bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing the Project Method for Teaching Culture and Intercultural Competence
Authors: Euler Sasha S.
Published: May 2017

This article presents a detailed methodological outline for teaching culture through project work. It is argued that because project work makes it possible to gain transferrable and applicable knowledge and insight, it is the ideal tool for teaching culture with the aim of achieving real intercultural communicative competence (ICC). Preceding the pedagogical presentation, the term culture is conceptualized as small‐c culture/deep culture, that is, as the sociopsychological programming of a given community. This concept is developed with practical examples and conceptualizations for pedagogical implementability. Finally, a project course with American undergraduate students conducted in Germany is briefly presented. This presentation includes project sheets, the methodological rationale of each project, and the observations the participants made during the course. These observations include many aspects of the way German and U.S. American deep culture differ and also shed light on the “truth” behind some German cultural clichés.
Development and characterization of a stable adhesive bond between a poly(dimethylsiloxane) catheter material and a bacterial biofilm resistant acrylate polymer coating
Authors: Tyler Bonnie J. , Hook Andrew , Pelster Andreas , Williams Paul , Alexander Morgan , Arlinghaus Heinrich F.
Published: May 2017

Catheter associated urinary tract infections are the most common health related infections worldwide, contributing significantly to patient morbidity and mortality and increased health care costs. To reduce the incidence of these infections, new materials that resist bacterial biofilm formation are needed. A composite catheter material, consisting of bulk poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coated with a novel bacterial biofilm resistant polyacrylate [ethylene glycol dicyclopentenyl ether acrylate (EGDPEA)-co-di(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA)], has been proposed. The coated material shows excellent bacterial resistance when compared to commercial catheter materials, but delamination of the EGDPEA-co-DEGMA coatings under mechanical stress presents a challenge. In this work, the use of oxygen plasma treatment to improve the wettability and reactivity of the PDMS catheter material and improve adhesion with the EGDPEA-co-DEGMA coating has been investigated. Argon cluster three dimensional-imaging time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has been used to probe the buried adhesive interface between the EGDPEA-co-DEGMA coating and the treated PDMS. ToF-SIMS analysis was performed in both dry and frozen-hydrated states, and the results were compared to mechanical tests. From the ToF-SIMS data, the authors have been able to observe the presence of PDMS, silicates, salt particles, cracks, and water at the adhesive interface. In the dry catheters, low molecular weight PDMS oligomers at the interface were associated with poor adhesion. When hydrated, the hydrophilic silicates attracted water to the interface and led to easy delamination of the coating. The best adhesion results, under hydrated conditions, were obtained using a combination of 5 min O2 plasma treatment and silane primers. Cryo-ToF-SIMS analysis of the hydrated catheter material showed that the bond between the primed PDMS catheter and the EGDPEA-co-DEGMA coating was stable in the presence of water. The resulting catheter material resisted Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis biofilm colonization by up to 95% compared with uncoated PDMS after 10 days of continuous bacterial exposure and had the mechanical properties necessary for use as a urinary catheter.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Gentamicin in Pediatric Oncology Patients To Facilitate Personalized Dosing
Authors: Llanos-Paez C. C. , Staatz C. E. , Lawson R. , Hennig S.
Published: May 2017

To ensure the safe and effective dosing of gentamicin in children, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended. TDM utilizing Bayesian forecasting software is recommended but is unavailable, as no population model that describes the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in pediatric oncology patients exists. This study aimed to develop and externally evaluate a population pharmacokinetic model of gentamicin to support personalized dosing in pediatric oncology patients. A nonlinear mixed-effect population pharmacokinetic model was developed from retrospective data. Data were collected from 423 patients for model building and a further 52 patients for external evaluation. A two-compartment model with first-order elimination best described the gentamicin disposition. The final model included renal function (described by fat-free mass and postmenstrual age) and the serum creatinine concentration as covariates influencing gentamicin clearance (CL). Final parameter estimates were as follow CL, 5.77 liters/h/70 kg; central volume of distribution, 21.6 liters/70 kg; peripheral volume of distribution, 13.8 liters/70 kg; and intercompartmental clearance, 0.62 liter/h/70 kg. External evaluation suggested that current models developed in other pediatric cohorts may not be suitable for use in pediatric oncology patients, as they showed a tendency to overpredict the observations in this population. The final model developed in this study displayed good predictive performance during external evaluation (root mean square error, 46.0%; mean relative prediction error, −3.40%) and may therefore be useful for the personalization of gentamicin dosing in this cohort. Further investigations should focus on evaluating the clinical application of this model.
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Demonstrate Contrasting Chloroquine Resistance Reversal Phenotypes
Authors: Wirjanata Grennady , Handayuni Irene , Prayoga Pak , Leonardo Leo , Apriyanti Dwi , Trianty Leily , Wandosa Ruland , Gobay Basbak , Kenangalem Enny , Poespoprodjo Jeanne Rini , Noviyanti Rintis , Kyle Dennis E. , Cheng Qin , Price Ric N. , Marfurt Jutta
Published: May 2017

High-grade chloroquine (CQ) resistance has emerged in both
Plasmodium falciparum
and
P. vivax
. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic differences of CQ resistance in both of these species and the ability of known CQ resistance reversal agents (CQRRAs) to alter CQ susceptibility. Between April 2015 and April 2016, the potential of verapamil (VP), mibefradil (MF), L703,606 (L7), and primaquine (PQ) to reverse CQ resistance was assessed in 46
P. falciparum
and 34
P. vivax
clinical isolates in Papua, Indonesia, where CQ resistance is present in both species, using a modified schizont maturation assay. In
P. falciparum
, CQ 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) were reduced when CQ was combined with VP (1.4-fold), MF (1.2-fold), L7 (4.2-fold), or PQ (1.8-fold). The degree of CQ resistance reversal in
P. falciparum
was highly correlated with CQ susceptibility for all CQRRAs (
R
2
= 0.951, 0.852, 0.962, and 0.901 for VP, MF, L7, and PQ, respectively), in line with observations in
P. falciparum
laboratory strains. In contrast, no reduction in the CQ IC
50
s was observed with any of the CQRRAs in
P. vivax
, even in those isolates with high chloroquine IC
50
s. The differential effect of CQRRAs in
P. falciparum
and
P. vivax
suggests significant differences in CQ kinetics and, potentially, the likely mechanism of CQ resistance between these two species.
Roles of
ramR
and
tet
(A) Mutations in Conferring Tigecycline Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Chiu Sheng-Kang , Huang Li-Yueh , Chen Hsi , Tsai Yu-Kuo , Liou Ci-Hong , Lin Jung-Chung , Siu L. Kristopher , Chang Feng-Yee , Yeh Kuo-Ming
Published: May 2017

Tigecycline is regarded as a last-resort treatment for carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) infections, but increasing numbers of tigecycline-resistant
K. pneumoniae
isolates have been reported. The tigecycline resistance mechanisms in CRKP are undetermined. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying tigecycline resistance in 16 tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
(TCRKP) isolates. Mutations in tigecycline resistance determinant genes [
ramR
,
acrR
,
oqxR
,
tet
(A),
tet
(L),
tet
(X),
tet
(M),
rpsJ
] were assessed by PCR amplicon sequencing, and mutations in
ramR
and
tet
(A) exhibited high prevalences individually (81%) and in combination (63%). Eight functional
ramR
mutation profiles reducing tigecycline sensitivity were verified by plasmid complementation of wild-type and mutant
ramR
. Using a site-specific mutant, the most frequent RamR mutation, A19V (60%), had no significant effect on tigecycline susceptibility or the upregulation of
ramA
and
acrA
. Two
tet
(A) variants with double frameshift mutations, type 1 and type 2, were identified; type 2
tet
(A) is novel. A parent strain transformed with a plasmid carrying type 1 or type 2
tet
(A) increased the tigecycline MIC by 8-fold or 4-fold, respectively. Synergistic effects were observed in strains harboring no
ramR
gene and a mutated
tet
(A), with an 8-fold increase in the tigecycline MIC compared with that in strains harboring only mutated
tet
(A) being seen. Overall, mutations in the
ramR
and
tet
(A) efflux genes constituted the major tigecycline resistance mechanisms among the studied TCRKP isolates. The identification of strains exhibiting the combination of a
ramR
deficiency and widespread mutated
tet
(A) is concerning due to the possible dissemination of increased tigecycline resistance in
K. pneumoniae
.
Aeromonas salmonicida Growth in Response to Atlantic Salmon Mucins Differs between Epithelial Sites, Is Governed by Sialylated and
N
-Acetylhexosamine-Containing
O
-Glycans, and Is Affected by Ca
2+
Authors: Padra János Tamás , Sundh Henrik , Sundell Kristina , Venkatakrishnan Vignesh , Jin Chunsheng , Samuelsson Tore , Karlsson Niclas G. , Lindén Sara K.
Published: May 2017

Aeromonas salmonicida
causes furunculosis in salmonids and is a threat to Atlantic salmon aquaculture. The epithelial surfaces that the pathogen colonizes are covered by a mucus layer predominantly comprised of secreted mucins. By using mass spectrometry to identify mucin glycan structures with and without enzymatic removal of glycan residues, coupled to measurements of bacterial growth, we show here that the complex Atlantic salmon intestinal mucin glycans enhance
A. salmonicida
growth, whereas the more simple skin mucin glycans do not. Of the glycan residues present terminally on the salmon mucins, only
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) enhances growth. Sialic acids, which have an abundance of 75% among terminal glycans from skin and of <50% among intestinal glycans, cannot be removed or used by
A. salmonicida
for growth-enhancing purposes, and they shield internal GlcNAc from utilization. A Ca
2+
concentration above 0.1 mM is needed for
A. salmonicida
to be able to utilize mucins for growth-promoting purposes, and 10 mM further enhances both
A. salmonicida
growth in response to mucins and binding of the bacterium to mucins. In conclusion, GlcNAc and sialic acids are important determinants of the
A. salmonicida
interaction with its host at the mucosal surface. Furthermore, since the mucin glycan repertoire affects pathogen growth, the glycan repertoire may be a factor to take into account during breeding and selection of strains for aquaculture.
Yersinia pestis YopK Inhibits Bacterial Adhesion to Host Cells by Binding to the Extracellular Matrix Adaptor Protein Matrilin-2
Authors: Tan Yafang , Liu Wanbing , Zhang Qingwen , Cao Shiyang , Zhao Haihong , Wang Tong , Qi Zhizhen , Han Yanping , Song Yajun , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Ruifu , Du Zongmin
Published: May 2017

Pathogenic yersiniae harbor a type III secretion system (T3SS) that injects
Yersinia
outer protein (Yop) into host cells. YopK has been shown to control Yop translocation and prevent inflammasome recognition of the T3SS by the innate immune system. Here, we demonstrate that YopK inhibits bacterial adherence to host cells by binding to the extracellular matrix adaptor protein matrilin-2 (MATN2). YopK binds to MATN2, and deleting amino acids 91 to 124 disrupts binding of YopK to MATN2. A
yopK
null mutant exhibits a hyperadhesive phenotype, which could be responsible for the established Yop hypertranslocation phenotype of
yopK
mutants. Expression of YopK, but not YopK
Δ91–124
, in a
yopK
mutant restored the wild-type phenotypes of adhesion and Yop translocation, suggesting that binding to MATN2 might be essential for YopK to inhibit bacterial adhesion and negatively regulate Yop translocation. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-YopK fusion specifically binds to the endogenous MATN2 on the surface of HeLa cells, whereas GFP-YopK
Δ91–124
cannot. Addition of purified YopK protein during infection decreased adhesion of
Y. pestis
to HeLa cells, while YopK
Δ91–124
protein showed no effect. Taking these results together, we propose a model that the T3SS-secreted YopK hinders bacterial adhesion to HeLa cells by binding to MATN2, which is ubiquitously exposed on eukaryotic cells.
Surgery in late melanoma adrenal metastasis
Authors: Di Martino Marcello , García Sanz Iñigo , Mora-Guzmán Ismael , de la Hoz Rodríguez Ángela
Published: May 2017

Metastatic melanoma to adrenal gland are very infrequent, being generally associated with additional evidence of systemic disease and, consequently, with short-term survival. However, the prognosis and the therapeutic management vary depending on some important oncological features. Long-term survival rates have been described after complete resection of metastatic disease. Here, we report the case of a woman aged 41 years diagnosed with a cutaneous melanoma on the right side of her paravertebral region, level III of Clark, in 2002, who underwent surgical excision of the tumour with negative margins and a negative sentinel node. She posteriorly developed pulmonary metastasis in 2006 and 2009, both resected with curative intention and in 2013, she was diagnosed with an adrenal metastasis. Therefore, she was submitted to an uneventful right laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The pathology report described metastasis of a cutaneous melanoma, negative for BRAF mutation. The patient is actually disease-free after 30 months of follow-up.
Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device for severe acute ischaemic mitral regurgitation as a bridge to surgery
Authors: Jalil Bilal , El-Kersh Karim , Frizzell Jarrod , Ahmed Shozab
Published: May 2017

Ischaemic papillary muscle rupture causing acute severe mitral regurgitation (MR) has a dramatic presentation and a very high mortality. Emergent surgical repair improves outcomes, which necessitates robust preoperative stabilisation. Here we discuss a patient with cardiogenic shock with an acute severe MR that was deemed very high risk for emergent valve replacement due to haemodynamic instability and respiratory failure. A percutaneous left ventricular assist device Impella 2.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) drastically improved clinical status, and the patient underwent a successful surgical mitral valve replacement soon after placement of the temporary assist device. Our case highlights that percutaneous ventricular assist devices may help to stabilise patients with severe acute ischaemic MR, and it can serve as a bridge to surgery in high risk patients.
Severe medication-induced peripheral neuropathy treated with topical doxepin cream in a paediatric patient with leukaemia
Authors: Dworsky Zephyr D , Bennett Rebecca , Kim Jenny M , Kuo Dennis John
Published: May 2017

A 17-year-old female with recently relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and a treatment course complicated by rhinocerebral mucormycosis infection developed severe peripheral neuropathy during the treatment for mucormycosis infection. This was felt to be a medication side effect. Her peripheral neuropathy was refractory to many well-established treatments, but ultimately responded dramatically and consistently to a novel therapy, topical doxepin cream (5%). This case report is the first published report of the application of topical doxepin cream for treatment of peripheral neuropathy in a paediatric patient.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor-induced acute interstitial nephritis
Authors: Albrecht Brittany , Giebel Shelley , McCarron Michelle , Prasad Bhanu
Published: May 2017

A 64-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of persistent nausea and vomiting. Her serum creatine prior to admission was 118 µmol/L and on presentation was elevated to 420 µmol/L. On clinical history, she indicated that 3 weeks prior, she had been initiated on a cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, celecoxib, for her osteoarthritis of her knees. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). Celecoxib was discontinued and the patient’s renal function improved to a discharge creatine of 205–220 µmol/L. Nine months later, her creatine had decreased to 195 µmol/L and she was initiated on tapering doses of prednisone therapy for 4 months, after which time her creatine had improved further to 143 µmol/L. She was later transitioned to mycophenolatemofetil for 9 months and her creatine improved to 110 µmol/L. This report provides further evidence that COX-2 inhibitors are associated with AIN.
Biological effect of microengineered grooved stents on strut healing: a randomised OCT-based comparative study in humans
Authors: Vesga Boris , Hernandez Hector , Higuera Sergio , Gasior Pawel , Echeveri Dario , Delgado Juan A , Dager Antonio , Arana Camilo , Simonton Charles , Maehara Akiko , Palmaz Julio , Granada Juan F
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the biological effect of microengineered stent grooves (MSG) on early strut healing in humans by performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis 3 weeks following the implantation.

Background

In the experimental setting, MSG accelerate endothelial cell migration and reduce neointimal proliferation compared with bare metal stent (BMS).

Methods

A total of 37 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with de novo coronary lesions were randomly assigned to either MSG (n=19) or an identical BMS controls (n=18). All patients underwent OCT imaging at 3 weeks. A total of 7959 struts were included in the final analysis.

Results

At 3 weeks following stent implantation, almost all struts analysed (~97%) had evidence of tissue coverage. The percentage of partially covered struts was comparable between both groups. However, the percentage of fully embedded struts was higher in the BMS group (81.22%, 49.75–95.52) compared with the MSG group (74.21%, 58.85–86.38). The stent-level analysis demonstrated reduction in neointimal formation (neointimal hyperplasia area and volume reduction of ~14% and ~19%, respectively) in the MSG versus the BMS group. In the strut-level analysis, an even greater reduction (~22% in neointimal thickness) was seen in the MSG group. Layered neointimal was present in ~6% of the OCT frames in the BMS group while it was not present in the MSG group.

Conclusions

MSG induced a more homogeneous and predictable pattern of surface healing in the early stages following stent implantation. The biological effect of MSG on stent healing has the potential to improve the safety profile of current generation drug-eluting stents.

Classifications

BMS, OCT, clinical trials.
Characteristics, management and response to alteplase in China versus non-China participants of the ENCHANTED trial
Authors: Song Lily , Wang Xia , Robinson Thompson , Lindley Richard I , Arima Hisatomi , Lavados Pablo M , Chen Xiaoying , Chalmers John , Anderson Craig S
Published: May 2017

Background

The characteristics of patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and their management vary across regions, which may influence outcomes. We examined for differential patterns of outcome between China and non-China participants of the ENhanced Control of Hypertension And Thrombolysis strokE stuDy (ENCHANTED), which tested different alteplase doses in AIS.

Methods

ENCHANTED was an international, multicentre, open, blinded-endpoint trial of the effects of low-dose (0.6 mg/kg) versus standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) intravenous alteplase on 90-day disability outcomes and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) in 3310 patients with AIS.

Results

Participants (n=1419, 48%) in China were younger, and more often male, hypertensive and with prior stroke and coronary artery disease, but less likely to have atrial fibrillation and use antihypertensive, antithrombotic and lipid-lowering agents, compared with non-China patients with AIS. Although China participants had more AIS due to large artery occlusion, were treated later and had differing ancillary management, there was no significant difference in 90-day modified Rankin scale scores 2–6 (55.6% vs 47.8%; OR, adjusted for baseline and management factors 0.87 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.07; p=0.20)) and risk of sICH (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study criteria: 1.4% vs 1.8%; p=0.12) compared with non-China participants. There was no heterogeneity in the treatment effects of low-dose versus standard-dose alteplase between China and non-China participants.

Conclusion

Patients with AIS recruited to the ENCHANTED trial in China had similar outcomes in response to thrombolysis treatment despite significantly differing demographic, clinical and management factors to patients with AIS in other regions.
Specialization in acute care surgery in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Yi Sojung , Rickard Jennifer
Published: May 2017

Traumatic injuries represent the highest portion of surgical conditions worldwide, and the groups most vulnerable to these injuries are disproportionately in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is in this context that we recognize and propose an urgent opportunity for developing and strengthening the field of acute care surgery (ACS) in LMICs. In this article, we will briefly review the history and advantages of ACS as a specialty and recognize the unique opportunity and benefit it may have in LMICs.
Mechanistic modeling of persistent organic pollutant exposure among indigenous Arctic populations: motivations, challenges, and benefits
Authors: Wania F. , Binnington M.J. , Curren M.S.
Published: May 2017

Indigenous Arctic populations experience elevated exposures to many environmental contaminants compared with groups residing in southern Canada. This is largely due to consumption of traditional foods, some of which (ringed seals, beluga whales, narwhals, etc.) have relatively high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. Models of contaminant fate, transport, and bioaccumulation represent powerful tools to explore this exposure issue, wherein combined models can be used to mechanistically and dynamically describe the entire sequence of events linking chemical emissions into the environment to ultimate contaminant concentrations in indigenous Arctic populations. In this review, various approaches adapted and applied to understanding indigenous Arctic contaminant exposure are explored, including early models describing body burdens in single traditional food species to more recent approaches holistically examining uptake and bioaccumulation in entire food chains. The applications of these models are also discussed, including attempts to (i) identify chemical properties favouring transport to, and bioaccumulation in, the Arctic; (ii) clarify the main determinants of temporal trends observed in indigenous Arctic biomonitoring; (iii) explore the impacts of permanent and temporary dietary transitions on current and future indigenous Arctic contaminant exposures; and (iv) correlate modeled early-life pollutant exposures with measured health impacts. The review demonstrates the effectiveness of mechanistic model approaches in investigating indigenous Arctic contaminant exposure, and confirms their utility in continued improvements to understanding associated risk in this unique population context.
Production of copper-64 and gallium-68 with a medical cyclotron using liquid targets
Authors: Alves F. , Alves V. H. P. , Do Carmo S. J. C. , Neves A. C. B. , Silva M. , Abrunhosa A. J.
Published: May 2017

This work describes the production of two clinically relevant metal radioisotopes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with a medical cyclotron by the irradiation of liquid targets. New results are presented for the implementation of this methodology in a fully automated system, using commercially available equipment. Liquid target solutions containing enriched [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were loaded, bombarded and transferred to synthesis modules where a purified solution containing the desired radiometal is obtained and can then be used to further radiolabeling within only one hour after End-Of-Bombardment (EOB). Typical production runs using enriched material lead to the production of 5 GBq and 6 GBq (0.14 MBq/([Formula: see text]Ah ⋅ mg) and 1.5 MBq/([Formula: see text]Ah ⋅ mg)) of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]; although the technique can be used to obtain up to 25 GBq and 40 GBq, respectively, by simply scaling up the amount of the enriched material. Purified solutions containing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were obtained within 30 min after EOB and used to produce [Formula: see text]-ATSM and [Formula: see text]–DOTA–NOC, respectively, with quality parameters suitable for human use.
Conformally non-flat spacetime representing dense compact objects
Authors: Singh Ksh. Newton , Bhar Piyali , Rahaman Farook , Pant Neeraj , Rahaman Mansur
Published: May 2017

A new conformally non-flat interior spacetime embedded in five-dimensional (5D) pseudo Euclidean space is explored in this paper. We proceed our calculation with the assumption of spherically symmetric anisotropic matter distribution and Karmarkar condition (necessary condition for class one). This solution is free from geometrical singularity and well-behaved in all respects. We ansatz a new type of metric potential [Formula: see text] and solve for the metric potential [Formula: see text] via Karmarkar condition. Further, all the physical parameters are determined from Einstein’s field equations using the two metric potentials. All the constants of integration are determined using boundary conditions. Due to its conformally non-flat character, it can represent bounded configurations. Therefore, we have used it to model two compact stars Vela X-1 and Cyg X-2. Indeed, the obtained masses and radii of these two objects from our solution are well matched with those observed values given in [T. Gangopadhyay et al., Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 431, 3216 (2013)] and [J. Casares et al., Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 401, 2517 (2010)]. The equilibrium of the models is investigated from generalized TOV-equation. We have adopted [L. Herrera’s, Phys. Lett. A 165, 206 (1992)] method and static stability criterion of Harisson–Zeldovich–Novikov [B. K. Harrison et al., Gravitational Theory and Gravitational Collapse (University of Chicago Press, 1965); Ya. B. Zeldovich and I. D. Novikov, Relativistic Astrophysics, Vol. 1, Stars and Relativity (University of Chicago Press, 1971)] to analyze the stability of the models.
Second octant favored for non-maximal 𝜃23
Authors: Frampton Paul H.
Published: May 2017

One of the most robust relationships predicted by binary tetrahedral [Formula: see text] flavor symmetry relates the reactor neutrino angle [Formula: see text] to the atmospheric neutrino angle [Formula: see text], independently of [Formula: see text]. It has the form [Formula: see text]. When this prediction first appeared in 2008, [Formula: see text] was consistent with zero and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Nonzero [Formula: see text] was established by Daya Bay in 2012. Nonzero [Formula: see text] is now favored by the NO[Formula: see text]A experiment and, for [Formula: see text], the aforementioned [Formula: see text] relation selects the second octant [Formula: see text] over the first octant [Formula: see text]. This analysis initially assumes CP conservation in the lepton sector, but leptonic CP violation is discussed and it is shown that this specific [Formula: see text] relationship is invariant.
Resonant Raman scattering study of BexZn1−xO thin films grown on sapphire by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Wang Yu-Chao , Su Long-Xing , Zhao Yu , Liu Jian-Feng , Shen Zheng-Chuan , Feng Yu-Hua , Wu Tian-Zhun , Tang Zi-Kang
Published: May 2017

Resonance Raman spectra of Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy materials were studied using 325 nm Laser. The research showed that the Raman spectra of Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloys presents a dual-mode vibration. Compare Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy with ZnO single crystal, the A1 (LO) phonon vibration mode of Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy moved to the larger wave number direction. The position of A1 (LO) phonon vibration modes of Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O and Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O was 580 cm[Formula: see text] and 582 cm[Formula: see text], respectively. In addition, the temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy was employed for Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O, and the phonon mode frequency shift with temperature was studied in detail. Finally, the stability of the polar and nonpolar Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy materials was studied using resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the A1 (LO) phonon mode frequency of polar Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy remained in the same position, while the nonpolar Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloys moved nearly 3.5 cm[Formula: see text] to larger direction after being placed in the air for two years. The reason may be that the stability of the nonpolar Be[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]O alloy is relatively poor upon interaction with molecule such as H2O, O2 in the air.
Propagation characteristics of ultrasonic guided waves in continuously welded rail
Authors: Yao Wenqing , Sheng Fuwei , Wei Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lei , Yang Yuan
Published: May 2017

Rail defects cause numerous railway accidents. Trains are derailed and serious consequences often occur. Compared to traditional bulk wave testing, ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) can provide larger monitoring ranges and complete coverage of the waveguide cross-section. These advantages are of significant importance for the non-destructive testing (NDT) of the continuously welded rail, and the technique is therefore widely used in high-speed railways. UGWs in continuous welded rail (CWR) and their propagation characteristics have been discussed in this paper. Finite element methods (FEMs) were used to accomplish a vibration modal analysis, which is extended by a subsequent dispersion analysis. Wave structure features were illustrated by displacement profiles. It was concluded that guided waves have the ability to detect defects in the rail via choice of proper mode and frequency. Additionally, thermal conduction that is caused by temperature variation in the rail is added into modeling and simulation. The results indicated that unbalanced thermal distribution may lead to the attenuation of UGWs in the rail.
First-principle calculation of the electronic structure, DOS and effective mass TlInSe2
Authors: Ismayilova N. A. , Orudzhev G. S. , Jabarov S. H.
Published: May 2017

The electronic structure, density of states (DOS), effective mass are calculated for tetragonal TlInSe2 from first principle in the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The electronic structure of TlInSe2 has been investigated by Quantum Wise within GGA. The calculated band structure by Hartwigsen–Goedecker–Hutter (HGH) pseudopotentials (psp) shows both the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum located at the T point of the Brillouin zone. Valence band maximum at the T point and the surrounding parts originate mainly from 6s states of univalent Tl ions. Bottom of the conduction band is due to the contribution of 6p-states of Tl and 5s-states of In atoms. Calculated DOS effective mass for holes and electrons are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively. Electron effective masses are fairly isotropic, while the hole effective masses show strong anisotropy. The calculated electronic structure, density of states and DOS effective masses of TlInSe2 are in good agreement with existing theoretical and experimental results.
Fermions, loop quantum gravity and geometry
Authors: Chakravarty Nabajit , Mullick Lipika , Bandyopadhyay Pratul
Published: May 2017

We discuss here the geometry associated with the loop quantum gravity when it is considered to be generated from fermionic degrees of freedom. It is pointed out that a closed loop having the holonomy associated with the [Formula: see text] gauge group is realized from the rotation of the direction vector associated with the quantization of a fermion depicting the spin degrees of freedom. During the formation of a loop a noncyclic path with open ends can be mapped onto a closed loop when the holonomy involves [Formula: see text]-deformed gauge group [Formula: see text]. In this case, the spinorial variable attached to a node of a link is a quasispinor equipped with quasispin associated with the [Formula: see text] group. The quasispinors essentially correspond to the fermions attached to the end points of an open path in loop space. We can consider adiabatic iteration such that the quasispin associated with the [Formula: see text] group gradually evolves as the time dependent deformation parameter [Formula: see text] changes and we have the holonomy associated with the [Formula: see text] group in the limit [Formula: see text]. In this way we can have a continuous geometry developed through a sequence of [Formula: see text]-deformed holonomy-flux phase space variables which leads to a continuous gravitational field. Also it is pointed out that for a truncated general relativity given by loop quantum gravity on a fixed graph we can achieve twisted geometry and Regge geometry.
Critical mass, moment of inertia and universal relations of rapidly rotating neutron stars with exotic matter
Authors: Lenka Smruti Smita , Char Prasanta , Banik Sarmistha
Published: May 2017

We calculate moment of inertia of neutron star with different exotic constituents such as hyperons and antikaon condensates and study its variation with mass and spin frequency. The sets of equation-of-state (EoS), generated within the framework of relativistic mean field model with density-dependent couplings are adopted for the purpose. We follow the quasi-stationary evolution of rotating stars along the constant rest mass sequences, that varies considerably with different constituents in the EoS. We also explore the universal relations associated with some of the normalized properties, such as critical mass and moment of inertia for specific EoS or as a matter of fact constituents of the dense matter. Deviations in the universal relations for moment of inertia are observed at higher compactness. This study presents important results concerning the properties of neutron stars, that could be observationally verified in the near future using Square Kilometer Array telescope.
Design of new reversible quaternary flip-flops
Authors: Haghparast Majid , Dousttalab Neda
Published: May 2017

Multi-valued quantum operations have several advantages over binary operators. They decrease the number of essential data sending lines dramatically, which reduces the internal connections and thus can improve the circuit efficiency. In this paper, new reversible quaternary flip-flops are proposed which decrease the number of internal connectors and complexity of the circuits. So, the speed of circuits is increased. The implementation of synchronous sequential circuits requires memory elements. The proposed flip-flops need solely one memory element.
Ordering Thurston’s geometries by maps of nonzero degree
Authors: Neofytidis Christoforos
Published: May 2017

We obtain an ordering of closed aspherical 4-manifolds that carry a non-hyperbolic Thurston geometry. As application, we derive that the Kodaira dimension of geometric 4-manifolds is monotone with respect to the existence of maps of nonzero degree.
What Do Structures Tell Us About Chemokine Receptor Function and Antagonism?
Authors: Kufareva Irina , Gustavsson Martin , Zheng Yi , Stephens Bryan S. , Handel Tracy M.
Published: May 2017

Chemokines and their cell surface G protein–coupled receptors are critical for cell migration, not only in many fundamental biological processes but also in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Recent X-ray structures of two chemokines complexed with full-length receptors provided unprecedented insight into the atomic details of chemokine recognition and receptor activation, and computational modeling informed by new experiments leverages these insights to gain understanding of many more receptor:chemokine pairs. In parallel, chemokine receptor structures with small molecules reveal the complicated and diverse structural foundations of small molecule antagonism and allostery, highlight the inherent physicochemical challenges of receptor:chemokine interfaces, and suggest novel epitopes that can be exploited to overcome these challenges. The structures and models promote unique understanding of chemokine receptor biology, including the interpretation of two decades of experimental studies, and will undoubtedly assist future drug discovery endeavors.
Dual Polarized Dual Fed Vivaldi Antenna for Cellular Base Station Operating at 1.7–2.7 GHz
Authors: Sonkki Marko , Myllymäki Sami , Putaala Jussi , Heikkinen Eero , Haapala Tomi , Posti Harri , Jantunen Heli
Published: May 2017

The paper presents a novel dual polarized dual fed Vivaldi antenna structure for 1.7–2.7 GHz cellular bands. The radiating element is designed for a base station antenna array with high antenna performance criteria. One radiating element contains two parallel dual fed Vivaldi antennas for one polarization with 65 mm separation. Both Vivaldi antennas for one polarization are excited symmetrically. This means that the amplitudes for both antennas are equal, and the phase difference is zero. The orthogonal polarization is implemented in the same way. The dual polarized dual fed Vivaldi is positioned 15 mm ahead from the reflector to improve directivity. The antenna is designed for -14 dB impedance bandwidth (1.7–2.7 GHz) with better than 25 dB isolation between the antenna ports. The measured total efficiency is better than -0.625 dB (87%) and the antenna presents a flat, approximately 8.5 dB, gain in the direction of boresight over the operating bandwidth whose characteristics promote it among the best antennas in the field. Additionally, the measured cross polarization discrimination (XPD) is between 15 and 30 dB and the 3 dB beamwidth varies between 68° and 75° depending on the studied frequency.
Detection of MicroRNA in Hepatic Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Genotype-4 in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Demerdash Hala M. , Hussien Hend M. , Hassouna Ehab , Arida Emad A.
Published: May 2017

Background. In Egypt, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is 13.8% of whole population and about 80% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have underling hepatitis C. Aim. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic value of plasma miR-122 and miR-21 in patients with CHC, genotype-4, to detect fibrosis progression versus noninvasive indices and their diagnostic value in detection of early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methodology. A prospective study that included 180 patients, divided into 3 groups: healthy controls (group I), CHC patients (group II), and hepatitis C patients with HCC (group III); all cases were subjected to thorough clinical, radiological, and laboratory investigations. Selected biomarkers were evaluated and correlated with degree of liver damage. Results revealed that miR-122 followed by miR-21 had the highest efficiency in prediction of liver cell damage. Also, miR-21 was strongly correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha fetoprotein (α-FP) in HCC patients. Conclusions. Plasma miR-122 and miR-21 had strong correlation with degree fibrosis in HCV genotype-4 patients; consequently they can be considered as potential biomarker for early detection of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, miR-21 can be used as a potential biomarker, for early detection of HCC combined with VEGF and α-FP.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Chinese Medicine on Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chua Ka-Kit , Wong Adrian , Chan Kam-Wa , Lau Yin-Kei , Bian Zhao-Xiang , Lu Jia-Hong , Liu Liang-Feng , Chen Lei-Lei , Chan Ka-Ho , Tse Kim-Pong , Chan Anne , Song Ju-Xian , Wu Justin , Zhu Li-Xing , Mok Vincent , Li Min
Published: May 2017

Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have devastating impacts on both patients and their caregivers. Jiawei-Liujunzi Tang (JLT) has been used to treat some NMS of PD based on the Chinese medicine theory since Qing dynasty. Here we report a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, add-on clinical trial aiming at evaluating the efficacy and safety of the JLT in treating NMS in PD patients. We randomly assigned 111 patients with idiopathic PD to receive either JLT or placebo for 32 weeks. Outcome measures were baseline to week 32 changes in Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts I–IV and in NMS assessment scale for PD (NMSS). We observed improvements in the NMSS total score (p=0.019), mood/cognition (p=0.005), and reduction in hallucinations (p=0.024). In addition, post hoc analysis showed a significant reduction in constipation (p<0.001). However, there was no evidence of improvement in MDS-UPDRS Part I total score (p=0.216) at week 32. Adverse events (AEs) were mild and comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, long-term administration of JLT is well tolerated and shows significant benefits in improving NMS including mood, cognition, and constipation.
Molecular Targets and Associated Potential Pathways of Danlu Capsules in Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands Based on Systems Pharmacology
Authors: Huang Jihan , Tang Haitao , Cao Sumin , He Yingchun , Feng Yibin , Wang Kun , Zheng Qingshan
Published: May 2017

Hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) is common in middle‐aged women. Danlu capsules (DLCs) can effectively relieve pain and improve clinical symptoms and are safe for treating HMG. However, the active substances in DLCs and the molecular mechanisms of DLCs in HMG remain unclear. This study identified the bioactive compounds and delineated the molecular targets and potential pathways of DLCs by using a systems pharmacology approach. The candidate compounds were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform. Each candidate’s druggability was analyzed according to its oral bioavailability and drug‐likeness indices. The candidate proteins and genes were extracted in the TCMSP and UniProt Knowledgebase, respectively. The potential pathways associated with the genes were identified by performing gene enrichment analysis with DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7. A total of 603 compounds were obtained from DLCs, and 39 compounds and 66 targets associated with HMG were obtained. Gene enrichment analysis yielded 10 significant pathways with 34 targets. The integrated HMG pathway revealed that DLCs probably act in patients with HMG through multiple mechanisms of anti‐inflammation, analgesic effects, and hormonal regulation. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of DLCs in HMG, from the molecular level to the pathway level.
The Impact of Combining a Low-Tube Voltage Acquisition with Iterative Reconstruction on Total Iodine Dose in Coronary CT Angiography
Authors: Van Cauteren Toon , Van Gompel Gert , Tanaka Kaoru , Verdries Douwe E. , Belsack Dries , Nieboer Koenraad H. , Willekens Inneke , Evans Paul , Macholl Sven , Verfaillie Guy , Droogmans Steven , de Mey Johan , Buls Nico
Published: May 2017

Objectives. To assess the impact of combining low-tube voltage acquisition with iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques on the iodine dose in coronary CTA. Methods. Three minipigs underwent CCTA to compare a standard of care protocol with two alternative study protocols combining low-tube voltage and low iodine dose with IR. Image quality was evaluated objectively by the CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the main coronary arteries and aorta and subjectively by expert reading. Statistics were performed by Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square analysis. Results. Despite reduced iodine dose, both study protocols maintained CT values, SNR, and CNR compared to the standard of care protocol. Expert readings confirmed these findings; all scans were perceived to be of at least diagnostically acceptable quality on all evaluated parameters allowing image interpretation. No statistical differences were observed (all p values > 0.11), except for streak artifacts (p=0.02) which were considered to be more severe, although acceptable, with the 80 kVp protocol. Conclusions. Reduced tube voltage in combination with IR allows a total iodine dose reduction between 37 and 50%, by using contrast media with low iodine concentrations of 200 and 160 mg I/mL, while maintaining image quality.
A Wave Splitter with Simple Structure Based on Biaxial Anisotropic Medium
Authors: Zhang Chushun , Huang Hui , Huang Luchen , Dong Yaru , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2017

A TE/TM wave splitter based on biaxial anisotropic slab is designed. According to the total reflection and total transmission of TE/TM waves incident from isotropic medium into biaxial anisotropic medium, we propose a wave splitter with simple structure and little limitation on both constitutive parameters and incident angle. All the results are verified by simulation.
The Changes in Rats with Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury Supplemented with Evening Primrose Oil: Behavioural, Morphologic, and Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Ramli Danial , Aziz Izzuddin , Mohamad Masro , Abdulahi Dauda , Sanusi Junedah
Published: May 2017

Nerve crush injuries are commonly used models for axonotmesis to examine peripheral nerve regeneration. As evening primrose oil (EPO) is rich in omega‐6 essential fatty acid component and gamma‐linolenic acid, studies have shown the potential role of EPO in myelination. Seventy‐two healthy adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were classified into three groups: normal group, control group, and experimental group. The result indicates that there was significant difference in toe‐spreading reflex between the normal and the control groups (1.9 ± 0.031, p < 0.05) and the normal and the EPO groups (0.4 ± 0.031, p < 0.05) and significant difference between EPO and the control groups (1.5 ± 0.031, p < 0.05). Regeneration of axons and myelin in nerve fibre in the EPO‐treated group developed better and faster than in the control group. In the control group, the shape of the axon was irregular with a thinner myelin sheath. In the experimental group, the shape of the axons, the thickness of the myelin sheath, and the diameter of the axons were almost the same as in the normal group. In conclusion, EPO supplementation may be beneficial as a therapeutic option for disturbances of nerve interaction.