bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The majority of newly diagnosed patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis reach an inactive disease state within the first year of specialised care: data from a German inception cohort
Authors: Sengler Claudia , Klotsche Jens , Niewerth Martina , Liedmann Ina , Föll Dirk , Heiligenhaus Arnd , Ganser Gerd , Horneff Gerd , Haas Johannes-Peter , Minden Kirsten
Published: December 2015

Objective

To describe the disease characteristics of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) included in an inception cohort, to analyse how many patients from each JIA category reach an inactive disease state within the first year of specialised care and to determine predictors for attaining inactive disease.

Methods

Patients with JIA were enrolled in this study at 11 large German paediatric rheumatology units within the first 12 months after diagnosis. Laboratory and clinical parameters such as JIA core criteria and data on the medication used were collected every 3 months. Non-parametric statistical testing was performed for the comparison of the JIA core criteria at follow-up. Generalised linear models were used to analyse differences in the rates at which inactive disease was reached and to determine potential predictors.

Results

Of the 695 patients with JIA included in this analysis, approximately 75% experienced a period of inactive disease under treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and systemic steroids in most cases with systemic-onset JIA or polyarthritis at least once during the first 12 months in ICON. Significant improvements were observed in all JIA core criteria, in disease activity and in functional status from baseline to the 12-month follow-up. Younger age at onset, a shorter duration between symptom onset and diagnosis and a positive antinuclear antibody status increased the probability of attaining an inactive disease state.

Conclusions

The 12-month outcome of JIA was good under real-life conditions, with half of the patients having attained inactive disease with contemporary treatments. Since a short duration between symptom onset and diagnosis was correlated to a period of inactive disease, children suspected of having JIA should be transferred to specialised care as soon as possible.
Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review
Authors: Behm David G. , Blazevich Anthony J. , Kay Anthony D. , McHugh Malachy
Published: December 2015

Recently, there has been a shift from static stretching (SS) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching within a warm-up to a greater emphasis on dynamic stretching (DS). The objective of this review was to compare the effects of SS, DS, and PNF on performance, range of motion (ROM), and injury prevention. The data indicated that SS- (–3.7%), DS- (+1.3%), and PNF- (–4.4%) induced performance changes were small to moderate with testing performed immediately after stretching, possibly because of reduced muscle activation after SS and PNF. A dose–response relationship illustrated greater performance deficits with ≥60 s (–4.6%) than with <60 s (–1.1%) SS per muscle group. Conversely, SS demonstrated a moderate (2.2%) performance benefit at longer muscle lengths. Testing was performed on average 3–5 min after stretching, and most studies did not include poststretching dynamic activities; when these activities were included, no clear performance effect was observed. DS produced small-to-moderate performance improvements when completed within minutes of physical activity. SS and PNF stretching had no clear effect on all-cause or overuse injuries; no data are available for DS. All forms of training induced ROM improvements, typically lasting <30 min. Changes may result from acute reductions in muscle and tendon stiffness or from neural adaptations causing an improved stretch tolerance. Considering the small-to-moderate changes immediately after stretching and the study limitations, stretching within a warm-up that includes additional poststretching dynamic activity is recommended for reducing muscle injuries and increasing joint ROM with inconsequential effects on subsequent athletic performance.
Pavement management with dynamic traffic and artificial neural network: a case study of Montreal
Authors: Amin Md. Shohel Reza , Amador-Jiménez Luis E.
Published: December 2015

This study improves the pavement management system by developing a linear programming optimization for the road network of the City of Montreal with simulated traffic for a period of 50 years and deals with the uncertainty of pavement performance modeling. Travel demand models are applied to simulate annual average daily traffic (AADT) every 5 years. A backpropagation neural network (BPN) with a generalized delta rule learning algorithm is applied to develop pavement performance models without uncertainties. Linear programming of life-cycle optimization is applied to develop maintenance and rehabilitation strategies to ensure the achievement of good levels of pavement condition subject to a given maintenance budget. The BPN network estimated that PCI values were predominantly determined by the differences in pavement condition index, AADT, and equivalent single axle loads. Dynamic linear programming optimization estimated that CAD$150 million is the minimum annual budget required to keep most of the arterial and local roads in good condition in Montreal.
Fish distribution, abundance, and behavioral interactions within a large electric dispersal barrier designed to prevent Asian carp movement
Authors: Parker Aaron D. , Glover David C. , Finney Samuel T. , Rogers P. Bradley , Stewart Jeffrey G. , Simmonds Robert L.
Published: December 2015

We evaluated the abundance and behavior of wild fish within the electric barrier system in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. This electric barrier system serves to prevent the upstream migration of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) to Lake Michigan from the Illinois River. We found that fish were most abundant below the electric barrier during the summer and fall, were observed near areas of peak voltage, and sometimes persistently challenged the barrier. Fish were relatively scarce within the barrier system during the winter and spring. Fish that were able to penetrate the farthest into the barrier system were smaller and tended to aggregate at the water surface, near the canal walls. The accumulation of fish that we observed below the barrier, and the persistent challenging behavior, raises concerns about breaches any time the barrier is de-energized for maintenance or during intermittent power outages. Entrainment and breach caused by barges traversing the barrier are concerns as well because of the water movements they create and how they alter the electrical field.
Resonant excitation of coupled skyrmions by spin-transfer torque
Authors: Dai Y. Y. , Wang H. , Yang T. , Zhang Z. D.
Published: December 2015

Resonant excitations of coupled skyrmions in Co/Ru/Co nanodisks activated by spin-transfer torque (STT) have been studied by micromagnetic simulations. It is found that STT is an effective method to manipulate skyrmion dynamics. Unlike the dynamics driven by a microwave field, two skyrmions with opposite chiralities move synchronously in the same direction when they are driven by STT, which makes it easier to observe the dynamics of coupled skyrmions in experiments. Resonant excitations of coupled skyrmions can be controlled by changing the frequency or amplitude ratio of a dual-frequency alternating current (AC). In addition, the magnetostatic interaction between the two skyrmions plays an important role in the dynamics of coupled skyrmions.
Identification Technology of Modal Parameter of a Strap-on Launch Vehicle
Authors: Liu Pan , Xie Yong , Guo Shao-Jing , Cai Guo-Ping
Published: December 2015

It is generally needed to conduct ground modal tests over strap-on launch vehicle to provide modal parameters for the attitude control design and load calculating. These modal parameters can also provide basis of installing sense organs on the launch vehicle. This paper introduces a modal parameter identification method based on input-output data of the system, which can be used to check calculations of modal parameters after ground modal tests. In this paper, the double-compatible free-interface modal synthesis method is first used for the modeling of the system so as to get the input and output data of the system. Then the identification techniques of observer/Kalman filter identification (OKID) and eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) are introduced. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the validity of the presented identification method. Simulation results indicate that the modal parameter of the system can be effectively identified using OKID and ERA.
Probabilistic Computational Methods in Structural Failure Analysis
Authors: Krejsa Martin , Kralik Juraj
Published: December 2015

Probabilistic methods are used in engineering where a computational model contains random variables. Each random variable in the probabilistic calculations contains uncertainties. Typical sources of uncertainties are properties of the material and production and/or assembly inaccuracies in the geometry or the environment where the structure should be located. The paper is focused on methods for the calculations of failure probabilities in structural failure and reliability analysis with special attention on newly developed probabilistic method: Direct Optimized Probabilistic Calculation (DOProC), which is highly efficient in terms of calculation time and the accuracy of the solution. The novelty of the proposed method lies in an optimized numerical integration that does not require any simulation technique. The algorithm has been implemented in mentioned software applications, and has been used several times in probabilistic tasks and probabilistic reliability assessments.
Zinc transporter Slc39a14 regulates inflammatory signaling associated with hypertrophic adiposity
Authors: Troche Catalina , Beker Aydemir Tolunay , Cousins Robert J.
Published: December 2015

Zinc is a signaling molecule in numerous metabolic pathways, the coordination of which occurs through activity of zinc transporters. The expression of zinc transporter Zip14 ( Slc39a14), a zinc importer of the solute carrier 39 family, is stimulated under proinflammatory conditions. Adipose tissue upregulates Zip14 during lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia. A null mutation of Zip14 (KO) revealed that phenotypic changes in adipose include increased cytokine production, increased plasma leptin, hypertrophied adipocytes, and dampened insulin signaling. Adipose tissue from KO mice had increased levels of preadipocyte markers, lower expression of the differentiation marker (PPARγ), and activation of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. Our overall hypothesis was that ZIP14 would play a role in adipocyte differentiation and inflammatory obesity. Global Zip14 KO causes systemic endotoxemia. The observed metabolic changes in adipose metabolism were reversed when oral antibiotics were administrated, indicating that circulating levels of endotoxin were in part responsible for the adipose phenotype. To evaluate a mechanism, 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated into adipocytes and treated with siRNA to knock down Zip14. These cells had an impaired ability to mobilize zinc, which caused dysregulation of inflammatory pathways (JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB). The Zip14 deletion may limit the availability of intracellular zinc, yielding the unique phenotype of inflammation coupled with hypertrophy. Taken together, these results suggest that aberrant zinc distribution observed with Zip14 ablation impacts adipose cytokine production and metabolism, ultimately increasing fat deposition when exposed to endotoxin. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation into the mechanistic role of ZIP14 in adipose tissue regulation and metabolism.
Developmental programming: interaction between prenatal BPA exposure and postnatal adiposity on metabolic variables in female sheep
Authors: Veiga-Lopez Almudena , Moeller Jacob , Sreedharan Rohit , Singer Kanakadurga , Lumeng Carey , Ye Wen , Pease Anthony , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: December 2015

Among potential contributors for the increased incidence of metabolic diseases is the developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an estrogenic chemical used in a variety of consumer products. Evidence points to interactions of BPA with the prevailing environment. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to BPA on postnatal metabolic outcomes, including insulin resistance, adipose tissue distribution, adipocyte morphometry, and expression of inflammatory markers in adipose tissue as well as to assess whether postnatal overfeeding would exacerbate these effects. Findings indicate that prenatal BPA exposure leads to insulin resistance in adulthood in the first breeder cohort ( study 1), but not in the second cohort ( study 2), which is suggestive of potential differences in genetic susceptibility. BPA exposure induced adipocyte hypertrophy in the visceral fat depot without an accompanying increase in visceral fat mass or increased CD68, a marker of macrophage infiltration, in the subcutaneous fat depot. Cohens effect size analysis found the ratio of visceral to subcutanous fat depot in the prenatal BPA-treated overfed group to be higher compared with the control-overfed group. Altogether, these results suggest that exposure to BPA during fetal life at levels found in humans can program metabolic outcomes that lead to insulin resistance, a forerunner of type 2 diabetes, with postnatal obesity failing to manifest any interaction with prenatal BPA relative to insulin resistance and adipocyte hypertrophy.
Effects of ovariectomy and intrinsic aerobic capacity on tissue-specific insulin sensitivity
Authors: Park Young-Min , Rector R. Scott , Thyfault John P. , Zidon Terese M. , Padilla Jaume , Welly Rebecca J. , Meers Grace M. , Morris Matthew E. , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Booth Frank W. , Kanaley Jill A. , Vieira-Potter Victoria J.
Published: December 2015

High-capacity running (HCR) rats are protected against the early (i.e., ∼11 wk postsurgery) development of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced insulin resistance (IR) compared with low-capacity running (LCR) rats. The purpose of this study was to utilize the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp to determine whether 1) HCR rats remain protected from OVX-induced IR when the time following OVX is extended to 27 wk and 2) tissue-specific glucose uptake differences are responsible for the protection in HCR rats under sedentary conditions. Female HCR and LCR rats ( n = 40; aged ∼22 wk) randomly received either OVX or sham (SHM) surgeries and then underwent the clamp 27 wk following surgeries. [3-3H]glucose was used to determine glucose clearance, whereas 2-[14C]deoxyglucose (2-DG) was used to assess glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, brown adipose tissue (BAT), subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT), and visceral WAT. OVX decreased the glucose infusion rate and glucose clearance in both lines, but HCR had better insulin sensitivity than LCR ( P < 0.05). In both lines, OVX significantly reduced glucose uptake in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles; however, HCR showed ∼40% greater gastrocnemius glucose uptake compared with LCR ( P < 0.05). HCR also exhibited greater glucose uptake in BAT and visceral WAT compared with LCR ( P < 0.05), yet these tissues were not affected by OVX in either line. In conclusion, OVX impairs insulin sensitivity in both HCR and LCR rats, likely driven by impairments in insulin-mediated skeletal muscle glucose uptake. HCR rats have greater skeletal muscle, BAT, and WAT insulin-mediated glucose uptake, which may aid in protection against OVX-associated insulin resistance.
Differential role of afferent and efferent renal nerves in the maintenance of early- and late-phase Dahl S hypertension
Authors: Foss Jason D. , Fink Gregory D. , Osborn John W.
Published: December 2015

Clinical data suggest that renal denervation (RDNX) may be an effective treatment for human hypertension; however, it is unclear whether this therapeutic effect is due to ablation of afferent or efferent renal nerves. We have previously shown that RDNX lowers arterial pressure in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats to a similar degree observed in clinical trials. In addition, we have recently developed a method for selective ablation of afferent renal nerves (renal-CAP). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the antihypertensive effect of RDNX in the Dahl S rat is due to ablation of afferent renal nerves by comparing the effect of complete RDNX to renal-CAP during two phases of hypertension in the Dahl S rat. In the early phase, rats underwent treatment after 3 wk of high-NaCl feeding when mean arterial pressure (MAP) was ∼140 mmHg. In the late phase, rats underwent treatment after 9 wk of high NaCl feeding, when MAP was ∼170 mmHg. RDNX reduced MAP ∼10 mmHg compared with sham surgery in both the early and late phase, whereas renal-CAP had no antihypertensive effect. These results suggest that, in the Dahl S rat, the antihypertensive effect of RDNX is not dependent on pretreatment arterial pressure, nor is it due to ablation of afferent renal nerves.
Antineutrino Flux from the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Chavez-Estrada Marisol , Aguilar-Arevalo Alexis A.
Published: December 2015

We present a calculation of the antineutrino flux produced by the reactors at the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant in México, based on the antineutrino spectra produced in the decay chains of the fission fragments of the main isotopes in the reactor core, and their fission rates, which have been calculated using the DRAGON simulation code. We also present an estimate of the number of expected events in a detector made of plastic scintillator with a mass of 1 ton, at 100 m from the reactor cores.
Mathematical Model of Helical Gear Topography Measurements and Tooth Flank Errors Separation
Authors: Wang Huiliang , Deng Xiaozhong , Han Jianhai , Li Jubo , Yang Jianjun
Published: December 2015

During large-size gear topological modification by form grinding, the helical gear tooth surface geometrical shape will be complex and it is difficult for the traditional scanning measurement to characterize the whole tooth surface. Therefore, in order to characterize the actual tooth surfaces, an on-machine topography measurement approach is proposed for topological modification helical gears on the five-axis CNC gear form grinding machine that can measure the modified gear tooth deviations on the machine immediately after grinding. Combined with gear form grinding kinematics principles, the mathematical model of topography measurements is established based on the polar coordinate method. The mathematical models include calculating trajectory of the centre of measuring probe, defining gear flanks by grid of points, and solving coordinate values of topology measurement. Finally, a numerical example of on-machine topography measurement is presented. By establishing the topography diagram and the contour map of tooth error, the tooth surface modification amount and the tooth flank errors are separated, respectively. Research results can serve as foundation for topological modification and tooth surface errors closed-loop feedback correction.
Lynx: Automatic Elderly Behavior Prediction in Home Telecare
Authors: Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel , Moreno-Fernandez-de-Leceta Aitor , Martinez-Garcia Alexeiw , Graña Manuel
Published: December 2015

This paper introduces Lynx, an intelligent system for personal safety at home environments, oriented to elderly people living independently, which encompasses a decision support machine for automatic home risk prevention, tested in real-life environments to respond to real time situations. The automatic system described in this paper prevents such risks by an advanced analytic methods supported by an expert knowledge system. It is minimally intrusive, using plug-and-play sensors and machine learning algorithms to learn the elder’s daily activity taking into account even his health records. If the system detects that something unusual happens (in a wide sense) or if something is wrong relative to the user’s health habits or medical recommendations, it sends at real-time alarm to the family, care center, or medical agents, without human intervention. The system feeds on information from sensors deployed in the home and knowledge of subject physical activities, which can be collected by mobile applications and enriched by personalized health information from clinical reports encoded in the system. The system usability and reliability have been tested in real-life conditions, with an accuracy larger than 81%.
Emulating Realistic Bidirectional Spatial Channels for MIMO OTA Testing
Authors: Fan Wei , Kyösti Pekka , Nielsen Jesper Ø. , Hentilä Lassi , Pedersen Gert F.
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses over the air (OTA) testing for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capable terminals with emphasis on modeling bidirectional spatial channel models in multiprobe anechoic chamber (MPAC) setups. In the literature, work on this topic has been mainly focused on how to emulate downlink channel models, whereas uplink channel is often modeled as free space line-of-sight channel without fading. Modeling realistic bidirectional (i.e., both uplink and downlink) propagation environments is essential to evaluate any bidirectional communication systems. There have been works stressing the importance of emulating full bidirectional channel and proposing possible directions to implement uplink channels in the literature. Nevertheless, there is no currently published work reporting an experimental validation of such concepts. In this paper, a general framework to emulate bidirectional channels for time division duplexing (TDD) and frequency division duplexing (FDD) communication systems is proposed. The proposed technique works for MPAC setups with arbitrary uplink and downlink probe configurations, that is, possibly different probe configurations (e.g., number of probes or their configurations) in the uplink and downlink. The simulation results are further supported by measurements in a practical MPAC setup. The proposed algorithm is shown to be a valid method to emulate bidirectional spatial channel models.
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Mimicking Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Linga Karthika R. , Khoor Andras , Phelan Jonathan A. , Mira-Avendano Isabel
Published: December 2015

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a known complication after catheter ablation of arrhythmias. Surprisingly, little information is available on its manifestations in the lung. We describe the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented from an outside hospital with worsening shortness of breath after catheter ablation of pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation. After an initial diagnosis of pneumonia and its nonimprovement with antibiotics, a surgical lung biopsy was done and interpreted as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) with vascular changes consistent with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Later, she was admitted to our institution where a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and subsequent computed tomography (CT) angiogram of the heart showed severe stenosis of all four pulmonary veins. The previous lung biopsy was rereviewed and reinterpreted as severe parenchymal congestion mimicking NSIP. Our case demonstrates that PVS is an underrecognized complication of catheter ablation, and increased awareness among both clinicians and pathologists is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis.
Membrane Made of Cellulose Acetate with Polyacrylic Acid Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes and Its Applicability for Chromium Removal
Authors: Sánchez-Márquez J. A. , Fuentes-Ramírez R. , Cano-Rodríguez I. , Gamiño-Arroyo Z. , Rubio-Rosas E. , Kenny J. M. , Rescignano N.
Published: December 2015

Membranes made of carbon nanotubes and cellulose acetate with polyacrylic acid were designed in order to study their properties and their applicability for chromium removal. The membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using cellulose acetate and polyacrylic acid. Carbon nanotubes were added to the membrane during their process of synthesis in proportions of 1% by weight. The pores in the material are formed in layers, giving the effect of depth and forming a network. Both the carbon nanotubes and membranes were characterized by IR, Raman, and SEM spectroscopy. In addition, the concentration of acidic and basic sites and the surface charge in the materials were determined. The concentration of acid sites for oxidized nanotubes was 4.0 meq/g. The removal of Cr(VI) was studied as a function of contact time and of initial concentration of Cr(VI). The removal of Cr(VI) (~90%) mainly occurs in a contact time from 32 to 64 h when the initial concentration of Cr(VI) is 1 mg/L.
A Novel Microwave Tunable Band-Pass Filter Integrated Power Divider Based on Liquid Crystal
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Jiang Di , Xia Lei , Xu Ruimin
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes a novel microwave continuous adjustable band-pass filter integrated power divider based on nematic liquid crystals (LCs). The proposed power divider uses liquid crystal (LC) as the dielectric material. It can realize phase shift by changing the dielectric anisotropy, when biasing the high anisotropy nematic liquid crystal. It is mainly used in microwave frequencies. It has a large number of advantages compared to conventional filter integrated power divider, such as low loss, multifunction integration, continuous adjustable, miniaturization, low processing costs, low operating voltage, high phase shift, and convenient manufacture. Therefore, it has shown great potential for application.
Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Population from Maracaibo City, Venezuela
Authors: Bermúdez Valmore , Martínez María Sofía , Chávez-Castillo Mervin , Olivar Luis Carlos , Morillo Jessenia , Mejías José Carlos , Rojas Milagros , Salazar Juan , Rojas Joselyn , Añez Roberto , Cabrera Mayela
Published: December 2015

Introduction.Although the relationships between alcohol and disorders such as cancer and liver disease have been thoroughly researched, its effects on cardiometabolic health remain controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the association between alcohol consumption, the Metabolic Syndrome (MS), and its components in our locality.Materials and Methods.Descriptive, cross-sectional study with randomized, multistaged sampling, which included 2,230 subjects of both genders. Two previously determined population-specific alcohol consumption pattern classifications were utilized in each gender: daily intake quartiles and conglomerates yielded by cluster analysis. MS was defined according to the 2009 consensus criteria. Association was evaluated through various multiple logistic regression models.Results.In univariate analysis (daily intake quartiles), only hypertriacylglyceridemia was associated with alcohol consumption in both genders. In multivariate analysis, daily alcohol intake ≤3.8 g/day was associated with lower risk of hypertriacylglyceridemia in females (OR = 0.29, CI 95%: 0.09–0.86;p=0.03). Among men, subjects consuming 28.41–47.33 g/day had significantly increased risk of MS, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, hypertriacylglyceridemia, and elevated waist circumference.Conclusions.The relationship between drinking, MS, and its components is complex and not directly proportional. Categorization by daily alcohol intake quartiles appears to be the most efficient method for quantitative assessment of alcohol consumption in our region.
Subacute Subdural Hematoma in a Patient with Bilateral DBS Electrodes
Authors: Nguyen Ha Son , Pahapill Peter A.
Published: December 2015

Subdural hematomas (SDH) in patients with implanted deep brain stimulating (DBS) electrodes are rare. Only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature. No clear management guidelines exist regarding the management of the hematoma and the existing electrodes. We describe a 68-year-old female with bilateral DBS electrodes, who presented with acute, severe hemiparesis due to a large subacute SDH with associated electrode displacement. Urgent hematoma evacuation reversed the hemiparesis; the electrodes were left undisturbed. Brain reexpansion occurred promptly. The patient was able to benefit from stable DBS therapies within 3 weeks of hematoma evacuation, maintained at 1.5-year follow-up. The case highlights that despite relative electrode migration due to a subdural hematoma, the electrodes may not require revision during initial hematoma evacuation or in a delayed fashion. Timely hematoma evacuation, coupled with brain reexpansion, may be adequate for the electrode to travel back to its original position and effect reasonable DBS therapies.
Relevance of the Carotid Body Chemoreflex in the Progression of Heart Failure
Authors: Andrade David C. , Lucero Claudia , Toledo Camilo , Madrid Carlos , Marcus Noah J. , Schultz Harold D. , Del Rio Rodrigo
Published: December 2015

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health problem affecting millions of people. Autonomic dysfunction and disordered breathing patterns are commonly observed in patients with CHF, and both are strongly related to poor prognosis and high mortality risk. Tonic activation of carotid body (CB) chemoreceptors contributes to sympathoexcitation and disordered breathing patterns in experimental models of CHF. Recent studies show that ablation of the CB chemoreceptors improves autonomic function and breathing control in CHF and improves survival. These exciting findings indicate that alterations in CB function are critical to the progression of CHF. Therefore, better understanding of the physiology of the CB chemoreflex in CHF could lead to improvements in current treatments and clinical management of patients with CHF characterized by high chemosensitivity. Accordingly, the main focus of this brief review is to summarize current knowledge of CB chemoreflex function in different experimental models of CHF and to comment on their potential translation to treatment of human CHF.
In Vitro Pharmacological Activities and GC-MS Analysis of Different Solvent Extracts ofLantana camaraLeaves Collected from Tropical Region of Malaysia
Authors: Swamy Mallappa Kumara , Sinniah Uma Rani , Akhtar Mohd. Sayeed
Published: December 2015

We investigated the effect of different solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, and chloroform) on the extraction of phytoconstituents fromLantana camaraleaves and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Further, GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the bioactive chemical constituents occurring in the active extract. The results revealed the presence of various phytocompounds in the extracts. The methanol solvent recovered higher extractable compounds (14.4% of yield) and contained the highest phenolic (92.8 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (26.5 mg RE/g) content. DPPH radical scavenging assay showed the IC50value of 165, 200, 245, and 440 μg/mL for methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and chloroform extracts, respectively. The hydroxyl scavenging activity test showed the IC50value of 110, 240, 300, and 510 μg/mL for methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and chloroform extracts, respectively. Gram negative bacterial pathogens (E. coliandK. pneumoniae) were more susceptible to all extracts compared to Gram positive bacteria (M. luteus,B. subtilis, andS. aureus). Methanol extract had the highest inhibition activity against all the tested microbes. Moreover, methanolic extract ofL. camaracontained 32 bioactive components as revealed by GC-MS study. The identified major compounds included hexadecanoic acid (5.197%), phytol (4.528%), caryophyllene oxide (4.605%), and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (3.751%).
Development and Validation of Simple RP-HPLC Method for Intracellular Determination of Fluconazole Concentration and Its Application to the Study ofCandida albicansAzole Resistance
Authors: Davtyan Tigran K. , Melikyan Levon A. , Nikoyan Nune A. , Aleksanyan Hripsime P. , Grigoryan Nairi G.
Published: December 2015

Candida albicans(strains NCTC-885-653 and ATCC-10231) long-term cultivated in the presence of antifungal agent fluconazole (FLC) and classical microbiological methods for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were used in this study. A simple and sensitive method based on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) has been developed for the determination of FLC intracellular concentration inC. albicansusing tinidazole as an internal standard. Following extraction with dichloromethane, the chromatographic separation was achieved on a Machery-Nagel EC250/2 Nucleodur-100-3 C18 column by gradient elution using the mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.01 M ammonium acetate buffer, pH = 5.00, and (B) acetonitrile. Different analytical performance parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of quantification (LOQ), and robustness were determined according to US DHHS FDA and EMEA guidelines. The method was linear for FLC(r=0.9999)ranging from 100 to 10000 ng/mL. The intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation) were within 2.79 and 2.64%, respectively, and the accuracy (relative error) was less than 2.82%. The extraction recovery ranged from 79.3 to 85.5%. The reliable method was successfully applied toC. albicansazole-resistance study and it was shown that intracellular concentration of FLC correlated with a yeast drug susceptibility profile and MIC values.
Perceptions of Popularity-Related Behaviors in the Cyber Context: Relations to Cyber Social Behaviors
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: December 2015

Despite acknowledging that adolescents are active users of electronic technology, little is known about their perceptions concerning how such technologies might be used to promote their social standing among their peer group and whether these perceptions relate to their cyber social behaviors (i.e., cyber aggression perpetration, cyber prosocial behavior). To address this gap in the literature, the present study included 857 seventh graders (M age: 12.19; 50.8% female) from a large Midwestern city in the United States. They completed questionnaires on face-to-face social behaviors, cyber social behaviors, perceived popularity, social preference, and their perceptions of characteristics and activities related to the cyber context which might be used to promote popularity. Findings revealed four activities and characteristics used to improve adolescents’ social standing in the peer group, including antisocial behaviors, sociability, prosocial behaviors, and technology access. Using antisocial behaviors in the cyber context to promote popularity was related to cyber aggression perpetration, while controlling for gender, social preference, and perceived popularity. On the other hand, sociability and prosocial behaviors in the cyber context used to improve popularity as well as technology access were associated with cyber prosocial behavior. A call for additional research is made.
Study on Rockburst Nucleation Process of Deep-Buried Tunnels Based on Microseismic Monitoring
Authors: Yu Qun , Tang Chun-An , Li Liancong , Cheng GuanWen , Tang Lie-Xian
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the rockburst nucleation process and provide a theoretical basis for its prediction. A microseismic monitoring system was established in deep tunnels at Jinping II Hydropower Station. Using a digital multichannel microseismic monitoring system and monitoring technique, twenty-four-hour continuous real-time monitoring of macroscopic was realized in diversion tunnel #3. Substantial microseismic monitoring data were acquired to study the macroeconomic instability failure mechanisms in the rockburst nucleation process in terms of dynamic crack propagation, including microcrack initiation, development, propagation, shear zone formation, and coalescence. The intrinsic relationship between the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of the microseismicity and the rockbursts was preliminarily explored. The monitoring and analysis results indicated that the driving source of certain rockbursts could be expressed as the combined results of the local rockburst energy and the transfer energy; that is,Edrive=Elocal+Etransfer. Strong rockbursts can induce the recurrence of rockbursts in nearby locations. In addition, a comparative analysis of the formation and failure mode of molds in underground caverns was performed using the finite element analysis program RFPA. Based on this engineering study, we verified the feasibility of applying microseismic monitoring to rockbursts in deep rock tunnels.
Management of an Unusual Maxillary Canine: A Rare Entity
Authors: Muppalla Jaya Nagendra Krishna , Kavuda Krishnamurthy , Punna Rajani , Vanapatla Amulya
Published: December 2015

Clinicians need to have intimate knowledge and thorough understanding of both pulp chamber and root canal anatomy. They should be aware of possibility of anatomical variations in the root canal system during endodontic treatment. Maxillary canines usually have single root and root canal but rarely may have single root with two root canals. This case describes a lengthier maxillary canine with two root canals.
Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in China: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Hong-Yi , Xu Jun-Jie , Zou Hua-Chun , Reilly Kathleen Heather , Zhang Christiana Meng , Yun Ke , Li Yong-Ze , Jiang Yong-Jun , Geng Wen-Qing , Shang Hong , Wang Ning
Published: December 2015

Objectives. To understand the current risk of HIV infection and transmission and further elucidate the underlying risk factors among men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) in China.Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of searching through Chinese and English available literature databases between January 2000 and June 2014 to identify articles.Results. Thirty-six articles (including 19,730 MSMW and 53,536 MSMO) met the selection criteria and the aggregated results found that MSMW have significantly higher HIV prevalence than MSMO (6.6% versus 5.4%, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.01–1.58). A higher proportion of MSMW had commercial male partners in the past 6 months (18.3% versus 12.2%, OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01–2.42). Additionally, substance use in the past 6 months was significantly more frequent among MSMW than MSMO (alcohol use: 27.1% versus 13.1%, OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 2.14–2.99; illicit drug use: 5.3% versus 2.5%, OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.48–2.95).Conclusion. A higher proportion of commercial sex and substance use among MSMW may be a potentially indicative factor for significantly higher HIV prevalence compared to MSMO. Targeted interventions should aim at increasing the frequency of HIV/STIs screening and preventing high risk commercial sex and substance use among MSMW to decrease their HIV transmission to the general population.
Response Surface Optimization of Bioethanol Production from Sugarcane Molasses by Pichia veronae Strain HSC-22
Authors: Hamouda Hamed I. , Nassar Hussein N. , Madian Hekmat R. , Abu Amr Salem S. , El-Gendy Nour Sh.
Published: December 2015

Pichia veronae strain HSC-22 (accession number KP012558) showed a good tolerance to relatively high temperature, ethanol and sugar concentrations. Response surface optimization based on central composite design of experiments predicted the optimal values of the influencing parameters that affect the production of bioethanol from sugarcane molasses to be as follows: initial pH 5, 25% (w : v) initial molasses concentration, 35°C, 116 rpm, and 60 h. Under these optimum operating conditions the maximum bioethanol production on a batch fermenter scale was recorded as 32.32 g/L with 44% bioethanol yield.
Multidisciplinary Management of Carotid Body Tumors in a Tertiary Urban Institution
Authors: Galyfos George , Stamatatos Ioannis , Kerasidis Stavros , Stefanidis Ioannis , Giannakakis Sotirios , Kastrisios Georgios , Geropapas Georgios , Papacharalampous Gerasimos , Maltezos Chrisostomos
Published: December 2015

Objective. Aim of this study is to present the experience of our institution in carotid body tumors (CBTs) treatment.Methods. All cases treated in a Vascular Surgery Department within 2.5 years (03/2013–09/2015) were retrospectively evaluated. Demographics, diagnostic, and treatment strategy were recorded. All patients with known CBT underwent ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. All cases were classified according to the Shamblin type and evaluated by a radiologist, otolaryngologist, and anesthesiologist before and after surgery. Major outcomes included mortality, stroke, cranial nerve injury, and recurrence.Results. Overall, nine patients (mean age: 59.5 ± 16.3 years) with a total of ten CBTs were treated. There was no gender prevalence and most of the cases (55%) were asymptomatic. There were no functional or familial cases. There was only one bilateral case treated in a staged manner. No preoperative embolization of CBTs was performed. Mortality and stroke rates were null. No severe complication was observed in the early and late setting. No malignancy was recorded. Mean follow-up was 15.6 ± 7.8 months.Conclusions. Multidisciplinary management of patients with CBTs is imperative for optimal results, especially in type III tumors, bilateral or functional cases. After careful treatment planning and intraoperative manipulations, complications could be avoided even without preoperative embolization.
Nonlinear Cointegration Approach for Condition Monitoring of Wind Turbines
Authors: Zolna Konrad , Dao Phong B. , Staszewski Wieslaw J. , Barszcz Tomasz
Published: December 2015

Monitoring of trends and removal of undesired trends from operational/process parameters in wind turbines is important for their condition monitoring. This paper presents the homoscedastic nonlinear cointegration for the solution to this problem. The cointegration approach used leads to stable variances in cointegration residuals. The adapted Breusch-Pagan test procedure is developed to test for the presence of heteroscedasticity in cointegration residuals obtained from the nonlinear cointegration analysis. Examples using three different time series data sets—that is, one with a nonlinear quadratic deterministic trend, another with a nonlinear exponential deterministic trend, and experimental data from a wind turbine drivetrain—are used to illustrate the method and demonstrate possible practical applications. The results show that the proposed approach can be used for effective removal of nonlinear trends form various types of data, allowing for possible condition monitoring applications.
An Atypical Case of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Absence of Giant T Waves in spite of Extreme Apical Wall Hypertrophy
Authors: Sanidas Elias , Bonou Maria , Anastasiadis Georgios , Tzanis Georgios , Barbetseas John
Published: December 2015

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an uncommon variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with hypertrophy mainly affecting the apex of the left ventricle. We hereby describe a case of an octogenarian female patient who was randomly diagnosed with AHCM due to other comorbidities.
Public Health Risks from Mismanagement of Healthcare Wastes in Shinyanga Municipality Health Facilities, Tanzania
Authors: Kuchibanda Kizito , Mayo Aloyce W.
Published: December 2015

The increase of healthcare facilities in Shinyanga municipality has resulted in an increase of healthcare wastes, which poses serious threats to the environment, health workers, and the general public. This research was conducted to investigate management practices of healthcare wastes in Shinyanga municipality with a view of assessing health risks to health workers and the general public. The study, which was carried out in three hospitals, involved the use of questionnaires, in‐depth interview, and observation checklist. The results revealed that healthcare wastes are not quantified or segregated in all the three hospitals. Healthcare wastes at the Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital are disposed of by on‐site incineration and burning and some wastes are disposed off‐site. At Kolandoto DDH only on‐site burning and land disposal are practiced, while at Kambarage UHC healthcare solid wastes are incinerated, disposed of on land disposal, and burned. Waste management workers do not have formal training in waste management techniques and the hospital administrations pay very little attention to appropriate management of healthcare wastes. In light of this, it is evident that management of healthcare solid wastes is not practiced in accordance with the national and WHO’s recommended standards.
Methylglyoxal Impairs Insulin Secretion of Pancreaticβ-Cells through Increased Production of ROS and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mediated by Upregulation of UCP2 and MAPKs
Authors: Bo Jinshuang , Xie Shiya , Guo Yi , Zhang Chunli , Guan Yanming , Li Chunmei , Lu Jianxin , Meng Qing H.
Published: December 2015

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive glucose metabolic intermediate and a major precursor of advanced glycation end products. MG level is elevated in hyperglycemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Substantial evidence has shown that MG is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications. We investigated the impact of MG on insulin secretion by MIN6 and INS-1 cells and the potential mechanisms of this effect. Our study demonstrates that MG impaired insulin secretion by MIN6 or ISN-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis rate in MIN6 or ISN-1 cells and inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP production. Furthermore, the expression of UCP2, JNK, and P38 as well as the phosphorylation JNK and P38 was increased by MG. These effects of MG were attenuated by MG scavenger N-acetyl cysteine. Collectively, these data indicate that MG impairs insulin secretion of pancreaticβ-cells through increasing ROS production. High levels of ROS can damageβ-cells directly via JNK/P38 upregulation and through activation of UCP2 resulting in reduced MMP and ATP production, leading toβ-cell dysfunction and impairment of insulin production.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Dental Pulp: A Review
Authors: Ledesma-Martínez Edgar , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro
Published: December 2015

The mesenchymal stem cells of dental pulp (DPSCs) were isolated and characterized for the first time more than a decade ago as highly clonogenic cells that were able to generate densely calcified colonies. Now, DPSCs are considered to have potential as stem cell source for orthopedic and oral maxillofacial reconstruction, and it has been suggested that they may have applications beyond the scope of the stomatognathic system. To date, most studies have shown that, regardless of their origin in third molars, incisors, or exfoliated deciduous teeth, DPSCs can generate mineralized tissue, an extracellular matrix and structures type dentin, periodontal ligament, and dental pulp, as well as other structures. Different groups worldwide have designed and evaluated new efficient protocols for the isolation, expansion, and maintenance of clinically safe human DPSCs in sufficient numbers for various therapeutics protocols and have discussed the most appropriate route of administration, the possible contraindications to their clinical use, and the parameters to be considered for monitoring their clinical efficacy and proper biological source. At present, DPSC‐based therapy is promising but because most of the available evidence was obtained using nonhuman xenotransplants, it is not a mature technology.