bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of porosity change during chemo-mechanical compaction in flooding experiments on Liège outcrop chalk
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Madland Merete V. , Zimmermann Udo , Nermoen Anders , Korsnes Reidar I. , Bertolino Silvana R. A. , Hildebrand-Habel Tania
Published: October 2016

The mechanical strength, porosity and permeability of chalk are affected by chemical and mineralogical changes induced by fluids that are chemically out of equilibrium with the host rock. Here, two high-porosity Upper Cretaceous chalk cores from Liège were tested at effective stresses beyond yield at 130°C during flooding with MgCl
2
and NaCl brines. Core L1 (flooded by MgCl
2
brine) deformed more than L2 (flooded with NaCl brine), with volumetric strains of 9.4% and 5.1%, respectively. The porosity losses estimated from strain measurements alone are 5.82% for L1 and 3.01% for L2. However, this approach does not account for dissolution and precipitation reactions. Porosity calculations that are based on strain measurements in combination with (i) the weight difference between saturated and dry cores and (ii) the solid density measurement before and after flooding show an average porosity reduction of 3.69% between the two methods for L1. This discrepancy was not observed for core L2 (with the NaCl brine). The rock and effluent chemistry show that Ca
2+
dissolved and Mg
2+
is retained within the core for the L1 experiment. Therefore, accurate porosity calculations in chalk cores that are flooded by non-equilibrium brines (e.g. MgCl
2
) require both the volumetric strain and chemical alteration to be considered.
Status of physiology education in US Doctor of Pharmacy programs
Authors: Islam Mohammed A. , Khan Seher A. , Talukder Rahmat M.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the present study was to assess the current status of physiology education in US Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. A survey instrument was developed and distributed through SurveyMonkey to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Biological Sciences section members of 132 PharmD programs. Survey items focused on soliciting qualitative and quantitative information on the delivery of physiology curricular contents and faculty perceptions of physiology education. A total of 114 programs responded to the survey, resulting in a response rate of 86%. Out of 114 schools/colleges, 61 programs (54%) offered standalone physiology courses, and 53 programs (46%) offered physiology integrated with other courses. When integrated, the average contact hours for physiology contents were significantly reduced compared with standalone courses (30 vs. 84 h, P < 0.0001). Survey respondents identified diverse strategies in the delivery and assessment of physiology contents. Eighty percent of the responding faculty ( n = 204) agree/strongly agree that physiology is underemphasized in PharmD curriculum. Moreover, 67% of the respondents agree/strongly agree that physiology should be taught as a standalone foundational course. A wide variation in the depth and breadth of physiology course offerings in US PharmD programs remains. The reduction of physiology contents is evident when physiology is taught as a component of integrated courses. Given current trends that favor integrated curricula, these data suggest that additional collaboration among basic and clinical science faculty is required to ensure that physiology contents are balanced and not underemphasized in a PharmD curriculum.
Deficiency of mPGES-1 exacerbates renal fibrosis and inflammation in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Luo Renfei , Kakizoe Yutaka , Wang Feifei , Fan Xiang , Hu Shan , Yang Tianxin , Wang Weidong , Li Chunling
Published: October 2016

Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1), an inducible enzyme that converts prostaglandin H2 to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), plays an important role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. We investigated the contribution of mPGES-1 to renal fibrosis and inflammation in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) for 7 days using wild-type (WT) and mPGES-1 knockout (KO) mice. UUO induced increased mRNA and protein expression of mPGES-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 in WT mice. UUO was associated with increased renal PGE2 content and upregulated PGE2 receptor (EP) 4 expression in obstructed kidneys of both WT and mPGES-1 KO mice; EP4 expression levels were higher in KO mice with UUO than those in WT mice. Protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components ASC and interleukin-1β was significantly increased in obstructed kidneys of KO mice compared with that in WT mice. mRNA expression levels of fibronectin, collagen III, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were significantly higher in obstructed kidneys of KO mice than that in WT mice. In KO mice, protein expression of fibronectin and collagen III was markedly increased in obstructed kidneys compared with WT mice, which was associated with increased phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). EP4 agonist CAY10598 attenuated increased expression of collagen I and fibronectin induced by TGF-β1 in inner medullary collecting duct 3 cells. Moreover, CAY10598 prevented the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by angiotensin II in human proximal tubule cells (HK2). In conclusion, these findings suggested that mPGES-1 exerts a potentially protective effect against renal fibrosis and inflammation induced by UUO in mice.
Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer among HIV-Infected Women in Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Netsanet , Brooks Mohamad I. , Salvador-Davila Graciela , Lonsako Shumet , Kassahun Konjit , Ansel Jodi , Osakwe Chidude , Weldegebreal Teklu , Ahmed Ismael , Asnake Mengistu , Blumenthal Paul D.
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among Ethiopian women. Low awareness of cervical cancer, in combination with low health care seeking behavior, is a key challenge for cervical cancer prevention. This study assessed the knowledge of cervical cancer among HIV-infected women in Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to September 2012 among HIV-infected women between 21 and 49 years of age. Basic descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS. Results. A total of 432 HIV-infected women participated in this study. About 71% of participants had ever heard of cervical cancer. Among women who had ever heard of cervical cancer, 49% did not know the cause while 74% were able to identify at least one risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 33% of women were able to correctly address when women should seek care and 33% identified at least one treatment option for cervical cancer. Conclusion. This study revealed that knowledge about cervical cancer was generally low, in particular for health care seeking behavior and treatment of cervical cancer. Health awareness programs should be strengthened at both community and health facility levels with emphasis highlighting the causes, risk factors, care seeking behaviors, and treatment options for cervical cancer.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer of Hand
Authors: Nagano Akihito , Ohno Takatoshi , Oshima Koji , Ishimaru Daichi , Nishimoto Yutaka , Ohno Yoshiyuki , Hirakawa Akihiro , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: October 2016

Soft tissue metastases of prostate cancer to other sites are extremely rare, and, to our best knowledge, there have been no reports of metastasis to soft tissue of the hand. A 63-year-old man was diagnosed with prostatic cancer. During treatment, bone and soft tissue metastases to the right hand, appearing in the first web space, were observed. The tumor was resected, along with both the first and second metacarpal bones. The thumb was reconstructed by pollicization of the remaining index finger, enabling the patient to use the pollicized thumb for activities of daily living. This is the first case report of prostate cancer metastasizing to the soft tissue in hand. After wide resection, pollicization was able to reconstruct a functional hand and thumb.
A Huge Cystic Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma Presenting with Back Pain
Authors: Gachabayov Mahir , Kubachev Kubach , Abdullaev Elbrus , Babyshin Valentin , Neronov Dmitriy , Abdullaev Abakar
Published: October 2016

Retroperitoneal lymphangioma is a rare location and type of benign abdominal tumors. The clinical presentation of this rare disease is nonspecific, ranging from abdominal distention to sepsis. Here we present a 73-year-old female patient with 3-month history of back pain. USG and CT revealed a huge cystic mass which was surgically excised and appeared to be lymphangioma on histopathology.
The Repulsive Casimir Force with Metallic Ellipsoid Structure
Authors: Hu Yujuan , Sun Ruo , Huang Zhixiang , Wu Xianliang
Published: October 2016

We propose a new structure, one plate with a hole above the ellipsoid and the other plate with a hole below the ellipsoid, to obtain a repulsive Casimir force. The force was obtained numerically by using the in-house FDTD method, based on Maxwell’s stress tensor and harmonic expansion. The code can be verified by calculating the force of a perfect-metal ellipsoid centered above a perfect-metal plate with a hole. Our numerical method can effectively simulate the Casimir force by reducing the total simulated time. The further numerical results of realistic dielectric material immersing in fluids or adding other plates above the ellipsoid are also presented. It is not surprising to find that the larger differences can be achieved by varying the parameters such as the center-center separation, medium immersed, and the dielectric material of the structure. Thus, it is possible to tune these parameters relatively in the realistic microelectromechanical systems to overcome stiction and friction problems.
Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Unfer Vittorio , Nestler John E. , Kamenov Zdravko A. , Prapas Nikos , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: October 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, with complex etiology and pathophysiology, which remains poorly understood. It affects about 5–10% of women of reproductive age who typically suffer from obesity, hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and menstrual irregularity. Indeed, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in industrialized nations, and it is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and increased cardiovascular risk. Although insulin resistance is not included as a criterion for diagnosis, it is a critical pathological condition of PCOS. The purpose of this systematic review is the analysis of recent randomized clinical trials of inositol(s) in PCOS, in particular myo- and D-chiro-inositol, in order to better elucidate their physiological involvement in PCOS and potential therapeutic use, alone and in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies, in the clinical treatment of women with PCOS.
Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Promotes the Maturation of Mast Cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoko , Nishijima Misae , Tashiro Katsuhisa , Kawabata Kenji
Published: October 2016

Mast cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Immature mast cells migrate into peripheral tissues from the bone marrow and undergo complete maturation. Interestingly, mast cells have characteristics similar to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), such as self-renewal and c-kit expression. In HSCs, Wnt signaling is involved in their maintenance and differentiation. On the other hand, the relation between Wnt signaling and mast cell differentiation is poorly understood. To study whether Wnt signals play a role in the maturation of mast cells, we studied the effect of Wnt proteins on mast cell maturation of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). The expression levels of CD81 protein and histidine decarboxylase mRNA and activity of mast cell-specific protease were all elevated in BMMCs treated with Wnt5a. In addition, Wnt5a induced the expression of Axin2 and TCF mRNA in BMMCs. These results showed that Wnt5a could promote the maturation of mast cells via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation of mast cells.
Learning Latent Variable Gaussian Graphical Model for Biomolecular Network with Low Sample Complexity
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Liu Quan , Yuan Bo
Published: October 2016

Learning a Gaussian graphical model with latent variables is ill posed when there is insufficient sample complexity, thus having to be appropriately regularized. A common choice is convexl1plus nuclear norm to regularize the searching process. However, the best estimator performance is not always achieved with these additive convex regularizations, especially when the sample complexity is low. In this paper, we consider a concave additive regularization which does not require the strong irrepresentable condition. We use concave regularization to correct the intrinsic estimation biases from Lasso and nuclear penalty as well. We establish the proximity operators for our concave regularizations, respectively, which induces sparsity and low rankness. In addition, we extend our method to also allow the decomposition of fused structure-sparsity plus low rankness, providing a powerful tool for models with temporal information. Specifically, we develop a nontrivial modified alternating direction method of multipliers with at least local convergence. Finally, we use both synthetic and real data to validate the excellence of our method. In the application of reconstructing two-stage cancer networks, “the Warburg effect” can be revealed directly.
Localisation of Lactate Transporters in Rat and Rabbit Placentae
Authors: Moore Nigel P. , Picut Catherine A. , Charlap Jeffrey H.
Published: October 2016

The distribution of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) isoforms 1 and 4, which mediate the plasmalemmal transport of l-lactic and pyruvic acids, has been identified in the placentae of rats and rabbits at different ages of gestation. Groups of three pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits were sacrificed on gestation days (GD) 11, 14, 18, or 20 and on GD 13, 18, or 28, respectively. Placentae were removed and processed for immunohistochemical detection of MCT1 and MCT4. In the rat, staining for MCT1 was associated with lakes and blood vessels containing enucleated red blood cells (maternal vessels) while staining for MCT4 was associated with vessels containing nucleated red blood cells (embryofoetal vessels). In the rabbit, staining for MCT1 was associated with blood vessels containing nucleated red blood cells while staining for MCT4 was associated with vessels containing enucleated red blood cells. Strength of staining for MCT1 decreased during gestation in both species, but that for MCT4 was stronger than that for MCT1 and was consistent between gestation days. The results imply an opposite polarity of MCT1 and MCT4 across the trophoblast between rat and rabbit.
Reactivation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis following Treatment of Myelofibrosis with Ruxolitinib
Authors: Abidi Maheen Z. , Haque Javeria , Varma Parvathi , Olteanu Horatiu , Guru Murthy Guru Subramanian , Dhakal Binod , Hari Parameswaran
Published: October 2016

Ruxolitinib is widely in use for treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. It causes inhibition of the Janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) pathway, which plays a key role in the underlying pathophysiology of myeloproliferative diseases. We describe a case of reactivation pulmonary tuberculosis in a retired physician while on treatment with ruxolitinib. We also review the literature on opportunistic infections following use of ruxolitinib. Our case highlights the importance of screening for latent tuberculosis in patients from highly endemic areas prior to start of therapy with ruxolitinib.
Study on the AFM Force Curve Common Errors and Their Effects on the Calculated Nanomechanical Properties of Materials
Authors: Almasi D. , Sharifi R. , Kadir M. R. Abdul , Krishnamurithy G. , Kamarul T.
Published: October 2016

The atomic force microscope (AFM) force curve has been widely used for determining the mechanical properties of materials due to its high resolution, whereby very low (piconewton) forces and distances as small as nanometers can be measured. However, sometimes the resultant force curve obtained from AFM is slightly different from those obtained from a more typical nanoindentation force curve due to the AFM piezo’s hysteresis. In this study the nanomechanical properties of either a sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) treated layer or bare polyether ether ketone (PEEK) were evaluated via AFM nanoindentation and a nanomechanical test system to probe the possible error of the calculated nanomechanical properties due to the AFM piezo’s hysteresis. The results showed that AFM piezo’s hysteresis caused the error in the calculated nanomechanical properties of the materials.
Path Planning and Replanning for Mobile Robot Navigation on 3D Terrain: An Approach Based on Geodesic
Authors: Wu Kun-Lin , Ho Ting-Jui , Huang Sean A. , Lin Kuo-Hui , Lin Yueh-Chen , Liu Jing-Sin
Published: October 2016

In this paper, mobile robot navigation on a 3D terrain with a single obstacle is addressed. The terrain is modelled as a smooth, complete manifold with well-defined tangent planes and the hazardous region is modelled as an enclosing circle with a hazard grade tuned radius representing the obstacle projected onto the terrain to allow efficient path-obstacle intersection checking. To resolve the intersections along the initial geodesic, by resorting to the geodesic ideas from differential geometry on surfaces and manifolds, we present a geodesic-based planning and replanning algorithm as a new method for obstacle avoidance on a 3D terrain without using boundary following on the obstacle surface. The replanning algorithm generates two new paths, each a composition of two geodesics, connected via critical points whose locations are found to be heavily relying on the exploration of the terrain via directional scanning on the tangent plane at the first intersection point of the initial geodesic with the circle. An advantage of this geodesic path replanning procedure is that traversability of terrain on which the detour path traverses could be explored based on the local Gauss-Bonnet Theorem of the geodesic triangle at the planning stage. A simulation demonstrates the practicality of the analytical geodesic replanning procedure for navigating a constant speed point robot on a 3D hill-like terrain.
Expression of BMP and Actin Membrane Bound Inhibitor Is Increased during Terminal Differentiation of MSCs
Authors: Pfeifer Christian G. , Karl Alexandra , Berner Arne , Zellner Johannes , Schmitz Paul , Loibl Markus , Koch Matthias , Angele Peter , Nerlich Michael , Mueller Michael B.
Published: October 2016

Chondrogenic differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mimicking embryonal endochondral ossification and become hypertrophic. BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Activin Membrane Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) is a pseudoreceptor that regulates the activity of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and BMP signalling during chondrogenesis. Both TGF‐β and BMP signalling are regulators of chondrogenic cell differentiation. Human bone marrow derived MSCs were chondrogenically predifferentiated in aggregate culture for 14 days. Thereafter, one group was subjected to hypertrophy enhancing media conditions while controls were kept in chondrogenic medium until day 28. Histological evaluation, gene expression by PCR, and Western blot analysis were carried out at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 17, 21, and 28. A subset of cultures was treated with the BMP inhibitor Noggin to test for BMP dependent expression of BAMBI. Hypertrophic differentiated pellets showed larger cells with increased collagen 10 and alkaline phosphatase staining. There was significantly increased expression of BAMBI on gene expression and protein level in hypertrophic cultures compared to the chondrogenic control and increased BMP4 gene expression. Immunohistochemistry showed intense staining of BAMBI in hypertrophic cells. BAMBI expression was dose‐dependently downregulated by Noggin. The pseudoreceptor BAMBI is upregulated upon enhancement of hypertrophy in MSC chondrogenic differentiation by a BMP dependent mechanism.
Considerations for Defining Cytokine Dose, Duration, and Milieu That Are Appropriate for Modeling Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nunemaker Craig S.
Published: October 2016

Proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T1D is an autoimmune disease involving the adaptive immune system responding to pancreatic beta-cells as antigen-presenting cells. This attracts immune cells that surround pancreatic islets (insulitis) and secrete cytokines, such as IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, in close proximity to pancreatic beta-cells. In contrast, there is little evidence for such a focused autoimmune response in T2D. Instead, the innate immune system, which responds to cellular damage and pathogens, appears to play a key role. There are three major sources of proinflammatory cytokines that may impact islet/beta-cell function in T2D: (1) from islet cells, (2) from increased numbers of intraislet macrophages/immune cells, and (3) from increased circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines due to obesity, presumably coming from inflamed adipose tissue. These differences between T1D and T2D are reflected by significant differences in the cytokine concentration, duration, and milieu. This review focuses on chronic versus acute cytokine action, cytokine concentrations, and cytokine milieu from the perspective of the pancreatic islet in T2D. We conclude that new cytokine models may be needed to reflect the pathophysiology of T2D more effectively than what are currently employed.
Differential Gene Expression during Larval Metamorphic Development in the Pearl Oyster,Pinctada fucata, Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Li Haimei , Zhang Bo , Huang Guiju , Liu Baosuo , Fan Sigang , Zhang Dongling , Yu Dahui
Published: October 2016

P. fucataexperiences a series of transformations in appearance, from swimming larvae to sessile juveniles, during which significant changes in gene expression likely occur. Thus,P. fucatacould be an ideal model in which to study the molecular mechanisms of larval metamorphosis during development in invertebrates. To study the molecular driving force behind metamorphic development in larvae ofP. fucata, transcriptomes of five larval stages (trochophore, D-shape, umbonal, eyespots, and spats) were sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 system and assembled and characterized with the transcripts of six tissues. As a result, a total of 174,126 unique transcripts were assembled and 60,999 were annotated. The number of unigenes varied among the five larval stages. Expression profiles were distinctly different between trochophore, D-shape, umbonal, eyespots, and spats larvae. As a result, 29 expression trends were sorted, of which eight were significant. Among others, 80 development-related, differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were identified, of which the majority were homeobox-containing genes. Most DEGs occurred among trochophore, D-shaped, and UES (umbonal, eyespots, and spats) larvae as verified by qPCR. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed significant differences in expression among trochophore, D-shaped, and UES larvae with ten transcripts identified but no matching annotations.
A Child with Severe Malaria Presenting with Acute Surgical Abdomen (Duodenal Perforation)
Authors: Bhandari Tika Ram , Shahi Sudha , Poudel Rajesh , Chaudhary Nagendra
Published: October 2016

Plasmodium falciparum, the commonest cause of severe malaria in children, is an important cause of mortality in developing nations like Nepal. Duodenal perforation in a case of complicated malaria, although a rare entity, can occur in children. Early diagnosis, proper medical treatment, and early surgical repair can be a lifesaving measure in such cases. Here, we report a case of a 5-year-old male child withfalciparummalaria complicated by a duodenal perforation that was successively managed with appropriate antimalarial drugs and early surgical repair.
The NPs Role of Assessing and Intervening with Older Adult Drivers
Authors: Arms Tamatha
Published: October 2016

As the silver tsunami continues, assessing and intervening with older adult drivers are becoming an essential aspect of the comprehensive geriatric exam. The current lack of time efficient clinical guidelines is a concern and barrier for NPs. The purpose of this study was to identify strategies currently used by NPs. The critical incident technique was used to obtain data from a convenience sample of NPs. A total of 89 incidents were collected. The perspective of the NP can provide important information for developing clinical guidelines to promote individual and community safety.
Rare Case of Leiomyoma and Adenomyosis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome
Authors: Hoo P. S. , Norhaslinda A. R. , Reza J. N. Shah
Published: October 2016

We report a case of adenomyosis which developed from a hypoplastic uterus and leiomyoma in a patient with MRKH syndrome. A 45-year-old Malay female with primary amenorrhoea and primary infertility presented with abdominal mass and abdominal pain. She is phenotypically female, has well developed secondary sexual characteristics, and has normal female external genitalia with shallow vagina dimple. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed a homogenous adnexal mass of 10 × 8 cm, uterus sized 5 × 4 cm, and normal kidneys. A complex mass of right adnexa was demonstrated by CT scan. Exploratory laparotomy showed torsion of right adnexal mass and rudimentary uterus with fibroid but no endometrial tissue and blind end with absent cervix. The normal right ovary and tube were not visualized. The left fallopian tube and ovary were normal. It is also complicated by vaginal agenesis. Removal of right adnexal mass and rudimentary uterus was done with preservation of left ovary. The histologic diagnosis was uterine adenomyosis and leiomyoma arising from the right adnexa, possibly from the broad ligament.
Applicability of the Modified Ritchie-Knott-Rice Failure Criterion to Examine the Feasibility of Miniaturized Charpy Type SE(B) Specimens
Authors: Meshii Toshiyuki , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Higashino Yuma
Published: October 2016

This paper examined whether the modified Ritchie-Knott-Rice (RKR) failure criterion can be applied to examine the feasibility of miniaturized Charpy type SE(B) specimens of thickness-to-width ratio B/W=1. The modified RKR failure criterion considered in this paper is the (4δt,σ22c) criterion which predicts the onset of cleavage fracture when the midplane crack-opening stress measured at a distance equal to four times the crack-tip opening displacement, denoted as σ22d, exceeds a critical stress σ22c. Specimens with B values of 25, 10, 3, and 2 mm (denoted as 25t, 10t, 3t, and 2t specimens, resp.) manufactured with 0.55% carbon steel were tested at 20°C. The results showed that the modified RKR criterion could appropriately predict the occurrence of cleavage fracture accompanied by negligibly small stable crack extension (denoted as KJc fracture) naturally for the 25t and 10t specimens. The modified RKR criterion could also predict that KJc fracture does not occur for the 2t specimen. The σ22c obtained from specimens for the 25t and 10t specimens exhibited only a small difference, indicating that the Jc obtained from the 10t specimens can be used to predict the Jc that will be obtained with the 25t specimens.
Reliability and Validity Measurement of Sagittal Lumbosacral Quiet Standing Posture with a Smartphone Application in a Mixed Population of 183 College Students and Personnel
Authors: Koumantakis George A. , Nikoloudaki Maria , Thacheth Sara , Zagli Kalliroi , Bitrou Konstantina , Nigritinos Andreas , Botton Leon
Published: October 2016

Accurate recording of spinal posture with simple and accessible measurement devices in clinical practice may lead to spinal loading optimization in occupations related to prolonged sitting and standing postures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the level of reliability of sagittal lumbosacral posture in quiet standing and the validity of the method in differentiating between male and female subjects, establishing in parallel a normative database. 183 participants (83 males and 100 females), with no current low back or pelvic pain, were assessed using the “iHandy Level” smartphone application. Intrarater reliability (3 same-day sequential measurements) was high for both the lumbar curve (ICC2,1: 0.96, SEM: 2.13°, andMDC95%: 5.9°) and the sacral slope (ICC2,1: 0.97, SEM: 1.61°, andMDC95%: 4.46°) sagittal alignment. Data analysis for each gender separately confirmed equally high reliability for both male and female participants. Correlation between lumbar curve and sacral slope was high (Pearson’sr=0.86,p<0.001). Between-gender comparisons confirmed the validity of the method to differentiate between male and female lumbar curve and sacral slope angles, with females generally demonstrating greater lumbosacral values (p<0.001). The “iHandy Level” application is a reliable and valid tool in the measurement of lumbosacral quiet standing spinal posture in the sagittal plane.
Supply Chain Network Design under Demand Uncertainty and Supply Disruptions: A Distributionally Robust Optimization Approach
Authors: Qiu Ruozhen , Wang Yizhi
Published: October 2016

We develop a robust optimization model for designing a three-echelon supply chain network that consists of manufacturers, distribution centers, and retailers under both demand uncertainty and supply disruptions. The market demands are assumed to be random variables with known distribution and the supply disruptions caused by some of the facilities faults or connection links interruptions are formulated by several scenarios with unknown occurrence probabilities. In particular, we assume the probabilities that the disruption scenarios happen belong to the two predefined uncertainty sets, named box and ellipsoid uncertainty sets, respectively. Through mathematical deductions, the proposed robust SCN design models can be transformed into the tractable linear program for box uncertainty and into second-order cone program for ellipsoid uncertainty. We further offer propositions with proof to show the equivalence of the transformed problems with the original ones. The applications of the proposed models together with solution approaches are investigated in a real case to design a tea supply chain network and validate their effectiveness. Numerical results obtained from model implementation and sensitivity analysis arrive at important practical insights.
Real-Time Multifault Rush Repairing Strategy Based on Utility Theory and Multiagent System in Distribution Networks
Authors: Hao Zhao , Jing Zhang , Zhi-gang Lu , Li-jun Yang , Hui-lin Cheng
Published: October 2016

The problem of multifault rush repair in distribution networks (DNs) is a multiobjective dynamic combinatorial problem with topology constraints. The problem consists of archiving an optimal faults’ allocation strategy to squads and an admissible multifault rush repairing strategy with coordinating switch operations. In this article, the utility theory is introduced to solve the first problem and a new discrete bacterial colony chemotaxis (DBCC) algorithm is proposed for the second problem to determine the optimal sequence for each squad to repair faults and the corresponding switch operations. The above solution is called the two-stage approach. Additionally, a double mathematical optimization model based on the fault level is proposed in the second stage to minimize the outage loss and total repairing time. The real-time adjustment multiagent system (RA-MAS) is proposed to provide facility to achieve online multifault rush repairing strategy in DNs when there are emergencies after natural disasters. The two-stage approach is illustrated with an example from a real urban distribution network and the simulation results show the effectiveness of the two-stage approach.
Congenital Vitelline Band Causing Intestinal Obstruction in an Adult with a Double Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Wettasinghe Mihiri , Pussepitiya Kumari , Samarasinghe Bandula , Wickramasinghe Nuwan
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Vitelline artery remnants are rare causes of intra-abdominal bands leading to bowel obstruction. These bands may be associated with Meckel’s diverticulum. Double inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare presentation and is usually identified incidentally. Case Presentation. A sixty-year-old male presented with progressive vomiting for five days and he was clinically diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Plain X-ray abdomen showed evidence of small bowel obstruction. CT scan of the abdomen revealed dilated small bowel loops with a small outpouching in the distal ileum with a band like structure attached to it. In the CT, left sided patent IVC draining into the left renal vein was identified. Left external iliac vein was in continuity with the left IVC. Left internal iliac vein was draining into the right IVC. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a Meckel’s diverticulum with a band identified as the vitelline remnant attached to its apex and inserting at the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus. Discussion. Meckel’s diverticulum with vitelline bands, although rare, should be borne in mind in adult patients with intestinal obstruction. Identification of this anomaly can be difficult in imaging studies. Presence of double IVC should be mentioned in the imaging findings to prevent possible catastrophic complications during surgery.
MMP8 Is Increased in Lesions and Blood of Acne Inversa Patients: A Potential Link to Skin Destruction and Metabolic Alterations
Authors: Tsaousi Athanasia , Witte Ellen , Witte Katrin , Röwert-Huber Hans-Joachim , Volk Hans-Dieter , Sterry Wolfram , Wolk Kerstin , Schneider-Burrus Sylke , Sabat Robert
Published: October 2016

Acne inversa (AI; also designated as hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic inflammatory disease with still unknown pathogenesis that affects the intertriginous skin of perianal, inguinal, and axillary sites. It leads to painful nodules, abscesses, and fistulas with malodorous secretion and is frequently associated with metabolic alterations. Here, we demonstrate that one of the most highly upregulated molecules in AI lesions is matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), an enzyme specialized in the degradation of extracellular matrix components and the HDL component apolipoprotein A-I. Granulocytes, which were present in AI lesions, secreted high amounts of MMP8 especially after TNF-αstimulation. Furthermore, activated fibroblasts but not keratinocytes were found to express MMP8. The high lesional MMP8 levels were accompanied by elevated blood levels that positively correlated with TNF-αblood levels and disease severity assessed by Sartorius score, especially with the number of regions with inflammatory nodules/abscesses and fistulas. Additionally, we found a negative correlation between blood MMP8 and HDL-cholesterol levels, suggesting a contributory role of MMP8 in metabolic alterations in AI. In summary, we demonstrate elevated MMP8 levels in AI lesions, suggest their role in skin destruction and metabolic alterations, and recommend the use of MMP8 as blood biomarker for AI disease activity assessment.
Color-Matching and Blending-Effect of Universal Shade Bulk-Fill-Resin-Composite in Resin-Composite-Models and Natural Teeth
Authors: Abdelraouf Rasha M. , Habib Nour A.
Published: October 2016

Objectives. To assess visually color-matching and blending-effect (BE) of a universal shade bulk-fill-resin-composite placed in resin-composite-models with different shades and cavity sizes and in natural teeth (extracted and patients’ teeth).Materials and Methods. Resin-composite-discs (10 mm × 1 mm) were prepared of universal shade composite and resin-composite of shades: A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and A4. Spectrophotometric-color-measurement was performed to calculate color-difference (ΔE) between the universal shade and shaded-resin-composites discs and determine their translucency-parameter (TP). Visual assessment was performed by seven normal-color-vision-observers to determine the color-matching between the universal shade and each shade, under Illuminant D65. Color-matching visual scoring (VS) values were expressed numerically (1–5): 1: mismatch/totally unacceptable, 2: Poor-Match/hardly acceptable, 3: Good-Match/acceptable, 4: Close-Match/small-difference, and 5: Exact-Match/no-color-difference. Occlusal cavities of different sizes were prepared in teeth-like resin-composite-models with shades A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and A4. The cavities were filled by the universal shade composite. The same scale was used to score color-matching between the fillings and composite-models. BE was calculated as difference in mean-visual-scores in models and that of discs. Extracted teeth with two different class I-cavity sizes as well as ten patients’ lower posterior molars with occlusal caries were prepared, filled by universal shade composite, and assessed similarly.Results. In models, the universal shade composite showed close matching in the different cavity sizes and surrounding shades (4≤VS<5) (BE = 0.6–2.9 in small cavities and 0.5–2.8 in large cavities). In extracted teeth, there was good-to-close color-matching (VS = 3.7–4.4 in small cavities, BE = 2.5–3.2) (VS = 3–3.5, BE = 1.8–2.3 in large cavities). In patients’ molars, the universal shade composite showed good-matching (VS = 3–3.3, BE = −0.9–2.1).Conclusions. Color-matching of universal shade resin-composite was satisfactory rather than perfect in patients’ teeth.
Implant-Retained Obturator for an Edentulous Patient with a Hemimaxillectomy Defect Complicated with Microstomia
Authors: Patil Pravinkumar G. , Nimbalkar-Patil Smita
Published: October 2016

Patient. A 68-year-old man was operated on for squamous cell carcinoma (T3N3M0) of the maxilla creating the hemimaxillary surgical defect on right side. The remaining arch was completely edentulous. There was remarkable limitation in the oral opening with reduced perimeter of the oral cavity due to radiation and surgical scar contracture. This article describes prosthetic rehabilitation by modifying the design of the obturator and achieving the retention with dental implant.Discussion. Severe limitation in the oral opening may occur in clinical situations following the postsurgical management of oral and maxillofacial defects. The prosthetic rehabilitation of the surgical defect in such patients becomes a challenging task due to limited access to the oral cavity. This challenge becomes even more difficult if the patient is edentulous and there are no teeth to gain the retention, stability, and support.Conclusion. In severe microstomia prosthesis insertion and removal can be achieved with modification of the maximum width of the prosthesis. Dental implant retention is useful treatment option in edentulous patients with maxillary surgical defect provided that sufficient bone volume and accessibility are there for implant placement.
Elder Orphans Hiding in Plain Sight: A Growing Vulnerable Population
Authors: Carney Maria T. , Fujiwara Janice , Emmert Brian E. , Liberman Tara A. , Paris Barbara
Published: October 2016

Adults are increasingly aging alone with multiple chronic diseases and are geographically distant from family or friends. It is challenging for clinicians to identify these individuals, often struggling with managing the growing difficulties and the complexities involved in delivering care to this population. Clinicians often may not recognize or know how to address the needs that these patients have in managing their own health. While many such patients function well at baseline, the slightest insult can initiate a cascade of avoidable negative events. We have resurrected the termelder orphanto describe individuals living alone with little to no support system. Using public data sets, including the US Census and University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study, we estimated the prevalence of adults 65 years and older to be around 22%. Thus, in this paper, we strive to describe and quantify this growing vulnerable population and offer practical approaches to identify and develop care plans that are consistent with each person’s goals of care. The complex medical and psychosocial issues for elder orphans significantly impact the individual person, communities, and health-care expenditures. We hope to encourage professionals across disciplines to work cooperatively to screen elders and implement policies to preventelder orphansfrom hiding in plain sight.
Multiscale Fluctuation Features of the Dynamic Correlation between Bivariate Time Series
Authors: Jiang Meihui , Gao Xiangyun , An Haizhong , Jia Xiaoliang , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: October 2016

The fluctuation of the dynamic correlation between bivariate time series has some special features on the time-frequency domain. In order to study these fluctuation features, this paper built the dynamic correlation network models using two kinds of time series as sample data. After studying the dynamic correlation networks at different time-scales, we found that the correlation between time series is a dynamic process. The correlation is strong and stable in the long term, but it is weak and unstable in the short and medium term. There are key correlation modes which can effectively indicate the trend of the correlation. The transmission characteristics of correlation modes show that it is easier to judge the trend of the fluctuation of the correlation between time series from the short term to long term. The evolution of media capability of the correlation modes shows that the transmission media in the long term have higher value to predict the trend of correlation. This work does not only propose a new perspective to analyze the correlation between time series but also provide important information for investors and decision makers.
Tumor Budding, Micropapillary Pattern, and Polyploidy Giant Cancer Cells in Colorectal Cancer: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Zhang Shiwu , Zhang Dan , Yang Zhengduo , Zhang Xipeng
Published: October 2016

We previously reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCGs) induced by CoCl2 could form through endoreduplication or cell fusion. A single PGCC formed tumors in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs are also the key contributors to the cellular atypia and associate with the malignant grade of tumors. PGCCs have the properties of cancer stem cells and produce daughter cells via asymmetric cell division. Compared with diploid cancer cells, these daughter cells express less epithelial markers and acquire mesenchymal phenotype with importance in cancer development and progression. Tumor budding is generally recognized to correlate with a high recurrence rate, lymph node metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is a good indicator to predict the metastasis and aggressiveness in CRCs. Micropapillary pattern is a special morphologic pattern and also associates with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. There are similar morphologic features and molecular phenotypes among tumor budding, micropapillary carcinoma pattern, and PGCCs with their budding daughter cells and all of them show strong ability of tumor invasion and migration. In this review, we discuss the cancer stem cell properties of PGCCs, the molecular mechanisms of their regulation, and the relationships with tumor budding and micropapillary pattern in CRCs.
Multidimensional Schrödinger Equation and Spectral Properties of Heavy-Quarkonium Mesons at Finite Temperature
Authors: Abu-Shady M.
Published: October 2016

TheN-radial Schrödinger equation is analytically solved at finite temperature. The analytic exact iteration method (AEIM) is employed to obtain the energy eigenvalues and wave functions for all statesnandl. The application of present results to the calculation of charmonium and bottomonium masses at finite temperature is also presented. The behavior of the charmonium and bottomonium masses is in qualitative agreement with other theoretical methods. We conclude that the solution of the Schrödinger equation plays an important role at finite temperature that the analysis of the quarkonium states gives a key input to quark-gluon plasma diagnostics.
Protective Effect of Psoralea corylifolia L. Seed Extract against Palmitate‐Induced Neuronal Apoptosis in PC12 Cells
Authors: Lee Yunkyoung , Jun Hee-Sook , Oh Yoon Sin
Published: October 2016

The extract of Psoralea corylifolia seeds (PCE) has been widely used as a herbal medicine because of its beneficial effect on human health. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of PCE on palmitate‐ (PA‐) induced toxicity in PC12 cells, a neuron‐like cell line. PCE significantly increased cell viability in PA‐treated PC12 cells and showed antiapoptotic effects, as evidenced by decreased expression of cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase, and bax protein as well as increased expression of bcl‐2 protein. In addition, PCE treatment reduced PA‐induced reactive oxygen species production and upregulated mRNA levels of antioxidant genes such as nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 and heme oxygenase 1. Moreover, PCE treatment recovered the expression of autophagy marker genes such as beclin‐1 and p62, which was decreased by PA treatment. Treatment with isopsoralen, one of the major components of PCE extract, also recovered the expression of autophagy marker genes and reduced PA‐induced apoptosis. In conclusion, PCE exerts protective effects against lipotoxicity via its antioxidant function, and this effect is mediated by activation of autophagy. PCE might be a potential pharmacological agent to protect against neuronal cell injury caused by oxidative stress or lipotoxicity.
Synergism Analysis of Bedding Slope with Piles and Anchor Cable Support under Sine Wave Vehicle Load
Authors: Dan-Feng Li , Lian-Jun Wang
Published: October 2016

Slope instability under dynamic load is the technical difficulty in the engineering; the evaluation of slope stability under dynamic load and the control of dynamic load is particularly important. In this paper, taking the right side slope of K27+140 m~380 m typical section (K27 slope for short) in Chongqing Fuling-Fengdu-Shizhu expresses highway as an example to calculate and analyze. The K27 slope is under sinusoidal vehicle load and supported by anchor cable and antislide pile to resist downslide strength; at the same time, the combined effect of them is studied. Three-dimensional finite element methodology (FEM) is used to simulate the bedding slope with piles and anchor cable support; furthermore, the eigenvalue can be obtained. In order to reduce error of the elastic boundary conditions caused by the reflection effect of wavelengths, the combination of Lysmer surface viscous boundary and traditional ground support boundaries is utilized to analyze and calculate the time-histories during bedding slope under dynamic load. The dynamic response of pile anchor support to resist sliding force is obtained. The concept of the pile anchor supporting coordinate interval is put forward. Furthermore, it is verified that the pile anchor supporting coordinate interval can be used to evaluate the stability of the slope under dynamic load and provide a new method for the control of the dynamic load.