bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modifiable lifestyle factors associated with risk of sessile serrated polyps, conventional adenomas and hyperplastic polyps
Authors: Davenport James R , Su Timothy , Zhao Zhiguo , Coleman Helen G , Smalley Walter E , Ness Reid M , Zheng Wei , Shrubsole Martha J
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify modifiable factors associated with sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) and compare the association of these factors with conventional adenomas (ADs) and hyperplastic polyps (HPs).

Design

We used data from the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study, a colonoscopy-based case–control study. Included were 214 SSP cases, 1779 AD cases, 560 HP cases and 3851 polyp-free controls.

Results

Cigarette smoking was associated with increased risk for all polyps and was stronger for SSPs than for ADs (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.62, for current vs never, ptrend=0.008). Current regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with a 40% reduction in SSP risk in comparison with never users (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.96, ptrend=0.03), similar to the association with AD. Red meat intake was strongly associated with SSP risk (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.41 to 4.74 for highest vs lowest intake, ptrend<0.001) and the association with SSP was stronger than with AD (ptrend=0.003). Obesity, folate intake, fibre intake and fat intake were not associated with SSP risk after adjustment for other factors. Exercise, alcohol use and calcium intake were not associated with risk for SSPs.

Conclusions

SSPs share some modifiable risk factors for ADs, some of which are more strongly associated with SSPs than ADs. Thus, preventive efforts to reduce risk for ADs may also be applicable to SSPs. Additionally, SSPs have some distinctive risk factors. Future studies should evaluate the preventive strategies for these factors. The findings from this study also contribute to an understanding of the aetiology and biology of SSPs.
Incidental EBV-positivity in paediatric post-transplant specimens demonstrates the need for stringent criteria for diagnosing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: King Rebecca L , Paessler Michele E , Howard Matthew T , Wertheim Gerald B
Published: November 2016

Aims

To examine the need for minimal diagnostic criteria for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in children, we sought to determine the rate of incidental Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positivity in tissues from organ transplant recipients (OTR).

Methods

EBV in situ hybridisation (ISH) was done retrospectively on tissue from 34 paediatric autopsies of OTR and paediatric tonsillectomy specimens from non-OTR (96) and OTR (6). Patients with a history of PTLD were excluded from both data sets.

Results

EBV-positivity was found incidentally in 2/34 autopsy cases (5.9%). Median time from transplant to death for all patients was 12.8 months (range 0.1–153 months). Median time between transplant and death in EBV-positive cases was 34 months. EBV was positive in 26/102 tonsils (25%). Among tonsils from OTR, 4/6 (67%) were EBV-positive.

Conclusions

These findings reinforce the need for strict morphological and clinical criteria, other than EBV-positivity, when diagnosing PTLD in the paediatric population.
New challenges in adolescent safeguarding
Authors: James David R , Sargant Nwanneka N , Bostock Nancy , Khadr Sophie
Published: November 2016

The environment in which young people are growing up has changed significantly with the growth in social communication, changes in migration patterns and the proliferation of gangs. These changes pose a real and present danger to the health and well-being of young people in the UK and around the world. However, recognition of the safeguarding needs for this group continues to lag behind those of younger children and services often remain patchy and incomplete. We present a review of current safeguarding concerns as well as practical suggestions on their recognition and response for professionals working with young people in all branches of healthcare as well as education and wider society.
Assessing and enhancing quality through outcomes‐based continuing professional development (CPD): a review of current practice
Authors: Wallace S. , May S. A.
Published: November 2016

Numerous professional bodies have questioned whether traditional input‐based continuing professional development (CPD) schemes are effective at measuring genuine learning and improving practice performance and patient health. The most commonly used type of long‐established CPD activities, such as conferences, lectures and symposia, have been found to have a limited effect on improving practitioner competence and performance, and no significant effect on patient health outcomes. Additionally, it is thought that the impact of many CPD activities is reduced when they are undertaken in isolation outside of a defined structure of directed learning. In contrast, CPD activities which are interactive, encourage reflection on practice, provide opportunities to practice skills, involve multiple exposures, help practitioners to identify between current performance and a standard to be achieved, and are focused on outcomes, are the most effective at improving practice and patient health outcomes.
Visual servoing for autonomous landing of a multi-rotor UAS on a moving platform
Authors: Borshchova Iryna , O’Young Siu
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a method to control a small multi-rotor unmanned aerial system (UAS) while landing on a moving platform using image-based visual servoing is described. The landing scheme is based on positioning visual markers on a landing platform in the form of a detectable pattern. When the onboard camera detects the object pattern, the flight control algorithm will send visual-based servo-commands to align the multi-rotor with the targets. The main contribution is that the proposed method is less computationally expensive as it uses color-based object detection applied to a geometric pattern instead of feature tracking algorithms. This method has the advantage that it does not demand calculating the distance to the objects (depth). The proposed method was tested in simulation using a quadcopter model in V-REP (virtual robotics experimental platform) working in parallel with robot operating system (ROS). Finally, this method was validated in a series of real-time experiments with a quadcopter.
A Video Descriptor Using Orientation Tensors and Shape-Based Trajectory Clustering
Authors: Caetano Felipe Andrade , Vieira Marcelo Bernardes , de Souza da Silva Rodrigo Luis
Published: November 2016

Dense trajectories have been shown as a very promising method in the human action recognition field. In this paper, we propose a new kind of video descriptor, generated from the relationship between the trajectory’s optical flow with the gradient field in its neighborhood. Orientation tensors are used to accumulate relevant information over the video, representing the tendency of direction in the descriptor space for that kind of movement. Furthermore, a method to cluster trajectories using their shape is proposed. This method allows us to accumulate different motion patterns in different tensors and easier distinguish trajectories that are created by real movements from the trajectories created by the camera’s movement. The proposed method is capable to achieve the best known recognition rates for methods based on the self-descriptor constraint in popular datasets — Hollywood2 (up to 46%) and KTH (up to 94%).
Modules and abelian groups with minimal (pure-) projectivity domains
Authors: Alizade Rafail , Sipahi Damla Dede
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we give a complete description of the projectively poor abelian groups and prove that there exists a pure projectively poor abelian group. We show that over a commutative Artinian ring every module having a projectively poor factor module by a pure submodule, is itself projectively poor. We also give some other properties of pure projectively poor modules.
Some characterization theorems on holomorphic sectional curvature of GCR-lightlike submanifolds
Authors: Jain Varun , Rani Rachna , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaich R. K.
Published: November 2016

We obtain the expressions for sectional curvature, holomorphic sectional curvature and holomorphic bisectional curvature of a GCR-lightlike submanifold of an indefinite Sasakian manifold and obtain some characterization theorems on holomorphic sectional and holomorphic bisectional curvature.
Energy Absorption of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Lattice Structures via 3D Printing: Modeling and Prediction
Authors: Shen Fei , Yuan Shangqin , Guo Yanchunni , Zhao Bo , Bai Jiaming , Qwamizadeh Mahan , Chua Chee Kai , Wei Jun , Zhou Kun
Published: November 2016

This work investigates the energy absorption capacity of polymeric lattice structures through a systemic manufacturing, testing and modeling approaches. The lattice structures are designed to possess periodic cubic geometry with optimized spherical shells located at the cubic corners, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powders are used to fabricate such structures via selective laser sintering, a type of powder-based 3D printing technology. A hyperelastic model that considers the mullins effect and describes the cyclic compression stress–strain behavior of TPU is developed to simulate the mechanical response of its 3D-printed lattice structures under cyclic compression loading. After the validation of the model for printed structure, it is used to predict the energy absorption capacity of various designed structures.
Optimized Assembly of Micro-/Meso-/Macroporous Carbon for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Tang Qiong , Li Heqin , Zuo Min , Zhang Jing , Huang Yiqin , Bai Peiwen , Xu Jiaqi , Zhou Kuan
Published: November 2016

In order to explore the effect of hierarchical porous carbon on the performances of Li–S batteries, we synthesized three kinds of micro-/meso-/macroporous carbon materials with different pore properties by facile hard-template method. Different from the majority of reports on porous carbon ensuing large specific surface area (SSA) and total pore volume, it was found that in the case of identically high sulfur content, the pore size distribution substantially influences the performances of Li–S batteries rather than the SSA and total pore volume. Furthermore, in the assembly of micro-/meso-/macropores, the micropore volume ratio to the total pore volume is dominant to the capabilities of batteries. Among the samples, the porous carbon carbonized with the precursor of sucrose at 950[Formula: see text]C presents the highest initial discharge specific capacity of 1327[Formula: see text]mAh/g and retention of 630[Formula: see text]mAh/g over 100 cycles at 0.2C rate along with the best rate capability. This sample possesses the largest micropore volume ratio of 47.54% but a medium SSA of 1217[Formula: see text]m2/g and inferior total pore volume of 0.54[Formula: see text]cm3/g. The abundant micropores effectively improve the conductivity of dispersed sulfur particles, inhibit the loss of sulfur series and enable the cathode to exhibit superior electrochemical performances.
EOVSA Implementation of a Spectral Kurtosis Correlator for Transient Detection and Classification
Authors: Nita Gelu M. , Hickish Jack , MacMahon David , Gary Dale E.
Published: November 2016

We describe in general terms the practical use in astronomy of a higher-order statistical quantity called spectral kurtosis (SK), and describe the first implementation of SK-enabled firmware in the Fourier transform-engine (F-engine) of a digital FX correlator for the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array (EOVSA). The development of the theory for SK is summarized, leading to an expression for generalized SK that is applicable to both SK spectrometers and those not specifically designed for SK. We also give the means for computing both the [Formula: see text] estimator and thresholds for its application as a discriminator of RFI contamination. Tests of the performance of EOVSA as an SK spectrometer are shown to agree precisely with theoretical expectations, and the methods for configuring the correlator for correct SK operation are described.
3D-
k
Cov-ComFor
Authors: Ammari Habib M.
Published: November 2016

Most existing work on coverage, connectivity, and geographic forwarding considers a two-dimensional (2D) space, where the sensors are deployed in a 2D field. However, there are several cases where the 2D assumption is not valid for the design of those types of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), such as underwater sensor deployment and sensors deployed on the trees of different heights in a forest. In this article, we investigate the problem of
k
-coverage in three-dimensional (3D) WSNs, where each point in a 3D field is covered by at least
k
sensors simultaneously. Moreover, it is commonly assumed in most of the work on the problem of geographic forwarding in WSNs that all the sensors are always
on
(or active) during the network operational lifetime, and, particularly, during data forwarding. However, this type of design is neither practical nor efficient for the sensors whose energy is crucial and limited. Therefore, we consider geographic forwarding in 3D duty-cycled
k
-covered WSNs, where the sensors can switch between
on
and
off
states (i.e., duty-cycled sensors) to save energy. First, we provide a rigorous analysis of the
k
-coverage problem in 3D WSNs using Helly's Theorem and the Reuleaux tetrahedron model, and compute the sensor spatial density to
k
-cover a 3D field. Second, based on this analysis, we compute a lower bound and an upper bound on the number of overlapping Reuleaux tetrahedra that are necessary to fill a 3D convex shape, such as the sensing sphere of a sensor. Third, using these results, we present a localized (i.e., based on local information of one-hop neighbors), pseudo-distributed (i.e., not fully distributed) protocol to achieve
k
-coverage of a 3D field with a reduced number of active sensors, while ensuring connectivity between them. Fourth, we discuss our composite geographic forwarding protocol for 3D duty-cycled
k
-covered WSNs using a combination of deterministic and opportunistic schemes to forward sensed data towards the sink. We will study the problem of 3D space filling (or space covering) in the context of the above-mentioned problems in 3D WSNs. Fifth, we relax two widely used assumptions, namely sensor homogeneity and sensing range convexity, to generalize our
k
-coverage protocol in 3D space. Last, we show several simulation results of our framework for joint

k
-cov

erage and
com
posite geographic
for
warding in
3D
duty-cycled WSNs, called

3D-
k
Cov-ComFor

. We found a close-to-perfect match between our theoretical and simulation results.
Exponential Separation of Information and Communication for Boolean Functions
Authors: Ganor Anat , Kol Gillat , Raz Ran
Published: November 2016

We show an exponential gap between communication complexity and information complexity by giving an explicit example of a partial boolean function with information complexity ≤
O
(
k
), and distributional communication complexity ≥ 2

k

. This shows that a communication protocol cannot always be compressed to its internal information. By a result of Braverman [2015], our gap is the largest possible. By a result of Braverman and Rao [2014], our example shows a gap between communication complexity and amortized communication complexity, implying that a tight direct sum result for distributional communication complexity cannot hold, answering a long-standing open problem.

Another (conceptual) contribution of our work is the
relative discrepancy
method, a new rectangle-based method for proving communication complexity lower bounds for boolean functions, powerful enough to separate information complexity and communication complexity.
Probiotic mixture VSL#3 reduces colonic inflammation and improves intestinal barrier function in Muc2 mucin-deficient mice
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kissoon-Singh Vanessa , Coria Aralia Leon , Moreau France , Chadee Kris
Published: November 2016

MUC2 mucin is the major glycoprotein in colonic mucus that separates intestinal microbiota from underlying host cells and serves as a food source for some eubacteria. MUC2 deficiency results in impaired epithelial barrier function, imbalance in gut microbiota, and spontaneous colitis. Probiotics have been shown to have a protective effect against colitis. In this study we used Muc2 mucin-deficient ( Muc2−/−) and Muc2+/+ littermates to test whether the probiotic mixture VSL#3 requires an intact mucin barrier to exert its beneficial effect. VSL#3 alone reduced basal colonic proinflammatory cytokine levels and improved epithelial barrier function in Muc2−/− animals. Similarly, in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, VSL#3 dampened the proinflammatory chemokines KC, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and upregulated the tissue regeneration growth factors transforming growth factor-β, fibroblast growth factor-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A, which accelerated resolution of colitis symptoms in Muc2−/− animals. Importantly, improved colonic health in VSL#3-treated animals was associated with attenuated reactive oxygen species production by peritoneal macrophages, restoration of antimicrobial peptide gene expression in the small intestine, and increased abundance of bacterial commensals in the gut. The beneficial effects of VSL#3 in Muc2−/− animals were mediated by acetate, an important short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria. These studies provide evidence for the first time that VSL#3 can enhance epithelial barrier function by dampening the proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine response, accelerating restitution, and altering commensal microbiota in the absence of a functional mucus barrier.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is unclear whether probiotics require an intact mucin barrier to first colonize and/or exert their protective functions. In this study we used mucin-deficient (Muc2 −/−) mice to interrogate if the multispecies probiotic mixture VSL#3 could enhance epithelial barrier function. In the absence of a mucus bilayer, VSL#3 dampened proinflammatory and chemokine production, accelerated restitution, and markedly improved gut permeability mediated by the short-chain fatty acid acetate in the colon.
Spinal afferent nerve endings in visceral organs: recent advances
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Zagorodnyuk Vladimir , Brookes Simon J. , Hibberd Tim
Published: November 2016

Spinal afferent neurons play a major role in detection and transduction of painful stimuli from internal (visceral) organs. Recent technical advances have made it possible to visualize the endings of spinal afferent axons in visceral organs. Although it is well known that the sensory nerve cell bodies of spinal afferents reside within dorsal root ganglia (DRG), identifying their endings in internal organs has been especially challenging because of a lack of techniques to distinguish them from endings of other extrinsic and intrinsic neurons (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric). We recently developed a surgical approach in live mice that allows selective labeling of spinal afferent axons and their endings, revealing a diverse array of different types of varicose and nonvaricose terminals in visceral organs, particularly the large intestine. In total, 13 different morphological types of endings were distinguished in the mouse distal large intestine, originating from lumbosacral DRG. Interestingly, the stomach, esophagus, bladder, and uterus had less diversity in their types of spinal afferent endings. Taken together, spinal afferent endings (at least in the large intestine) appear to display greater morphological diversity than vagal afferent endings that have previously been extensively studied. We discuss some of the new insights that these findings provide.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) promotes inflammation-induced tumorigenesis by enhancing epithelial cell proliferation
Authors: Jeppsson Sabrina , Srinivasan Shanthi , Chandrasekharan Bindu
Published: November 2016

We have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY), abundantly produced by enteric neurons, is an important regulator of intestinal inflammation. However, the role of NPY in the progression of chronic inflammation to tumorigenesis is unknown. We investigated whether NPY could modulate epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and thus regulate tumorigenesis. Repeated cycles of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) were used to model inflammation-induced tumorigenesis in wild-type (WT) and NPY knockout ( NPY−/−) mice. Intestinal epithelial cell lines (T84) were used to assess the effects of NPY (0.1 µM) on epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. DSS-WT mice exhibited enhanced intestinal inflammation, polyp size, and polyp number (7.5 ± 0.8) compared with DSS- NPY−/− mice (4 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). Accordingly, DSS-WT mice also showed increased colonic epithelial proliferation (PCNA, Ki67) and reduced apoptosis (TUNEL) compared with DSS- NPY−/− mice. The apoptosis regulating microRNA, miR-375, was significantly downregulated in the colon of DSS-WT (2-fold, P < 0.01) compared with DSS- NPY−/−-mice. In vitro studies indicated that NPY promotes cell proliferation (increase in PCNA and β-catenin, P < 0.05) via phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3-K)-β-catenin signaling, suppressed miR-375 expression, and reduced apoptosis (increase in phospho-Bad). NPY-treated cells also displayed increased c-Myc and cyclin D1, and reduction in p21 ( P < 0.05). Addition of miR-375 inhibitor to cells already treated with NPY did not further enhance the effects induced by NPY alone. Our findings demonstrate a novel regulation of inflammation-induced tumorigenesis by NPY-epithelial cross talk as mediated by activation of PI3-K signaling and downregulation of miR-375.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our work exemplifies a novel role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in regulating inflammation-induced tumorigenesis via two modalities: first by enhanced proliferation (PI3-K/pAkt), and second by downregulation of microRNA-375 (miR-375)-dependent apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. Our data establish the existence of a microRNA-mediated cross talk between enteric neurons producing NPY and intestinal epithelial cells, and the potential of neuropeptide-regulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic molecules for the management of inflammation-associated tumors in the gut.
Central and peripheral responses to static and dynamic stretch of skeletal muscle: mechano- and metaboreflex implications
Authors: Venturelli Massimo , Cè Emiliano , Limonta Eloisa , Bisconti Angela Valentina , Devoto Michela , Rampichini Susanna , Esposito Fabio
Published: November 2016

Passive static stretching (SS), circulatory cuff occlusion (CCO), and the combination of both (SS + CCO) have been used to investigate the mechano- and metaboreflex, respectively. However, the effects of dynamic stretching (DS) alone or in combination with CCO (DS + CCO) on the same reflexes have never been explored. The aim of the study was to compare central and peripheral hemodynamic responses to DS, SS, DS + CCO, and SS + CCO. In 10 participants, femoral blood flow (FBF), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed during DS and SS of the quadriceps muscle with and without CCO. Blood lactate concentration [La−] in the lower limb undergoing CCO was also measured. FBF increased significantly in DS and SS by 365 ± 98 and 377 ± 102 ml/min, respectively. Compared with baseline, hyperemia was negligible during DS + CCO and SS + CCO (+11 ± 98 and +5 ± 87 ml/min, respectively). DS generated a significant, sustained increase in HR and CO (∼40s), while SS induced a blunted and delayed cardioacceleration (∼20 s). After CCO, [La−] in the lower limb increased by 135%. Changes in HR and CO during DS + CCO and SS + CCO were similar to DS and SS alone. MAP decreased significantly by ∼5% during DS and SS, did not change in DS + CCO, and increased by 4% in SS + CCO. The present data indicate a reduced mechanoreflex response to SS compared with DS (i.e., different HR and CO changes). SS evoked a hyperemia similar to DS. The similar central hemodynamics recorded during stretching and [La−] accumulation suggest a marginal interaction between mechano- and metaboreflex.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Different modalities of passive stretching administration (dynamic or static) in combination with circulatory cuff occlusion may reduce or amplify the mechano- and metaboreflex. We showed a reduced mechanoreflex response to static compared with dynamic stretching. The lack of increase in central hemodynamics during the combined mechano- and metaboreflex stimulation implicates marginal interactions between these two pathways.
The role of retinoic acid in the formation and modulation of invertebrate central synapses
Authors: Rothwell Cailin M. , de Hoog Eric , Spencer Gaynor E.
Published: November 2016

Trophic factors can influence many aspects of nervous system function, such as neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and synapse modulation. The vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, can exert trophic effects to promote neuronal survival and outgrowth in many species and is also known to modulate vertebrate hippocampal synapses. However, its role in synaptogenesis has not been well studied, and whether it can modulate existing invertebrate synapses is also not known. In this study, we first examined a potential trophic effect of retinoic acid on the formation of excitatory synapses, independently of its role in neurite outgrowth, using cultured neurons of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. We also investigated its role in modulating both chemical and electrical synapses between various Lymnaea neurons in cell culture. Although we found no evidence to suggest retinoic acid affected short-term synaptic plasticity in the form of post-tetanic potentiation, we did find a significant cell type-specific modulation of electrical synapses. Given the prevalence of electrical synapses in invertebrate nervous systems, these findings highlight the potential for retinoic acid to modulate network function in the central nervous system of at least some invertebrates.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study performed the first electrophysiological analysis of the ability of the vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, to exert trophic influences during synaptogenesis independently of its effects in supporting neurite outgrowth. It was also the first study to examine the ability of retinoic acid to modify both chemical and electrical synapses in any invertebrate, nonchordate species. We provide evidence that all-trans retinoic acid can modify invertebrate electrical synapses of central neurons in a cell-specific manner.
Role of fructose and fructokinase in acute dehydration-induced vasopressin gene expression and secretion in mice
Authors: Song (宋志林) Zhilin , Roncal-Jimenez Carlos A. , Lanaspa-Garcia Miguel A. , Oppelt Sarah A. , Kuwabara Masanari , Jensen Thomas , Milagres Tamara , Andres-Hernando Ana , Ishimoto Takuji , Garcia Gabriela E. , Johnson Ginger , MacLean Paul S. , Sanchez-Lozada Laura-Gabriela , Tolan Dean R. , Johnson Richard J.
Published: November 2016

Fructose stimulates vasopressin in humans and can be generated endogenously by activation of the polyol pathway with hyperosmolarity. We hypothesized that fructose metabolism in the hypothalamus might partly control vasopressin responses after acute dehydration. Wild-type and fructokinase-knockout mice were deprived of water for 24 h. The supraoptic nucleus was evaluated for vasopressin and markers of the aldose reductase-fructokinase pathway. The posterior pituitary vasopressin and serum copeptin levels were examined. Hypothalamic explants were evaluated for vasopressin secretion in response to exogenous fructose. Water restriction increased serum and urine osmolality and serum copeptin in both groups of mice, although the increase in copeptin in wild-type mice was larger than that in fructokinase-knockout mice. Water-restricted, wild-type mice showed an increase in vasopressin and aldose reductase mRNA, sorbitol, fructose and uric acid in the supraoptic nucleus. In contrast, fructokinase-knockout mice showed no change in vasopressin or aldose reductase mRNA, and no changes in sorbitol or uric acid, although fructose levels increased. With water restriction, vasopressin in the pituitary of wild-type mice was significantly less than that of fructokinase-knockout mice, indicating that fructokinase-driven vasopressin secretion overrode synthesis. Fructose increased vasopressin release in hypothalamic explants that was not observed in fructokinase-knockout mice. In situ hybridization documented fructokinase mRNA in the supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Acute dehydration activates the aldose reductase-fructokinase pathway in the hypothalamus and partly drives the vasopressin response. Exogenous fructose increases vasopressin release in hypothalamic explants dependent on fructokinase. Nevertheless, circulating vasopressin is maintained and urinary concentrating is not impaired.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study increases our understanding of the mechanisms leading to vasopressin release under conditions of water restriction (acute dehydration). Specifically, these studies suggest that the aldose reductase-fructokinase pathways may be involved in vasopressin synthesis in the hypothalamus and secretion by the pituitary in response to acute dehydration. Nevertheless, mice undergoing water restriction remain capable of maintaining sufficient vasopressin (copeptin) levels to allow normal urinary concentration. Further studies of the aldose reductase-fructokinase system in vasopressin regulation appear indicated.
Quantifying the “Slosh Stomach”: A Novel Tool for Assessment of Exercise-Associated Gastroparesis Symptoms in Endurance Athletes
Authors: Biondich Amy Sue , Joslin Jeremy D.
Published: November 2016

Introduction. We describe a novel scale and its field use for evaluation of exercise-associated gastroparesis in the endurance athlete.Methods. A scale was created based on gastroparesis tools previously described in the medical literature. Surveys of the tool were administered to runners participating in a 210 km multiday foot race in Sri Lanka.Results. Use of this novel scale was demonstrated to be useful in assessing gastroparesis severity scores of athletes and how these symptoms affected their race performance. Of the 27 race participants who completed the survey, 27 felt that the tool adequately captured their symptoms.Conclusions. This novel survey tool was able to assess the presence and severity of exercise-associated gastroparesis symptoms in endurance racers in a remote location. This tool may be helpful with further research of the identification and management of gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal upset in the endurance race environment.
Low-Cost Monitoring System of Sensors for Evaluating Dynamic Solicitations of Semitrailer Structure
Authors: Luque Pablo , Mántaras Daniel A. , Rodríguez Aida , Malón Hugo , Castejón Luis , Jalón Javier G. , López José L. , Martín Ángel
Published: November 2016

Analysis of the fatigue life of a semitrailer structure necessitates identification of the loads and dynamic solicitations in the structure. These forces can be introduced in computer simulation software (multibody + finite element) for analysing the response of different design solutions to them. These numerical models must be validated and some parameters need to be measured directly in a field test with real vehicles under various driving conditions. In this study, a low-cost monitoring system is developed for application to a real fleet of semitrailers. According to the definition of the numerical model, the guidance of a virtual vehicle is defined by the three-dimensional kinematics of the kingpin. For characterisation of these movements, a monitoring system having a low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU) and global positioning system (GPS) antennas is developed with different configurations to enable analysis of the best cost-benefit (result accuracy) solution, and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) that characterises the kinematic guidance of the kingpin is proposed. A semitrailer was equipped with the experimental low-cost monitoring system and high-precision sensors (IMU, GPS) in order to validate the results obtained by the experimental low-cost monitoring system and the inertial-extended Kalman filter developed. The validated system has applicability in the low-cost monitoring of a fleet of real vehicles.
In VivoDetection of the Effect of Electroacupuncture on “Zusanli” Acupoint in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis through Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zhong Huiqing , Yang Hui , Zhou Yan , Guo Zhouyi , Wu Xiuli , Su Chengkang , Long Jia , Lin Jin , Jiang Xuemei
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment through optical coherence tomography (OCT)in vivoon rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. OCT images were obtained from the ankle of the right hind paws of the rats in control, model, and EA groups before modelling and 1 day, 8 days, 15 days, 22 days, and 29 days after modelling. Results demonstrated that the OCT signal of the ankle of the right hind paws of the rats was indistinct compared to 1 day after modelling and before modelling in the EA group. In the EA group, the light averaged attenuation coefficients of the ankle tissues decreased as treatment duration was prolonged after EA was administered (3.43, 2.96, 2.61, 2.42, and 2.29 mm−1, resp.). There was a significant difference in attenuation coefficient decrease between the 29th d and the 1st d for EA group compared with control group (P<0.01). This condition indicated that the light absorption of the ankle of the treated rats in the EA group decreased. Therefore, OCT can be used to monitor the effect of treatment on rats with arthritisin vivo.
Livelihood of Street Children and the Role of Social Intervention: Insights from Literature Using Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alem Habtamu Wandimu , Laha Arindam
Published: November 2016

As studies done by different scholars indicate that the present status of street children is remarkably insightful, this invites us to systematically review the existing literature by using meta-analysis. In this paper 31 studies were reviewed by applying a predetermined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria as part of meta-analysis. These studies were compiled mainly from three continents (Africa, Asia, and Latin America), which are often observed to be diversified economically, politically, socially, and environmentally. Empirical evidences based on data generated from reviewed studies provide a holistic picture on the predominance of male street children among a total sample size of 68014 street children. Working as a daily labourer is considered as the most predominant informal occupation for street children. Empirical evidences suggest that majority of street dwellers were categorized into children working on the street in Africa, while in Asia a sizable proportion of them were abandoned from their house. Interestingly, it suggests that children coming to a street may be due to push factors like coercion by family, lack of access to education, and the existence of displeasing life in Africa, while in Asia children were pushed by family to beg and act as a day labourer and street vendor to assure the livelihood of their abandoned families. Statistical evidence based on odds ratio suggested no association between location of the study region and the characteristics of street children. Analysis of variance results showed that there exists a significant variation within a continent for all four variables (living condition, education, gender, and livelihood strategies). In fact, daily labour was the most acceptable means of livelihood earning and it is followed by street vendor and others. The present condition of street children necessitates social intervention to address the present problems of street dwellers by ensuring sustainable livelihood options among them.
Joint User Scheduling and MU-MIMO Hybrid Beamforming Algorithm for mmWave FDMA Massive MIMO System
Authors: Jiang Jing , Kong Deting
Published: November 2016

The large bandwidth and multipath in millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular system assure the existence of frequency selective channels; it is necessary that mmWave system remains with frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and user scheduling. But for the hybrid beamforming system, the analog beamforming is implemented by the same phase shifts in the entire frequency band, and the wideband phase shifts may not be harmonious with all users scheduled in frequency resources. This paper proposes a joint user scheduling and multiuser hybrid beamforming algorithm for downlink massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. In the first step of user scheduling, the users with identical optimal beams form an OFDMA user group and multiplex the entire frequency resource. Then base station (BS) allocates the frequency resources for each member of OFDMA user group. An OFDMA user group can be regarded as a virtual user; thus it can support arbitrary MU-MIMO user selection and beamforming algorithms. Further, the analog beamforming vectors employ the best beam of each selected MU-MIMO user and the digital beamforming algorithm is solved by weight MMSE to acquire the best performance gain and mitigate the interuser inference. Simulation results show that hybrid beamforming together with user scheduling can greatly improve the performance of mmWave OFDMA massive MU-MIMO system.
Non-Perfect-Fluid Space-Times in Thermodynamic Equilibrium and Generalized Friedmann Equations
Authors: Schatz Konrad , von Borzeszkowski Horst-Heino , Chrobok Thoralf
Published: November 2016

We determine the energy-momentum tensor of nonperfect fluids in thermodynamic equilibrium and, respectively, near to it. To this end, we derive the constitutive equations for energy density and isotropic and anisotropic pressure as well as for heat-flux from the corresponding propagation equations and by drawing on Einstein’s equations. Following Obukhov on this, we assume the corresponding space-times to be conform-stationary and homogeneous. This procedure provides these quantities in closed form, that is, in terms of the structure constants of the three-dimensional isometry group of homogeneity and, respectively, in terms of the kinematical quantities expansion, rotation, and acceleration. In particular, we find a generalized form of the Friedmann equations. As special cases we recover Friedmann and Gödel models as well as nontilted Bianchi solutions with anisotropic pressure. All of our results are derived without assuming any equations of state or other specific thermodynamic conditions a priori. For the considered models, results in literature are generalized to rotating fluids with dissipative fluxes.
The Capabilities and Limitations of Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detecting Kidney Stones: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed H. , Cernigliaro Joseph G. , Bridges Mellena D. , Pooley Robert A. , Haley William E.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this work was to investigate the performance of currently available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting kidney stones, compared to computed tomography (CT) results, and to determine the characteristics of successfully detected stones. Patients who had undergone both abdominal/pelvic CT and MRI exams within 30 days were studied. The images were reviewed by two expert radiologists blinded to the patients’ respective radiological diagnoses. The study consisted of four steps: (1) reviewing the MRI images and determining whether any kidney stone(s) are identified; (2) reviewing the corresponding CT images and confirming whether kidney stones are identified; (3) reviewing the MRI images a second time, armed with the information from the corresponding CT, noting whether any kidney stones are positively identified that were previously missed; (4) for all stones MRI-confirmed on previous steps, the radiologist experts being asked to answer whether in retrospect, with knowledge of size and location on corresponding CT, these stones would be affirmed as confidently identified on MRI or not. In this best-case scenario involving knowledge of stones and their locations on concurrent CT, radiologist experts detected 19% of kidney stones on MRI, with stone size being a major factor for stone identification.
Potential of Using Nanocarbons to Stabilize Weak Soils
Authors: Alsharef Jamal M. A. , Taha Mohd Raihan , Firoozi Ali Akbar , Govindasamy Panbarasi
Published: November 2016

Soil stabilization, using a variety of stabilizers, is a common method used by engineers and designers to enhance the properties of soil. The use of nanomaterials for soil stabilization is one of the most active research areas that also encompass a number of disciplines, including civil engineering and construction materials. Soils improved by nanomaterials could provide a novel, smart, and eco- and environment-friendly construction material for sustainability. In this case, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have become candidates for numerous applications in civil engineering. The main objective of this paper is to explore improvements in the physical properties of UKM residual soil using small amounts (0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.2%) of nanocarbons, that is, carbon nanotube (multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The parameters investigated in this study include Atterberg’s limits, optimum water content, maximum dry density, specific gravity, pH, and hydraulic conductivity. Nanocarbons increased the pH values from 3.93 to 4.16. Furthermore, the hydraulic conductivity values of the stabilized fine-grained soil samples containing MWCNTs decreased from2.16E-09 m/s to9.46E-10 m/s and, in the reinforcement sample by CNFs, the hydraulic conductivity value decreased to7.44E-10 m/s. Small amount of nanocarbons (MWCNTs and CNFs) decreased the optimum moisture content, increased maximum dry density, reduced the plasticity index, and also had a significant effect on its hydraulic conductivity.
Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-Alumina/f-MWCNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Masheane Monaheng , Nthunya Lebea , Malinga Soraya , Nxumalo Edward , Barnard Tobias , Mhlanga Sabelo
Published: November 2016

Antimicrobial chitosan-alumina/functionalized-multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple phase inversion method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed the change in the internal morphology of the composites and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of alumina and f-MWCNTs in the chitosan polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the appearance of new functional groups from both alumina and f-MWCNTs, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the addition of alumina and f-MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of the chitosan polymer. The presence of alumina and f-MWCNTs in the polymer matrix was found to improve the thermal stability and reduced the solubility of chitosan polymer. The prepared chitosan-alumina/f-MWCNT nanocomposites showed inhibition of twelve strains of bacterial strains that were tested. Thus, the nanocomposites show a potential for use as a biocide in water treatment for the removal of bacteria at different environmental conditions.
Cogels of Hyaluronic Acid and Acellular Matrix for Cultivation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Potential Application for Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering
Authors: Huang Dongyan , Wang Rongguang , Yang Shiming
Published: November 2016

Stem cells based tissue engineering has been one of the potential promising therapies in the research on the repair of tissue diseases including the vocal fold. Decellularized extracellular matrix (DCM) as a promising scaffold has be used widely in tissue engineering; however, it remained to be an important issue in vocal fold regeneration. Here, we applied the hydrogels (hyaluronic acid [HA], HA-collagen [HA-Col], and HA-DCM) to determine the effects of hydrogel on the growth and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into superficial lamina propria fibroblasts. hADSCs were isolated and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The results indicated that HA-DCM hydrogel enhanced cell proliferation and prolonged cell morphology significantly compared to HA and HA-Col hydrogel. Importantly, the differentiation of hADSCs into fibroblasts was also promoted by cogels of HA-Col and HA-DCM significantly. The differentiation of hADSCs towards superficial lamina propria fibroblasts was accelerated by the secretion of HGF, IL-8, and VEGF, the decorin and elastin expression, and the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate significantly. Therefore, the cogel of HA-DCM hydrogel was shown to be outstanding in apparent stimulation of hADSCs proliferation and differentiation to vocal fold fibroblasts through secretion of important growth factors and synthesis of extracellular matrix.
Detection of NaturalToxoplasma gondiiInfection in Chicken in Thika Region of Kenya Using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Mose John Mokua , Kagira John Maina , Karanja Simon Muturi , Ngotho Maina , Kamau David Muchina , Njuguna Adele Nyambura , Maina Naomi Wangari
Published: November 2016

The detection ofToxoplasma gondiiin free-range chickens is a good indicator of possible risk to human beings. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence ofT. gondiiin free-range chicken using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Brain samples from 105 free-range chickens from three administrative areas in Thika region, Kenya, were collected, DNA-extracted, and analyzed using PCR to detect presence ofT. gondii. The overall prevalence ofT. gondiiin all the three areas was 79.0% (95% CI: 70.0–86.4%) and the prevalence across the three areas was not significantly different (P=0.5088;χ2=1.354). Female chickens had higher (79.4%) prevalence than males (78.6%), although the difference was not significant (P=0.922,χ2= 0.01). However, chickens that were more than 2 years old had significantly (P=0.003;χ2= 11.87) higher prevalence compared to younger ones. The study indicates that there was a high occurrence ofT. gondiiinfection in free-range chickens from Thika region and that the infection rate is age dependent. Further studies should be carried out to determine the possible role of roaming chickens in the epidemiology of the disease among humans in the area.
The Use of Two Culturing Methods in Parallel Reveals a High Prevalence and Diversity ofArcobacterspp. in a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Levican Arturo , Collado Luis , Figueras Maria José
Published: November 2016

The genusArcobacterincludes species considered emerging food and waterborne pathogens. DespiteArcobacterhas been linked to the presence of faecal pollution, few studies have investigated its prevalence in wastewater, and the only isolated species wereArcobacter butzleriandArcobacter cryaerophilus. This study aimed to establish the prevalence ofArcobacterspp. at a WWTP using in parallel two culturing methods (direct plating and culturing after enrichment) and a direct detection by m-PCR. In addition, the genetic diversity of the isolates was established using the ERIC-PCR genotyping method. Most of the wastewater samples (96.7%) were positive forArcobacterand a high genetic diversity was observed among the 651 investigated isolates that belonged to 424 different ERIC genotypes. However, only few strains persisted at different dates or sampling points. The use of direct plating in parallel with culturing after enrichment allowed recovering the species A.butzleri, A.cryaerophilus,Arcobacter thereius,Arcobacter defluvii,Arcobacter skirrowii,Arcobacter ellisii,Arcobacter cloacae, andArcobacter nitrofigilis, most of them isolated for the first time from wastewater. The predominant species was A.butzleri, however, by direct plating predominated A.cryaerophilus. Therefore, the overall predominance of A.butzleriwas a bias associated with the use of enrichment.