bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Hereditary Bleeding Disorders and in Children and Adolescents with Stroke: Cross-Sectional Comparison to Siblings and Peers
Authors: Neuner Bruno , von Mackensen Sylvia , Holzhauer Susanne , Funk Stephanie , Klamroth Robert , Kurnik Karin , Krümpel Anne , Halimeh Susan , Reinke Sarah , Frühwald Michael , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike
Published: May 2016

Objectives. To investigate self-reported health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions compared with siblings/peers.Methods. Group 1 (6 treatment centers) consisted of 74 children/adolescents aged 8–16 years with hereditary bleeding disorders (HBD), 12 siblings, and 34 peers. Group 2 (one treatment center) consisted of 70 children/adolescents with stroke/transient ischemic attack, 14 siblings, and 72 peers. HrQoL was assessed with the “revised KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen” (KINDL-R) questionnaire. Multivariate analyses within groups were done by one-way ANOVA and post hoc pairwise single comparisons by Student’st-tests. Adjusted pairwise comparisons were done by hierarchical linear regressions with individuals nested within treatment centers (group 1) and by linear regressions (group 2), respectively.Results. No differences were found in multivariate analyses of self-reported HrQoL in group 1, while in group 2 differences occurred in overall wellbeing and all subdimensions. These differences were due to differences between patients and peers. After adjusting for age, gender, number of siblings, and treatment center these differences persisted regarding self-worth (p=.0040) and friend-related wellbeing (p<.001).Conclusions. In children with HBD, HrQoL was comparable to siblings and peers. In children with stroke/TIA HrQoL was comparable to siblings while peers, independently of relevant confounder, showed better self-worth and friend-related wellbeing.
Diverse Features of the Multiwavelength Afterglows of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Natural or Special?
Authors: Geng J. J. , Huang Y. F.
Published: May 2016

The detection of optical rebrightenings and X-ray plateaus in the afterglows of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) challenges the generic external shock model. Recently, we have developed a numerical method to calculate the dynamics of the system consisting of a forward shock and a reverse shock. Here, we briefly review the applications of this method in the afterglow theory. By relating these diverse features to the central engines of GRBs, we find that the steep optical rebrightenings would be caused by the fall-back accretion of black holes, while the shallow optical rebrightenings are the consequence of the injection of the electron-positron-pair wind from the central magnetar. These studies provide useful ways to probe the characteristics of GRB central engines.
Synthesis of Some Polysubstituted Nicotinonitriles and Derived Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines asIn VitroCytotoxic and Antimicrobial Candidates
Authors: Faidallah Hassan M. , Rostom Sherif A. F. , Khan Khalid A.
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines, in addition to some derived pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine ring systems supported with chemotherapeutically active functionalities, is described. They were evaluated for theirin vitrocytotoxic effects against three different human tumor cell lines (human colon carcinoma HT29, hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2, and Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma MCF7). Nine compounds displayed variable cytotoxic potential, among which alkylthio analogs33,34, and37emerged as the most active members, being almost twice as active as doxorubicin against the colon carcinoma HT29 cell line. In addition, the same three analogs showed a clear differential cytotoxic profile as they exhibited a marginal inhibitory effect on the growth of the normal nontransformed human foreskin fibroblast Hs27 cell line. Meanwhile, nineteen compounds were able to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, together with moderate antifungal activities. The pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2(1H)-thione30together with its alkylthio derivatives33and34stemmed as the most active antimicrobial members being equipotent to ampicillin againstS. aureus,E. coli,andP. aeruginosa,together with a noticeable antifungal activity againstC. albicans.Compounds33and34could be considered as a promising template for possible dual antimicrobial-anticancer candidates.
Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease among Adult Patients Attending Outpatient Clinic at a General Hospital in South Angola
Authors: Paquissi Feliciano Chanana , Cuvinje Arminda Bimbi Paquissi , Cuvinje Almeida Bailundo
Published: May 2016

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, whose prevalence is increasing worldwide, and is associated with all-cause mortality. However, no study has assessed this disease in Huambo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PAD in patients attending an outpatient clinic at a general hospital in Huambo, South Angola.Methods. A cross-sectional study, including 115 patients aged 40 years and older attending an outpatient service. The evaluation included a basic questionnaire for lifestyle and medical history and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement using hand-held Doppler. PAD was defined as an ABI ≤0.9 in either lower limb.Results. Of 115 patients, 62.60% were women with a median age of 52.5 (range of 40 to 91) years. The prevalence of PAD was 42.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 95%: 33.91–52.17%). Among patients with PAD, 95.92% had mild disease and 4.08% moderate to severe disease. The main risk factor for PAD was age (≥60 years) (χ2=3.917,P≤0.05). The prevalence was slightly higher in men and hypertensive subjects, but without statistical significance with ORs of 1.5 (95% CI: 0.69–3.21) and 1.42 (95% CI: 0.64–3.17), respectively. Hypertension was also high in the group (66.95%).Conclusion. The prevalence of PAD was 42.6%, higher in those aged 60 years and older. More studies, with representative samples, are necessary to clarify PAD prevalence and associated risk factors.
PLL Based Energy Efficient PV System with Fuzzy Logic Based Power Tracker for Smart Grid Applications
Authors: Rohini G. , Jamuna V.
Published: May 2016

This work aims at improving the dynamic performance of the available photovoltaic (PV) system and maximizing the power obtained from it by the use of cascaded converters with intelligent control techniques. Fuzzy logic based maximum power point technique is embedded on the first conversion stage to obtain the maximum power from the available PV array. The cascading of second converter is needed to maintain the terminal voltage at grid potential. The soft-switching region of three-stage converter is increased with the proposed phase-locked loop based control strategy. The proposed strategy leads to reduction in the ripple content, rating of components, and switching losses. The PV array is mathematically modeled and the system is simulated and the results are analyzed. The performance of the system is compared with the existing maximum power point tracking algorithms. The authors have endeavored to accomplish maximum power and improved reliability for the same insolation of the PV system. Hardware results of the system are also discussed to prove the validity of the simulation results.
Influence of Error in Estimating Anisotropy Parameters on VTI Depth Imaging
Authors: Moussavi Alashloo S. Y. , Ghosh D. P. , Bashir Y. , Wan Ismail W. Y.
Published: May 2016

Thin layers in sedimentary rocks lead to seismic anisotropy which makes the wave velocity dependent on the propagation angle. This aspect causes errors in seismic imaging such as mispositioning of migrated events if anisotropy is not accounted for. One of the challenging issues in seismic imaging is the estimation of anisotropy parameters which usually has error due to dependency on several elements such as sparse data acquisition and erroneous data with low signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, an isotropic and anelliptic VTI fast marching eikonal solvers are employed to obtain seismic travel times required for Kirchhoff depth migration algorithm. The algorithm solely uses compressional wave. Another objective is to study the influence of anisotropic errors on the imaging. Comparing the isotropic and VTI travel times demonstrates a considerable lateral difference of wavefronts. After Kirchhoff imaging with true anisotropy, as a reference, and with a model including error, results show that the VTI algorithm with error in anisotropic models produces images with minor mispositioning which is considerable for isotropic one specifically in deeper parts. Furthermore, over- or underestimating anisotropy parameters up to 30 percent are acceptable for imaging and beyond that cause considerable mispositioning.
Histopathological and Digital Morphometrical Evaluation of Uterine Leiomyoma in Brazilian Women
Authors: da Silva Ana Paula Fernandes , Mello Luciano de Albuquerque , Santos Erlene Roberta Ribeiro dos , Paz Silvania Tavares , Cavalcanti Carmelita Lima Bezerra , Melo-Junior Mario Ribeiro de
Published: May 2016

The current study aims to evaluate histopathological and digital morphometrical aspects associated with uterine leiomyomas in one hundred and fifty (150) patients diagnosed with leiomyoma. Uterine tissues were subjected to the histopathological and digital morphometric analyses of the interstitial collagen distribution. The analysis of medical records indicates that most of the women diagnosed with uterine leiomyomas (68.7%) are between 37 and 48 years old. As for the anatomic location of the tumors, approximately 61.4% of the patients had intramural and subserosal lesions. In 50% of the studied cases, the patients developed uterine leiomyomatosis (with more than eight tumors). As for the morphometric study, the average size of the interstitial collagen distribution held approximately 28.53% of the capture area, whereas it was of 7.43% in the normal tissue adjacent to the tumor. Another important aspect observed in the current study was the high rate of young women subjected to total hysterectomy, a fact that resulted in early and definitive sterility.
Voltage Balancing Method on Expert System for 51-Level MMC in High Voltage Direct Current Transmission
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2016

The Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) have been a spotlight for the high voltage and high power transmission systems. In the VSC-HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current based on Voltage Source Converter) transmission system, the energy of DC link is stored in the distributed capacitors, and the difference of capacitors in parameters and charge rates causes capacitor voltage balance which affects the safety and stability of HVDC system. A method of MMC based on the expert system for reducing the frequency of the submodules (SMs) of the IGBT switching frequency is proposed. Firstly, MMC with 51 levels for HVDC is designed. Secondly, the nearest level control (NLC) for 51-level MMC is introduced. Thirdly, a modified capacitor voltage balancing method based on expert system for MMC-based HVDC transmission system is proposed. Finally, a simulation platform for 51-level Modular Multilevel Converter is constructed by using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results indicate that the strategy proposed reduces the switching frequency on the premise of keeping submodule voltage basically identical, which greatly reduces the power losses for MMC-HVDC system.
Immunomodulatory Effects of a Bioactive Compound Isolated fromDryopteris crassirhizomaon the Grass CarpCtenopharyngodon idella
Authors: Chi Cheng , Giri Sib Sankar , Jun Jin Woo , Kim Hyoun Joong , Yun Saekil , Kim Sang Guen , Park Se Chang
Published: May 2016

In the present study, we investigated effects of compound kaempferol 3-a-L-(4-O-acetyl)rhamnopyranoside-7-a-L-rhamnopyranoside (SA) isolated fromDryopteris crassirhizomaduring immune-related gene expression inCtenopharyngodon idellahead kidney macrophages (CIHKM). The expression of immune-related genes (IL-1β,TNF-α,MyD88, andMx1) were investigated using real-time PCR at 2 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h after incubation with 1, 10, and 50 μg mL−1of SA. Furthermore, fish were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μL of SA, and immune parameters such as lysozyme activity, complement C3, SOD, phagocytic activity, and IgM level were examined at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after injection. The differential expression of cytokines was observed after exposure to SA.IL-1βgenes displayed significant expression at 2 and 8 h after exposure to 1–10 μg mL−1of SA. SA also induced gene expression of cytokines such asMyD88,Mx1, andTNF-α. Furthermore, enhanced immune parameters in grass carp confirmed the immunomodulatory activity of SA. Interestingly, this compound has no toxic effect on CIHKM cells as tested by MTT assay. In addition, fish immunised with 10 μg mL−1of SA exhibited maximum resistance againstAeromonas hydrophilainfection. These results suggest that SA has the potential to stimulate immune responses in grass carp.
Relationships among Depression, Anxiety, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Jun-Yu , Chang Bao-Luen , Wu Yih-Ru
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, PD medications, and health-related quality of life (QOL) and to identify the predictors of health-related QOL in PD patients. To do this, we administered a battery of questionnaires and rating scales (validated Chinese versions), including the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, to 134 patients with PD whose Minimental State Examination scores were ≥24. We found that patients who reported having poorer QOL had longer disease durations, more severe PD symptoms, higher Hoehn and Yahr stages, and higher levodopa dosages, as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression, more sleep disturbances, and poorer overall cognitive statuses. Among these variables, the cognitive status, dependency of activities of daily living, depression, and anxiety were identified as predictors of QOL in PD patients and were all significant and independent factors of poor QOL in PD patients. The clinicians should be aware of the effects of these factors on QOL and attempt to treat comorbid psychiatric conditions to improve the PD patients’ QOL.
A Study of Structural and Photoluminescence for Al-Doped CdO Thin Films
Authors: Lee Bong Ju , Jeong Jin
Published: May 2016

Al-doped CdO thin films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering at different deposition time and substrate temperature. X-ray diffraction showed that the changes in the intensities of the (200), (220), and (311) planes followed a similar trend with increase in deposition time. The surface of the thin film was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Grain sizes of Al-doped CdO thin films increased significantly with increasing deposition time. The film thicknesses were 0.09, 0.12, 0.20, and 0.225 μm for the deposition times of 1, 2, 3, and 4 h, respectively. The photoluminescence spectra of the Al-doped CdO thin films were measured at room temperature. The photoluminescence wavelength changed in the sequence, green, blue, green, and blue, with increasing deposition time, which indicates that blue light emitting films can be fabricated by adjusting the processing parameters.
Diagnostic Performance of McMonnies Questionnaire as a Screening Survey for Dry Eye: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Peng Rongmei , Feng Kang , Hong Jing
Published: May 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the McMonnies questionnaire as a screening survey for dry eye in Chinese outpatients.Methods. The questionnaire was self-administered by 27,999 patients with dry eye symptoms. A thorough ophthalmic examination including tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, and Schirmer I test was completed to make a clinical diagnosis of dry eye. Reliability, validity, and accuracy of the McMonnies questionnaire were assessed.Results. The McMonnies questionnaire showed poor internal consistency (Cronbachα=0.37), but excellent validity as the scores correlated with TBUT (Spearman test,r=-0.322,P<0.001) and Schirmer I test (Spearman’s test,r=-0.370,P<0.001), and significantly differed between the dry eye and control groups (2-samplet-test,t=69.51,P<0.001). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.729, suggesting moderate accuracy in identifying dry eye and non-dry eye patients. However, the AUCs varied significantly in different gender and age subgroups (ztest,P<0.001), as the discriminating ability declined with age. Analysis of the ROC curves also revealed that different cut-off points should be employed for each subgroup to achieve the same level of accuracy.Conclusions. The McMonnies questionnaire demonstrates moderate diagnostic value, and different cut-off points should be selected for various study populations.
Oral Syphilis: A Reemerging Infection Prompting Clinicians’ Alertness
Authors: Dybeck Udd Sebastian , Lund Bodil
Published: May 2016

Syphilis is a rare but increasing disease. Due to changing sexual habits, presentation of oral manifestations may rise. Since syphilis may mimic other oral manifestations, diagnoses can be difficult. Clinicians need to be aware that ambiguous oral manifestations may in fact be caused by oral syphilis. Here, we present a case of extended diagnostic delay highlighting the importance of consulting an expert in infectious diseases in case of obscure oral lesions not responding to standard treatment. Despite seven visits to six different medical doctors, a patient who presented with oral syphilis was continuously misdiagnosed. After 6 months of increasing complaints and deteriorating severity of disease, the patient was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon where the correct diagnosis was determined and proper treatment initiated.
Energy Optimization for Distributed Energy Resources Scheduling with Enhancements in Voltage Stability Margin
Authors: Morais Hugo , Sousa Tiago , Perez Angel , Jóhannsson Hjörtur , Vale Zita
Published: May 2016

The need for developing new methodologies in order to improve power system stability has increased due to the recent growth of distributed energy resources. In this paper, the inclusion of a voltage stability index in distributed energy resources scheduling is proposed. Two techniques were used to evaluate the resulting multiobjective optimization problem: the sum-weighted Pareto front and an adapted goal programming methodology. With this new methodology, the system operators can consider both the costs and voltage stability. Priority can be assigned to one objective function according to the operating scenario. Additionally, it is possible to evaluate the impact of the distributed generation and the electric vehicles in the management of voltage stability in the future electric networks. One detailed case study considering a distribution network with high penetration of distributed energy resources is presented to analyse the proposed methodology. Additionally, the methodology is tested in a real distribution network.
An Uncemented Spreading Stem for the Fixation in the Metaphyseal Femur: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Burger Daniel , Pumberger Matthias , Fuchs Bruno
Published: May 2016

Surgical treatment to restore full range of motion and full weight bearing after extensive femoral bone resection in patients with primary or metastatic femoral tumours is individually challenging. Especially when the remaining distal or proximal bone is very short, a rigid fixation of an implant is difficult to achieve due to the reverse funnel shape of the metaphysis. Herein, we present a novel implant design using a spreading mechanism in the distal part of the prosthesis for rigid, uncemented fixation in the remaining femoral bone after extensive tumour resection of the femur. We present the outcome of 5 female patients who underwent implantation of this spreading stem after extensive proximal or distal femoral bone resection. There was no radiological or clinical loosening or implant-related revision surgery in our follow-up (mean 21.46 months, range 3.5–46 months). This uncemented spreading stem may therefore represent an alternative option for fixation of a prosthetic device in the remaining metaphyseal femur.
Immunological Evasion in Glioblastoma
Authors: Magaña-Maldonado Roxana , Chávez-Cortez Elda Georgina , Olascoaga-Arellano Nora Karen , López-Mejía Mariana , Maldonado-Leal Fernando Manuel , Sotelo Julio , Pineda Benjamín
Published: May 2016

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor in Central Nervous System in adults. Among its features, modulation of immune system stands out. Although immune system is capable of detecting and eliminating tumor cells mainly by cytotoxic T and NK cells, tumor microenvironment suppresses an effective response through recruitment of modulator cells such as regulatory T cells, monocyte-derived suppressor cells, M2 macrophages, and microglia as well as secretion of immunomodulators including IL-6, IL-10, CSF-1, TGF-β, and CCL2. Other mechanisms that induce immunosuppression include enzymes as indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase. For this reason it is important to develop new therapies that avoid this immune evasion to promote an effective response against glioblastoma.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Sheep and Goats at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Aziz-ul-Rahman  , Abubakar Muhammad , Rasool Muhammad Hidayat , Manzoor Shumaila , Saqalein Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad , Munir Muhammad , Ali Qurban , Wensman Jonas Johansson
Published: May 2016

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is causing infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality rate in domestic and wild small ruminants of Pakistan with valuable economical losses. The present study was carried out to investigate risk factors of PPRV in domestic small ruminants which were present in the vicinity of wildlife parks. A total of 265 sera samples (27 wild ruminants and 238 domesticated small ruminants) from apparently healthy animals from two different wildlife parks were collected and analysed for PPRV antibodies. Also, 20 nasal swabs from domestic small ruminants showing respiratory signs were collected to check for presence of PPRV antigen. Competitive ELISA revealed highest proportions of anti-PPRV antibodies in domestic small ruminants around the Wildlife Park at Lahore (35%) as compared to Faisalabad (13%), with no existence of PPRV antibodies in tested serum of wild ruminants at these parks. Higher seropositivity was observed in females (25.6%) than in males (5.1%) and in goats (34.5%) compared to sheep (11.2%). The results of N-gene based RT-PCR highlight the absence of PPRV due to lack of current PPR outbreak in the region during study period. Even though grazing was not a significant risk factor, there is still a possibility of wildlife-livestock interactions for feed and water reservoirs, resulting in spillover of PPR to wildlife. Keeping in view the high seropositivity and risk of PPR, vaccination should be adopted to avoid circulation of PPRV among wild and domestic small ruminants (sheep and goats).
A Mobile Sensing System for UrbanPM2.5Monitoring with Adaptive Resolution
Authors: Guo Hongjie , Dai Guojun , Fan Jin , Wu Yifan , Shen Fangyao , Hu Yidan
Published: May 2016

This paper develops a mobile sensing system, the first system used in adaptive resolution urban air quality monitoring. In this system, we employ several taxis as sensor carries to collect originalPM2.5data and collect a variety of datasets, including meteorological data, traffic status data, and geographical data in the city. This paper also presents a novel method AG-PCEM (Adaptive Grid-Probabilistic Concentration Estimation Method) to infer thePM2.5concentration for undetected grids using dynamic adaptive grids. We gradually collect the measurements throughout a year using a prototype system in Xiasha District of Hangzhou City, China. Experimental data has verified that the proposed system can achieve good performance in terms of computational cost and accuracy. The computational cost of AG-PCEM is reduced by about 40.2% compared with a static grid method PCEM under the condition of reaching the close accuracy, and the accuracy of AG-PCEM is far superior as widely used artificial neural network (ANN) and Gaussian process (GP), enhanced by 38.8% and 14.6%, respectively. The system can be expanded to wide-range air quality monitor by adjusting the initial grid resolution, and our findings can tell citizens actual air quality and help official management find pollution sources.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisand DualM. tuberculosis/M. bovisInfection as the Cause of Tuberculosis in a Gorilla and a Lioness, Respectively, in Ibadan Zoo, Nigeria
Authors: Adeogun Aina , Omobowale Olutayo , Owuamanam Chiaka , Alaka Olugbenga , Taiwo Victor , van Soolingen Dick , Cadmus Simeon
Published: May 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) in zoo animals is an important public health problem in places where it occurs. This is even very important in countries where there is little public health awareness about the disease; thus confined animals in the zoo can be infected directly or indirectly by infected humans and vice versa. In Nigeria, the problem of TB is a major concern among both humans and cattle. Here, we present cases ofMycobacterium tuberculosisandM. tuberculosis/M. bovisinfections in a female gorilla and a lioness, respectively, in a zoo in Ibadan, Nigeria. These cases were confirmed after bacteriological examinations and DNA from granulomatous lesions of the animals’ carcasses were subjected to the Hain and spoligotyping techniques. Our findings reveal the first documented report of TB infections in a gorilla and a lioness in zoo animals in Nigeria. The public health risks of tuberculosis in zoological settings are therefore reemphasized.
Neurochemical Plasticity of the Coeliac-Superior Mesenteric Ganglion Complex Neurons Projecting to the Prepyloric Area of the Porcine Stomach following Hyperacidity
Authors: Palus Katarzyna , Całka Jarosław
Published: May 2016

This study was designed to determine neurochemical properties of the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion (CSMG) neurons supplying the prepyloric area of the porcine stomach in physiological state and following experimentally induced hyperacidity. To localize sympathetic neurons innervating the studied area of stomach, the neuronal retrograde tracer Fast Blue (FB) was applied to control animals and hydrochloric acid infusion (HCl) groups. After 23 days, animals of the HCl group were reintroduced into a state of general anesthesia and intragastrically given 5 mL/kg of body weight of 0.25 M aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid. On the 28th day, all animals were sacrificed. The CSMG complexes were then collected and processed for double-labeling immunofluorescence. In the control animals, FB-positive perikarya displayed immunoreactivity to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamineβ-hydroxylase (DβH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and galanin (GAL). Experimentally induced gastric hyperacidity changed the neurochemical phenotype of the studied neurons. An upregulated expression of GAL and NPY and thede novosynthesis of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and leu5-enkephalin (LENK) as well as downregulated expression of TH and DβH in the stomach-projecting neurons were observed. These findings enrich existing knowledge about the participation of these active substances in adaptive mechanism(s) of the sympathetic neurons during pathological processes within the gastrointestinal tract.
Motivating Factors and Potential Deterrents to Blood Donation in High School Aged Blood Donors
Authors: Finck Rachel , Ziman Alyssa , Hoffman Matthew , Phan-Tang Michelle , Yuan Shan
Published: May 2016

Background. To ensure an adequate supply of blood, collection centers must design campaigns that successfully recruit and maintain an active donor pool. Understanding factors that motivate and deter individuals from donating may help centers develop targeted recruitment campaigns. These factors among high school aged blood donors have not yet been fully investigated.Study Design and Methods. A voluntary, anonymous survey was administered to student donors at high school mobile blood drives. The survey instrument asked the students to rate several potential motivating factors in their importance in the decision to donate blood and several potential deterring factors in their future decision whether or not to donate blood again. The survey also asked the students to rate the desirability of several potential incentives.Results. Motivating factors that reflected prosocial, empathetic, and altruistic thoughts and beliefs were rated highly by students. Pain from phlebotomy was most commonly chosen as potential deterrent. Movie tickets and cookies/snacks at the drive were rated as the most attractive incentives.Conclusion. High school aged blood donors are similar to other donor groups in their expressed motives for donating blood. This group may be unique in the factors that deter them from donating and in their preferences for different incentives.
Metastatic Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Testis: Clinical Presentation and Management
Authors: Mohapatra Anand , Potretzke Aaron M. , Knight Brent A. , Han Min , Figenshau Robert S.
Published: May 2016

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the testis are rare sex cord-stromal tumors that are present in both juvenile and adult subtypes. While most adult GCTs are benign, those that present with distant metastases manifest a grave prognosis. Treatments for aggressive GCTs are not well established. Options that have been employed in previous cases include retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof. We describe the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with a painless left testicular mass and painful gynecomastia. Serum tumor markers (alpha fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase) and computed tomography of the chest and abdomen were negative. The patient underwent left radical orchiectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was consistent with a testicular GCT. He underwent a left-template laparoscopic RPLND which revealed 2/19 positive lymph nodes. Final pathological stage was IIA. He remains free of disease 32 months after surgery.
Impacts of Nonsynonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Adiponectin Receptor 1 Gene on Corresponding Protein Stability: A Computational Approach
Authors: Saleh Md. Abu , Solayman Md. , Paul Sudip , Saha Moumoni , Khalil Md. Ibrahim , Gan Siew Hua
Published: May 2016

Despite the reported association of adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1)gene mutations with vulnerability to several human metabolic diseases, there is lack of computational analysis on the functional and structural impacts of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the humanADIPOR1at protein level. Therefore, sequence- and structure-based computational tools were employed in this study to functionally and structurally characterize the coding nsSNPs ofADIPOR1gene listed in the dbSNP database. Ourin silicoanalysis by SIFT, nsSNPAnalyzer, PolyPhen-2, Fathmm, I-Mutant 2.0, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, PANTHER, and SNPeffect tools identified the nsSNPs with distorting functional impacts, namely, rs765425383 (A348G), rs752071352 (H341Y), rs759555652 (R324L), rs200326086 (L224F), and rs766267373 (L143P) from 74 nsSNPs ofADIPOR1gene. Finally the aforementioned five deleterious nsSNPs were introduced using Swiss-PDB Viewer package within the X-ray crystal structure of ADIPOR1 protein, and changes in free energy for these mutations were computed. Although increased free energy was observed for all the mutants, the nsSNP H341Y caused the highest energy increase amongst all. RMSD and TM scores predicted that mutants were structurally similar to wild type protein. Our analyses suggested that the aforementioned variants especially H341Y could directly or indirectly destabilize the amino acid interactions and hydrogen bonding networks of ADIPOR1.
Molecular Drivers of the Non–T-cell-Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment in Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Sweis Randy F. , Spranger Stefani , Bao Riyue , Paner Gladell P. , Stadler Walter M. , Steinberg Gary , Gajewski Thomas F.
Published: May 2016

Muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer is a common malignancy with poor outcomes for which immune checkpoint blockade is now showing promise. Despite clinical activity of PD-1/PD-L1–targeted therapy in this disease, most patients do not benefit and resistance mechanisms remain unknown. The non–T-cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment correlates with poor prognosis and resistance to immunotherapies. In this study, we determined tumor-oncogenic pathways correlating with T-cell exclusion. We first establish in this report that T-cell–inflamed bladder tumors can be identified by immune gene expression profiling with concordance with CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Upregulation of genes encoding immune checkpoint proteins PD-L1, IDO, FOXP3, TIM3, and LAG3 was associated with T-cell–inflamed tumors, suggesting potential for sensitivity to checkpoint blockade. β-Catenin, PPAR-γ, and FGFR3 pathways were activated in non–T-cell-inflamed tumors. No difference was seen in overall somatic mutational density between groups. The three pathways identified represent targetable potential pathways of tumor-intrinsic immunotherapy resistance. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(7); 563–8. ©2016 AACR.
Function of Thymosin Beta-4 in Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Wu Junfeng , Zeng Weichen , Yao Kai , Zu Hengbing , Zhao Yongfei
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia may play a pivotal role in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) pathologic conditions, including ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of Tβ4 in ethanol-induced microglia activation. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to assess the expression of Tβ4 and miR-339-5p. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of Tβ4, phosphorylated p38, ERK, JNK, Akt, and NF-κB p65. The concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β was determined using ELISA. NO concentration was measured using a nitric oxide colorimetric BioAssay Kit. Double immunofluorescence was performed to determine Tβ4 expression, in order to assess microglial activation in neonatal mouse FASD model. Results: Increased Tβ4 expression was observed in ethanol treated microglia. Knockdown of Tβ4 enhanced ethanol-induced inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) in BV-2 cells was performed. Exogenous Tβ4 treatment significantly inhibited expression and secretion of these inflammatory mediators. Tβ4 treatment attenuated p38, ERK MAPKs, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation, and enhanced miR-339-5p expression induced by ethanol exposure in microglia. A neonatal mouse fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) model showed that Tβ4 expression in the microglia of the hippocampus was markedly enhanced, while Tβ4 treatment effectively blocked the ethanol-induced increase in inflammatory mediators, to the level expressed in vehicle-treated control animals. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate the function of Tβ4 in ethanol-induced microglia activation, thus contributing to a more robust understanding of the role of Tβ4 treatment in CNS disease.
Best Albuminuria Measurement to Predict Cardiovascular and Renal Events
Authors: Bauer Lucie , Emrich Insa E. , Pickering John W. , Untersteller Kathrin , Sandermann Franziska , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Seiler-Mussler Sarah , Fliser Danilo , Heine Gunnar H.
Published: May 2016

Background: Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines encourage clinicians to estimate 24-hour albuminuria as albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) from spot urine samples. However, ACR underestimates 24-hour albumin excretion in muscular individuals. Equations that adjust ACR for surrogates of muscle mass to yield an estimated albumin excretion rate (eAER) were developed. We hypothesised that eAER is a better predictor of cardiovascular and renal outcomes than ACR. Methods: We determined ACR and eAER among 443 patients with chronic kidney disease G2-G4 recruited into the CARE FOR HOMe study. Patients were classified into KDIGO albuminuria categories, and followed for cardiovascular and renal events. The primary analysis was the net reclassification improvement (NRI) for those with and without events within 3 years of follow-up. Results: Eighty five patients experienced cardiovascular events during 3 years of follow-up, 13 of whom were reclassified to a more advanced albuminuria category, and 1 patient to a less advanced category by eAER compared to ACR (NRIevent: 14.1% (95% CI 5.8-22.4)). Among 358 patients without a cardiovascular event, 17 patients were reclassified to a more advanced albuminuria category, and 2 patients to a less advanced category by eAER (NRIno event: -4.2%, 95% CI -8.5 to -1.8). Sixty patients went through renal events, and 383 patients had event-free 3-year follow-up. NRIevent was 6.7% (95% CI -1.2 to 14.5), and NRIno event was -6.0% (95% CI -10.6 to 3.4) for renal events. Conclusion: Compared to ACR albuminuria categories, eAER categories are better associated with future cardiovascular events, but not with renal events.
Screen Twice, Cut Once: Assessing the Predictive Validity of Applicant Selection Tools
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Grout Cyrus , Huntington-Klein Nick
Published: May 2016

Despite their widespread use, there is little academic evidence on whether applicant selection instruments can improve teacher hiring. We examine the relationship between two screening instruments used by Spokane Public Schools to select classroom teachers and three teacher outcomes: value added, absences, and attrition. We observe all applicants to the district (not only those who are hired), allowing us to estimate sample selection-corrected models using random tally errors and variation in the level of competition across job postings as instruments. Ratings on the screening instruments significantly predict value added in math and teacher attrition, but not absences—an increase of one standard deviation in screening scores is associated with an increase of about 0.06 standard deviations of student math achievement, and a decrease in teacher attrition of 3 percentage points. Hence the use of selection instruments appears to be a key means of improving the quality of the teacher workforce.
The taxonomic revision of Asian Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) I: Confirmation and illustration of A. austroszechuanica, A. faucimaculata and A. yunnanensis var. meionantha from China
Authors: ZHU XIN-XIN , LIAO SHUAI , ZHANG LIN , WANG ZHANG-HUA , DU CHENG , MA JIN-SHUANG
Published: May 2016

Through extensive field work, careful examination of numerous specimens, and color photos taken in the field and study in relation to published accounts of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae), we conclude that A. austroszechuanica, A. faucimaculata and A. yunnanensis var. meionantha are distinct species. Detailed morphological comparisons with related species, descriptions and illustrations are presented. A. yunnanensis var. meionantha is raised into Aristolochia meionantha. Furthermore, detailed distributions, citation of studied specimens and nomenclatural notes for these species are also provided.
Adding Injury to Insult
Authors: Hojjat Houmehr , Svider Peter F. , Lin Ho-Sheng , Folbe Adam J. , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Zuliani Giancarlo
Published: May 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To estimate the incidence of patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) for facial trauma sustained from participation in combat sports and evaluate injury patterns and patient demographics.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for facial injuries from wrestling, boxing, and martial arts leading to ED visits from 2008 to 2013. Relevant entries were examined for injury mechanism, location, type, as well as other patient characteristics.

Results:

There were 1143 entries extrapolating to an estimated 42 395 ED visits from 2008 to 2013. Injury rates for boxing, marital arts, and wrestling were, respectively, 44, 56, and 120 injuries per 100 000 participants. Males comprised the majority (93.7%). A plurality of injuries involved lacerations (46.0%), followed by fractures (26.2%) and contusions/abrasions (19.3%). The proportion of fractures was highest among boxers (36.9%). Overall, the most common mechanisms of injury were punching, kicking, and head butting.

Conclusions:

The significant number of ED visits resulted from combat sports facial trauma, reinforcing the importance of familiarity with injury patterns among practitioners managing facial trauma. As most injuries involve individuals younger than 19 despite guidelines suggesting children and adolescents avoid combat sports, these findings may be used for patient education and encouragement of the use of personal protective equipment. Furthermore, injury patterns reported in this analysis may serve as an adjunct for enhancing clinical history taking and physical examination.
Fabric compaction and infiltration during vacuum-assisted resin infusion with and without distribution medium
Authors: Vilà Joaquim , González Carlos , LLorca Javier
Published: May 2016

Vacuum infusion experiments with and without distribution medium were carried out in woven E-glass fabric preforms. The experimental set-up was carefully designed to obtain a unidimensional in-plane flow between the inlet and outlet gate, which was combined with through-the-thickness infiltration in the tests carried out with a distribution medium. The variation of the fabric thickness during the infusion experiments was measured by means of digital image correlation, whereas the fluid pressure along the strip was obtained by means of pressure gages. Finally, the in-plane fabric permeability as a function of the fiber volume fraction and the fabric compactability were measured by means of independent tests. The experimental results provided a very detailed picture of the interaction between the fluid infiltration mechanisms and the preform deformation during in-plane and through-the-thickness flow, which is very useful to understand the complex interaction between permeability and compaction during infiltration.
Intra-city access to inter-city transport nodes: The implications of high-speed-rail station locations for the urban development of Chinese cities
Authors: Diao Mi , Zhu Yi , Zhu Jiren
Published: May 2016

In the high-speed-rail (HSR) construction boom of China, although some cities have upgraded old train stations in inner cities to be compatible with HSR, more cities have built new HSR stations on undeveloped land in the urban periphery. This study investigates the impact of intra-city access to inter-city transport nodes and explores the implications of HSR station locations for the accessibility and residential property values in Chinese cities connected by bullet trains. We find that for the cities with HSR stations in suburbs, the gains in inter-city travel brought by HSR are largely offset by the prolonged intra-city travel time to reach the stations, thus limiting frequent usage of HSR for daily commuting. The inner-city HSR station in Hangzhou shows a positive impact on residential property value in the vicinity, while the suburban HSR station in Guangzhou has not been observed to raise the residential property values noticeably in the short term despite the government’s intention to stimulate development in surrounding areas. The research findings show the need for better connections of HSR stations with the city to magnify the accessibility provided by HSR and careful integrated planning to promote desirable urban development outcomes in station areas.
SKOS concepts and natural language concepts: An analysis of latent relationships in KOSs
Authors: Mastora Anna , Peponakis Manolis , Kapidakis Sarantos
Published: May 2016

The vehicle to represent Knowledge Organisation Systems (KOSs) in the environment of the Semantic Web and linked data is the Simple Knowledge Organisation System (SKOS). SKOS provides a way to assign a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) to each concept, and this URI functions as a surrogate for the concept. This fact makes of main concern the need to clarify the URIs’ ontological meaning. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the ontological substance of KOS concepts and concepts revealed through the grammatical and syntactic formalisms of natural language. For this purpose, we examined the dividableness of concepts in specific KOSs (i.e. a thesaurus, a subject headings system and a classification scheme) by applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques (i.e. morphosyntactic analysis) to the lexical representations (i.e. RDF literals) of SKOS concepts. The results of the comparative analysis reveal that, despite the use of multi-word units, thesauri tend to represent concepts in a way that can hardly be further divided conceptually, while subject headings and classification schemes – to a certain extent – comprise terms that can be decomposed into more conceptual constituents. Consequently, SKOS concepts deriving from thesauri are more likely to represent atomic conceptual units and thus be more appropriate tools for inference and reasoning. Since identifiers represent the meaning of a concept, complex concepts are neither the most appropriate nor the most efficient way of modelling a KOS for the Semantic Web.
Stereotype-Based Managerial Identity Work in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Koveshnikov Alexei , Vaara Eero , Ehrnrooth Mats
Published: May 2016

The paper advances our understanding of managerial identity work in the context of HQ–subsidiary relations. We argue that a key part of this identity work is related to cultural stereotypes. On the basis of an analysis of two Finland-based MNCs operating in Russia, the paper elucidates three forms of stereotype-based identity work with enabling or constraining power implications. The first form, stereotypical talk, refers to identity work whereby managers enact their stereotypical conceptions of ‘the other’ to bolster their self-image and ‘inferiorize’ ‘the other’. The second form, reactive talk, is identity work that emerges as a reaction to stereotypical talk whereby managers aim at renegotiating the proposed social arrangement for their own benefit. Finally, the third form, self-reflexive talk, refers to identity work whereby managers attempt to go beyond the social arrangement produced through stereotypical and reactive talk by distancing themselves in a self-reflexive manner from essentialist cultural conceptions. Overall, the paper offers an initial attempt to elucidate how stereotype-based identity work is used to justify or resist existing power structures and power asymmetries in HQ–subsidiary relations within the MNC.