bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures of endothelial dysfunction predict response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: Warriner David R , Lawford Patricia , Sheridan Paul J
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF). Impaired endothelial function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in HF and may help to differentiate responders from non-responders.

Methods

19 patients were recruited, comprising 94% men, mean age 69±8 years, New York Heart Association functional classes II–IV, QRSd 161±21 ms and mean left ventricular ejection fraction 26±8%. Markers of response and FMD were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months following CRT.

Results

14 patients were responders to CRT. Responders had significant improvements in VO2(12.6±1.7 to 14.7±1.5 mL/kg/min, p<0.05), quality of life score (44.4±22.9–24.1±21.3, p<0.01), left ventricular end diastolic volume (201.5±72.5 mL–121.3±72.0 mL, p<0.01) and 6-min walk distance (374.0±112.8 m at baseline to 418.1±105.3 m, p<0.05). Baseline FMD in responders was 2.9±1.9% and 7.4±3.73% in non-responders (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Response to CRT at 6 and 12 months is predicted by baseline FMD. This study confirms that FMD identifies responders to CRT, due to endothelium-dependent mechanisms alone.
Uncommon tumorous findings in the oral cavity of two closely related goats
Authors: Eibach R. , Puff C. , Dühlmeier R. , Jokiel J. , Kleinschmidt S.
Published: June 2016

This case report describes two incidents of neoplasia in the oral cavities of two goats, mother and daughter. Both animals first attracted their owner's attention due to reduced feed intake and drop in milk yield. In both cases the authors found tumorous tissue in the oral cavity. The does were closely related to one another and were kept on the same farm under same housing and feeding conditions. In case of the younger goat, the histopathological investigation of the biopsy revealed a spindle cell sarcoma. Due to morphological alterations the tumour was defined as fibrosarcoma. In case of the mother goat the histopathological examination resulted in an ulcerated malignant blastoma of uncertain origin. However, the neoplastic change involves elements of presumed endodermal and mesenchymal origin. Moreover, in the Lymphonodi retropharyngei, metastases of the malignant blastoma were proven. 90 per cent of the tissue in Lymphonodus retropharyngeus lateralis sinister was already altered tumorously.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with concurrent pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cholangiohepatitis in a cat
Authors: Costa Devoti Chiara , Murtagh Kevin , Batchelor Daniel , Silvestrini Paolo
Published: June 2016

A five‐year‐old male Persian cat was referred for chronic weight loss, polyphagia and clay‐coloured voluminous stools. Serum biochemistry showed elevated liver enzyme activity, hypocholesterolaemia and hypocobalaminaemia. On abdominal ultrasound, a thickened small intestinal wall and tortuous biliary tract were detected. Surgical biopsies of the small intestine, liver and pancreas with concurrently low serum trypsin‐like immunoreactivity allowed a final diagnosis of pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cholangiohepatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The cat was treated with antibiotics, prednisolone, oral pancreatic enzymes and parenteral cobalamin. At one‐year follow‐up, medical treatment has led to a complete resolution of clinical signs.
Hiatal hernia in a five‐month‐old Bulldog
Authors: Boucher Charles , Coetzee Gert Louis
Published: June 2016

A five‐month‐old male Bulldog presented with a history of vomiting and regurgitation from the age of eight weeks. Contrast radiography and ultrasonography revealed a type I hiatal hernia. Surgical treatment included repositioning the stomach in its normal anatomical position, closure of the hiatal defect in the diaphragm, oesophagopexy and a left‐sided incisional fundic gastropexy. The dog responded well to surgery with no further reports of vomiting or regurgitation.
Why are children sedentary: an examination using the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment
Authors: LeBlanc Allana
Published: June 2016

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour have been independently associated with a wide range of negative health indicators including obesity, poor cardio-metabolic health, and poor psychosocial health. The overarching objective of this research was to gain a better understanding as to why children are sedentary and where we need to focus public health messages and interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Specifically, I aimed to provide insight on current awareness of sedentary behaviour guidelines, determine important correlates of total sedentary time (SED) and screen time (ST) in Canadian children, and understand correlates of SED and ST in a global context. The primary dataset used for this project was the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Background work was completed to review current literature on knowledge and awareness of Canadian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines (in all age groups) and to understand the representativeness of the ISCOLE dataset. In addition to the 2 background papers, this dissertation includes 3 manuscripts, all prepared for submission in scientific, peer-reviewed journals: Canadian physical activity and screen time guidelines: do children know?, Correlates of objectively measured sedentary time and self-reported screen time in Canadian children, and Correlates of total sedentary time and screen time in 9–11 year-old children around the world: The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. Overall, this work showed the majority of children around the world are accumulating large amounts of sedentary time, and exceeded current screen time guidelines. We found that the large majority of Canadian children are not aware of screen time guidelines; however, a greater proportion of children could identify physical activity guidelines. We also identified a number of correlates of SED and ST in Canadian children and in children around the world. The most common correlates included weight status and access to electronics in the house. Taken together, this work suggests that public health messaging should focus on increasing awareness of screen time guidelines. While increasing awareness of the guidelines, messaging can be tailored to promoting healthy weight status and reducing (or removing) children’s access to electronic devices in hopes of reducing overall time spent sedentary.
Invasive European bird cherry (Prunus padus) reduces terrestrial prey subsidies to urban Alaskan salmon streams
Authors: Roon David A. , Wipfli Mark S. , Wurtz Tricia L. , Blanchard Arny L.
Published: June 2016

The spread of invasive species in riparian forests has the potential to affect both terrestrial and aquatic organisms linked through cross-ecosystem resource subsidies. However, this potential had not been explored in regards to terrestrial prey subsidies for stream fishes. To address this, we examined the effects of an invasive riparian tree, European bird cherry (EBC, Prunus padus), spreading along urban Alaskan salmon streams, by collecting terrestrial invertebrates present on the foliage of riparian trees, their subsidies to streams, and their consumption by juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Riparian EBC supported four to six times less terrestrial invertebrate biomass on its foliage and contributed two to three times lower subsidies relative to native deciduous trees. This reduction in terrestrial invertebrate biomass was consistent between two watersheds over 2 years. In spite of this reduction in terrestrial prey resource input, juvenile coho salmon consumed similar levels of terrestrial invertebrates in stream reaches bordered by EBC. Although we did not see ecological effects extending to stream salmonids, reduced terrestrial prey subsidies to streams are likely to have negative consequences as EBC continues to spread.
Muscle protection during hibernation of Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus): role of atrogin-1, MuRF1, and fiber-type transition
Authors: Dang Kai , Feng Ban , Gao Yunfang , Hu Naifei , Jiang Shanfeng , Fu Weiwei , Hinghofer-Szalkay Helmut G.
Published: June 2016

We investigated the mechanism of protection from skeletal muscle atrophy in the hind limb extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of hibernating Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus Brandt, 1843). The effects of unrestrained hibernation and 14 day hind limb unloading (HLU) on EDL were studied in three seasons (summer, autumn, and winter). Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA skeletal muscle expression, wet muscle mass, and muscle to body mass ratios were unchanged during hibernation in all three seasons. EDL mass measurements decreased following HLU and atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA expression increased. In summer, atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA expression increased by 85% and 75%, respectively; in autumn, by 95% and 69%, respectively; and in winter, by 91% and 65%, respectively (P < 0.05). In the HLU group, microscopic skeletal muscle changes were present, including a reduction in the percentage of type-I skeletal muscle fibers. Fat storage in Daurian ground squirrels and a shorter photoperiod during hibernation did not affect the protective mechanisms that prevented skeletal muscle atrophy. The results of this study suggest that the stable expression of atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and the transition from fast glycolytic fibers to slow oxidative fibers are associated with a lack of skeletal muscle atrophy in the hibernating Daurian ground squirrel.
Temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in immune function of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherusagassizii)
Authors: Sandmeier F.C. , Horn K.R. , Tracy C.R.
Published: June 2016

As long-lived reptiles, Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii (Cooper, 1861)) are expected to make substantial energetic investments in immune defense. This species also has many adaptations to living in an arid environment characterized by seasonal extremes in temperature and resource availability. By housing G. agassizii at a controlled, constant ambient temperature, we quantified predominantly temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in innate immune function and circulating leukocytes in a reptile. We found a decrease in bacteriocidal activity of the blood plasma in winter, with reduced function lasting into the spring. Lymphocyte numbers were elevated in fall and winter, whereas eosinophil numbers increased in summer. Thus, properties of the immune system were up- or down-regulated in different directions across the seasons. We found a much higher level of variation of leukocyte profiles among individuals than has previously been reported for other chelonians. Heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (indicative of chronic glucocorticoid levels) were not associated with any measure of immune function, and thus glucocorticoid does not seem to mediate the observed seasonal changes. We propose a new hypothesis to explain seasonal changes in immune function, based on seasonal resource limitation in the Mojave Desert, including the availability of dietary protein, energy, and opportunities for thermal regulation.
Statistical Performance Analysis of Data-Driven Neural Models
Authors: Freestone Dean R. , Layton Kelvin J. , Kuhlmann Levin , Cook Mark J.
Published: June 2016

Data-driven model-based analysis of electrophysiological data is an emerging technique for understanding the mechanisms of seizures. Model-based analysis enables tracking of hidden brain states that are represented by the dynamics of neural mass models. Neural mass models describe the mean firing rates and mean membrane potentials of populations of neurons. Various neural mass models exist with different levels of complexity and realism. An ideal data-driven model-based analysis framework will incorporate the most realistic model possible, enabling accurate imaging of the physiological variables. However, models must be sufficiently parsimonious to enable tracking of important variables using data. This paper provides tools to inform the realism versus parsimony trade-off, the Bayesian Cramer-Rao (lower) Bound (BCRB). We demonstrate how the BCRB can be used to assess the feasibility of using various popular neural mass models to track epilepsy-related dynamics via stochastic filtering methods. A series of simulations show how optimal state estimates relate to measurement noise, model error and initial state uncertainty. We also demonstrate that state estimation accuracy will vary between seizure-like and normal rhythms. The performance of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is assessed against the BCRB. This work lays a foundation for assessing feasibility of model-based analysis. We discuss how the framework can be used to design experiments to better understand epilepsy.
Particle interactions in three-dimensional electrical field simulated by iterative dipole moment method
Authors: Liu Le , Xie Chuanchuan , Chen Bo , Wu Jiankang
Published: June 2016

The dielectrophoresis (DEP) interactions of a few particles in a uniform two-dimensional (2D) electrical field have well been studied by Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method. Multiple particle interactions in three-dimensional (3D) electrical field are investigated in this work using iterative dipole moment (IDM) method which is an analytic algorithm without complicated numerical computations to solve for electrical field. The interactive DEP forces of particles calculated by IDM are found to be well agreed with those of MST method and much simple to implement. Using IDM method, a series of examples of multiple particles interactions and particle chains in a 3D uniform DC electrical field is presented. Randomly distributed similar dense particles (either all positive DEP (pDEP) or all negative DEP (nDEP) particles) in 3D uniform electrical field can generally form chains in lines parallel to the electrical field, except the case that all similar particles are in a plane perpendicular to the electrical field where the particles repel each other and move away in the plane. Randomly distributed dissimilar dense particles (mixture of pDEP and nDEP particles) can form (1) chains in lines, (2) clusters in a plane or (3) 3D groups. The chains, clusters and groups are of staggered arrangements of pDEP and nDEP particles, which are perpendicular to the electrical field.
A simple method for laser-induced plasma diagnostics under condition of optically thin
Authors: He Jian , Zhang Qingguo
Published: June 2016

For simple plasma diagnostics for laser-induced plasma (LIP) under the condition of optically thin, taking the Cu I spectral lines produced by the laser-induced copper plasma, we investigate a simple method for temperature and electron density diagnostics, and we obtain the plasma temperature which has 104 K order of magnitude and the averaged electron density is [Formula: see text], which are in agreement with that obtained by other methods. This investigation will be significant for spectral diagnostics for LIP.
Optical packet header identification utilizing an all-optical feedback chaotic reservoir computing
Authors: Qin Jie , Zhao Qingchun , Xu Dongjiao , Yin Hongxi , Chang Ying , Huang Degen
Published: June 2016

In this paper, an all-optical reservoir computing (RC) setup is proposed for identifying the types of optical packet headers in optical packet switching (OPS) network. The numerical simulation identification results of 3 bits and 32 bits optical headers with the bit rate of 10 Gbps are as low as 0.625% and 2.25%, respectively. The identification errors with the variation of the feedback strength and feedback delay are presented separately. Hence, the optimal feedback parameters are obtained. The all-optical feedback RC setup is robust to the white Gaussian noise. The recognition error is acceptable when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is greater than 15 dB.
RECOGNITION OF FINGER/HAND GRIP MECHANISM BY COMPUTING S-TRANSFORM FEATURES OF SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAM SIGNAL FROM HEALTHY AND AMPUTEE
Authors: ARJUNAN SRIDHAR P. , KUMAR DINESH K. , PANIGRAHI BIJAYA K.
Published: June 2016

Accurate identification of intended grip actions using the myoelectric signal recorded from the surface of the residual muscles can facilitate natural control of a prosthetic hand for an amputee. However, this is not trivial due to the complexity of the hand muscles. To overcome these shortcomings, there is the need for determining features of the myoelectric recordings that can be used for accurate identification of the grip actions. This study reports the use of S-transform (ST) of the surface myoelectric recordings for recognizing the intent of the user to generate a set of grip patterns. Surface Electromyogram (sEMG) recorded while performing five different hand/finger grip patterns was analyzed. ST of the signal was computed to analyze the signal in a windowed time–frequency domain. The energy and mean amplitude of the transformed signal were classified using a neural network. The method was tested for able-hand and trans-radial amputee subjects. The results show that ST showed improved sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for both healthy and amputee people.
Abstract quantum computing machines and quantum computational logics
Authors: Chiara Maria Luisa Dalla , Giuntini Roberto , Sergioli Giuseppe , Leporini Roberto
Published: June 2016

Classical and quantum parallelism are deeply different, although it is sometimes claimed that quantum Turing machines are nothing but special examples of classical probabilistic machines. We introduce the concepts of deterministic state machine, classical probabilistic state machine and quantum state machine. On this basis, we discuss the question: To what extent can quantum state machines be simulated by classical probabilistic state machines? Each state machine is devoted to a single task determined by its program. Real computers, however, behave differently, being able to solve different kinds of problems. This capacity can be modeled, in the quantum case, by the mathematical notion of abstract quantum computing machine, whose different programs determine different quantum state machines. The computations of abstract quantum computing machines can be linguistically described by the formulas of a particular form of quantum logic, termed quantum computational logic.
Technology Outlook: Federated Ontologies and Industrial Applications
Authors: Kim Mira , Wang Shao-Ting , Ostrowski David , Rychtyckyj Nestor , Macneille Perry
Published: June 2016

Proprietary Ontologies allow for internally developed machine-usable content to be leveraged for greater purpose. In this context, Industrial Ontologies can be considered first and foremost, an integration technology, supporting connections between any numbers of disparate data sources. By this application, it is possible to leverage proprietary and public ontologies thus supporting a Federated Ontology. This paper explores the potential of a Federated Ontology for the purpose of supporting reasoning in the manufacturing sector. To this goal we summarize the current state of publically available ontologies examining how they are currently utilized, their application challenges and a realistic assessment of their potential.
PIFT
Authors: Yoon Man-Ki , Salajegheh Negin , Chen Yin , Christodorescu Mihai
Published: June 2016

Phones today carry sensitive information and have a great number of ways to communicate that data. As a result, malware that steal money, information, or simply disable functionality have hit the app stores. Current security solutions for preventing undesirable data leaks are mostly high-overhead and have not been practical enough for smartphones. In this paper, we show that simply monitoring just some instructions (only memory loads and stores) it is possible to achieve low overhead, highly accurate information flow tracking. Our method achieves 98% accuracy (0% false positive and 2% false negative) over DroidBench and was able to successfully catch seven real-world malware instances that steal phone number, location, and device ID using SMS messages and HTTP connections.
Polymer Thin Films and Surface Modification by Chemical Vapor Deposition: Recent Progress
Authors: Chen Nan , Kim Do Han , Kovacik Peter , Sojoudi Hossein , Wang Minghui , Gleason Karen K.
Published: June 2016

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization uses vapor phase monomeric reactants to synthesize organic thin films directly on substrates. These thin films are desirable as conformal surface engineering materials and functional layers. The facile tunability of the films and their surface properties allow successful integration of CVD thin films into prototypes for applications in surface modification, device fabrication, and protective films. CVD polymers also bridge microfabrication technology with chemical and biological systems. Robust coatings can be achieved via CVD methods as antifouling, anti-icing, and antihydrate surfaces, as well as stimuli-responsive or biocompatible polymers and novel nanostructures. Use of low-energy input, modest vacuum, and room-temperature substrates renders CVD polymerization compatible with thermally sensitive substrates and devices. Compared with solution-based methods, CVD is particularly useful for insoluble materials, such as electrically conductive polymers and controllably crosslinked networks, and has the potential to reduce environmental, health, and safety impacts associated with solvents. This review discusses the relevant background and selected applications of recent advances by two methods that display and use the high retention of the organic functional groups from their respective monomers, initiated CVD (iCVD) and oxidative CVD (oCVD) polymerization.
Thermodynamics of Bioreactions
Authors: Held Christoph , Sadowski Gabriele
Published: June 2016

Thermodynamic principles have been applied to enzyme-catalyzed reactions since the beginning of the 1930s in an attempt to understand metabolic pathways. Currently, thermodynamics is also applied to the design and analysis of biotechnological processes. The key thermodynamic quantity is the Gibbs energy of reaction, which must be negative for a reaction to occur spontaneously. However, the application of thermodynamic feasibility studies sometimes yields positive Gibbs energies of reaction even for reactions that are known to occur spontaneously, such as glycolysis. This article reviews the application of thermodynamics in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. It summarizes the basic thermodynamic relationships used for describing the Gibbs energy of reaction and also refers to the nonuniform application of these relationships in the literature. The review summarizes state-of-the-art approaches that describe the influence of temperature, pH, electrolytes, solvents, and concentrations of reacting agents on the Gibbs energy of reaction and, therefore, on the feasibility and yield of biological reactions.
Jejunal administration of glucose enhances acyl ghrelin suppression in obese humans
Authors: Tamboli Robyn A. , Sidani Reem M. , Garcia Anna E. , Antoun Joseph , Isbell James M. , Albaugh Vance L. , Abumrad Naji N.
Published: June 2016

Ghrelin is a gastric hormone that stimulates hunger and worsens glucose metabolism. Circulating ghrelin is decreased after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery; however, the mechanism(s) underlying this change is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that jejunal nutrient exposure plays a significant role in ghrelin suppression after RYGB. Feeding tubes were placed in the stomach or jejunum in 13 obese subjects to simulate pre-RYGB or post-RYGB glucose exposure to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, respectively, without the confounding effects of caloric restriction, weight loss, and surgical stress. On separate study days, the plasma glucose curves obtained with either gastric or jejunal administration of glucose were replicated with intravenous (iv) infusions of glucose. These “isoglycemic clamps” enabled us to determine the contribution of the GI tract and postabsorptive plasma glucose to acyl ghrelin suppression. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were suppressed to a greater degree with jejunal glucose administration compared with gastric glucose administration ( P < 0.05). Jejunal administration of glucose also resulted in a greater suppression of acyl ghrelin than the corresponding isoglycemic glucose infusion ( P ≤ 0.01). However, gastric and isoglycemic iv glucose infusions resulted in similar degrees of acyl ghrelin suppression ( P > 0.05). Direct exposure of the proximal jejunum to glucose increases acyl ghrelin suppression independent of circulating glucose levels. The enhanced suppression of acyl ghrelin after RYGB may be due to a nutrient-initiated signal in the jejunum that regulates ghrelin secretion.
Differential glucose metabolism in mice and humans affected by McArdle disease
Authors: Krag Thomas O. , Pinós Tomàs , Nielsen Tue L. , Duran Jordi , García-Rocha Mar , Andreu Antoni L. , Vissing John
Published: June 2016

McArdle disease (muscle glycogenosis type V) is a disease caused by myophosphorylase deficiency leading to “blocked” glycogen breakdown. A significant but varying glycogen accumulation in especially distal hind limb muscles of mice affected by McArdle disease has recently been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated how myophosphorylase deficiency affects glucose metabolism in hind limb muscle of 20-wk-old McArdle mice and vastus lateralis muscles from patients with McArdle disease. Western blot analysis and activity assay demonstrated that glycogen synthase was inhibited in glycolytic muscle from McArdle mice. The level and activation of proteins involved in contraction-induced glucose transport (AMPK, GLUT4) and glycogen synthase inhibition were increased in quadriceps muscle of McArdle mice. In addition, pCaMKII in quadriceps was reduced, suggesting lower insulin-induced glucose uptake, which could lead to lower glycogen accumulation. In comparison, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and soleus had massive glycogen accumulation, but few, if any, changes or adaptations in glucose metabolism compared with wild-type mice. The findings suggest plasticity in glycogen metabolism in the McArdle mouse that is related to myosin heavy chain type IIB content in muscles. In patients, the level of GLUT4 was vastly increased, as were hexokinase II and phosphofructokinase, and glycogen synthase was more inhibited, suggesting that patients adapt by increasing capture of glucose for direct metabolism, thereby significantly reducing glycogen buildup compared with the mouse model. Hence, the McArdle mouse may be a useful tool for further comparative studies of disease mechanism caused by myophosphorylase deficiency and basic studies of metabolic adaptation in muscle.
Gene set enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell line
Authors: Khan Mohammed I. , Dębski Konrad J. , Dabrowski Michał , Czarnecka Anna M. , Szczylik Cezary
Published: June 2016

In recent years, genome-wide RNA expression analysis has become a routine tool that offers a great opportunity to study and understand the key role of genes that contribute to carcinogenesis. Various microarray platforms and statistical approaches can be used to identify genes that might serve as prognostic biomarkers and be developed as antitumor therapies in the future. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is a serious, life-threatening disease, and there are few treatment options for patients. In this study, we performed one-color microarray gene expression (4×44K) analysis of the mRCC cell line Caki-1 and the healthy kidney cell line ASE-5063. A total of 1,921 genes were differentially expressed in the Caki-1 cell line (1,023 upregulated and 898 downregulated). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) approaches were used to analyze the differential-expression data. The objective of this research was to identify complex biological changes that occur during metastatic development using Caki-1 as a model mRCC cell line. Our data suggest that there are multiple deregulated pathways associated with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC), including integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling, leukocyte extravasation signaling, IGF-I signaling, CXCR4 signaling, and phosphoinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. The IPA upstream analysis predicted top transcriptional regulators that are either activated or inhibited, such as estrogen receptors, TP53, KDM5B, SPDEF, and CDKN1A. The GSEA approach was used to further confirm enriched pathway data following IPA.
Epidermal Cells Expressing Putative Cell Markers in Nonglabrous Skin Existing in Direct Proximity with the Distal End of the Arrector Pili Muscle
Authors: Torkamani N. , Rufaut N. W. , Jones L. , Sinclair R.
Published: June 2016

Inconsistent with the view that epidermal stem cells reside randomly spread along the basal layer of the epidermal rete ridges, we found that epidermal cells expressing stem cell markers in nonglabrous skin exist in direct connection with the distal end of the arrector pili muscle. The epidermal cells that express stem cell markers consist of a subpopulation of basal keratinocytes located in a niche at the lowermost portion of the rete ridges at the distal arrector pili muscle attachment site. Keratinocytes in the epidermal stem cell niche express K15, MCSP, and α6 integrin. α5 integrin marks the distal end of the APM colocalized with basal keratinocytes expressing stem cell markers located in a well‐protected and nourished environment at the lowermost point of the epidermis; these cells are hypothesized to participate directly in epidermal renewal and homeostasis and also indirectly in wound healing through communication with the hair follicle bulge epithelial stem cell population through the APM. Our findings, plus a reevaluation of the literature, support the hierarchical model of interfollicular epidermal stem cell units of Fitzpatrick. This new view provides insights into epidermal control and the possible involvement of epidermal stem cells in nonmelanoma skin carcinogenesis.
Metaheuristic Algorithms for Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Rere L. M. Rasdi , Fanany Mohamad Ivan , Arymurthy Aniati Murni
Published: June 2016

A typical modern optimization technique is usually either heuristic or metaheuristic. This technique has managed to solve some optimization problems in the research area of science, engineering, and industry. However, implementation strategy of metaheuristic for accuracy improvement on convolution neural networks (CNN), a famous deep learning method, is still rarely investigated. Deep learning relates to a type of machine learning technique, where its aim is to move closer to the goal of artificial intelligence of creating a machine that could successfully perform any intellectual tasks that can be carried out by a human. In this paper, we propose the implementation strategy of three popular metaheuristic approaches, that is, simulated annealing, differential evolution, and harmony search, to optimize CNN. The performances of these metaheuristic methods in optimizing CNN on classifying MNIST and CIFAR dataset were evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the proposed methods are also compared with the original CNN. Although the proposed methods show an increase in the computation time, their accuracy has also been improved (up to 7.14 percent).
Biosensor for Hepatocellular Injury Corresponds to Experimental Scoring of Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis in Mice
Authors: Sombetzki Martina , Koslowski Nicole , Doss Sandra , Loebermann Micha , Trauner Michael , Reisinger Emil C. , Sauer Martin
Published: June 2016

Severe hepatosplenic injury of mansonian schistosomiasis is caused by Th2 mediated granulomatous response against parasite eggs entrapped within the periportal tissue. Subsequent fibrotic scarring and deformation/sclerosing of intrahepatic portal veins lead to portal hypertension, ascites, and oesophageal varices. The murine model ofSchistosoma mansoni(S. mansoni) infection is suitable to establish the severe hepatosplenic injury of disease within a reasonable time scale for the development of novel antifibrotic or anti-infective strategies againstS. mansoniinfection. The drawback of the murine model is that the material prepared for complex analysis of egg burden, granuloma size, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis is limited due to small amounts of liver tissue and blood samples. The objective of our study was the implementation of a macroscopic scoring system for mice livers to determine infection-related organ alterations ofS. mansoniinfection. In addition, anin vitrobiosensor system based on the detection of hepatocellular injury in HepG2/C3A cells following incubation with serum of moderately (50S. mansonicercariae) and heavily (100S. mansonicercariae) infected mice affirmed the value of our scoring system. Therefore, our score represents a valuable tool in experimental schistosomiasis to assess severity of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and reduce animal numbers by saving precious tissue samples.
Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Dental Extraction
Authors: Arruda José Alcides , Figueiredo Eugênia , Álvares Pâmella , Silva Luciano , Silva Leorik , Caubi Antônio , Silveira Marcia , Sobral Ana Paula
Published: June 2016

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is an unusual infection characterized by necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascial layers. Risk factors for the development of necrotizing fasciitis include diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition, advanced age, obesity, alcohol abuse, intravenous drug use, surgery, and ischemic ulcers. This report presents a case of necrotizing fasciitis in the cervical area caused by dental extraction in a 73-year-old woman. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis in geriatric patient is rare, and even when establishing the diagnosis and having it timely treated, the patient can suffer irreversible damage or even death. Clinical manifestations in the head and neck usually have an acute onset characterized by severe pain, swelling, redness, erythema, presence of necrotic tissue, and in severe cases obstruction of the upper airways. Therefore, the presentation of this clinical case can serve as guidance to dentists as a precaution to maintain an aseptic chain and be aware of the clinical condition of older patients and the systemic conditions that may increase the risk of infections.
Identifying Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax from Administrative Databases: A Validation Study
Authors: Frechette Eric , Guidolin Keegan , Seyam Ayman , Choi Yun-Hee , Jones Sarah , McClure J. Andrew , Winick-Ng Jennifer , Welk Blayne , Malthaner Richard A.
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a disorder commonly encountered in healthy young individuals. There is no differentiation between PSP and secondary pneumothorax (SP) in the current version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). This complicates the conduct of epidemiological studies on the subject.Objective. To validate the accuracy of an algorithm that identifies cases of PSP from administrative databases.Methods. The charts of 150 patients who consulted the emergency room (ER) with a recorded main diagnosis of pneumothorax were reviewed to define the type of pneumothorax that occurred. The corresponding hospital administrative data collected during previous hospitalizations and ER visits were processed through the proposed algorithm. The results were compared over two different age groups.Results. There were 144 cases of pneumothorax correctly coded (96%). The results obtained from the PSP algorithm demonstrated a significantly higher sensitivity (97% versus 81%,p=0.038) and positive predictive value (87% versus 46%,p<0.001) in patients under 40 years of age than in older patients.Conclusions. The proposed algorithm is adequate to identify cases of PSP from administrative databases in the age group classically associated with the disease. This makes possible its utilization in large population-based studies.
Molecular and Cellular Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Human Lung Cancer Cells: Potential Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Vilema-Enríquez Gabriela , Arroyo Aurora , Grijalva Marcelo , Amador-Zafra Ricardo Israel , Camacho Javier
Published: June 2016

Lung cancer has a very high mortality‐to‐incidence ratio, representing one of the main causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Therefore, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Several diseases including lung cancer have been associated with the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the most studied. Despite the fact that H2O2 may have opposite effects on cell proliferation depending on the concentration and cell type, it triggers several antiproliferative responses. H2O2 produces both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA lesions, increases the expression of cell adhesion molecules, and increases p53 activity and other transcription factors orchestrating cancer cell death. In addition, H2O2 facilitates the endocytosis of oligonucleotides, affects membrane proteins, induces calcium release, and decreases cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, the MAPK pathway and the expression of genes related to inflammation including interleukins, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB are also affected by H2O2. Herein, we will summarize the main effects of hydrogen peroxide on human lung cancer leading to suggesting it as a potential therapeutic tool to fight this disease. Because of the multimechanistic nature of this molecule, novel therapeutic approaches for lung cancer based on the use of H2O2 may help to decrease the mortality from this malignancy.
The Role of Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance in the Development and Progression of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Grinnan Daniel , Farr Grant , Fox Adam , Sweeney Lori
Published: June 2016

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disorder which often leads to right ventricular failure and death. While the existing classification system for pulmonary hypertension does not account for the impact of diabetes mellitus, evidence is emerging that suggests that diabetes is associated with pulmonary hypertension and that diabetes modifies the course of pulmonary hypertension. There is also growing radiographic, hemodynamic, biochemical, and pathologic data supporting an association between diabetes and pulmonary hypertension. More robust epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm an association between diabetes and pulmonary hypertension and to show that diabetes is a disease modifier in pulmonary hypertension. In addition, evaluating the effects of glucose control in animals with pulmonary hypertension and diabetes (as well as in humans) is warranted.
The Effect of de-Sitter Like Background on Increasing the Zero Point Budget of Dark Energy
Authors: Sheikhahmadi Haidar , Aghamohammadi Ali , Saaidi Khaled
Published: June 2016

During this work, using subtraction renormalization mechanism, zero point quantum fluctuations for bosonic scalar fields in a de-Sitter like background are investigated. By virtue of the observed value for spectral index,ns(k), for massive scalar field the best value for the first slow roll parameter,ϵ, is achieved. In addition, the energy density of vacuum quantum fluctuations for massless scalar field is obtained. The effects of these fluctuations on other components of the universe are studied. By solving the conservation equation, for some different examples, the energy density for different components of the universe is obtained. In the case which all components of the universe are in an interaction, the different dissipation functions,Q~i, are considered. The time evolution ofρDE(z)/ρcri(z)shows thatQ~=3γH(t)ρmhas the best agreement in comparison to observational data including CMB, BAO, and SNeIa data set.
Fluid Queue Driven by anM/M/1Queue Subject to Bernoulli-Schedule-Controlled Vacation and Vacation Interruption
Authors: Vijayashree Kolinjivadi Viswanathan , Anjuka Atlimuthu
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with the stationary analysis of a fluid queue driven by anM/M/1queueing model subject to Bernoulli-Schedule-Controlled Vacation and Vacation Interruption. The model under consideration can be viewed as a quasi-birth and death process. The governing system of differential difference equations is solved using matrix-geometric method in the Laplacian domain. The resulting solutions are then inverted to obtain an explicit expression for the joint steady state probabilities of the content of the buffer and the state of the background queueing model. Numerical illustrations are added to depict the convergence of the stationary buffer content distribution to one subject to suitable stability conditions.
Preparation and Evaluation of Solid-Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System Containing Paclitaxel for Lymphatic Delivery
Authors: Cho Hea-Young , Kang Jun-Hyuk , Ngo Lien , Tran Phuong , Lee Yong-Bok
Published: June 2016

Solid-self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) of paclitaxel (Ptx) was developed by the spray drying method with the purpose of improving the low bioavailability (BA) of Ptx. 10% oil (ethyl oleate), 80% surfactant mixture (Tween 80 : Carbitol, 90 : 10, w/w), and 10% cosolvent (PEG 400) were chosen according to their solubilizing capacity. The mean droplet size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared S-SEDDS were 16.9 ± 1.53 nm, 12.5 ± 1.66 mV, and 56.2 ± 8.1%, respectively. In the S-SEDDS, Ptx presents in the form of molecular dispersion in the emulsions or is distributed in an amorphous state or crystalline with very small size. The prepared S-SEDDS formulation showed 70 and 75% dissolution in 60 and 30 min in dissolution medium pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively. Significant increase (P≤0.05) in the peak concentration (Cmax), the area under the curve (AUC0–∞), and the lymphatic targeting efficiency of Ptx was observed after the oral administration of the Ptx-loaded S-SEDDS to rats (20 mg/kg as Ptx). Our research suggests the prepared Ptx-loaded S-SEDDS can be a good candidate for the enhancement of BA and targeting drug delivery to the lymphatic system of Ptx.
Role of Autophagy and Apoptosis in the Postinfluenza Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Qin Zhen , Yang Yuan , Wang Hongren , Luo Jun , Huang Xiaojun , You Jiangzhou , Wang Baoning , Li Mingyuan
Published: June 2016

The risk of influenza A virus (IAV) is more likely caused by secondary bacterial infections. During the past decades, a great amount of studies have been conducted on increased morbidity from secondary bacterial infections following influenza and provide an increasing number of explanations for the mechanisms underlying the infections. In this paper, we first review the recent research progress that IAV infection increased susceptibility to bacterial infection. We then propose an assumption that autophagy and apoptosis manipulation are beneficial to antagonize post-IAV bacterial infection and discuss the clinical significance.
Localised Tuneable Composition Single Crystal Silicon-Germanium-on-Insulator for Low Cost Devices
Authors: Littlejohns Callum G. , Dominguez Bucio Thalia , Nedeljkovic Milos , Wang Hong , Mashanovich Goran Z. , Reed Graham T. , Gardes Frederic Y.
Published: June 2016

The realisation of high quality silicon-germanium-on-insulator (SGOI) is a major goal for the field of silicon photonics because it has the potential to enable extremely low power active devices functioning at the communication wavelengths of 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm. In addition, SGOI has the potential to form faster electronic devices such as BiCMOS transistors and could also form the backbone of a new silicon photonics platform that extends into the mid-IR wavelengths for applications in, amongst others, sensing and telecoms. In this paper, we present a novel method of forming single crystal, defect-free SGOI using a rapid melt growth technique. We use tailored structures to form localised uniform composition SGOI strips, which are suitable for the state-of-the-art device fabrication. This technique could pave the way for the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices using only a single, low cost Ge deposition step.
Hospital Mortality in the United States following Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Brown Jeremiah R. , Rezaee Michael E. , Marshall Emily J. , Matheny Michael E.
Published: June 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common reason for hospital admission and complication of many inpatient procedures. The temporal incidence of AKI and the association of AKI admissions with in-hospital mortality are a growing problem in the world today. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of AKI and its association with in-hospital mortality in the United States. AKI has been growing at a rate of 14% per year since 2001. However, the in-hospital mortality associated with AKI has been on the decline starting with 21.9% in 2001 to 9.1 in 2011, even though the number of AKI-related in-hospital deaths increased almost twofold from 147,943 to 285,768 deaths. We discuss the importance of the 71% reduction in AKI-related mortality among hospitalized patients in the United States and draw on the discussion of whether or not this is a phenomenon of hospital billing (coding) or improvements to the management of AKI.
Safety Irradiation Parameters of Nd:YAP Laser Beam for Endodontic Treatments: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Namour A. , Geerts S. , Zeinoun T. , De Moor R. , Nammour S.
Published: June 2016

Objective. Nd:YAP laser has several potentialities of clinical applications in endodontics. The aim of our study is to determine the safety range of irradiation parameters during endodontic application of Nd:YAP laser that can be used without damaging and overheating the periodontal tissue.Material and Methods. Twenty-seven caries-free single-rooted extracted human teeth were used. Crowns were sectioned to obtain 11 mm root canal length. Temperature increases at root surfaces were measured by a thermocouple during Nd:YAP laser irradiation of root canals at different energy densities. Canal irradiation was accomplished with a circular and retrograde movement from the apex until the cervical part of the canal during 10 seconds with an axial speed of 1 mm/s. Each irradiation was done in a canal irrigated continuously with 2.25% NaOCl solution.Results. Periodontal temperature increase depends on the value of energy density. Means and standard deviations of temperature increases at root surfaces were below 10°C (safe threshold level) when the average energy densities delivered per second were equal to or below 4981 J/cm2and 9554 J/cm2, respectively, for irradiations using a fiber diameter of 320 μm and 200 μm.Conclusions. Within the limitations of this study and under specific irradiation conditions, Nd:YAP laser beam may be considered harmless for periodontal tissues during endodontic applications.
The Association betweenC9orf72Repeats and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shu Li , Sun Qiying , Zhang Yuan , Xu Qian , Guo Jifeng , Yan Xinxiang , Tang Beisha
Published: June 2016

C9orf72is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in Caucasian populations. However, the relationship betweenC9orf72repeats and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was not clear. Additionally, there were few articles assessingC9orf72in other ethnicities with ALS. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the relationship betweenC9orf72repeat expansions (≥30 repeats) and intermediate repeat copies (20–29 repeats) and AD or ALS. The results suggested positive correlations betweenC9orf72repeat expansions and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 6.36, 95% CI = 3.13–12.92, andp<0.00001), while intermediate repeat copies ofC9orf72gene were not associated with the risk of the disease.C9orf72repeat expansions were positively correlated with the risk of familial and sporadic ALS (OR = 293.25, 95% CI = 148.17–580.38, andp<0.00001; OR = 35.57, 95% CI = 19.61–64.51, andp<0.00001). There was a positive correlation between the gene variations and ALS risk among Caucasians and Asians (OR = 57.56, 95% CI = 36.73–90.22, andp<0.00001; OR = 6.35, 95% CI = 1.39–29.02, andp=0.02).