bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue Strain Reorganizes Collagen With a Switchlike Response That Regulates Neuronal Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Phosphorylation In Vitro: Implications for Ligamentous Injury and Mechanotransduction
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Cao Xuan , Stablow Alec M. , Shenoy Vivek B. , Winkelstein Beth A.
Published: November 2015

Excessive loading of ligaments can activate the neural afferents that innervate the collagenous tissue, leading to a host of pathologies including pain. An integrated experimental and modeling approach was used to define the responses of neurons and the surrounding collagen fibers to the ligamentous matrix loading and to begin to understand how macroscopic deformation is translated to neuronal loading and signaling. A neuron-collagen construct (NCC) developed to mimic innervation of collagenous tissue underwent tension to strains simulating nonpainful (8%) or painful ligament loading (16%). Both neuronal phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which is related to neuroplasticity (R2 ≥ 0.041; p ≤ 0.0171) and neuronal aspect ratio (AR) (R2 ≥ 0.250; p < 0.0001), were significantly correlated with tissue-level strains. As NCC strains increased during a slowly applied loading (1%/s), a “switchlike” fiber realignment response was detected with collagen reorganization occurring only above a transition point of 11.3% strain. A finite-element based discrete fiber network (DFN) model predicted that at bulk strains above the transition point, heterogeneous fiber strains were both tensile and compressive and increased, with strains in some fibers along the loading direction exceeding the applied bulk strain. The transition point identified for changes in collagen fiber realignment was consistent with the measured strain threshold (11.7% with a 95% confidence interval of 10.2–13.4%) for elevating ERK phosphorylation after loading. As with collagen fiber realignment, the greatest degree of neuronal reorientation toward the loading direction was observed at the NCC distraction corresponding to painful loading. Because activation of neuronal ERK occurred only at strains that produced evident collagen fiber realignment, findings suggest that tissue strain-induced changes in the micromechanical environment, especially altered local collagen fiber kinematics, may be associated with mechanotransduction signaling in neurons.
Automated Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Left Ventricle From Multiple-Axis Echocardiography
Authors: Krishnan Rajan Navaneetha , Song Zeying , Hoffmann Kenneth R. , Belohlavek Marek , McMahon Eileen M. , Borazjani Iman
Published: November 2015

Two-dimensional echocardiography (echo) is the method of choice for noninvasive evaluation of the left ventricle (LV) function owing to its low cost, fast acquisition time, and high temporal resolution. However, it only provides the LV boundaries in discrete 2D planes, and the 3D LV geometry needs to be reconstructed from those planes to quantify LV wall motion, acceleration, and strain, or to carry out flow simulations. An automated method is developed for the reconstruction of the 3D LV endocardial surface using echo from a few standard cross sections, in contrast with the previous work that has used a series of 2D scans in a linear or rotational manner for 3D reconstruction. The concept is based on a generalized approach so that the number or type (long-axis (LA) or short-axis (SA)) of sectional data is not constrained. The location of the cross sections is optimized to minimize the difference between the reconstructed and measured cross sections, and the reconstructed LV surface is meshed in a standard format. Temporal smoothing is implemented to smooth the motion of the LV and the flow rate. This software tool can be used with existing clinical 2D echo systems to reconstruct the 3D LV geometry and motion to quantify the regional akinesis/dyskinesis, 3D strain, acceleration, and velocities, or to be used in ventricular flow simulations.
Reliable Dissipative Sampled-Data Control for Uncertain Systems With Nonlinear Fault Input
Authors: Sakthivel R. , Vimal Kumar S. , Aravindh D. , Selvaraj P.
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the robust reliable β-dissipative control for uncertain dynamical systems with mixed actuator faults via sampled-data approach. In particular, a more general reliable controller containing both linear and nonlinear parts is constructed for the considered system. Then, by applying the input delay approach, the sampling measurement of the digital control signal is transformed into time-varying delayed one. The aim of this paper is to design state feedback sampled-data controller to guarantee that the resulting closed-loop system to be strictly (Q, S, R)-β-dissipative. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov function and employing a delay decomposition approach, a new set of delay-dependent sufficient stabilization criteria is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, the obtained LMIs are dependent, not only upon upper bound of time delay but also depend on the dissipative margin β and the actuator fault matrix. As special cases, H∞ and passivity control performances can be deduced from the proposed dissipative control result. Finally, numerical simulation is provided based on a flight control model to verify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed control scheme.
Integrating Bayesian Calibration, Bias Correction, and Machine Learning for the 2014 Sandia Verification and Validation Challenge Problem
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Shishi , Jiang Zhen , Apley Daniel W. , Lu Zhenzhou , Chen Wei
Published: November 2015

This paper describes an integrated Bayesian calibration, bias correction, and machine learning approach to the validation challenge problem posed at the Sandia Verification and Validation Challenge Workshop, May 7–9, 2014. Three main challenges are recognized as: I—identification of unknown model parameters; II—quantification of multiple sources of uncertainty; and III—validation assessment when there are no direct experimental measurements associated with one of the quantities of interest (QoIs), i.e., the von Mises stress. This paper addresses these challenges as follows. For challenge I, sensitivity analysis is conducted to select model parameters that have significant impact on the model predictions for the displacement, and then a modular Bayesian approach is performed to calibrate the selected model parameters using experimental displacement data from lab tests under the “pressure only” loading conditions. Challenge II is addressed using a Bayesian model calibration and bias correction approach. For improving predictions of displacement under “pressure plus liquid” loading conditions, a spatial random process (SRP) based model bias correction approach is applied to develop a refined predictive model using experimental displacement data from field tests. For challenge III, the underlying relationship between stress and displacement is identified by training a machine learning model on the simulation data generated from the supplied tank model. Final predictions of stress are made via the machine learning model and using predictions of displacements from the bias-corrected predictive model. The proposed approach not only allows the quantification of multiple sources of uncertainty and errors in the given computer models, but also is able to combine multiple sources of information to improve model performance predictions in untested domains.
Reliability Analysis With Model Uncertainty Coupling With Parameter and Experiment Uncertainties: A Case Studyof 2014 Verification and Validation Challenge Problem
Authors: Xi Zhimin , Yang Ren-Jye
Published: November 2015

A validation strategy with copula-based bias approximation approach is proposed to address the 2014 Verification and Validation (V & V) challenge problem developed by the Sandia National Laboratory. The proposed work further incorporates model uncertainty into reliability analysis. Specific issues have been addressed including: (i) uncertainty modeling of model parameters using the Bayesian approach, (ii) uncertainty quantification (UQ) of model outputs using the eigenvector dimension reduction (EDR) method, (iii) model bias calibration with the U-pooling metric, (iv) model bias approximation using the copula-based approach, and (v) reliability analysis considering the model uncertainty. The proposed work is well demonstrated in the challenge problem.
Quasi-Static Analysis of the Multicomponent Mooring Line for Deeply Embedded Anchors
Authors: Guo Zhen , Wang Lizhong , Yuan Feng
Published: November 2015

Multicomponent taut mooring lines are widely used to secure floating facilities to anchors embedded in the seabed to restrict motions. Optimal design of the mooring line system requires a realistic model of the combined performance of all segments of the mooring line, including the separate segments contained within both the water column and the soil column. This paper presents a two-dimensional quasi-static model, which can analyze mooring lines comprising multiple types of mooring lines or chains, taking into account the effects of ocean currents, soil resistance, and elastic elongation of mooring line. An example analysis is carried out to predict the responses of multicomponent mooring line during pretension and under service conditions. The example analysis puts special focus on conditions where the floating facility undergoes a series of motion away from its original position to assess the effect of the vertical offset is studied in detail. Finally, based on the presented model, the performances of different components of the mooring system are thoroughly investigated and some useful conclusions are drawn.
Thick sputtered tantalum coatings for high-temperature energy conversion applications
Authors: Stelmakh Veronika , Peykov Daniel , Chan Walker R. , Senkevich Jay J. , Joannopoulos John D. , Soljačić Marin , Celanovic Ivan , Castillo Robert , Coulter Kent , Wei Ronghua
Published: November 2015

Thick sputtered tantalum (Ta) coatings on polished Inconel were investigated as a potential replacement for bulk refractory metal substrates used for high-temperature emitters and absorbers in thermophotovoltaic energy conversion applications. In these applications, high-temperature stability and high reflectance of the surface in the infrared wavelength range are critical in order to sustain operational temperatures and reduce losses due to waste heat. The reflectance of the coatings (8 and 30 μm) was characterized with a conformal protective hafnia layer as-deposited and after one hour anneals at 700, 900, and 1100 °C. To further understand the high-temperature performance of the coatings, the microstructural evolution was investigated as a function of annealing temperature. X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the texture and residual stress in the coatings at four reflections (220, 310, 222, and 321), as-deposited and after anneal. No significant changes in roughness, reflectance, or stress were observed. No delamination or cracking occurred, even after annealing the coatings at 1100 °C. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the thick Ta coatings are a promising alternative to bulk substrates and pave the way for a relatively low-cost and easily integrated platform for nanostructured devices in high-temperature energy conversion applications.
Novel copper compounds for vapor deposition: Characterization and thermolysis
Authors: Kurek Agnes , Yap Glenn P. A. , Barry Seán T.
Published: November 2015

The syntheses of new N-heterocyclic carbene—copper (I)–(X), where X is an easily interchangeable amide, including N-acetyl benzamide (1), diacetamide (2), and acetyl acetone (3), are described herein. These compounds have been shown by thermogravimetric analysis to have low onsets of volatility (<195 °C) and residual masses of 10.1%, 18.0%, and 5.8%, respectively. The trends in volatility, thermal stability, and reactivity in these three compounds will be the focus of this study to identify new precursors for copper metal deposition. Facile, nearly quantitative synthesis from commercially available starting material makes these precursors interesting candidates for future copper film deposition.
Iron–cobalt alloy thin films with high saturation magnetizations grown by conformal metalorganic CVD
Authors: Zhang Pengyi , Babar Shaista , Abelson John R. , Sahoo Sarbeswar , Zhu Meng , Kautzky Michael , Davis Luke M. , Girolami Gregory S.
Published: November 2015

Dense, smooth, and high-purity FexCo(1−x) thin films have been grown by chemical vapor deposition using a coflow of Fe(CO)5 and Co2(CO)8 precursors. High precursor fluxes and precise control over both the substrate temperature and relative precursor pressures are keys to reproducibly obtaining high quality films with the desired stoichiometry. Films with the composition Fe0.55Co0.45 show excellent soft magnetic properties: the saturation magnetization of 2.45 ± 0.05 T approaches the theoretical maximum, and the coercivity is less than 20 Oe. Conformal films have also been grown successfully in a trench structure with an aspect ratio of 4:1.
Fluorocarbon assisted atomic layer etching of SiO2 and Si using cyclic Ar/C4F8 and Ar/CHF3 plasma
Authors: Metzler Dominik , Li Chen , Engelmann Sebastian , Bruce Robert L. , Joseph Eric A. , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: November 2015

The need for atomic layer etching (ALE) is steadily increasing as smaller critical dimensions and pitches are required in device patterning. A flux-control based cyclic Ar/C4F8 ALE based on steady-state Ar plasma in conjunction with periodic, precise C4F8 injection and synchronized plasma-based low energy Ar+ ion bombardment has been established for SiO2 [Metzler et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 32, 020603 (2014)]. In this work, the cyclic process is further characterized and extended to ALE of silicon under similar process conditions. The use of CHF3 as a precursor is examined and compared to C4F8. CHF3 is shown to enable selective SiO2/Si etching using a fluorocarbon (FC) film build up. Other critical process parameters investigated are the FC film thickness deposited per cycle, the ion energy, and the etch step length. Etching behavior and mechanisms are studied using in situ real time ellipsometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Silicon ALE shows less self-limitation than silicon oxide due to higher physical sputtering rates for the maximum ion energies used in this work, ranged from 20 to 30 eV. The surface chemistry is found to contain fluorinated silicon oxide during the etching of silicon. Plasma parameters during ALE are studied using a Langmuir probe and establish the impact of precursor addition on plasma properties.
Wave-speed dispersion associated with an attenuation obeying a frequency power law
Authors: Buckingham Michael J.
Published: November 2015

An attenuation scaling as a power of frequency, |ω|β, over an infinite bandwidth is neither analytic nor square-integrable, thus calling into question the application of the Kramers-Krönig dispersion relations for determining the frequency dependence of the associated phase speed. In this paper, three different approaches are developed, all of which return the dispersion formula for the wavenumber, K(ω). The first analysis relies on the properties of generalized functions and the causality requirement that the impulse response, k(t), the inverse Fourier transform of −iK(ω), must vanish for t < 0. Second, a wave equation is introduced that yields the phase-speed dispersion associated with a frequency-power-law attenuation. Finally, it is shown that, with minor modification, the Kramers-Krönig dispersion relations with no subtractions (the Plemelj formulas) do in fact hold for an attenuation scaling as |ω|β, yielding the same dispersion formula as the other two derivations. From this dispersion formula, admissible values of the exponent β are established. Physically, the inadmissible values of β, which include all the integers, correspond to attenuation-dispersion pairs whose Fourier components cannot combine in such a way as to make the impulse response, k(t), vanish for t < 0. There is no upper or lower limit on the value that β may take.
Analysis of
ESR1
mutation in circulating tumor DNA demonstrates evolution during therapy for metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Schiavon Gaia , Hrebien Sarah , Garcia-Murillas Isaac , Cutts Rosalind J. , Pearson Alex , Tarazona Noelia , Fenwick Kerry , Kozarewa Iwanka , Lopez-Knowles Elena , Ribas Ricardo , Nerurkar Ashutosh , Osin Peter , Chandarlapaty Sarat , Martin Lesley-Ann , Dowsett Mitch , Smith Ian E. , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: November 2015

ESR1
mutations evolve during the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Investigation and management of canine osteoarthritis
Authors: Pettitt Rob A. , German Alexander J.
Published: November 2015

Lameness in dogs will be a familiar part of any small animal practitioner's caseload. Osteoarthritis is a common cause for this lameness, although it is often secondary to a primary inciting cause; so treatment and management may need to address the primary inciting cause as well as the pain associated with the arthritis. Management of the condition involves a combination of medical and surgical options, and weight management can often be crucial in reducing pain and improving patient mobility. In this article, Rob Pettitt and Alex German explore the multifactorial elements in both investigating and managing this condition in dogs.
Accelerating universe as a result of an adjustment mechanism
Authors: Martín-Moruno Prado , Nunes Nelson J.
Published: November 2015

In this essay, we propose that the theory of gravity’s vacuum is described by a de Sitter geometry. Under this assumption, we consider an adjustment mechanism able to screen any value of the vacuum energy of the matter fields. We discuss the most general scalar–tensor cosmological models with second-order equations of motion that have a fixed de Sitter critical point for any kind of material content. These models give rise to interesting cosmological evolutions that we shall discuss.
Gravitational lensing by f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Alhamzawi Ahmed , Alhamzawi Rahim
Published: November 2015

A solution for [Formula: see text] gravity of the type [Formula: see text] for specific [Formula: see text] functions is derived. It is shown that a slight modification to the Schwarzschild metric can be found for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is some constant. The effects of [Formula: see text] gravity on gravitational lensing are calculated and the differences with general relativity are compared. Furthermore, it is shown that modified gravity can give a considerable contribution to gravitational lensing.
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS ON MALARIA TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS
Authors: AGUSTO F. B. , GUMEL A. B. , PARHAM P. E.
Published: November 2015

A new mechanistic deterministic model for assessing the impact of temperature variability on malaria transmission dynamics is developed. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses of the model parameters reveal that, for temperature values in the range 16–[Formula: see text]C, the three parameters with the greatest influence on disease dynamics are the mosquito carrying capacity, transmission probability per contact for susceptible mosquitoes and human recruitment rate. This study emphasizes the combined use of mosquito-reduction strategies and personal protection against mosquito bites during periods when the mean monthly temperatures are in the range 16.7–25[Formula: see text]C. For higher monthly mean temperatures in the range 26–34[Formula: see text]C, mosquito-reduction strategies should be emphasized ahead of personal protection. Numerical simulations of the model reveal that mosquito maturation rate has a minimum sensitivity (to the associated reproduction threshold of the model) at 24[Formula: see text]C and maximum at 30[Formula: see text]C. The mosquito biting rate has maximum sensitivity at 26[Formula: see text]C, while the minimum value for the transmission probability per bite for susceptible mosquitoes occurs at 24[Formula: see text]C. Furthermore, it is shown, using mean monthly temperature data from 67 cities across the four regions of sub-Saharan Africa, that malaria burden (measured in terms of the total number of new cases of infection) increases with increasing temperature in the range 16–28[Formula: see text]C and decreases for temperature values above 28[Formula: see text]C in West Africa, 27[Formula: see text]C in Central Africa, 26[Formula: see text]C in East Africa and 25[Formula: see text]C in South Africa. These findings, which support and complement a recent study by other authors, reinforce the potential importance of temperature and temperature variability on future malaria transmission trends. Further simulations show that mechanistic malaria transmission models that do not incorporate temperature variability may under-estimate disease burden for temperature values in the range 23–27[Formula: see text]C, and over-estimate disease burden for temperature values in the ranges 16–22[Formula: see text]C and 28–32[Formula: see text]C. Additionally, models that do not explicitly incorporate the dynamics of immature mosquitoes may under- or over-estimate malaria burden, depending on mosquito abundance and mean monthly temperature profile in the community.
Dynamics of entanglement and non-classical correlation for four-qubit GHZ state
Authors: Espoukeh P. , Rahimi R. , Salimi S. , Pedram P.
Published: November 2015

Many-qubit entanglement is crucial for quantum information processing although its exploitation is hindered by the detrimental effects of the environment surrounding the many-qubit system. It is thus of importance to study the dynamics of general multipartite non-classical correlation, including but not restricted to entanglement, under noise. We did this study for four-qubit Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinga (GHZ) state under most common noises in an experiment and found that non-classical correlation is more robust than entanglement except when it is imposed to dephasing channel. Quantum discord presents a sudden transition in its dynamics for Pauli-X and Pauli-Y noises as well as Bell-diagonal states interacting with dephasing reservoirs and it decays monotonically for Pauli-Z and isotropic noises.
Managing cybersickness in virtual reality
Authors: Rebenitsch Lisa
Published: November 2015

If the physical side effects associated with virtual reality are not managed, the widespread adoption of VR may come to a halt.
Using your own muscles
Authors: Lopes Pedro , Ion Alexandra , Kovacs Robert
Published: November 2015

Leveraging the user's own muscles to simulate impact and forces from a virtual reality world allows us to create more immersive experiences without bulky equipment.
Knockdown of neuropeptide Y in the dorsomedial hypothalamus reverses high-fat diet-induced obesity and impaired glucose tolerance in rats
Authors: Kim Yonwook J. , Bi Sheng
Published: November 2015

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance. While DMH NPY overexpression causes hyperphagia and obesity in rats, knockdown of NPY in the DMH via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated RNAi (AAVshNPY) ameliorates these alterations. Whether this knockdown has a therapeutic effect on obesity and glycemic disorder has yet to be determined. The present study sought to test this potential using a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance, mimicking human obesity with impaired glucose homeostasis. Rats had ad libitum access to rodent regular chow (RC) or HFD. Six weeks later, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed for verifying HFD-induced glucose intolerance. After verification, obese rats received bilateral DMH injections of AAVshNPY or the control vector AAVshCTL, and OGTT and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed at 16 and 18 wk after viral injection (23 and 25 wk on HFD), respectively. Rats were killed at 26 wk on HFD. We found that AAVshCTL rats on HFD remained hyperphagic, obese, glucose intolerant, and insulin resistant relative to lean control RC-fed rats receiving DMH injection of AAVshCTL, whereas these alterations were reversed in NPY knockdown rats fed a HFD. NPY knockdown rats exhibited normal food intake, body weight, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity, as seen in lean control rats. Together, these results demonstrate a therapeutic action of DMH NPY knockdown against obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis in rats, providing a potential target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
The Use of Al, Cu, and Fe in an Integrated Electrocoagulation-Ozonation Process
Authors: Barrera Díaz Carlos E. , González-Rivas Nelly
Published: November 2015

This study presents the effect of supplying electrochemically generated metallic ions (Al, Cu, and Fe) during an ozonation process for treating industrial wastewater. The pollutant removal efficiencies of the electrocoagulation (EC), ozonation, and coupled EC-ozonation processes were examined by the decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) as a function of treatment time. The EC was performed in a raw industrial wastewater, which has contributions from 39 chemical, 34 metal finishing, 22 textile, 11 leather, and 5 automotive plants, at pH (7.3) using a current density of 150 A/m2for 60 min, giving a 45% reduction in COD. The ozonation process was more effective with the same wastewater, reducing the COD by 52% after 60 min of treatment. Combining the EC and ozonation methods resulted in a synergistic process that improves the reduction of COD in a shorter time. In just 12 min the integrated process reduced the COD by 88%. Thus, the combination of EC and ozonation processes improves noticeably the wastewater quality, decreasing the treatment time and also reducing the sludge production.
A Large Pleural Effusion following Abdominal Aortic Surgery
Authors: Ramsaran Vinoo K. , Seeram Vandana K. , Cury James , Shujaat Adil
Published: November 2015

Chylous ascites and coexistent chylothorax is a rare but important complication following retroperitoneal abdominal surgery. We report a 70-year-old male who developed gradual abdominal distension, chest tightness, and dyspnea five months after having an uncomplicated aortobifemoral bypass performed. Physical examination was consistent with a large right sided effusion and ascites which were confirmed by computed tomography. Thoracentesis yielded an opaque milky fluid with analysis consistent with a chylothorax with a paracentesis revealing fluid that was similar in both appearance and biochemistry. The patient failed initial conservative management so a chest tube was placed followed by chemical pleurodesis. We review the literature of the pathophysiology and treatment approach to such a pleural effusion.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monodispersed MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets Assisted by Ionic Liquid Brij56
Authors: Han Guan-Qun , Hu Wen-Hui , Chai Yong-Ming , Dong Bin , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: November 2015

Monodispersed MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets have been successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal process assisted by ionic liquid Brij56. The effect of Brij56 on the morphology and structure of MoS2 has been obviously observed. XRD shows that the as‐prepared MoS2 assisted by Brij56 has the weak and broad peak of (002) planes, which implies the small size and well dispersed structure of MoS2 nanosheets. TEM and SEM images reveal that MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets have small size and few stacking layers with the adding of Brij56. HRTEM images prove that MoS2 appears to have a highly monodispersed morphology and to be monolayer ultrathin nanosheets with the length about 5–8 nm, which can provide more exposed rims and edges as active sites for hydrogen evolution reaction. Brij56 has played a crucial role in preparing monodispersed MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets as excellent electrocatalysts. The growth mechanism of monodispersed MoS2 has been discussed in detail.
The Prevalence of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia and Distribution ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection, Atrophy, Dysplasia, and Cancer in Its Subtypes
Authors: Olmez Sehmus , Aslan Mehmet , Erten Remzi , Sayar Suleyman , Bayram Irfan
Published: November 2015

Objectives. Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is frequently encountered and is considered a precursor of gastric adenocarcinoma. In the Van region of Turkey, gastric adenocarcinoma incidence is high but the prevalence of gastric IM is not known.Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection is a main factor leading to atrophy, IM, and cancer development in the stomach. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of IM and its subtypes and the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection, atrophy, dysplasia, and cancer in gastric IM subtypes.Materials and Methods. This retrospective study was conducted on 560 IM among the 4050 consecutive patients who were undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy between June 2010 and October 2014. Clinical records and endoscopic and histopathologic reports of patients with IM were analyzed.Results. The prevalence of gastric IM was 13.8%. The prevalence of incomplete IM was statistically significantly higher than complete IM. Type III IM was the most frequent subtype.Conclusions. Gastric IM is a common finding in patients undergoing EGD with biopsy in this region. High prevalence of incomplete type IM, especially type III, can be associated with the high prevalence of gastric cancer in our region.
Synthesis of Water-Soluble Iridium (III)-Containing Nanoparticles for Biological Applications
Authors: Hou Huanzhi , Sun Pengfei , Fan Quli , Lu Xiaomei , Xue Cheng , Zhang Yixue , Tian Sichao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2015

Water-soluble nanoparticles (Ir/PGlc-NP, Ir/β-1,3-glucan-NP) based on water-soluble glycopolymers (PGlc),β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide, and conjugated phosphorescent Ir (III) complexes were successfully synthesized by self-assembly. The obtained nanoparticles have good spherical morphological characterization with a mean diameter of 50 nm measured by TEM. Ir/PGlc-NP and Ir/β-1,3-glucan-NP showed the same emission maxima at 565 nm in aqueous solution and both caused effective apoptosis and death of HepG2 and Hela cells after being irradiated at 445 nm for 30 min in vitro. Fluorescence cellular imaging was conducted by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using HepG2 cells as the model cell in which the nanoparticles had successfully entered into the cytoplasm with high brightness. Furthermore, after injecting the nanoparticles into live mice in vivo, the real-time fluorescence imaging as well as the nanoparticles distribution in organs at 24 hours after administration indicated that these nanoparticles can serve as fluorescent imaging contrast for further biological applications.
The Impact of Trends in the Large Scale Atmospheric Circulation on Mediterranean Surface Turbulent Heat Fluxes
Authors: Romanski Joy , Hameed Sultan
Published: November 2015

Interannual variations of latent heat fluxes (LHF) and sensible heat fluxes (SHF) over the Mediterranean for the boreal winter season (DJF) show positive trends during 1958–2011. Using reanalysis and satellite-based products, the variability and trends in the heat fluxes are compared with variations in three atmospheric teleconnection patterns: the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the pressure and position of the Azores High (AH), and the East Atlantic-West Russia teleconnection pattern (EAWR). Comparison of correlations between the heat fluxes and teleconnections, along with analysis of composites of surface temperature, humidity, and wind fields for different teleconnection states, demonstrates that the AH explains the heat flux changes more successfully than NAO and EAWR. Trends in pressure and longitude of the Azores High show a strengthening and an eastward shift. Variations of the Azores High occur along an axis defined by lower pressure and westward location at one extreme and higher pressure and eastward location at the other extreme. The shift of the AH from predominance of the low/west state to the high/east state induces trends in Mediterranean Sea surface winds, temperature, and moisture. These, combined with sea surface warming trends, produce trends in wintertime sensible and latent heat fluxes.
Four Copies of SNCA Responsible for Autosomal Dominant Parkinson’s Disease in Two Italian Siblings
Authors: Ferese Rosangela , Modugno Nicola , Campopiano Rosa , Santilli Marco , Zampatti Stefania , Giardina Emiliano , Nardone Annamaria , Postorivo Diana , Fornai Francesco , Novelli Giuseppe , Romoli Edoardo , Ruggieri Stefano , Gambardella Stefano
Published: November 2015

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is mostly characterized by alpha-synuclein (SNCA) aggregation and loss of nigrostriatal dopamine-containing neurons. In this study a novel SNCA multiplication is described in two siblings affected by severe parkinsonism featuring early onset dyskinesia, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive deterioration. Methods. SNCA dosage was performed using High-Density Comparative Genomic Hybridization Array (CGH-Array), Multiple Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), and Quantitative PCR (qPCR). Genetic analysis was associated with clinical evaluation. Results. Genetic analysis of siblings showed for the first time a 351 Kb triplication containing SNCA gene along with 6 exons of MMRN1 gene in 4q22.1 and a duplication of 1,29 Mb of a genomic region flanking the triplication. Conclusions. The identification of this family indicates a novel mechanism of SNCA gene multiplication, which confirms the genomic instability in this region and provides data on the genotype-phenotype correlation in PD patients.
Anatomy of the Ophthalmic Artery: A Review concerning Its Modern Surgical and Clinical Applications
Authors: Michalinos Adamantios , Zogana Sofia , Kotsiomitis Evangelos , Mazarakis Antonios , Troupis Theodore
Published: November 2015

Anatomy of ophthalmic artery has been thoroughly studied and reviewed in many anatomical and surgical textbooks and papers. Issues of interest are its intracranial and extracranial course, its branches, its importance for vision, and its interaction with various intracranial pathologies. Improvement of our understanding about pathophysiology of certain diseases like aneurysm formation, central retinal artery occlusion, and retinoblastoma and also invention of new therapeutic modalities like superselective catheterization, intra-arterial fibrinolysis, and intra-arterial chemotherapy necessitate a reappraisal of its anatomy from a clinical point of view. The aim of this review is to examine clinical anatomy of ophthalmic artery and correlate it with new diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Expression of Toll‐Like Receptors 2 and 4 and Related Cytokines in Patients with Hepatic Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis
Authors: Tuxun Tuerhongjiang , Ma Hai-Zhang , Apaer Shadike , Zhang Heng , Aierken Amina , Li Yu-Peng , Lin Ren-Yong , Zhao Jin-Ming , Zhang Jin-Hui , Wen Hao
Published: November 2015

Several studies have demonstrated the important role of Toll‐like receptors in various parasitic infections. This study aims to explore expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and related cytokines in patients with human cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). 78 subjects including AE group (N = 28), CE group (N = 22), and healthy controls (HC, N = 28) were enrolled in this study. The mRNA expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 in blood and hepatic tissue and plasma levels related cytokines were detected by using ELISA. Median levels of TLR2 mRNA in AE and CE groups were significantly elevated as compared with that in healthy control group. Median levels of TLR4 expression were increased in AE and CE. Plasma concentration levels of IL‐5, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were slightly increased in AE and CE groups compared with those in HC group with no statistical differences (p > 0.05). The IL‐23 concentration levels were significantly higher in AE and CE groups than that in HC subjects with statistical significance. The increased expression of TLR2 and IL‐23 might play a potential role in modulating tissue infiltrative growth of the parasite and its persistence in the human host.
A New Method for Determination of Joint Roughness Coefficient of Rock Joints
Authors: Du Shigui , Gao Huicai , Hu Yunjin , Huang Man , Zhao Hua
Published: November 2015

The joint roughness coefficient (JRC) of rock joints has the characteristic of scale effect. JRC measured on small-size exposed rock joints should be evaluated by JRC scale effect in order to obtain the JRC of actual-scale rock joints, since field rock joints are hardly fully exposed or well saved. Based on the validity analysis of JRC scale effect, concepts of rate of JRC scale effect and effective length of JRC scale effect were proposed. Then, a graphic method for determination of the effective length of JRC scale effect was established. Study results show that the JRC of actual-scale rock joints can be obtained through a fractal model of JRC scale effect according to the statistically measured results of the JRC of small-size partial exposed rock joints and by the selection of fractal dimension of JRC scale effect and the determination of effective length of JRC scale effect.
Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Striae Distensae: A Case-Referent Study
Authors: Zanella Rafaela Koehler , Valente Denis Souto , Doncatto Leo Francisco , Rossi Daniele Dos Santos , Lerias Aline Grimaldi , Padoin Alexandre Vontobel
Published: November 2015

Vitamin D (VD) plays a role in the skin regulation. Striae Distensae (SD) are manifestations of epidermal atrophy that occurs after tissue tearing due to overstretching or rapid growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between serum VD and occurrence of SD in women who had undergone mammaplasty with silicone implants. A case-referent study was conducted. The blood values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were measured before the surgery. For each patient postoperatively diagnosed with SD, four other participants submitted to the same surgery, without the development of SD, were enrolled as the healthy controls. 67 women with SD after the surgery entered the study. 268 formed the control group. In the serum of healthy controls 25OHD mean was 27 ng/mL, and SD cases presented 20 ng/mL (P=0.01). Scarce values of VD have been observed in 56.71% of the cases presenting SD and in 39.91% without SD (P=0.002). Chance of having VD values lower than 20 ng/mL amongst cases with SD is 2.38 (P=0.0001). Lower serum levels of VD are linked to a higher occurrence of SD.
Eikenella corrodensSepsis with Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis in a Very Low Birth Weight Neonate
Authors: Sawyer Christopher , Angelis Dimitrios , Bennett Robert
Published: November 2015

We report a case ofEikenella corrodenssepsis associated with CSF pleocytosis in a very low birth weight neonate. A 1000-gram male neonate was born at 27-week gestation due to preterm labor. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of sepsis and was treated for suspected meningitis with intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin for 7 days, with cefotaxime added for three weeks. He had a normal brain MRI at discharge and normal development at 6 months of life. To our knowledge, this is the first case ofE. corrodenssepsis and associated meningitis in a very low birth weight neonate.
Research on Acetylene Sensing Properties and Mechanism of SnO2Based Chemical Gas Sensor Decorated with Sm2O3
Authors: Zhou Qu , Cao Meiqing , Li Wude , Tang Chao , Zhu Shiping
Published: November 2015

Acetylene C2H2gas is one of the most important fault characteristic hydrocarbon gases dissolved in oil immersed power transformer oil. This paper reports the successful preparation and characterization of samarium oxide Sm2O3decorated tin oxide SnO2based sensors with hierarchical rod structure for C2H2gas detection. Pure and Sm2O3decorated SnO2sensing structures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS measurements, respectively. Planar chemical gas sensors with the synthesis samples were fabricated, and their sensing performances to C2H2gas were systematically performed and automatically recorded by a CGS-1 TP intelligent gas sensing analysis system. The optimum operating temperature of the Sm2O3decorated SnO2based sensor towards 50 μL/L of C2H2is 260°C, and its corresponding response value is 38.12, which is 6 times larger than the pure one. Its response time is about 8–10 s and 10–13 s for recovery time. Meanwhile good stability and reproducibility of the decorated sensor to C2H2gas are also obtained. Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibits excellent C2H2selectivity among some potential interface gases, like H2and CO gas. All sensing results indicate the sensor fabricated with oxide Sm2O3decorated SnO2nanorods might be a promising candidate for C2H2detection in practice.
Microvascular Disease After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Ooi Qi Lun , Tow Foong Kien Newk-Fon Hey , Deva Raj , Kawasaki Ryo , Wong Tien Y , Colville Deb , Ierino Francesco , Hutchinson Anastasia , Savige Judy
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Individuals who reach end-stage kidney disease (CKD5) have a high risk of vascular events that persists even after renal transplantation. This study compared the prevalence and severity of microvascular disease in transplant recipients and patients with CKD5. Methods: Individuals with a renal transplant or CKD5 were recruited consecutively from renal clinics, and underwent bilateral retinal photography (Canon CR5-45, Canon). Their retinal images were deidentified and reviewed for hypertensive/microvascular signs by an ophthalmologist and a trained grader (Wong and Mitchell classification), and for vessel caliber at a grading centre using a computer-assisted method and Knudtson's modification of the Parr-Hubbard formula. Results: Ninety-two transplant recipients (median duration 6.4 years, range 0.8 to 28.8) and 70 subjects with CKD5 were studied. Transplant recipients were younger (p<0.001), with a higher eGFR (p< 0.001), but were just as likely to have a moderate-severe hypertensive/microvascular retinopathy (46/92, 50%) as subjects with CKD5 (38/70, 54%; OR 0.84, CI 0.45 to 1.57, p=0.64), and had similar mean arteriole and venular calibres (135.1 ± 7.5 µm and 137.9 ± 14.9 µm, p=0.12; and 199.1 ± 17.8 µm and 202.4 ± 27.8 µm, p=0.36, respectively). Arteriole and venular caliber were not different in nine patients examined before and after transplantation (p=0.62 and p=0.11, respectively). Conclusions: Hypertensive/microvascular disease occurred just as often and was generally as severe in transplant recipients and subjects with CKD5. Microvascular disease potentially contributes to increased cardiac events post- transplantation.
Overview: Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Environment
Authors: Minami Yosuke
Published: November 2015

It is becoming clear that cancer cells display features of normal tissue organization in the microenvironment, where cancer stem cells (CSCs) can drive tumor growth in the tumor environment. It has been proposed that the genetic and CSC models of cancer can be harmonized by considering the role of genetic diversity and tumor heterogeneity. The concept of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) also becomes critical in understanding the pathogenesis of leukemia, and alterations in the bone marrow niche are commonly observed in blood malignancies and directly contribute to the aberrant function of disease-initiating LSCs. We describe the cutting-edge progress regarding LSC research and the promising clinical strategies with LSC-targeted therapy.
Exacerbation of Dermatomyositis with Recurrence of Rectal Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Nagano Yuka , Inoue Yasuhiro , Shimura Tadanobu , Fujikawa Hiroyuki , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Hiro Junichiro , Toiyama Yuji , Tanaka Koji , Mohri Yasuhiko , Kusunoki Masato
Published: November 2015

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by cutaneous and muscle manifestations. The association between DM and malignancy has been well recognized for many years. The clinical course of paraneoplastic DM may be affected by malignancies, although the cause and effect relationship between exacerbation of DM and cancer progression is uncertain. Herein, we report a 44-year-old woman who presented with progressive DM associated with rectal cancer. After curative resection of rectal cancer, DM symptoms resolved. Three months after surgery, blood test surveillance showed elevation of serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels, although the patient remained asymptomatic. One month later she had a DM flare-up, and multiple lung and liver metastases were found. She immediately underwent cancer chemotherapy with prednisolone therapy for DM. However, her condition deteriorated and she was unable to swallow. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was constructed, allowing alimentation and oral delivery, which made it possible to keep her on chemotherapy. She had remarkable response for unresectable metastases 8 weeks after the administration of chemotherapy. Seven months after onset of recurrence, her condition improved considerably and she had stable disease. Moreover, she can now eat food of soft consistency. Our case provides further support for the clinical importance of cancer chemotherapy for patients who have progressive DM and unresectable rectal cancer.
Proteasome Inhibition Diminishes the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Prevents the Death of Cardiomyocytes in Coculture with Activated Neutrophils during Anoxia-Reoxygenation
Authors: Pashevin Denis O. , Nagibin Vasyl S. , Tumanovska Lesya V. , Moibenko Alex A. , Dosenko Victor E.
Published: November 2015

Objective: Polymorphic mononuclear neutrophils (PMN) are very important cells participating in nonspecific defense of the organism. Among their well-known functions, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) is interesting and potentially dangerous for the mechanisms of other cells. Ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal proteolysis is a very important regulator of all cellular activities, but the role of proteasomal proteolysis in NET formation has not been investigated. Methods: We performed experiments with PMN activated to form NET with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the application of a proteasome inhibitor. We also added activated neutrophils to primary culture of isolated rat neonatal cardiomyocytes with or without anoxia-reoxygenation modeling. Results: The data obtained show that proteasomes participate in NET formation and proteasome inhibitors facilitate the blocking of the NET program. The percentage of NET after PMA application was 70.8 ± 7.2 and the proteasome inhibitor decreased this amount to 4.7 ± 0.9%. In coculture with cardiomyocytes during anoxia-reoxygenation, this effect prevented cardiac cell death induced by activated PMN. The stimulation of NET formation by PMA in coculture with isolated cardiomyocytes led to an increase in the number of necrotic cardiomyocytes of up to 33.1 ± 12.9% and a corresponding decrease in living cardiomyocytes to 66.9 ± 12.9%. The number of living cardiomyocytes in coculture after incubation with both PMA and proteasome inhibitor was 76.6 ± 13.3% (p < 0.05), and the number of necrotic cardiomyocytes was 23.4 ± 13.3% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Proteasome inhibition blocks NET formation and prevents cardiomyocyte necrosis in coculture with activated neutrophils.