bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Achilles tendon function during walking in people with diabetic neuropathy: implications for metabolic energy saving
Authors: Petrovic M. , Maganaris C. N. , Deschamps K. , Verschueren S. M. , Bowling F. L. , Boulton A. J. M. , Reeves N. D.
Published: February 2018

The Achilles tendon (AT) has the capacity to store and release elastic energy during walking, contributing to metabolic energy savings. In diabetes patients, it is hypothesized that a stiffer Achilles tendon may reduce the capacity for energy saving through this mechanism, thereby contributing to an increased metabolic cost of walking (CoW). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) on the Achilles tendon and plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit behavior during walking. Twenty-three nondiabetic controls (Ctrl); 20 diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy (DM), and 13 patients with moderate/severe DPN underwent gait analysis using a motion analysis system, force plates, and ultrasound measurements of the gastrocnemius muscle, using a muscle model to determine Achilles tendon and muscle-tendon length changes. During walking, the DM and particularly the DPN group displayed significantly less Achilles tendon elongation (Ctrl: 1.81; DM: 1.66; and DPN: 1.54 cm), higher tendon stiffness (Ctrl: 210; DM: 231; and DPN: 240 N/mm), and higher tendon hysteresis (Ctrl: 18; DM: 21; and DPN: 24%) compared with controls. The muscle fascicles of the gastrocnemius underwent very small length changes in all groups during walking (~0.43 cm), with the smallest length changes in the DPN group. Achilles tendon forces were significantly lower in the diabetes groups compared with controls (Ctrl: 2666; DM: 2609; and DPN: 2150 N). The results strongly point toward the reduced energy saving capacity of the Achilles tendon during walking in diabetes patients as an important factor contributing to the increased metabolic CoW in these patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY From measurements taken during walking we observed that the Achilles tendon in people with diabetes and particularly people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was stiffer, was less elongated, and was subject to lower forces compared with controls without diabetes. These altered properties of the Achilles tendon in people with diabetes reduce the tendon’s energy saving capacity and contribute toward the higher metabolic energy cost of walking in these patients.
Intermittent PTH 1–34 administration improves the marrow microenvironment and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in bone arteries of aged rats
Authors: Lee Seungyong , Bice Ashley , Hood Brianna , Ruiz Juan , Kim Jahyun , Prisby Rhonda D.
Published: February 2018

Inflammation coincides with diminished marrow function, vasodilation of blood vessels, and bone mass. Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration independently improves marrow and vascular function, potentially impacting bone accrual. Currently, the influence of marrow and intermittent PTH administration on aged bone blood vessels has not been examined. Vasodilation of the femoral principal nutrient artery (PNA) was assessed in the presence and absence of marrow. Furthermore, we determined the influence of PTH 1–34 on 1) endothelium-dependent vasodilation and signaling pathways [i.e., nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2)], 2) endothelium-independent vasodilation, 3) cytokine production by marrow cells, and 4) bone microarchitecture and bone static and dynamic properties. Young (4–6 mo) and old (22–24 mo) male Fischer-344 rats were treated with PTH 1–34 or a vehicle for 2 wk. In the absence and presence of marrow, femoral PNAs were given cumulative doses of acetylcholine, with and without the NO and PGI2blockers, and diethylamine NONOate. Marrow-derived cytokines and bone parameters in the distal femur were assessed. Exposure to marrow diminished endothelium-dependent vasodilation in young rats. Reduced bone volume and NO-mediated vasodilation occurred with old age and were partially reversed with PTH. Additionally, PTH treatment in old rats restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the presence of marrow and augmented IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was unaltered, and PTH treatment reduced osteoid surfaces in old rats. In conclusion, the marrow microenvironment reduced vascular function in young rats, and PTH treatment improved the marrow microenvironment and vasodilation with age.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigated the influence of the marrow microenvironment on bone vascular function in young and old rats. An inflamed marrow microenvironment may reduce vasodilator capacity of bone blood vessels, diminishing delivery of blood flow to the skeleton. In young rats, the presence of the marrow reduced vasodilation in the femoral principal nutrient artery (PNA). However, intermittent parathyroid hormone administration (i.e., a treatment for osteoporosis) improved the marrow microenvironment and vasodilator capacity in old PNAs.
Surface electromyographic amplitude does not identify differences in neural drive to synergistic muscles
Authors: Martinez-Valdes Eduardo , Negro Francesco , Falla Deborah , De Nunzio Alessandro Marco , Farina Dario
Published: February 2018

Surface electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude is typically used to compare the neural drive to muscles. We experimentally investigated this association by studying the motor unit (MU) behavior and action potentials in the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles. Eighteen participants performed isometric knee extensions at four target torques [10, 30, 50, and 70% of the maximum torque (MVC)] while high-density EMG signals were recorded from the VM and VL. The absolute EMG amplitude was greater for VM than VL ( P < 0.001), whereas the EMG amplitude normalized with respect to MVC was greater for VL than VM ( P < 0.04). Because differences in EMG amplitude can be due to both differences in the neural drive and in the size of the MU action potentials, we indirectly inferred the neural drives received by the two muscles by estimating the synaptic inputs received by the corresponding motor neuron pools. For this purpose, we analyzed the increase in discharge rate from recruitment to target torque for motor units matched by recruitment threshold in the two muscles. This analysis indicated that the two muscles received similar levels of neural drive. Nonetheless, the size of the MU action potentials was greater for VM than VL ( P < 0.001), and this difference explained most of the differences in EMG amplitude between the two muscles (~63% of explained variance). These results indicate that EMG amplitude, even following normalization, does not reflect the neural drive to synergistic muscles. Moreover, absolute EMG amplitude is mainly explained by the size of MU action potentials.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electromyographic (EMG) amplitude is widely used to compare indirectly the strength of neural drive received by synergistic muscles. However, there are no studies validating this approach with motor unit data. Here, we compared between-muscles differences in surface EMG amplitude and motor unit behavior. The results clarify the limitations of surface EMG to interpret differences in neural drive between muscles.
Comparison of the Screening Tests for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus between “One-Step” and “Two-Step” Methods among Thai Pregnant Women
Authors: Luewan Suchaya , Bootchaingam Phenphan , Tongsong Theera
Published: February 2018

Objective. To compare the prevalence and pregnancy outcomes of GDM between those screened by the “one-step” (75 gm GTT) and “two-step” (100 gm GTT) methods. Methods. A prospective study was conducted on singleton pregnancies at low or average risk of GDM. All were screened between 24 and 28 weeks, using the one-step or two-step method based on patients’ preference. The primary outcome was prevalence of GDM, and secondary outcomes included birthweight, gestational age, rates of preterm birth, small/large-for-gestational age, low Apgar scores, cesarean section, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Results. A total of 648 women were screened: 278 in the one-step group and 370 in the two-step group. The prevalence of GDM was significantly higher in the one-step group; 32.0% versus 10.3%. Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in both groups were comparable. However, mean birthweight was significantly higher among pregnancies with GDM diagnosed by the two-step approach (3204 ± 555 versus 3009 ± 666 g; p=0.022). Likewise, the rate of large-for-date tended to be higher in the two-step group, but was not significant. Conclusion. The one-step approach is associated with very high prevalence of GDM among Thai population, without clear evidence of better outcomes. Thus, this approach may not be appropriate for screening in a busy antenatal care clinic like our setting or other centers in developing countries.
Pyrolysis Characteristics and Kinetic Analysis of Sediment from the Dianchi Lake in China
Authors: Wu Zhenfen , Luo Huilong
Published: February 2018

Pyrolysis properties and kinetic analysis of lake sediment, as well as evolution characteristics of the gaseous products at 5°C/min, 10°C/min, and 20°C/min, were investigated by TG-FTIR. Comparison to the TG and DTG curves at different heating rates, the pyrolysis process at 10°C/min could describe the sediment pyrolysis characteristics better than at 5°C/min and 20°C/min; thus the process of sediment pyrolysis could be considered as four stages. From the kinetics analysis, the nth-order chemical reaction model was suitable to describe the sediment pyrolysis reaction well. The values of n were within 2.55–3.42 and activation energy E was ranged from 15.83 KJ/mol to 57.92 KJ/mol at different heating rates. The gaseous products of H2O, CO2, CO, CH4, and SO2 and several functional groups (C-H, C=O, and C-O) could be found from the IR spectrum. From the evolution characteristics with the temperature, there were two evolution peaks for CO2 and one peak for CH4 and SO2. However, the evolution of CO always increased. Besides, the evolution peak for CO2, CH4, and SO2 all shifted to the low temperature region with the decrease of heating rate. The results could provide theoretical basis for harmless treatment and resource utilization of lake sediment.
Semibath Polymerization Approach for One-Pot Synthesis of Temperature- and Glucose-Responsive Core-Shell Nanogel Particles
Authors: Khan Aslam , El-Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Alam Javed , Aldalbahi Ali , Ahmed Mukhtar , Labis Joselito Puzon , Ahamad Tansir , Hezam Mahmoud
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report a simple and easy procedure for the synthesis of core-shell structures of glucose-sensitive 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (APBA) and temperature-responsive P(NIPAm-AAc) shell nanogel particles using MBA as a cross-linker via free radical polymerization. The synthesized particles were approximately 100 nm and were cross-linked to one another. The shell thickness of the nanogel particles was adjusted by increasing the concentrations of NIPAm through the semibath approach during the process of polymerization. The synthesized colloidal nanogel particle shows thermoresponsive behaviors. The dynamic light scattering technique also confirmed the change in the size of particles dispersed in an aqueous solution upon increase/decrease in temperatures, which is the result of its volume phase transition temperatures (VPTT). The size and morphology of the particles were characterized by TEM, FE-SEM, and AFM. The sensitivity of these nanogel particles to temperature and glucose suggests that they have the potential for applications related to the delivery of self-regulated insulin.
Electrocardiogram Delineation in a Wistar Rat Experimental Model
Authors: Arini Pedro David , Liberczuk Sergio , Mendieta Javier Gustavo , Santa María Martín , Bertrán Guillermo Claudio
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives. The extensive use of electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings during experimental protocols using small rodents requires an automatic delineation technique in the ECG with high performance. It has been shown that the wavelet transform (WT) based ECG delineator is a suitable tool to delineate electrocardiographic waveforms. The aim of this work is to implement and evaluate the ECG waves delineation in Wistar rats applying WT. We also describe the ECG signal of the Wistar rats giving the characteristics of its spectrum among other useful information. Methods. We evaluated a delineator based on WT in a Wistar rat electrocardiograms database which was annotated manually by experienced observers. Results. The delineation showed an “overall performance” such as sensitivity and a positive predictive value of 99.2% and 83.9% for P-wave, 100% and 99.9% for QRS complex, and 100% and 99.8% for T-wave, respectively. We also compared temporal analysis based ECG delineator with the WT based ECG delineator in RR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, and T-wave peak-to-end duration. The results showed that WT outperforms the temporal delineation technique in all parameters analyzed. Conclusions. Finally, we propose a WT based ECG delineator as a methodology to implement in a wide diversity of experimental ECG analyses using Wistar rats.
Tubulointerstitial Biomarkers for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Satirapoj Bancha
Published: February 2018

Patients with diabetic nephropathy have a higher risk of mortality, mostly from cardiovascular complications. Standard biomarkers including serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and albuminuria are imprecise, do not directly measure renal tissue injury, and are relatively insensitive to small changes in renal function. Thus, availability of novel biomarkers that are sensitive, specific, and precise as well as able to detect kidney injury and predict clinically significant outcomes would be widely useful in diabetic nephropathy. Novel biomarkers of the processes that induce tubulointerstitial changes may ultimately prove to better predict renal progression and prognosis in type 2 diabetes. Recently, certain biomarkers, which were initially identified in acute kidney injury, also have been reported to confer value in evaluating patients with chronic kidney disease. Biomarkers such as cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), angiotensinogen, periostin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) reflect tubular injury. In this article, we focused on the potential applications of these biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy.
Uplink Multiuser MIMO‐OFDM System in the Presence of Phase Noises, Power Imbalance, and Correlation
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Wolfgang Andreas , Svensson Tommy
Published: February 2018

The effects of phase noises (PNs), power imbalances, and correlations on multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems are studied. It is assumed that each user is equipped with a single antenna, whereas the base station (BS) has multiple antennas and use zero‐forcing (ZF) decoder for multiuser detection. Since each user has an independent oscillator, the received uplink (UL) signal at each BS antenna is corrupted by all of these independent PNs. Furthermore, there may be power imbalances and correlations (due to common scatterers) between different users. These impairments are jointly analyzed in this work. A closed‐form expression of the mean square error (MSE) performance of the multiuser MIMO‐OFDM system is derived. The analytical results are verified by simulations.
How Hippo Signaling Pathway Modulates Cardiovascular Development and Diseases
Authors: Zhou Wenyi , Zhao Mingyi
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death around the globe. Cardiac deterioration is associated with irreversible cardiomyocyte loss. Understanding how the cardiovascular system develops and the pathological processes of cardiac disease will contribute to finding novel and preventive therapeutic methods. The canonical Hippo tumor suppressor pathway in mammalian cells is primarily composed of the MST1/2-SAV1-LATS1/2-MOB1-YAP/TAZ cascade. Continuing research on this pathway has identified other factors like RASSF1A, Nf2, MAP4Ks, and NDR1/2, further enriching our knowledge of the Hippo-YAP pathway. YAP, the core effecter of the Hippo pathway, may accumulate in the nucleus and initiate transcriptional activity if the pathway is inhibited. The role of Hippo signaling has been widely investigated in organ development and cancers. A heart of normal size and function which is critical for survival could not be generated without the proper regulation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Recent research has demonstrated a novel role of Hippo signaling in cardiovascular disease in the context of development, hypertrophy, angiogenesis, regeneration, apoptosis, and autophagy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of how Hippo signaling modulates pathological processes in cardiovascular disease and discuss potential molecular therapeutic targets.
Anti-Inflamm-Ageing and/or Anti-Age-Related Disease Emerging Treatments: A Historical Alchemy or Revolutionary Effective Procedures?
Authors: Balistreri Carmela Rita
Published: February 2018

The “long-life elixir” has long represented for humans a dream, a vanity’s sin for remaining young and to long survive. Today, because of ageing population phenomenon, the research of antiageing interventions appears to be more important than ever, for preserving health in old age and retarding/or delaying the onset of age-related diseases. A hope is given by experimental data, which evidence the possibility of retarding ageing in animal models. In addition, it has been also demonstrated in animal life-extending studies not only the possibility of increasing longevity but also the ability to retard the onset of age-related diseases. Interestingly, this recent evidence is leading to promise of obtaining the same effects in humans and resulting in benefits for their health in old ages. In order to achieve this goal, different approaches have been used ranging from pharmacological targeting of ageing, basic biological assays, and big data analysis to the recent use of young blood, stem cells, cellular, genetic, and epigenetic reprogramming, or other techniques of regenerative medicine. However, only a little fraction of these approaches has the features for being tested in clinical applications. Here, new emerging molecules, drugs, and procedures will be described, by evidencing potential benefits and limitations.
Design Optimization of HANARO Irradiation Capsule for Long-Term Irradiation Testing
Authors: Choo Kee Nam , Cho Man Soon , Yang Seong Woo , Jun Byung Hyuk , Kim Myong Seop
Published: February 2018

As HANARO has been recently required to support new R&D relevant to future nuclear systems requiring much higher neutron fluence, two types of bottom rod tip of the capsule were preliminarily prepared. The first one is a conventional design made of STS304 and welded using a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding method. The other is a new design made of STS316L and welded using electron beam (EB) welding to strengthen the fatigue property of the rod tip. During the out-pile testing, they failed after 40 and 203 days, respectively. The fracture surfaces were examined using microscopes and the maximal applied stresses were estimated. The combination of these stresses was proved to be sufficient to cause a fatigue failure of the rod tip of the capsule. Based on the failure analysis, an optimized design of the rod tip of the capsule was made for long-term irradiation testing. It was designed to improve the welding and fatigue properties, to decrease the applied stress on the rod tip, and to fundamentally eliminate the effect of residual stress due to welding. The newly designed capsule was safely out-pile-tested up to 450 days and will be utilized for HANARO irradiation testing.
Design and Characterization of a Flexible Wideband Antenna Using Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Substrate
Authors: Abbas S. M. , Desai S. C. , Esselle K. P. , Volakis J. L. , Hashmi R. M.
Published: February 2018

The design and characterization of a simple, flexible wideband antenna using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite are presented. Conductive fibers are used to construct the metallic parts on a PDMS composite. To characterize the performance, two identical antennas are designed, one using the PDMS composite while the other on conventional dielectric materials. It was observed that both antennas behave well in terms of the matched bandwidth; however, the radiation towards the broadside direction is reduced when using the PDMS composite as substrate, particularly at higher frequencies. The antenna exhibits a matched bandwidth of 59.9%, ranging from 3.43 to 11.1 GHz. Moreover, the bending analysis carried out for different scenarios show that the wideband behavior of the antenna is well preserved and the variation reaches a maximum of 1% variation.
Immersive Technology for Human‐Centric Cyberphysical Systems in Complex Manufacturing Processes: A Comprehensive Overview of the Global Patent Profile Using Collective Intelligence
Authors: Govindarajan Usharani Hareesh , Trappey Amy J. C. , Trappey Charles V.
Published: February 2018

Immersive technology for human‐centric cyberphysical systems includes broad concepts that enable users in the physical world to connect with the cyberworld with a sense of immersion. Complex systems such as virtual reality, augmented reality, brain‐computer interfaces, and brain‐machine interfaces are emerging as immersive technologies that have the potential for improving manufacturing systems. Industry 4.0 includes all technologies, standards, and frameworks for the fourth industrial revolution to facilitate intelligent manufacturing. Industrial immersive technologies will be used for smart manufacturing innovation in the context of Industry 4.0’s human machine interfaces. This research provides a thorough review of the literature, construction of a domain ontology, presentation of patent metatrend statistical analysis, and data mining analysis using a technology function matrix and highlights technical and functional development trends using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) models. A total of 179 references from the IEEE and IET databases and 2,672 patents are systematically analyzed to identify current trends. The paper establishes an essential foundation for the development of advanced human‐centric cyberphysical systems in complex manufacturing processes.
Mathematical Formulation and Comparison of Solution Approaches for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Access Time Windows
Authors: Grosso Rafael , Muñuzuri Jesús , Escudero-Santana Alejandro , Barbadilla-Martín Elena
Published: February 2018

The application of the principles of sustainability to the implementation of urban freight policies requires the estimation of all the costs and externalities involved. We focus here on the case of access time windows, which ban the access of freight vehicles to central urban areas in many European cities. Even though this measure seeks to reduce congestion and emissions in the most crowded periods of the day, it also imposes additional costs for carriers and results in higher emissions and energy consumption. We present here a mathematical model for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Access Time Windows, a variant of the VRP suitable for planning delivery routes in a city subject to this type of accessibility restriction. We use the model to find exact solutions to small problem instances based on a case study and then compare the performance over larger instances of a modified savings algorithm, a genetic algorithm, and a tabu search procedure, with the results showing no clear prevalence of any of them, but confirming the significance of those additional costs and externalities.
Histopathological Characterization and Whole Exome Sequencing of Ectopic Thyroid: Fetal Architecture in a Functional Ectopic Gland from Adult Patient
Authors: Camargo Rosalinda Yasato , Kanamura Cristina Takami , Friguglietti Celso Ubirajara , Nogueira Célia Regina , Iorcansky Sonia , Tincani Alfio José , Bezerra Ana Karina , Brust Ester , Koyama Fernanda Christtanini , Camargo Anamaria Aranha , Rego Fernanda Orpinelli R. , Galante Pedro Alexandre Favoretto , Medeiros-Neto Geraldo , Rubio Ileana Gabriela Sanchez
Published: February 2018

Ectopic thyroid results from a migration defect of the developing gland during embryogenesis causing congenital hypothyroidism. But it has also been detected in asymptomatic individuals. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological, functional, and genetic features of human ectopic thyroids. Six samples were histologically examined, and the expression of the specific thyroid proteins was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Two samples were submitted to whole exome sequencing. An oropharynx sample showed immature fetal architecture tissue with clusters or cords of oval thyrocytes and small follicles; one sample exhibited a normal thyroid pattern while four showed colloid goiter. All ectopic thyroids expressed the specific thyroid genes and T4 at similar locations to those observed in normal thyroid. No somatic mutations associated with ectopic thyroid were found. This is the first immature thyroid fetal tissue observed in an ectopic thyroid due to the arrest of structural differentiation early in the colloid stage of development that proved able to synthesize thyroid hormone but not to respond to TSH. Despite the ability of all ectopic thyroids to synthetize specific thyroid proteins and T4, at some point in life, it may be insufficient to support body growth leading to hypothyroidism, as observed in some of the patients.
Microbiological Quality of Organic and Conventional Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Merlini Vanessa Vanderléia , Pena Fabíola de Lima , da Cunha Diogo Thimoteo , de Oliveira Julicristie Machado , Rostagno Mauricio Ariel , Antunes Adriane Elisabete Costa
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological profile of leafy vegetables from organic and conventional farming (n=70). The microbiological parameters analyzed consisted of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, coliforms at 30 and 45°C, and Salmonella ssp. A biochemical identification of the Enterobacteriaceae species was carried out. Some Enterobacteriaceae species were identified in the produce from both farming systems and Hafnia alvei was the most widespread specie observed. Salmonella spp. was not detected in the samples analyzed. The microbial counts for indicator microorganisms were, in general, higher for conventional leaves when compared to those produced by organic farming.
Hypoxia Enhances Fusion of Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells and Epithelial Cells Partly via the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Epithelial Cells
Authors: Huang Chun-ming , Yan Ting-lin , Xu Zhi , Wang Meng , Zhou Xiao-cheng , Jiang Er-hui , Liu Ke , Shao Zhe , Shang Zheng-Jun
Published: February 2018

Increasing evidence and indications showed that cell fusion is crucial in tumor development and metastasis, and hypoxia, a closely linked factor to tumor microenvironment, which can lead to EMT, induces angiogenesis and metastasis in tumor growth. However, the relationship between hypoxia and fusion has not been reported yet. EMT will change some proteins in the epithelial cell surface and the changes of proteins in cell surface may increase cell fusion. This study found that hypoxia promotes the spontaneous cell fusion between Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells (OSCCs) and Human Immortalized Oral Epithelial Cells (HIOECs). At the same time, Hypoxia can lead to EMT, and hypoxia-pretreated HIOECs increased fusion rate with OSCC, while the fusion rate was significantly reduced by DAPT, a kind of EMT blocker. Therefore, epithelial cells can increase spontaneously cell fusion with OSCC by EMT. Our study may provide a new insight to link among tumor microenvironment, cell fusion, and cancer.
Cost Analysis of Noninvasive Helmet Ventilation Compared with Use of Noninvasive Face Mask in ARDS
Authors: Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , Gagnon Louis-Philippe , Robidoux Raphaëlle , Thavorn Kednapa , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Kobewka Daniel , Kress John P.
Published: February 2018

Intensive care unit (ICU) costs have doubled since 2000, totalling 108 billion dollars per year. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a prevalence of 10.4% and a 28-day mortality of 34.8%. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is used in up to 30% of cases. A recent randomized controlled trial by Patel et al. (2016) showed lower intubation rates and 90-day mortality when comparing helmet to face mask NIV in ARDS. The population in the Patel et al. trial was used for cost analysis in this study. Projections of cost savings showed a decrease in ICU costs by $2527 and hospital costs by $3103 per patient, along with a 43.3% absolute reduction in intubation rates. Sensitivity analysis showed consistent cost reductions. Projected annual cost savings, assuming the current prevalence of ARDS, were $237538 in ICU costs and $291682 in hospital costs. At a national level, using yearly incidence of ARDS cases in American ICUs, this represents $449 million in savings. Helmet NIV, compared to face mask NIV, in nonintubated patients with ARDS, reduces ICU and hospital direct-variable costs along with intubation rates, LOS, and mortality. A large-scale cost-effectiveness analysis is needed to validate the findings.
Jinkui Shenqi Pills Ameliorate Asthma with “Kidney Yang Deficiency” by Enhancing the Function of the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis to Regulate T Helper 1/2 Imbalance
Authors: Ji Bing , Li Yuan-yuan , Yang Wei-ji , Zhang Li-zong , Fang Ming-sun , Fu Hui-ying , Shou Qi-yang
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of JKSQP in a rat model of asthma with kidney‐yang deficiency (KYD). Materials and Methods. Hydrocortisone (HYD) was used to establish the rat model of KYD; rats were then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). JKSQP was administered to OVA‐challenged rats, and the changes in signs and symptoms of KYD were observed. The leukocyte number and subpopulations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted and the cells were stained with Wright–Giemsa dye. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and OVA‐specific IgE levels were determined using relevant enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. Results. JKSQP not only reversed the phenomenon of KYD but also significantly inhibited the number of leukocyte and eosinophils in the BALF, increasing the level of interferon (IFN)‐γ and decreasing the levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IgE in the serum compared with the OVA‐challenged groups. Conclusions. Taken together, the antiasthma effects of JKSQP were likely mediated by the enhancement of the function of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and the reversal of T helper 1/2 imbalance.
Circadian Regulation of Hippocampal-Dependent Memory: Circuits, Synapses, and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Snider Kaitlin H. , Sullivan Kyle A. , Obrietan Karl
Published: February 2018

Circadian modulation of learning and memory efficiency is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon, occurring in organisms ranging from invertebrates to higher mammalian species, including humans. While the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus functions as the master mammalian pacemaker, recent evidence suggests that forebrain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit oscillatory capacity. This finding, as well as work on the cellular signaling events that underlie learning and memory, has opened promising new avenues of investigation into the precise cellular, molecular, and circuit-based mechanisms by which clock timing impacts plasticity and cognition. In this review, we examine the complex molecular relationship between clock timing and memory, with a focus on hippocampal-dependent tasks. We evaluate how the dysregulation of circadian timing, both at the level of the SCN and at the level of ancillary forebrain clocks, affects learning and memory. Further, we discuss experimentally validated intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., ERK/MAPK and GSK3β) and potential cellular signaling mechanisms by which the clock affects learning and memory formation. Finally, we examine how long-term potentiation (LTP), a synaptic process critical to the establishment of several forms of memory, is regulated by clock-gated processes.
Burgers’ Equations in the Riemannian Geometry Associated with First-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Ok Bayrakdar Z. , Bayrakdar T.
Published: February 2018

We construct metric connection associated with a first-order differential equation by means of the generator set of a Pfaffian system on a submanifold of an appropriate first-order jet bundle. We firstly show that the inviscid and viscous Burgers’ equations describe surfaces attached to an ODE of the form dx/dt=u(t,x) with certain Gaussian curvatures. In the case of PDEs, we show that the scalar curvature of a three-dimensional manifold encoding a system of first-order PDEs is determined in terms of the integrability condition and the Gaussian curvatures of the surfaces corresponding to the integral curves of the vector fields which are annihilated by the contact form. We see that an integral manifold of any PDE defines intrinsically flat and totally geodesic submanifold.
Frequent Benign, Nontraumatic, Noninflammatory Causes of Low Back Pain in Adolescents: MRI Findings
Authors: Solomou Aikaterini , Kraniotis Pantelis , Rigopoulou Aspasia , Petsas Theodore
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Low back pain (LBP) is common in children and adolescents. There are many factors that cause LBP, including structural disorders, degenerative changes, Scheuermann’s disease, fractures, inflammation, and tumors. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the gold standard for diagnosing spinal abnormalities and is mandatory when neurological symptoms exist. The study focuses on common MRI findings in adolescents with persistent LBP, without history of acute trauma or evidence of either inflammatory or rheumatic disease. Materials and Methods. Eleven adolescents were submitted to thoracic and/or lumbar spine MRI due to persistent LBP. The protocol consisted of T1 WI, T2 WI, and T2 WI with FS, in the axial, sagittal, and coronal plane. Results. MRI revealed structural abnormalities (scoliosis and kyphosis) in 4/11 (36.36%); disc abnormalities and endplate changes were found on 11/11 (100%). Typical Scheuermann’s disease was found in 3/11 (27.27%). Endplate changes were severe in Scheuermann’s patients and mild to moderate in the remaining 8/11 (72.72%). Kyphosis was in all cases secondary to Scheuermann’s disease. Disk bulges and hernias were found in 8/11 (72.72%), all located in the lumbar spine. Conclusion. In adolescents with LBP, structural spinal disorders, degenerative changes, and Scheuermann’s disease are commonly found on MRI; however, degenerative changes prevail.
Security Enhancement for Multicast over Internet of Things by Dynamically Constructed Fountain Codes
Authors: Du Qinghe , Xu Ying , Li Wanyu , Song Houbing
Published: February 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to accommodate every object which exists in this world or likely to exist in the near future. The enormous scale of the objects is challenged by big security concerns, especially for common information dissemination via multicast services, where the reliability assurance for multiple multicast users at the cost of increasing redundancy and/or retransmissions also benefits eavesdroppers in successfully decoding the overheard signals. The objective of this work is to address the security challenge present in IoT multicast applications. Specifically, with the presence of the eavesdropper, an adaptive fountain code design is proposed in this paper to enhance the security for multicast in IoT. The main novel features of the proposed scheme include two folds: (i) dynamical encoding scheme which can effectively decrease intercept probability at the eavesdropper; (ii) increasing the transmission efficiency compared with the conventional nondynamical design. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively enhance information security while achieving higher transmission efficiency with a little accredited complexity, thus facilitating the secured wireless multicast transmissions over IoT.
Effects of Magnesium Content on Structure and Electrochemical Properties of La‐Mg‐Pr‐Al‐Mn‐Co‐Ni Hydrogen Storage Alloys
Authors: Zarpelon L. M. C. , Banczek E. P. , Martinez L. G. , Lima N. B. , Costa I. , Faria R. N.
Published: February 2018

The discharge capacity, microstructures, and corrosion resistance of some as‐cast alloys represented by the formula La0.7−xMgxPr0.3Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.5Ni3.8, where x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, were investigated by SEM/EDX, XRD, and electrochemical measurements. The partial substitution of La by Mg refined the grain structure while the total substitution changed it from equiaxed to columnar. Three phases were detected: a major phase (M), a grey phase (G), and a dark phase (D). The compositions analyzed by EDX suggested that the M phase was close to a LaNi5 phase. With the increase of the Mg content, the analyses revealed a G phase with composition close to a RMg2Ni9 (R = La,Pr) and a D phase close to a MgNi2 phase. The XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement corroborated the EDX results. The corrosion resistance of the alloys was evaluated in 6.0 mol·L−1 KOH solution, and the results showed that the substitution of La by Mg was beneficial for this alloy property. Nevertheless, Mg addition was deleterious to the discharge capacity of the electrodes.
Validation of a Survey Questionnaire on Organ Donation: An Arabic World Scenario
Authors: Singh Rajvir , Agarwal Tulika Mehta , Al-Thani Hassan , Al Maslamani Yousuf , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: February 2018

Objective. To validate a questionnaire for measuring factors influencing organ donation and transplant. Methods. The constructed questionnaire was based on the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen Icek and had 45 questions including general inquiry and demographic information. Four experts on the topic, Arabic culture, and the Arabic and English languages established content validity through review. It was quantified by content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was established by principal component analysis (PCA), whereas internal consistency was checked by Cronbach’s Alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22.0 statistical package. Results. Content validity in the form of S-CVI/Average and S-CVI/UA was 0.95 and 0.82, respectively, suggesting adequate relevance content of the questionnaire. Factor analysis indicated that the construct validity for each domain (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intention) was 65%, 71%, 77%, and 70%, respectively. Cronbach’s Alpha and ICC coefficients were 0.90, 0.67, 0.75, and 0.74 and 0.82, 0.58, 0.61, and 0.74, respectively, for the domains. Conclusion. The questionnaire consists of 39 items on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intention domains which is valid and reliable tool to use for organ donation and transplant survey.
Quantifying Evolution of Short and Long‐Range Correlations in Chinese Narrative Texts across 2000 Years
Authors: Chen Heng , Liu Haitao
Published: February 2018

We investigate how short and long‐range word length correlations evolve in Chinese narrative texts. The results show that, for short‐range word length correlations, no significant linear evolutionary trend was found. But for long‐range correlations, there are two opposite tendencies for two different regimes: the Hurst exponent of small‐scale (box size n ranges from 10 to 100) word length correlations decreases over time, and the exponent of large‐scale (box size n ranges from 101 to 1000) shows an increasing tendency. The increase of word length is corroborated as an essential regularity of word evolution in written Chinese. Further analyses show that a significant correlation coefficient is obtained between Hurst exponents from the small‐scale correlations and mean word length across time. These indicate that word length correlation evolution possesses different self‐adaptive mechanisms in terms of different scales of distances between words. We speculate that the increase of word length and sentence length in written Chinese may account for this phenomenon, in terms of both the social‐cultural aspects and the self‐adapting properties of language structures.
Effect of Vertical Pressure on Horizontal and Vertical Permeability of Soil and Effect of Surcharge Pressure on 3D Consolidation of Soil
Authors: Laskar Arpan , Pal Sujit Kumar
Published: February 2018

Permeability and consolidation of soil are known as the most variable soil properties. The values of permeability and consolidation of soil may vary with depth even in case of homogeneous soil layers, and because of that, the determination of appropriate values of permeability and consolidation is a complex and complicated engineering task. In this study, horizontal and vertical permeability apparatus and a 3D (three‐dimensional) consolidation apparatus are developed to determine the effects of vertical pressure on horizontal and vertical permeability and the effects of vertical surcharge pressures on three‐dimensional consolidation of soil. A series of horizontal and vertical permeability tests of soil under different vertical pressures and a series of 3D consolidation tests under different surcharge pressures are performed. From the study, it is observed that the horizontal and vertical permeability of soil changes with the changes in vertical pressures, and 3D consolidation of soil also changes with the changes in surcharge pressures. The horizontal and vertical permeability values obtained from the newly developed horizontal and vertical permeability apparatus are used in Terzaghi’s one‐dimensional consolidation theory to find out the consolidation characteristics of the soil, and it is compared with the results obtained from the newly developed 3D consolidation apparatus.
Assisted Protection Headphone Proposal to Prevent Chronic Exposure to Percussion Instruments on Musicians
Authors: Parra Lorena , Torres Marta , Lloret Jaime , Campos Agustín , Bosh Ignacio
Published: February 2018

The effects of chronic exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) are widely studied in the industry environment. However, the way that SPLs affect music students has not been thoroughly examined. In this paper, we study the SPL exposure of batucada students and we propose an assisted protection headphone as a part of e-health system. We measured the SPL reached during a regular percussion class. Pure-tone audiometries were performed to a set of percussion students. The gathered data were statistically analyzed. The assisted protection headphones and their operation are detailed and tested during a regular class. Our results show that 35% of the musicians present with a noise-induced hearing loss, considered as two frequencies with hearing loss of 25 dB or more or one frequency with a hearing loss of 30 dB or more. Our data also shows that those students that do not use any protection have a greater hearing loss. However, the students that use protection headphones are also suffering hearing loss. There might be a problem in the way that musicians are using the protection headphones. Our assisted protection headphones as a part of e-health measures can diminish the negative effects of percussion instruments for musicians.
Acoustic Trauma Changes the Parvalbumin-Positive Neurons in Rat Auditory Cortex
Authors: Liu Congli , Xu Tao , Liu Xiaopeng , Huang Yina , Wang Haitao , Luo Bin , Sun Jingwu
Published: February 2018

Acoustic trauma is being reported to damage the auditory periphery and central system, and the compromised cortical inhibition is involved in auditory disorders, such as hyperacusis and tinnitus. Parvalbumin-containing neurons (PV neurons), a subset of GABAergic neurons, greatly shape and synchronize neural network activities. However, the change of PV neurons following acoustic trauma remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated how auditory cortical PV neurons change following unilateral 1 hour noise exposure (left ear, one octave band noise centered at 16 kHz, 116 dB SPL). Noise exposure elevated the auditory brainstem response threshold of the exposed ear when examined 7 days later. More detectable PV neurons were observed in both sides of the auditory cortex of noise-exposed rats when compared to control. The detectable PV neurons of the left auditory cortex (ipsilateral to the exposed ear) to noise exposure outnumbered those of the right auditory cortex (contralateral to the exposed ear). Quantification of Western blotted bands revealed higher expression level of PV protein in the left cortex. These findings of more active PV neurons in noise-exposed rats suggested that a compensatory mechanism might be initiated to maintain a stable state of the brain.
Essential Role of Polo-like Kinase 1 (Plk1) Oncogene in Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Jeong Sung Baek , Im Ji Hye , Yoon Jeong-Hoon , Bui Quyen Thu , Lim Sung Chul , Song Joon Myong , Shim Yumi , Yun Jieun , Hong Janghee , Kang Keon Wook
Published: February 2018

The most common therapy for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer is antihormone therapy, such as tamoxifen. However, acquisition of resistance to tamoxifen in one third of patients presents a serious clinical problem. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a key oncogenic regulator of completion of G2–M phase of the cell cycle. We assessed Plk1 expression in five chemoresistant cancer cell types and found that Plk1 and its downstream phosphatase Cdc25c were selectively overexpressed in tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 (TAMR-MCF-7) breast cancer cells. Real-time monitoring of cell proliferation also showed that TAMR-MCF-7 cells were more sensitive to inhibition of cell proliferation by the ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitor BI2536 than were the parent MCF-7 cells. Moreover, BI2536 suppressed expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker proteins and 3D spheroid formation in TAMR-MCF-7 cells. Using TAMR-MCF-7 cell–implanted xenograft and spleen–liver metastasis models, we showed that BI2536 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Our results suggest that Plk1 could be a novel target for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(4); 825–37. ©2018 AACR.