bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hadron spin and external fields
Authors: Teryaev O. V.
Published: November 2015

The interactions of hadron spin with gravity and electromagnetic field and their implication for hadron spin structure are considered. The extension of equivalence principle naturally leads to the closeness of vector meson magnetic moment to that of electroweak boson. This similarity is confirmed in the lattice QCD. The effective gravity in AdS/QCD allows to connect the [Formula: see text]-dependence of GPDs (and therefore electromagnetic and gravitational form factors) with [Formula: see text]-dependemce of TMDs. The possible cosmological implications of equivalence principle extension are discussed.
Gell-Mann–Low scheme for the standard model
Authors: Pivovarov Grigorii B.
Published: November 2015

I describe a version of the Gell-Mann–Low scheme which is applicable to the Standard Model. First, I give a procedure for extracting input parameters of the theory from the Green’s functions. After that, an iterative procedure of expressing the Green’s functions in terms of the above parameters is given.
dCH2 and dC spectra obtained for some kinematic configurations at intermediate energies
Authors: Janek M. , Tarjanyiova G. , Gurchin Yu. V. , Isupov A. Yu. , Khrenov A. N. , Kurilkin A. K. , Kurilkin P. K. , Ladygin V. P. , Livanov A. N. , Piyadin S. M. , Reznikov S. G. , Terekhin A. A. , Martinska G. , Karachuk J.-T. , Vnukov I. E.
Published: November 2015

Experimental [Formula: see text] data have been obtained by nine detector configuration at 400 MeV at Internal Target Station of Nuclotron with using Polyethylene and Carbon targets. After detector calibration experimental data were compared with GEANT4 simulation. Experimental data have been taken at detector configuration in which possible relativistic effects can appear. [Formula: see text] reaction is planned to be investigated at the extracted beam of Nuclotron at energy range of 1.0–1.75[Formula: see text]GeV. Presented simulation of the reaction is aimed on possibility to perform experimental study at extracted deuteron beam of Nuclotron with partial using of BM@N setup.
Simulation of the SCAN3 setup
Authors: Afanasev S. V. , Dubinchik B. V. , Dryablov D. K. , Igamkulov Z. A. , Vokal S.
Published: November 2015

The first results of the geometry GEANT3 simulation of the three-arm magnetic spectrometer SCAN3 are presented in this article. The possibility of detection of exotic nuclei (such as eta-mesic nucleus) with help of the SCAN3 and the Nuclotron internal target is shown.
Kaon physics at the CERN-SPS
Authors: Vormstein Mario
Published: November 2015

The NA48/2 and NA62 collaborations report on recent results, current status, and prospects of kaon physics at the CERN-SPS. The NA62 collaborations aims to measure the decay [Formula: see text] with an uncertainty of 10% or better. The NA62 detector and preliminary results from a pilot run in 2014 are presented. In addition, recent results of the NA48/2 collaboration are reported. A search for Dark Photons has been performed in [Formula: see text] decays via the kaon decays [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. No dark photon signal was observed and new upper limits on the mixing parameter [Formula: see text] and the dark photon mass were computed. We also report the first observation of the kaon decay [Formula: see text].
Pion polarizabilities: Theory vs Experiment
Authors: Ivanov M. A.
Published: November 2015

The values of charged pion polarizabilities obtained in the framework of chiral perturbation theory at the level of two-loop accuracy are compared with the experimental result recently reported by COMPASS Collaboration. It is found that calculated value for the dipole polarizabilities [Formula: see text] fits quite well the experimental result [Formula: see text].
Search for BFKL-evolution manifestations at high energies
Authors: Kim Victor T.
Published: November 2015

A brief overview of searches for BFKL-evolution manifestations at high energies is presented. Data comparison with the predictions of BFKL-evolution in the leading logarithmic (LL) and next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) approximations are discussed.
B → K(∗)μ+μ− in covariant quark model
Authors: Liptaj A. , Dubnička S. , Dubničková A. Z. , Ivanov M. A.
Published: November 2015

The covariant quark model with infrared confinement (CQM) is a well-suited theoretical framework to describe large variety of hadronic processes, including rare decays of heavy mesons. In this text we focus on the reactions [Formula: see text], which have been recently measured by Refs. 1–4. The measurements include also information about the angular distributions and their significance is given by possible New Physics (NP) effects which are predicted in numerous beyond Standard Model (SM) scenarios. Even with clever choice of experimental observables, a model dependence cannot be fully removed from the theoretical predictions. In this text we present the computation of the [Formula: see text] form factors within the CQM and give results for some of the most commonly used observables ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]).
On Selecting Recommenders for Trust Evaluation in Online Social Networks
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Wu Jie , Wang Guojun
Published: November 2015

Trust is a central component of social interactions among humans. Many applications motivate the consideration of trust evaluation in online social networks (OSNs). Some work has been proposed based on a trusted graph. However, it is still an open challenge to construct a trusted graph, especially in terms of selecting proper recommenders, which can be used to predict the trustworthiness of an unknown target efficiently and effectively. Based on the intuition that people who are close to and influential to us can make more proper and acceptable recommendations, we present the idea of recommendation-aware trust evaluation (RATE). We further model the recommender selection problem as an optimization problem, with the objectives of higher accuracy, lower risk (uncertainty), and lower cost. Four metrics:
trustworthiness
,
expertise
,
uncertainty
, and
cost
, are identified to measure and adjust the quality of recommenders. We focus on a 1-hop recommender selection, for which we propose the FluidTrust model to better illustrate the trust--decision making process of a user. We also discuss the extension of multihop scenarios and multitarget scenarios. Experimental results, with the real social network datasets of Epinions and Advogato, validate the effectiveness of RATE: it can predict trust with higher accuracy (it gains about 20% higher accuracy in Epinions), lower risk, and less cost (about a 30% improvement).
Interactive audio-tactile maps for visually impaired people
Authors: Brock Anke , Jouffrais Christophe
Published: November 2015

Visually impaired people face important challenges related to orientation and mobility. Indeed, 56% of visually impaired people in France declared having problems concerning autonomous mobility [10]. These problems often mean that visually impaired people travel less, which influences their personal and professional life and can lead to exclusion from society [28]. Therefore this issue presents a social challenge as well as an important research area. Accessible geographic maps are helpful for acquiring knowledge about a city's or neighborhood's configuration, as well as selecting a route to reach a destination. Traditionally, raised-line paper maps with braille text have been used. These maps have proved to be efficient for the acquisition of spatial knowledge by visually impaired people. Yet, these maps possess significant limitations [37]. For instance, due to the specificities of the tactile sense only a limited amount of information can be displayed on a single map, which dramatically increases the number of maps that are needed. For the same reason, it is difficult to represent specific information such as distances. Finally, braille labels are used for textual descriptions but only a small percentage of the visually impaired population reads braille. In France 15% of blind people are braille readers and only 10% can read and write [10]. In the United States, fewer than 10% of the legally blind people are braille readers and only 10% of blind children actually learn braille [24].
Modeling analysis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization under the control of glucagon-like peptide-1 in mouse pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Takeda Yukari , Shimayoshi Takao , Holz George G. , Noma Akinori
Published: November 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an intestinally derived blood glucose-lowering hormone that potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. The secretagogue action of GLP-1 is explained, at least in part, by its ability to stimulate cAMP production so that cAMP may facilitate the release of Ca2+ from inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-regulated Ca2+ stores. However, a quantitative model has yet to be provided that explains the molecular mechanisms and dynamic processes linking GLP-1-stimulated cAMP production to Ca2+ mobilization. Here, we performed simulation studies to investigate how GLP-1 alters the abilities of Ca2+ and IP3 to act as coagonists at IP3R Ca2+ release channels. A new dynamic model was constructed based on the Kaftan model, which demonstrates dual steady-state allosteric regulation of the IP3R by Ca2+ and IP3. Data obtained from β-cells were then analyzed to understand how GLP-1 facilitates IP3R-mediated Ca2+ mobilization when UV flash photolysis is used to uncage Ca2+ and IP3 intracellularly. When the dynamic model for IP3R activation was incorporated into a minimal cell model, the Ca2+ transients and oscillations induced by GLP-1 were successfully reconstructed. Simulation studies indicated that transient and oscillatory responses to GLP-1 were produced by sequential positive and negative feedback regulation due to fast activation and slow inhibition of the IP3R by Ca2+. The slow rate of Ca2+-dependent inhibition was revealed to provide a remarkable contribution to the time course of the decay of cytosolic Ca2+ transients. It also served to drive and pace Ca2+ oscillations that are significant when evaluating how GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion.
Advances and challenges in skeletal muscle angiogenesis
Authors: Olfert I. Mark , Baum Oliver , Hellsten Ylva , Egginton Stuart
Published: November 2015

The role of capillaries is to serve as the interface for delivery of oxygen and removal of metabolites to/from tissues. During the past decade there has been a proliferation of studies that have advanced our understanding of angiogenesis, demonstrating that tissue capillary supply is under strict control during health but poorly controlled in disease, resulting in either excessive capillary growth (pathological angiogenesis) or losses in capillarity (rarefaction). Given that skeletal muscle comprises nearly 40% of body mass in humans, skeletal muscle capillary density has a significant impact on metabolism, endocrine function, and locomotion and is tightly regulated at many different levels. Skeletal muscle is also high adaptable and thus one of the few organ systems that can be experimentally manipulated (e.g., by exercise) to study physiological regulation of angiogenesis. This review will focus on the methodological concerns that have arisen in determining skeletal muscle capillarity and highlight the concepts that are reshaping our understanding of the angio-adaptation process. We also summarize selected new findings (physical influences, molecular changes, and ultrastructural rearrangement of capillaries) that identify areas of future research with the greatest potential to expand our understanding of how angiogenesis is normally regulated, and that may also help to better understand conditions of uncontrolled (pathological) angiogenesis.
Early detection of acute transmural myocardial ischemia by the phasic systolic-diastolic changes of local tissue electrical impedance
Authors: Jorge Esther , Amorós-Figueras Gerard , García-Sánchez Tomás , Bragós Ramón , Rosell-Ferrer Javier , Cinca Juan
Published: November 2015

Myocardial electrical impedance is influenced by the mechanical activity of the heart. Therefore, the ischemia-induced mechanical dysfunction may cause specific changes in the systolic-diastolic pattern of myocardial impedance, but this is not known. This study aimed to analyze the phasic changes of myocardial resistivity in normal and ischemic conditions. Myocardial resistivity was measured continuously during the cardiac cycle using 26 different simultaneous excitation frequencies (1 kHz–1 MHz) in 7 anesthetized open-chest pigs. Animals were submitted to 30 min regional ischemia by acute left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. The electrocardiogram, left ventricular (LV) pressure, LV dP/d t, and aortic blood flow were recorded simultaneously. Baseline myocardial resistivity depicted a phasic pattern during the cardiac cycle with higher values at the preejection period (4.19 ± 1.09% increase above the mean, P < 0.001) and lower values during relaxation phase (5.01 ± 0.85% below the mean, P < 0.001). Acute coronary occlusion induced two effects on the phasic resistivity curve: 1) a prompt (5 min ischemia) holosystolic resistivity rise leading to a bell-shaped waveform and to a reduction of the area under the LV pressure-impedance curve (1,427 ± 335 vs. 757 ± 266 Ω·cm·mmHg, P < 0.01, 41 kHz) and 2) a subsequent (5–10 min ischemia) progressive mean resistivity rise (325 ± 23 vs. 438 ± 37 Ω·cm at 30 min, P < 0.01, 1 kHz). The structural and mechanical myocardial dysfunction induced by acute coronary occlusion can be recognized by specific changes in the systolic-diastolic myocardial resistivity curve. Therefore these changes may become a new indicator (surrogate) of evolving acute myocardial ischemia.
IL-27 enhances innate immunity of human pulmonary fibroblasts and epithelial cells through upregulation of TLR4 expression
Authors: Su Yufeng , Yao Hua , Wang Hong , Xu Fang , Li Dagen , Li Dairong , Zhang Xuemei , Yin Yibing , Cao Ju
Published: November 2015

Lung tissue cells play an active role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammatory diseases by releasing a variety of cytokines and chemokines. However, how lung tissue cells respond to microbial stimuli during pulmonary infections remains unclear. In this study, we found that patients with community-acquired pneumonia displayed increased IL-27 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. We subsequently examined the immunopathological mechanisms for the activation of primary human lung fibroblasts and bronchial epithelial cells by IL-27. We demonstrated that IL-27 priming enhanced LPS-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 from lung fibroblasts and bronchial epithelia cells via upregulating Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) expression. IL-27 upregulated TLR4 expression in lung fibroblasts through activation of Janus-activated kinase (JAK) and Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, and inhibition of the JAK pathway could partially decrease IL-27-induced TLR4 expression, while inhibition of JNK pathway could completely suppress IL-27-induced TLR4 expression. Our data suggest that IL-27 modulates innate immunity of lung tissue cells through upregulating TLR4 expression during pulmonary infections.
Enhanced muscular oxygen extraction in athletes exaggerates hypoxemia during exercise in hypoxia
Authors: Van Thienen Ruud , Hespel Peter
Published: November 2015

High rate of muscular oxygen utilization facilitates the development of hypoxemia during exercise at altitude. Because endurance training stimulates oxygen extraction capacity, we investigated whether endurance athletes are at higher risk to developing hypoxemia and thereby acute mountain sickness symptoms during exercise at simulated high altitude. Elite athletes (ATL; n = 8) and fit controls (CON; n = 7) cycled for 20 min at 100 W (EX100W), as well as performed an incremental maximal oxygen consumption test (EXMAX) in normobaric hypoxia (0.107 inspired O2fraction) or normoxia (0.209 inspired O2fraction). Cardiorespiratory responses, arterial Po2(PaO2), and oxygenation status in m. vastus lateralis [tissue oxygenation index (TOIM)] and frontal cortex (TOIC) by near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Muscle O2uptake rate was estimated from change in oxyhemoglobin concentration during a 10-min arterial occlusion in m. gastrocnemius. Maximal oxygen consumption in normoxia was 70 ± 2 ml·min−1·kg−1in ATL vs. 43 ± 2 ml·min−1·kg−1in CON, and in hypoxia decreased more in ATL (−41%) than in CON (−25%, P < 0.05). Both in normoxia at PaO2of ∼95 Torr, and in hypoxia at PaO2of ∼35 Torr, muscle O2uptake was twofold higher in ATL than in CON (0.12 vs. 0.06 ml·min−1·100 g−1; P < 0.05). During EX100Win hypoxia, PaO2dropped to lower ( P < 0.05) values in ATL (27.6 ± 0.7 Torr) than in CON (33.5 ± 1.0 Torr). During EXMAX, but not during EX100W, TOIMwas ∼15% lower in ATL than in CON ( P < 0.05). TOICwas similar between the groups at any time. This study shows that maintenance of high muscular oxygen extraction rate at very low circulating PaO2stimulates the development of hypoxemia during submaximal exercise in hypoxia in endurance-trained individuals. This effect may predispose to premature development of acute mountain sickness symptoms during exercise at altitude.
Energetics of vertical kilometer foot races; is steeper cheaper?
Authors: Giovanelli Nicola , Ortiz Amanda Louise Ryan , Henninger Keely , Kram Rodger
Published: November 2015

Vertical kilometer foot races consist of a 1,000-m elevation gain in <5,000 m of overall distance, and the inclines of the fastest courses are ∼30°. Previous uphill locomotion studies have focused on much shallower angles. We aimed to quantify the metabolic costs of walking and running on very steep angles and to biomechanically distinguish walking from running. Fifteen runners (10 male, 5 female, 32.9 ± 7.5 yr, 1.75 ± 0.09 m, 64.3 ± 9.1 kg) walked and ran for 5 min at seven different angles (9.4, 15.8, 20.4, 24.8, 30.0, 35.0, and 39.2°) all at a fixed vertical velocity (0.35 m/s). We measured the metabolic rates and calculated the vertical costs of walking (Cwvert) and running (Crvert). Using video analysis, we determined stride frequency, stride length, and duty factor (fraction of stride that each foot is in ground contact). At all angles other than 9.4°, Cwvertwas cheaper than Crvert(average −8.45 ± 1.05%; P < 0.001). Further, broad minima for both Cwvertand Crvertexisted between 20.4 and 35.0° (average Cwvert44.17 ± 0.41 J·kg−1·m−1and average Crvert48.46 ± 0.35 J·kg−1·m−1). At all angles and speeds tested, both walking and running involved having at least one foot on the ground at all times. However, in walking, stride frequency and stride length were ∼28% slower and longer, respectively, than in running. In conclusion, we found that there is a range of angles for which energy expenditure is minimized. At the vertical velocity tested, on inclines steeper than 15.8°, athletes can reduce their energy expenditure by walking rather than running.
Response recovery in the locust auditory pathway
Authors: Wirtssohn Sarah , Ronacher Bernhard
Published: November 2015

Temporal resolution and the time courses of recovery from acute adaptation of neurons in the auditory pathway of the grasshopper Locusta migratoria were investigated with a response recovery paradigm. We stimulated with a series of single click and click pair stimuli while performing intracellular recordings from neurons at three processing stages: receptors and first and second order interneurons. The response to the second click was expressed relative to the single click response. This allowed the uncovering of the basic temporal resolution in these neurons. The effect of adaptation increased with processing layer. While neurons in the auditory periphery displayed a steady response recovery after a short initial adaptation, many interneurons showed nonlinear effects: most prominent a long-lasting suppression of the response to the second click in a pair, as well as a gain in response if a click was preceded by a click a few milliseconds before. Our results reveal a distributed temporal filtering of input at an early auditory processing stage. This set of specified filters is very likely homologous across grasshopper species and thus forms the neurophysiological basis for extracting relevant information from a variety of different temporal signals. Interestingly, in terms of spike timing precision neurons at all three processing layers recovered very fast, within 20 ms. Spike waveform analysis of several neuron types did not sufficiently explain the response recovery profiles implemented in these neurons, indicating that temporal resolution in neurons located at several processing layers of the auditory pathway is not necessarily limited by the spike duration and refractory period.
Microsaccade direction reflects the economic value of potential saccade goals and predicts saccade choice
Authors: Yu (余功臣) Gongchen , Xu (徐佰杰) Baijie , Zhao (赵宇晨) Yuchen , Zhang (张倍祯) Beizhen , Yang (杨明坡) Mingpo , Kan Janis Ying Ying , Milstein David Martin , Thevarajah Dhushan , Dorris Michael Christopher
Published: November 2015

Microsaccades are small-amplitude (typically <1°), ballistic eye movements that occur when attempting to fixate gaze. Initially thought to be generated randomly, it has recently been established that microsaccades are influenced by sensory stimuli, attentional processes, and certain cognitive states. Whether decision processes influence microsaccades, however, is unknown. Here, we adapted two classic economic tasks to examine whether microsaccades reflect evolving saccade decisions. Volitional saccade choices of monkey and human subjects provided a measure of the subjective value of targets. Importantly, analyses occurred during a period of complete darkness to minimize the known influence of sensory and attentional processes on microsaccades. As the time of saccadic choice approached, microsaccade direction became the following: 1) biased toward targets as a function of their subjective value and 2) predictive of upcoming, voluntary choice. Our results indicate that microsaccade direction is influenced by and is a reliable tell of evolving saccade decisions. Our results are consistent with dynamic decision processes within the midbrain superior colliculus; that is, microsaccade direction is influenced by the transition of activity toward caudal saccade regions associated with high saccade value and/or future saccade choice.
IPTV Service Framework Based on Secure Authentication and Lightweight Content Encryption for Screen-Migration in Cloud Computing
Authors: Alsaffar Aymen Abdullah , Shin Young-Rok , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: November 2015

These days, the advancing of smart devices (e.g. smart phones, tablets, PC, etc.) capabilities and the increase of internet bandwidth enables IPTV service provider to extend their services to smart mobile devices. User can just receive their IPTV service using any smart devices by accessing the internet via wireless network from anywhere anytime in the world which is convenience for users. However, wireless network communication has well a known critical security threats and vulnerabilities to user smart devices and IPTV service such as user identity theft, reply attack, MIM attack, and so forth. A secure authentication for user devices and multimedia protection mechanism is necessary to protect both user devices and IPTV services. As result, we proposed framework of IPTV service based on secure authentication mechanism and lightweight content encryption method for screen-migration in Cloud computing. We used cryptographic nonce combined with user ID and password to authenticate user device in any mobile terminal they passes by. In addition we used Lightweight content encryption to protect and reduce the content decode overload at mobile terminals. Our proposed authentication mechanism reduces the computational processing by 30% comparing to other authentication mechanism and our lightweight content encryption reduces encryption delay to 0.259 second.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Dendritic Cells during Prion Disease
Authors: Mabbott Neil Andrew , Bradford Barry Matthew
Published: November 2015

Prions are a unique group of proteinaceous pathogens which cause neurodegenerative disease and can be transmitted by a variety of exposure routes. After peripheral exposure, the accumulation and replication of prions within secondary lymphoid organs are obligatory for their efficient spread from the periphery to the brain where they ultimately cause neurodegeneration and death. Mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) are a heterogeneous population of dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages. These cells are abundant throughout the body and display a diverse range of roles based on their anatomical locations. For example, some MNP are strategically situated to provide a first line of defence against pathogens by phagocytosing and destroying them. Conventional DC are potent antigen presenting cells and migrate via the lymphatics to the draining lymphoid tissue where they present the antigens to lymphocytes. The diverse roles of MNP are also reflected in various ways in which they interact with prions and in doing so impact on disease pathogenesis. Indeed, some studies suggest that prions exploit conventional DC to infect the host. Here we review our current understanding of the influence of MNP in the pathogenesis of the acquired prion diseases with particular emphasis on the role of conventional DC.
An Evaluation of the Use of Simulated Annealing to Optimize Thinning Rates for Single Even-Aged Stands
Authors: Moriguchi Kai , Ueki Tatsuhito , Saito Masashi
Published: November 2015

We evaluated the potential of simulated annealing as a reliable method for optimizing thinning rates for single even-aged stands. Four types of yield models were used as benchmark models to examine the algorithm’s versatility. Thinning rate, which was constrained to 0–50% every 5 years at stand ages of 10–45 years, was optimized to maximize the net present value for one fixed rotation term (50 years). The best parameters for the simulated annealing were chosen from 113patterns, using the mean of the net present value from 39 runs to ensure the best performance. We compared the solutions with those from coarse full enumeration to evaluate the method’s reliability and with 39 runs of random search to evaluate its efficiency. In contrast to random search, the best run of simulated annealing for each of the four yield models resulted in a better solution than coarse full enumeration. However, variations in the objective function for two yield models obtained with simulated annealing were significantly larger than those of random search. In conclusion, simulated annealing with optimized parameters is more efficient for optimizing thinning rates than random search. However, it is necessary to execute multiple runs to obtain reliable solutions.
Free Triiodothyronine Levels Are Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy in Euthyroid Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wu Jingcheng , Li Xiaohua , Tao Yang , Wang Yufei , Peng Yongde
Published: November 2015

Objective. To investigate the association of thyroid function and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods. A total of 421 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The following parameters were assessed: anthropometric measurements, fast plasma glucose, serum creatinine, lipid profile, HbA1c, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Patients with UACR of ≥30 mg/g were defined as those suffering from DN.Results. Of the 421 patients, 203 (48.2%) suffered from DN, and no difference was found between males and females. The patients with DN yielded significantly lower FT3 levels than those without DN (P<0.01). The prevalence of DN showed a significantly decreasing trend across the three tertiles based on FT3 levels (59.6%, 46.4%, and 38.6%,P<0.01). After adjustment for gender and age, FT3 levels were found to correlate positively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=0.03) and negatively with UACR (P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that FT3 level was independently associated with UACR (β=-0.18,t=-3.70, andP<0.01).Conclusion. Serum FT3 levels are inversely associated with DN in euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes, independent of traditional risk factors.
Synthesis of ZnO Nanowires and Their Photovoltaic Application: ZnO Nanowires/AgGaSe2 Thin Film Core‐Shell Solar Cell
Authors: Peksu Elif , Karaagac Hakan
Published: November 2015

In this investigation, hydrothermal technique was employed for the synthesis of well‐aligned dense arrays of ZnO nanowires (NWs) on a wide range of substrates including silicon, soda‐lime glass (SLG), indium tin oxide, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Results showed that ZnO NWs can be successfully grown on any substrate that can withstand the growth temperature (~90°C) and precursor solution chemicals. Results also revealed that there was a strong impact of growth time and ZnO seed layer deposition route on the orientation, density, diameter, and uniformity of the synthesized nanowires. A core‐shell n‐ZnO NWs/p‐AgGaSe2 (AGS) thin film solar cell was fabricated as a device application of synthesized ZnO nanowires by decoration of nanowires with ~700 nm thick sputtering deposited AGS thin film layer, which demonstrated an energy conversion efficiency of 1.74% under 100 mW/cm2 of simulated solar illumination.
Prevalence and Morphological Characterization ofCheilospirura hamulosa, Diesing, 1861 (Nematoda: Acuarioidea), from Partridges in Iran
Authors: Ebrahimi Maryam , Rouhani Soheila , Mobedi Iraj , Rostami Ali , Khazan Hoshang , Ahoo Mohammad Bagher
Published: November 2015

This study reports data on the prevalence, morphology, and morphometry of the nematodeCheilospirura hamulosaon the basis of light and stereoscopic microscopy and also camera lucida. Specimens were recovered after necropsies of 100 partridges (Alectoris chukar) from Taleqan County in Alborz Province, Iran. The prevalence ofC. hamulosain partridges was of 30% with a mean intensity of 3.9 and range of infection of 1–12. The mean length and width of females were17.5±2.14and0.39±0.04 mm, while those of males were12.2±0.67and0.3±0.06 mm, respectively. The characteristic digitiform tail was observed in females, and the unequal spicules, caudal alae, and ten pairs of caudal papillae were seen in males. The taxonomic characteristic longitudinal cordons and muscular and glandular oesophagus were observed in both sexes. Ratio between cordons and body length in males and females was 1 : 1.33 and 1 : 1.68, respectively. Ratio between long and short spicules in males was 1 : 2.3. The average size of embryonated eggs was51.25×29.5 μm. In the present study,C. hamulosa(Nematoda: Acuarioidea) is recorded for the first time from partridges in Iran. Therefore, the morphological characters described in this study will be useful in the future diagnostic and taxonomic studies of Acuarioidea family.
Subdural Hematoma as a Consequence of Epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Bishop Tracy M. , Elsayed Kareem S. , Kane Kathleen E.
Published: November 2015

Regional spinal and epidural anesthesia are used commonly in operative procedures. While the most frequent complication, postdural puncture headache (PDPH), is a clinically diagnosed positional headache that is usually self-limited, subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is a potentially fatal complication that cannot be missed. We report a case of an otherwise healthy female who presented with persistent positional headache and was ultimately found to have a large subdural hematoma with midline shift requiring surgical evacuation.
Systematic Review of the Relationship between Acute and Late Gastrointestinal Toxicity after Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Peach Matthew Sean , Showalter Timothy N. , Ohri Nitin
Published: November 2015

A small but meaningful percentage of men who are treated with external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer will develop late gastrointestinal toxicity. While numerous strategies to prevent gastrointestinal injury have been studied, clinical trials concentrating on late toxicity have been difficult to carry out. Identification of subjects at high risk for late gastrointestinal injury could allow toxicity prevention trials to be performed using reasonable sample sizes. Acute radiation therapy toxicity has been shown to predict late toxicity in several organ systems. Late toxicities may occur as a consequential effect of acute injury. In this systematic review of published reports, we found that late gastrointestinal toxicity following prostate radiotherapy seems to be statistically and potentially causally related to acute gastrointestinal morbidity as a consequential effect. We submit that acute gastrointestinal toxicity may be used to identify at-risk patients who may benefit from additional attention for medical interventions and close follow-up to prevent late toxicity. Acute gastrointestinal toxicity could also be explored as a surrogate endpoint for late effects in prospective trials.
Ewing’s Sarcoma of Ilium, Presenting as Right Lower Quadrant Pain
Authors: Alshaya Osama Saleh , Abbasher Munzir Izzeldin , Wani Mubashir Maqbool
Published: November 2015

Ewing’s sarcoma is a highly malignant tumor of bone and is more common in children in the age group of 10 to 20 years. Sometimes the classic clinical and radiological presentation of Ewing’s sarcoma may not be the norm and patient may have an atypical presentation leading to diagnostic confusion. This situation is especially true for Ewing’s sarcoma involving iliac bone. We report a case of Ewing’s sarcoma involving the right ilium in a patient presenting with right lower quadrant pain and nonspecific radiological changes. To the best of our knowledge, this scenario has not been reported in literature. We recommend early magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to diagnose the disease early when there is slightest suspicion of the disease.
New 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Based Photosensitizers for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Mehmood Umer , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Daud Muhammad
Published: November 2015

1,3,4-Oxadiazole based photosensitizers with biphenyl, naphthalene, anthracene, and triphenylamine as the electron-donating moiety were synthesized for solar cell applications. In these photosensitizers, cyano groups were introduced as the electron acceptor and the anchor group because of their high electron-withdrawing ability and strong bonding to the semiconductor. Oxadiazole isomers were used as theπ-conjugation system, which bridges the donor-acceptor systems. The electrochemical and optical properties of the sensitizers were investigated both in their native form and upon incorporation into dye sensitized solar cells. The results of UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements, and photocurrent voltage characteristics indicate that 1,3,4-oxadiazole pi-spacer with the anthracene moiety has the highest efficiency of 2.58%. Density functional theory was employed to optimize the structures of the sensitizers and the TiO2cluster.
Parenchymal Guidewire Perforation during ERCP: An Unappreciated Injury
Authors: Rabie M. Ezzedien , Al Faris Saad , Nasser Ali , Shahir Abdul Aziz , Al Mahdi Yasser , Youssef Al Asmari Mansour
Published: November 2015

ERCP is attended with certain complications, the majority of which are well known to the medical community. Other less-known complications also exist. Guidewire injury to the hepatic or pancreatic parenchyma represents one of the much less appreciated, albeit preventable, complications. In this report, we present the clinical course of three patients who sustained guidewire perforation of the pancreatic or hepatic parenchyma. In one patient, the clinical deterioration was confidently attributed to guidewire perforation of the pancreatic parenchyma. Conservative treatment was successful and unnecessary emergency surgery was thus avoided. In the other two, in whom the cause of the clinical deterioration was unclear, an emergency surgery was performed. Guidewire injury to the hepatic parenchyma was then confirmed which needed only intraperitoneal drainage, with successful outcome.
Inner Ear Conductive Hearing Loss and Unilateral Pulsatile Tinnitus Associated with a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Case Based Review and Analysis of Relationship between Intracranial Vascular Abnormalities and Inner Ear Fluids
Authors: Cassandro Ettore , Cassandro Claudia , Sequino Giuliano , Scarpa Alfonso , Petrolo Claudio , Chiarella Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

While pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) are not rarely associated, the finding of a conductive hearing loss (CHL) in this clinical picture is unusual. Starting from a case of CHL and PT, diagnosed to be due to a DAVF, we analyzed relationship between intracranial vascular abnormalities and inner ear fluids. DAVF was treated with endovascular embolization. Following this, there was a dramatic recovery of PT and of CHL, confirming their cause-effect link with DAVF. We critically evaluated the papers reporting this association. This is the first case of CHL associated with PT and DAVF. We describe the most significant experiences and theories reported in literature, with a personal analysis about the possible relationship between vascular intracranial system and labyrinthine fluids. In conclusion, we believe that this association may be a challenge for otolaryngologists. So we suggest to consider the possibility of a DAVF or other AVMs when PT is associated with CHL, without alterations of tympanic membrane and middle ear tests.
Oleuropein-Enriched Olive Leaf Extract Affects Calcium Dynamics and Impairs Viability of Malignant Mesothelioma Cells
Authors: Marchetti Carla , Clericuzio Marco , Borghesi Barbara , Cornara Laura , Ribulla Stefania , Gosetti Fabio , Marengo Emilio , Burlando Bruno
Published: November 2015

Malignant mesothelioma is a poor prognosis cancer in urgent need of alternative therapies. Oleuropein, the major phenolic of olive tree (Olea europaeaL.), is believed to have therapeutic potentials for various diseases, including tumors. We obtained an oleuropein-enriched fraction, consisting of 60% w/w oleuropein, from olive leaves, and assessed its effects on intracellular Ca2+and cell viability in mesothelioma cells. Effects of the oleuropein-enriched fraction on Ca2+dynamics and cell viability were studied in the REN mesothelioma cell line, using fura-2 microspectrofluorimetry and MTT assay, respectively. Fura-2-loaded cells, transiently exposed to the oleuropein-enriched fraction, showed dose-dependent transient elevations of cytosolic Ca2+concentration (Ca2+i). Application of standard oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, and of the inhibitor of low-voltage T-type Ca2+channels NNC-55-0396, suggested that the effect is mainly due to oleuropein acting through its hydroxytyrosol moiety on T-type Ca2+channels. The oleuropein-enriched fraction and standard oleuropein displayed a significant antiproliferative effect, as measured on REN cells by MTT cell viability assay, with IC50of 22 μg/mL oleuropein. Data suggest that our oleuropein-enriched fraction from olive leaf extract could have pharmacological application in malignant mesothelioma anticancer therapy, possibly by targeting T-type Ca2+channels and thereby dysregulating intracellular Ca2+dynamics.
Androgen Modulates Functions of Endothelial Progenitor Cells through Activated Egr1 Signaling
Authors: Ye Yizhou , Li Xizhe , Zhang You , Shen Zhenya , Yang Junjie
Published: November 2015

Researches show that androgens have important effects on migration of endothelial cells and endothelial protection in coronary heart disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as a progenitor cell type that can differentiate into endothelial cells, have a critical role in angiogenesis and endothelial protection. The relationship between androgen and the functions of EPCs has animated much interest and controversy. In this study, we investigated the angiogenic and migratory functions of EPCs after treatment by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the molecular mechanisms as well. We found that DHT treatment enhanced the incorporation of EPCs into tubular structures formed by HUVECs and the migratory activity of EPCs in the transwell assay dose dependently. Moreover, microarray analysis was performed to explore how DHT changes the gene expression profiles of EPCs. We found 346 differentially expressed genes in androgen‐treated EPCs. Angiogenesis‐related genes like Egr-1, Vcan, Efnb2, and Cdk2ap1 were identified to be regulated upon DHT treatment. Furthermore, the enhanced angiogenic and migratory abilities of EPCs after DHT treatment were inhibited by Egr1‐siRNA transfection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that DHT markedly enhances the vessel forming ability and migration capacity of EPCs. Egr1 signaling may be a possible pathway in this process.
Comparative Microarray Analysis of Proliferating and Differentiating Murine ENS Progenitor Cells
Authors: Neckel Peter Helmut , Mohr Roland , Zhang Ying , Hirt Bernhard , Just Lothar
Published: November 2015

Postnatal neural progenitor cells of the enteric nervous system are a potential source for future cell replacement therapies of developmental dysplasia like Hirschsprung’s disease. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms driving the homeostasis and differentiation of this cell pool. In this work, we conducted Affymetrix GeneChip experiments to identify differences in gene regulation between proliferation and early differentiation of enteric neural progenitors from neonatal mice. We detected a total of 1333 regulated genes that were linked to different groups of cellular mechanisms involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, neural proliferation, and differentiation. As expected, we found an augmented inhibition in the gene expression of cell cycle progression as well as an enhanced mRNA expression of neuronal and glial differentiation markers. We further found a marked inactivation of the canonical Wnt pathway after the induction of cellular differentiation. Taken together, these data demonstrate the various molecular mechanisms taking place during the proliferation and early differentiation of enteric neural progenitor cells.
Fostering Social Cognition through an Imitation- and Synchronization-Based Dance/Movement Intervention in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Controlled Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Koehne Svenja , Behrends Andrea , Fairhurst Merle T. , Dziobek Isabel
Published: November 2015

Background: Since social cognition is impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this study aimed at establishing the efficacy of a newly developed imitation- and synchronization-based dance/movement intervention (SI-DMI) in fostering emotion inference and empathic feelings (emotional reaction to feelings of others) in adults with high-functioning ASD. Methods: Fifty-five adults with ASD (IQ ≥85) who were blinded to the aim of the study were assigned to receive either 10 weeks of a dance/movement intervention focusing on interpersonal movement imitation and synchronization (SI-DMI, n = 27) or a control movement intervention (CMI, n = 24) focusing on individual motor coordination (2 participants from each group declined before baseline testing). The primary outcome measure was the objective Multifaceted Empathy Test targeting emotion inference and empathic feelings. Secondary outcomes were scores on the self-rated Interpersonal Reactivity Index. The well-established automatic imitation task and synchronization finger-tapping task were used to quantify effects on imitation and synchronization functions, complemented by the more naturalistic Assessment of Spontaneous Interaction in Movement. Results: Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that from baseline to 3 months, patients treated with SI-DMI showed a significantly larger improvement in emotion inference (d = 0.58), but not empathic feelings, than those treated with CMI (d = -0.04). On the close generalization level, SI-DMI increased synchronization skills and imitation tendencies, as well as whole-body imitation/synchronization and movement reciprocity/dialogue, compared to CMI. Conclusions: SI-DMI can be successful in promoting emotion inference in adults with ASD and warrants further investigation.
Noncutaneous Melanomas: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Del Prete Valerio , Chaloupka Karla , Holzmann David , Fink Daniel , Levesque Mitchell , Dummer Reinhard , Goldinger Simone M.
Published: November 2015

Background: The optimal treatment algorithm for noncutaneous melanomas must yet be established. Objective: To compare systemic treatment-relevant mutational status, metastatic pattern and response to systemic treatment in noncutaneous melanoma. Methods: Retrospective single-center study analyzing 64 noncutaneous melanoma patients treated between January 2006 and September 2013. Results: c-KIT mutations were found exclusively in vulvovaginal melanoma (4/7). Overall status for NRAS and BRAF mutations was low (1/7 and 0/21 detected mutations, respectively). Seven out of 7 vulvovaginal and 6/13 sinonasal melanomas first metastasized to lymph nodes, whereas 18/22 ocular melanomas first metastasized to the liver. Response to systemic treatment in vulvovaginal melanomas was best for imatinib with a disease control rate of 3/3 and overall for ipilimumab with a disease control rate of 3/10. Sorafenib was associated with adverse drug reactions (6/13) and poor results. Conclusion: Noncutaneous melanomas show few tumor-signaling pathway mutations and distinct metastasization patterns. Immunotherapy induces response rates in mucosal melanoma similar to those in cutaneous melanoma.
Animal models for plaque rupture: a biomechanical assessment
Authors: Daemen Mat J. , Gijsen Frank J. H. , Heiden Kim Van der , Hoogendoorn Ayla
Published: November 2015

Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques is the main cause of acute cardiovascular events. Animal models of plaque rupture are rare but essential for testing new imaging modalities to enable diagnosis of the patient at risk. Moreover, they enable the design of new treatment strategies to prevent plaque rupture. Several animal models for the study of atherosclerosis are available. Plaque rupture in these models only occurs following severe surgical or pharmaceutical intervention. In the process of plaque rupture, composition, biology and mechanics each play a role, but the latter has been disregarded in many animal studies. The biomechanical environment for atherosclerotic plaques is comprised of two parts, the pressure-induced stress distribution, mainly - but not exclusively – influenced by plaque composition, and the strength distribution throughout the plaque, largely determined by the inflammatory state. This environment differs considerably between humans and most animals, resulting in suboptimal conditions for plaque rupture. In this review we describe the role of the biomechanical environment in plaque rupture and assess this environment in animal models that present with plaque rupture.