bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and molecular characterization of compost bacteria antagonistic to soil-borne plant pathogens
Authors: Mohamed Rowida , Groulx Emma , Defilippi Stefanie , Erak Tamara , Tambong James T. , Tweddell Russell J. , Tsopmo Apollinaire , Avis Tyler J.
Published: February 2017

Disease suppressive composts have the potential to mitigate the risks associated with chemical pesticides. One of the main characteristics responsible for the suppressive nature of composts is their microbiological populations. To gain insight into the determinants responsible for their suppressive effects, we assayed composts to (i) isolate and identify beneficial antagonistic bacteria, (ii) quantify their antifungal and anti-oomycetal activities, (iii) extract inhibitory compounds produced by the bacteria, and (iv) identify antimicrobial lipopeptides produced by these bacteria. The antagonistic bacteria belonged to the genera Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, and Rummeliibacillus and had the ability to antagonise the growth of Fusarium sambucinum, Verticillium dahliae, and (or) Pythium sulcatum. These bacteria produced antimicrobial compounds that affected the mycelial growth and (or) conidial germination of the pathogens. Mass spectrometry analyses showed the presence of various antimicrobial lipopeptides in Bacillus and Bacillus-related spp. extracts, demonstrating that they are responsible, at least in part, for the antagonistic activity of the bacteria. Results from this work provide greater insight into some of the biological, biochemical, and physiological determinants of suppressiveness in composts involved in the control of plant pathogens.
Antrodia cinnamomeaPrevents Obesity, Dyslipidemia, and the Derived Fatty Liver via Regulating AMPK and SREBP Signaling
Authors: Peng Chiung-Huei , Yang Mon-Yuan , Yang Yi-Sun , Yu Chieh-Chou , Wang Chau-Jong
Published: February 2017

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a protogenic fungus that only grows on the heartwood of endemic Cinnamomum kanehirae Hayata in Taiwan, is used to treat a variety of illness including liver disease. However, little is known about the benefit of AC against obesity and the related hepatic disorder. Using high-fat-diet (HFD) feed mice, we aimed to investigate whether the extract of AC (ACE) could reduce excessive weight, body fat, and serum lipids and prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups fed with different diets: control, HFD, and HFD with 0.5%, 1%, or 2% of ACE, respectively. After 10 weeks the animals were sacrificed, with serum and liver collected. HFD-induced elevation of body weight gain, body fat deposition, and serum free fatty acid (FFA), triacylglycerol (TGs), total cholesterol, and ratio of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly restored by ACE. ACE reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatic lipid deposits increased by HFD. ACE increased p-AMP activated protein kinase (pAMPK) but decreased Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), fatty acid synthase (FAS), 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase. The chemical analysis reveals ACE is full of triterpenes, the most abundant of which is Antcin K, followed by sulphurenic acid, eburicoic acid, antcin C, dehydrosulphurenic acid, antcin B, and propanoic acid. In conclusion, ACE should be used to prevent obesity and derived fatty liver. The applicability of ACE on NAFLD deserves further investigation.
High-order harmonic and attosecond pulse generations from Rydberg state driven by the spatially inhomogeneous field
Authors: Feng Liqiang , Li Yi , Meng Fanshun , Liu Hang , Castle R. S.
Published: February 2017

High-order harmonic spectra and attosecond pulse generation from Rydberg atom (He[Formula: see text]) driven by the spatially inhomogeneous field have been theoretically investigated. (i) Firstly, with an electron initially in a single excited Rydberg state (nth), the harmonic yield can be enhanced due to the decreased ionization potential, and a maximum enhancement can be obtained when the initial state is prepared as the third excited state (n = 3). However, the low cutoff energy from the excited state is unbeneficial to the generation of the higher photon pulse. Thus, with the further introduction of the laser chirp, not only the harmonic cutoff is extended, but also the harmonic modulation is reduced. As a result, five super-bandwidths from 63 eV to 267 eV can be found. (ii) Secondly, by preparing the initial state as a coherent superposition of excited state, the harmonic yield can be further enhanced, especially for the coherent superposition of the first and the third (n = 1 + 3) and the second and the fourth (n = 2 + 4) excited states, the harmonic yield is enhanced by 4–8 orders of magnitude compared with the case of the single ground initial state. Furthermore, by properly adding the laser pulse into the spatially inhomogeneous region (gap center [Formula: see text] a.u.) from left [Formula: see text] to right [Formula: see text], much higher cutoff energies can be obtained in the left region. As a consequence, two super-bandwidths of 248 eV and 496 eV can be obtained. Finally, by properly superposing the harmonics, a series of sub-25-as pulses with intensity enhancement of 5–8 orders of magnitude can be produced.
Study of Imperfect Manufacturing System with Preservation Technology Investment Under Inflationary Environment for Quadratic Demand: A Reverse Logistic Approach
Authors: Shah Nita H. , Jani Mrudul Y. , Chaudhari Urmila
Published: February 2017

This paper focuses on imperfect manufacturing system with remanufacturing, manufacturing and product returned cycle for a single item which deteriorates with respect to time. The product has maximum fixed lifetime. To decrease deterioration of the product, manufacturer spends capitals on preservation technology to preserve the item. In this paper, the effect of inflation is also considered. Here, time-dependent quadratic demand is debated which is suitable for the products whose demand increases initially and afterward it starts to decrease. The objective is to minimize the total cost of manufacturer with respect to cycle time and investment for preservation technology. The model is supported with numerical example. Sensitivity analysis is done to derive insights for decision makers. Graphical result, in three dimensions, is exhibited with supervisory decision.
Geochemical and mineralogical controls on metal(loid) mobility in the oxide zone of the Prairie Creek Deposit, NWT
Authors: Stavinga Drew , Jamieson Heather , Layton-Matthews Daniel , Paradis Suzanne , Falck Hendrik
Published: February 2017

Prairie Creek is an unmined high grade Zn-Pb-Ag deposit in the southern Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories, located in a 320 km
2
enclave surrounded by the Nahanni National Park reserve. The upper portion of the quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein mineralization has undergone extensive oxidation, forming high grade zones, rich in smithsonite (ZnCO
3
) and cerussite (PbCO
3
). This weathered zone represents a significant resource and a potential component of mine waste material. This study is focused on characterizing the geochemical and mineralogical controls on metal(loid) mobility under mine waste conditions, with particular attention to the metal carbonates as a potential source of trace elements to the environment. Analyses were conducted using a combination of microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe, scanning electron microscopy with automated mineralogy, laser-ablation inductively-coupled mass spectrometry, and synchrotron-based element mapping, micro-X-ray diffraction and micro-X-ray absorbance). The elements of interest included Zn, Pb, Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Sb and Se.

Results include the identification of minor phases previously unknown at Prairie Creek, including cinnabar (HgS), acanthite (Ag
2
S), metal arsenates, and Pb-Sb-oxide. Anglesite (PbSO
4
) may also be present in greater proportions than recognized by previous work, composing up to 39 weight percent of some samples. Smithsonite is the major host for Zn but this mineral also contains elevated concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cu, while cerussite hosts Zn, Cu and Cd, with concentrations ranging from 6 ppm to upwards of 5.3 weight percent in the two minerals. Variable concentrations of As, Sb, Hg, Ag, and Se are also present in smithsonite and cerussite (listed in approximately decreasing order with concentrations ranging from <0.02 to 17 000 ppm). A significant proportion of the trace metal(loid)s may be hosted by other secondary minerals associated with mineralization. Processing will remove significant mineral hosts for these elements from the final tailings, although some may remain depending on whether the smithsonite fraction is left as tailings. Significant Hg and Ag could remain in tailings from cinnabar and acanthite that is trapped within smithsonite grains, which were found to act as a host for up to 53% of the Hg and 79% of the Ag contained in some samples.

In a mine waste setting, near-neutral pH will encourage retention of trace metal(loid)s in solids. Regardless, oxidation, dissolution and mobilization is expected to continue in the long term, which may be slowed by saturated conditions, or accelerated by localized flow paths and acidification of isolated, sulphide-rich pore spaces.

Supplementary material:
Additional description of sampling and analytical methdologies are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3589562
Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality in the Soutpansberg Basin around Tshikondeni, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Malaza Ntokozo
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of anthropogenic and natural sources of contamination on the groundwater quality of the unconfined aquifer system of the Soutpansberg Basin around Tshikondeni. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected and analysed for physical and chemical parameters. Groundwater samples were analysed for pH, EC, TDS, major cations (Na
+
, Ca
+2
, K
+
, and Mg
+2
), major anions (Cl
−
, SO
4
−2
, NO
3−
, CO
3−
and HCO
3−
). Groundwater in this area was found to be above the desirable Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) limits for domestic and irrigation purposes. After the physicochemical analysis of groundwater, samples shows that, the type of water that predominates in the study area is Na
+
-K
+
-Ca
+2
-Mg
+2
type during the summer of the year 2008, based on hydro-chemical facies. Interpretation of hydro-geochemical data suggests that leaching of ions followed by weathering and anthropogenic impact (mainly mining and agricultural activities) control the chemistry of groundwater in the study area. Groundwater suitability for drinking purpose was also evaluated by the synthetic pollution index (SPI), it suggested that most of the samples fall in seriously polluted categories. The calculated values of SAR, Na%, RSC, PI, and MH have shown that except at few locations, most of groundwater samples are not suitable for agricultural and domestic purposes.
Interplay between renal endothelin and purinergic signaling systems
Authors: Gohar Eman Y. , Kasztan Malgorzata , Pollock David M.
Published: February 2017

Alterations in extracellular fluid volume regulation and sodium balance may result in the development and maintenance of salt-dependent hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Numerous pathways contribute to the regulation of sodium excretion and blood pressure, including endothelin and purinergic signaling. Increasing evidence suggests a link between purinergic receptor activation and endothelin production within the renal collecting duct as a means of promoting natriuresis. A better understanding of the relationship between these two systems, especially in regard to sodium homeostasis, will fill a significant knowledge gap and may provide novel antihypertensive treatment options. Therefore, this review focuses on the cross talk between endothelin and purinergic signaling as it relates to the renal regulation of sodium and blood pressure homeostasis.
Comparison of Comfort and Effectiveness of Total Face Mask and Oronasal Mask in Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Sadeghi Somayeh , Fakharian Atefeh , Nasri Peiman , Kiani Arda
Published: February 2017

Background. There is a growing controversy about the use of oronasal masks (ONM) or total facemask (TFM) in noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), so we designed a trial to compare the uses of these two masks in terms of effectiveness and comfort.Methods. Between February and November 2014, a total of 48 patients with respiratory failure were studied. Patients were randomized to receive NPPV via ONM or TFM. Data were recorded at 60 minutes and six and 24 hours after intervention. Patient comfort was assessed using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed usingt-test and chi-square test. Repeated measures ANOVA and Mann–WhitneyUtest were used to compare clinical and laboratory data.Results. There were no differences in venous blood gas (VBG) values between the two groups (P>0.05). However, at six hours, TFM was much more effective in reducing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) (P=0.04). Patient comfort and acceptance were statistically similar in both groups (P>0.05). Total time of NPPV was also similar in the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusions. TFM was superior to ONM in acute phase of respiratory failure but not once the patients were out of acute phase.
Conservation and Improvement Strategy for Fogera Cattle: A Lesson for Ethiopia Ingenious Cattle Breed Resource
Authors: Tesfa Assemu , Kumar Dilip , Abegaz Solomon , Mekuriaw Getinet
Published: February 2017

The paper is initiated to design appropriate conservation strategies and breeding scheme for Fogera cattle breed that will be used as a guide for other Ethiopian indigenous cattle breed. Two types of data, on-farm and on-station, were used; the on-farm data was collected from three districts, namely, Fogera, Dera, and Bahir Dar Zuria; those are expected as the home of the breed. A total of 150 farmers, which are knowledgeable and having at least one cattle of Fogera phenotype in their herd, were purposively selected and interviewed. Additionally, farmer’s focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted to capture the historical background, population, and distribution of the breed. SPSS (version 16) and index method was used to analyze the quantitative and scoring data’s, respectively. A meeting at national and regional level was also conducted to evaluate the existing conservation strategy and to identify the major stakeholders for the strategy. The main reasons to conserve Fogera breed are due to presence of interrelated constraints, presence of unique traits of the breed, better attitude of farmers, and decreasing population trend of the breed. Community-based in situ conservation strategy, to ensure the participation of the community, was designed for the breed. With the conservation strategy, related activities like feed development, animal health interventions, market linkage, and development of cooperatives will be implemented to improve the working environment. The stakeholders that are identified as an actor in the strategy should realize their honest participation for the sustainability of conservation and improvement of the breed.
Application of Dynamical and Statistical Downscaling to East Asian Summer Precipitation for Finely Resolved Datasets
Authors: Yhang Yoo-Bin , Sohn Soo-Jin , Jung Il-Won
Published: February 2017

Various downscaling approaches have been developed to overcome the limitation of the coarse spatial resolution of general circulation models (GCMs). Such techniques can be grouped into two approaches of dynamical and statistical downscaling. In this study, we investigated the performances of different downscaling methods, focusing on East Asian summer monsoon precipitation to obtain more finely resolved and value added datasets. The dynamical downscaling was conducted by the Regional Model Program (RMP) of the Global/Regional Integrated Model system (GRIMs), while the statistical downscaling was performed through coupled pattern-based simple linear regression. The dynamical downscaling resulted in a better representation of the spatial distribution and long-term trend than the GCM produced; however, it tended to overestimate precipitation over East Asia. In contrast, the application of the statistical downscaling resulted in a bias in the amount of precipitation, due to low variance that is inherent in regression-based downscaling. A combination of dynamical and statistical downscaling produced the best results in time and space. This study provides a guideline for determining the most effective and robust downscaling method in the hydrometeorological applications, which are quite sensitive to the accuracy of downscaled precipitation.
Manipulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity through Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Sayour Elias J. , Mitchell Duane A.
Published: February 2017

Although cancer immunotherapy has shown significant promise in mediating efficacious responses, it remains encumbered by tumor heterogeneity, loss of tumor-specific antigen targets, and the regulatory milieu both regionally and systemically. Cross talk between the innate and adaptive immune response may be requisite to polarize sustained antigen specific immunity. Cancer vaccines can serve as an essential fulcrum in initiating innate immunity while molding and sustaining adaptive immunity. Although peptide vaccines have shown tepid responses in a therapeutic setting with poor correlates for immune activity, RNA vaccines activate innate immune responses and have shown promising effects in preclinical and clinical studies based on enhanced DC migration. While the mechanistic insights behind the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity may be unique to the immunotherapeutic being investigated, understanding this dynamic is important to coordinate the different arms of the immune response in a focused response against cancer antigens.
Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Is Suitable for Recurrent Anal Fistulas from Follow-Up of 16 Months
Authors: Xu Yansong , Tang Weizhong
Published: February 2017

Since 2007, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for the management of anal fistula was all introduced with initial success and excitement. It remains controversial which surgical procedure is suitable for transsphincteric fistula, especially to complex anal fistula. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the results in patients with recurrent anal fistula by LIFT. A retrospective study of 55 complex fistula patients who underwent LIFT procedure in a single medical center was analyzed. Patients and fistula characteristics, complications, and recurrences were reviewed. All 55 patients underwent the procedure with a median follow-up of 16 months. Median operative time was 44 (range 23–88) minutes. Of the 55 patients, 33 (60%) healed completely and did not require any further surgical treatment at end of follow-up. Twenty-two (40%) recurrences and six complications were observed. Compared with patients who had undergone more than two surgical procedures, LIFT was more suitable for patients who had undergone one to two surgical procedures, and significant difference was observed in number of operations before LIFT (p=0.002). Clinicians can consider the use of LIFT for the treatment of recurrent anal fistulas. A larger number of patients and prospective study are needed to be performed.
Cancer-Related Triplets of mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA Revealed by Integrative Network in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chenglin , Zhang Yu-Hang , Deng Qinfang , Li Yixue , Huang Tao , Zhou Songwen , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: February 2017

The regulation of transcriptome expression level is a complex process involving multiple-level interactions among molecules such as protein coding RNA (mRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), which are essential for the transcriptome stability and maintenance and regulation of body homeostasis. The availability of multilevel expression data enables a comprehensive view of the regulatory network. In this study, we analyzed the coding and noncoding gene expression profiles of 301 patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). A new method was proposed to construct a genome-wide integrative network based on variance inflation factor (VIF) regression method. The cross-regulation relations of mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA were then selected based on clique-searching algorithm from the network, when any two molecules of the three were shown as interacting according to the integrative network. Such relation, which we call the mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA triplet, demonstrated the complexity in transcriptome regulation process. Finally, six UCEC-related triplets were selected in which the mRNA participates in endometrial carcinoma pathway, such as CDH1 and TP53. The multi-type RNAs are proved to be cross-regulated as to each of the six triplets according to literature. All the triplets demonstrated the association with the initiation and progression of UCEC. Our method provides a comprehensive strategy for the investigation of transcriptome regulation mechanism.
The Reliability of the Tracheoesophageal Groove and the Ligament of Berry as Landmarks for Identifying the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Cadaveric Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Henry Brandon Michael , Sanna Beatrice , Graves Matthew J. , Sanna Silvia , Vikse Jens , Tomaszewska Iwona M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive evidence-based assessment, supplemented by cadaveric dissections, of the value of using the Ligament of Berry and Tracheoesophageal Groove as anatomical landmarks for identifying the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve.Methods. Seven major databases were searched to identify studies for inclusion. Eligibility was judged by two reviewers. Suitable studies were identified and extracted. MetaXL was used for analysis. All pooled prevalence rates were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed using the Chi2test and theI2statistic.Results. Sixteen studies (n=2,470 nerves), including original cadaveric data, were analyzed for the BL/RLN relationship. The RLN was most often located superficial to the BL with a pooled prevalence estimate of 78.2% of nerves, followed by deep to the BL in 14.8%. Twenty-three studies (n=5,970 nerves) examined the RLN/TEG relationship. The RLN was located inside the TEG in 63.7% (95% CI: 55.3–77.7) of sides.Conclusions. Both the BL and TEG are landmarks that can help surgeons provide patients with complication-free procedures. Our analysis showed that the BL is a more consistent anatomical landmark than the TEG, but it is necessary to use both to prevent iatrogenic RLN injuries during thyroidectomies.
Shallow Water Wave Models with and without Singular Kernel: Existence, Uniqueness, and Similarities
Authors: Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc , Kumar Sunil
Published: February 2017

After the recent introduction of the Caputo‐Fabrizio derivative by authors of the same names, the question was raised about an eventual comparison with the old version, namely, the Caputo derivative. Unlike Caputo derivative, the newly introduced Caputo‐Fabrizio derivative has no singular kernel and the concern was about the real impact of this nonsingularity on real life nonlinear phenomena like those found in shallow water waves. In this paper, a nonlinear Sawada‐Kotera equation, suitable in describing the behavior of shallow water waves, is comprehensively analyzed with both types of derivative. In the investigations, various fixed‐point theories are exploited together with the concept of Piccard ‐stability. We are then able to obtain the existence and uniqueness results for the models with both versions of derivatives. We conclude the analysis by performing some numerical approximations with both derivatives and graphical simulations being presented for some values of the derivative order γ. Similar behaviors are pointed out and they concur with the expected multisoliton solutions well known for the Sawada‐Kotera equation. This great observation means either of both derivatives is suitable to describe the motion of shallow water waves.
Treatment of Class III Malocclusion: Atypical Extraction Protocol
Authors: Ferreira Fernando Pedrin Carvalho , Goulart Maiara da Silva , de Almeida-Pedrin Renata Rodrigues , Conti Ana Claudia de Castro Ferreira , Cardoso Maurício de Almeida
Published: February 2017

The treatment of Angle Class III malocclusion is rather challenging, because the patient’s growth pattern determines the success of long-term treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are still highly discussed issues in orthodontic literature. This type of early intervention has been indicated more frequently in order to eliminate primary etiological factors and prevent an already present malocclusion from becoming severe. However, when a patient is diagnosed in adulthood, manipulation of the bone bases becomes extremely limited, as there is no longer any potential for growth. Treatments are restricted to dental compensations when possible or orthognathic surgery. However, owing to the high cost and inherent risk of the surgical procedure, this treatment option is often denied by the patient; in such a case, the orthodontist has little choice but to perform, where possible, compensatory treatments to restore a functional occlusion and improve facial esthetics. This article reports a case of Class III malocclusion in a patient who opted for compensatory treatment with lower molar extraction that allowed for correction of the midline and the overjet. Good facial esthetics and functional normal occlusion were achieved at the end of the treatment.
Treatment of Adults with Anterior Mandibular Teeth Crowding: Reliability of Little’s Irregularity Index
Authors: Antoszewska-Smith J. , Bohater M. , Kawala M. , Sarul M. , Rzepecka-Skupień M.
Published: February 2017

The attempt of this article was to assess reliability of Little’s Irregularity Index (LII) as for stability of the treatment outcomes in adults with crowded mandibular incisors. LII was measured on a digital cast prior to an orthodontic treatment (T1) of the 302 patients thus allowing us to establish the treatment plan, which called for (a) expansion (group 1), interproximal stripping (group 2), or extraction of one of the mandibular incisors. LII was measured after debonding (T2) and a year after retention (T3). Treatment resulted in significant reduction of LII values after treatment, in T1-T2 period in all groups. As for T2-T3 period it brought significant but clinically irrelevant relapse that occurred in groups 1 and 2; group 3 presented with insignificant improvement of occlusion. Conclusively, 30 years after introducing LII it has been a reliable parameter that allows selection of optimal treatment methods, provided that the appropriate ranges of values displaying dentoalveolar discrepancy are obeyed, namely, (1) up to 3 mm: expansion, (2) from 3 to 5 mm: interproximal enamel reduction, and (3) above 5 mm: extraction.
Metformin Improves Overall Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Meng Fanqiang , Song Li , Wang Wenyue
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Diabetic population has a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality than nondiabetics. The role of metformin in CRC prognosis is still controversial. The meta-analysis aims to investigate whether metformin improves the survival of diabetic CRC patients.Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched till July 1, 2016. Cohort studies were included. All articles were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Hazard Ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each study were calculated and pooled HRs with corresponding 95% CIs were generated using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.Results. We included seven cohort studies with a medium heterogeneity (I2= 56.1% andp=0.033) in our meta-analysis. An improved overall survival (OS) for metformin users over nonusers among colorectal cancers with diabetes was noted (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.87). However, metformin reveals no benefits for cancer-specific survival (HR 0.79, 95%, CI 0.58 to 1.08).Conclusions. Metformin prolongs the OS of diabetic CRC patients, but it does not affect the CRC-specific survival. Metformin may be a good choice in treating CRC patients with diabetes mellitus in clinical settings.
Bioenergetic Changes during Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells along the Hepatic Lineage
Authors: Hopkinson Branden M. , Desler Claus , Kalisz Mark , Vestentoft Peter Siig , Juel Rasmussen Lene , Bisgaard Hanne Cathrine
Published: February 2017

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated to result in premature aging due to its effects on stem cells. Nevertheless, a full understanding of the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics through differentiation is still lacking. Here we show the bioenergetics profile of human stem cells of embryonic origin differentiating along the hepatic lineage. Our study reveals especially the transition between hepatic specification and hepatic maturation as dependent on mitochondrial respiration and demonstrates that even though differentiating cells are primarily dependent on glycolysis until induction of hepatocyte maturation, oxidative phosphorylation is essential at all stages of differentiation.
Identifying and Intervening in Child Maltreatment and Implementing Related National Guidelines by Public Health Nurses in Finland and Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kayoko , Paavilainen Eija , Helminen Mika , Flinck Aune , Hiroyama Natsuko , Hirose Taiko , Okubo Noriko , Okamitsu Motoko
Published: February 2017

Aim.This study aimed to investigate how public health nurses identify, intervene in, and implement the guidelines on child maltreatment in Finland and Japan and to compare the data between the two countries.Method.This study employed a cross-sectional design. Public health nurses’ knowledge and skills with respect to child maltreatment prevention were assessed using a questionnaire consisting of three categories: identification, intervention, and implementation of guidelines. Public health nurses working in the area of maternal and child health care in Finland (n=193) and Japan (n=440) were the participants.Results. A significantly higher percentage of Japanese public health nurses identified child maltreatment compared to Finnish public health nurses, while Finnish nurses intervened in child maltreatment better than their Japanese counterparts. In both countries, public health nurses who had read and used the guidelines dealt with child maltreatment better than those who did not.Conclusion.The results suggest that effective training on child maltreatment and the use of guidelines are important to increase public health nurses’ knowledge and skills for identifying and intervening in child maltreatment.
Analytical Computation of Information Rate for MIMO Channels
Authors: Zhang Jinbao , Tan Zhenhui , Chen Song
Published: February 2017

Information rate for discrete signaling constellations is significant. However, the computational complexity makes information rate rather difficult to analyze for arbitrary fading multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels. An analytical method is proposed to compute information rate, which is characterized by considerable accuracy, reasonable complexity, and concise representation. These features will improve accuracy for performance analysis with criterion of information rate.
Hypofibrinolytic State in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Aggravated by the Metabolic Syndrome before Clinical Manifestations of Atherothrombotic Disease
Authors: Aburto-Mejía Elsa , Santiago-Germán David , Martínez-Marino Manuel , María Eugenia Galván-Plata  , Almeida-Gutiérrez Eduardo , López-Alarcón Mardia , Hernández-Juárez Jesús , Alvarado-Moreno Antonio , Leaños-Miranda Alfredo , Majluf-Cruz Abraham , Isordia-Salas Irma
Published: February 2017

Background. Metabolic and genetic factors induce plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) overexpression; higher PAI-1 levels decrease fibrinolysis and promote atherothrombosis.Aim. To assess PAI-1 antigen levels among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) plus Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) before clinical manifestations of atherothrombosis and the contribution of metabolic factors and 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 gene on the variability of PAI-1.Methods. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional assay in a hospital in Mexico City from May 2010 to September 2011. MetS was defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. PAI-1 levels and 4G/5G polymorphism were determined by ELISA and PCR-RFLP analysis.Results. We enrolled 215 subjects with T2DM plus MetS and 307 controls. Subjects with T2DM plus MetS had higher PAI-1 levels than the reference group (58.4 ± 21 versus 49.9 ± 16 ng/mL,p=0.026). A model with components of MetS explained only 12% of variability on PAI-1 levels (R2= 0.12;p=0.001), withβ=0.18(p=0.03) for hypertension,β=-0.16(p=0.05) for NL HDL-c, andβ=0.15(p=0.05) for NL triglycerides.Conclusion. Subjects with T2DM plus MetS have elevated PAI-1 levels before clinical manifestations of atherothrombotic disease. Metabolic factors have a more important contribution than 4G/5G polymorphism on PAI-1 plasma variability.
Integrating Biological Covariates into Gene Expression-Based Predictors of Radiation Sensitivity
Authors: Kamath Vidya P. , Torres-Roca Javier F. , Eschrich Steven A.
Published: February 2017

The use of gene expression-based classifiers has resulted in a number of promising potential signatures of patient diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy. However, these approaches have also created difficulties in trying to use gene expression alone to predict a complex trait. A practical approach to this problem is to integrate existing biological knowledge with gene expression to build a composite predictor. We studied the problem of predicting radiation sensitivity within human cancer cell lines from gene expression. First, we present evidence for the need to integrate known biological conditions (tissue of origin, RAS, and p53 mutational status) into a gene expression prediction problem involving radiation sensitivity. Next, we demonstrate using linear regression, a technique for incorporating this knowledge. The resulting correlations between gene expression and radiation sensitivity improved through the use of this technique (best-fit adjustedR2increased from 0.3 to 0.84). Overfitting of data was examined through the use of simulation. The results reinforce the concept that radiation sensitivity is not driven solely by gene expression, but rather by a combination of distinct parameters. We show that accounting for biological heterogeneity significantly improves the ability of the model to identify genes that are associated with radiosensitivity.
A MISO-ARX-Based Method for Single-Trial Evoked Potential Extraction
Authors: Yu Nannan , Wu Lingling , Zou Dexuan , Chen Ying , Lu Hanbing
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we propose a novel method for solving the single-trial evoked potential (EP) estimation problem. In this method, the single-trial EP is considered as a complex containing many components, which may originate from different functional brain sites; these components can be distinguished according to their respective latencies and amplitudes and are extracted simultaneously by multiple-input single-output autoregressive modeling with exogenous input (MISO-ARX). The extraction process is performed in three stages: first, we use a reference EP as a template and decompose it into a set of components, which serve as subtemplates for the remaining steps. Then, a dictionary is constructed with these subtemplates, and EPs are preliminarily extracted by sparse coding in order to roughly estimate the latency of each component. Finally, the single-trial measurement is parametrically modeled by MISO-ARX while characterizing spontaneous electroencephalographic activity as an autoregression model driven by white noise and with each component of the EP modeled by autoregressive-moving-average filtering of the subtemplates. Once optimized, all components of the EP can be extracted. Compared with ARX, our method has greater tracking capabilities of specific components of the EP complex as each component is modeled individually in MISO-ARX. We provide exhaustive experimental results to show the effectiveness and feasibility of our method.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis for a Fluid-Loaded, Simply Supported Plate Covered by a Damping and Decoupling Composite Acoustic Coating
Authors: Yuan Baihua , Chen Meng , Liu Yu , Zhao Shexu , Jiang Heng
Published: February 2017

This work presents a vibroacoustic response model for a fluid-loaded, simply supported rectangular plate covered by a composite acoustic coating consisting of damping and decoupling layers. The model treated the damping layer and base plate as a unified whole under pure bending moments and the decoupling layer as a three-dimensional, isotropic, linear elastic solid. The validity of the model was verified by both numerical analysis and experiments and was shown to accurately extend previous studies that were limited to a plate covered by a single damping or decoupling layer with an evaluation confined solely to numerical analysis. The trends of the numerical and experimental results are generally consistent, with some differences due to the influences of water pressure and the frequency dependence of the material parameters, which are not taken into account by the numerical analysis. Both experimental and numerical results consistently show that the radiated noise reduction effect of the composite coating is superior to that of single-type coatings, which is attributed to the fact that the composite coating combines the merits of both the high vibration suppression performance of the damping layer and the superior vibration isolation performance of the decoupling layer.
Synchronous Occurrence of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Pathak Prajwol , Li Ying , Gray Brian Allen , May William Stratford , Markham Merry Jennifer
Published: February 2017

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are hematologic malignancies that originate from different oligopotent progenitor stem cells, namely, common myeloid and lymphoid progenitor cells, respectively. Although blastic transformation of CML can occur in the lymphoid lineage and CML has been related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma on transformation, to our knowledge, de novo and synchronous occurrence of CML and MCL has not been reported. Herein, we report the first case of synchronous CML and MCL in an otherwise healthy 38-year-old man. Potential etiologies and pathological relationships between the two malignancies are explored, including the possibility that the downstream effects of BCR-ABL may link it to an overexpression of cyclin D1, which is inherent to the etiology of MCL.
A Device-to-Device Multicast Scheme for Delay-Constraint Content Delivery
Authors: Xu Yanli
Published: February 2017

Motivated by the explosive increase of mobile traffic, study on the device-to-device (D2D) communication is kicked off for content delivery through proximal transmission among users. D2D multicast has advantage on serving multiple users simultaneously with less resource cost. However, when D2D multicast is appropriate for content delivery and how to make it serve delay-constraint traffic are still unclear. In this paper, parameters impacting on D2D multicast content delivery is investigated to find good chances for utilizing D2D multicast. Furthermore, some rules to be obeyed are proposed for the content caching and delivery of D2D multicast to satisfy delay constraints. Based on these analyses, a delay-aware multicast scheme is proposed to maximize the network performance utility while satisfying delay constraints of contents. Simulations results verify our analyses and show that the proposed scheme can significantly improve multicast efficiency with guaranteed delay.
Evaluation of Analgesic Activity of Papaver libanoticum Extract in Mice: Involvement of Opioids Receptors
Authors: Hijazi Mohamad Ali , El-Mallah Ahmed , Aboul-Ela Maha , Ellakany Abdalla
Published: February 2017

Papaver libanoticum is an endemic plant to Lebanese region (family Papaveraceae) that has not been investigated before. The present study aimed to explore the analgesic activity of dried ethanolic extract of Papaver libanoticum (PLE) using tail flick, hot plate, and acetic acid induced writhing models in mice. The involvement of opioid receptors in the analgesic mechanism was investigated using naloxone antagonism. Results demonstrated that PLE exhibited a potent dose dependent analgesic activity in all tested models for analgesia. The analgesic effect involved activation of opioid receptors in the central nervous system, where both spinal and supraspinal components might be involved. The time course for analgesia revealed maximum activity after three hours in both tail flick and hot plate methods, which was prolonged to 24 hours. Metabolites of PLE could be responsible for activation of opioid receptors. The EC50 of PLE was 79 and 50 mg/kg in tail flick and hot plate tests, respectively. The total coverage of analgesia by PLE was double that of morphine in both tests. In conclusion, PLE proved to have opioid agonistic activity with a novel feature of slow and prolonged effect. The present study could add a potential tool in the armaments of opioid drugs as a natural potent analgesic and for treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Public Medical Preparedness at the “Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Games 2013”: Descriptive Analysis of 1,533 Patients Treated at the Largest 3-Day Sporting Event in Switzerland
Authors: Hostettler-Blunier Simone , Müller Nora , Haltmeier Tobias , Hosner Andreas , Bähler Heinz , Neff Frank , Baumberger Daniel , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Schnüriger Beat
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Medical preparedness at mass gatherings is challenging, as little is known about the optimal planning. Most studies and case reports are based on mass casualty incidents, so the results cannot be extrapolated to mass gatherings. Aim of this study was to evaluate the preclinical medical structure and the frequency of specific injuries and medical emergencies during the event. Methods. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Three on-site medical assistance points were set up, completed by mobile teams, and coordinated by an on-site operational management team. Medical staff requirements were calculated using Maurer’s formula. Results. A total of 1,533 patients were treated during the three-day event. Overall, the medical usage rate (MUR; patients per 10,000 visitors) was 51.1. A total of 58 patients (3.8%) required a hospital transfer. In 1,063 cases (69.3%) a diagnosis was documented. Of these, 503 patients (47.3%) suffered from hymenoptera stings; the two most common non-trauma-related diagnoses were alcohol/drug intoxication (4.1%) and gastrointestinal diseases (4.0%). Conclusion. Overall, the on-site medical care worked well. However, a high frequency of hymenoptera stings occurred, resulting in a shortage of antihistamine medication. Moreover, more than half of the patients were managed at the second largest medical assistance point. Prospective and critical evaluation of medical care at mass gatherings is crucial in order to optimize on-site medical preparedness at future events.
Oxidative Stress‐Related Mechanisms and Antioxidant Therapy in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Cheng , Miao Xiao , Li Fengsheng , Wang Shudong , Liu Quan , Wang Yonggang , Sun Jian
Published: February 2017

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in young adults. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a critical cause of DR. Metabolic abnormalities induced by high‐glucose levels are involved in the development of DR and appear to be influenced by oxidative stress. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the antioxidant defense system activates several oxidative stress‐related mechanisms that promote the pathogenesis of DR. The damage caused by oxidative stress persists for a considerable time, even after the blood glucose concentration has returned to a normal level. Animal experiments have proved that the use of antioxidants is a beneficial therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DR, but more data are required from clinical trials. The aims of this review are to highlight the improvements to our understanding of the oxidative stress‐related mechanisms underlying the development of DR and provide a summary of the main antioxidant therapy strategies used to treat the disease.
Initial Velocity Effect on Acceleration Fall of a Spherical Particle through Still Fluid
Authors: Yin Zegao , Wang Zhenlu , Liang Bingchen , Zhang Li
Published: February 2017

A spherical particle’s acceleration fall through still fluid was investigated analytically and experimentally using the Basset‐Boussinesq‐Oseen equation. The relationship between drag coefficient and Reynolds number was studied, and various parameters in the drag coefficient equation were obtained with respect to the small, medium, and large Reynolds number zones. Next, some equations were used to derive the finite fall time and distance equations in terms of certain assumptions. A simple experiment was conducted to measure the fall time and distance for a spherical particle falling through still water. Sets of experimental data were used to validate the relationship between fall velocity, time, and distance. Finally, the initial velocity effect on the total fall time and distance was discussed with different terminal Reynolds numbers, and it was determined that the initial velocity plays a more important role in the falling motion for small terminal Reynolds numbers than for large terminal Reynolds number scenarios.
Peridynamic Formulation for Coupled Thermoelectric Phenomena
Authors: Assefa Migbar , Lai Xin , Liu Lisheng , Liao Yang
Published: February 2017

Modeling of heat and electrical current flow simultaneously in thermoelectric convertor using classical theories do not consider the influence of defects in the material. This is because traditional methods are developed based on partial differential equations (PDEs) and lead to infinite fluxes at the discontinuities. The usual way of solving such PDEs is by using numerical technique, like Finite Element Method (FEM). Although FEM is robust and versatile, it is not suitable to model evolving discontinuities. To avoid such shortcomings, we propose the concept of peridynamic theory to derive the balance of energy and charge equations in the coupled thermoelectric phenomena. Therefore, this paper presents the transport of heat and charge in thermoelectric material in the framework of peridynamic (PD) theory. To illustrate the reliability of the PD formulation, numerical examples are presented and results are compared with those from literature, analytical solutions, or finite element solutions.