bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombin and Activated Coagulation Factor X Stimulate the Release of Cytokines and Fibronectin from Nasal Polyp Fibroblasts via Protease-Activated Receptors
Authors: Shimizu Shino , Tojima Ichiro , Takezawa Kumiko , Matsumoto Koji , Kouzaki Hideaki , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: February 2017

Background

Nasal epithelial cells and infiltrating eosinophils express tissue factor, and high thrombin activity and excess fibrin deposition are found in nasal secretion and in nasal polyp from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP). Activated coagulation factors play important roles not only in thrombosis but also in inflammation through interaction with protease-activated receptors (PAR). However, little is known about the effects of activated coagulation factors on the release of cytokines and extracellular matrix from nasal polyp fibroblasts (NPF).

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of PARs, which are receptors for activated coagulation factors, on NPFs and to determine the roles of thrombin and activated coagulation factor X (FXa) in the release of cytokines and fibronectin from NPFs.

Methods

NPFs were obtained from patients with CRSwNP, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of PARs in these NPFs were examined. We then investigated whether thrombin or FXa stimulates the release of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1, fibronectin, eotaxin-1, interleukin (IL) 6, or IL-8 from cultured NPFs. The effects of PAR agonists on the release of cytokines and fibronectin were also examined.

Results

NPFs expressed the mRNA and proteins of all four PARs: PAR-1, PAR-2, PAR-3, and PAR-4. Both thrombin and FXa significantly stimulated the release of TGF beta 1, fibronectin, eotaxin-1, IL-6, and IL-8 from cultured NPFs. PAR-1 and PAR-2 agonists stimulated the secretion of TGF beta 1, fibronectin, eotaxin-1, IL-6, and IL-8. PAR-3 agonist stimulated the release of TGF beta 1, fibronectin, and eotaxin-1. PAR-4 agonist did not induce the release of these molecules.

Conclusion

NPFs play important roles in the pathophysiology of CRSwNP such as in nasal polyp formation and inflammatory cell infiltration by releasing cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins. Activated coagulation factors, thrombin and FXa, stimulate the release of these cytokines and fibronectin from NPFs via PARs.
Removable Sinus Stent for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: An Animal Trial
Authors: Yaniv Dan , Shlosberg Lena , Flomenblit Joseph , Frenklach Gregory , Rath-Wolfson Lea , Yaniv Eitan
Published: February 2017

Background

The goal of endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic sinusitis is to create good drainage of the paranasal sinuses. Metal stents used to prevent lateralization of the middle concha are associated with adverse effects.

Objective

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a newly developed composite removable stent.

Methods

The composite removable stent was implanted in nine sheep (18 stents) in the ethmoid cavity after performing an ethmoidectomy and was examined for stability, ease of removal, and adverse effects. Histologic findings were compared between implantation and nonimplantation sites at several time points after stent deployment and removal.

Results

None of the stents migrated or fell out of the nose. After 4 weeks, there was no infection in the nose or around the stents, and there was no damage to the mucosa. An histologic study showed only mild-to-moderate inflammatory cell infiltration relative to control sites, with no damage to the mucosal epithelium and no necrosis at distant sites. At 2 weeks after stent removal, slight-to-moderate fibroplasia was noted in the deep nasal tissue, with slight-to-moderate osteocartilaginous metaplasia and bone remodeling but no necrotic or inflammatory changes in surrounding tissues. At 4 weeks after stent removal, the middle meatus remained open.

Conclusion

The promising results of the composite removable stent in a sheep model justify further studies in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chromic sinusitis.
The Effect of Smoking on Perforation Development and Healing after Septoplasty
Authors: Cetiner Hasan , Cavusoglu Ilker , Duzer Sertac
Published: February 2017

Background

The relationship between septal perforation and smoking (of cigarettes) was not previously studied in patients who underwent septoplasty.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of smoking on nasal septal perforation development and the postoperative healing process in patients who underwent septoplasty.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent septoplasty procedures between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Any candidates with chronic systemic disease, were >40 years of age, were prone to complications (i.e., excessive septal deviation), or had previous nasal surgery were excluded from study. The subjects were grouped by smoking habits, and septal effects of smoking were evaluated clinically.

Results

Of 281 patients, 88 qualified as smokers (group 1) and 193 were considered nonsmokers (group 2). Septal perforation was observed in eight patients in group 1 and in one patient in group 2 (p < 0.05). In groups 1 and 2, the average healing times were 8.8 ± 2.04 days and 7.51 ± 1.75 days, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both nasal recovery time and development of septal perforation proved significantly greater in patients who smoked after septoplasty.
Sinonasal Imaging Findings in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener Granulomatosis): A Systematic Review
Authors: D'Anza Brian , Langford Carol A. , Sindwani Raj
Published: February 2017

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener granulomatosis) frequently presents in the head and neck, and the sinonasal cavity is among the most common areas affected. Although the clinical findings, histologic appearance, and laboratory workup have been described, characteristic findings and the distribution of disease on sinonasal imaging are not well established. The appropriate imaging modality to evaluate for sinonasal involvement is also unclear.

Objective

To describe the imaging characteristics, distribution, and location of sinonasal pathology in patients with GPA as noted on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging modalities.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of English language articles, by using appropriate search terms, which reported the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings specific to sinonasal disease in adult subjects with GPA. Studies were included only when they focused primarily on specific imaging results in patients with GPA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed.

Results

A total of 50 articles were identified on an initial search of medical literature data bases. There were seven articles that comprised 224 patients who met inclusion criteria. All the articles were retrospective case series and descriptive in nature. A high incidence of patients with GPA who were imaged showed evidence of pathologic findings. The prevalence of key radiographic findings in patients with GPA were the following: mucosal thickening (87.7% of patients), bony destruction (59.9%), and septal erosion (59.4%). There were no randomized or prospective studies that compared imaging findings between patients with GPA and the controls, and no studies that correlated imaging findings with prognosis.

Conclusion

Sinus imaging in GPA revealed a spectrum of nonspecific findings. The constellation of septal erosion, mucosal thickening, and bony changes should raise suspicion for GPA. The current literature was insufficient to make any comments on the time course of sinonasal disease and imaging manifestations. Further comparative studies are needed to determine a role for sinonasal imaging in the diagnosis and prognosis of GPA.
Sub-Zero Treatment of Cold Work Tool Steels – Metallurgical Background and the Effect on Microstructure and Properties*
Authors: Jurči P.
Published: February 2017

Sub-zero treatment is a commonly accepted process that is intended to increase the hardness, wear resistance and dimensional stability of tool steels and components over several decades. However, the metallurgical background of the phenomena responsible for these improvements is not yet entirely clear. Several theories have attempted to clarify the phenomena taking place during sub-zero treatment and their effect on the microstructure and properties of steels, but all of them manifested significant drawbacks from the point of view of generally accepted metallurgical theories. In this study, these theories are discussed based upon the results obtained by comprehensive investigations of sub-zero treatment of powder metallurgy-made Cr-V Vanadis 6 ledeburitic tool steel. A new theory respecting the main physical-metallurgical principles is also established.
Prozesstechnische Ansätze zur Optimierung des Wärmebehandlungsergebnisses des Niederdruck-Aufkohlens und des Niederdruck-Carbonitrierens
Authors: Franke J. , Steinbacher M. , Velten M. , Hoffmann F. , Zoch H.-W.
Published: February 2017

Kurzfassung

Das Niederdruck-Aufkohlen bietet dem Anwender ein Verfahren, mit dem unter geringem Einsatz von Kohlenwasserstoffen quasi randoxidationsfreie, metallisch blanke Oberflächen erzeugt werden [1]. Die bei diesem Verfahren entstandene randoxidationsfreie Randschicht lässt gegenüber einer durch Randoxidation geschädigten Oberfläche höhere Dauerfestigkeiten erwarten. Allerdings treten andere Effekte auf, die die Lebensdauer vermindern können [2]. An Einsatzstählen der Sorten 18CrNiMo7-6, 20MoCrS4 und 20CrMo4 wurden verschiedene Ansätze zur Verminderung und Unterbindung dieser Effekte untersucht. Es werden Prozessstrategien vorgestellt, die ein bisher ungenutztes Potenzial des Niederdruckaufkohlens ausschöpfen sollen. Zusätzlich wird auf für den Praktiker relevante Ergebnisse eingegangen, die die Prozessübertragbarkeit zwischen den Anlagentypen, Konditionierungseffekte und Wechselwirkungen bei einem Niederdruck-Carbonitrieren behandeln.
Some Aspects of Low Methylamine Partial Pressure Carbonitriding*
Authors: Koch D. , Reimert R. , Bajohr S.
Published: February 2017

Low pressure carbonitriding is a case hardening process under development. At temperatures between 800 °C and 1050 °C and at total pressures below 50 mbar the carbon and nitrogen concentrations in the outer layer of steel parts are increased and the parts are subsequently hardened by quenching. As state of the art, ammonia is used as the nitrogen donor, in combination with a carbon donor gas, mainly acetylene or propane [1–3]. Other possible carbonitriding gases are not mentioned in recent literature with the exception of a Soviet Union patent [4], but no information on the application of this invention was found. At the Engler-Bunte-Institut of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, methylamine and dimethylamine were identified as potential carbonitriding gases, and their carbonitriding behavior was experimentally studied using a thermobalance. The experiments proved an increased nitrogen uptake of the steel samples in comparison to the state of the art. The carbon uptakes were in the same order of magnitude to a comparable process with acetylene. In addition to earlier published results for methylamine as the carbonitriding gas [5], this paper focuses on some operational and kinetic effects.
Prozessintegration von induktiver Wärmebehandlung und Festwalzen – sichere und zuverlässige Komponenten mit hoher Schwingfestigkeit
Authors: Oevermann T. , Saalfeld S. , Niendorf T. , Scholtes B.
Published: February 2017

Kurzfassung

Mechanische Oberflächenbehandlungen, beispielsweise das Festwalzen, spielen in der technischen Praxis eine bedeutende Rolle und tragen wesentlich zur Steigerung der Zuverlässigkeit hochbeanspruchter Komponenten bei. In einer Reihe von Fällen wurde gezeigt, dass eine Erhöhung der Prozesstemperatur die Wirksamkeit der Verfahren noch steigert, weil dies zu einer besseren Stabilisierung der eingebrachten Druckeigenspannungen führt. Eine wesentliche Voraussetzung zur Einführung dieser Verfahren in die Praxis ist allerdings, dass insgesamt effiziente und möglichst kurze Prozesse resultieren, bei denen die erzielbaren Eigenschaftsverbesserungen in einer ausgewogenen Relation zum Mehraufwand im Vergleich mit konventionellen Prozessen stehen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird gezeigt, dass die Prozessintegration von induktiver Wärmebehandlung und Festwalzen in diesem Zusammenhang vielversprechend ist und es werden erste Versuchsergebnisse vorgestellt.
Simulation of Coupled Carbonitriding and Internal Oxidation of Steel
Authors: Larsson H. , Ågren J.
Published: February 2017

Carbonitriding and internal oxidation have been simulated simultaneously using the DICTRA homogenization model. The predicted carbon and nitrogen profiles as well as the oxide and nitride phase fraction profiles agree favourably with experimental data obtained from the literature, though some discrepancies exist. The present approach should be a very useful tool in process control and optimization.
Bilateral sagittal split mandibular osteotomies for enhanced exposure of the anterior cervical spine in children: technical note
Authors: Karsy Michael , Moores Neal , Siddiqi Faizi , Brockmeyer Douglas L. , Bollo Robert J.
Published: February 2017

The bilateral sagittal split mandibular osteotomy (BSSMO), a common maxillofacial technique for expanding the oropharynx during treatment of micrognathia, is a rarely employed but useful adjunct to improve surgical access to the ventral cervical spine in children. Specifically, it provides enhanced exposure of the craniocervical junction in the context of midface hypoplasia, and of the subaxial cervical spine in children with severe kyphosis. The authors describe their technique for BSSMO and evaluate long-term outcomes in patients.

The pediatric neurosurgical database at a single center was queried to identify children who underwent BSSMO as an adjunct to cervical spine surgery over a 22-year study period (1993–2015). The authors retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic data in all patients.

The authors identified 5 children (mean age 5.3 ± 3.1 years, range 2.1–10.0 years) who underwent BSSMO during cervical spine surgery. The mean clinical follow-up was 3.0 ± 1.9 years. In 4 children, BSSMO was used to increase the size of the oropharynx and facilitate transoral resection of the odontoid and anterior decompression of the craniocervical junction. In 1 patient with subaxial kyphosis and chin-on-chest deformity, BSSMO was used to elevate the chin, improve anterior exposure of the subaxial cervical spine, and facilitate cervical corpectomy. Careful attention to neurovascular structures, including the inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, and mental branch of the inferior alveolar artery, as well as minimizing tongue manipulation and compression, are critical to complication avoidance.

The BSSMO is a rarely used but extremely versatile technique that significantly enhances anterior exposure of the craniocervical junction and subaxial cervical spine in children in whom adequate visualization of critical structures is not otherwise possible.
De novo AVM formation following venous sinus thrombosis and prior AVM resection in adults: report of 2 cases
Authors: Shi Siyu , Gupta Raghav , Moore Justin M. , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Adeeb Nimer , Motiei-Langroudi Rouzbeh , Thomas Ajith J. , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: February 2017

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are traditionally considered congenital lesions, arising from aberrant vascular development during the intrauterine period. Rarely, however, AVMs develop in the postnatal period. Individual case reports of de novo AVM formation in both pediatric and adult patients have challenged the traditional dogma of a congenital origin. Instead, for these cases, a dynamic picture is emerging of AVM growth and development, initially triggered by ischemic and/or traumatic events, coupled with genetic predispositions. A number of pathophysiological descriptions involving aberrant angiogenic responses following trauma, hemorrhage, or inflammation have been proposed, although the exact etiology of these lesions remains to be elucidated. Here, the authors present 2 cases of de novo AVM formation in adult patients. The first case involves the development of an AVM following a venous sinus thrombosis and to the authors' knowledge is the first of its kind to be reported in the literature. They also present a case in which an elderly patient with a previously ruptured AVM developed a second AVM in the contralateral hemisphere 11 years later. In addition to presenting these cases, the authors propose a possible mechanism for de novo AVM development in adult patients following ischemic injury.
AQP4 Association with Amyloid Deposition and Astrocyte Pathology in the Tg-ArcSwe Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Rui , Shi Changhe , Mao Chengyuan , Yang Zhihua , Suo Zhenhe , Torp Reidun , Xu Yuming
Published: February 2017

Amyloid-β deposition in senile plaques is one of the main pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously reported that aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is redistributed within the astrocytes in cerebral amyloid angiopathy in the tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD, suggesting that AQP4 may participate in amyloid-β deposition. However, the role of AQP4 in plaque formation is not currently clear. The objective of the current study was to explore the AQP4 distribution within plaques in the tg-ArcSwe mice in more depth by the combined application of immunofluorescence cytochemistry and immunogold electron microscopy. In addition, the astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), was studied in association with AQP4. We demonstrated a robust upregulation of AQP4 expression in areas of plaques. Compared to GFAP, AQP4 appeared predominantly at later stages of plaque formation, in older mice, and within the processes of astrocytes. In combination with GFAP, AQP4 differentiated plaques into three progression stages under light microscopy. This suggests that AQP4 expression was associated with amyloid deposition and astrocyte pathology in the Tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD. This provides novel proof for the involvement of AQP4 in the process of amyloid deposition in AD.
Generation and Partial Characterization of Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody to Amyloid-β Peptide 1–37 (Aβ37)
Authors: Mehta Pankaj D. , Blain Jean-Francois , Freeman Emily A. , Patrick Bruce A. , Barshatzky Marc , Hrdlicka Lori A. , Mehta Sangita P. , Frackowiak Janusz , Mazur-Kolecka Bozena , Wegiel Jerzy , Patzke Holger , Miller David L.
Published: February 2017

Secreted soluble amyloid-β 1–37 (Aβ37) peptide is one of the prominent Aβ forms next to Aβ40, and is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Recent studies have shown the importance of quantitation of CSF Aβ37 levels in combination with Aβ38, Aβ40, and Aβ42 to support the diagnosis of patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and the value of antibody to Aβ37 to facilitate drug discovery studies. However, the availability of reliable and specific monoclonal antibody to Aβ37 is very limited. Our aims were: 1) to generate and partially characterize rabbit monoclonal antibody (RabmAb) to Aβ37, and 2) to determine whether the antibody detects changes in Aβ37 levels produced by a γ-secretase modulator (GSM). Our generated RabmAb to Aβ37 was found to be specific to Aβ37, since it did not react with Aβ36, Aβ38, Aβ39, Aβ40, and Aβ42 in an ELISA or immunoblotting. The epitope of the antibody was contained in the seven C-terminal residues of Aβ37. The antibody was sensitive enough to measure CSF and plasma Aβ37 levels in ELISA. Immunohistological studies showed the presence of Aβ37-positive deposits in the brain of AD, and Down syndrome persons diagnosed with AD. Our studies also showed that the antibody detected Aβ37 increases in CSF and brains of rodents following treatment with a GSM. Thus, our antibody can be widely applied to AD research, and in a panel based approach it may have potential to support the diagnosis of probable AD, and in testing the effect of GSMs to target AD.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Impairments: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Wei , Huang Edgar , Gao Sujuan
Published: February 2017

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a major subtype of diabetes and is usually diagnosed at a young age with insulin deficiency. The life expectancy of T1DM patients has increased substantially in comparison with that three decades ago due to the availability of exogenous insulin, though it is still shorter than that of healthy people. However, the relation remains unclear between T1DM and dementia as an aging-related disease. We conducted a systematic review of existing literature on T1DM and cognition impairments by carrying out searches in electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. We restricted our review to studies involving only human subjects and excluded studies on type 2 diabetes mellitus or non-classified diabetes. A meta-analysis was first performed on the relationship between T1DM and cognitive changes in youths and adults respectively. Then the review focused on the cognitive complications of T1DM and their relation with the characteristics of T1DM, glycemic control, diabetic complications, comorbidities, and others. First, age at onset, disease duration, and glycemic dysregulation were delineated for their association with cognitive changes. Then diabetic ketoacidosis, angiopathy, and neuropathy were examined as diabetic complications for their involvement in cognitive impairments. Lastly, body mass index and blood pressure were discussed for their relations with the cognitive changes. Future studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of T1DM-related cognitive impairments or dementia.
Comparison of Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance and conventional occupational therapy on occupational performance in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahn Si-nae , Yoo Eun-young , Jung Min-ye , Park Hae-yean , Lee Ji-yeon , Choi Yoo-im
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach based on cognitive strategy in occupational therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of CO-OP approach on occupational performance in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.

METHODS: This study was designed as a 5-week, randomized, single-blind. Forty-three participants who had a diagnosis of first stroke were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group ( n = 20) or the control group ( n = 23). The experimental group conducted CO-OP approach while the control group conducted conventional occupational therapy based on occupational performance components. This study measured Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS). Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS: After training, the scores of COPM and PQRS in trained task were significantly higher for the score in the experimental group than the control group. In addition, the non-trained task was significantly higher for the score in the experimental group than the control group in COPM and the PQRS.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the CO-OP approach is beneficial effects on the occupational performance to improvement in individuals with hemiparetic stroke, and have positive effects on generalization and transfer of acquired skills.
Effect of foot placements during sit to stand transition on timed up and go test in stroke subjects: A cross sectional study
Authors: Joshua Abraham M. , Karnad Shreekanth D. , Nayak Akshatha , Suresh B.V. , Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan B.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Timed up and go (TUG) test is been used as a screening tool for the assessment of risk of falling in individuals following stroke. Though TUG test is a quick test, it has fair sensitivity compared to other tests. This study was carried out to obtain and compare test scores for different types of foot placements during sit to stand transition in stroke subjects.

METHOD: A Cross-sectional study with purposive sampling included 28 post stroke subjects who were able to walk 6 meter with or without assistance. Timed Up and Go test was carried out with four different types of foot placements and scores were recorded. The data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis One way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

RESULT: There were comparable differences between asymmetric 1 test strategy which involved affected extremity to be placed behind the unaffected and other test strategies ( Z = –4.457,–3.848,–4.458; p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: The initial foot placements during sit to stand transition influenced the time taken to complete the test which was significantly higher in asymmetric 1 strategy, Incorporation of the initial foot placement mainly asymmetric 1 strategy into conventional TUG test would help in identifying accurately the subject’s functional mobility and postural stability.
Brain activity during a lower limb functional task in a real and virtual environment: A comparative study
Authors: Pacheco Thaiana Barbosa Ferreira , Oliveira Rego Isabelle Ananda , Campos Tania Fernandes , Cavalcanti Fabrícia Azevedo da Costa
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Virtual Reality (VR) has been contributing to Neurological Rehabilitation because of its interactive and multisensory nature, providing the potential of brain reorganization. Given the use of mobile EEG devices, there is the possibility of investigating how the virtual therapeutic environment can influence brain activity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare theta, alpha, beta and gamma power in healthy young adults during a lower limb motor task in a virtual and real environment.

METHODS: Ten healthy adults were submitted to an EEG assessment while performing a one-minute task consisted of going up and down a step in a virtual environment – Nintendo Wii virtual game “Basic step” – and in a real environment.

RESULTS: Real environment caused an increase in theta and alpha power, with small to large size effects mainly in the frontal region. VR caused a greater increase in beta and gamma power, however, with small or negligible effects on a variety of regions regarding beta frequency, and medium to very large effects on the frontal and the occipital regions considering gamma frequency.

CONCLUSIONS: Theta, alpha, beta and gamma activity during the execution of a motor task differs according to the environment that the individual is exposed – real or virtual – and may have varying size effects if brain area activation and frequency spectrum in each environment are taken into consideration.
Validation of the Standardized Touchscreen Assessment of Cognition with neurotypical adults
Authors: Wallace Sarah E. , Donoso Brown Elena V. , Fairman Andrea D. , Beardshall Koren , Olexsovich Anna , Taylor Alicia , Schreiber James B.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Portable electronic devices are increasingly being used for clinical assessment of individuals with cognitive deficits. Prior to implementation of tablet-based assessments, comparison with other standard measures is needed.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to compare an iPad administered cognitive assessment known as the Standardized Touchscreen Assessment of Cognition (STAC) to the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT) and the Cognitive Assessment of Minnesota (CAM).

METHODS: Eighty-eight neurotypical participants completed the STAC, CAM, and CLQT in a randomized order. The researchers compared the participants’ responses across similar subtests. Performance across iPad comfort levels was also explored.

RESULTS: Findings revealed moderate correlations in some areas of assessment: generative naming and immediate visual memory. The correlations varied across age groups within each area of assessment with no consistent pattern. Additionally, people with comfort using an iPad performed significantly better on three areas of STAC assessment (generative naming category and first letter, and auditory working memory) compared to people who reported no iPad comfort.

CONCLUSIONS: Initial testing of the STAC in a neurotypical population identified moderate correlations with standard measures in some subtests; however, additional testing of the STAC is needed to determine the clinical utility and validity of assessing populations with cognitive impairments.
Immune biomarkers for the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Petrone Ashley B. , Gionis Valerie , Giersch Richard , Barr Taura L.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: In 2010, there were approximately 2.2 million emergency room visits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), with 80 percent diagnosed as mild TBI or concussion. In addition, there are a large number of TBIs, especially mild TBIs, which go either unreported by patients or initially undiagnosed by clinicians. Our team has previously identified a panel of immune-related genes that can diagnose ischemic stroke at triage, and due to shared pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI and stroke, we hypothesized that this panel of genes may also be utilized for the diagnosis of TBI.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aims of this pilot study were to: (1) characterize changes in a panel of immune-related genes in TBI; (2) identify immune-related biomarkers that may be used to diagnose TBI and (3) describe the peripheral immune response following TBI.

METHODS: Blood was drawn from TBI patients no later than 24 h of injury onset and matched control subjects. Real-time PCR was used to measure gene expression, and a white blood cell differential was performed to obtain neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages.

RESULTS: Relative mRNA expression of ARG1, LY96, MMP9, s100a12 was significantly increased and CCR7 was significantly decreased in peripheral blood of TBI patients within 24 hours of injury compared to control subjects. We also observed a different pattern of leukocyte dynamics following TBI between mild and severe TBI.

CONCLUSIONS: We have described a panel of immune-related genes that can accurately predict/diagnose TBI with higher sensitivity and specificity of other biomarkers to date.
Season, Transport Duration and Trailer Compartment Effects on Blood Stress Indicators in Pigs: Relationship to Environmental, Behavioral and Other Physiological Factors, and Pork Quality Traits
Authors: Sommavilla Roberta , Faucitano Luigi , Gonyou Harold , Seddon Yolande , Bergeron Renée , Widowski Tina , Crowe Trever , Connor Laurie , Scheeren Marina , Goumon Sébastien , Brown Jennifer
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the season, travel duration and trailer compartment location on blood creatine-kinase (CK), lactate and cortisol concentrations in 384 pigs and assess their relationships with trailer temperature, heart rate and gastrointestinal tract temperature (GTT), behavior, carcass damage scores and meat quality. Blood CK was greater in pigs transported in summer (p = 0.02), after 18 h transportation (p < 0.001) and in pigs located in C4, C5 and C10 (p = 0.002). In winter, the concentration of blood lactate was higher (p = 0.04) in pigs transported for 6 h in C5. Pigs located in C10 showed higher (p = 0.01) concentration of cortisol than those transported for 18h in C4 in summer. The highest correlations were between blood cortisol and GTT (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), and between blood CK and GTT (r = 0.41; p < 0.001), truck temperature (r = 0.42; p < 0.001), and pHu in the longissimus muscle (r = 0.41; p < 0.001). In conclusion, although increased blood cortisol and CK levels appear to indicate a physical stress condition in transported pigs, the weak to moderate correlations with environmental and other animal welfare indicators suggest that blood stress parameters can only be used as a complementary measurement in the assessment of the pigs’ response to transport stress.
CFD Studies of the Effects of Waveform on Swimming Performance of Carangiform Fish
Authors: Cui Zuo , Gu Xingshi , Li Kangkang , Jiang Hongzhou
Published: February 2017

Carangiform fish, like mackerel, saithe and bass, swim forward by rhythmically passing body waves from the head to the tail. In this paper, the undulating motions are decomposed into the travelling part and the standing part by complex orthogonal decomposition (COD), and the ratio between these two parts, i.e., the travelling index, is proposed to analyse the waveform of fish-like movements. To further study the relative influences of the waveform on swimming performance, a self-propelled model of carangiform fish is developed by the level set/immersed boundary (LS-IB) method, and the in-house code is tested by two cases of flow past a sphere and an oscillating cylinder, respectively. In this study, the travelling index is varied in ranges up to 50% larger or smaller than the biological data. The results show that carangiform fish seem to favour a fast and efficient swimming motion with a travelling index of around 0.6. Meanwhile, we study several numerical cases with different amplitude coefficients (0.5~1.1) and tail-beat frequency (2 Hz~5 Hz), and then compare their swimming performance with each other. We found that the forward speed is closely related to the travelling index and tail-beat frequency, while the swimming efficiency is increased with the tail-beat frequency and amplitude coefficient. These results are also consistent with biological observations, and they might provide beneficial guidance with respect to the future design of robotic fish.
PSF Estimation of Space-Variant Ultra-Wide Field of View Imaging Systems
Authors: Janout Petr , Páta Petr , Skala Petr , Bednář Jan
Published: February 2017

Ultra-wide-field of view (UWFOV) imaging systems are affected by various aberrations, most of which are highly angle-dependent. A description of UWFOV imaging systems, such as microscopy optics, security camera systems and other special space-variant imaging systems, is a difficult task that can be achieved by estimating the Point Spread Function (PSF) of the system. This paper proposes a novel method for modeling the space-variant PSF of an imaging system using the Zernike polynomials wavefront description. The PSF estimation algorithm is based on obtaining field-dependent expansion coefficients of the Zernike polynomials by fitting real image data of the analyzed imaging system using an iterative approach in an initial estimate of the fitting parameters to ensure convergence robustness. The method is promising as an alternative to the standard approach based on Shack–Hartmann interferometry, since the estimate of the aberration coefficients is processed directly in the image plane. This approach is tested on simulated and laboratory-acquired image data that generally show good agreement. The resulting data are compared with the results of other modeling methods. The proposed PSF estimation method provides around 5% accuracy of the optical system model.
Design of a Tubular Permanent Magnet Actuator for Active Lateral Secondary Suspension of a Railway Vehicle
Authors: Yoon Jun-Ho , Kim Dongwook , Park No-Cheol , Park Young-Pil
Published: February 2017

This paper describes the finite element (FE)-based design of a slotted tubular permanent magnet actuator (TPMA) used in railway vehicle active lateral secondary suspension that improves the actuator’s thrust and lowers its cogging force under thermal and geometric constraints. To consider the electromagnetic and thermal fields and the complex interactions among the design variables, design was carried out in an electromagnet and thermal field environment using accurate and time-effective FE analysis. A six-slot prototype model was fabricated to estimate critical thermal parameters, which are difficult to compute without experiments. Three-dimensional FE analysis using the determined thermal parameters was adopted to calculate the precise thermal distribution of the TPMA and verify the forced air-cooling effect. A prototype TPMA with a quasi-Halbach array of permanent magnets and a moving magnet was manufactured through the FE-based design process; the dynamic, electromagnetic, and thermal characteristics of the prototype TPMA were validated experimentally.
The Urban Heat Island Effect and the Role of Vegetation to Address the Negative Impacts of Local Climate Changes in a Small Brazilian City
Authors: Lima Alves Elis , Lopes António
Published: February 2017

This study analyzes the influence of urban-geographical variables on determining heat islands and proposes a model to estimate and spatialize the maximum intensity of urban heat islands (UHI). Simulations of the UHI based on the increase of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), using multiple linear regression, in Iporá (Brazil) are also presented. The results showed that the UHI intensity of this small city tended to be lower than that of bigger cities. Urban geometry and vegetation (UI and NDVI) were the variables that contributed the most to explain the variability of the maximum UHI intensity. It was observed that areas located in valleys had lower thermal values, suggesting a cool island effect. With the increase in NDVI in the central area of a maximum UHI, there was a significant decrease in its intensity and size (a 45% area reduction). It is noteworthy that it was possible to spatialize the UHI to the whole urban area by using multiple linear regression, providing an analysis of the urban set from urban-geographical variables and thus performing prognostic simulations that can be adapted to other small tropical cities.
Temporal Variability of Source-Specific Solvent-Extractable Organic Compounds in Coastal Aerosols over Xiamen, China
Authors: Tao Shuqin , Yin Xijie , Jiao Liping , Zhao Shuhui , Chen Liqi
Published: February 2017

This study describes an analysis of ambient aerosols in a southeastern coastal city of China (Xiamen) in order to assess the temporal variability in the concentrations and sources of organic aerosols (OA). Molecular-level measurements based on a series of solvent extractable lipid compounds reveal inherent heterogeneity in OA, in which the concentration and relative contribution of at least three distinct components (terrestrial plant wax derived, marine/microbial and fossil fuel derived organic matter (OM)) exhibited distinct and systematic temporal variability. Plant wax lipids and associated terrestrial OM are influenced by seasonal variability in plant growth; marine/microbial lipids and associated marine OM are modulated by sea spill and temperature change, whereas fossil fuel derived OM reflects the anthropogenic utilization of fossil fuels originated from petroleum-derived sources and its temporal variation is strongly controlled by meteorological conditions (e.g., the thermal inversion layer), which is analogous to other air organic pollutions. A comparative study among different coastal cities was applied to estimate the supply of different sources of OM to ambient aerosols in different regions, where it was found that biogenic OM in aerosols over Xiamen was much lower than that of other cities; however, petroleum-derived OM exhibited a high level of contribution with a higher concentration of unresolved complex matters (UCM) and higher a ratio between UCM and resolved alkanes (UCM/R).
Core Effects on Transition Energies for 3dk Conﬁgurations in Tungsten Ions
Authors: Fischer Charlotte , Gaigalas Gediminas , Jönsson Per
Published: February 2017

Allenergylevelsofthe3dk,k=1,2,...,8,9,conﬁgurationsfortungstenions,computedusing the GRASP2K fully relativistic code based on the variational multiconﬁguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method, are reported. Included in the calculations are valence correlation where all 3s,3p,3d orbitals are considered to be valence orbitals, as well as core–valence and core–core effects from the 2s,2p subshells. Results are compared with other recent theory and with levels obtained from the wavelengths of lines observed in the experimental spectra. It is shown that the core correlation effects considerably reduce the disagreement with levels linked directly to observed wavelengths, but may differ signiﬁcantly from the NIST levels, where an unknown shift of the levels could not be determined from experimental wavelengths. For low values of k, levels were in good agreement with relativistic many-body perturbation levels, but for 2 < k < 8, the present results were in better agreement with observation.
Rough Set Theory for Real Estate Appraisals: An Application to Directional District of Naples
Authors: Del Giudice Vincenzo , De Paola Pierfrancesco , Cantisani Giovanni
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes an application of Rough Set Theory (RST) to the real estate field, in order to highlight its operational potentialities for mass appraisal purposes. RST allows one to solve the appraisal of real estate units regardless of the deterministic relationship between characteristics that contribute to the formation of the property market price and the same real estate prices. RST was applied to a real estate sample (office units located in Directional District of Naples) and was also integrated with a functional extension so-called “Valued Tolerance Relation” (VTR) in order to improve its flexibility. A multiple regression analysis (MRA) was developed on the same real estate sample with the aim to compare RST and MRA results. The case study is followed by a brief discussion on basic theoretical connotations of this methodology.
Androgen Receptor Signaling in Salivary Gland Cancer
Authors: Dalin Martin , Watson Philip , Ho Alan , Morris Luc
Published: February 2017

Salivary gland cancers comprise a small subset of human malignancies, and are classified into multiple subtypes that exhibit diverse histology, molecular biology and clinical presentation. Local disease is potentially curable with surgery, which may be combined with adjuvant radiotherapy. However, metastatic or unresectable tumors rarely respond to chemotherapy and carry a poorer prognosis. Recent molecular studies have shown evidence of androgen receptor signaling in several types of salivary gland cancer, mainly salivary duct carcinoma. Successful treatment with anti-androgen therapy in other androgen receptor-positive malignancies such as prostate and breast cancer has inspired researchers to investigate this treatment in salivary gland cancer as well. In this review, we describe the prevalence, biology, and therapeutic implications of androgen receptor signaling in salivary gland cancer.
New Studies of the Physical Properties of Metallic Amorphous Membranes for Hydrogen Purification
Authors: Palumbo Oriele , Trequattrini Francesco , Sarker Suchismita , Hulyakar Madhura , Pal Narendra , Chandra Dhanesh , Dolan Michael , Paolone Annalisa
Published: February 2017

Amorphous metallic membranes display promising properties for hydrogen purification up to an ultrapure grade (purity > 99.999%). The hydrogen permeability through amorphous membranes has been widely studied in the literature. In this work we focus on two additional properties, which should be considered before possible application of such materials: the propensity to crystallize at high temperatures should be avoided, as the crystallized membranes can become brittle; the hydrogen solubility should be high, as solubility and permeability are proportional. We investigate the crystallization process and the hydrogen solubility of some membranes based on Ni, Nb, and Zr metals, as a function of Zr content, and with the addition of Ta or B. The boron doping does not significantly affect the crystallization temperature and the thermal stability of the membrane. However, the hydrogen solubility for p ~7 bar is as high as H/M ~0.31 at T = 440 °C and H/M ~0.27 at T = 485 °C. Moreover, the membrane does not pulverize even after repeated thermal cycles and hydrogenation processes up to 485 °C and 7 bar, and it retains its initial shape.
Using an Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition Process for the Development of V2O5 as an Electrochromic Material
Authors: Vernardou Dimitra
Published: February 2017

Vanadium pentoxide coatings were grown by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition varying the gas precursor ratio (vanadium (IV) chloride:water) and the substrate temperature. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and transmittance measurements. The water flow rate was found to affect the crystallinity and the morphological characteristics of vanadium pentoxide. Dense stacks of long grains of crystalline oxide are formed at the highest amount of water utilized for a substrate temperature of 450 °C. Accordingly, it was indicated that for higher temperatures and a constant gas precursor ratio of 1:7, the surface morphology becomes flattened, and columnar grains of uniform size and shape are indicated, keeping the high crystalline quality of the material. Hence, it was possible to define a frame of operating parameters wherein single-phase vanadium pentoxide may be reliably expected, including a gas precursor ratio of 1:7 with a substrate temperature of >450 °C. The as-grown vanadium pentoxide at 550 °C for a gas precursor ratio of 1:7 presented the best electrochemical performance, including a diffusion coefficient of 9.19 × 10−11 cm2·s−1, a charge density of 3.1 mC·cm−2, and a coloration efficiency of 336 cm2·C−1. One may then say that this route can be important for the growth of large-scale electrodes with good performance for electrochromic devices.
Editorial on Special Issue “Cosmetic Safety: Ingredients, Type of Reactions Undesirable Effects, Cosmetovigilance”
Authors: Caputo Immacolata , Sautebin Lidia
Published: February 2017

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (“Cosmetics Regulation”) [1] is the existing regulatory framework for finished cosmetic products placed on the European Union (EU) market.[...]
Calcined Solution-Based PVP Influence on ZnO Semiconductor Nanoparticle Properties
Authors: Kamari Halimah , Al-Hada Naif , Saion Elias , Shaari Abdul , Talib Zainal , Flaifel Moayad , Ahmed Abdullah
Published: February 2017

A water-based solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at various concentrations and zinc nitrates were used in conjunction with calcination to produce zinc oxide semiconductor nanoparticles. The extent to which the zinc oxide semiconductor nanoparticles had become crystallized was measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), whilst morphological characteristics were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) supported by XRD results were used to evaluate the average particle size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was then carried out in order to identify the composition phase, since this suggested that the samples contained metal oxide bands and that all organic compounds had been effectively removed after calcination. A UV-VIS spectrophotometer was used to determine the energy band gap and illustrate optical features. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the intensity of photoluminescence decreased with a decrease in particle size. The obtained results have mainly been inclusive for uses by several semiconductor applications in different fields, such as environmental applications and studies, since an absorption process for energy wavelengths could efficiently occur.