bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia induces arginase II expression and increases viable human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell numbers via AMPKα1 signaling
Authors: Xue Jianjing , Nelin Leif D. , Chen Bernadette
Published: February 2017

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation is one of the hallmark features of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. With only supportive treatment options available for this life-threatening disease, treating and preventing the proliferation of PASMCs is a viable therapeutic option. A key promoter of hypoxia-induced increases in the number of viable human PASMCs is arginase II, with attenuation of viable cell numbers following pharmacologic inhibition or siRNA knockdown of the enzyme. Additionally, increased levels of arginase have been demonstrated in the pulmonary vasculature of patients with pulmonary hypertension. The signaling pathways responsible for the hypoxic induction of arginase II in PASMCs, however, remain unknown. Hypoxia is a recognized activator of AMPK, which is known to be expressed in human PASMCs (hPASMCs). Activation of AMPK by hypoxia has been shown to promote cell survival in PASMCs. In addition, pharmacologic agents targeting AMPK have been shown to attenuate chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in animal models. The present studies tested the hypothesis that hypoxia-induced arginase II expression in hPASMCs is mediated through AMPK signaling. We found that pharmacologic inhibitors of AMPK, as well as siRNA knockdown of AMPKα1, prevented hypoxia-induced arginase II. The hypoxia-induced increase in viable hPASMC numbers was also prevented following both pharmacologic inhibition and siRNA knockdown of AMPK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that overexpression of AMPK induced arginase II protein expression and viable cells numbers in hPASMCs.
β2-Microglobulin participates in development of lung emphysema by inducing lung epithelial cell senescence
Authors: Gao Na , Wang Ying , Zheng Chun-Ming , Gao Yan-Li , Li Hui , Li Yan , Fu Ting-Ting , Xu Li-Li , Wang Wei , Ying Sun , Huang Kewu
Published: February 2017

β2-Microglobulin (β2M), the light chain of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I), has been identified as a proaging factor and is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders by driving cognitive and regenerative impairments. However, little attention has focused on the effect of β2M in the development of lung emphysema. Here, we found that concentrations of β2M in plasma were significantly elevated in patients with lung emphysema than those in normal control subjects (1.89 ± 0.12 vs. 1.42 ± 0.06 mg/l, P < 0.01). Moreover, the expression of β2M was significantly higher in lung tissue of emphysema (39.90 ± 1.97 vs. 23.94 ± 2.11%, P < 0.01). Immunofluorescence showed that β2M was mainly expressed in prosurfactant protein C-positive (pro-SPC+) alveolar epithelial cells and CD14+ macrophages. Exposure to recombinant human β2M and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in vitro enhanced cellular senescence and inhibited proliferation of A549 cells, which was partially reversed by the presence of anti-β2M antibody. However, anti-β2M antibody did not attenuate the elevated production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in A549 cells that were exposed to CSE. Immunofluorescence showed that colocalization of β2M, and the hemochromatosis gene (HFE) protein was observed on A549 cells. These data suggest β2M might participate in the development of lung emphysema through induction of lung epithelial cell senescence and inhibition.
Blunted transcriptional response to skeletal muscle ischemia in rats with chronic kidney disease: potential role for impaired ischemia-induced angiogenesis
Authors: Heiss Rafael U. , Fahlbusch Fabian B. , Jacobi Johannes , Daniel Christoph , Ekici Arif B. , Cordasic Nada , Amann Kerstin , Hartner Andrea , Hilgers Karl F.
Published: February 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Previous studies indicated an impairment of ischemia-induced angiogenesis in skeletal muscle of rats with CKD. We performed a systematic comparison of early gene expression in response to ischemia in rats with or without CKD to identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying impaired angiogenesis in CKD. CKD was induced in male rats by 5/6 nephrectomy (SNX); control rats were sham operated (sham). Eight weeks later, ischemia of the right limb was induced by ligation and resection of the femoral artery. Rats were killed 24 h after the onset of ischemia, and RNA was extracted from the musculus soleus of the ischemic and the nonischemic hindlimb. To identify differentially expressed transcripts, we analyzed RNA with Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Arrays. RT-PCR analysis of selected genes was performed to validate observed changes. Hindlimb ischemia upregulated 239 genes in CKD and 299 genes in control rats (66% overlap), whereas only a few genes were downregulated (14 in CKD and 34 in controls) compared with the nonischemic limb of the same animals. Comparison between the ischemic limbs of CKD and controls revealed downregulation of 65 genes in CKD; 37 of these genes were also among the ischemia-induced genes in controls. Analysis of functional groups (other than angiogenesis) pointed to genes involved in leukocyte recruitment and fatty acid metabolism. Transcript expression profiling points to a relatively small number of differentially expressed genes that may underlie the impaired postischemic angiogenesis in CKD.
Deep Learning in Visual Computing and Signal Processing
Authors: Xie Danfeng , Zhang Lei , Bai Li
Published: February 2017

Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning, which aims to learn a hierarchy of features from input data. Nowadays, researchers have intensively investigated deep learning algorithms for solving challenging problems in many areas such as image classification, speech recognition, signal processing, and natural language processing. In this study, we not only review typical deep learning algorithms in computer vision and signal processing but also provide detailed information on how to apply deep learning to specific areas such as road crack detection, fault diagnosis, and human activity detection. Besides, this study also discusses the challenges of designing and training deep neural networks.
A Specific N=2 Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanical Model: Supervariable Approach
Authors: Shukla Aradhya
Published: February 2017

By exploiting the supersymmetric invariant restrictions on the chiral and antichiral supervariables, we derive the off-shell nilpotent symmetry transformations for a specific (0 + 1)-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric quantum mechanical model which is considered on a (1, 2)-dimensional supermanifold (parametrized by a bosonic variable t and a pair of Grassmannian variables (θ,θ¯)). We also provide the geometrical meaning to the symmetry transformations. Finally, we show that this specific N=2 SUSY quantum mechanical model is a model for Hodge theory.
Circulation of Dengue Virus Serotypes in the City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as Determined by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Organji Sameer R. , Abulreesh Hussein H. , Osman Gamal E. H.
Published: February 2017

The present study was aimed to investigate the circulation of four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in Makkah, Western Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected from 25 dengue fever-suspected patients and were subjected to molecular typing for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 serotypes of dengue virus, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using six sets of primers. Of the 25 samples, only six samples (24%) were found to be positive for dengue virus infection. The prevalence of DENV-1 was higher (50% of DENV-positive samples), as compared to DENV-2 (33.3%) and DENV-3 (16.6%) serotypes. The fourth serotype, DENV-4, was not detected in any of the DENV-positive samples. Although Makkah is considered endemic to dengue fever, we observed low prevalence of dengue virus in the city, which may be attributed to various factors. Nonetheless, the results presented herein confirm the circulation of DENV serotypes in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. To the best of our knowledge, the current study so far is the first report demonstrating the prevalence of the DENV-1 serotype in the city Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bencsath Kalman , Jammoul Adham , Aminian Ali , Shimizu Hideharu , Fisher Carolyn J. , Schauer Philip R. , Rae-Grant Alexander , Brethauer Stacy A.
Published: February 2017

Obesity is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in this population remain unclear. A database of 2,918 was retrospectively reviewed, yielding 22 (0.75%) severely obese patients with MS who underwent bariatric surgery. Sixteen surgical patients with complete follow-up data were matched to a nonsurgical control group of MS patients, based on age, BMI, MS subtype, and length of follow-up. MS relapse rates and trends in the timed twenty-five foot walk test (T25FW) were compared. In the surgical group (gastric bypass n=19, sleeve gastrectomy n=3), preoperative BMI was 46.5 ± 7.2 Kg/m2 and average excess weight was 60.4 kg. Follow-up data was collected at 59.0 ± 29.8 months. There were two major and four minor complications. Five patients required readmission and there were no mortalities. Percent excess weight loss was 75.5 ± 27.0%. In the 16 patients with follow-up data, patients who underwent bariatric surgery were significantly faster on the T25FW compared to the nonsurgical population. In conclusion, bariatric surgery is relatively safe and effective in achieving weight loss in patients with MS. In addition, surgery may help patients maintain ambulation. Findings support the need for further studies on bariatric surgery and disease-specific outcomes in this population.
Intra-Abdominal Actinomycosis Mimicking Malignant Abdominal Disease
Authors: Ridha Ali , Oguejiofor Njideka , Al-Abayechi Sarah , Njoku Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease, caused by gram positive anaerobic bacteria, that may appear as an abdominal mass and/or abscess (Wagenlehner et al. 2003). This paper presents an unusual case of a hemodynamically stable 80-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with 4 weeks of worsening abdominal pain and swelling. He also complains of a 20-bound weight loss in 2 months. A large tender palpable mass in the right upper quadrant was noted on physical exam. Laboratory studies showed a normal white blood cell count, slightly decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, and mildly elevated total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. A CT with contrast was done and showed a liver mass. Radiology and general surgery suspected malignancy and recommended CT guided biopsy. The sample revealed abundant neutrophils and gram positive rods. Cytology was negative for malignancy and cultures eventually grew actinomyces. High dose IV penicillin therapy was given for 4 weeks and with appropriate response transitioned to oral antibiotic for 9 months with complete resolution of symptoms.
Polymorphisms of IL12RB2 May Affect the Natural History of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Single Centre Study
Authors: Wasik Urszula , Wunsch Ewa , Norman Gary L. , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Milkiewicz Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

Background. Recent GWAS in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) showed strong associations with SNPs located within interleukin-12 receptor (IL12R) beta-2(IL12RB2)gene.Aims. We assessed whether genetic variation ofIL12RB2is associated with laboratory and clinical features of PBC.Methods. Genomic DNA was isolated from 306 patients with PBC and 258 age/gender-matched controls. PBC-specific anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) were tested in all subjects by ELISA. Two SNPs, rs3790567 and rs6679356, ofIL12RB2were genotyped using the MGB-TaqMan SNP assay.Results. Despite comparable age at diagnosis of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic PBC patients, allele A of rs3790567 and allele C of rs6679356 were overrepresented in the former rather than the latter group (p=0.0009andp=0.002, resp.). The risk of cirrhosis at presentation increased when allele A and allele C coexisted. AMA-M2 titres were significantly higher in AA homozygotes of rs3790567 compared to GG homozygotes (132±54versus103±62,p=0.02) and in rs6679356 when C allele was present (p=0.038). There were no other significant associations betweenIL12RB2polymorphisms and laboratory or clinical features.Conclusion. In this first study analyzing phenotypic features of PBC carriers of theIL12RB2polymorphisms, we found that carriers are more frequently cirrhotic at diagnosis and have significantly higher titres of AMA.
Translational Research for Occupational Therapy: Using SPRE in Hippotherapy for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Weissman-Miller Deborah , Miller Rosalie J. , Shotwell Mary P.
Published: February 2017

Translational research is redefined in this paper using a combination of methods in statistics and data science to enhance the understanding of outcomes and practice in occupational therapy. These new methods are applied, using larger data and smaller single-subject data, to a study in hippotherapy for children with developmental disabilities (DD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates DD affects nearly 10 million children, aged 2–19, where diagnoses may be comorbid. Hippotherapy is defined here as a treatment strategy in occupational therapy using equine movement to achieve functional outcomes. Semiparametric ratio estimator (SPRE), a single-subject statistical and small data science model, is used to derive a “change point” indicating where the participant adapts to treatment, from which predictions are made. Data analyzed here is from an institutional review board approved pilot study using the Hippotherapy Evaluation and Assessment Tool measure, where outcomes are given separately for each of four measured domains and the total scores of each participant. Analysis with SPRE, using statistical methods to predict a “change point” and data science graphical interpretations of data, shows the translational comparisons between results from larger mean values and the very different results from smaller values for each HEAT domain in terms of relationships and statistical probabilities.
Nanohydroxyapatite Silicate-Based Cement Improves the Primary Stability of Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Khorshidi Hooman , Raoofi Saeed , Najafi Maryam , Kalantari Mohammad Hassan , Khorshidi Malahmadi Jamshid , Derafshi Reza
Published: February 2017

Objectives. Insufficient cortical bone volume when placing implants can lead to lack of primary stability. The use of cement as a bone fill material in bone defects around dental implant could result in better clinical outcome. HA has shown excellent biological properties in implant dentistry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite powder (Nano-HA) in combination with accelerated Portland cement (APC) on implant primary stability in surgically created circumferential bone defects in a bovine rib in vitro model. Materials and Methods. Sixteen bovine rib bones and thirty-six implants of same type and size (4 mm × 10 mm) were used. Implants were divided into six groups: no circumferential bone defect, defect and no grafting, bone chips grafting, Nano-HA grafting, APC grafting, and Nano-HA mixed to APC grafting (Nano-HA-APC). Circumferential defects around the implants were prepared. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were measured before and after the grafting. Results. APC exhibited the highest ISQ values. A significant increase of ISQ values following the grafting of Nano-HA-APC (18.08±5.82) and APC alone (9.50±4.12) was achieved. Increase of ISQ values after 72 hours was 24.16±5.01 and 17.58±4.89, respectively. Nano-HA grafting alone exhibited the least rise in ISQ values. Conclusions. Nanohydroxyapatite silicate-based cement could improve the primary stability of dental implants in circumferential bone defect around implants.
Winter Grazing in a Grass-Fed System: Effect of Stocking Density and Sequential Use of Autumn-Stockpiled Grassland on Performance of Yearling Steers
Authors: Mata-Padrino Domingo J. , Felton E. E. D. , Bryan W. B. , Belesky D. P.
Published: February 2017

Winter grazing can help reduce the need for purchased feeds in livestock production systems, when finishing cattle on pasture. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of stocking density and grazing stockpiled forage on performance of yearling steers during winter. Three grasslands were winter grazed for two years: I, naturalized pastureland, and II and III, sown and managed for hay production during the growing season but grazed in winter. Two stocking densities were used: low 7.41 and high 12.35 steers ha−1. Herbage mass was estimated before and after each grazing event, and disappearance (consumption, weathering, and trampling) was the difference between both. Forage mass and residual differed by stocking density (SD), year (YR), and grazing interval (GI), and disappearance differed by YR and GI. Grass and dead constituents of botanical composition differed by YR and GI. No differences were found for legumes and forbs. CP differed by YR and GI, and NDF and ADF differed only by YR. Steer average daily gain was 0.15 kg d−1in 2011 and 0.68 kg d−1in 2012 and varied by YR and GI. Acceptable gains in 2012 may be a product of environmental conditions that influenced herbage mass and nutritive value during stockpile and animal behavior during winter.
Management of Retained Genital Piercings: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Moulton Laura J. , Jernigan Amelia M.
Published: February 2017

The prevalence of genital piercing among women is increasing. As the popularity increases, the number of complications from infection, injury, and retained jewelry is likely to rise. Techniques to remove embedded jewelry are not well described in the literature. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of a patient with a retained clitoral glans piercing, discuss a simple technique for outpatient removal, and review current evidence regarding associated risks of clitoral piercings. A 24-year-old female presented to the emergency department with an embedded clitoral glans piercing. Local anesthetic was injected into the periclitoral skin and a small superficial vertical incision was made to remove the ball of the retained barbell safely. In conclusion, among patients with retained genital piercing, outpatient removal of embedded jewelry is feasible. While the practice of female genital piercing is not regulated, piercing of the glans of the clitoris is associated with increased injury to the nerves and blood supply of the clitoris structures leading to future fibrosis and diminished function compared to piercing of the clitoral hood.
Diagnostic Value of CYFRA 21-1 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid for Leptomeningeal Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tian Chenglin , Shi Qiang , Hao Jing , Zhao Na , Liu Zhijie
Published: February 2017

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology has low sensitivity for leptomeningeal metastasis (LM); thus, new markers are needed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of LM. We measured carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1) in paired samples of CSF and serum from patients with LM and patients with nonmalignant neurological diseases (NMNDs) as controls. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to assess their diagnostic accuracy for LM. In patients with NMNDs, CEA and CYFRA 21-1 levels in the CSF were significantly lower than the serum levels. In patients with LM, there was no significant difference between the CSF and serum CEA levels, whereas the CYFRA 21-1 levels were significantly higher in the CSF than the serum. CSF/serum quotients of CYFRA 21-1 were higher than those of CEA in patients with LM and patients with NMNDs. CSF CYFRA 21-1 and CSF/serum quotient of CYFRA 21-1 had high accuracy for differentiating LM from NMNDs that was similar to CSF CEA and CSF/serum quotient of CYFRA 21-1, whereas serum CYFRA 21-1 is of poor diagnostic value. Measurement of CSF CYFRA 21-1 should not be overlooked in patients with suspected LM, even if the serum CYFRA 21-1 level is within normal limits.
Application of Pneumatic Lithotripter and Holmium Laser in the Treatment of Ureteral Stones and Kidney Stones in Children
Authors: Życzkowski Marcin , Bogacki Rafał , Nowakowski Krzysztof , Muskała Bartosz , Rajwa Paweł , Bryniarski Piotr , Paradysz Andrzej
Published: February 2017

Objective.Treatment options for urolithiasis in children include URSL and RIRS. Various types of energy are used in the disintegration of deposits in these procedures. We decided to evaluate the usefulness of URSL and RIRS techniques and compare the effectiveness of pneumatic lithotripters and holmium lasers in the child population based on our experience.Materials and Methods.One hundred eight (108) children who underwent URSL and RIRS procedures were enrolled in the study and divided into two (2) groups according to the type of energy used: pneumatic lithotripter versus holmium laser. We evaluated the procedures’ duration and effectiveness according to the stone-free rate (SFR) directly after the procedure and after fourteen (14) days and the rate of complications.Results.The mean operative time was shorter in the holmium laser group. A higher SFR was observed in the holmium laser but it was not statistically significant in the URSL and RIRS procedures. The rate of complications was similar in both groups.Conclusions.The URSL and RIRS procedures are highly efficient and safe methods. The use of a holmium laser reduces the duration of the procedure and increases its effectiveness in comparison with the use of a pneumatic lithotripter.
Clinical Epidemiology of Mineral Bone Disorder Markers in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China
Authors: Sun Ying-Ping , Yang Wen-Jun , Li Su-Hua , Han Yuan-yuan , Liu Jian
Published: February 2017

We investigated the clinical epidemiology of mineral bone disorder markers in prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients in Xinjiang, the largest province in China. Data were obtained from 59 hospitals. A total of 3725 patients tracked from January 1 to December 31, 2014, were enrolled. Serum calcium (Ca) levels, phosphorus (P) levels, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were analyzed. Serum Ca levels were lower compared to the International Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS4) and the Chinese DOPPS. The hypercalcemia rate was similar to DOPPS4 and lower than in the Chinese DOPPS. Serum P levels were higher than in DOPPS4 and lower than those in the Chinese DOPPS. Hyperphosphatemia rates were higher than DOPPS4 and lower than Chinese DOPPS. Serum iPTH levels were higher than in DOPPS4 and the Chinese DOPPS. We demonstrated higher serum P and iPTH levels in Xinjiang HD patients than in the DOPPS4 and Chinese DOPPS. In contrast, serum Ca levels were lower than the other two studies. High hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia rates may suggest that HD services in Xinjiang are inadequate. A multidiscipline chronic kidney disease (CKD) care program needs to be established to improve chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) target achievement in Xinjiang.
Etiology of End-Stage Renal Disease and Arterial Stiffness among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: El Ghoul Balsam , Daaboul Yazan , Korjian Serge , El Alam Andrew , Mansour Anthony , Hariri Essa , Samad Salam , Salameh Pascale , Dahdah Georges , Blacher Jacques , Safar Michel E. , Aoun Bahous Sola
Published: February 2017

Background. Prior studies have demonstrated that conventional and emerging CV risk factors are associated with worsening arterial stiffness among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis. The present cross-sectional study evaluates the association between the etiology of ESRD and arterial stiffness among a cohort of hemodialysis patients.Methods. Etiology of ESRD was identified from patients’ medical records and classified as either vascular renal disease, diabetic nephropathy, nondiabetic glomerulopathy, tubular interstitial nephropathy, hereditary nephropathy, or ESRD of unconfirmed etiology.Results. A total of 82 subjects were enrolled. cfPWV was independently associated with the composite of either diabetic nephropathy or vascular renal disease (p=0.022), pulse pressure (p=0.001), and a history of CV events (p=0.025), but not history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus alone. The median cfPWVs in diabetic nephropathy and vascular renal disease were comparable and significantly higher than median cfPWVs in other etiologies of ESRD.Conclusion. The study suggests that the etiology of ESRD is independently associated with arterial stiffness among hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, arterial stiffness was higher among patients who developed renal sequelae of either diabetes mellitus or hypertension as compared with those who have a history of either diabetes mellitus or hypertension alone.
Skin Cancer and Its Treatment: Novel Treatment Approaches with Emphasis on Nanotechnology
Authors: Orthaber Kristjan , Pristovnik Matevž , Skok Kristijan , Perić Barbara , Maver Uroš
Published: February 2017

The life expectancy in the Western world is increasing for a long time, which is the courtesy of a higher life standard, a more thorough hygiene, and, of course, the progress of modern medicine. Nevertheless, one of the illnesses that still proves to be a great challenge regardless of the recent advancements in medicine is cancer. Skin cancer is, according to the World Health Organization, the most common malignancy for the white population. The beginning of the paper offers a brief overview of the latest available information concerning epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostics, and treatment options for skin cancer, whereas the rest of the article deals with modern approaches to skin cancer treatment, highlighting recent development of nanotechnology based treatment approaches. Among these, we focus especially on the newest nanotechnological approaches combined with chemotherapy, a field which specialises in target specificity, drug release control, and real time monitoring with the goal being to diminish unwanted side effects and their severity, achieving a cheaper treatment and a generally more efficient chemotherapy. The field of nanotechnology is a rapidly developing one, judging by already approved clinical studies or by new theranostic agents that combine both the therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.
Fitness Effects of 10-Month Frequent Low-Volume Ball Game Training or Interval Running for 8–10-Year-Old School Children
Authors: Larsen Malte Nejst , Nielsen Claus Malta , Ørntoft Christina , Randers Morten Bredsgaard , Helge Eva Wulff , Madsen Mads , Manniche Vibeke , Hansen Lone , Hansen Peter Riis , Bangsbo Jens , Krustrup Peter
Published: February 2017

We investigated the exercise intensity and fitness effects of frequent school-based low-volume high-intensity training for 10 months in 8–10-year-old children. 239 Danish 3rd-grade school children from four schools were cluster-randomised into a control group (CON,n=116) or two training groups performing either5×12 min/wk small-sided football plus other ball games (SSG,n=62) or interval running (IR,n=61). Whole-body DXA scans, flamingo balance, standing long-jump, 20 m sprint, and Yo-Yo IR1 children’s tests (YYIR1C) were performed before and after the intervention. Mean running velocity was higher (p<0.05) in SSG than in IR (0.88±0.14versus0.63±0.20 m/s), while more time (p<0.05) was spent in the highest player load zone (>2;5.6±3.4versus3.7±3.4%) and highest HR zone (>90%HRmax;12.4±8.9versus8.4±8.0%) in IR compared to SSG. After 10 months, no significant between-group differences were observed for YYIR1C performance and HR after 2 min of YYIR1C (HRsubmax), but median-split analyses showed thatHRsubmaxwas reduced (p<0.05) in both training groups compared to CON for those with the lowest aerobic fitness (SSG versus CON: 3.2%  HRmax[95% CI: 0.8–5.5]; IR versus CON: 2.6%  HRmax[95% CI: 1.1–5.2]). After 10 months, IR had improved (p<0.05) 20 m sprint performance (IR versus CON: 154 ms [95% CI: 61–241]). No between-group differences (p>0.05) were observed for whole-body or leg aBMD, lean mass, postural balance, or jump length. In conclusion, frequent low-volume ball games and interval running can be conducted over a full school year with high intensity rate but has limited positive fitness effects in 8–10-year-old children.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Triggers Apoptosis in HeLa Cells through the Upregulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 21
Authors: Dong Yunzhou , Wu Yong , Cui Mei-Zhen , Xu Xuemin
Published: February 2017

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally occurring bioactive phospholipid, activates G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), leading to regulation of diverse cellular events including cell survival and apoptosis. Despite extensive studies of the signaling pathways that mediate LPA-regulated cell growth and survival, the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effect of LPA remain largely unclear. In this study, we investigated this issue in HeLa cells. Our data demonstrate that LPA induces apoptosis in HeLa cells at pathologic concentrations with a concomitant upregulation of the expression of TNFRSF21 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21), also known as death receptor number 6 (DR6) involved in inflammation. Moreover, treatment of cells with LPA receptor (LPAR) antagonist abolished the DR6 upregulation by LPA. LPA-induced DR6 expression was also abrogated by pertussis toxin (PTX), an inhibitor of GPCRs, and by inhibitors of PI3K, PKC, MEK, and ERK. Intriguingly, LPA-induced DR6 expression was specifically blocked by dominant-negative form of PKCδ(PKCδ-DN). LPA-induced DR6 expression was also dramatically inhibited by knockdown of ERK or CREB. These results suggest that activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and the transcription factor CREB mediate LPA-induced DR6 expression. More interestingly, knockdown of DR6 using siRNA approach remarkably attenuated LPA-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that LPA-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells is mediated by the upregulation of DR6 expression.
Global Hölder Estimates via Morrey Norms for Hypoelliptic Operators with Drift
Authors: Hou Yuexia , Niu Pengcheng
Published: February 2017

Suppose thatX0,X1,…,Xmare left invariant real vector fields on the homogeneous groupGwithX0being homogeneous of degree two andX1,…,Xmhomogeneous of degree one. In the paper we study the hypoelliptic operator with drift of the kindL=∑i,j=1maijXiXj+a0X0,wherea0≠0and(aij)is a constant matrix satisfying the elliptic condition onRm. By proving the boundedness of two integral operators on the Morrey spaces with two weights, we obtain global Hölder estimates forL.
Optimal Allocation of DG and DSTATCOM in Radial Distribution System Using Cuckoo Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yuvaraj T. , Ravi K. , Devabalaji K. R.
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a new approach to determine the optimal location and sizing of Distributed Generation (DG) and Distribution STATic COMpensator (DSTATCOM) simultaneously in the distribution network. The objective function is formulated to minimize the total power losses of the system subjected to equality and inequality constraints. Loss sensitivity factor (LSF) and Voltage Stability Index (VSI) are used to predetermine the optimal location of DG and DSTATCOM, respectively. Recently developed nature-inspired cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) has been used to determine the optimal size of both DG and DSTATCOM. In the present work, five different cases have been considered during DG and DSTATCOM placement to access the performance of the proposed technique. To check the feasibility, the proposed method is tested on IEEE 12-bus, 34-bus, and 69-bus radial distribution system and the results were compared with other existing techniques.
Back Analysis of Geomechanical Parameters of Rock Masses Based on Seepage‐Stress Coupled Analysis
Authors: Deng Xianghui , Yuan Dongyang , Yang Dongsheng , Zhang Changsheng
Published: February 2017

Given that rock masses are complex, the geomechanical parameters of rock masses are hard to determine in underground engineering. In this paper, the inverse model and method are established to identify the parameters based on the coupled stress and fluid flow model combined with the finite element method and adaptive genetic algorithm. Moreover, the model and method are applied in the Lianghekou highway tunnel, and the initial permeability coefficients of the stratum and the lateral pressure coefficients of the initial ground stress are identified by the back analysis with relative errors of the measured and fitted values at measuring points below 5%. Results show that the inverse model and method are effective and sound.
Automated Classification of Severity in Cardiac Dyssynchrony Merging Clinical Data and Mechanical Descriptors
Authors: Santos-Díaz Alejandro , Valdés-Cristerna Raquel , Vallejo Enrique , Hernández Salvador , Jiménez-Ángeles Luis
Published: February 2017

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves functional classification among patients with left ventricle malfunction and ventricular electric conduction disorders. However, a high percentage of subjects under CRT (20%–30%) do not show any improvement. Nonetheless the presence of mechanical contraction dyssynchrony in ventricles has been proposed as an indicator of CRT response. This work proposes an automated classification model of severity in ventricular contraction dyssynchrony. The model includes clinical data such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), QRS and P-R intervals, and the 3 most significant factors extracted from the factor analysis of dynamic structures applied to a set of equilibrium radionuclide angiography images representing the mechanical behavior of cardiac contraction. A control group of 33 normal volunteers (28±5years, LVEF of59.7%±5.8%) and a HF group of 42 subjects (53.12±15.05years, LVEF < 35%) were studied. The proposed classifiers had hit rates of 90%, 50%, and 80% to distinguish between absent, mild, and moderate-severe interventricular dyssynchrony, respectively. For intraventricular dyssynchrony, hit rates of 100%, 50%, and 90% were observed distinguishing between absent, mild, and moderate-severe, respectively. These results seem promising in using this automated method for clinical follow-up of patients undergoing CRT.
Ending Preventable Child Deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhoea in Afghanistan: An Analysis of Intervention Coverage Scenarios Using the Lives Saved Tool
Authors: Higgins-Steele Ariel , Yousufi Khaksar , Sultana Sharmina , Ali Alawi Sayed , Varkey Sherin
Published: February 2017

Background. Despite improvements in child health, Afghanistan still has a heavy burden of deaths due to preventable causes: 17% of under-5 deaths are due to pneumonia and 12% are due to diarrhoea. Objective. This article describes the situation of childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea in Afghanistan, including efforts to prevent, protect, and treat the two diseases. It estimates lives saved by scaling up interventions. Methods. A secondary analysis of data was conducted and future scenarios were modelled to estimate lives saved by scaling up a package of interventions. Results. The analysis reveals that 10,795 additional child deaths could be averted with a moderate scale-up of interventions, decreasing the under-five mortality rate in Afghanistan from 55 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 40 per 1,000 in 2020. In an ambitious scale-up scenario, an additional 15,096 lives could be saved. There would be a 71% reduction in child deaths due to these two causes between 2016 and 2020 in the ambitious scenario compared to 47% reduction in the moderate scenario. Conclusion. Significant reductions in child mortality can be achieved through scale-up of essential interventions to prevent and treat pneumonia and diarrhoea. Strengthened primary health care functions and multisector collaboration on child health are suggested.
A Crowd Avoidance Method Using Circular Avoidance Path for Robust Person Following
Authors: Morishita Kohei , Hiroi Yutaka , Ito Akinori
Published: February 2017

A life-support service robot must avoid both static and dynamic obstacles for working in a real environment. Here, a static obstacle means an obstacle that does not move, and a dynamic obstacle is the one that moves. Assuming the robot is following a target person, we discuss how the robot avoids a crowd through which the target person passes and arrives at the target position. The purpose of this paper is to propose a crowd avoidance method that makes a robot to be able to avoid both static and dynamic obstacles. The method uses the surface points of the obstacles to form an avoidance region, and the robot moves along the edge of the region. We conducted experiments assuming various situations such that the robot was blocked, there was a wide gap in the crowd, or a person in the crowd yielded for the robot to pass through. As an experimental result, it was confirmed the robot could avoid the crowd even when the obstacles were aligned in an “inverted wedge” shape.
A Simplified Parametric Study on Occupant Comfort Conditions in Base Isolated Buildings under Wind Loading
Authors: Ubertini F. , Comodini F. , Fulco A. , Mezzi M.
Published: February 2017

Vibrations in buildings can cause occupant discomfort in the form of annoyance, headache, or sickness. While occupant comfort is considered in international standards regarding the design of high rise buildings against wind loading, it is neglected in the design of buildings with seismic protective base isolation systems. Nevertheless, due to their low flexibility, base isolated buildings can be prone to wind-induced vibrations, which makes occupant discomfort a potentially significant serviceability limit state. This paper presents a study on occupant comfort conditions in wind-excited base isolated buildings. A numerical simplified parametric procedure is proposed in order to evaluate the return period of wind events causing human discomfort. A parametric investigation is then presented to evaluate the effects of salient parameters on comfort conditions. The procedure is based on (i) the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the structure modeled as a single-degree-of-freedom oscillator with hysteretic base isolators, (ii) the digital generation of time histories of turbulent wind velocity, and (iii) comfort evaluations based on international standards. Results demonstrate that discomfort conditions can occur a few times in a year, depending upon the wind-exposure of the site, what suggests considering this serviceability limit state in the design of base isolated buildings.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Macular Edema in Turkey: A Real-Life Registry Study—TURK-DEM
Authors: Eldem Bora , Ozdek Sengul , Saatci Ali Osman , Ozmert Emin , Ulay Esat , Nomak Gulsah
Published: February 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical and diagnostic characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed diabetic macular edema (DME) in Turkey in a real-life setting. Methods. A total of 945 consecutive patients (mean (SD) age: 61.3 (9.9) years, 55.2% male) with newly diagnosed DME were included. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, ocular history, ophthalmic examination findings including type of DME, central macular thickness (CMT) via time domain (TD) and spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT), and planned treatments were recorded. Results. OCT (98.8%) and fundoscopy (92.9%) were the two most common diagnostic methods. Diffuse and focal DMEs were detected in 39.2% and 36.9% of cases, respectively. Laser photocoagulation (32.1%) and antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF; 31.8%) were the most commonly planned treatments. The median CMT in the right eye was significantly greater in untreated than in treated patients [376.5 μm (range: 160–840) versus 342 μm (range: 146–999) (p=0.002)] and in the left eye [370 μm (range: 201–780) versus 329 μm (range: 148–999) (p<0.001)]. Conclusions. This study is the first large-scale real-life registry of DME patients in Turkey. SD-OCT and fundoscopy were the most common diagnostic methods. Laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF therapy were the most common treatments.
Advances in Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Huang Boyuan , Zhang Hongbo , Gu Lijuan , Ye Bainxin , Jian Zhihong , Stary Creed , Xiong Xiaoxing
Published: February 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Patients with GBM have poor outcomes, even with the current gold-standard first-line treatment: maximal safe resection combined with radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that advances in antigen-specific cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade in other advanced tumors may provide an appealing promise for immunotherapy in glioma. The future of therapy for GBM will likely incorporate a combinatorial, personalized approach, including current conventional treatments, active immunotherapeutics, plus agents targeting immunosuppressive checkpoints.
Evaluation of Materials in a Biomechanical System for Uses in Industrial Lifting Activities
Authors: Avitia Roberto L. , Badilla Gustavo L. , Martínez Rubén C. , Cárdenas-Haro Jose A. , Reyna Marco A. , Bravo-Zanoguera Miguel E.
Published: February 2017

A biomechanical system is proposed for the emulation of the movement of human arm, leg, and spine movements, as an industry alternative to manage heavy operations in a manufacturing process. The Matlab® programming environment is used as a simulation tool for the analysis and validation of this proposed biomechanism. This machine would reduce the accidents due to human exposure to risky industry environments like the particular one at the host company that we are using as a model for our research. They claim that the accidents in this area alone arise to around thirty percent of the total, causing a decrease in the productivity of the company and other economic losses derived from the worker injuries and insurances.
Zinc in the Monoaminergic Theory of Depression: Its Relationship to Neural Plasticity
Authors: Doboszewska Urszula , Wlaź Piotr , Nowak Gabriel , Radziwoń-Zaleska Maria , Cui Ranji , Młyniec Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that zinc possesses antidepressant properties and that it may augment the therapy with conventional, that is, monoamine-based, antidepressants. In this review we aim to discuss the role of zinc in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression with regard to the monoamine hypothesis of the disease. Particular attention will be paid to the recently described zinc-sensing GPR39 receptor as well as aspects of zinc deficiency. Furthermore, an attempt will be made to give a possible explanation of the mechanisms by which zinc interacts with the monoamine system in the context of depression and neural plasticity.
THz-SAR Vibrating Target Imaging via the Bayesian Method
Authors: Deng Bin , Wang Xin-yun , Wu Cheng-guang , Qin Yu-liang , Wang Hong-qiang
Published: February 2017

Target vibration bears important information for target recognition, and terahertz, due to significant micro-Doppler effects, has strong advantages for remotely sensing vibrations. In this paper, the imaging characteristics of vibrating targets with THz-SAR are at first analyzed. An improved algorithm based on an excellent Bayesian approach, that is, the expansion-compression variance-component (ExCoV) method, has been proposed for reconstructing scattering coefficients of vibrating targets, which provides more robust and efficient initialization and overcomes the deficiencies of sidelobes as well as artifacts arising from the traditional correlation method. A real vibration measurement experiment of idle cars was performed to validate the range model. Simulated SAR data of vibrating targets and a tank model in a real background in 220 GHz show good performance at low SNR. Rapidly evolving high-power terahertz devices will offer viable THz-SAR application at a distance of several kilometers.
The Interplay between Real Money Trade and Narrative Structure in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
Authors: Park Byungchul , Lee Duk Hee
Published: February 2017

A narrative structure is one of the main components to constitute the genre of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Meanwhile Real Money Trade (RMT) enables a player to adjust an ex post level of challenge by skipping the narrative structure of a game. However, RMT may concurrently disturb a player who enjoys game following the narrative structure hierarchically. In pursuance of developing the knowledge about the relationship between RMT and the usage of MMORPG, we investigate the role of the strictness of predetermined narrative structure. We present the dual structure of societies to describe a player that arbitrarily decides to reside in a virtual society. Then we adopt the social nominalism to explain how individual motif of playing a game is expanded to the nature of game. Finally, we argue that a game with weakly predetermined narrative structure is more positively associated with RMT volume, since these games arouse a player’s sentiment of fun by relying more on their socially oriented motivation. With empirical evidence from the Korean MMORPGs market, we proved the hypothesis.
Noise Attenuation Estimation for Maximum Length Sequences in Deconvolution Process of Auditory Evoked Potentials
Authors: Peng Xian , Chen Yun’er , Wang Tao , Ding Lei , Tan Xiaodan
Published: February 2017

The use of maximum length sequence (m-sequence) has been found beneficial for recovering both linear and nonlinear components at rapid stimulation. Since m-sequence is fully characterized by a primitive polynomial of different orders, the selection of polynomial order can be problematic in practice. Usually, the m-sequence is repetitively delivered in a looped fashion. Ensemble averaging is carried out as the first step and followed by the cross-correlation analysis to deconvolve linear/nonlinear responses. According to the classical noise reduction property based on additive noise model, theoretical equations have been derived in measuring noise attenuation ratios (NARs) after the averaging and correlation processes in the present study. A computer simulation experiment was conducted to test the derived equations, and a nonlinear deconvolution experiment was also conducted using order 7 and 9 m-sequences to address this issue with real data. Both theoretical and experimental results show that the NAR is essentially independent of the m-sequence order and is decided by the total length of valid data, as well as stimulation rate. The present study offers a guideline for m-sequence selections, which can be used to estimate required recording time and signal-to-noise ratio in designing m-sequence experiments.