bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative profile of degummed guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) seeds grown in a Mediterranean area for use as animal feed
Authors: Chiofalo B. , Lo Presti V. , D'Agata A. , Rao R. , Ceravolo G. , Gresta F.
Published: March 2017

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is an interesting summer legume multipurpose crop used for the extraction of seed gum, due to its galactomannan content, and the high‐protein by‐product, (germ and hull) used for animal feed. The aim of this study was to assess qualitative traits of degummed seeds, named guar meal, of six guar varieties from India, South Africa and USA, grown in a Mediterranean environment (Sicily, Southern Italy), in order to explore their suitability for livestock, and comparing them with the marketed Indian products of guar meals, Churi and Korma. After harvest, seeds were manually degummed and proximate composition was analysed using the official method of analyses, total phenols and tannins by UV spectrophotometry and fatty acids by GC‐FID. Qualitative profile of degummed guar seeds (DGS) was significantly (p < .05) influenced by the genotype. Among DGS, Matador showed a high (p < .05) content of protein (518 g/kg), lipids (59.4 g/kg) and the lowest (p < .05) NDF level (181 g/kg) compared to the other varieties. Total phenol content of DGS showed similar values among varieties (2.57 mg gallic acid/g, on average) and with those of guar meal Korma 50%–53% (2.89 mg gallic acid/g) and Korma 56%–58% (2.94 mg gallic acid/g). Tannins were below the instrumental limit of quantification (1.5 mg/g of catechin equivalents) in DGS, as well as in the marketed products. Fatty acid composition was significantly influenced (p < .05) by the genotype. Matador showed the significant highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n6 series (45.2 g/100 g), whereas India showed the significant (p < .05) highest content of PUFA of the n3 series (3.55 g/100 g), and the significant (p < .05) highest level of n3/n6 PUFA ratio (0.08), and the best (p < .05) Atherogenic Index (0.19) and Thrombogenic Index (0.46). This study shows the interesting nutritional characteristics of degummed guar seeds, underlining that, if the future of the guar gum industries depends largely on the utilization of guar seed meal, this product can be considered a valuable feed resource and a way to increase the income of guar production.
Significant change events in psychodynamic psychotherapy: Is cognition or emotion more important?
Authors: McCarthy Kye L. , Caputi Peter , Grenyer Brin F.S.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Significant change events are helpful moments within a psychotherapy session that have been shown in previous research to relate strongly to outcome. They are special moments and therefore provide rich data for research into understanding therapeutic process. This study investigated clinical and linguistic features of these helpful moments using and comparing both human ratings and computerized text analysis strategies.

Method

Significant change events versus non‐event passages were studied within 1195 word blocks of transcribed psychotherapy for 20 participants with diagnoses of comorbid depression and personality disorder. Significant events were determined manually by independent raters using the Helpful Aspects of Therapy (HAT) form linked to the Helpful Aspects of Experiential Therapy Content Analysis System (HAETCAS). Mergenthaler's Therapeutic Cycles Model (TCM)‐computerized text analysis, identified significant events via linguistic markers. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) differentiated emotional and cognitive components.

Results

Significant events included statements reflecting emotional and cognitive awareness and insight, and moments of alliance strengthening. These events were saturated with both positive and negative emotion words, particularly anger and sadness, and more cognitive insight words.

Conclusions

Significant moments of psychotherapeutic movement featured high therapeutic alliance. There was evidence of the integration or working through of positive and negative emotional content with cognitive insight – meaning both emotion and cognition were important in these interchanges.

Practitioner points

This study found that significant events in therapy were characterized by high levels of both emotional and cognitive language, and alliance strengthening.

Linguistic analysis methods provide important data on psychotherapeutic processes which can be useful in guiding clinicians and improving treatment outcomes.
Bilateral native nephrectomy reduces systemic oxalate level after combined liver‐kidney transplant: A case report
Authors: Villani Vincenzo , Gupta Neena , Elias Nahel , Vagefi Parsia A. , Markmann James F. , Paul Elahna , Traum Avram Z. , Yeh Heidi
Published: March 2017

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare liver enzymatic defect that causes overproduction of plasma oxalate. Accumulation of oxalate in the kidney and subsequent renal failure are fatal to PH1 patients often in pediatric age. Combined liver and kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice for end‐stage renal disease due to PH1. Levels of plasma oxalate remain elevated for several months after liver transplantation, as the residual body oxalate is slowly excreted. Patients with persistent hyperoxaluria after transplant often require hemodialysis, and accumulation of residual oxalate in the kidney can induce graft dysfunction. As the native kidneys are the main target of calcium oxalate accumulation, we postulated that removal of native kidneys could drastically decrease total body oxalate levels after transplantation. Here, we report a case of bilateral nephrectomy at the time of combined liver‐kidney transplantation in a pediatric PH1 patient. Bilateral nephrectomy induced a rapid decrease in plasma oxalate to normal levels in less than 20 days, compared to the several months reported in the literature. Our results suggest that removal of native kidneys could be an effective strategy to decrease the need for hemodialysis and the risk of renal dysfunction after combined liver‐kidney transplantation in patients with PH1.
Using Twitter to Understand Public Perceptions Regarding the #HPV Vaccine: Opportunities for Public Health Nurses to Engage in Social Marketing
Authors: Keim‐Malpass Jessica , Mitchell Emma M. , Sun Emily , Kennedy Christine
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Given the degree of public mistrust and provider hesitation regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, it is important to explore how information regarding the vaccine is shared online via social media outlets. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content of messaging regarding the HPV vaccine on the social media and microblogging site Twitter, and describe the sentiment of those messages.

Design and Sample

This study utilized a cross‐sectional descriptive approach. Over a 2‐week period, Twitter content was searched hourly using key terms “#HPV and #Gardasil,” which yielded 1,794 Twitter posts for analysis. Each post was then analyzed individually using an a priori coding strategy and directed content analysis.

Results

The majority of Twitter posts were written by lay consumers and were sharing commentary about a media source. However, when actual URLs were shared, the most common form of share was linking back to a blog post written by lay users. The vast majority of content was presented as polarizing (either as a positive or negative tweet), with 51% of the Tweets representing a positive viewpoint.

Conclusions

Using Twitter to understand public sentiment offers a novel perspective to explore the context of health communication surrounding certain controversial issues.
Cognitive decline and slower reaction time in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Chen Ko‐Chia , Weng Chia‐Ying , Hsiao Sigmund , Tsao Wen‐Long , Koo Malcolm
Published: March 2017

Aim

The relationship between declining performance, as measured by changes in reaction time, and declining cognitive function has not been critically studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between reaction time during a task and cognitive ability in elderly Taiwanese individuals.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years or older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 33) and Alzheimer’s disease (n = 26) were recruited from the neurology clinic of a regional hospital in southern Taiwan. In addition, 28 healthy controls aged 65 years or older were recruited from the community. The cognitive performance of the study participants was assessed using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI). A computer‐administered simple reaction time (SRT) task and a flanker reaction time (FRT) task were administered to assess participants’ cognitive function. A non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare CASI scores, SRT, and FRT among the three groups. anova was also used to compare CASI scores, inverse‐transformed SRT, and inverse‐transformed FRT among the three groups, with adjustment for age and years of education. Additionally, Pearson’s partial correlation coefficients were used to assess the association of CASI scores with inverse‐transformed SRT, and inverse‐transformed FRT within each of the three groups.

Results

Significant differences in CASI scores, SRT, and FRT were found between the Alzheimer’s disease group and the other two groups, either with or without adjustment for age or education. The reaction time of patients with Alzheimer’s disease was significantly slower than the other two groups. Moreover, significant correlation between CASI and FRT was found in patients with MCI.

Conclusion

Altered performance in a speed task was observed in patients with MCI. The FRT task should further be explored for its role as a marker for cognitive decline in elderly individuals, particularly in those with MCI.
Pregnancy Experiences of Female Sex Workers in Adama City, Ethiopia: Complexity of Partner Relationships and Pregnancy Intentions
Authors: Yam Eileen A. , Kidanu Aklilu , Burnett‐Zieman Brady , Pilgrim Nanlesta , Okal Jerry , Bekele Assefa , Gudeta Daniel , Caswell Georgina
Published: March 2017

Research and programs for female sex workers (FSWs) tend to focus exclusively on HIV prevention, with little attention paid to how pregnancy affects their lives. We examine the circumstances surrounding pregnancy and childbirth among women selling sex in Ethiopia. In Adama City, researchers asked 30 FSWs aged 18 and older who had ever been pregnant to participate in in‐depth interviews. The women reported on pregnancies experienced both before and after they had begun selling sex. They identified some of the fathers as clients, former partners, and current partners, but they did not know the identities of the other fathers. Missed injections, skipped pills, and inconsistent condom use were causes of unintended pregnancy. Abortion was common, typically with a medication regimen at a facility. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services should be provided to women who sell sex, in recognition and support of their need for family planning and their desire to plan whether and when to have children.
Suicidal Behavior and Problems with Emotion Regulation
Authors: Neacsiu Andrada D. , Fang Caitlin M. , Rodriguez Marcus , Rosenthal M. Zachary
Published: March 2017

We examined in two independent samples whether: (1) difficulties with emotion regulation predict suicide ideation and (2) depressed adults with a history of attempting suicide report and exhibit more emotion dysregulation compared to healthy and depressed controls. Difficulties with emotional clarity and relationship status were significant predictors of suicide ideation (Study 1). In Study 2, when compared to controls, depressed attempters reported significantly more difficulties with emotional clarity and emotional impulsivity. Attempters had significantly more difficulty than controls returning to heart rate baseline following a stressful task. Problems with emotions are therefore differentially connected to suicidal behaviors.
COMPARISON OF THORACIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND RADIOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION OF INDUCED SMALL VOLUME PNEUMOTHORAX IN THE HORSE
Authors: Partlow Jessica , David Florent , Hunt Luanne Michelle , Relave Fabien , Blond Laurent , Pinilla Manuel , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2017

Small volume pneumothorax can be challenging to diagnose in horses. The current standard method for diagnosis is standing thoracic radiography. We hypothesized that thoracic ultrasonography would be more sensitive. Objectives of this prospective, experimental study were to describe a thoracic ultrasound method for detection of small volume pneumothorax in horses and to compare results of radiography and ultrasound in a sample of horses with induced small volume pneumothorax. Six mature healthy horses were recruited for this study. For each horse, five 50 ml air boluses were sequentially introduced via a teat cannula into the pleural space. Lateral thoracic radiographs and standardized ultrasound (2D and M‐mode) examinations of both hemithoraces were performed following administration of each 50 ml air bolus. Radiographs and ultrasound images/videos were analyzed for detection of pneumothorax by four independent investigators who were unaware of treatment status. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and agreement among investigators (Kappa test, κ) were calculated for radiography, 2D and M‐mode ultrasound. Comparisons were made using a chi‐squared exact test with significance set at P < 0.05. Two‐dimensional (84%) and M‐mode (80%) ultrasound were more sensitive than radiography (48%) for pneumothorax detection (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). Specificity and positive predictive values were similar for all three imaging modalities (P = 1). Agreement between investigators for pneumothorax detection was excellent for 2D ultrasound (κ = 1), very good for M‐mode ultrasound (κ = 0.87), and good for radiography (κ = 0.79). Findings from this experimental study supported the use of thoracic ultrasonography as a diagnostic method for detecting pneumothorax in horses.
Diagnóstico y evaluación de las viviendas en el patrimonio arquitectónico de Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Cirvini Silvia A. , Manzini Lorena
Published: March 2017

Este artículo aborda el análisis y la evaluación de una fracción específica de la producción arquitectónica, las viviendas de valor patrimonial, dentro del territorio del área metropolitana de Mendoza, Argentina. En su desarrollo hemos considerado como fuentes, por una parte, investigaciones anteriores que han permitido comprender el desarrollo histórico y la evolución de este tipo de edificios en la arquitectura de la ciudad, y por otra, apelamos a los datos primarios de un proyecto concluido recientemente sobre el patrimonio arquitectónico del área metropolitana de Mendoza. El análisis y evaluación de las características arquitectónicas, posibilidades y límites de este conjunto de viviendas, contribuye en la proposición de directrices y en el diseño de estrategias sobre las cuales orientar la conservación y la puesta en valor de los bienes. Lamentablemente, en la última década se ha incrementado la pérdida de estas obras, ya sea por desvalorización de su importancia cultural como por las fuertes presiones del mercado inmobiliario, por lo cual se conservan cada vez menos ejemplares de cada agrupamiento tipológico. La investigación histórica ha brindado en nuestro trabajo el marco interpretativo de los bienes patrimoniales relevados, y nos ha permitido dibujar un mapa explicativo de la evolución particular de este tipo de edificios: las viviendas. Si la historia nos permite reconstruir lo que fue, lo patrimonial nos permite en el presente evaluar lo que queda, como testimonio fragmentario que puede actuar de soporte de la memoria histórica vinculada a las formas del habitar en el desarrollo socio cultural de la ciudad y su enclave en el oasis norte de la provincia.
Caracterización y tipificación de la vivienda rural en la cuenca media del río Guáitara, Nariño Caracterización espacial y tecnológica de la vivienda rural como parte de la valoración patrimonial del camino principal andino Qhapaq Ñan
Authors: Sánchez Gerardo Hernando , Afanador Hernández Claudia , Castillo Valencia William Arturo
Published: March 2017

La incidencia de la cultura Inca se hace presente en Colombia con arquitectura prehispánica gracias a la arteria principal de caminos identificado como el Qhapaq Ñan; sistema vial andino que data de las crónicas de historiadores desde la  conquista, que permitió la transformación y adaptabilidad del entorno en el tiempo y en el espacio y, posterior a ello, con la aparición de la nueva cultura hispánica, influenció los conceptos de habitabilidad y manejo del suelo en función de las actividades de producción, tenencia, forma y tamaño de la tierra. Estudiar la tipificación de la vivienda rural y campesina de la cuenca media del río Guáitara, teniendo en cuenta que este territorio fue habitado por el Pueblo de los Pastos en la época prehispánica, y que junto con el Qhapaq Ñan Sistema Vial Andino, configuran un paisaje cultural, patrimonio histórico de la región, hace necesario posibilitar su puesta en valor desde varios campos del conocimiento; a través de las ciencias aplicadas como la arquitectura, la geografía y las ciencias sociales como la antropología, la sociología y la historia. La vivienda constituye uno de los componentes de mayor relevancia cultural de los pueblos y en ella se encuentra materializada la cosmovisión de sus habitantes; es desde allí que la gente se proyecta hacia su entorno geográfico, la estructura social y económica de la región.
Modeling and Measurements of Heat/Mass Transfer in a Linear Turbine Cascade
Authors: Papa F. , Madanan U. , Goldstein R. J.
Published: March 2017

Measurements of the mass/heat transfer coefficients on the blade and end wall surfaces of a linear turbine cascade are compared to numerical predictions using the standard shear stress transport (SST) closure and the SST model in combination with the Reθ–γ transition model (SST-TRANS). Experiments were carried out in a wind tunnel test section composed of five large-scale turbine blades, using the naphthalene sublimation technique. Two cases were tested, with exit Reynolds number of 600,000 and inlet turbulence values of 0.2% and 4%, respectively. The main secondary flow features, consisting of the horseshoe vortex system, the passage vortex, and the corner vortices, are identified and their influence on heat/mass transfer is analyzed. Numerical simulations were carried out to match the conditions of the experiments. Results show that large improvements are obtained with the introduction of the Reθ–γ transition model. In particular, excellent agreement with the experiments is found, for the whole spanwise extension of the blade, on the pressure surface. On the suction surface, performance is very good in the highly three-dimensional region close to the end wall, but some weaknesses appear in predicting the location of transition in the two-dimensional region. On the end wall surface, the SST model in combination with the transition model produces satisfactory results, greatly improved compared to the standard SST model.
Novel Frame Model for Mistuning Analysis of Bladed Disk Systems
Authors: Yuan Jie , Scarpa Fabrizio , Titurus Branislav , Allegri Giuliano , Patsias Sophoclis , Rajasekaran Ramesh
Published: March 2017

The work investigates the application of a novel frame model to reduce computational cost of the mistuning analysis of bladed disk systems. A full-scale finite element (FE) model of the bladed disk is considered as benchmark. The frame configuration for a single blade is identified through structural identification via an optimization process. The individual blades are then assembled by three-dimensional (3D) springs, whose parameters are determined by means of a calibration process. The dynamics of the novel beam frame assembly is also compared to those obtained from three state-of-the-art FE-based reduced order models (ROMs), namely: a lumped parameter approach, a Timoshenko beam assembly, and component mode synthesis (CMS)-based techniques with free and fixed interfaces. The development of these classical ROMs to represent the bladed disk is also addressed in detail. A methodology to perform the mistuning analysis is then proposed and implemented. A comparison of the modal properties and forced response dynamics between the aforementioned ROMs and the full-scale FE model is presented. The case study considered in this paper demonstrates that the beam frame assembly can predict the variations of the blade amplitude factors, and the results are in agreement with full-scale FE model. The CMS-based ROMs underestimate the maximum amplitude factor, while the results obtained from beam frame assembly are generally conservative. The beam frame assembly is four times more computationally efficient than the CMS fixed-interface approach. This study proves that the beam frame assembly can efficiently predict the mistuning behavior of bladed disks when low-order modes are of interest.
Multiple-array passive acoustic source localization in shallow water
Authors: Tollefsen Dag , Gerstoft Peter , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: March 2017

This paper considers concurrent matched-field processing of data from multiple, spatially-separated acoustic arrays with application to towed-source data received on two bottom-moored horizontal line arrays from the SWellEx-96 shallow water experiment. Matched-field processors are derived for multiple arrays and multiple-snapshot data using maximum-likelihood estimates for unknown complex-valued source strengths and unknown error variances. Starting from a coherent processor where phase and amplitude is known between all arrays, likelihood expressions are derived for various assumptions on relative source spectral information (amplitude and phase at different frequencies) between arrays and from snapshot to snapshot. Processing the two arrays with a coherent-array processor (with inter-array amplitude and phase known) or with an incoherent-array processor (no inter-array spectral information) both yield improvements in localization over processing the arrays individually. The best results with this data set were obtained with a processor that exploits relative amplitude information but not relative phase between arrays. The localization performance improvement is retained when the multiple-array processors are applied to short arrays that individually yield poor performance.
Influence of plectrum shape and jack velocity on the sound of the harpsichord: An experimental study
Authors: Paté Arthur , Le Carrou Jean-Loïc , Givois Arthur , Roy Alexandre
Published: March 2017

A controversial discussion in the musical community regards the ability of the harpsichord to produce sound level or timbre changes. The jack velocity (controlled in real time within a musical context) and the plectrum shape (modified by the musician or maker prior to the performance) appear to be the two control parameters at the disposal of the harpsichord makers and players for shaping the sound. This article initiates the acoustical study of the control parameters of the harpsichord, presenting a framework for the investigation of these two parameters with means of experimental mechanics measurement. A robotic finger is used for producing repeatable plucks with various jack velocities and plectrum shapes. The plectrum bending, vibrating string's initial conditions, and radiated sound are recorded and analysed. First, results are obtained from measurements carried out on one string, for four plectrum shapes and four jack velocities. The plectrum shape has been found to have an influence on its bending behavior when interacting with the string; on the string's initial conditions (position and velocity); and on the resulting sound (sound level, spectral centroid, and decay time). The jack velocity does not have an influence on any of the measured quantities.
A pilot study: Validity and reliability of the CSEP−PATH PASB-Q and a new leisure time physical activity questionnaire to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviours
Authors: Fowles Jonathon R. , O’Brien Myles W. , Wojcik William R. , d’Entremont Lisette , Shields Christopher A.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 2 newly developed physical activity questionnaires: the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (PASB-Q) and a newly modified Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (mLTPA-Q). These questionnaires were compared with objective measurements of physical activity and fitness (accelerometry and physiological assessments) in 35 adults, before and after a week of daily living activity. Objectively measured moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA) was moderately correlated with the PASB-Q’s physical activity vital sign (PAVS) (r = 0.50, p = 0.004) and the mLTPA-Q (r = 0.56, p = 0.001). Bland−Altman plots suggest minimal bias from self-reported to objective measures of MVPA. The ability of PAVS to accurately distinguish who does and does not achieve Canadian physical activity guidelines was 83% and 60%, respectively, compared with 82% and 73% of the mLTPA-Q. Self-reported sedentary time was greatly underestimated in the PASB-Q compared with the objective measure (6.4 ± 3.5 vs 12.2 ± 1.2 h/day). The results of this study suggest the PASB-Q and mLTPA-Q are valid and reliable measures of adult physical activity and provide reasonable indication of those individuals who meet physical activity guidelines. Future questionnaire development should take into account the underestimation of time spent engaging in sedentary activities.
Erosion characteristics and stochastic nature of bed shear stress in underwater mine tailings
Authors: Geremew Africa M.
Published: March 2017

The erosion of mine tailings was investigated by examining the physical processes during the initiation of motion of the tailings. Erosion experiments were conducted on mine tailings samples and natural soils in a Plexiglas laboratory annular column under 50 cm water cover. Resuspension was introduced with a Teflon stirrer and the bed shear stress was estimated from the measured near-bed velocity field and the pressure change in the boundary layer. Two modes of initiation of motion of cohesive mine tailings that showed cohesive behaviour was noticed: pitting erosion and line erosion and the modes of initiation of motion changed mainly with percentage of fines. At incipient motion of the tailings that showed cohesive behaviour, the pore water pressure distribution showed a relative sudden peak and a decline when the aggregated tailings burst. A four order of magnitude difference was observed between the undrained shear strength and critical shear stress for surface erosion of the tailings. The stochastic nature of the bed shear stress was explained by the Rayleigh distribution that provides an approach for correcting the critical shear stress estimated from the near-bed velocity. This correction is necessary to achieve a conservative estimate of the critical shear stress for design purposes.
Stiffness model for gypsum wallboard-to-wood joints
Authors: Lafontaine Alex , Doudak Ghasan
Published: March 2017

Joints simulating typical connections of gypsum wallboard (GWB) sheathed walls were subjected to reversed cyclic loading. Three different empirical models were analyzed for the purpose of determining the most appropriate fastener slip equation. The power model was used to develop the fastener slip equations, for nails and screws, as a function of GWB density and fastener diameter. The accuracy of the developed fastener slip model is validated against full-scale shear wall tests. The predictive models seem to be able to replicate the wall behaviour with reasonable accuracy until ultimate capacity. The results show a reasonable agreement between the model prediction and those obtained from the shear wall tests. The model prediction for shear walls constructed with low fastener spacing is less accurate. This result was expected since the small fastener spacing violates the minimum spacing requirements in the design standard (CSA 2014) and caused a brittle failure.
Optimizing profit and logistics for precast concrete production
Authors: Chen Jieh-Haur , Yan Shangyao , Tai Hsing-Wei , Chang Chao-Yu
Published: March 2017

This study serves as a practical model for optimizing production planning, allocation of precast component storage, and transportation sites as well as for making timely adjustments for contracted projects. To ensure that the structure of the research model is reasonable and matches actual applications, the study uses a field survey to directly observe the largest precast concrete plants in Taiwan for a period of 6 months, followed by in-depth interviews with experts involved with the planning, design, installation, and manufacturing for precast projects. The mathematical model is then established and evaluated using the data containing over 90% of national production in Taiwan. The results show that the tested corporate profits increase by an impressive 38.4% and performance is significantly increased by 97.75%. The proposed model can not only make up for oversights in human decision-making but improve the decision-making process boosting corporate competitiveness.
Cannabinoid signaling in health and disease
Authors: Lu Yan , Anderson Hope D.
Published: March 2017

Cannabis sativa has long been used for medicinal purposes. To improve safety and efficacy, compounds from C. sativa were purified or synthesized and named under an umbrella group as cannabinoids. Currently, several cannabinoids may be prescribed in Canada for a variety of indications such as nausea and pain. More recently, an increasing number of reports suggest other salutary effects associated with endogenous cannabinoid signaling including cardioprotection. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids is therefore extended; however, evidence is limited and mechanisms remain unclear. In addition, the use of cannabinoids clinically has been hindered due to pronounced psychoactive side effects. This review provides an overview on the endocannabinoid system, including known physiological roles, and conditions in which cannabinoid receptor signaling has been implicated.
Effective-range parameters and vertex constants for Λ-nuclear systems
Authors: Rakityansky S. A. , Gopane I. M.
Published: March 2017

For a wide range of the core-nuclei ([Formula: see text]), the scattering lengths, effective radii, and the other effective-range parameters (up to the order [Formula: see text]) for the angular momentum [Formula: see text] are calculated within a two-body [Formula: see text]-model. For the same hypernuclear systems, the [Formula: see text]-matrix residues as well as the corresponding Nuclear-Vertex and Asymptotic-Normalization constants (NVC’s and ANC’s) for the bound states are also found.
Alleviate Chip Pin Constraint for Multicore Processor by On/Off-Chip Power Delivery System Codesign
Authors: Wang Xuan , Xu Jiang , Wang Zhe , Li Haoran , Wang Zhehui , Yang Peng , Duong Luan H. K. , Maeda Rafael K. V. , Wang Zhifei
Published: March 2017

The number of chip pins is limited due to the cost and reliability issues of sophisticated packages, and it is predicted that the chip pin count will be overstretched to satisfy the requirements of both power delivery and memory access. The gap between the achievable pin count and the demand will increase as the technology scales, due to the increasing computation resources and supply current. Pin reduction techniques are thus required for continued computing performance growth. In this article, we propose a chip pin constraint alleviation strategy, through on/off-chip power delivery system co-design, to effectively reduce the demand for power pins. An analytical model of a power delivery system, consisting of on/off-chip regulators and a power delivery network, is proposed to evaluate the influence of regulator design and package conduction loss. By combining this model with a multi-core processor model of performance and memory bandwidth requirements, we characterize the entire multi-core processor system to investigate the relationship between the chip pin constraint and performance in multi-core processor scaling and the effectiveness of our strategy. Experiments show that with the conventional power delivery system design, the chip pin constraint severely limits the performance growth as the technology scales. Using the on/off-chip power delivery system co-design, our strategy achieves a significant pin count reduction, for example, 31.3% at the 8nm technology node, compared to the conventional design with the same chip performance, while, provided with the same chip pin count, it is able to improve, by 35.0%, the chip performance at 8nm compared to the conventional design. For real applications of different parallelism, our strategy outperforms its counterpart, with a 23.7% performance improvement on average at the 8nm technology node.
Monolayer Transistor SRAMs
Authors: Rakshit Joydeep , Mohanram Kartik , Wan Runlai , Lam Kai Tak , Guo Jing
Published: March 2017

Monolayer heterojunction FETs based on vertical heterogeneous transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCFETs) and planar black phosphorus FETs (BPFETs) have demonstrated excellent subthreshold swing, high
I
ON
I
OFF
, and high scalability, making them attractive candidates for post-CMOS memory design. This article explores TMDCFET and BPFET SRAM design by combining atomistic self-consistent device modeling with SRAM circuit design and simulation. We perform detailed evaluations of the TMDCFET/BPFET SRAMs at a single bitcell and at SRAM array level. Our simulations show that at low operating voltages, TMDCFET/BPFET SRAMs exhibit significant advantages in static power, dynamic read/write noise margin, and read/write delay over nominal 16nm CMOS SRAMs at both bitcell and array-level implementations. We also analyze the effect of process variations on the performance of TMDCFET/BPFET SRAMs. Our simulations demonstrate that TMDCFET/BPFET SRAMs exhibit high tolerance to process variations, which is desirable for low operating voltages.
The Hepatoprotective and MicroRNAs Downregulatory Effects of Crocin Following Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Akbari Ghaidafeh , Mard Seyyed Ali , Dianat Mahin , Mansouri Esrafil
Published: March 2017

Background. Liver ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury is one of the chief etiologies of tissue damage during liver transplantation, hypovolemic shock, and so forth. This study aimed to evaluate hepatoprotective effect of crocin on IR injury and on microRNAs (miR‐122 and miR‐34a) expression. Materials and Methods. 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, IR, crocin pretreatment (Cr), and crocin pretreatment + IR (Cr + IR) groups. In sham and Cr groups, animals were given normal saline (N/S) and Cr (200 mg/Kg) for 7 consecutive days, respectively, and laparotomy without inducing IR was done. In IR and Cr + IR groups, N/S and Cr were given for 7 consecutive days and rats underwent a partial (70%) ischemia for 45 min/reperfusion for 60 min. Blood and tissue samples were taken for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological examinations. Results. The results showed decreased levels of antioxidants activity and increased levels of liver enzymes improved by crocin. The expression of miR‐122, miR‐34a, and p53 decreased, while Nrf2 increased by crocin. Crocin ameliorated histopathological changes. Conclusion. The results demonstrated that crocin protected the liver against IR injury through increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, improving serum levels of liver enzymes, downregulating miR‐122, miR‐34a, and p53, and upregulating Nrf2 expression.
Assessment of Immunization to Hepatitis B Vaccine among Children under Five Years in Rural Areas of Taiz, Yemen
Authors: Alssamei Fuad A. A. , Al-Sonboli Najla A. , Alkumaim Fawzi A. , Alsayaad Nader S. , Al-Ahdal Mohammed S. , Higazi Tarig B. , Elagib Atif A.
Published: March 2017

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a major health problem worldwide. approximately 1 million deaths annually due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives. This study was conducted to determine the coverage rate of HBV vaccine and assess the vaccine protective response among children under five years old in rural areas of Yemen. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2015 in four districts of countryside Yemen. The target population was children aged from 6 to 59 months. 227 children were enrolled in the study. Questionnaire was used to collect of data. Serum samples were tested for anti-HBs antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-HBs level ≥ 10 IU/L was considered a protective response to the vaccine. Results. The coverage rate of HBV vaccine among children was 87.3%. A total of 143 (72.2%) children responded to the vaccine with anti-HBs level ≥ 10 IU/L, while 55 (27.8%) of the children had nonprotective anti-HBs levels of <10 IU/L (P = 0.003). Conclusion. This study revealed a good coverage rate of HBV vaccine in rural areas but the protective rate against HBV infection was moderate. A considerable proportion of vaccinated children should be considered for either revaccination or booster doses.
Sacral Neuromodulation: Foray into Chronic Pelvic Pain in End Stage Endometriosis
Authors: Lavonius Maija , Suvitie Pia , Varpe Pirita , Huhtinen Heikki
Published: March 2017

Excision of all endometriotic lesions is the method of choice in the treatment of severe endometriosis resistant to medical therapy. The infiltrating nature of the disease as well as extensive surgery may, however, cause chronic pain that cannot be relieved by either surgery or hormonal treatment. As a pilot treatment, we tested the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for four endometriosis patients suffering chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction after radical surgical treatment. Three out of four patients reported improvement in their symptoms during the neuromodulation testing period and a permanent pulse generator was installed. After 2.5 years, all three patients report better quality of life and want to continue with SNM.
Effects of Vitamin B6 Deficiency on the Composition and Functional Potential of T Cell Populations
Authors: Qian Bingjun , Shen Shanqi , Zhang Jianhua , Jing Pu
Published: March 2017

The immune system is critical in preventing infection and cancer, and malnutrition can weaken different aspects of the immune system to undermine immunity. Previous studies suggested that vitamin B6 deficiency could decrease serum antibody production with concomitant increase in IL4 expression. However, evidence on whether vitamin B6 deficiency would impair immune cell differentiation, cytokines secretion, and signal molecule expression involved in JAK/STAT signaling pathway to regulate immune response remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on the immune system through analysis of T lymphocyte differentiation, IL-2, IL-4, and INF-γsecretion, andSOCS-1andT-betgene transcription. We generated a vitamin B6-deficient mouse model via vitamin B6-depletion diet. The results showed that vitamin B6 deficiency retards growth, inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, and interferes with its differentiation. After ConA stimulation, vitamin B6 deficiency led to decrease in IL-2 and increase in IL-4 but had no influence on IFN-γ. Real-time PCR analysis showed that vitamin B6 deficiency downregulatedT-betand upregulatedSOCS-1transcription. This study suggested that vitamin B6 deficiency influenced the immunity in organisms. Meanwhile, the appropriate supplement of vitamin B6 could benefit immunity of the organism.
Bacteriological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Pus/Wound Swab Samples from Children Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Rai Salu , Yadav Uday Narayan , Pant Narayan Dutt , Yakha Jaya Krishna , Tripathi Prem Prasad , Poudel Asia , Lekhak Binod
Published: March 2017

In Nepal, little is known about the microbiological profile of wound infections in children and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Total of 450 pus/wound swab samples collected were cultured using standard microbiological techniques and the colonies grown were identified with the help of biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusisolates were detected by using cefoxitin disc and confirmed by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of oxacillin. 264 (59%) samples were culture positive. The highest incidence of bacterial infections was noted in the age group of less than 1 year (76%). Out of 264 growth positive samples, Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from 162 (61%) samples and Gram-negative bacteria were found in 102 (39%) samples.Staphylococcus aureus(99%) was the predominant Gram-positive bacteria isolated andPseudomonas aeruginosa(44%) was predominant Gram-negative bacteria. About 19% ofS. aureusisolates were found to be methicillin-resistant MIC of oxacillin ranging from 4 μg/mL to 128 μg/mL. Among the children of Nepal, those of age less than 1 year were at higher risk of wound infections by bacteria.Staphylococcus aureusfollowed byPseudomonas aeruginosawere the most common bacteria causing wound infections in children.
Preparation of a Microporous Polyurethane Film with Negative Surface Charge for siRNA Delivery via Stent
Authors: Cho Il-Hoon , Park Sangsoo
Published: March 2017

Polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used to prepare a porous stent-covering material for the controlled delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Microporous polymer films were prepared using a blend of polyurethane and water-soluble polyethylene glycol by the solution casting method; the PEG component was extracted in water to make the film microporous. This film was dipped in 2% poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) solution to coat the polymer film with the anionic polyelectrolyte. The chemical components of the film surface were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and its structural morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of the negatively charged surface after attachment of a fluorescein isothiocyanate- (FITC-) labeled siRNA-polyethyleneimine complex onto the microporous polyurethane film and the controlled release of the complex from the film was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy showed the PU surface with intense fluorescence by the aggregates of the FITC-labeled-siRNA-PEI complex (measuring up to few microns in size); additionally, the negatively charged PU surface revealed broad and diffuse fluorescence. These results suggest that the construction of negatively charged microporous polyurethane films is feasible and could be applied for enhancing the efficiency of siRNA delivery via a stent-covering polyurethane film.
Prevention of AMI Induced Ventricular Remodeling: Inhibitory Effects of Heart‐Protecting Musk Pill on IL‐6 and TNF‐Alpha
Authors: Cen Wei , Chen Zhiliang , Gu Ning , Hoppe Ralph
Published: March 2017

Heart‐Protecting Musk Pill (HMP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease in clinic. The current study investigated the effect of HMP on the concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and observed the relationship between level changes of inflammatory cytokines and ventricular remodeling in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Animal models of AMI were made by coronary artery ligation in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. AMI rats showed increased levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Treatment with HMP decreases IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations in rats with AMI. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopic findings were also essentially in agreement with biochemical findings. The results of our study revealed that inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α induce cardiac remodeling in rats after AMI; HMP improves cardiac function and ameliorates ventricular remodeling by downregulating the expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and further suppressing the ultrastructural changes of myocardial cells.
Alpha-Amylase Inhibition and Antioxidative Capacity of Some Antidiabetic Plants Used by the Traditional Healers in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Oyedemi Sunday O. , Oyedemi Blessing O. , Ijeh Ifeoma I. , Ohanyerem Princemartins E. , Coopoosamy Roger M. , Aiyegoro Olayinka A.
Published: March 2017

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome including diabetes mellitus (DM). The inhibition of alpha-amylase is an important therapeutic target in the regulation of postprandial increase of blood glucose in diabetic patients. The present study investigated the alpha-amylase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of selected herbal drugs used in the treatment of DM by the traditional healers in Isiala Mbano and Ikwuano regions of southeastern Nigeria. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in terms of free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) in consonance with the TLC profiling. The results showed that methanol crude extracts fromAnacardium occidentale(AO) andCeiba pentandra(CP) recorded higher TPC and TFC, potent free radical scavenging, and efficient reducing power (RP) as compared with other plant samples. All the plant extracts exhibited a relative alpha-amylase inhibition apart fromStrophanthus hispidus(SH) extract with a negative effect. We discovered a mild to weak correlation between alpha-amylase inhibition or antioxidative capacity and the total phenol or flavonoid content. At least in part, the results obtained in this work support the traditional use of certain plant species in the treatment of patients with DM.
Membrane Cholesterol in Skeletal Muscle: A Novel Player in Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Barrientos G. , Sánchez-Aguilera P. , Jaimovich E. , Hidalgo C. , Llanos P.
Published: March 2017

Membrane cholesterol is critical for signaling processes in a variety of tissues. We will address here current evidence supporting an emerging role of cholesterol on excitation-contraction coupling and glucose transport in skeletal muscle. We have centered our review on the transverse tubule system, a complex network of narrow plasma membrane invaginations that propagate membrane depolarization into the fiber interior and allow nutrient delivery into the fibers. We will discuss current evidence showing that transverse tubule membranes have remarkably high cholesterol levels and we will address how modifications of cholesterol content influence excitation-contraction coupling. In addition, we will discuss how membrane cholesterol levels affect glucose transport by modulating the insertion into the membrane of the main insulin-sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4. Finally, we will address how the increased membrane cholesterol levels displayed by obese animals, which also present insulin resistance, affect these two particular skeletal muscle functions.