bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ripple 2.0
Authors: He Xu , Wang Yao , Guo Yang , Young Evangeline F. Y.
Published: September 2016

Routability is one of the most important problems in high-performance circuit designs. From the viewpoint of placement design, two major factors cause routing congestion: (i) interconnections between cells and (ii) connections on macro blockages. In this article, we present a routability-driven placer, Ripple 2.0, which emphasizes both kinds of routing congestion. Several techniques will be presented, including (i) cell inflation with routing path consideration, (ii) congested cluster optimization, (iii) routability-driven cell spreading, and (iv) simultaneous routing and placement for routability refinement. With the official evaluation protocol, Ripple 2.0 outperforms other published academic routability-driven placers. Compared with top results in the ICCAD 2012 contest, Ripple 2.0 achieves a better detailed routing solution obtained by a commercial router.
Arterial baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Holwerda Seth W. , Vianna Lauro C. , Restaino Robert M. , Chaudhary Kunal , Young Colin N. , Fadel Paul J.
Published: September 2016

Despite greater blood pressure reactivity to acute cardiovascular stressors and a higher prevalence of hypertension in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, limited information is available regarding arterial baroreflex (ABR) control in T2D. We hypothesized that ABR control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and heart rate (HR) are attenuated in T2D patients. Seventeen T2D patients (50 ± 2 yr; 31 ± 1 kg/m2), 9 weight-matched controls (WM-CON, 46 ± 2 yr; 32 ± 2 kg/m2) and 10 lean controls (Lean-CON, 49 ± 3 yr; 23 ± 1 kg/m2), underwent bolus infusions of sodium nitroprusside (100 μg) followed 60 s later by phenylephrine (150 μg) and weighted linear regression performed. No group differences in overall sympathetic baroreflex gain were observed (T2D: −2.5 ± 0.3 vs. WM-CON: −2.6 ± 0.2 vs. Lean-CON: −2.7 ± 0.4 arbitrary units·beat·mmHg−1, P > 0.05) or in sympathetic baroreflex gain when derived separately during blood pressure (BP) falls (nitroprusside) and BP rises (phenylephrine). In contrast, overall cardiac baroreflex gain was reduced in T2D patients compared with Lean-CON (T2D: 8.2 ± 1.5 vs. Lean-CON: 15.6 ± 2.9 ms·mmHg−1, P < 0.05) and also tended to be reduced in WM-CON (9.3 ± 1.9 ms·mmHg−1) compared with Lean-CON ( P = 0.059). Likewise, during BP rises, cardiac baroreflex gain was reduced in T2D patients and weight-matched controls compared with lean controls ( P < 0.05), whereas no group differences were found during BP falls ( P > 0.05). Sympathetic and cardiac ABR gains were comparable between normotensive and hypertensive T2D patients ( P > 0.05). These findings suggest preserved ABR control of MSNA in T2D patients compared with both obese and lean age-matched counterparts, with a selective impairment in ABR HR control in T2D that may be related to obesity.
Progressive resistance exercise restores some properties of the triphasic EMG pattern and improves bradykinesia: the PRET-PD randomized clinical trial
Authors: David Fabian J. , Robichaud Julie A. , Vaillancourt David E. , Poon Cynthia , Kohrt Wendy M. , Comella Cynthia L. , Corcos Daniel M.
Published: August 2016

In Parkinson's disease (PD), the characteristic triphasic agonist and antagonist muscle activation pattern during ballistic movement is impaired: the number of agonist muscle bursts is increased, and the amplitudes of the agonist and antagonist bursts are reduced. The breakdown of the triphasic electromyographic (EMG) pattern has been hypothesized to underlie bradykinesia in PD. Progressive resistance exercise has been shown to improve clinical measures of bradykinesia, but it is not clear whether the benefits for bradykinesia are accompanied by changes in agonist and antagonist muscle activity. This study examined the spatiotemporal changes in agonist and antagonist muscle activity following 24 mo of progressive resistance exercise and the combined relationship between spatiotemporal muscle activity and strength measures and upper limb bradykinesia. We compared the effects of progressive resistance exercise training (PRET) with a nonprogressive exercise intervention, modified Fitness Counts (mFC), in patients with PD. We randomized 48 participants with mild-to-moderate PD to mFC or PRET. At the study endpoint of 24 mo, participants randomized to PRET compared with mFC had significantly faster movement velocity, accompanied by significant increases in the duration, magnitude, and magnitude normalized to duration of the 1st agonist burst and fewer number of agonist bursts before peak velocity. The antagonist muscle activity was increased relative to baseline but did not differ between groups. Spatiotemporal EMG muscle activity and muscle strength were significantly associated with upper limb bradykinesia. These findings demonstrate that progressive resistance exercise improves upper limb movement velocity and restores some aspects of the triphasic EMG pattern.
Diazoxide Attenuates Postresuscitation Brain Injury in a Rat Model of Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest by Opening Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels
Authors: Wu Haidong , Wang Peng , Li Yi , Wu Manhui , Lin Jiali , Huang Zitong
Published: August 2016

Objective. We investigated whether and how diazoxide can attenuate brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by selective opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channels.Methods. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with induced cerebral ischemia (n=10per group) received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (1 mL; vehicle group), diazoxide (10 mg/kg; DZ group), or diazoxide (10 mg/kg) plus 5-hydroxydecanoate (5 mg/kg; DZ + 5-HD group) 30 min after CPR. The control group (sham group,n=5) underwent sham operation, without cardiac arrest. Mitochondrial respiratory control rate (RCR) was determined. Brain cell apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) in the cerebral cortex was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results. The neurological deficit scores (NDS) in the vehicle group decreased significantly at 24 h and 48 h after CPR. Diazoxide significantly improved NDS and mitochondrial RCR after CPR at both time points; 5-HD cotreatment abolished these effects. Diazoxide decreased TUNEL-positive cells following CPR, upregulated Bcl-2 and PKCε, downregulated Bax, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio; 5-HD cotreatment reversed these effects.Conclusions. Diazoxide attenuates postresuscitation brain injury, protects mitochondrial function, inhibits brain cell apoptosis, and activates the PKC pathway by opening mitoKATP channels.
Coronary Artery Calcification Is Related to Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study
Authors: Wahlin Bengt , Meedt Thomas , Jonsson Fredrik , Henein Michael Y. , Wållberg-Jonsson Solveig
Published: August 2016

Objective. A long-term follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to evaluate factors related to coronary artery calcification (CAC).Methods. All 22 eligible patients (4 males/18 females, mean age 65 years, and RA-duration 30–36 years) from the original (baseline;n=39) study of atherosclerosis were included. Inflammation, cardiovascular risk factors, and biomarkers were measured at baseline. At follow-up 13 years later, CAC was assessed by computed tomography (CT) and the grade of inflammation was measured. Multivariate analysis of differences between patients with low (0–10) and high CAC (>10) was done by orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS).Results. Ten patients had CAC 0–10 and 12 had >10 (range 18–1700). Patients with high CAC had significantly higher ESR (24.3 versus 9.9 mm/h) and swollen joint count (2 versus 0). The OPLS models discriminated between patients having high or low CAC. With only baseline variables, the sensitivity was 73% and the specificity 82%. The model that also included inflammatory variables from follow-up had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 85%. Exclusion of baseline intima media thickness and plaque from the latter model modestly reduced the accuracy (sensitivity 80% and specificity 83%).Conclusions. CAC is related to inflammation in patients with RA.
Prevalence and Etiologic Agents of Dermatophytosis among Primary School Children in Harari Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Alem , Minwuyelet Gebremedhin , Andualem Gizachew
Published: August 2016

Dermatophytes are worldwide in distribution and dermatophytosis is a common problem in developing countries. It can occur in both sexes and all ages but the diseases are more common in school children. This study attempted to determine the prevalence and etiological agents of dermatophyte infections of hair, skin, and nail among primary school children in Harari Regional State from April to June 2015. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 428 primary school children. Skin scrapings, hair samples, and nail clippings were collected from children who showed dermatophytosis. All specimens were subjected to microscopic examination and culture. Following a meticulous collection, data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Of the 428 school children, 211 (49%) male and 217 (51%) female, 100 (23.4%) had culture confirmed dermatophytosis and tinea capitis took the overall prevalence of 18% (77/428). Trichophyton violaceum was isolated from 43 samples, followed by Trichophyton rubrum in 24. The highest prevalence of dermatophytosis was seen in the age group 5–9 years and grade levels of 1-2 (p<0.05). As a result, this study found a high prevalence of dermatophytosis in the Harari’s Regional State school children and tinea capitis was the predominant clinical finding which needs an intervention.
Transcriptome Analysis of HepG2 Cells Expressing ORF3 from Swine Hepatitis E Virus to Determine the Effects of ORF3 on Host Cells
Authors: Xu Kailian , Guo Shiyu , Zhao Tianjing , Zhu Huapei , Jiao Hanwei , Shi Qiaoyun , Pang Feng , Li Yaying , Li Guohua , Peng Dongmei , Nie Xin , Cheng Ying , Wu Kebang , Du Li , Cui Ke , Zhang Wenguang , Wang Fengyang
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis E virus- (HEV-) mediated hepatitis has become a global public health problem. An important regulatory protein of HEV, ORF3, influences multiple signal pathways in host cells. In this study, to investigate the function of ORF3 from the swine form of HEV (SHEV), high-throughput RNA-Seq-based screening was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in ORF3-expressing HepG2 cells. The results were validated with quantitative real-time PCR and gene ontology was employed to assign differentially expressed genes to functional categories. The results indicated that, in the established ORF3-expressing HepG2 cells, the mRNA levels of CLDN6, YLPM1, APOC3, NLRP1, SCARA3, FGA, FGG, FGB, and FREM1 were upregulated, whereas the mRNA levels of SLC2A3, DKK1, BPIFB2, and PTGR1 were downregulated. The deregulated expression of CLDN6 and FREM1 might contribute to changes in integral membrane protein and basement membrane protein expression, expression changes for NLRP1 might affect the apoptosis of HepG2 cells, and the altered expression of APOC3, SCARA3, and DKK1 may affect lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, ORF3 plays a functional role in virus-cell interactions by affecting the expression of integral membrane protein and basement membrane proteins and by altering the process of apoptosis and lipid metabolism in host cells. These findings provide important insight into the pathogenic mechanism of HEV.
Comparison of Axillary and Tympanic Temperature Measurements in Children Diagnosed with Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Doğan Hatice Hilal , Sezer Rabia Gönül , Kırkgöz Tarık , Bozaykut Abdulkadir
Published: August 2016

Background. Acute otitis media [AOM] may affect the accuracy of tympanic temperature measurements. We aimed to compare tympanic temperature measurements in patients with AOM against control groups, as well as compare the tympanic temperatures with axillary thermometry.Methods. This is a prospective, observational study. Patients from pediatric outpatient and emergency clinics who were diagnosed as single-sided AOM were included consecutively in the study. Normal ears of patients and children having the same age and gender who were not diagnosed as AOM were also studied as controls.Results. In patients with AOM, infected ears had higher temperatures than normal ears with a mean of0.48±0.01°C. There was no significant difference between the right and left tympanic temperatures in control group. Compared with axillary temperature, the sensitivity of tympanic temperature in the infected ear was 91.7% and the specificity was 74.8%.Conclusion. Comparisons of axillary and tympanic temperatures in children with AOM during the active infection concluded higher tympanic temperatures in infected ears. We suggest that the higher tympanic temperatures, approximately 0.5°C in our study, in infected ears may aid in diagnosis of patients with fever without a source in pediatric clinics.
Esophageal Intramural Pseudodiverticulosis and Concomitant Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Case Series
Authors: Scaffidi Michael A. , Garg Ankit , Ro Brandon , Wang Christopher , Yang Tony T. C. , Plener Ian S. , Grin Andrea , Colak Errol , Grover Samir C.
Published: August 2016

Background. Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) is an idiopathic benign chronic disease characterized by flask-like outpouchings of the esophageal wall. It is unknown whether there is a genuine association between EIPD and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).Aims. To investigate a possible relationship between EIPD and EoE.Methods. Patients with radiographic or endoscopic evidence of pseudodiverticulosis were identified from the database at a single academic center. Cases were analyzed in three areas: clinical information, endoscopic findings, and course.Results. Sixteen cases of esophageal pseudodiverticulosis were identified. Five patients had histologic evidence of eosinophilic esophagitis. Patients with EoE had pseudodiverticula in the mid-to-distal esophagus while those with EIPD had pseudodiverticula predominantly in the proximal esophagus (p<0.001). EoE with pseudodiverticulosis occurred in younger patients (p<0.019). Food bolus obstructions were more common in patients with EoE and pseudodiverticulosis than in EIPD (p<0.034).Conclusions. This is the first case series supporting a potential association between EoE and pseudodiverticulosis. We also identify characteristic features of pseudodiverticulosis that may raise clinical suspicion of underlying eosinophilic esophagitis.
PneumocystisPneumonia Presenting as an Enlarging Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Authors: Patel Krunal Bharat , Gleason James Benjamin , Diacovo Maria Julia , Martinez-Galvez Nydia
Published: August 2016

Pneumocystispneumonia is a life threatening infection that usually presents with diffuse bilateral ground-glass infiltrates in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a single nodular granulomatousPneumocystispneumonia in a male with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after R-CHOP therapy. He presented with symptoms of productive cough, dyspnea, and right-sided pleuritic chest pain that failed to resolve despite treatment with multiple antibiotics. Chest X-ray revealed right lower lobe atelectasis and CT of chest showed development of 2 cm nodular opacity with ground-glass opacities. Patient underwent bronchoscopy and biopsy that revealed granulomatous inflammation in a background of organizing pneumonia pattern with negative cultures. Respiratory symptoms resolved but the solitary nodular opacity increased in size prompting a surgical wedge resection which revealed granulomatousPneumocystispneumonia infection. This case is the third documented report ofPneumocystispneumonia infection within a solitary pulmonary nodule in an individual with hematologic neoplasm. AlthoughPneumocystispneumonia most commonly occurs in patients with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and with diffuse infiltrates, the diagnosis should not be overlooked when only a solitary nodule is present.
R2-Based Multi/Many-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Díaz-Manríquez Alan , Toscano Gregorio , Barron-Zambrano Jose Hugo , Tello-Leal Edgar
Published: August 2016

We propose to couple theR2performance measure and Particle Swarm Optimization in order to handle multi/many-objective problems. Our proposal shows that through a well-designed interaction process we could maintain the metaheuristic almost inalterable and through theR2performance measure we did not use neither an external archive nor Pareto dominance to guide the search. The proposed approach is validated using several test problems and performance measures commonly adopted in the specialized literature. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm produces results that are competitive with respect to those obtained by four well-known MOEAs. Additionally, we validate our proposal in many-objective optimization problems. In these problems, our approach showed its main strength, since it could outperform another well-known indicator-based MOEA.
Skeletal Muscle Metastases to the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis and Profundus from Urothelial Cell Carcinoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Guidi Marco , Fusetti Cesare , Lucchina Stefano
Published: August 2016

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) metastases to skeletal muscle are extremely rare and usually found in patients with advanced stage cancer. The most common sites of bladder cancer metastases are lymph nodes, lung, liver, and bones. Muscle is an unusual site of metastases from a distant primary cancer, due to several protective factors. We present a rare case of 76-year-old patient with metastases in the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscles, 2 years after a radical cystectomy for invasive UCC of the bladder. This case is the first description of a forearm lesion, with an extensive infiltration of the volar compartments of the forearm, and the first one with a clear functional impairment.
A UEP LT Codes Design with Feedback for Underwater Communication
Authors: Zhao Danfeng , Wen Jie , Si Jiaxi
Published: August 2016

To satisfy the performance requirement of LT codes with Unequal Erasure Protection (UEP) in underwater environment, the Weighted Expanding Window Fountain (WEWF) code is proposed in this paper. The WEWF codes can achieve strong UEP property by nonuniformly selecting input symbols within each window. To overcome the disadvantages in terms of redundancy in the lower prioritized segments, Correlation Chain Feedback (CCFB) is also introduced to help the transmitter to precisely adjust the encoding scheme. Asymptotic analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach can achieve lower symbol error rate and less overall redundancy in the underwater acoustic sensor networks.
Continuing Medical Education via Telemedicine and Sustainable Improvements to Health
Authors: Wang Fuhmei
Published: August 2016

Background.This research aims to investigate the quantitative relationship between telemedicine and online continuing medical education (CME) and to find the optimal CME lectures to be delivered via telemedicine to improve the population’s health status.Objective.This study examines the following:(1)What factors foster learning processes in CME via telemedicine?(2)What is the possible role of online CME in health improvement? And(3)How optimal learning processes can be integrated with various health services?Methods.By applying telemedicine experiences in Taiwan over the period 1995–2004, this study uses panel data and the method of ordinary least squares to embed an adequate set of phenomena affecting the provision of online CME lectures versus health status.Results.Analytical results find that a nonlinear online CME-health nexus exists. Increases in the provision of online CME lectures are associated with health improvements. However, after the optimum has been reached, greater provision of online CME lectures may be associated with decreasing population health.Conclusion.Health attainment could be partially viewed as being determined by the achievement of the appropriately providing online CME lectures. This study has evaluated the population’s health outcomes and responded to the currently inadequate provision of online CME lectures via telemedicine.
Anesthetic Management of a Surgical Patient with Chronic Renal Tubular Acidosis Complicated by Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Yoshioka Hiroe , Yamazaki Haruyuki , Yasumura Rie , Wada Kosuke , Kobayashi Yoshiro
Published: August 2016

A 53-year-old man with chronic renal tubular acidosis and subclinical hypothyroidism underwent lower leg amputation surgery under general anesthesia. Perioperative acid-base management in such patients poses many difficulties because both pathophysiologies have the potential to complicate the interpretation of capnometry and arterial blood gas analysis data; inappropriate correction of chronic metabolic acidosis may lead to postoperative respiratory deterioration. We discuss the management of perioperative acidosis in order to achieve successful weaning from mechanical ventilation and promise a complete recovery from anesthesia.
mCSQAM: Service Quality Assessment Model in Mobile Cloud Services Environment
Authors: Shin Young-Rok , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: August 2016

Cloud computing is high technology that extends existing IT capabilities and requirements. Recently, the cloud computing paradigm is towards mobile with advances of mobile network and personal devices. As concept of mobile cloud, the number of providers rapidly increases for various mobile cloud services. Despite development of cloud computing, most service providers used their own policies to deliver their services to user. In other words, quality criteria for mobile cloud service assessment are not clearly established yet. To solve the problem, there were some researches that proposed models for service quality assessment. However, they did not consider various metrics to assess service quality. Although existing research considers various metrics, they did not consider newly generated Service Level Agreement. In this paper, to solve the problem, we proposed a mobile cloud service assessment model called mCSQAM and verify our model through few case researches. To apply the mobile cloud, proposed assessment model is transformed from ISO/IEC 9126 which is an international standard for software quality assessment. mCSQAM can provide service quality assessment and determine raking of the service. Furthermore, if Cloud Service Broker includes mCSQAM, appropriate services can be recommended for service users using user and service conditions.
A Rare Case of Symptomatic Double Optic Disc Pit without Maculopathy
Authors: Ali Zaria , Abdul-Nabi Mohammad
Published: August 2016

Optic disc pits are an uncommon congenital abnormality. Patients remain asymptomatic unless they develop maculopathy. We present a rare case of a double optic disc pit of which only three others have been reported worldwide. A 51-year-old gentleman presented with blurred vision. Fundoscopy revealed a right double optic disc pit. Though he was symptomatic there was no evidence of maculopathy. OCT of macula and disc was otherwise unremarkable. Visual field demonstrated a paracentral defect. Although optic disc pits are rare they are still an important clinical entity. Prompt identification and treatment of complications are required to prevent a poor visual prognosis.
Abnormal Congenital Location of Stapes’ Superstructure: Clinical and Embryological Implications
Authors: Henriques Vânia , Teles Rafaela , Sousa Ana , Estevão Roberto , Rodrigues Jorge , Gomes Alexandra , Silva Francisco , Fernandes Ângelo , Fernandes Fausto
Published: August 2016

Congenital middle ear malformations are rare. Most part of them are usually associated with other malformations, such as aural atresia, microtia, and dysmorphic craniofacial features. A clinical case of a 24-year-old male with a right-sided conductive hearing loss since his childhood, without craniofacial malformation, is presented. He was proposed for exploratory tympanotomy under the suspicious diagnosis of otosclerosis. The surgery revealed an abnormal location of stapes’ superstructure, which was attached to the promontory and had an isolated and mobile osseous footplate in the oval window. A stapes prosthesis was inserted and resulted in closure of the air-bone gap by 25 dB. A review of the literature was also performed using MEDLINE. Two theories diverge on the embryologic origin of the stapes. Our findings seem to be in favour of the theory that defines two different embryologic origins to the stapes.
Assessing the Reliability of a Multistate Logistics Network under the Transportation Cost Constraint
Authors: Zeng Qi , Xu Xiu-Zhen
Published: August 2016

Reliability and transportation cost are two important indicators to measure the performance of logistics network. As a combination of reliability and transportation cost, the performance indexR(d,c)of logistics network is defined as the probability that at leastdunits of flow demand can be successfully transmitted from the source to the destination with the total transportation cost less than or equal toc. In this paper, an algorithm is developed to calculateR(d,c)in terms of(d,c)-minimal paths ((d,c)-MPs for short). The proposed algorithm employs a decomposition technique to divide the search space of(d,c)-MPs such that the search space of(d,c)-MPs can be dramatically reduced, and thereby(d,c)-MPs can be efficiently obtained. An example is provided to illustrate the proposed algorithm. Finally, computational experiments conducted on one benchmark network indicate that the proposed method has an advantage over the existing methods.
The Regulatory Effects of Long Noncoding RNA‐ANCR on Dental Tissue‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Jia Qian , Chen Xiaolin , Jiang Wenkai , Wang Wei , Guo Bin , Ni Longxing
Published: August 2016

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have been recognized as important regulators in diverse biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, stem cell proliferation, and differentiation. Previous study has demonstrated that lncRNA‐ANCR (antidifferentiation ncRNA) plays a key role in regulating the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). However, little is known about the role of ANCR in regulating other types of dental tissue‐derived stem cells (DTSCs) behaviours (including proliferation and multiple‐potential of differentiation). In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of lncRNA‐ANCR on the proliferation and differentiation (including osteogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic differentiation) of DTSCs, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), PDLSCs, and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) by downregulation of lncRNA‐ANCR. We found that downregulation of ANCR exerted little effect on proliferation of DPSCs and SCAP but promoted the osteogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic differentiation of DTSCs. These data provide an insight into the regulatory effects of long noncoding RNA‐ANCR on DTSCs and indicate that ANCR is a very important regulatory factor in stem cell differentiation.
An Unusual Trocar Site Hernia after Prostatectomy
Authors: Schmocker Ryan K. , Greenberg Jacob A.
Published: August 2016

Trocar site hernias are rare complications after laparoscopic surgery but most commonly occur at larger trocar sites placed at the umbilicus. With increased utilization of the laparoscopic approach the incidence of trocar site hernia is increasing. We report a case of a trocar site hernia following an otherwise uncomplicated robotic prostatectomy at a 12 mm right lower quadrant port. The vermiform appendix was incarcerated within the trocar site hernia. Subsequent appendectomy and primary repair of the hernia were performed without complication.
DrosophilaMutant Model of Parkinson’s Disease Revealed an Unexpected Olfactory Performance: Morphofunctional Evidences
Authors: De Rose Francescaelena , Corda Valentina , Solari Paolo , Sacchetti Patrizia , Belcari Antonio , Poddighe Simone , Kasture Sanjay , Solla Paolo , Marrosu Francesco , Liscia Anna
Published: August 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the clinical triad: tremor, akinesia, and rigidity. Several studies have suggested that PD patients show disturbances in olfaction as one of the earliest, nonspecific nonmotor symptoms of disease onset. We sought to use the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasteras a model organism to explore olfactory function in LRRKloss-of-functionmutants, which was previously demonstrated to be a useful model for PD. Surprisingly, our results showed that the LRRK mutant, compared to the wild flies, presents a dramatic increase in the amplitude of the electroantennogram responses and this is coupled with a higher number of olfactory sensilla. In spite of the above reported results, the behavioural response to olfactory stimuli in mutant flies is impaired compared to that obtained in wild type flies. Thus, behaviour modifications and morphofunctional changes in the olfaction of LRRKloss-of-functionmutants might be used as an index to explore the progression of parkinsonism in this specific model, also with the aim of studying and developing new treatments.
Luteoma of Pregnancy Presenting with Severe Maternal Virilisation: A Case Report
Authors: Rapisarda Vincenzo , Pedalino Francesco , Santonocito Veronica Concetta , Cavalli Giorgia , Zarbo Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Luteoma of pregnancy is a rare, benign condition characterized by a tumor-like mass of the ovary that emerges during pregnancy and regresses spontaneously after delivery. It is usually asymptomatic and the diagnosis is generally incidental. Luteoma arises from the proliferation of luteinised cell under the influence ofβ-hCG and can be hormonally active, with production of androgens resulting in maternal and fetal hirsutism and virilisation. We report a case of a 25-year-old primigravida who presented at 28 weeks of gestation with virilisation symptoms. Serum androgen levels were seven-hundred-fold higher than normal. A diagnosis of pregnancy luteoma was made at the time of caesarean section. The ovarian mass, serum androgen levels, and the condition of the patient improved after delivery.
A Study on Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration Cutting of Inconel 718
Authors: Haidong Zhao , Ping Zou , Wenbin Ma , Zhongming Zhou
Published: August 2016

Inconel 718 is a kind of nickel-based alloys that are widely used in the aerospace and nuclear industry owing to their high temperature mechanical properties. Cutting of Inconel 718 in conventional cutting (CC) is a big challenge in modern industry. Few researches have been studied on cutting of Inconel 718 using single point diamond tool applying the UEVC method. This paper shows an experimental study on UEVC of Inconel 718 by using polycrystalline diamond (PCD) coated tools. Firstly, cutting tests have been carried out to study the effect of machining parameters in the UEVC in terms of surface finish and flank wear during machining of Inconel 718. The tests have clearly shown that the PCD coated tools in cutting of Inconel 718 by the UEVC have better performance at 0.1 mm depth of cut as compared to the lower 0.05 mm depth of cut and the higher 0.12 or 0.15 mm depth of cut. Secondly, like CC method, the cutting performance in UEVC increases with the decrease of the feed rate and cutting speed. The CC tests have also been carried out to compare performance of CC with UEVC method.
Transplanted Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improve Ischemia Muscle Regeneration in Mice by Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging
Authors: Peng Xin-Gui , Bai Yingying , James Judy R. , Shlapak Darya P. , Ju Shenghong
Published: August 2016

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in repairing ischemia tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was applied to detect the architectural organization of skeletal muscle. This study investigated the feasibility and accuracy of using the DTI to evaluate effectiveness of EPCs treatment. Mouse bone marrow‐derived EPCs were isolated, cultured, characterized, and transplanted to hindlimb ischemia mice model. DTI was performed on the hindlimb at postischemia time points. The edema regions of diffusion restriction (high signal in diffusion weighted imaging) were decreased in the ischemic muscle of EPCs treated mice after 14 days compared with the controls. These results from DTI show the lower apparent diffusion coefficient and eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, and λ3) and the higher fractional anisotropy and fiber counts of ischemic muscle on 7 and 14 days after EPCs treatment compared to the controls. There was a significant correlation between fiber counts calculated by DTI and survival fibers evaluated by histological section (r = 0.873, P < 0.01). Our study demonstrated that the time frame for muscle fiber regeneration after EPCs transplantation was significantly shortened in vivo. DTI could be a useful tool for noninvasive evaluation of muscle tissue damage and repair in animal models and patient with ischemic diseases.
What Causes Stock Market Volatility in Pakistan? Evidence from the Field
Authors: Ghufran Bushra , Awan Hayat M. , Khakwani Aftab Khan , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: August 2016

We examined the presence of volatility at the Karachi Stock Exchange (recently changed the name to Pakistan Stock Exchange) (KSE) by fitting Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) model to 25 years’ index data. We found that the ARCH effects are present in the data indicating the stock market cluster volatility during the period under study. We found persistent high volatility in the stock market and presence of negative leverage effect. Moreover, we tried to identify the factors causing stock market volatility by collecting and analyzing the primary data obtained from 246 individual investors of stock market and 28 brokers listed with KSE. Our results show that investors consider political situation as the most important factor causing turbulence in the stock market. Interviews with the brokers also confirmed this. The second most important factor identified by investors is the herd behavior among investors that results in over- and underpricing of stocks and the overall market shows a volatile behavior. Our findings suggest that individual investor’s behavioral dimensions of involvement, risk attitude, and overconfidence are significantly associated with factors causing market volatility.
Chinese Stock Index Futures Price Fluctuation Analysis and Prediction Based on Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Chen Ruoyang , Pan Bin
Published: August 2016

Since the CSI 300 index futures officially began trading on April 15, 2010, analysis and predictions of the price fluctuations of Chinese stock index futures prices have become a popular area of active research. In this paper, the Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) method is used to decompose the sequences of Chinese stock index futures prices into residue terms, low-frequency terms, and high-frequency terms to reveal the fluctuation characteristics over different time scales of the sequences. Then, the CEEMD method is combined with the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm-based Support Vector Machine (SVM) model to forecast Chinese stock index futures prices. The empirical results show that the residue term determines the long-term trend of stock index futures prices. The low-frequency term, which represents medium-term price fluctuations, is mainly affected by policy regulations under the analysis of the Iterated Cumulative Sums of Squares (ICSS) algorithm, whereas short-term market disequilibrium, which is represented by the high-frequency term, plays an important local role in stock index futures price fluctuations. In addition, in forecasting the daily or even intraday price data of Chinese stock index futures, the combination prediction model is superior to the single SVM model, which implies that the accuracy of predicting Chinese stock index futures prices will be improved by considering fluctuation characteristics in different time scales.
A Hybrid Algorithm Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Artificial Immune for an Assembly Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Du Hui , Liu Dacheng , Zhang Mian-hao
Published: August 2016

To produce the final product, parts need to be fabricated in the process stages and thereafter several parts are joined under the assembly operations based on the predefined bill of materials. But assembly relationship between the assembly parts and components has not been considered in general job shop scheduling problem model. The aim of this research is to find the schedule which minimizes completion time of Assembly Job Shop Scheduling Problem (AJSSP). Since the complexity of AJSSP is NP-hard, a hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) algorithm integrated PSO with Artificial Immune is proposed and developed to solve AJSSP. The selection strategy based on antibody density makes the particles of HPSO maintain the diversity during the iterative process, thus overcoming the defect of premature convergence. Then HPSO algorithm is applied into a case study development from classical FT06. Finally, the effect of key parameters on the proposed algorithm is analyzed and discussed regarding how to select the parameters. The experiment result confirmed its practice and effectiveness.
Inflammatory Mechanisms Associated with Skeletal Muscle Sequelae after Stroke: Role of Physical Exercise
Authors: Coelho Junior Hélio José , Gambassi Bruno Bavaresco , Diniz Tiego Aparecido , Fernandes Isabela Maia da Cruz , Caperuto Érico Chagas , Uchida Marco Carlos , Lira Fabio Santos , Rodrigues Bruno
Published: August 2016

Inflammatory markers are increased systematically and locally (e.g., skeletal muscle) in stroke patients. Besides being associated with cardiovascular risk factors, proinflammatory cytokines seem to play a key role in muscle atrophy by regulating the pathways involved in this condition. As such, they may cause severe decrease in muscle strength and power, as well as impairment in cardiorespiratory fitness. On the other hand, physical exercise (PE) has been widely suggested as a powerful tool for treating stroke patients, since PE is able to regenerate, even if partially, physical and cognitive functions. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise in poststroke patients remain poorly understood. Thus, in this study we analyze the candidate mechanisms associated with muscle atrophy in stroke patients, as well as the modulatory effect of inflammation in this condition. Later, we suggest the two strongest anti-inflammatory candidate mechanisms, myokines and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which may be activated by physical exercise and may contribute to a decrease in proinflammatory markers of poststroke patients.
Ultrasound Assisted Catheter Directed Thrombolysis in the Management of a Right Atrial Thrombus: A New Weapon in the Armamentarium?
Authors: Shokr Mohamed , Kaur Ramanjit , Belgrave Kevin , Javed Arshad , Elder Mahir , Cardozo Shaun , Afonso Luis , Kaki Amir
Published: August 2016

Catheter related thrombosis (CRT) is a commonly encountered entity fraught with substantial risk for mortality secondary to various complications including pulmonary embolism (PE), tricuspid regurgitation, endocarditis, right sided heart failure, and cardiogenic and septic shock. CRT carries a mortality rate of 18% in hemodialysis patients and more than 40% in nonhemodialysis patients. Management strategies include systemic anticoagulation, systemic thrombolysis, surgical evacuation, and percutaneous retrieval with no established guidelines. Ultrasound assisted catheter directed thrombolysis emerges as promising modality with a relatively lower risk of hemorrhage compared to systemic thrombolysis. We report a case of a 75-year-old man with dialysis catheter related thrombosis without PE for which ultrasound assisted catheter directed thrombolysis was used successfully as an alternative therapy.
A New Reversible Date-Hiding Algorithm for Encrypted Images
Authors: Cao Laicheng , Zhou Hao
Published: August 2016

In order to effectively increase embedding capacity and completely extract the watermarking information in information hiding of encrypted images, a new reversible watermarking embedding algorithm based on rhombus prediction model and difference histogram shifting ideas is proposed. Firstly, the images are pretreated according to rhombus prediction model. Then, the watermarking information is embedded in encrypted images by effective combination of homomorphism encryption scheme and reversible watermarking techniques. Finally, the watermarking information is completely extracted and the images are recovered based on computed difference histogram from left to right and from top to bottom. So, the efficiency and reversibility are ensured when watermarking information is embedded in encrypted image. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm is simple and easy to realize, the embedding capacity is effectively increased, watermarking information is completely reversible, and the image can be recovered with no distortion.
Approximate Conformal Mappings and Elasticity Theory
Authors: Ivanshin Pyotr N. , Shirokova Elena A.
Published: August 2016

Here, we present the new method of approximate conformal mapping of the unit disk to a one-connected domain with smooth boundary without auxiliary constructions and iterations. The mapping function is a Taylor polynomial. The method is applicable to elasticity problems solution.
Mappings of Type Special Space of Sequences
Authors: Bakery Awad A.
Published: August 2016

We give sufficient conditions on a special space of sequences defined by Mohamed and Bakery (2013) such that the finite rank operators are dense in the complete space of operators whose approximation numbers belong to this sequence space. Hence, under a few conditions, every compact operator would be approximated by finite rank operators. We apply it on the sequence space defined by Tripathy and Mahanta (2003). Our results match those known forp-absolutely summable sequences of reals.
Preservation of Cognitive Function by Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Is Associated with Improvement of Mitochondrial Activity and Upregulation of Autophagy‐Related Proteins in Middle‐Aged Mouse Cortex
Authors: Guo Shan-Shan , Gao Xiao-Fang , Gu Yan-Rong , Wan Zhong-Xiao , Lu A-Ming , Qin Zheng-Hong , Luo Li
Published: August 2016

Maca has been used as a foodstuff and a traditional medicine in the Andean region for over 2,000 years. Recently the neuroprotective effects of maca also arouse interest of researchers. Decrease in mitochondrial function and decline in autophagy signaling may participate in the process of age‐related cognitive decline. This study aimed to investigate if maca could improve cognitive function of middle‐aged mice and if this effect was associated with improvement of mitochondrial activity and modulation of autophagy signaling in mouse cortex. Fourteen‐month‐old male ICR mice received maca powder administered by gavage for five weeks. Maca improved cognitive function, motor coordination, and endurance capacity in middle‐aged mice, accompanied by increased mitochondrial respiratory function and upregulation of autophagy‐related proteins in cortex. Our findings suggest that maca is a newly defined nutritional plant which can improve mitochondrial function and upregulate autophagy‐related proteins and may be an effective functional food for slowing down age‐related cognitive decline.
Multiplatform Biomarker Discovery for Bladder Cancer Recurrence Diagnosis
Authors: De Paoli Marine , Gogalic Selma , Sauer Ursula , Preininger Claudia , Pandha Hardev , Simpson Guy , Horvath Andras , Marquette Christophe
Published: August 2016

Purpose.Nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (BCa) has a high recurrence rate requiring lifelong surveillance. Urinary biomarkers are promising as simple alternatives to cystoscopy for the diagnosis of recurrent bladder cancer. However, no single marker can achieve the required accuracy. The purpose of this study was to select a multiparameter panel, comprising urinary biomarkers and clinical parameters, for BCa recurrence diagnosis.Experimental Design.Candidate biomarkers were measured in urine samples of BCa patients with recurrence and BCa patients without recurrence. A multiplatform strategy was used for marker quantification comprising a multiplexed microarray and an automated platform for ELISA analysis. A multivariate statistical analysis combined the results from both platforms with the collected clinical data.Results.The best performing combination of biomarkers and clinical parameters achieved an AUC value of 0.91, showing better performance than individual parameters. This panel comprises six biomarkers (cadherin-1, IL-8, ErbB2, IL-6, EN2, and VEGF-A) and three clinical parameters (number of past recurrences, number of BCG therapies, and stage at time of diagnosis).Conclusions.The multiparameter panel could be a useful noninvasive tool for BCa surveillance and potentially impact the clinical management of this disease. Validation of results in an independent cohort is warranted.
Effect of Ammonium Chloride Solution on the Growth of Phosphorus Gypsum Whisker and Its Modification
Authors: Jian Shouwei , Sun Mengqi , He Guihai , Zhi Zhenzhen , Ma Baoguo
Published: August 2016

Phosphogypsum is the by-product of phosphate of fertilizer or phosphate which causes serious environmental pollution. In this work, a series of phosphogypsum whiskers were prepared using phosphogypsum as raw materials and NH4Cl as additive through the atmospheric water solution method. The results showed that the ammonium chloride solution has a great influence on phosphogypsum whiskers growth and the solubility. The best whisker aspect ratio of phosphogypsum was preferred in 1 mol/L NH4Cl solution, in which the solubility achieved 6.434 mg/mL and the aspect ratio reached 69.29. Besides, NH4Cl was found to have a modified effect on gypsum whiskers’ growth and it can be used to get mesh or dendritic whiskers.
The Association between Treatment for Metabolic Disorders and Breast Cancer Characteristics
Authors: Goldvaser Hadar , Rizel Shulamith , Hendler Daniel , Neiman Victoria , Shepshelovich Daniel , Shochat Tzippy , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch , Yerushalmi Rinat
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the associations between metformin, insulin, statins, and levothyroxine and breast cancer characteristics and outcome.Methods. Retrospective chart review of patients treated in our institute for early estrogen receptor (ER) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancer, whose tumors were sent to Oncotype DX (ODX) analysis. Patients were grouped according to medications usage during the time of breast cancer diagnosis. Each group was compared to the rest of the study population.Results. The study cohort included 671 patients. Sixty (9.1%) patients were treated with metformin, 9 (1.4%) with insulin, 208 (31.7%) with statins, and 62 (9.4%) with levothyroxine. Patients treated with metformin had more intense ER stain (p=0.032) and a lower ODX recurrence score (RS) (p=0.035). Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was also associated with lower ODX RS (p=0.014). Insulin usage was associated with a higher rate of angiolymphatic invasion (p=0.041), but lower Ki67% (p=0.017). Levothyroxine usage was associated with different histological subtype distribution (p=0.02). Extended levothyroxine usage was associated with lower ODX RS (p=0.005). Statin usage had no impact on tumor characteristics. Outcome was comparable in the studied subgroups.Conclusions. Common medications for metabolic disorders might be associated with breast cancer characteristics.