bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A primer on current progress in cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Al Hattab Danah , Czubryt Michael P.
Published: March 2017

Cardiac fibrosis is a significant global health problem that is closely associated with multiple forms of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. Fibrosis increases myocardial wall stiffness due to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, causing impaired systolic and diastolic function, and facilitating arrhythmogenesis. As a result, patient morbidity and mortality are often dramatically elevated compared with those with cardiovascular disease but without overt fibrosis, demonstrating that fibrosis itself is both a pathologic response to existing disease and a significant risk factor for exacerbation of the underlying condition. The lack of any specific treatment for cardiac fibrosis in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease is a critical gap in our ability to care for these individuals. Here we provide an overview of the development of cardiac fibrosis, and discuss new research directions that have recently emerged and that may lead to the creation of novel treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Such treatments would, ideally, complement existing therapy by specifically focusing on amelioration of fibrosis.
Simulation Optimization for MRO Systems Operations
Authors: Liu Pai , Zhang Xi , Shi Zhongshun , Huang Zewen
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we address the scheduling issues in a class of maintenance, repair and overhaul systems. By considering all key characteristics such as disassembly, material recovery uncertainty, material matching requirements, stochastic routings and variable processing times, the scheduling problem is formulated into a simulation optimization problem. To solve this difficult problem, we developed two hybrid algorithms based on nested partitions method and optimal computing budged allocation technology. Asymptotic convergence of these two algorithms is proved and numerical results show that the proposed algorithms can generate high quality solutions which outperform the performance of many heuristics.
Extracting temperature and transverse flow by fitting transverse mass spectra and HBT radii together
Authors: He Ronghua , Qian Jing , Chen Jianyi , Wu Qingxin , Huo Lei
Published: March 2017

Single particle transverse mass spectra and HBT radii of identical pion and identical kaon are analyzed with a blast-wave parametrization under the assumptions of local thermal equilibrium and transverse expansion. Under the assumptions, temperature parameter [Formula: see text] and transverse expansion rapidity [Formula: see text] are sensitive to the shapes of transverse mass [Formula: see text] spectrum and HBT radius [Formula: see text]. Negative and positive correlations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are observed by fitting [Formula: see text] spectrum and HBT radius [Formula: see text], respectively. For a Monte Carlo simulation using the blast-wave function, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are extracted by fitting [Formula: see text] spectra and HBT radii together utilizing a combined optimization function [Formula: see text]. With this method, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the Monte Carlo sources can be extracted. Using this method for A Multi-Phase Transport (AMPT) model at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) energy, the differences of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] between pion and kaon are observed obviously, and the tendencies of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] versus collision energy [Formula: see text] are similar with the results extracted directly from the AMPT model.
On gravitational wave-Cherenkov radiation from photons when passing through diffused dark matters
Authors: Yi Shu-Xu
Published: March 2017

Analogous to Cherenkov radiation, when a particle moves faster than the propagation velocity of gravitational wave in matter [Formula: see text], we expect gravitational wave-Cherenkov radiation (GWCR). In the situation that a photon travels across diffuse dark matters, the GWCR condition is always satisfied, photon will thence lose its energy all along the path. This effect has long been ignored in the practice of astrophysics and cosmology without justification with serious calculation. We study this effect for the first time, and shows that this energy loss time of the photon is far longer than the Hubble time and therefore justify the practice of ignoring this effect in the context of astrophysics.
A new class of relativistic model of compact stars of embedding class I
Authors: Bhar Piyali , Singh Ksh. Newton , Manna Tuhina
Published: March 2017

In the present paper, we have constructed a new relativistic anisotropic compact star model having a spherically symmetric metric of embedding class one. Here we have assumed an arbitrary form of metric function [Formula: see text] and solved the Einstein’s relativistic field equations with the help of Karmarkar condition for an anisotropic matter distribution. The physical properties of our model such as pressure, density, mass function, surface red-shift, gravitational redshift are investigated and the stability of the stellar configuration is discussed in details. Our model is free from central singularities and satisfies all energy conditions. The model we present here satisfy the static stability criterion, i.e. [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/cm3(stable region) and for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/cm3, the region is unstable i.e. [Formula: see text].
The Dolgopyat inequality in bounded variation for non-Markov maps
Authors: Bruin Henk , Terhesiu Dalia
Published: March 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a (non-Markov) countably piecewise expanding interval map satisfying certain regularity conditions, and [Formula: see text] the corresponding transfer operator. We prove the Dolgopyat inequality for the twisted operator [Formula: see text] acting on the space BV of functions of bounded variation, where [Formula: see text] is a piecewise [Formula: see text] roof function.
Exploring Challenges in University Technology Transfer in Brazil
Authors: Toscano Fabíola Loyola Provedel , Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Lasso Sarah Venturim
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to identify the reasons why Brazilian companies do not seek out universities to conduct joint research. To achieve this objective, descriptive quantitative research was undertaken, obtaining responses from representatives of companies of several sizes using a structured questionnaire. For the analysis, respondents were divided into two groups: those from companies that had not yet engaged in joint research and those from companies that have done so. For companies without previous experience of joint research, evidence of reasons that would influence the intention to take part in such research emerged. We highlight the mechanisms of intermediation between companies and universities, institutional policies for universities, and legal issues, which influence companies’ inclination to incorporate this type of partnership in their strategies. Such evidence also emerged in companies that had previously undertaken joint research. Furthermore, companies that had previously performed joint research highlighted issues regarding the complexity of contracts with universities and the excessive bureaucracy. Addressing these sets of barriers could be a starting point for fostering partnerships between companies and universities in Brazil.
UNDERSTANDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES OF OMANI ENTREPRENEURS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION
Authors: AL-HARTHI AISHA SALIM ALI
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of a number of successful Omani entrepreneurs to shed light on the type of entrepreneurship education needed in Oman. In this phenomenological study, in-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen entrepreneurs — eight male and eight female; they had diverse educational backgrounds and came from all the different provinces of Oman. Results suggest the major drivers that led participants to become entrepreneurs were their personal characteristics, family support and their prior work experience. The major difficulties were in securing project funding, developing their business skills and building their business reputation. However, after they had overcome these initial difficulties, they showed a commitment to their projects that gave them great resilience. They also noted that, during the process of becoming entrepreneurs, they had found support in their religious faith, but that their schooling had had a very limited influence on their experience. The study concludes by looking at the implications of these experiences and using them to suggest the role entrepreneurship education should play in the Omani school system in the future.
Climate fluctuations recorded in phreatic and vadose calcretes of the Lower Carboniferous Clyde Sandstone Formation of Machrihanish, Kintyre Peninsula, SW Scotland
Authors: Jutras Pierre
Published: March 2017

The Galdrings cliffs of Machrihanish, in the Kintyre Peninsula of Scotland, expose a Lower Carboniferous clastic succession that hosts a wide variety of calcretes, including thick and massive host-replacing phreatic calcrete hardpans (HRPCHs), which are geologically rare, and which are the products of a thorough replacement of host minerals by calcite in the mixing zone between fresh and evaporitic groundwaters. Isotopic values of 53 samples from various calcretes distributed in a
c.
45 m thick succession provided well-defined trends of covariance between carbon and oxygen isotopes, thus delineating trends of aridification and humidification from the interplay of precipitation and evaporation rates. Although values from HRPCHs are more constrained, all other forms of calcrete in the succession (pedogenic nodules, pillar calcrete, laminar calcrete and invasive phreatic calcrete cement in sandstone) follow similar stable isotopic trends. An aridification trend preceded the formation of each HRPCH occurrence, corroborating studies on modern equivalents that suggest that they develop in the more arid range of calcrete formation. The better constrained isotopic values of HRPCHs compared with those of more common forms of calcrete are interpreted to be indicative of more specific environmental requirements, which may in part explain their rarity in the geological record.
Phanerozoic low-temperature evolution of the Uruguayan Shield along the South American passive margin
Authors: Hueck Mathias , Oriolo Sebastián , Dunkl István , Wemmer Klaus , Oyhantçabal Pedro , Schanofski Max , Basei Miguel Ângelo Stipp , Siegesmund Siegfried
Published: March 2017

The crystalline basement of Uruguay was assembled during the Brasiliano Orogeny in the Neoproterozoic Era and was later affected by discrete tectonic activity. A new multi-method low-temperature dataset including (U–Th)/He ages from both zircon and apatite,
T
–
t
modelling and K–Ar dating of fine sericite fractions and fault gouge reveal a detailed post-orogenic geological history spanning the Phanerozoic Eon. The juxtaposition of the terranes that compose the area was achieved in the Ediacaran Period, and post-collision was marked by intense exhumation, in which the crystalline basement reached near-surface conditions by the early to mid-Palaeozoic. Regional subsidence promoted sedimentation in the Paraná Basin until the Permian, covering and reheating much of the basement that is at present exposed. Afterwards, deposition and volcanism were mostly confined to its current limits. Regional exhumation of the shield during the Permo-Triassic exposed much of the northern portion of the basement, and the south was further affected by the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean during the Mesozoic. Little exhumation affected the Uruguayan Shield during the Cenozoic, as reflected in its modest topography. The reactivation of inherited Neoproterozoic structures influenced the development of Mesozoic basins and the present-day landscape.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary data (sample locations, (U-Th)/He data and K-Ar data) are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3702043
Insulin sensitizer prevents and ameliorates experimental type 1 diabetes
Authors: Valitsky Michael , Hoffman Amnon , Unterman Terry , Bar-Tana Jacob
Published: March 2017

Insulin-dependent type-1 diabetes (T1D) is driven by autoimmune β-cell failure, whereas systemic resistance to insulin is considered the hallmark of insulin-independent type-2 diabetes (T2D). In contrast to this canonical dichotomy, insulin resistance appears to precede the overt diabetic stage of T1D and predict its progression, implying that insulin sensitizers may change the course of T1D. However, previous attempts to ameliorate T1D in animal models or patients by insulin sensitizers have largely failed. Sensitization to insulin by MEthyl-substituted long-chain DICArboxylic acid (MEDICA) analogs in T2D animal models surpasses that of current insulin sensitizers, thus prompting our interest in probing MEDICA in the T1D context. MEDICA efficacy in modulating the course of T1D was verified in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats and autoimmune nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. MEDICA treatment normalizes overt diabetes in STZ diabetic rats when added on to subtherapeutic insulin, and prevents/delays autoimmune T1D in NOD mice. MEDICA treatment does not improve β-cell insulin content or insulitis score, but its efficacy is accounted for by pronounced total body sensitization to insulin. In conclusion, potent insulin sensitizers may counteract genetic predisposition to autoimmune T1D and amplify subtherapeutic insulin into an effective therapeutic measure for the treatment of overt T1D.
α-Linolenic acid supplementation and exercise training reveal independent and additive responses on hepatic lipid accumulation in obese rats
Authors: Miotto Paula M. , Horbatuk Meaghan , Proudfoot Ross , Matravadia Sarthak , Bakovic Marica , Chabowski Adrian , Holloway Graham P.
Published: March 2017

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation or exercise training can independently prevent hepatic lipid accumulation and reduced insulin signaling; however, this may occur through different mechanisms of action. In the current study, obese Zucker rats displayed decreased phospholipid (PL) content in association with hepatic lipid abundance, and therefore, we examined whether ALA and exercise training would prevent these abnormalities differently to reveal additive effects on the liver. To achieve this aim, obese Zucker rats were fed control diet alone or supplemented with ALA and were sedentary or exercise trained for 4 wk (C-Sed, ALA-Sed, C-Ex, and ALA-Ex). ALA-Sed rats had increased microsomal-triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), a protein required for lipoprotein assembly/secretion, as well as modestly increased PL content in the absence of improvements in mitochondrial content, lipid accumulation, or insulin sensitivity. In contrast, C-Ex rats had increased mitochondrial content and insulin sensitivity; however, this corresponded with minimal improvements in PL content and hepatic lipid accumulation. Importantly, ALA-Ex rats demonstrated additive improvements in PL content and hepatic steatosis, which corresponded with increased mitochondrial content, MTTP and apolipoprotein B100 content, greater serum triacylglyceride, and insulin sensitivity. Overall, these data demonstrate additive effects of ALA and exercise training on hepatic lipid accumulation, as exercise training preferentially increased mitochondrial content, while ALA promoted an environment conducive for lipid secretion. These data highlight the potential for combination therapy to mitigate liver disease progression.
Aortic depressor nerve stimulation does not impede the dynamic characteristics of the carotid sinus baroreflex in normotensive or spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Kawada Toru , Turner Michael J. , Shimizu Shuji , Fukumitsu Masafumi , Kamiya Atsunori , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: March 2017

Recent clinical trials in patients with drug-resistant hypertension indicate that electrical activation of the carotid sinus baroreflex can reduce arterial pressure (AP) for more than a year. To examine whether the electrical stimulation from one baroreflex system impedes normal short-term AP regulation via another unstimulated baroreflex system, we electrically stimulated the left aortic depressor nerve (ADN) while estimating the dynamic characteristics of the carotid sinus baroreflex in anesthetized normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; n = 8) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; n = 7). Isolated carotid sinus regions were perturbed for 20 min using a Gaussian white noise signal with a mean of 120 mmHg for WKY and 160 mmHg for SHR. Tonic ADN stimulation (2 Hz, 10 V, and 0.1-ms pulse width) decreased mean sympathetic nerve activity (73.4 ± 14.0 vs. 51.6 ± 11.3 arbitrary units in WKY, P = 0.012; and 248.7 ± 33.9 vs. 181.1 ± 16.6 arbitrary units in SHR, P = 0.018) and mean AP (90.8 ± 6.6 vs. 81.2 ± 5.4 mmHg in WKY, P = 0.004; and 128.6 ± 9.8 vs. 114.7 ± 10.3 mmHg in SHR, P = 0.009). The slope of dynamic gain in the neural arc transfer function from carotid sinus pressure to sympathetic nerve activity was not different between trials with and without the ADN stimulation (12.55 ± 0.93 vs. 13.03 ± 1.28 dB/decade in WKY, P = 0.542; and 17.37 ± 1.01 vs. 17.47 ± 1.64 dB/decade in SHR, P = 0.946). These results indicate that the tonic ADN stimulation does not significantly modify the dynamic characteristics of the carotid sinus baroreflex.
Echo-acoustic flow shapes object representation in spatially complex acoustic scenes
Authors: Greiter Wolfgang , Firzlaff Uwe
Published: March 2017

Echolocating bats use echoes of their sonar emissions to determine the position and distance of objects or prey. Target distance is represented as a map of echo delay in the auditory cortex (AC) of bats. During a bat’s flight through a natural complex environment, echo streams are reflected from multiple objects along its flight path. Separating such complex streams of echoes or other sounds is a challenge for the auditory system of bats as well as other animals. We investigated the representation of multiple echo streams in the AC of anesthetized bats ( Phyllostomus discolor) and tested the hypothesis that neurons can lock on echoes from specific objects in a complex echo-acoustic pattern while the representation of surrounding objects is suppressed. We combined naturalistic pulse/echo sequences simulating a bat’s flight through a virtual acoustic space with extracellular recordings. Neurons could selectively lock on echoes from one object in complex echo streams originating from two different objects along a virtual flight path. The objects were processed sequentially in the order in which they were approached. Object selection depended on sequential changes of echo delay and amplitude, but not on absolute values. Furthermore, the detailed representation of the object echo delays in the cortical target range map was not fixed but could be dynamically adapted depending on the temporal pattern of sonar emission during target approach within a simulated flight sequence.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Complex signal analysis is a challenging task in sensory processing for all animals, particularly for bats because they use echolocation for navigation in darkness. Recent studies proposed that the bat’s perceptional system might organize complex echo-acoustic information into auditory streams, allowing it to track specific auditory objects during flight. We show that in the auditory cortex of bats, neurons can selectively respond to echo streams from specific objects.
Ethnic Minorities with Diabetes Differ in Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Diabetes-Distress
Authors: Schmidt Charlotte B. , Potter van Loon Bert Jan , Torensma Bart , Snoek Frank J. , Honig Adriaan
Published: March 2017

Objective. To determine the association between ethnicity, diabetes-distress, and depressive and anxiety symptoms in adult outpatients with diabetes.Research Design and Methods. Diabetes-distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, PAID5), depressive and anxiety symptoms (Extended Kessler-10, EK10), and quality of life (Short-Form 12, SF12) were assessed in an ethnic diverse diabetes outpatient population of a teaching hospital in Amsterdam. Descent of one’s parents and self-classified ethnicity were obtained to define ethnicity. HbA1c, clinical data, and socioeconomic status were derived from the medical charts. Based on established cut-offs for PAID5- and EK10-scores, emotional distress was dichotomized for the purpose of logistic regression analyses.Results. Of 1007 consecutive patients approached, 575 participated. Forty-nine percent were of non-Dutch ethnicity and 24.7% had type 1 diabetes. Diabetes-distress was reported by 12.5% of the native Dutch patients and by 22.0%, 34.5%, and 42.6% of the Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan patients, respectively. Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 9.4% in native Dutch patients and 20.4%, 34.5%, and 27.3% in the other groups mentioned. Diabetes-distress and Moroccan origin were significantly associated (OR = 3.60,p<.01) as well as depressive symptoms and Turkish origin (OR = 4.23,p=.04).Conclusions. Different ethnic minorities with diabetes vary in their vulnerability for emotional distress, warranting clinical attention. Future research should elucidate explanatory factors and opportunities for tailored interventions.
CoFe2O4-TiO2Hybrid Nanomaterials: Synthesis Approaches Based on the Oil-in-Water Microemulsion Reaction Method
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Arturo Adrián , Martínez-Montemayor Sagrario , Leyva-Porras César Cutberto , Longoria-Rodríguez Francisco Enrique , Martínez-Guerra Eduardo , Sánchez-Domínguez Margarita
Published: March 2017

CoFe2O4nanoparticles decorated and wrapped with TiO2nanoparticles have been prepared by mixing well-dispersed CoFe2O4with amorphous TiO2(impregnation approach) and growing amorphous TiO2over the magnetic core (seed approach), respectively, followed by thermal treatment to achieve TiO2crystallinity. Synthesis strategies were based on the oil-in-water microemulsion reaction method. Thermally treated nanomaterials were characterized in terms of structure, morphology, and composition, to confirm hybrid nanoparticles formation and relate with the synthesis approaches; textural, optical, and magnetic properties were evaluated. X-ray diffraction revealed coexistence of cubic spinel-type CoFe2O4and tetragonal anatase TiO2. Electron microscopy images depicted crystalline nanoparticles (sizes below 25 nm), with homogeneous Ti distribution for the hybrid nanoparticles synthesized by seed approach. EDX microanalysis and ICP-AES corroborated established chemical composition. XPS evidenced chemical states, as well as TiO2predominance over CoFe2O4surface. According to BET measurements, the hybrid nanoparticles were mesoporous. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed optical response along the UV-visible light region. Magnetic properties suggested the breaking order of magnetic domains due to modification with TiO2, especially for mediated seed approach sample. The properties of the obtained hybrid nanoparticles were different in comparison with its individual components. The results highlight the usefulness of designed microemulsion approaches for the straightforward synthesis of CoFe2O4-TiO2nanostructured hybrids.
A Wearable Robotic Device Based on Twisted String Actuation for Rehabilitation and Assistive Applications
Authors: Hosseini Mohssen , Meattini Roberto , Palli Gianluca , Melchiorri Claudio
Published: March 2017

The preliminary experimental study toward the implementation of an arm rehabilitation device based on a twisted string actuation module is presented. The actuation module is characterized by an integrated force sensor based on optoelectronic components. The adopted actuation system can be used for a wide set of robotic applications and is particularly suited for very compact, light-weight, and wearable robotic devices, such as wearable rehabilitation systems and exoskeletons. Thorough presentation and description of the proposed actuation module as well as the basic force sensor working principle are illustrated and discussed. A conceptual design of a wearable arm assistive system based on the proposed actuation module is presented. Moreover, the actuation module has been used in a simple assistive application, in which surface-electromyography signals are used to detect muscle activity of the user wearing the system and to regulate the support action provided to the user to reduce his effort, showing in this way the effectiveness of the approach.
Prevention of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy by MG132: Possible Roles of Nrf2 and IκB
Authors: Kong Lili , Wang Yangwei , Luo Manyu , Tan Yi , Cui Wenpeng , Miao Lining
Published: March 2017

Our previous study showed that proteasomal inhibitor MG132 can prevent diabetic nephropathy (DN) along with upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2). The present study was to investigate whether MG132 can prevent DN in wild‐type and Nrf2‐KO mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced in wild‐type and Nrf2‐KO mice by multiple low doses of streptozotocin. Two weeks after streptozotocin injection, both wild‐type and Nrf2‐KO mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, MG132, DM, and DM/MG132. MG132 (10 μg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally for 4 months. Renal function, morphology, and biochemical changes were measured after 4‐month treatment with MG132. MG132 treatment suppressed proteasomal activity in the two genotypes. In wild‐type mice, MG132 attenuated diabetes‐induced renal dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage along with increased Nrf2 and IκB expression. Deletion of Nrf2 gene resulted in a partial, but significant attenuation of MG132 renal protection in Nrf2‐KO mice compared with wild‐type mice. MG132‐increased IκB expression was not different between wild‐type and Nrf2‐KO mice. This work indicates that MG132 inhibits diabetes‐increased proteasomal activity, resulting in Nrf2 and IκB upregulation and renal protection, which could be used as a strategy to prevent diabetic nephropathy.
Hazardous Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Ecosystem
Authors: Shah Syed Niaz Ali , Shah Zahir , Hussain Muzammal , Khan Muzaffar
Published: March 2017

Although nanoparticles (NPs) have made incredible progress in the field of nanotechnology and biomedical research and their applications are demanded throughout industrial world particularly over the past decades, little is known about the fate of nanoparticles in ecosystem. Concerning the biosafety of nanotechnology, nanotoxicity is going to be the second most priority of nanotechnology that needs to be properly addressed. This review covers the chemical as well as the biological concerns about nanoparticles particularly titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs and emphasizes the toxicological profile of TiO2at the molecular level in both in vitro and in vivo systems. In addition, the challenges and future prospects of nanotoxicology are discussed that may provide better understanding and new insights into ongoing and future research in this field.
Effects of Multipolar Radiofrequency and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment for Face and Neck Rejuvenation
Authors: Oliveira Thais Cristina Ferraz de , Rocha Sheyla de Fatima Soares , Ramos Daniel Gontijo , Ramos Camila Gontijo , Carvalho Michelle Vanessa dos Anjos , Ramos Mariana Gontijo
Published: March 2017

Skin aging is a gradual process that leads to wrinkle formation, laxity, and overall changes in skin appearance. In recent years, the demands to noninvasive treatments for facial rejuvenation increased, along with a variety of technologies and devices, such as radiofrequency. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of a multipolar radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic field treatment for face and neck rejuvenation. Eleven patients with mild to moderate grades of photoaging underwent eight radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic field treatment sessions, once a week. Clinical photographs were taken before and a week after the end of the treatment, and improvement of facial skin parameters was evaluated by two different investigators. Significant improvement in skin laxity was observed in all eleven patients (100%). Improvement in facial contour was noted in 73% and 100% of patients when analyzed by investigators A and B, respectively. The score for overall improvement in skin condition was 3 ± 0.78 for investigator A and 3.6 ± 0.67 for investigator B. All patients were satisfied with the procedure and noted significant improvement in the skin. The combined multipolar radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic field device is effective and safe for treatment of aged skin in Brazilian patients.
Three-Dimensional Target Localization and Cramér-Rao Bound for Two-Dimensional OFDM-MIMO Radar
Authors: Li Xingxing , Wang Dangwei , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: March 2017

Target localization using a frequency diversity multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system is one of the hottest research directions in the radar society. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) target localization is considered for two-dimensional MIMO radar with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing linear frequency modulated (OFDM-LFM) waveforms. To realize joint estimation for range and angle in azimuth and elevation, the range-angle-dependent beam pattern with high range resolution is produced by the OFDM-LFM waveform. Then, the 3D target localization proposal is presented and the corresponding closed-form expressions of Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) are derived. Furthermore, for mitigating the coupling of angle and range and further improving the estimation precision, a CRB optimization method is proposed. Different from the existing methods of FDA-based radar, the proposed method can provide higher range estimation because of multiple transmitted frequency bands. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its improved performance of target localization.
Reperfusion Therapy with Rapamycin Attenuates Myocardial Infarction through Activation of AKT and ERK
Authors: Filippone Scott M. , Samidurai Arun , Roh Sean K. , Cain Chad K. , He Jun , Salloum Fadi N. , Kukreja Rakesh C. , Das Anindita
Published: March 2017

Prompt coronary reperfusion is the gold standard for minimizing injury following acute myocardial infarction. Rapamycin, mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, exerts preconditioning‐like cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We hypothesized that Rapamycin, given at the onset of reperfusion, reduces myocardial infarct size through modulation of mTOR complexes. Adult C57 male mice were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion for 1 hour/24 hours. Rapamycin (0.25 mg/kg) or DMSO (7.5%) was injected intracardially at the onset of reperfusion. Post‐I/R survival (87%) and cardiac function (fractional shortening, FS: 28.63 ± 3.01%) were improved in Rapamycin‐treated mice compared to DMSO (survival: 63%, FS: 17.4 ± 2.6%). Rapamycin caused significant reduction in myocardial infarct size (IS: 26.2 ± 2.2%) and apoptosis (2.87 ± 0.64%) as compared to DMSO‐treated mice (IS: 47.0 ± 2.3%; apoptosis: 7.39 ± 0.81%). Rapamycin induced phosphorylation of AKT S473 (target of mTORC2) but abolished ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation (target of mTORC1) after I/R. Rapamycin induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but inhibited p38 phosphorylation. Infarct‐limiting effect of Rapamycin was abolished with ERK inhibitor, PD98059. Rapamycin also attenuated Bax and increased Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. These results suggest that reperfusion therapy with Rapamycin protects the heart against I/R injury by selective activation of mTORC2 and ERK with concurrent inhibition of mTORC1 and p38.
Distributed Nonparametric and Semiparametric Regression on SPARK for Big Data Forecasting
Authors: Fiosina Jelena , Fiosins Maksims
Published: March 2017

Forecasting in big datasets is a common but complicated task, which cannot be executed using the well-known parametric linear regression. However, nonparametric and semiparametric methods, which enable forecasting by building nonlinear data models, are computationally intensive and lack sufficient scalability to cope with big datasets to extract successful results in a reasonable time. We present distributed parallel versions of some nonparametric and semiparametric regression models. We used MapReduce paradigm and describe the algorithms in terms of SPARK data structures to parallelize the calculations. The forecasting accuracy of the proposed algorithms is compared with the linear regression model, which is the only forecasting model currently having parallel distributed realization within the SPARK framework to address big data problems. The advantages of the parallelization of the algorithm are also provided. We validate our models conducting various numerical experiments: evaluating the goodness of fit, analyzing how increasing dataset size influences time consumption, and analyzing time consumption by varying the degree of parallelism (number of workers) in the distributed realization.
Three Cases of Pseudo-Meigs’ Syndrome Secondary to Ovarian Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Yuta , Miyagawa Yusuke , Ehara Takehito , Koyama Makoto , Nakamura Satoshi , Takeuchi Daisuke , Muranaka Futoshi , Kitazawa Masato , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: March 2017

Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome is used to describe cases of ascites and/or pleural effusion associated with ovarian neoplasms other than benign tumors, which improve after removal of the ovarian lesion. We present three cases of pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome secondary to ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer. In case 1, the patient has severe dyspnea and hypoxia due to massive right pleural effusion; therefore preoperative thoracic drainage was needed. In case 2, the patient needed paracentesis every two or three days to improve abdominal distension. After two courses of 5-fluorouracil, levofolinate, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6), her ascites could be controlled by diuretics without aspiration and her general condition improved. Then she underwent operation. In case 3, the patient developed a massive pleural effusion and ascites coincident with a rapid enlargement of ovarian tumor after resection and adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer. In all cases, pleural effusions and/or ascites resolved and general conditions and daily activities of the patients improved after oophorectomy. They are all currently in good health without recurrence of pleural effusion or ascites. In patients with suspected pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome secondary to ovarian metastasis of colorectal cancer, operation including oophorectomy may reduce pleural effusions and/or ascites and improve the general condition.
Successful Treatment of Carcinomatous Central Airway Obstruction with Bronchoscopic Electrocautery Using Hot Biopsy Forceps during Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Ugajin Motoi , Kani Hisanori
Published: March 2017

We report the case of a 72-year-old man with occlusion of the left main bronchus due to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. He required tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation because of the aggravation of atelectasis and obstructive pneumonia. Electrocautery using hot biopsy forceps was performed during mechanical ventilation with a 40% fraction of inspired oxygen. He was extubated following improvement in the atelectasis and obstructive pneumonia and discharged with shrinkage of the tumor after chemotherapy. We describe a safe electrocautery procedure using hot biopsy forceps during mechanical ventilation with reference to previous reports.
Andrographolide Activates Keap1/Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 Pathway in HT22 Cells and Suppresses Microglial Activation by Aβ42through Nrf2-Related Inflammatory Response
Authors: Seo Ji Yeon , Pyo Euisun , An Jin-Pyo , Kim Jinwoong , Sung Sang Hyun , Oh Won Keun
Published: March 2017

Therapeutic approach of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been gradually diversified. We examined the therapeutic and preventive potential of andrographolide, which is a lactone diterpenoid fromAndrographis paniculata, and focused on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)-mediated heme oxygenase (HO)-1-inducing effects and the inhibitory activity of amyloid beta (Aβ)42-induced microglial activation related to Nrf2 and nuclear factorκB (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory responses. Andrographolide induced the expression and translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby activating antioxidant response element (ARE) gene transcription and HO-1 expression in murine hippocampal HT22 cells. Andrographolide eliminated intracellular Aβ42in BV-2 cells and decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin (PG)E2, and nitric oxide (NO) because of artificial phagocytic Aβ42. It decreased pNF-κB accumulation in the nucleus and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) and cyclooxygenase II (COX-II) in the microglial BV-2 cell line. In summary, andrographolide activates Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression and inhibits Aβ42-overexpressed microglial BV-2 cell activation. These results suggested that andrographolide might have the potential for further examination of the therapeutics of AD.
The Effects of Modified Simiao Decoction in the Treatment of Gouty Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Huang Ying , Wen Cai-Yu-Zhu , Zhang Jun-Jun , Xing Guo-Lan , Tu Sheng-Hao , Chen Zhe
Published: March 2017

The modified Simiao decoctions (MSD) have been wildly applied in the treatment of gouty arthritis in China. However, the evidence needs to be evaluated by a systematic review and meta‐analysis. After filtering, twenty‐four randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of MSD and anti‐inflammation medications and/or urate‐lowering therapies in patients with gouty arthritis were included. In comparison with anti‐inflammation medications, urate‐lowering therapies, or coadministration of anti‐inflammation medications and urate‐lowering therapies, MSD monotherapy significantly lowered serum uric acid (p < 0.00001, mean difference = −90.62, and 95% CI [−128.38, −52.86]; p < 0.00001, mean difference = −91.43, and 95% CI [−122.38, −60.49]; p = 0.02, mean difference = −40.30, and 95% CI [−74.24, −6.36], resp.). Compared with anti‐inflammation medications and/or urate‐lowering therapies, MSD monotherapy significantly decreased ESR (p < 0.00001; mean difference = −8.11; 95% CI [−12.53, −3.69]) and CRP (p = 0.03; mean difference = −3.21; 95% CI [−6.07, −0.36]). Additionally, the adverse effects (AEs) of MSD were fewer (p < 0.00001; OR = 0.08; 95% CI [0.05, 0.16]). MSD are effective in the treatment of gouty arthritis through anti‐inflammation and lowering urate. However, the efficacy of MSD should be estimated with more RCTs.
Efficacy of Administration of an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor for Two Years on Autonomic and Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Didangelos Triantafyllos , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Margaritidis Charalambos , Kontoninas Zisis , Stergiou Ioannis , Tsotoulidis Stefanos , Karlafti Eleni , Mourouglakis Alexandros , Hatzitolios Apostolos I.
Published: March 2017

Aim. To evaluate the effect of quinapril on diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Patients and Methods. Sixty-three consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus [43% males, 27 with type 1 DM, mean age 52 years (range 22–65)], definite DCAN [abnormal results in 2 cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs)], and DPN were randomized to quinapril 20 mg/day (group A,n=31) or placebo (group B,n=32) for 2 years. Patients with hypertension or coronary heart disease were excluded. To detect DPN and DCAN, the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire and Examination (MNSIQ and MNSIE), measurement of vibration perception threshold with biothesiometer (BIO), and CARTs [R-R variation during deep breathing [assessed by expiration/inspiration ratio (E/I), mean circular resultant (MCR), and standard deviation (SD)], Valsalva maneuver (Vals), 30 : 15 ratio, and orthostatic hypotension (OH)] were used.Results. In group A, E/I, MCR, and SD increased (pfor all comparisons < 0.05). Other indices (Vals, 30 : 15, OH, MNSIQ, MNSIE, and BIO) did not change. In group B, all CART indices deteriorated, except Vals, which did not change. MNSIQ, MNSIE, and BIO did not change.Conclusions.Treatment with quinapril improves DCAN (mainly parasympathetic dysfunction). Improved autonomic balance may improve the long-term outcome of diabetic patients.
Cephalometric Analysis for Gender Determination Using Maxillary Sinus Index: A Novel Dimension in Personal Identification
Authors: Khaitan Tanya , Kabiraj Arpita , Ginjupally Uday , Jain Ritika
Published: March 2017

Purpose. Radiography is important in forensic odontology for the identification of humans. The maxillary sinus is the largest of the paranasal sinuses and first to develop. Sinus radiography has been used for identification of skeletal remains and determination of gender. Hence, the aim and objectives of the present study were to establish a new method for gender determination using maxillary sinus index from lateral cephalometric radiographs and to establish the reliability of maxillary sinus for gender determination. Methods. A total of 50 adult digital lateral cephalometric radiographs (25 males and 25 females) were included in the study. The maxillary sinus analysis was performed on these radiographs using the height and width measurement tools of Sidexis XG software. Maxillary sinus index was calculated, discriminant function analysis performed, and discriminant equation derived for determination of gender. Results. The mean maxillary sinus height and width were found to be higher in males, whereas the maxillary sinus index was greater in females. The discriminant function analysis derived in the study was able to differentiate the sex groups with sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 76%. Conclusions. From the results of the present study, it may be concluded that morphometric analysis of maxillary sinus can be used as a reliable tool in gender determination.
Lung Volume Reduction following Recurrent Pneumonia: An Unusual Finding in a COPD Patient
Authors: Negatu Yihenew , Diaz Philip T.
Published: March 2017

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease. Frequent pneumonias and exacerbations are known to accelerate its progression. We present a case of severe emphysema whose lung function paradoxically improved following recurrent pneumonia, without lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). A 54-year-old female with severe COPD presented for LVRS evaluation. She was not a candidate for the surgery because of the unsuitable anatomic distribution of her emphysema. The patient experienced recurrent pneumonia over the years but her lung function and oxygen requirement showed marked improvement. Follow-up imaging studies showed decreased lung volumes and focal fibrotic changes. We believe that the improvement in her lung function overtime is the reflection of lung volume reduction as a result of parenchymal remodeling due to repeated lung infection. These findings seen in our patient contribute important information for the continued effort in developing nonsurgical lung volume reduction techniques.
W-Band Hybrid Unequal Feeding Network of Waveguide and Substrate Integrated Waveguide for High Efficiency and Low Sidelobe Level Slot Array Antenna Application
Authors: Wang Jun , Cheng Yu Jian
Published: March 2017

A W-band hybrid unequal feeding network of waveguide and substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is presented in this paper. It comprises a two-way hybrid waveguide-SIW E-plane divider and an unequal SIW dividing network. Firstly, the two-way hybrid divider is developed to realize the waveguide-to-SIW vertical transition and power division at the same time. Besides, it has a wider bandwidth and more compact configuration compared with those of conventional structures including a transition and a cascading divider. Secondly, an SIW 1-to-16-way unequal dividing network is developed with the phase self-compensation ability. This W-band dividing network is able to generate the desired amplitude and phase distribution. Finally, two back-to-back SIW 16 × 16 antenna arrays are grouped and fed by the proposed feeding network. The low sidelobe levels (SLLs) can be achieved at E- and H-plane of the antenna. The total aperture size of the antenna is 15% less than that of a conventional antenna with a separated divider and a transition. With such a multifunctional feeding network, the antenna is able to achieve low loss and high efficiency as well.
Acarbose Accelerates Wound Healing via Akt/eNOS Signaling in db/db Mice
Authors: Han Xue , Deng Yaping , Yu Jiawen , Sun Yuannan , Ren Guofei , Cai Jian , Zhu Jianjun , Jiang Guojun
Published: March 2017

Refractory wound is a dreaded complication of diabetes and is highly correlated with EPC dysfunction caused by hyperglycemia. Acarbose is a widely used oral glucose‐lowering drug exclusively for T2DM. Previous studies have suggested the beneficial effect of acarbose on improving endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM. However, no data have been reported on the beneficial efficacy of acarbose in wound healing impairment caused by diabetes. We herein investigated whether acarbose could improve wound healing in T2DM db/db mice and the possible mechanisms involved. Acarbose hastened wound healing and enhanced angiogenesis, accompanied by increased circulating EPC number in db/db mice. In vitro, a reversed BM‐EPC dysfunction was observed after the administration of acarbose in db/db mice, as reflected by tube formation assay. In addition, a significantly increased NO production was also witnessed in BM‐EPCs from acarbose treated db/db mice, with decreased O2 levels. Akt inhibitor could abolish the beneficial effect of acarbose on high glucose induced EPC dysfunction in vitro, accompanied by reduced eNOS activation. Acarbose displayed potential effect in promoting wound healing and improving angiogenesis in T2DM mice, which was possibly related to the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
Differential Evolution with Novel Mutation and Adaptive Crossover Strategies for Solving Large Scale Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Mohamed Ali Wagdy , Almazyad Abdulaziz S.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents Differential Evolution algorithm for solving high-dimensional optimization problems over continuous space. The proposed algorithm, namely, ANDE, introduces a new triangular mutation rule based on the convex combination vector of the triplet defined by the three randomly chosen vectors and the difference vectors between the best, better, and the worst individuals among the three randomly selected vectors. The mutation rule is combined with the basic mutation strategy DE/rand/1/bin, where the new triangular mutation rule is applied with the probability of 2/3 since it has both exploration ability and exploitation tendency. Furthermore, we propose a novel self-adaptive scheme for gradual change of the values of the crossover rate that can excellently benefit from the past experience of the individuals in the search space during evolution process which in turn can considerably balance the common trade-off between the population diversity and convergence speed. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated on the 20 standard high-dimensional benchmark numerical optimization problems for the IEEE CEC-2010 Special Session and Competition on Large Scale Global Optimization. The comparison results between ANDE and its versions and the other seven state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms that were all tested on this test suite indicate that the proposed algorithm and its two versions are highly competitive algorithms for solving large scale global optimization problems.