bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptor 3/TRIF-Dependent IL-12p70 Secretion Mediated by Streptococcus pneumoniae RNA and Its Priming by Influenza A Virus Coinfection in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Spelmink Laura , Sender Vicky , Hentrich Karina , Kuri Thomas , Plant Laura , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: March 2016

A functional immune response is crucial to prevent and limit infections with
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in orchestrating the adaptive and innate immune responses by communicating with other cell types via antigen presentation and secretion of cytokines. In this study, we set out to understand how pneumococci activate human monocyte-derived DCs to produce interleukin-12 (IL-12) p70, an important cytokine during pneumococcal infections. We show that IL-12p70 production requires uptake of bacteria as well as the presence of the adaptor molecule TRIF, which is known to transfer signals of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) or TLR4 from the endosome into the cell. While TLR4 is redundant for IL-12p70 production in DCs, we found that TLR3 is required to induce full IL-12p70 secretion. Influenza A virus (IAV) infection of DCs did not induce IL-12p70 but markedly upregulated TLR3 expression that during coinfection with
S. pneumoniae
significantly enhanced IL-12p70 secretion. Finally, we show that pneumococcal RNA can act as a bacterial stimulus for TLR3 and that it is a key signal to induce IL-12p70 production during challenge of DCs with pneumococci.

IMPORTANCE
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, a common colonizer of the nose, is the causative agent of severe and deadly diseases. A well-orchestrated immune response is vital to prevent and limit these diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) reside in the mucosal linings of the lungs and sample antigens. They are activated by pathogens to present antigens and secrete cytokines. While many studies focus on murine models, we focused our work on human monocyte-derived DCs. We found that pneumococcal RNA is an important stimulus in DCs to activate the endosomal receptor TLR3, a receptor previously not identified to sense pneumococci, and its adaptor molecule TRIF. This leads to secretion of the cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12). Severe pneumococcal pneumonia occurs closely after influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We show that IAV infection upregulates TLR3 in DCs, which sensitizes the cells to endosomal pneumococcal RNA. This new insight contributes to unlock the interplay between pneumococci, IAV, and humans.
Staphylococcus aureus Clumping Factor A Remains a Viable Vaccine Target for Prevention of S. aureus Infection
Authors: Anderson Annaliesa S. , Scully Ingrid L. , Buurman Ed T. , Eiden Joseph , Jansen Kathrin U.
Published: March 2016

In a recent article, X. Li et al. [mBio 7(1):e02232-15, 2016,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02232-15
] investigate the utility of a vaccine composed of the
Staphylococcus aureus
protein clumping factor A (ClfA) in protecting mice from
S. aureus
infection. ClfA, one of the first proteins to be identified as a potential vaccine antigen for
S. aureus
prophylaxis, is currently a component of several investigational vaccines. The authors conclude that ClfA may not be effective for
S. aureus
prophylaxis. In contrast, previously published papers reporting positive data suggested that ClfA was potentially an important vaccine target to prevent invasive
S. aureus
disease. This commentary addresses the observed differences between the findings of Li et al. and those from other publications, highlighting the importance for preclinical vaccine antigen assessments to reflect the biological role of said antigen in virulence and, consequently, the importance of choosing appropriate preclinical disease models to test such antigens.
Rare case of accidental fire and burns caused by e-cigarette batteries
Authors: Walsh K , Sheikh Z , Johal K , Khwaja N
Published: March 2016

E-cigarettes have become very popular among adult smokers, and many users carry e-cigarette devices and their components on their person. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who was admitted to our regional burns unit after his clothing was set-alight following the self-combustion of an e-cigarette lithium battery that was in his pocket. The patient had sustained a 1.5% mixed depth burn to the lateral aspect of his right thigh. Ward debridement under local anaesthetic was performed to remove clothing residue and reduce the risk of tattooing. Following conservative management with outpatient dressings, the burn wound healed by day 56.
A discrepancy between plasma glycated albumin and HbA1c levels in a patient with steroid-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Iizuka Katsumi , Kato Takehiro , Mizuno Masami , Takeda Jun
Published: March 2016

A 57-year-old man was admitted for the treatment of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). He also had interstitial pneumonia and, to treat it, 20 mg prednisolone had been started in April 2014. Although glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.8% (62 mmol/mol), his glycated albumin (GA) level was normal (13.9%) and the ratio of GA to HbA1c (GA:HbA1c) was lower than that of normal participants and patients with type 2 DM. Plasma GA and GA:HbA1c levels became persistently lower. In September 2015, HbA1c levels measured by HPLC and immunoprecipitation methods were almost the same (6.8% (51 mmol/mol) and 6.7% (50 mmol/mol), respectively), but GA (10.2%) and GA:HbA1c (1.6) were much lower. We report the case of a patient with DM where steroid administration may have caused a decrease in plasma GA and GA:HbA1c levels via increased albumin turnover.
Prospective observational cohort study of patients with weaning failure admitted to a specialist weaning, rehabilitation and home mechanical ventilation centre
Authors: Mifsud Bonnici Denise , Sanctuary Thomas , Warren Alex , Murphy Patrick B , Steier Joerg , Marino Philip , Pattani Hina , Creagh-Brown Ben C , Hart Nicholas
Published: March 2016

Objectives

According to National Health Service England (NHSE) specialist respiratory commissioning specification for complex home ventilation, patients with weaning failure should be referred to a specialist centre. However, there are limited data reporting the clinical outcomes from such centres.

Setting

Prospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to a UK specialist weaning, rehabilitation and home mechanical ventilation centre between February 2005 and July 2013.

Participants

262 patients admitted with a median age of 64.2 years (IQR 52.6–73.2 years). 59.9% were male.

Results

39.7% of patients had neuromuscular and/or chest wall disease, 21% were postsurgical, 19.5% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 5.3% had obesity-related respiratory failure and 14.5% had other diagnoses. 64.1% of patients were successfully weaned, with 38.2% weaned fully from ventilation, 24% weaned to nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (NIV), 1.9% weaned to nocturnal NIV with intermittent NIV during the daytime. 21.4% of patients were discharged on long-term tracheostomy ventilation. The obesity-related respiratory failure group were most likely to wean (relative risk (RR) for weaning success=1.48, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.77; p<0.001), but otherwise weaning success rates did not significantly vary by diagnostic group. The median time-to-wean was 19 days (IQR 9–33) and the median duration of stay was 31 days (IQR 16–50), with no difference observed between the groups. Weaning centre mortality was 14.5%, highest in the COPD group (RR=2.15, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.91, p=0.012) and lowest in the neuromuscular and/or chest wall disease group (RR=0.34, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.75, p=0.007). Of all patients discharged alive, survival was 71.7% at 6 months and 61.8% at 12 months postdischarge.

Conclusions

Following NHSE guidance, patients with weaning delay and failure should be considered for transfer to a specialist centre where available, which can demonstrate favourable short-term and long-term clinical outcomes.
Does the new rugby union scrum sequence positively influence the hooker's in situ spinal kinematics?
Authors: Swaminathan Ramesh , Williams Jonathan M , Jones Michael D , Theobald Peter S
Published: March 2016

Background

Scrummaging is unique to rugby union and involves 2 ‘packs’ of 8 players competing to regain ball possession. Intending to serve as a quick and safe method to restart the game, injury prevalence during scrummaging necessitates further evaluation of this environment.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of scrummage engagement sequences on spinal kinematics of the hooker. The conditions investigated were: (1) live competitive scrummaging using the new ‘crouch, bind, set’ sequence; (2) live competitive scrummaging using the old ‘crouch touch pause engage’ sequence and (3) training scrummaging using a scrum machine.

Methods

Inertial sensors provided three-dimensional kinematic data across 5 spinal regions. Participants (n=29) were adult, male community club and university-level hookers.

Results

Engagement sequence had no effect on resultant kinematics of any spinal region. Machine scrummaging resulted in lesser magnitudes of motion in the upper spinal regions. Around two-thirds of the total available cervical motion was utilised during live scrummaging.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the most recent laws do not influence the spinal kinematics of the hooker during live scrummaging; however, there may be other benefits from these law changes that fall outside the scope of this investigation.
The influence of family violence and child marriage on unmet need for family planning in Jordan
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Spencer Rachael A , Khalaf Inaam A , Gilbert Louisa , El-Bassel Nabila , Silverman Jay G , Raj Anita
Published: March 2016

Background

Risk for unmet need for contraception is associated with men's perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and may be influenced by violence perpetrated by other family members (family violence, FV). Women who married as minors may be most vulnerable to the potential compounding effect of IPV and FV on unmet need.

Aim

Using nationally representative data from the 2012 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey we examined unmet need by exposure to IPV and FV by women's age at marriage (<18, 18+ years).

Design

Logistic regression was used to test whether IPV and FV were independently associated with unmet need, by age at marriage. Interaction terms (IPV×FV) were tested in both models. Stratification by FV was employed to clarify the interpretation of significant interactions.

Results

IPV increased the odds of unmet need by 87% [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.87; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13–3.10] and 76% (AOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.30–2.38) among women who married prior to and after the age of 18 years, respectively. Women married as minors who experienced IPV and FV had a four-fold higher likelihood of having an unmet need (AOR 6.75; 95% CI 1.95–23.29) compared to those experiencing only IPV (AOR 1.49; 95% CI 0.84–2.38). No interaction between IPV and FV was detected for women married at or above majority.

Conclusions

Laws that prohibit child marriage should be strengthened and health sector screening for violence experience could help identify women at risk of unmet need and improve women's reproductive agency.
Isotopic evidence for a lithospheric origin of alkaline rocks and carbonatites: an example from southern Africa
Authors: Ashwal Lewis D. , Patzelt Madelein , Schmitz Mark D. , Burke Kevin
Published: March 2016

Alkaline rocks and carbonatites, including nepheline syenites, are well established as mantle-derived magmatic products, but the nature and location of their mantle sources is debated. Some workers have used isotopic compositions to infer mixed mantle plume type sources such as EM1, HIMU, and FOZO, implying derivation from the subcontinental asthenosphere. Other models favour an entirely lithospheric source, whereby the magmas, originally formed during intracontinental rifting, became deformed and subducted into the mantle lithosphere during later continental collisions, and constituted part of a source component for later rift-related alkaline and carbonatite magmatism. We tested this model using Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic compositions of deformed and undeformed nepheline syenites and carbonatites from three occurrences in southern Africa, representing emplacement over a ∼1 Ga time span. These include Bull’s Run, South Africa (1134 Ma); Tambani, Malawi (726 Ma); and the Chilwa Alkaline Province, Malawi (130 Ma). Mixing modelling indicates that the isotopic compositions of the early Cretaceous Chilwa samples can be accounted for if their source consisted of a blend of ∼99% depleted subcontinental mantle lithosphere and ∼0.5%–1% of a subducted component similar to the Neoproterozoic Bull’s Run nepheline syenites. We do not consider the Bull’s Run material specifically as the component involved in the Chilwa source, but our model illustrates an example of how recycled, older, alkaline magmatic rocks can contribute to the mantle sources of younger alkaline rock and carbonatite magmatism. This model accounts for the observation of recurrent alkaline rock and carbonatite magmatism over hundreds of millions of years in spatially restricted areas like southern Africa. Carbonatite and related alkaline magmatic rocks, therefore, need not owe their origin to deep, sublithospheric melting processes.
Hepatoprotective effect oftrans-Chalcone on experimentally induced hepatic injury in rats: inhibition of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Singh Harsimran , Sidhu Shabir , Chopra Kanwaljit , Khan M.U.
Published: March 2016

The current study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of trans-Chalcone in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol (PCM) induced liver damage in rats. Administration of CCl4and PCM (1 mL/kg, i.p., 3 days, and 2 g/kg, p.o., single dose, respectively) produced hepatic injury. Ponderal changes (percent change in body mass and relative liver mass) and biochemical parameters (serum ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) were estimated. The markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress (TBARS, reduced GSH, nitrite and nitrate), hepatic fibrosis (TGF-β1, collagen content), hepatic inflammation (TNF-α), and histopathological study were evaluated. trans-Chalcone (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to be beneficial as demonstrated by significant reversal of liver histology by perceptible reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration with regenerative changes in hepatocytes. Improvement in percent change in body mass and significant reduction in relative liver mass were observed. Marked reduction in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin were noted. Decreases in TBARS and nitrites and nitrates and increases in reduced GSH levels were noted. Hepatic fibrosis and inflammation were significantly decreased. The findings indicate a novel hepatoprotective role for trans-Chalcone by improving hepatic injury by possible actions such as anti-oxidant, anti-nitrosative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory. Hence, it can be used as promising hepatoprotective agent.
Unique tracial state on the labeled graph C∗-algebra associated to the Thue–Morse sequence
Authors: Kim Sun Ho
Published: March 2016

We give a concrete formula for the unique faithful trace on the finite simple non-AF labeled graph [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] associated to the Thue–Morse sequence [Formula: see text]. Our result provides an alternative proof of the existence of a labeled graph [Formula: see text]-algebra that is not Morita equivalent to any graph [Formula: see text]-algebras. Furthermore, we compute the [Formula: see text]-groups of [Formula: see text] using the path structure of the Thue–Morse sequence.
Complete classification of biconservative hypersurfaces with diagonalizable shape operator in the Minkowski 4-space
Authors: Fu Yu , Turgay Nurettin Cenk
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study biconservative hypersurfaces in the four-dimensional Minkowski space [Formula: see text]. We give the complete explicit classification of biconservative hypersurfaces with diagonalizable shape operator in [Formula: see text].
Prediction of missing links and reconstruction of complex networks
Authors: Zhang Cheng-Jun , Zeng An
Published: March 2016

Predicting missing links in complex networks is of great significance from both theoretical and practical point of view, which not only helps us understand the evolution of real systems but also relates to many applications in social, biological and online systems. In this paper, we study the features of different simple link prediction methods, revealing that they may lead to the distortion of networks’ structural and dynamical properties. Moreover, we find that high prediction accuracy is not definitely corresponding to a high performance in preserving the network properties when using link prediction methods to reconstruct networks. Our work highlights the importance of considering the feedback effect of the link prediction methods on network properties when designing the algorithms.
A multi-objective discrete cuckoo search algorithm with local search for community detection in complex networks
Authors: Zhou Xu , Liu Yanheng , Li Bin
Published: March 2016

Detecting community is a challenging task in analyzing networks. Solving community detection problem by evolutionary algorithm is a heated topic in recent years. In this paper, a multi-objective discrete cuckoo search algorithm with local search (MDCL) for community detection is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, it is first time to apply cuckoo search algorithm for community detection. Two objective functions termed as negative ratio association and ratio cut are to be minimized. These two functions can break through the modularity limitation. In the proposed algorithm, the nest location updating strategy and abandon operator of cuckoo are redefined in discrete form. A local search strategy and a clone operator are proposed to obtain the optimal initial population. The experimental results on synthetic and real-world networks show that the proposed algorithm has better performance than other algorithms and can discover the higher quality community structure without prior information.
A Novel Architecture of Pseudorandom Dithered MASH Digital Delta-Sigma Modulator with Lower Spur
Authors: Noori Seyed Ali Sadat , Frashidi Ebrahim , Sadughi Sirus
Published: March 2016

A Digital Delta Sigma Modulator (DDSM) is a Finite State Machine (FSM); it is implemented using finite precision arithmetic units and the number of available states is finite. The DDSM always produces a periodic output signal when the input is constant. This paper proposes a novel method of applying periodic dither to a DDSM in order to obtain minimized spurious tones. The effects of adding the pseudorandom dither signal in different stages within the proposed Multi-Stage noise Shaping (MASH) modulator are expressed in the equations, and the results are compared. We present results regarding the periodicity of the quantization noise produced by a MASH modulator with a constant input and a pseudorandom dither signal. The performance is confirmed mathematically, and by simulation.
On the Distribution of Limit Cycles in a Liénard System with a Nilpotent Center and a Nilpotent Saddle
Authors: Asheghi R. , Bakhshalizadeh A.
Published: March 2016

In this work, we study the Abelian integral [Formula: see text] corresponding to the following Liénard system, [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are real bounded parameters. By using the expansion of [Formula: see text] and a new algebraic criterion developed in [Grau et al., 2011], it will be shown that the sharp upper bound of the maximal number of isolated zeros of [Formula: see text] is 4. Hence, the above system can have at most four limit cycles bifurcating from the corresponding period annulus. Moreover, the configuration (distribution) of the limit cycles is also determined. The results obtained are new for this kind of Liénard system.
Bifurcations of Traveling Wave Solutions of a Nonlinear Wave Model Created by Diffraction in Periodic Media
Authors: Li Jibin , Chen Fengjuan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we consider a model created by diffraction in periodic media. The study of the traveling wave solutions for this model derives a planar dynamical system with a singular straight line. On the basis of the investigation of the dynamical behavior and bifurcations of solutions of the planar dynamical systems, we obtain all possible explicit exact parametric representations of solutions (including solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions, periodic peakon solutions, compactons, etc.) under different parameter conditions.
Bifurcation of Codimension 3 in a Predator–Prey System of Leslie Type with Simplified Holling Type IV Functional Response
Authors: Huang Jicai , Xia Xiaojing , Zhang Xinan , Ruan Shigui
Published: March 2016

It was shown in [Li & Xiao, 2007] that in a predator–prey model of Leslie type with simplified Holling type IV functional response some complex bifurcations can occur simultaneously for some values of parameters, such as codimension 1 subcritical Hopf bifurcation and codimension 2 Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. In this paper, we show that for the same model there exists a unique degenerate positive equilibrium which is a degenerate Bogdanov–Takens singularity (focus case) of codimension 3 for other values of parameters. We prove that the model exhibits degenerate focus type Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation of codimension 3 around the unique degenerate positive equilibrium. Numerical simulations, including the coexistence of three hyperbolic positive equilibria, two limit cycles, bistability states (one stable equilibrium and one stable limit cycle, or two stable equilibria), tristability states (two stable equilibria and one stable limit cycle), a stable limit cycle enclosing a homoclinic loop, a homoclinic loop enclosing an unstable limit cycle, or a stable limit cycle enclosing three unstable hyperbolic positive equilibria for various parameter values, confirm the theoretical results.
Additive Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aggregation Operators Based on Fuzzy Measure
Authors: Xu Zeshui
Published: March 2016

Intuitionistic fuzzy sets can describe the uncertainty and complexity of the world flexibly, so it has been widely used in multi-attribute decision making. Traditional intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators are usually based on the probability measure, namely, they consider that the attributes of objects are independent. But in actual situations, it is difficult to ensure the independence of attributes, so these operators are unsuitable in such situations. Fuzzy measure is able to depict the relationships among the attributes more comprehensively, so it can complement the traditional probability measure in dealing with the multi-attribute decision making problems. In this paper, we first analyze the existing intuitionistic fuzzy operators based on fuzzy measure, then introduce two novel additive intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators based on the Shapley value and the Choquet integral, respectively, and show their advantages over other ones.
Scaled Prioritized Geometric Aggregation Operators and Their Applications to Decision Making
Authors: He Yingdong , He Zhen , Zhou Panpan , Deng Yujia
Published: March 2016

This paper uses the priority labels to express the detailed prioritized relationship between criteria and develops some scaled prioritized geometric aggregation operators, including the scaled prioritized geometric score (SPGS) operator and the scaled prioritized geometric averaging (SPGA) operator. We also present the uncertain scaled prioritized geometric scoring (USPGS) operator and the uncertain scaled prioritized geometric averaging (USPGA) operator. We investigate the properties of these operators and build the models to derive the weights by maximizing square deviations from a possible range to distinguish the candidate alternatives. The principal advantage of these scaled prioritized geometric aggregation operators is that they are very stable and satisfy monotonicity. Furthermore, we investigate approaches to multi-attribute decision making based on the proposed operators or models and examples are illustrated to show the feasibility and validity of the new approaches. Finally, some further discussions are given.
Using Binary Trees for the Evaluation of Influence Diagrams
Authors: Cabañas Rafael , Gómez-Olmedo Manuel , Cano Andrés
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes the use of binary trees for representing and managing the potentials involved in Influence Diagrams. This kind of tree allows representing context-specific independencies that are finer-grained compared to those encoded using other representations. This enhanced capability can be used to improve the efficiency of the inference algorithms used for Influence Diagrams. Moreover, binary trees allow computing approximate solutions when exact inference is not feasible. In this work we describe how binary trees can be used to perform this approximate evaluation and we compare them with other structures present in the literature.
Classical field theories from Hamiltonian constraint: Canonical equations of motion and local Hamilton–Jacobi theory
Authors: Zatloukal Václav
Published: March 2016

Classical field theory is considered as a theory of unparametrized surfaces embedded in a configuration space, which accommodates, in a symmetric way, spacetime positions and field values. Dynamics is defined by a (Hamiltonian) constraint between multivector-valued generalized momenta, and points in the configuration space. Starting from a variational principle, we derive local equations of motion, that is, differential equations that determine classical surfaces and momenta. A local Hamilton–Jacobi equation applicable in the field theory then follows readily. The general method is illustrated with three examples: non-relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics, De Donder–Weyl scalar field theory, and string theory.
Fabrication of Photovoltaic Devices Using ZnO Nanostructures and SnS Thin Films
Authors: Reddy N. Koteeswara , Devika M. , Gunasekhar K. R. , Gopal E. S. R.
Published: March 2016

The development of nontoxic and cost-effective solar cell devices is one of the challenging tasks even now. With this objective, solar cell devices using tin mono sulfide (SnS) thin films and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with a superstrate configuration of ITO/ZnO film/ZnO nanorods/SnS film/Zn have been fabricated and their photovoltaic properties have been investigated. Vertically aligned ZnO nanostructures were grown on indium doped tin oxide substrate by chemical solution method and then, SnS thin films were deposited by thermal evaporation method. A typical solar cell device exhibited significant light conversion efficiency with an open circuit voltage and short circuit current of 350[Formula: see text]mV and 5.14[Formula: see text]mA, respectively.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 does not have acute effects on central or renal hemodynamics in patients with type 2 diabetes without nephropathy
Authors: Asmar Ali , Simonsen Lene , Asmar Meena , Madsbad Sten , Holst Jens J. , Frandsen Erik , Moro Cedric , Sorensen Charlotte M. , Jonassen Thomas , Bülow Jens
Published: March 2016

During acute administration of native glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), we previously demonstrated central hemodynamic effects in healthy males, whereas renal hemodynamics, despite renal uptake of GLP-1 in excess of glomerular filtration, was unaffected. In the present study, we studied hemodynamic effects of GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes under fixed sodium intake. During a 3-h infusion of GLP-1 (1.5 pmol·kg−1·min−1) or saline, intra-arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously, concomitantly with cardiac output estimated by pulse contour analysis. Renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and uptake/release of hormones and ions were measured using Fick's Principle after catheterization of a renal vein. Urine collection was conducted throughout the experiments at voluntary voiding, and patients remained supine during the experiments. During the GLP-1 infusion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cardiac output remained unchanged, whereas heart rate increased significantly. Arterio-venous gradients for GLP-1 exceeded glomerular filtrations significantly, but renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate as well as renal sodium and lithium excretion were not affected. In conclusion, acute administration of GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes leads to a positive chronotropic effect, but in contrast to healthy individuals, cardiac output does not increase in patients with type 2 diabetes. Renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion are not affected.
A dual-learning paradigm can simultaneously train multiple characteristics of walking
Authors: Statton Matthew A. , Toliver Alexis , Bastian Amy J.
Published: March 2016

Impairments in human motor patterns are complex: what is often observed as a single global deficit (e.g., limping when walking) is actually the sum of several distinct abnormalities. Motor adaptation can be useful to teach patients more normal motor patterns, yet conventional training paradigms focus on individual features of a movement, leaving others unaddressed. It is known that under certain conditions, distinct movement components can be simultaneously adapted without interference. These previous “dual-learning” studies focused solely on short, planar reaching movements, yet it is unknown whether these findings can generalize to a more complex behavior like walking. Here we asked whether a dual-learning paradigm, incorporating two distinct motor adaptation tasks, can be used to simultaneously train multiple components of the walking pattern. We developed a joint-angle learning task that provided biased visual feedback of sagittal joint angles to increase peak knee or hip flexion during the swing phase of walking. Healthy, young participants performed this task independently or concurrently with another locomotor adaptation task, split-belt treadmill adaptation, where subjects adapted their step length symmetry. We found that participants were able to successfully adapt both components of the walking pattern simultaneously, without interference, and at the same rate as adapting either component independently. This leads us to the interesting possibility that combining rehabilitation modalities within a single training session could be used to help alleviate multiple deficits at once in patients with complex gait impairments.
Failure to suppress low-frequency neuronal oscillatory activity underlies the reduced effectiveness of random patterns of deep brain stimulation
Authors: McConnell George C. , So Rosa Q. , Grill Warren M.
Published: March 2016

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanisms of action of DBS are unknown. Random temporal patterns of DBS are less effective than regular DBS, but the neuronal basis for this dependence on temporal pattern of stimulation is unclear. Using a rat model of PD, we quantified the changes in behavior and single-unit activity in globus pallidus externa and substantia nigra pars reticulata during high-frequency STN DBS with different degrees of irregularity. Although all stimulus trains had the same average rate, 130-Hz regular DBS more effectively reversed motor symptoms, including circling and akinesia, than 130-Hz irregular DBS. A mixture of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal responses was present during all stimulation patterns, and mean firing rate did not change during DBS. Low-frequency (7–10 Hz) oscillations of single-unit firing times present in hemiparkinsonian rats were suppressed by regular DBS, and neuronal firing patterns were entrained to 130 Hz. Irregular patterns of DBS less effectively suppressed 7- to 10-Hz oscillations and did not regularize firing patterns. Random DBS resulted in a larger proportion of neuron pairs with increased coherence at 7–10 Hz compared with regular 130-Hz DBS, which suggested that long pauses (interpulse interval >50 ms) during random DBS facilitated abnormal low-frequency oscillations in the basal ganglia. These results suggest that the efficacy of high-frequency DBS stems from its ability to regularize patterns of neuronal firing and thereby suppress abnormal oscillatory neural activity within the basal ganglia.
Low- and high-gamma oscillations deviate in opposite directions from zero-phase synchrony in the limbic corticostriatal loop
Authors: Catanese Julien , Carmichael J. Eric , van der Meer Matthijs A. A.
Published: March 2016

The loop structure of cortico-striatal anatomy in principle enables both descending (cortico-striatal) and ascending (striato-cortical) influences, but the factors that regulate the flow of information in these loops are not known. We report that low- and high-gamma oscillations (∼50 and ∼80 Hz, respectively) in the local field potential of freely moving rats are highly synchronous between the infralimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the ventral striatum (vStr). Strikingly, high-gamma oscillations in mPFC preceded those in vStr, whereas low-gamma oscillations in mPFC lagged those in vStr, with short (∼1 ms) time lags. These systematic deviations from zero-phase synchrony were consistent across measures based on amplitude cross-correlation and phase slopes and were robustly maintained between behavioral states and different individual subjects. Furthermore, low- and high-gamma oscillations were associated with distinct ensemble spiking patterns in vStr, even when controlling for overt behavioral differences and slow changes in neural activity. These results imply that neural activity in vStr and mPFC is tightly coupled at the gamma timescale and raise the intriguing possibility that frequency-specific deviations from this coupling may signal transient leader-follower switches.
Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Ethanolic Origanum vulgare Extract and Its Major Constituents
Authors: Coccimiglio John , Alipour Misagh , Jiang Zi-Hua , Gottardo Christine , Suntres Zacharias
Published: March 2016

Oregano is a perennial shrub that grows in the mountains of the Mediterranean and Euro/Irano‐Siberian regions. This study was conducted to identify the major constituents of the ethanolic Origanum vulgare extract and examine the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the extract but more importantly the contribution of its specific major constituent(s) or their combination to the overall extract biological activity. Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis showed that the extract contained monoterpene hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, the major ones being carvacrol and thymol and to a lesser extent p‐cymene, 1‐octacosanol, creosol, and phytol. A549 epithelial cells challenged with the extract showed a concentration‐dependent increase in cytotoxicity. A combination of thymol and carvacrol at equimolar concentrations to those present in the extract was less cytotoxic. The A549 cells pretreated with nonlethal extract concentrations protected against hydrogen‐peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity, an antioxidant effect more effective than the combination of equimolar concentrations of thymol/carvacrol. Inclusion of p‐cymene and/or 1‐octacosanol did not alter the synergistic antioxidant effects of the carvacrol/thymol mixture. The extract also exhibited antimicrobial properties against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains including clinical isolates. In conclusion, the oregano extract has cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities mostly attributed to carvacrol and thymol.
New RELAP5-3D Lead and LBE Thermophysical Properties Implementation for Safety Analysis of Gen IV Reactors
Authors: Balestra P. , Giannetti F. , Caruso G. , Alfonsi A.
Published: March 2016

The latest versions of RELAP5-3D©code allow the simulation of thermodynamic system, using different type of working fluids, that is, liquid metals, molten salt, diathermic oil, and so forth, thanks to the ATHENA code integration. The RELAP5-3D©water thermophysical properties are largely verified and validated; however there are not so many experiments to generate the liquid metals ones in particular for the Lead and the Lead Bismuth Eutectic. Recently, new and more accurate experimental data are available for liquid metals. The comparison between these state-of-the-art data and the RELAP5-3D©default thermophysical properties shows some discrepancy; therefore a tool for the generation of new properties binary files has been developed. All the available data came from experiments performed at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, to extend the pressure domain below and above this pressure, the tool fits a semiempirical model (soft sphere model with inverse-power-law potential), specific for the liquid metals. New binary files of thermophysical properties, with a detailed mesh grid of point to reduce the code mass error (especially for the Lead), were generated with this tool. Finally, calculations using a simple natural circulation loop were performed to understand the differences between the default and the new properties.
A Rare Case Report on Suboccipital Region Benign Giant Osteoma
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Bhattarai Binod
Published: March 2016

Herein we report a rare case of a giant suboccipital osteoma in a 55-year-old woman presenting primarily due to cosmetic issue. We discuss the management algorithm taken in the patient, highlighting excision of a potentially curable bony tumor only after ruling out its extension to the ear cavity, mastoid ear cells, transverse sinus, and the intracranial compartment.
Pelvic Radiotherapy versus Radical Prostatectomy with Limited Lymph Node Sampling for High-Grade Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Baker Christopher B. , McDonald Andrew M. , Yang Eddy S. , Jacob Rojymon , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Nix Jeffrey W. , Fiveash John B.
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To compare oncologic outcomes for patients with Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8 prostate adenocarcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) versus external beam radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation (RT + ADT).Methods. Between 2001 and 2014, 121 patients with GS ≥ 8 were treated at our institution via RT + ADT (n=71) or RP (n=50) with ≥ 1 year of biochemical follow-up. Endpoints included biochemical failure (BF), distant metastasis, and initiation of salvage ADT.Results. The RT + ADT group was older, had higher biopsy GS, and had greater risk of lymph node involvement. All other pretreatment characteristics were similar between groups. Mean number of lymph nodes (LNs) sampled for patients undergoing RP was 8.2 (±6.18). Mean biochemical follow-up for all patients was 61 months. Five-year estimates of BF for the RT + ADT and RP groups were 7.2% versus 42.3%, (p<0.001). The RT + ADT group also had lower rates of distant metastasis (2% versus 7.8%) and salvage ADT (8% versus 33.8%).Conclusion. In this analysis, RT + ADT was associated with improved biochemical and metastatic control when compared to RP with limited LN sampling. How RT + ADT compares with more aggressive lymphadenectomy, as is currently our institutional standard, remains an important unanswered question.
Confirmatory and Exploratory Factor Analysis for Validating the Phlegm Pattern Questionnaire for Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kim Hyunho , Ku Boncho , Kim Jong Yeol , Park Young-Jae , Park Young-Bae
Published: March 2016

Background. Phlegm pattern questionnaire (PPQ) was developed to evaluate and diagnose phlegm pattern in Korean Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, but it was based on a dataset from patients who visited the hospital to consult with a clinician regarding their health without any strict exclusion or inclusion. In this study, we reinvestigated the construct validity of PPQ with a new dataset and confirmed the feasibility of applying it to a healthy population. Methods. 286 healthy subjects were finally included and their responses to PPQ were acquired. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and the model fit was discussed. We extracted a new factor structure by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and compared the two factor structures. Results. In CFA results, the model fit indices are acceptable (RMSEA = 0.074) or slightly less than the good fit values (CFI = 0.839, TLI = 0.860). Many average variances extracted were smaller than the correlation coefficients of the factors, which shows the somewhat insufficient discriminant validity. Conclusions. Through the results from CFA and EFA, this study shows clinically acceptable model fits and suggests the feasibility of applying PPQ to a healthy population with relatively good construct validity and internal consistency.
Chronic Osteomyelitis of Clavicle in a Neonate: Report of Morbid Complication of Adjoining MRSA Abscess
Authors: Suranigi Shishir Murugharaj , Joshi Manoj , Deniese Pascal Noel , Rangasamy Kanagasabai , Najimudeen Syed , Gnanadoss James J.
Published: March 2016

Osteomyelitis of clavicle is rare in neonates. Acute osteomyelitis of clavicle accounts for less than 3% of all osteomyelitis cases. It may occur due to contiguous spread, due to hematogenous spread, or secondary to subclavian catheterization. Chronic osteomyelitis may occur as a complication of residual adjoining abscess due to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis. We report a newborn female with right shoulder abscess that developed chronic clavicular osteomyelitis in follow-up period after drainage. She required multiple drainage procedures and was later successfully managed with bone curettage and debridement. We report this case to highlight that a MRSA abscess may recur due to residual infection from a chronic osteomyelitis sinus. It may be misdiagnosed as hypergranulation tissue of nonhealing wound leading to inappropriate delay in treatment. High index of suspicion, aggressive initial management, and regular follow-up are imperative to prevent this morbid complication.
Effect of Amino Acids on the Generation of Ginsenoside Rg3 Epimers by Heat Processing and the Anticancer Activities of Epimers in A2780 Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Park Jun Yeon , Choi Pilju , Lee Dahae , Kim Taejung , Jung Eun Bee , Hwang Buyng-Su , Kang Ki Sung , Ham Jungyeob
Published: March 2016

Ginsenosides are the active components of Panax ginseng. Many research studies indicate that these deglycosylated, less‐polar ginsenosides have better bioactivity than the major ginsenosides. In the present study, we sought to verify the enhanced anticancer effect of P. ginseng extract after undergoing the Maillard reaction as well as elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. The effects of 9 amino acids were tested; among them, the content of 20(S)‐Rg3 in the ginseng extract increased to more than 30, 20, and 20% when processed with valine, arginine, and alanine, respectively, compared with that after normal heat processing. The ginseng extract that was heat‐processed with arginine exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on A2780 ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the generation of 20(S)‐Rg3 was suggested to be involved in this effect. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of 20(S)‐Rg3 on A2780 cell proliferation was significantly stronger than that of 20(R)‐Rg3. Protein expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and PARP in the A2780 ovarian cancer cells markedly increased, whereas the expression of BID decreased after 20(S)‐Rg3 treatment. Therefore, we confirmed that the anticancer effects of the products of ginseng that was heat‐processed with arginine are mediated mainly via the generation of the less‐polar ginsenoside 20(S)‐Rg3.
The Therapeutic Effect of Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Radiation‐Induced Bladder Injury
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Zhang Shiwei , Zhao Xiaozhi , Fu Kai , Guo Hongqian
Published: March 2016

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) against radiation‐induced bladder injury (RIBI). Female rats were divided into 4 groups: (a) controls, consisting of nontreated rats; (b) radiation‐treated rats; (c) radiation‐treated rats receiving AdMSCs; and (d) radiation‐treated rats receiving AdMSCs conditioned medium. AdMSCs or AdMSCs conditioned medium was injected into the muscular layer of bladder 24 h after radiation. Twelve weeks after radiation, urinary bladder tissue was collected for histological assessment and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after metabolic cage investigation. At the 1 w, 4 w, and 8 w time points following cells injection, 3 randomly selected rats in RC group and AdMSCs group were sacrificed to track injected AdMSCs. Metabolic cage investigation revealed that AdMSCs showed protective effect for radiation‐induced bladder dysfunction. The histological and ELISA results indicated that the fibrosis and inflammation within the bladder were ameliorated by AdMSCs. AdMSCs conditioned medium showed similar effects in preventing radiation‐induced bladder dysfunction. In addition, histological data indicated a time‐dependent decrease in the number of AdMSCs in the bladder following injection. AdMSCs prevented radiation induced bladder dysfunction and histological changes. Paracrine effect might be involved in the protective effects of AdMSCs for RIBI.
Granulomatous Mastitis: Imaging of Temporal Evolution
Authors: Bilal Ahmed , Badar Albadar Fahad , Bashir Barlas Nauman
Published: March 2016

Aim. To assess the temporal imaging evolution of granulomatous mastitis and to review imaging findings.Material and Methods. Retrospective review of imaging data of 10 patients with biopsy proven granulomatous mastitis. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their initial imaging presentation. Temporal evolution of imaging findings was observed separately for each group. Ratios, proportions, and percentages were used for data analysis.Results. Upon initial presentation, 75% of women who underwent mammogram showed an area of mass like architectural distortion. 25% demonstrated focal asymmetry. Complex cystic lesion was seen 40%. Multiple abscesses with sinus tract formation tracking into surrounding tissues were seen in 2 cases. Four out of 10 patients presented as edematous changes. Three out of this group progressed to develop complex cystic lesions/abscess formation. 25% presenting with complex cystic lesions or abscess at presentation showed spontaneous resolution. The remainder needed surgical treatment. The patients with abscess formation and sinus tract formation needed surgical management.Conclusion. Initial imaging findings in granulomatous mastitis can be variable but the eventual course and outcome is similar in most patients with surgical management required in most cases.
A Prototype SSVEP Based Real Time BCI Gaming System
Authors: Martišius Ignas , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: March 2016

Although brain-computer interface technology is mainly designed with disabled people in mind, it can also be beneficial to healthy subjects, for example, in gaming or virtual reality systems. In this paper we discuss the typical architecture, paradigms, requirements, and limitations of electroencephalogram-based gaming systems. We have developed a prototype three-class brain-computer interface system, based on the steady state visually evoked potentials paradigm and the Emotiv EPOC headset. An online target shooting game, implemented in the OpenViBE environment, has been used for user feedback. The system utilizes wave atom transform for feature extraction, achieving an average accuracy of 78.2% using linear discriminant analysis classifier, 79.3% using support vector machine classifier with a linear kernel, and 80.5% using a support vector machine classifier with a radial basis function kernel.