerosols (SOA) was measured using dithiothreitol (DTT) assay to understand how organic aerosols react with cellular materials. SOA was produced via the photooxidation of four different hydrocarbons (toluene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, isoprene and α-pinene) in the presence of NOx using a large outdoor photochemical smog chamber. The DTT consumption rate was normalized by the aerosol mass, which is expressed as DTTmass. Toluene SOA and isoprene SOA yielded higher DTTmass than 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene SOA or α-pinene SOA. In order to discover the correlation between the molecular structure and oxidative potential, the DTT responses of selected model compounds were also measured. Among them, conjugated aldehydes, quinones, and H2O2 showed considerable DTT response. To investigate the correlation between DTT response and cell responses in vitro, the expression of biological markers, i.e. IL-6, IL-8, and HMOX-1 were studied using small airway epithelial cells. Higher cellular expression of IL-8 was observed with toluene SOA exposure compared to 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene SOA exposure, which aligned with the results from DTT assay. Our study also suggests that within the urban atmosphere, the contribution of toluene SOA and isoprene SOA to the oxidative potential of ambient SOA will be more significant than that of α-pinene SOA.



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Speciated atmospheric mercury in the marine boundary layer of the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 131
Author(s): Chunjie Wang, Zhijia Ci, Zhangwei Wang, Xiaoshan Zhang, Jia Guo
The objectives of this study are to identify the spatial and temporal distributions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and fine particulate mercury (Hg^P2.5) in the marine boundary layer (MBL) of the Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS), and to investigate the relationships between mercury species and meteorological parameters. The mean concentrations of GEM, RGM, and Hg^P2.5 were 2.03 ng m⁻³, 2.5 pg m⁻³, and 8.2 pg m⁻³ in spring, and 2.09 ng m⁻³, 4.3 pg m⁻³, and 8.3 pg m⁻³ in fall. Reactive mercury (RGM + Hg^P2.5) represented < 1% of total atmospheric mercury (GEM + RGM + Hg^P2.5), which indicated that most mercury export in the MBL was GEM and the direct outflow of reactive mercury was very small. Moreover, GEM concentrations over the BS were generally higher than those over the YS both in spring and fall. Although RGM showed a homogeneous distribution over the BS and YS both in spring and fall, the mean RGM concentration in fall was significantly higher than that in spring. In contrast, the spatial distribution of Hg^P2.5 generally reflected a gradient with high levels near the coast of China and low levels in the open sea, suggesting the significant atmospheric mercury outflow from China. Interestingly, the mean RGM concentrations during daytime were significantly higher than those during nighttime both in spring and fall, while the opposite results were observed for Hg^P2.5. Additionally, RGM positively correlates with air temperature while negatively correlates with relative humidity. In conclusion, the elevated atmospheric mercury levels in the BS and YS compared to other open seas suggested that the human activities had a significant influence on the oceanic mercury cycle downwind of China.



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Constraining NOx emissions using satellite NO2 measurements during 2013 DISCOVER-AQ Texas campaign

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 131
Author(s): Amir Hossein Souri, Yunsoo Choi, Wonbae Jeon, Xiangshang Li, Shuai Pan, Lijun Diao, David A. Westenbarger
Reliable emission inventories are key to precisely model air pollutant concentrations. The relatively large reduction in NOx emissions that is well corroborated by satellite and in-situ observations over southeast Texas has resulted in discrepancies between observations and regional model simulations based on the National Emission Inventory (NEI) provided every three years in U.S. In this study, a Bayesian inversion of OMI tropospheric NO2 is conducted to update anthropogenic sources of NEI-2011 and soil-biogenic sources from BEIS3 (Biogenic Emission Inventory System version 3) over southeast Texas and west Louisiana during the 2013 DISCOVER-AQ Texas campaign. Results reveal that influences of the a priori profile used in OMI NO2 retrieval play a significant role in inconsistencies between model and satellite observations, which should be mitigated. A posteriori emissions are produced using the regional Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model associated with Decoupled Direct Method (DDM) sensitivity analysis. The inverse estimate suggests a reduction in area (44%), mobile (30%), and point sources (60%) in high NOx areas (ENOx> 0.2 mol/s), and an increase in soil (∼52%) and area emissions (37%) in low NOx regions (ENOx< 0.02 mol/s). The reductions in anthropogenic sources in high NOx regions are attributed to both uncertainty of the priori and emissions policies, while increases in area and soil-biogenic emissions more likely resulted from under-estimation of ships emissions, and the Yienger- Levy scheme used in BEIS respectively. In order to validate the accuracy of updated NOx emissions, CMAQ simulation was performed and results were evaluated with independent surface NO2 measurements. Comparing to surface monitoring sites, we find improvements (before and after inverse modeling) for MB (1.95, −0.30 ppbv), MAB (3.65, 2.60 ppbv), RMSE (6.13, 4.37 ppbv), correlation (0.68, 0.69), and IOA (0.76, 0.82). The largest improvement is seen for morning time surface NO2 for which RMSE and MB are reduced considerably by ∼60% (5.05 to 2.07 ppbv) and 109% (3.49 to −0.3 ppbv). However, under-prediction of model NO2 in Houston on 09/25–09/26 likely resulting from unprecedented local NOx sources from the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) becomes more evident. Overall, results show that use of OMI tropospheric NO2 columns can substantially reduce the uncertainty of bottom-up emissions for a regional study which should be extended to larger domains (e.g. entire U.S. or North America).



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Small-molecule modulators of PXR and CAR

Publication date: Available online 24 February 2016
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Sergio C. Chai, Milu T. Cherian, Yue-Ming Wang, Taosheng Chen
Two nuclear receptors, the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), participate in the xenobiotic detoxification system by regulating the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in order to degrade and excrete foreign chemicals or endogenous metabolites. This review aims to expand the perceived relevance of PXR and CAR beyond their established role as master xenosensors to disease-oriented areas, emphasizing their modulation by small molecules. Structural studies of these receptors have provided much-needed insight into the nature of their binding promiscuity and the important elements that lead to ligand binding. Reports of species- and isoform-selective activation highlight the need for further scrutiny when extrapolating from animal data to humans, as animal models are at the forefront of early drug discovery. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Xenobiotic nuclear receptors: New Tricks for An Old Dog, edited by Dr. Wen Xie.



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ATR-CHK1-E2F3 signaling transactivates human ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2 for DNA repair induced by the chemical carcinogen MNNG

Publication date: Available online 24 February 2016
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Chaoju Gong, Hong Liu, Rui Song, Tingting Zhong, Meng Lou, Tingyang Wang, Hongyan Qi, Jing Shen, Lijun Zhu, Jimin Shao
BackgroundN-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), an alkylating agent and an environmental carcinogen, causes DNA lesions and even carcinomas. DNA damage responses induced by MNNG activate various DNA repair genes and related signaling pathways. The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of human RR small subunit M2 (hRRM2) in response to MNNG.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrated that the RRM2 gene was transactivated by MNNG exposure more strongly than the other small subunit, p53R2. The upregulated RRM2 translocated to the nucleus for DNA repair. Further study showed that E2F3 transactivated RRM2 expression by directly binding to its promoter after MNNG exposure. The transactivation was enhanced by the upregulation of NFY, which bound to the RRM2 promoter adjacent to the E2F3 binding site and interacted with E2F3. In response to MNNG treatment, E2F3 accumulated mainly through its phosphorylation at S124 and was dependent on ATR-CHK1 signaling. In comparison, p53R2 played a relatively weaker role in the MNNG-induced DNA damage response, and its transcription was regulated by the ATR-CHK2-E2F1/p53 pathway.ConclusionsWe suggest that MNNG-stimulated ATR/CHK1 signaling stabilizes E2F3 by S124 phosphorylation, and then E2F3 together with NFY co-transactivate RRM2 expression for DNA repair.General significanceWe propose a new mechanism for RRM2 regulation to maintain genome stability in response to environmental chemical carcinogens.



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The Association Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Adverse Postoperative Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a high overall incidence of mortality, primarily because of cardiovascular complications. Thus, we tested the primary hypothesis that rheumatoid arthritis is independently associated with increased postoperative cardiovascular complications. Second, we determined whether rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased thromboembolic complications, microcirculatory complications, and mortality. METHODS: We obtained censuses of 2009 to 2010 inpatient hospital discharge data across 7 states (Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey). Rheumatoid arthritis was identified using the present-on-admission diagnosis code 714.0. Each rheumatoid arthritis discharge that had surgery was propensity matched to a control discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare matched rheumatoid arthritis and control patients on risk of in-hospital cardiovascular complications. RESULTS: Among 5.5 million qualifying discharges, the matching procedure yielded successful 66,886 matched pairs. One thousand ninety-five (1.64%) of the matched rheumatoid arthritis discharges and 1006 (1.50%) of the matched controls had in-hospital cardiovascular complications. The adjusted odds ratio (99% confidence interval) was estimated at 1.08 (0.96-1.21; P = 0.08). There were no significant differences in the odds of in-hospital thromboembolic complications (1.03 [0.93-1.15]; P = 0.42), in-hospital microcirculatory complications (0.94 [0.86-1.01]; P = 0.03), or in-hospital mortality (1.11 [0.98-1.25]; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatoid arthritis was not associated with an increased risk for postoperative cardiovascular complications. (C) 2016 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Diverse prognostic value of the GTn promoter polymorphism in squamous cell and adeno carcinoma of the esophageus

Abstract

The basal transcription of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) regulation is dependent upon a GT repeat germ line polymorphism (GTn) in the promoter of the HO-1 gene. We determined the prognostic value of HO-1 promoter polymorphism on the natural postoperative course of complete resected esophageal cancer (EC). Genomic DNA from 297 patients was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The results were correlated with clinico-pathological parameters, disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow (DTC) and clinical outcome. Depending on short allele with <25 and long allele with ≥25 GTn repeats three genotypes (SS, SL and LL) were defined. A diverse role of GTn was evident in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). In SCC the SS genotype presented less advanced tumors with lower rate DTC in bone marrow and relapse compared to L-allele carriers. In contrast AC patients with the SS genotype displayed a complete opposing tumor characteristic. The disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in SCC patients was markedly reduced in LL genotypes (P < 0.001). In AC contrarily the SS genotype patients displayed the worst DFS and OS (P < 0.001). GTn is a strong prognostic factor with diverse prognostic value for recurrence and survival in AC and SCC.

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Gluten Introduction and the Risk of Coeliac Disease: A Position Paper by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Background: The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommended in 2008, based on observational data, to avoid both early (

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The Wall of Pain: Not All Abdominal Pain Is Visceral

No abstract available

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Occult Blood and Perianal Examination

No abstract available

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Bowel Cleansing Before Colonoscopy in Children: Is This the Beginning of a New Era?

No abstract available

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Prevalence and Health Outcomes of Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants From Birth to 12 Months of Age: Erratum

No abstract available

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Molecular Chaperones as Therapy for PFIC: Not So Fast!

No abstract available

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Role of Vitamin D in Hospitalized Children With Lower Tract Acute Respiratory Infections

Background: Vitamin D is known to have modulatory actions in the immune system. Its influence on the severity of lower tract acute respiratory infections (LT-ARIs) is unclear. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vitamin D on LT-ARI in paediatric patients. Methods: Children admitted to hospital with LT-ARI were prospectively recruited through the GENDRES network (March 2009–May 2013). The 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels were measured by immunoassay. The severity of the illness was evaluated according to clinical scales, length of hospital stay, ventilatory requirements, and pediatric intensive care unit admission. Results: A total of 347 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 8.4 (2.6–21.1) months were included. The mean (SD) 25-OHD levels in our series were 27.1 (11.3) ng/mL. In this study, a cutoff value of ≥30 ng/mL was considered optimal vitamin status. Patients with 25-OHD levels

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Recurrent Pancreatitis in Children—More Data Still Needed

No abstract available

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ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN Report on the Assessment of Exocrine Pancreatic Function and Pancreatitis in Children: Erratum

No abstract available

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Transformation of the Paradigm in Intestinal Failure: Future Prognostication and Quality of Life, Not Just Survival

No abstract available

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Calcific Pancreatitis in Children

No abstract available

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