bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What dominant factors are responsible for the stability of monocyclic carbon boronyls–boron carbonyls mixed (BCO)6−n(CBO)n(n=0−6)?
Authors: Yang Xiao-Yong
Published: November 2016

By combining group representation theory with density functional theory (DFT) investigations, we reveal that (BCO)[Formula: see text] systems have three nonoverlapping level sequences and the energy level diagrams in each level sequence have the same general arrangement of level. The stability of monocyclic carbon boronyl–boron carbonyl mixed clusters [(BCO)[Formula: see text](CBO)n] ([Formula: see text]–6) systems are theoretically investigated based on DFT. MO analysis reveals that the delocalized nature of delocalized [Formula: see text] valence orbitals within the –CBO groups is a key factor for the increase in the stability of (BCO)[Formula: see text](CBO)n([Formula: see text]–6) with increasing [Formula: see text]. The order of stability of (BCO)[Formula: see text](CBO)n([Formula: see text], 3 and 4) isomers is explained by recursion analysis at charge distribution. The determined order of stability is consistent with the energy order.
Polar radius integral transform for affine invariant feature extraction
Authors: Huang Yongdong , Yang Jianwei , Li Sansan , Du Wenzhen
Published: November 2016

Affine transform is to describe the same target at different viewpoints to obtain the relationship between images of approximate model. Affine invariant feature extraction plays an important role in object recognition and image registration. Firstly, the definition of polar radius integral transform (PRIT) is put forward by means of the characterization of affine transform mapping straight line into straight line, where PRIT computes the integral along the polar radius direction and converts images into closed curves which keep the same affine transform with original images. Secondly, in order to extract affine invariant feature, an affine invariant feature extraction algorithm is also given based on PRIT. The proposed algorithm can be used to combine contour-based methods with region-based methods. It has some advantages of fewer amounts of computations and feasibility of feature extraction for objects with several components. Finally, the capability of anti-noise (Gaussian noise, salt and pepper noise) of PRIT is discussed. The simulation experiment results show that PRIT can effectively extract the affine invariant features, but also the low order PRIT has very strong robustness to noise.
Warped product Finsler manifolds from Hamiltonian point of view
Authors: Joharinad Parvaneh
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the Finslerian warped product structures are introduced as Hamiltonian formalism without restricting Finsler functions to be absolutely homogeneous. Afterwards, the constituents of the related variational problem and Finslerian connections of this warped product are obtained according to those of its constructing Finsler manifolds.
Resonance of Long Wave Runup on South China Sea’s Piecewise Topographies
Authors: Zhao Xi , Liu Hua
Published: November 2016

Solving the linear shallow water equations on a profile of four segments and matching the solutions on the turning points, runup of periodic long waves is obtained analytically. The resonant phenomena appear when periodic long waves propagate on piecewise topographies. According to the propagation path of tsunami waves, several profiles in the South China Sea are picked up. The topographies can be simplified to a four-segments profile which comprises a horizontal deep seabed, a continental foundation, a continental slope and a continental shelf from the trench to the shore. The runup amplification are calculated both analytically and numerically. Resonant phenomena appear and the values of runup are quite large at the resonant frequencies.
Symmetry and conservation laws for tuberculosis model
Authors: Matadi Maba Boniface
Published: November 2016

In this paper, three-dimensional system of the tuberculosis (TB) model is reduced into a two-dimensional first-order and one-dimensional second-order differential equations. We use the method of Jacobi last multiplier to construct linear Lagrangians of systems of two first-order ordinary differential equations and nonlinear Lagrangian of the corresponding single second-order equation. The Noether's theorem is used for determining conservation laws. We apply the techniques of symmetry analysis to a model to identify the combinations of parameters which lead to the possibility of the linearization of the system and provide the corresponding solutions.
An extended Fibonacci sequence associated with the discrete hungry Lotka–Volterra system
Authors: Shinjo Masato , Akaiwa Kanae , Iwasaki Masashi , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: November 2016

The integrable hungry Lotka–Volterra (hLV) system stands for a prey–predator model in mathematical biology. The discrete-time hLV (dhLV) system is derived from a time discretization of the hLV system. The solution to the dhLV system is known to be represented by using the Casorati determinant. In this paper, we show that if the entries of the Casorati determinant become an extended Fibonacci sequence at the initial discrete time, then those are also an extended Fibonacci sequence at any discrete time. In other words, the extended Fibonacci sequence always appears in the entries of the Casorati determinant under the time evolution of the dhLV system with suitable initial setting. We also show that one of the dhLV variables converges to the ratio of two successive extended Fibonacci numbers as the discrete time goes to infinity.
Coupling between arterial and venous cerebral blood flow during postural change
Authors: Ogoh Shigehiko , Washio Takuro , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Petersen Lonnie G. , Secher Niels H. , Sato Kohei
Published: November 2016

In supine humans the main drainage from the brain is through the internal jugular vein (IJV), but the vertebral veins (VV) become important during orthostatic stress because the IJV is partially collapsed. To identify the effect of this shift in venous drainage from the brain on the cerebral circulation, this study addressed both arterial and venous flow responses in the “anterior” and “posterior” parts of the brain when nine healthy subjects (5 men) were seated and flow was manipulated by hyperventilation and inhalation of 6% carbon dioxide (CO2). From a supine to a seated position, both internal carotid artery (ICA) and IJV blood flow decreased ( P = 0.004 and P = 0.002), while vertebral artery (VA) flow did not change ( P = 0.348) and VV flow increased ( P = 0.024). In both supine and seated positions the ICA response to manipulation of end-tidal CO2 tension was reflected in IJV ( r = 0.645 and r = 0.790, P < 0.001) and VV blood flow ( r = 0.771 and r = 0.828, P < 0.001). When seated, the decrease in ICA blood flow did not affect venous outflow, but the decrease in IJV blood flow was associated with the increase in VV blood flow ( r = 0.479, P = 0.044). In addition, the increase in VV blood flow when seated was reflected in VA blood flow ( r = 0.649, P = 0.004), and the two flows were coupled during manipulation of the end-tidal CO2 tension (supine, r = 0.551, P = 0.004; seated, r = 0.612, P < 0001). These results support that VV compensates for the reduction in IJV blood flow when seated and that VV may influence VA blood flow.
Psychosocial stress alters the strength of reticulospinal input to the human upper trapezius
Authors: Marker Ryan J. , Campeau Serge , Maluf Katrina S.
Published: November 2016

Psychosocial stress has been shown to influence several aspects of human motor control associated with the fight-or-flight response, including augmentation of upper trapezius muscle activity. Given the established role of the reticular formation in arousal, this study investigated the contribution of reticulospinal activation to trapezius muscle activity during exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor. Twenty-five healthy adults were exposed to startling acoustic stimuli (SAS) while performing a motor task during periods of low and high psychosocial stress. Acoustic startle reflexes (ASRs) were recorded in the upper trapezius during low intensity contractions using both surface and intramuscular electromyography. Exposure to the stressor increased subjective and physiological measures of arousal ( P < 0.01). The majority of participants demonstrated inhibitory ASRs, whereas a small subgroup with significantly higher trait anxiety ( n = 5) demonstrated excitatory ASRs in the low stress condition. Changes in synaptic input for inhibitory ASRs were confirmed by decreases in the discharge rate of single motor units in response to the SAS. ASRs decreased in magnitude for all participants during exposure to the acute psychosocial stressor. These findings suggest that the reticular formation has predominately inhibitory effects on the human upper trapezius during an ongoing motor task and that disinhibition caused by psychosocial stress may contribute to augmentation of trapezius muscle activity. Further research is required to investigate mechanisms underlying the complex ASRs characterized by this study, particularly the phase reversal to excitatory responses observed among more anxious individuals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to quantify stress-evoked changes in the acoustic startle reflex in the upper trapezius muscle of humans, and our findings reveal a complex pattern of inhibitory and facilitatory responses consistent with observations in nonhuman primates. We further demonstrate that psychosocial stress consistently reduces the amplitude of these responses. These findings have implications for the control of motor behaviors in response to stress.
Caveolin-1 regulation of disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 as a potential therapeutic target for schizophrenia
Authors: Kassan Adam , Egawa Junji , Zhang Zheng , Almenar-Queralt Angels , Nguyen Quynh My , Lajevardi Yasaman , Kim Kaitlyn , Posadas Edmund , Jeste Dilip V. , Roth David M. , Patel Piyush M. , Patel Hemal H. , Head Brian P.
Published: November 2016

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder manifested in early adulthood. Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 ( DISC1) is a susceptible gene for schizophrenia (Hodgkinson et al. 2004; Millar et al. 2000; St Clair et al. 1990) implicated in neuronal development, brain maturation, and neuroplasticity (Brandon and Sawa 2011; Chubb et al. 2008). Therefore, DISC1 is a promising candidate gene for schizophrenia, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its role in the pathogenesis of the disease are still poorly understood. Interestingly, caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a cholesterol binding and scaffolding protein, regulates neuronal signal transduction and promotes neuroplasticity. In this study we examined the role of Cav-1 in mediating DISC1 expression in neurons in vitro and the hippocampus in vivo. Overexpressing Cav-1 specifically in neurons using a neuron-specific synapsin promoter ( SynCav1) increased expression of DISC1 and proteins involved in synaptic plasticity (PSD95, synaptobrevin, synaptophysin, neurexin, and syntaxin 1). Similarly, SynCav1-transfected differentiated human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) exhibited increased expression of DISC1 and markers of synaptic plasticity. Conversely, hippocampi from Cav-1 knockout (KO) exhibited decreased expression of DISC1 and proteins involved in synaptic plasticity. Finally, SynCav1 delivery to the hippocampus of Cav-1 KO mice and Cav-1 KO neurons in culture restored expression of DISC1 and markers of synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, we found that Cav-1 coimmunoprecipitated with DISC1 in brain tissue. These findings suggest an important role by which neuron-targeted Cav-1 regulates DISC1 neurobiology with implications for synaptic plasticity. Therefore, SynCav1 might be a potential therapeutic target for restoring neuronal function in schizophrenia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study is the first to demonstrate that caveolin-1 can regulate DISC1 expression in neuronal models. Furthermore, the findings are consistent across three separate neuronal models that include rodent neurons ( in vitro and in vivo) and human differentiated neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. These findings justify further investigation regarding the modulatory role by caveolin on synaptic function and as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia.
ALDH2 Inhibition Potentiates High Glucose Stress-Induced Injury in Cultured Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Pan Guodong , Deshpande Mandar , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj
Published: November 2016

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene superfamily consists of 19 isozymes. They are present in various organs and involved in metabolizing aldehydes that are biologically generated. For instance, ALDH2, a cardiac mitochondrial ALDH isozyme, is known to detoxify 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, a reactive aldehyde produced upon lipid peroxidation in diabetic conditions. We hypothesized that inhibition of ALDH leads to the accumulation of unmetabolized 4HNE and consequently exacerbates injury in cells subjected to high glucose stress. H9C2 cardiomyocyte cell lines were pretreated with 10 μM disulfiram (DSF), an inhibitor of ALDH2 or vehicle (DMSO) for 2 hours, and then subjected to high glucose stress {33 mM D-glucose (HG) or 33 mM D-mannitol as an osmotic control (Ctrl)} for 24 hrs. The decrease in ALDH2 activity with DSF pretreatment was higher in HG group when compared to Ctrl group. Increased 4HNE adduct formation with DSF pretreatment was higher in HG group compared to Ctrl group. Pretreatment with DSF leads to potentiated HG-induced cell death in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results indicate that ALDH2 activity is important in preventing high glucose induced cellular dysfunction.
Identification of Species of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Clinical Isolates from 8 Provinces of China
Authors: Liu Haican , Lian Lulu , Jiang Yi , Huang Mingxiang , Tan Yunhong , Zhao Xiuqin , Zhang Jingrui , Yu Qin , Liu Jiao , Dong Haiyan , Lu Bing , Wu Yimou , Wan Kanglin
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary diseases caused by nontuberculousmycobacteria(NTM) are increasing in incidence and prevalence worldwide. In this study, we identified NTM species of the clinical isolates from 8 provinces in China, in order to preliminarily provide some basic scientific data in the different species and distribution of NTM related to pulmonary disease in China. A total of 523 clinical isolates from patients with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosed clinically from 2005 to 2012 were identified to the species using conventional and molecular methods, including multilocus PCR,rpoBandhsp65PCR-PRA,hsp65,rpoB, and16S-23Sinternal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The isolates were identified into 3 bacterium genera, including NTM,Gordonia bronchialis,andNocardia farcinica, and, for the 488 NTM isolates, 27 species were identified. For all the 27 species of NTM which were found to cause pulmonary infections in humans, the most prevalent species wasM. intracellulare, followed byM. aviumandM. abscessus. And seven other species were for the first time identified in patients with TB in China. NTM species identification is very important for distinguishing between tuberculosis and NTM pulmonary diseases, and the species diversity drives the creation of diverse and integrated identification methods with higher accuracy and efficacy.
A Hormonally Active Malignant Struma Ovarii
Authors: Lara Carolina , Cuenca Dalia , Salame Latife , Padilla-Longoria Rafael , Mercado Moisés
Published: November 2016

Struma ovarii is a rare monodermal variant of ovarian teratoma that contains at least 50% thyroid tissue. Less than 8% of struma ovarii cases present with clinical and biochemical evidence of thyrotoxicosis due to ectopic production of thyroid hormone and only 5% undergo malignant transformation into a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Only isolated cases of hormonally active papillary thyroid carcinoma developing within a struma ovarii have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism as well as a left adnexal mass, which proved to be a thyroid hormone-producing, malignant struma ovarii.
Apical Revascularization after Delayed Tooth Replantation: An Unusual Case
Authors: Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Nelson-Filho Paulo , Silva Lea Assed Bezerra , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Carvalho Fabricio Kitazono de , Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino de
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is to present the clinical and radiological outcome of the treatment involving a delayed tooth replantation after an avulsed immature permanent incisor, with a follow-up of 1 year and 6 months. An 8-year-old boy was referred after dental trauma that occurred on the previous day. The permanent maxillary right central incisor (tooth 11) had been avulsed. The tooth was hand-held during endodontic therapy and an intracanal medication application with calcium hydroxide-based paste was performed. An apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was introduced into the apical portion of the canal. When the avulsed tooth was replanted with digital pressure, a blood clot had formed within the socket, which moved the MTA apical plug about 2 mm inside of the root canal. These procedures developed apical revascularization, which promoted a successful endodontic outcome, evidenced by apical closure, slight increase in root length, and absence of signs of external root resorption, during a follow-up of 1 year and 6 months.
Tip of an Iceberg: Skull Fracture as an Adult Presentation of Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis
Authors: Culleton Sinead , Barras Christen D. , Asadi Hamed , Looby Seamus , Brennan Paul , Kok Hong Kuan
Published: November 2016

The severity of seizures presenting to the emergency department ranges from benign to life threatening. There are also a wide number of possible etiologies. Computed tomography (CT) emergency imaging may be required at presentation to elucidate a possible cause and assess signs of intracranial trauma. This case describes a serious seizure episode in a young man while on holiday. A CT brain showed a skull fracture as a consequence of seizure-related head trauma but unexpectedly there were image findings consistent with encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis. The important radiological features of encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis and a differential diagnosis are presented.
Effect of Methionine Restriction on Bone Density and NK Cell Activity
Authors: Li Mingxin , Zhai Lidong , Wei Wanfu , Dong Jingming
Published: November 2016

Methionine restriction (MR) is proven to increase the lifespan; and it also affects the bone density and the innate immune system. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of methionine restriction on bone density and natural killer (NK) cells. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to either basal diet (BD, containing 0.80% methionine) or methionine-restricted diet (containing 0.14% methionine). Mice with MR diet displayed reduced bone mass and decrease in the cytotoxicity of NK from the spleen, compared to BD animals. Also, mice with MR diet had an inferior body weight (P<0.05) and higher plasma levels of adiponectin and FGF21 (P<0.05) but lower concentrations of leptin and IGF-1 (P<0.05). Overall, the investigation shows that methionine affects bone density and NK cell cytotoxicity.
Identification of Hot Spots in Protein Structures Using Gaussian Network Model and Gaussian Naive Bayes
Authors: Zhang Hua , Jiang Tao , Shan Guogen
Published: November 2016

Residue fluctuations in protein structures have been shown to be highly associated with various protein functions. Gaussian network model (GNM), a simple representative coarse-grained model, was widely adopted to reveal function-related protein dynamics. We directly utilized the high frequency modes generated by GNM and further performed Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) to identify hot spot residues. Two coding schemes about the feature vectors were implemented with varying distance cutoffs for GNM and sliding window sizes for GNB based on tenfold cross validations: one by using only a single high mode and the other by combining multiple modes with the highest frequency. Our proposed methods outperformed the previous work that did not directly utilize the high frequency modes generated by GNM, with regard to overall performance evaluated using F1 measure. Moreover, we found that inclusion of more high frequency modes for a GNB classifier can significantly improve the sensitivity. The present study provided additional valuable insights into the relation between the hot spots and the residue fluctuations.
C-Peptide Levels Predict the Effectiveness of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Demir Sevin , Temizkan Sule , Sargin Mehmet
Published: November 2016

Background. Our aim was to define the conditions that affect therapeutic success when dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor is added to metformin monotherapy.Materials and Methods. We reviewed the medical records of 56 patients who had received DPP-4 inhibitor as an add-on to metformin monotherapy and evaluated their response in the first year of therapy. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, C-peptide, and weight of the patients were recorded at 3-month intervals during the first year of treatment.Results. Patients who added DPP-4 inhibitor to metformin monotherapy had significant weight loss (P=0.004) and FBG and HbA1c levels were significantly lowered during the first 6 months (bothP<0.001). Baseline levels of C-peptide were predictive for success of the treatment (P=0.02), even after correction for confounding factors, for example, age, gender, or BMI (P=0.03). Duration of diabetes was not a predictor of response to treatment (P=0.60).Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that in patients having inadequate glycemic control, the addition of a DPP-4 inhibitor as a second oral agent to metformin monotherapy provides better glycemic control, protectsβ-cell reserves, and does not cause weight gain. These effects depend on baseline C-peptide levels.
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Performed after Previous Suprapubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Tsui Johnson F. , Feuerstein Michael , Jazayeri Seyed Behzad , Samadi David B.
Published: November 2016

Operative management of prostate cancer in a patient who has undergone previous open suprapubic simple prostatectomy poses a unique surgical challenge. Herein, we describe a case of intermediate risk prostate cancer in a man who had undergone simple prostatectomy ten years prior to presentation. The patient was found to have Gleason 7 prostate cancer on MRI fusion biopsy of the prostate for elevated PSA and underwent an uncomplicated robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
The Impact of Duodenal Diverticuli and the Execution of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography
Authors: Loffeld R. J. L. F. , Dekkers P. E. P.
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Duodenal diverticuli alter the anatomy of the papillary region and can make an ERCP difficult. Aim. To study the outcome of ERCP in cases of duodenal diverticuli. Patients and Methods. Consecutive ERCPs in a period of 24 years were included. Endoscopy reports were studied for presence of diverticuli. Success of the procedure and findings were noted. Clinical records were searched for clinical presentation of the patient. Patients without duodenal diverticuli were used as comparison. Results. 2795 procedures were done in 2092 patients. Of these, 211 (10%) had diverticuli. Diverticuli occurred significantly more often in women (p<0.001). ERCP was significantly more often inconclusive in cases of a diverticulum, 12.8% versus 6.3%, p<0.001. In cases of a successful ERCP, patients with diverticuli showed more often no abnormalities in the bile duct, 26% versus 17%, p<0.001. In 64% of cases, the reason for ERCP was cholestasis. There was no significant difference in presence of stones or cholangitis. Biliary pancreatitis was seen more often in patients without diverticuli, 4.4% versus 1.4%, p=0.04. This was also the case for malignancies, 18.5% versus 6.6%, p<0.001. Conclusion. It is concluded that duodenal diverticuli can be responsible for cholestasis. Presence of a diverticulum in the duodenum makes the ERCP procedure more complex.
Dynamical Analysis of a Computer Virus Model with Delays
Authors: Liu Juan , Bianca Carlo , Guerrini Luca
Published: November 2016

An SIQR computer virus model with two delays is investigated in the present paper. The linear stability conditions are obtained by using characteristic root method and the developed asymptotic analysis shows the onset of a Hopf bifurcation occurs when the delay parameter reaches a critical value. Moreover the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and stability of the bifurcating period solutions are investigated by using the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. Finally, numerical investigations are carried out to show the feasibility of the theoretical results.
Model for Educational Game Using Natural User Interface
Authors: Shapi’i Azrulhizam , Ghulam Sychol
Published: November 2016

Natural User Interface (NUI) is a new approach that has become increasingly popular in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The use of this technology is widely used in almost all sectors, including the field of education. In recent years, there are a lot of educational games using NUI technology in the market such as Kinect game. Kinect is a sensor that can recognize body movements, postures, and voices in three dimensions. It enables users to control and interact with game without the need of using game controller. However, the contents of most existing Kinect games do not follow the standard curriculum in classroom, thus making it do not fully achieve the learning objectives. Hence, this research proposes a design model as a guideline in designing educational game using NUI. A prototype has been developed as one of the objectives in this study. The prototype is based on proposed model to ensure and assess the effectiveness of the model. The outcomes of this study conclude that the proposed model contributed to the design method for the development of the educational game using NUI. Furthermore, evaluation results of the prototype show a good response from participant and in line with the standard curriculum.
In SilicoEvaluation of the Potential Antiarrhythmic Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Cardiac Channelopathies
Authors: Boukhabza Maroua , El Hilaly Jaouad , Attiya Nourdine , El-Haidani Ahmed , Filali-Zegzouti Younes , Mazouzi Driss , Amarouch Mohamed-Yassine
Published: November 2016

Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that allow the passage of ions according to the direction of their electrochemical gradients. Mutations in more than 30 genes encoding ion channels have been associated with an increasingly wide range of inherited cardiac arrhythmias. In this line, ion channels become one of the most important molecular targets for several classes of drugs, including antiarrhythmics. Nevertheless, antiarrhythmic drugs are usually accompanied by some serious side effects. Thus, developing new approaches could offer added values to prevent and treat the episodes of arrhythmia. In this sense, green tea catechins seem to be a promising alternative because of the significant effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (E3G) on the electrocardiographic wave forms of guinea pig hearts. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits-risks balance of E3G consumption in the setting of ion channel mutations linked with aberrant cardiac excitability phenotypes. Two gain-of-function mutations,Nav1.5-p.R222Q andNav1.5-p.I141V, which are linked with cardiac hyperexcitability phenotypes were studied. Computer simulations of action potentials (APs) show that 30 μM E3G reduces and suppresses AP abnormalities characteristics of these phenotypes. These results suggest that E3G may have a beneficial effect in the setting of cardiac sodium channelopathies displaying a hyperexcitability phenotype.
Concomitant Effects of Transition Metal Chelation and Solvent Polarity on the First Molecular Hyperpolarizability of 4-Methoxyacetophenone Thiosemicarbazone: A DFT Study
Authors: Nkungli Nyiang Kennet , Ghogomu Julius Numbonui
Published: November 2016

Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of organic and metal-organic materials are of considerable interest to emerging optoelectronic and photonic technologies. Much work has been carried out on the former materials but the latter ones have received less attention till date. Herein, a density functional theory (DFT) study on the combined effects of transition metal chelation and solvent polarity on the first hyperpolarizability (βtot) of 4-methoxyacetophenone thiosemicarbazone (MAPTSC) is reported. MAPTSC exhibits a tautomeric form with higher optical nonlinearity rendering its NLO response in polar solvents potentially switchable. Our results have revealed significant modifications of the first hyperpolarizability of MAPTSC upon complexation with different transition metal chlorides in the presence of solvents with varying dielectric constants. Therefore, its second-order NLO response is highly tunable by the synergy of transition metal chelation and solvent polarity. MAPTSC and its Zn(II) and Pt(II) chloride complexes are promising NLO materials because their gas-phase βtot values are larger than those of the prototype push-pull molecules, para-nitroaniline (PNA) and urea, by factors of about 1.40–1.76 and 19.57–37.24, respectively; these factors greatly increase in polar solvent medium. Moreover, they possess high optical transparencies in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum which mitigate transparency/nonlinearity trade-offs, thereby increasing the likelihood of broad band NLO response.
An Efficient and Straightforward Numerical Technique Coupled to Classical Newton’s Method for Enhancing the Accuracy of Approximate Solutions Associated with Scalar Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Antoni Grégory
Published: November 2016

This study concerns the development of a straightforward numerical technique associated with Classical Newton’s Method for providing a more accurate approximate solution of scalar nonlinear equations. The proposed procedure is based on some practical geometric rules and requires the knowledge of the local slope of the curve representing the considered nonlinear function. Therefore, this new technique uses, only as input data, the first-order derivative of the nonlinear equation in question. The relevance of this numerical procedure is tested, evaluated, and discussed through some examples.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Cochlear Implant Users: A Descriptive Observational Study
Authors: Ramos-Macías Ángel , Falcón González Juan Carlos , Borkoski-Barreiro Silvia A. , Ramos de Miguel Ángel , Batista David Simón , Pérez Plasencia Daniel
Published: November 2016

Cochlear implantation has a significant impact on patients' social life, performance of activities, and self-esteem. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the health-related quality of life of cochlear implant users aged under and over 60 years by a self-report using the Glasgow Health Status Inventory and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit. It was observed that quality of life values increased very rapidly straight after implantation regardless of age. Bilateral cochlear implant users showed better results in environments with background noise and in a reverberant room than unilateral cochlear implant users. Quality of life improved independently of hearing performance benefits for patients over 60 years at implantation.
Virus-Infected Human Mast Cells Enhance Natural Killer Cell Functions
Authors: Portales-Cervantes Liliana , Haidl Ian D. , Lee Patrick W. , Marshall Jean S.
Published: November 2016

Mucosal surfaces are protected from infection by both structural and sentinel cells, such as mast cells. The mast cell's role in antiviral responses is poorly understood; however, they selectively recruit natural killer (NK) cells following infection. Here, the ability of virus-infected mast cells to enhance NK cell functions was examined. Cord blood-derived human mast cells infected with reovirus (Reo-CBMC) and subsequent mast cell products were used for the stimulation of human NK cells. NK cells upregulated the CD69 molecule and cytotoxicity-related genes, and demonstrated increased cytotoxic activity in response to Reo-CBMC soluble products. NK cell interferon (IFN)-γ production was also promoted in the presence of interleukin (IL)-18. In vivo, SCID mice injected with Reo-CBMC in a subcutaneous Matrigel model, could recruit and activate murine NK cells, a property not shared by normal human fibroblasts. Soluble products of Reo-CBMC included IL-10, TNF, type I and type III IFNs. Blockade of the type I IFN receptor abrogated NK cell activation. Furthermore, reovirus-infected mast cells expressed multiple IFN-α subtypes not observed in reovirus-infected fibroblasts or epithelial cells. Our data define an important mast cell IFN response, not shared by structural cells, and a subsequent novel mast cell-NK cell immune axis in human antiviral host defense.
Effects of Lowering Dialysate Calcium Concentration on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Aortic Stiffness in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Prospective Study
Authors: He Zhangxiu , Cui Lei , Ma Chunyuan , Yan Hong , Ma Tanyong , Hao Lirong
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim: The study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effects of lowering the dialysate calcium concentration (DCa) to 1.25 mmol/l on Chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), which are largely unknown to date. Methods: A singer-center, prospective, randomized trial was conducted for 2 years. The DCa in one group was decreased from 1.5 to 1.25 mmol/l but there was no change in the other group. The clinical outcomes, biochemical parameters, medicine treatments and markers of vascular change were compared among the 2 groups at different time intervals. Results: At baseline, the groups were similar with respect to serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 as well as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). It was found that the serum phosphorus concentration in the lower DCa group had decreased markedly at 2-year follow-up (0-month: 7.13 ± 1.56 mg/dl; 24-month: 5.92 ± 1.73 mg/dl; p = 0.005). Serum calcium (p = 0.018), cIMT (p = 0.029) and cf-PWV (p = 0.024) in DCa 1.25 group were significantly lower than those in 1.5 group at the 24-month visit. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that patients in DCa 1.25 group had a better rate of survival. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, cIMT (HR 1.010; 95% CI 1.002-1.217; p = 0.015) and cf-PWV (HR 1.265; 95% CI 1.022-1.567; p = 0.031) were potential risk factors for mortality in those patients. Importantly, we showed that the average change in these 2 risk variables were both associated with the average change in levels of serum calcium and phosphorus. Conclusion: Our results indicate that lowering DCa to 1.25 mmol/l may be suitable for the MHD patients in our unit.
PCI Choice Decision Aid for Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Coylewright Megan , Dick Sara , Zmolek Becky , Askelin Jason , Hawkins Edward , Branda Megan , Inselman Jonathan W. , Zeballos-Palacios Claudia , Shah Nilay D. , Hess Erik P. , LeBlanc Annie , Montori Victor M. , Ting Henry H.
Published: November 2016

Background—

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable coronary artery disease does not reduce the risk of death and myocardial infarction compared with optimal medical therapy (OMT), but many patients think otherwise. PCI Choice, a decision aid (DA), was designed for use during the clinical visit and includes information on quality of life and mortality outcomes for PCI with OMT versus OMT alone for stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a randomized trial to assess the impact of the PCI Choice DA compared with usual care when there is a choice between PCI and optimal medical therapy. Primary outcomes were patient knowledge and decisional conflict, and the secondary outcome was an objective measure of shared decision making. A total of 124 patients were eligible for final analysis. Knowledge was higher among patients receiving the DA compared with usual care (60% DA; 40% usual care;
P
=0.034), and patients felt more informed (
P
=0.043). Other measures of decisional quality were not improved, and engagement of the patient by the clinician in shared decision making did not change with use of the DA. There was evidence that clinicians used the DA as an educational tool.

Conclusions—

The PCI Choice DA improved patient knowledge but did not significantly impact decisional quality. Further work is needed to effectively address clinician knowledge gaps in shared decision-making skills, even in the context of carefully designed DAs.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01771536.
Opposing Roles of Wnt Inhibitors IGFBP-4 and Dkk1 in Cardiac Ischemia by Differential Targeting of LRP5/6 and β-catenin
Authors: Wo Da , Peng Jinhui , Ren Dan-ni , Qiu Liman , Chen Jinxiao , Zhu Ye , Yan Yingjing , Yan Hongwei , Wu Jian , Ma En , Zhong Tao P. , Chen Yihan , Liu Zhongmin , Liu Shangfeng , Ao Luoquan , Liu Zhenping , Jiang Cizhong , Peng Jun , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Qirong , Zhu Weidong
Published: November 2016

Background:

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, triggering irreversible myocardial cell damage and heart failure. The role of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) as coreceptors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the adult heart remain unknown. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 and dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk1) are 2 secreted LRP5/6 binding proteins that play a crucial role in heart development through preventing Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. However, their roles in the adult heart remain unexplored.

Methods:

To understand the role of LRP5/6 and β-catenin in the adult heart, we constructed conditional cardiomyocyte-specific LRP5/6 and β-catenin knockout mice and induced surgical myocardial infarction. We also directly injected recombinant proteins of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 and Dkk1 into the heart immediately following myocardial infarction to further examine the mechanisms through which these proteins regulate LRP5/6 and β-catenin.

Results:

Deletion of LRP5/6 promoted cardiac ischemic insults. Conversely, deficiency of β-catenin, a downstream target of LRP5/6, was beneficial in ischemic injury. It is interesting to note that although both insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 and Dkk1 are secreted Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 protected the ischemic heart by inhibiting β-catenin, whereas Dkk1 enhanced the injury response mainly through inducing LRP5/6 endocytosis and degradation.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal previously unidentified dual roles of LRP5/6 involved in the cardiomyocyte response to ischemic injury. These findings suggest new therapeutic strategies in ischemic heart disease by fine-tuning LRP5/6 and β-catenin signaling within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Striking the Balance between Custom and Justice − Creative Legal Reasoning by International Criminal Courts
Authors: Schack Marc , Kjeldgaard-Pedersen Astrid
Published: November 2016

Certain customary norms complicate the work of international criminal courts and tribunals (icts). The principle of legality prescribes that no one can be convicted for ‘new’ or ill-defined crimes, and the rules on personal immunity bar icts from prosecuting high-level defendants. In cases involving these issues, icts face the dilemma of weighing fundamental ‘rule of law’ principles against their core objective: to hold leaders accountable for international crimes. Various icts have resorted to what some commentators euphemistically call ‘creative’ application of customary international law but critics label as ‘poor legal reasoning’. By examining examples of such rulings, with particular focus on a recent string of decisions by the International Criminal Court (icc) regarding head of state immunity, this article attempts to identify and assess a modus operandi of icts confronted with the arduous choice between ‘safe-bet’ application of the relevant sources of law and ensuring international criminal justice.
Friedmannia: a new genus from the Seychelles and the beginning of a generic realignment of Curculigo (Hypoxidaceae)
Authors: KOCYAN ALEXANDER , WILAND-SZYMAŃSKA JUSTYNA
Published: November 2016

Recent molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of the monocot Hypoxidaceae implies that the genus Curculigo is non-monophyletic. Curculigo seychellensis occurs on the Seychelles islands and is part of an isolated though geographically well-defined clade. However, Curculigo seychellensis differs in a wide range of character-states from other species of Curculigo and from the genus Hypoxidia, representing the sister clade of C. seychellensis. Therefore, we here propose a new—though monotypic—genus, endemic to the Seychelles: Friedmannia. A detailed reasoning combined with a whole set of new data is presented. A neotype for the genus and the species is designated here.
Impact of Chinese Urbanization and Aerosol Emissions on the East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Jiang Zhihong , Huo Fei , Ma Hongyun , Song Jie , Dai Aiguo
Published: November 2016

Impacts of urbanization and anthropogenic aerosols in China on the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) are investigated using version 5.1 of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5.1) by comparing simulations with and without incorporating urban land cover and/or anthropogenic aerosol emissions. Results show that the increase of urban land cover causes large surface warming and an urban frictional drag, both leading to a northeasterly wind anomaly in the lower troposphere over eastern China (EC). This weakens the southerly winds associated with the EASM and causes a convergence anomaly in southern China (SC) with increased ascent, latent heating, and cloudiness. The enhanced latent heating reinforces surface convergence and upper-level divergence over SC, leading to more northward advection in the upper level into northern China (NC) and descending between 30° and 50°N over East Asia. Cloudiness reduction, adiabatic heating, and warm advection over NC all enhance the urban heating there, together causing anomalous tropospheric warming at those latitudes over East Asia. Anthropogenic aerosols cause widespread cooling at the surface and in the troposphere over EC, which decreases the summer land–ocean thermal contrast, leading to a weakened EASM circulation with reduced moisture transport to NC. This results in wetter and drier conditions over SC and NC, respectively. When both the urbanization and anthropogenic aerosols are included in the model, aerosols’ cooling is partially offset by the urban heating, and their joint effect on the circulation is dominated by the aerosols’ effect with a reduced magnitude. In the combined experiment, surface and tropospheric temperatures are also altered by the decrease (increase) in cloudiness over NC (SC) with most of the cooling confined to SC, which further weakens the EASM circulation.
Concentric Eyewall Asymmetries in Hurricane Gonzalo (2014) Observed by Airborne Radar
Authors: Didlake Anthony C. , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Reasor Paul D. , Guimond Stephen R.
Published: November 2016

Two eyewall replacement cycles were observed in Hurricane Gonzalo by the NOAA P3 Tail (TA) radar and the recently developed NASA High-Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP) radar. These observations captured detailed precipitation and kinematic features of Gonzalo’s concentric eyewalls both before and after the outer eyewall’s winds became the vortex maximum winds. The data were analyzed relative to the deep-layer environmental wind shear vector. During the beginning eyewall replacement cycle stages, the inner and outer eyewalls exhibited different asymmetries. The inner eyewall asymmetry exhibited significant low-level inflow, updrafts, and positive tangential acceleration in the downshear quadrants, consistent with observational and theoretical studies. The outer eyewall asymmetry exhibited these features in the left-of-shear quadrants, further downwind from those of the inner eyewall. It is suggested that the low-level inflow occurring at the outer but not at the inner eyewall in the downwind regions signals a barrier effect that contributes to the eventual decay of the inner eyewall. Toward the later eyewall replacement stages, the outer eyewall asymmetry shifts upwind, becoming more aligned with the asymmetry of the earlier inner eyewall. This upwind shift is consistent with the structural evolution of eyewall replacement as the outer eyewall transitions into the primary eyewall of the storm.
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring of the Laryngeal Nerves During Anterior Neck Surgery
Authors: Tewari Anurag , Samy Ravi N. , Castle Joshua , Frye Tiffany M. , Habeych Miguel E. , Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: November 2016

Contributions to the literature on intraoperative neuro monitoring (IONM) during endocrine and head and neck surgery have increased over recent years. Organizational support for neural monitoring during surgery is becoming evident and is increasingly recognized as an adjunct to visual nerve identification. A comprehensive understanding of the role of IONM for prevention of nerve injuries is critical to maximize safety during surgery of the anterior compartment of the neck. This review will explore the potential advantages of IONM to improve the outcomes among patients undergoing anterior neck surgery.
Power, corruption and lies: Mis-selling and the production of culture in financial services
Authors: Brannan Matthew J
Published: November 2016

The extent of recent misconduct in retail financial services questions assumptions that mis-selling is perpetrated by rogue traders dealing in sub-prime markets. Yet we know little about the organizational dimensions of mis-selling and specifically how new employees are introduced to and subsequently enact mis-selling behaviour when not explicitly encouraged to do so. This article seeks to understand the mechanics of mis-selling through an ethnographic account of the opening of a new retail financial services call centre, and analysis of the ritual nature of the sales interaction. The study documents the training, induction and initial work of direct sales agents to better understand the complexity, social relations and organization of mis-selling, together with the way in which regulation and management regimes shape sales practice and consequent employee behaviour. The critical analysis of sales rituals allows us to explain how mis-selling becomes embedded in organizational practice and contributes to our understanding of the everydayness of mis-selling in contrast to approaches that focus either on individual decision-making or on cultural explanations.
What’s the Rush? Tort Laws and Elective Early-term Induction of Labor
Authors: Roth Louise Marie
Published: November 2016

Tort laws aim to deter risky medical practices and increase accountability for harm. This research examines their effects on deterrence of a high-risk obstetric practice in the United States: elective early-term (37–38 weeks gestation) induction of labor. Using birth certificate data from the Natality Detail Files and state-level data from publicly available sources, this study analyzes the effects of tort laws on labor induction with multilevel models (MLM) of 665,491 early-term births nested in states. Results reveal that caps on damages are associated with significantly higher odds of early-term induction and Proportionate Liability (PL) is associated with significantly lower odds compared to Joint and Several Liability (JSL). The findings suggest that clinicians are more likely to engage in practices that defy professional guidelines in tort environments with lower legal burdens. I discuss the implications of the findings for patient safety and the deterrence of high-risk practices.