bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septic keratitis in dogs, cats, and horses in Switzerland: associated bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: Suter Anja , Voelter Katrin , Hartnack Sonja , Spiess Bernhard Martin , Pot Simon Anton
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the most common bacterial pathogens associated with septic keratitis in veterinary patients from Switzerland. The second objective was to analyze antibiotic susceptibility test results of the identified bacterial pathogens. The third objective was to evaluate potential breed predispositions to septic keratitis.

Procedures

Two hundred and fifty‐five cultures and antibiotic susceptibility reports from dogs, cats, and horses with septic keratitis that were presented to the University of Zurich Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Odds ratios for the risk of having a septic keratitis were estimated for all dog and cat breeds compared to the general nonbrachycephalic hospital population.

Results

Ninety‐six, 29, and 31 positive cultures were obtained from 89 canine, 28 feline, and 29 equine eyes, respectively. Repeat sampling accounted for the differences in numbers. Negative culture results were obtained in 50, 31, and 18 cases. Staphylococci and streptococci accounted for 66% of the isolates in dogs and 80% of the isolates in cats and horses.Staphylococcus spp. had a higher percentage of fluoroquinolone‐resistant isolates compared to previous reports. Brachycephalic breeds had elevated odds ratios for the presence of septic keratitis.

Conclusion

Identified bacterial pathogens and their prevalence as well as the elevated odds ratios for septic keratitis in brachycephalics are roughly consistent with previous studies. Based on systemic breakpoint data, resistance to commonly used topical antibiotics, including the second‐generation fluoroquinolones, was found.
Response to early repeat celiotomy in horses after a surgical treatment of jejunal strangulation
Authors: Bauck Anje G. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Cleary Orlaith B. , Graham Sarah , Morton Alison J. , Rötting Anna K. , Schaeffer David J. , Smith Andrew D. , Freeman David E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine the outcome after early repeat celiotomy in horses operated for jejunal strangulation.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 22) that underwent repeat celiotomy for postoperative reflux (POR) and/or postoperative colic (POC) that did not improve within 48 hours from onset after initial surgical treatment of strangulating jejunal lesions by jejunojejunostomy (n = 14) or no resection (n = 8).

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs, duration of signs before repeat surgery, surgical findings and treatment, and outcome. Survival was documented by phone call at long‐term follow‐up. The influence of POC and POR on timing of surgery were analyzed. Long‐term survival was examined by Kaplan‐Meier analyses.

Results

Repeat celiotomy was performed at a median of 57 hours after initial surgery and 16.5 hours from onset of signs, and earlier in horses with POC compared with POR (P < .05). A total of 3/22 horses were euthanatized under anesthesia. A total of 9 of 11 horses with initial jejunojejunostomy required resection of the original anastomosis due to anastomotic complications. In 8 horses without resection, second surgery included resection (4) or decompression (4). Repeat celiotomy was successful in 13/16 horses with POR. Repeat celiotomy eliminated POC in all horses (n = 9). A total of 19 horses were recovered from anesthesia and all survived to discharge. Incisional infections were diagnosed in 13/17 horses where both surgeries were performed through the same ventral median approach, and hernias developed in 4/13 infected incisions. Median survival time was 90 months.

Conclusion

Repeat celiotomy can eliminate signs of POR and/or POC, and the additional surgery does not appear to aggravate POR. Criteria for repeat celiotomy in this study could provide guidelines for managing POC and POR after surgery for jejunal strangulation.
Muscular workload of veterinary students during simulated open and laparoscopic surgery: A pilot study*
Authors: Kilkenny Jessica , Larson Dennis J. , MacCormick Mathew , Brown Stephen H. M. , Singh Ameet
Published: May 2017

Objective

To compare upper extremity muscle activity and workload between simulated open surgery, multiple port laparoscopic surgery (MLS), and single incision laparoscopic surgery (SLS) techniques in veterinary students.

Study design

Pilot study.

Population

Veterinary students (n = 10) from years 1 to 4.

Methods

Bipolar skin surface electrodes were fixed bilaterally to the forearm flexor, forearm extensor, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and upper trapezius muscles. Electromyography data were recorded during one repetition of 2 simulated surgical exercises via open surgery, MLS, and SLS. Participants completed a validated workload survey after each simulated surgical technique. Muscle activity and perceived workload were compared between surgical techniques with 1‐way ANOVAs and Fisher's LSD post hoc tests.

Results

Muscle activity during peg transfer was higher with MLS and SLS compared to simulated open surgery in the right and left forearm extensors (both P < .0001), right (P < .0001) and left biceps (P = .0005), right triceps (P = .0004), and right upper trapezius muscles (P = .0211). Similar results were found for the right and left forearm extensors (both P < .0001), right (P = .0381) and left (P = .0147) forearm flexors, right biceps (P < .0001), and right triceps (P = .0004) during a simulated suture task. Participants found laparoscopic techniques more mentally demanding, physically demanding, complex, and stressful compared to a simulated open surgical technique.

Conclusion

In veterinary students, average muscle activity and perceived workload were highest using MLS and SLS compared to an open surgical technique when performing simulated surgical exercises in a laparoscopic box trainer.
Promotion of endocytosis efficiency through an ATP‐independent mechanism at rat calyx of Held terminals
Authors: Yue Hai‐Yuan , Bieberich Erhard , Xu Jianhua
Published: May 2017

Key points

At rat calyx of Held terminals, ATP was required not only for slow endocytosis, but also for rapid phase of compensatory endocytosis.

An ATP‐independent form of endocytosis was recruited to accelerate membrane retrieval at increased activity and temperature.

ATP‐independent endocytosis primarily involved retrieval of pre‐existing membrane, which depended on Ca2+ and the activity of neutral sphingomyelinase but not clathrin‐coated pit maturation.

ATP‐independent endocytosis represents a non‐canonical mechanism that can efficiently retrieve membrane at physiological conditions without competing for the limited ATP at elevated neuronal activity.

Neurotransmission relies on membrane endocytosis to maintain vesicle supply and membrane stability. Endocytosis has been generally recognized as a major ATP‐dependent function, which efficiently retrieves more membrane at elevated neuronal activity when ATP consumption within nerve terminals increases drastically. This paradox raises the interesting question of whether increased activity recruits ATP‐independent mechanism(s) to accelerate endocytosis at the same time as preserving ATP availability for other tasks. To address this issue, we studied ATP requirement in three typical forms of endocytosis at rat calyx of Held terminals by whole‐cell membrane capacitance measurements. At room temperature, blocking ATP hydrolysis effectively abolished slow endocytosis and rapid endocytosis but only partially inhibited excess endocytosis following intense stimulation. The ATP‐independent endocytosis occurred at calyces from postnatal days 8–15, suggesting its existence before and after hearing onset. This endocytosis was not affected by a reduction of exocytosis using the light chain of botulinum toxin C, nor by block of clathrin‐coat maturation. It was abolished by EGTA, which preferentially blocked endocytosis of retrievable membrane pre‐existing at the surface, and was impaired by oxidation of cholesterol and inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase. ATP‐independent endocytosis became more significant at 34–35°C, and recovered membrane by an amount that, on average, was close to exocytosis. The results of the present study suggest that activity and temperature recruit ATP‐independent endocytosis of pre‐existing membrane (in addition to ATP‐dependent endocytosis) to efficiently retrieve membrane at nerve terminals. This less understood endocytosis represents a non‐canonical mechanism regulated by lipids such as cholesterol and sphingomyelinase.
Aspirations Through Association: Using Athletics to Enhance Institutional Prestige
Authors: Fuller Rhema D. , Berg Brennan K. , Hutchinson Michael
Published: May 2017

Increasingly, sport managers are attempting to use athletics to positively affect their colleges' and universities' prestige. To highlight this contemporary issue, this case study presents an athletic director, Dwight Stanley, who has to give a recommendation on whether his institution should maintain its membership in the NJCAA or pursue membership in another athletic association, namely the NAIA or NCAA DIII.This case study is designed to capture the tension sport managers face as they encounter complex decisions. Accordingly, each membership option is presented with its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its supporters and detractors.Consequently, students will be required to critically assess a variety of factors to determine the institution's most feasible course of action. Given the popularity of careers within intercollegiate athletics, this case study provides an excellent way for students to engage in considering the complexities of such positions.Additionally, though the case study is presented within the context of intercollegiate athletics, the analytical process required to select a course of action is transferable to other segments of the sport industry.
Streptococcus bovisprosthetic valve endocarditis associated with silent colonic carcinoma
Authors: Elzein Fatehi E , Akhtar M Yasin , Khairallah Hatim , Albenmousa Ali
Published: May 2017

A 75-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a 3-month history of fever. Of note, she had a bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement 1 year prior to admission.Streptococcus boviswas isolated from three sets of blood cultures. An echocardiogram showed a flickering mass attached to the bioprosthesis. Her blood culture became sterile by the fourth day of ceftriaxone therapy. In spite of the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, screening colonoscopy revealed an invasive colonic adenocarcinoma. The association linkingS. bovisendocarditis and colonic tumours is well recognised. However, despite early reports of this association by Kleinet alin 1979, a large number of practising physicians remain unaware of this phenomenon. This lack of awareness results in lost opportunities for early diagnosis and, consequently, improved outcome in such patients. Our report emphasises this association in an area with a low incidence ofS. bovisendocarditis.
Osteolytic lesions: osteitis fibrosa cystica in the setting of severe primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Jervis Lee , James Matthew , Howe Warwick , Richards Stephen
Published: May 2017

A 58-year-old female patient presented with several weeks history of significant bilateral knee pain. Initial knee radiographs demonstrated lucencies of the bony cortex while extensive osteolytic lesions on a routine chest radiograph were suggestive of multiple myeloma or bony metastases. Biochemical investigation revealed primary hyperparathyroidism with renal insufficiency. A parathyroid adenoma was demonstrated on a neck ultrasound and sestamibi scan and subsequently confirmed by histology. We illustrate a case of primary hyperparathyroidism with osteitis fibrosa cystica and brown tumours which were initially mistaken for malignant disease.
An Eocene brontothere and tillodonts (Mammalia) from British Columbia, and their paleoenvironments
Authors: Eberle Jaelyn J. , Greenwood David R.
Published: May 2017

We describe Eocene fossils of the tillodont Trogosus from the Allenby Formation in Princeton, British Columbia (B.C.), as well as teeth of Brontotheriina from the lower Australian Creek Formation near Quesnel, B.C. These fossils represent the only occurrence of Tillodontia and Brontotheriidae in B.C. Further, the presence of the largest species of Trogosus — T. latidens — as well as a smaller species identified only as Trogosus sp. supports a late early – early middle Eocene (Bridgerian) age for the Vermilion Bluffs Shale of the Allenby Formation. Based on their morphology and large size, the teeth referred here to Brontotheriina represent one of the larger, more derived brontothere genera, and suggest a Uintan–Chadronian (middle–late Eocene) age range for the lower Australian Creek Formation that is consistent with radiometric ages of underlying volcanic rocks. Paleobotanical data from sediments correlative to those that produced these Eocene mammal fossils suggest they inhabited forested landscapes interspersed with swamps and open water environments, under mild and wet temperate climates (mean annual temperature (MAT) ∼10–16 °C; cold month mean temperature (CMMT) −4–4 °C; mean annual precipitation (MAP) >100 cm/year). These mixed conifer–broadleaf forests included tree genera typical of modern eastern North American forests (e.g., Tsuga, Acer, Fagus, and Sassafras), together with genera today restricted to east Asia (e.g., Metasequoia, Cercidiphyllum, Dipteronia, and Pterocarya). The paleobotanical evidence is consistent with the hypothesized habitats of both tillodonts and brontotheres.
Climate-induced trends in predator–prey synchrony differ across life-history stages of an anadromous salmonid
Authors: Bell Donovan A. , Kovach Ryan P. , Vulstek Scott C. , Joyce John E. , Tallmon David A.
Published: May 2017

Differential climate-induced shifts in phenology can create mismatches between predators and prey, but few studies have examined predator–prey mismatch across multiple life-history stages. We used long-term data from a warming stream with shifting salmonid migration timings to quantify intra-annual migration synchrony between predatory Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and Pacific salmon prey and examined how predator–prey synchrony has been influenced by climate change. We demonstrate that Dolly Varden have become increasingly mismatched with spring downstream migrations of abundant pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) juveniles. However, Dolly Varden have remained matched with fall upstream migrations of spawning Pacific salmon, including coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka), and pink salmon. Downstream predator–prey migration synchrony decreased over time and with higher temperatures, particularly with pink salmon. In contrast, upstream migration synchrony was temporally stable and increased with rising temperatures. Differing trends in Dolly Varden predator–prey synchrony may be explained by the direct use of salmon to cue upstream migration, but not downstream migration. Overall, we show that climate change can have differing impacts on predator–prey synchrony across life-history stages.
Equidistribution problems in complex dynamics of higher dimension
Authors: Dinh Tien-Cuong , Sibony Nessim
Published: May 2017

Equidistribution of the orbits of points, subvarieties or of periodic points in complex dynamics is a fundamental problem. It is often related to strong ergodic properties of the dynamical system and to a deep understanding of analytic cycles, or more generally positive closed currents, of arbitrary dimension and degree. The later topic includes the study of the potentials and super-potentials of positive closed currents, their intersection with or without dimension excess. In this paper, we will survey some results and tools developed during the last two decades. Related concepts, new techniques and open problems will be presented.
Exact Lagrangian cobordism and pseudo-isotopy
Authors: Suárez Lara Simone
Published: May 2017

We show that under some topological assumptions, an exact Lagrangian cobordism [Formula: see text] of dimension [Formula: see text] is a Lagrangian pseudo-isotopy. This result is a weaker form of a conjecture proposed by Biran and Cornea, which states that any exact Lagrangian cobordism is Hamiltonian isotopic to a Lagrangian suspension.
Finiteness theorems for holomorphic mapping from products of hyperbolic Riemann surfaces
Authors: Divakaran Divakaran , Janardhanan Jaikrishnan
Published: May 2017

We prove that the space of dominant/non-constant holomorphic mappings from a product of hyperbolic Riemann surfaces of finite type into certain hyperbolic manifolds that can be covered by a bounded domain is a finite set.
INFORMAL INSTITUTIONS AND LOCAL PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN RURAL CHINA
Authors: DOU JIANGLI , YE BING
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we empirically investigate the impact of informal institutions on local public investment in rural China. We find that lineage groups have a significant effect on local public investment (per capita investment in irrigation, schools, roads, etc.): One clan is good for local public goods investment, while two or more clans in a village have a negative effect. The effect is increasing with the coverage of the largest clan. The evidence on religious groups is mixed.
Object Localization on Natural Scenes: A Survey
Authors: Choudhuri Sandipan , Das Nibaran , Sarkhel Ritesh , Nasipuri Mita
Published: May 2017

Object localization is one of the inherent tasks of computer vision. It plays an intrinsic role in object detection tasks that initiate with a recognition procedure of figuring out the presence of single/multiple instances of objects of interest in a given image. It involves determination of precise locations of object instances. This paper presents an overview of some of the popularly used approaches to the object localization problem, involving efficient branch-and-bound strategy for sub-window search, super-pixel neighborhood information based approach, boosted local structured Histogram of Oriented Gradients-Local Binary Patterns (HOG-LBP) based strategy, multi-instance learning based weakly supervised object localization, object localization by utilizing deep networks and image tag based object localization. The performance of the mentioned approaches have been compared on the basis of their results on PASCAL-VOC 2007 dataset.
Semi-Automatic Analysis for Unidimensional Immunoblot Images to Discriminate Breast Cancer Cases Using Time Series Data Mining
Authors: Sánchez-Silva Diana M. , Acosta-Mesa Héctor G. , Romo-González Tania
Published: May 2017

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of death in adult women worldwide and the best way to reduce mortality and improve prognosis is through early diagnosis. Thus, it is necessary to optimize diagnostic methods; one option could be the automatic detection of patterns in 1D-II. In that respect, through recent analysis of unidimensional Immunoblot Images (1D-II), it was possible to distinguish between women with and without breast disease using as a discrimination criterion the presence of autoantibodies (bands) in their blood. However, the analysis of 1D-II is a difficult task even for an expert, generating great subjectivity and complexity in the process of interpretation.

In the present study, a semi-automatic methodology for the bands’ analysis contained in the 1D-II’s was implemented and evaluated, the bands were extracted using digital image processing techniques. This was possible through the recognition of banding patterns represented as time series to distinguish between three classes: women with breast cancer (BC), women with benign breast pathology (BBP) and women without breast pathology (H). The classification was performed using the machine learning algorithm k-nearest neighbors (KNN) with different parameters over the time series representation.

The semi-automatic method here presented was able to reduce the time, complexity and subjectivity of the image analysis with the performance metrics compared, obtaining similar percentages for both representations. With the traditional analysis, binary representation [Accuracy 72.8%, Precision 73.42% for three classes (BC, BBP and H) and Accuracy 90.91% Accuracy 92.55% Sensitivity 93.57% and Specificity 92.99% for two classes (BC and H)], versus Time series representation [Accuracy 66.4%, Precision 67.07% for three classes (BC, BBP and H) and Accuracy 86.36% Accuracy 87.31% Sensitivity 95.86% and Specificity 85.56% for two classes (BC and H)].
Is Texture Denoising Efficiency Predictable?
Authors: Rubel Oleksii , Lukin Vladimir , Abramov Sergey , Vozel Benoit , Pogrebnyak Oleksiy , Egiazarian Karen
Published: May 2017

Images of different origin contain textures, and textural features in such regions are frequently employed in pattern recognition, image classification, information extraction, etc. Noise often present in analyzed images might prevent a proper solution of basic tasks in the aforementioned applications and is worth suppressing. This is not an easy task since even the most advanced denoising methods destroy texture in a more or less degree while removing noise. Thus, it is desirable to predict the filtering behavior before any denoising is applied. This paper studies the efficiency of texture image denoising for different noise intensities and several filter types under different visual quality criteria (quality metrics). It is demonstrated that the most efficient existing filters provide very similar results. From the obtained results, it is possible to generalize and employ the prediction strategy earlier proposed for denoising techniques based on the discrete cosine transform. Accuracy of such a prediction is studied and the ways to improve it are considered. Some practical recommendations concerning a decision to undertake whether it is worth applying a filter are given.
On intersections of conjugate subgroups
Authors: Gitik Rita
Published: May 2017

We define a new invariant of a conjugacy class of subgroups which we call the breadth and prove that a quasiconvex subgroup of a negatively curved group has finite breadth in the ambient group. Utilizing the coset graph and the geodesic core of a subgroup we give an explicit algorithm for constructing a finite generating set for an intersection of a quasiconvex subgroup of a negatively curved group with its conjugate. Using that algorithm we construct algorithms for computing the breadth, the width, and the height of a quasiconvex subgroup of a negatively curved group. These algorithms decide if a quasiconvex subgroup of a negatively curved group is almost malnormal in the ambient group. We also explicitly compute a quasiconvexity constant of the intersection of two quasiconvex subgroups and give examples demonstrating that height, width, and breadth are different invariants of a subgroup.
Cohomology of idempotent braidings with applications to factorizable monoids
Authors: Lebed Victoria
Published: May 2017

We develop new methods for computing the Hochschild (co)homology of monoids which can be presented as the structure monoids of idempotent set-theoretic solutions to the Yang–Baxter equation. These include free and symmetric monoids; factorizable monoids, for which we find a generalization of the Künneth formula for direct products; and plactic monoids. Our key result is an identification of the (co)homologies in question with those of the underlying YBE solutions, via the explicit quantum symmetrizer map. This partially answers questions of Farinati–García-Galofre and Dilian Yang. We also obtain new structural results on the (co)homology of general YBE solutions.
A twisted link invariant derived from a virtual link invariant
Authors: Kamada Naoko
Published: May 2017

Virtual knot theory is a generalization of knot theory which is based on Gauss chord diagrams and link diagrams on closed oriented surfaces. A twisted knot is a generalization of a virtual knot, which corresponds to a link diagram on a possibly non-orientable surface. In this paper, we discuss an invariant of twisted links which is obtained from the JKSS invariant of virtual links by use of double coverings. We also discuss some properties of double covering diagrams.
Minimal sufficient sets of colors and minimum number of colors
Authors: Ge Jun , Jin Xian’an , Kauffman Louis H. , Lopes Pedro , Zhang Lianzhu
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we first investigate the minimal sufficient sets of colors for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For odd prime [Formula: see text] and any [Formula: see text]-colorable link [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], we give alternative proofs of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. We also elaborate on equivalence classes of sets of distinct colors (on a given modulus) and prove that there are two such classes of five colors modulo [Formula: see text], and only one such class of five colors modulo 13.
Infinitely many prime knots with the same Alexander invariants
Authors: Kauffman Louis H. , Lopes Pedro
Published: May 2017

We revisit the issue of the existence of infinitely many distinct prime knots with the same Alexander invariant. We present infinitely many distinct families, each family made up of infinitely many distinct knots. Within each family, the Alexander invariant is the same. Unlike, other examples in the literature, ours are elementary and based on a sub-collection of pretzel knots with three tassels.
Reconstruction of ΛCDM expansion in nonlocal gravity
Authors: Roobiat K. Y. , Pazhouhesh R.
Published: May 2017

We developed the nonlocal model recently published by Maggiore and Mancarella by introducing a new function [Formula: see text]. This modification allows us to obtain a new analytical solution in the hyperbolic tangent form for the nonlocal distortion function. This model gives rise to an expansion history behaving exactly as [Formula: see text]CDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) with the same matter content, but without any need to neither cosmological constant nor dark energy. However, background evolution in our model and [Formula: see text]CDM are the same, but the results may be distinguishable in structure formation investigations or in light of new observations that probably contain additional information more than the background evolution.
Classical and quantum aspects of particle propagation in external gravitational fields
Authors: Papini Giorgio
Published: May 2017

In the study of covariant wave equations, linear gravity manifests itself through the metric deviation [Formula: see text] and a two-point vector potential [Formula: see text] itself constructed from [Formula: see text] and its derivatives. The simultaneous presence of the two gravitational potentials is noncontradictory. Particles also assume the character of quasiparticles and [Formula: see text] carries information about the matter with which it interacts. We consider the influence of [Formula: see text] on the dispersion relations of the particles involved, the particles’ motion, quantum tunneling through a horizon, radiation, energy–momentum dissipation and flux quantization.
EFFECTIVE PERMEABILITY OF FRACTURED POROUS MEDIA WITH FRACTAL DUAL-POROSITY MODEL
Authors: XU PENG , LIU HAICHENG , SASMITO AGUS PULUNG , QIU SHUXIA , LI CUIHONG
Published: May 2017

As natural fractures show statistically fractal scaling laws, fractal geometry has been proposed and applied to model the fracture geometry and to study the hydraulic properties of fractured porous media. In this paper, a fractal dual-porosity model is developed to study the single-phase fluid flow through fractured porous media. An analytical expression for effective permeability of fractured porous media is derived, which depends on the fractal dimension and fracture aperture. The effect of fractal dimensions for fracture aperture distribution and tortuosity, the ratio of minimum to maximum fracture apertures and fracture fraction on the effective permeability have been discussed. In addition, a power law relationship between the effective permeability and fracture fraction is proposed to predict the equivalent hydraulic properties of fractured porous media. Compared with empirical formulas for effective permeability, the present fractal dual-porosity model can capture the statistical characteristics of fractures and shed light on the transport mechanism of fractured porous media.
COMPARATIVE STRESS ANALYSIS OF LINGUALIZED AND CONVENTIONAL BALANCED OCCLUSION SCHEMES IN A FULL-ARCH FIXED IMPLANT PROSTHESIS USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: ABU HASAN MD , SHIAKOLAS PANOS S.
Published: May 2017

This study compares the biomechanical behavior of a mandibular full-arch fixed implant prosthesis with four implants under lingualized and conventional balanced occlusion schemes. The acrylic resin denture was supported by four titanium cylindrical implants and connected via a titanium prosthetic rectangular bar. Orthotropic material was used for the cortical and cancellous bones. The applied loadings were vertical and bilateral: 100[Formula: see text]N on first molar and 50[Formula: see text]N on first and second premolars each. For the lingualized balanced occlusion, the loadings were applied in central fossae of the posterior teeth, whereas for the conventional balanced occlusion the loadings were applied in central fossae and buccal cusps. The maximum von-Mises stresses for the lingualized and conventional balanced schemes were 301[Formula: see text]MPa and 25[Formula: see text]MPa, respectively, and were located at the neck of the posterior implants. In the denture teeth, the highest stress was located at the beginning of the cantilever extension. In the cortical bone, according to Tsai–Wu criterion, the failure index for the lingualized balanced occlusion was 1.10 and for the conventional balanced occlusion was 0.83. Thus, the conventional balanced occlusion demonstrated more favorable stress distribution in the implants and the cortical bone than the lingualized balanced occlusion.
The PCA index for measuring functional diversity and its application to Juglans mandshurica communities in the Beijing mountains, China
Authors: Song Naiqi , Zhang Jin-Tun , Zhao Fenggu
Published: May 2017

Methods for measuring functional diversity are essential for functional studies of plant communities. A useful method, the PCA index, based on principal component analysis ordination of functional trait data was introduced and applied to functional diversity analysis of Juglans mandshurica communities in the Beijing Mountains. Thirty-five [Formula: see text] quadrats were established in Juglans mandshurica communities. Species composition, functional traits and environmental factors were measured and recorded. The four common indices, FAD, MFAD, FDp and FDc, were used and compared with the PCA index in the analysis. The results showed that the PCA index was successful in quantifying functional diversity and describing its relationships with environmental variables; therefore, it was an effective index in functional diversity analyses. Functional diversity in Juglans mandshuricacommunities varied widely. Elevation and aspect were the key factors affecting functional diversity in communities. Functional diversity increased with elevation increases and with the change in aspect from North to South. Functional diversity was significantly correlated with species richness and heterogeneity.
Global stability for an influenza transmission model incorporating human mobility behavior
Authors: Cai Yongli , Wang Weiming
Published: May 2017

A recent paper [W. D. Wang, Modeling adaptive behavior in influenza transmission, Math. Model. Nat. Phenom. 7(3) (2012) 253–262] presented the local stability of the endemic equilibrium [Formula: see text] of an influenza transmission model incorporating human mobility behavior. In the present paper, we prove that [Formula: see text] is globally stable if the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text].
Blow-up for the solutions to nonlinear parabolic–elliptic system modeling chemotaxis
Authors: Huang Ziqian , Zhu Junming
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study the blow-up solutions for the simplified Keller–Segel system modeling chemotaxis. We prove that there is the occurrence of [Formula: see text] blow-up to the radially symmetric solutions. We also prove that blow-up occur only at the point [Formula: see text].
Numerical solutions of stochastic Fisher equation to study migration and population behavior in biological invasion
Authors: Singh S. , Saha Ray S.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, numerical solutions of the stochastic Fisher equation have been obtained by using a semi-implicit finite difference scheme. The samples for the Wiener process have been obtained from cylindrical Wiener process and Q-Wiener process. Stability and convergence of the proposed finite difference scheme have been discussed scrupulously. The sample paths obtained from cylindrical Wiener process and Q-Wiener process have also been shown graphically.
Ulam–Hyers Stability of Integrodifferential Equations in Banach Spaces via Pachpatte’s Inequality
Authors: Kucche Kishor D. , Shikhare Pallavi U.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, Pachpatte’s inequality is employed to discuss the Ulam–Hyers stabilities for Volterra integrodifferential equations and Volterra delay integrodifferential equations in Banach spaces on both finite and infinite intervals. Examples are given to show the applicability of our obtained results.
On Optimal Options Book Execution Strategies with Market Impact
Authors: Kalife Aymeric , Mouti Saad
Published: May 2017

We consider the optimal execution of a book of options when market impact is a driver of the option price. We aim at minimizing the mean-variance risk criterion for a given market impact function. First, we develop a framework to justify the choice of our market impact function. Our model is inspired from Leland’s option replication with transaction costs where the market impact is directly part of the implied volatility function. The option price is then expressed through a Black– Scholes-like PDE with a modified implied volatility directly dependent on the market impact. We set up a stochastic control framework and solve an Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation using finite differences methods. The expected cost problem suggests that the optimal execution strategy is characterized by a convex increasing trading speed, in contrast to the equity case where the optimal execution strategy results in a rather constant trading speed. However, in such mean valuation framework, the underlying spot price does not seem to affect the agent’s decision. By taking the agent risk aversion into account through a mean-variance approach, the strategy becomes more sensitive to the underlying price evolution, urging the agent to trade faster at the beginning of the strategy.
Expression Status of PIWIL1 as a Prognostic Marker of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sun Rui , Gao Chun-li , Li Dong-hai , Li Bo-jun , Ding Yan-hong
Published: May 2017

The PIWI-like protein 1 (PIWIL1) plays a crucial role in stem cell proliferation, embryogenesis, growth, and development, as well as differentiation and maturation in multiple organisms. The relationships between PIWIL1 expression and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were analyzed by us. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox’s proportional hazards model. The high expression rate of PIWIL1 in the cancer tissue was obviously higher than that in the corresponding adjacent tissue. The expression of PIWIL1 was closely related to the tumor differentiation degree, infiltration depth, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. The Kaplan-Meier survival model suggested that the survival time of CRC patients in the high PIWIL1 expression group was notably lower than that in the low PIWIL1 expression group. High PIWIL1 expression suggests a poor prognosis for CRC patients, and PIWIL1 can serve as an important molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of CRC patients.
Investigation of Velocity Distribution in Open Channel Flows Based on Conditional Average of Turbulent Structures
Authors: Han Yu , Yang Shu-Qing , Sivakumar Muttucumaru , Qiu Liu-Chao
Published: May 2017

We report the development of a new analytical model similar to the Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations to determine the distribution of streamwise velocity by considering the bursting phenomenon. It is found that, in two‐dimensional (2D) flows, the underlying mechanism of the wake law in 2D uniform flow is actually a result of up/down events. A special experiment was conducted to examine the newly derived analytical model, and good agreement is achieved between the experimental data in the inner region and the model’s prediction. The obtained experimental data were also used to examine the DML‐Law (dip‐modified‐log‐law), MLW‐Law (modified‐log‐wake law), and CML‐Law (Cole’s wake law), and the agreement is not very satisfactory in the outer region.
Erchen Decoction and Linguizhugan Decoction Ameliorate Hepatic Insulin Resistance by Inhibiting IRS‐1Ser307 Phosphorylation In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Huicun , Ta Na , Chen Pengmin , Wang Hongbing
Published: May 2017

Erchen decoction (ECD) and Linguizhugan decoction (LGZGD), both are Chinese herbal formula, have been used clinically for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, their therapeutic mechanisms are still unclear. Because insulin resistance (IR) is a key etiological factor in the pathology of high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced NAFLD, in this study, the protective effects of ECD and LGZGD on HFD‐induced insulin resistance in rats were evaluated and their mechanisms were investigated by OGTT and Western blot. The results showed that treatment with ECD and LGZGD significantly improved insulin resistance and liver damage in rats, evidenced by supported serum aminotransferase levels and the histopathological examination. ECD and LGZGD also showed significant protective effects against HFD‐induced hyperlipidemia and the inhibition of the hepatocyte proliferation by palmitate. Furthermore, supplementation of ECD and LGZGD decreased TNF‐α, NF‐κB, and IRS‐1Ser307 phosphorylation expressions in vivo and in vitro. These results indicated that ECD and LGZGD have protective effects against HFD‐induced liver IR and their underlying mechanisms involve the TNF‐α and insulin pathway. These findings would be beneficial for understanding of the therapeutic effects of ECD and LGZGD in treatment of NAFLD.
The Application of Internal Suspension Technique in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Ventral Tumors
Authors: Zhong Wenlong , Du Yicong , Zhang Lei , Li Xuesong , Zhang Cuijian , Fang Dong , Xiong Gengyan , He Zhisong , Zhou Liqun
Published: May 2017

Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of an internal suspension technique in retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for the management of renal ventral tumors. Methods. Between January 2013 and July 2016, a total of 145 patients underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with or without internal suspension technique. For patients who underwent internal suspension technique, the surgeons preserved the external fat of the renal tumor as a suspension traction measure when separating the kidney. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed according to age, gender, body mass index, tumor size, tumor location, and RENAL nephrometry score. Patient characteristics and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results. After PSM, 32 patients treated with the internal suspension technique were compared with 32 cases treated without such technique. Baseline characteristics were statistically similar for the cohorts. The use of our new technique resulted in shorter warm ischemia time (WIT: 15.0 versus 19.0 minutes, P=.002) and tumor resection time (4.0 versus 7.5 minutes, P<0.001). The rate of WIT >25 minutes decreased (6.3% versus 25%, P=.04) and the trifecta outcomes were significantly improved (87.5% versus 62.5%, P=.02). Conclusion. Internal suspension technique is a feasible and safe procedure in retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal ventral tumors.
Antitumor Effect of KML-B-Treated Dendritic Cells via Induction of Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Kim Jong-Jin , Hwang Yun-Ho , Kang Kyung-Yun , Lee Sung-Ju , Kim Jong-Bae , Choi Jina , Yee Sung-Tae
Published: May 2017

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with various biological activities, such as antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. Although lectins have various biological activities, they are still limited by cytotoxicity in normal cells. To overcome this problem, we used the noncytotoxic part of Korean mistletoe lectin B-chain (KML-B) to induce maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). A previous study reported that KML-B induces DC maturation by triggering TLR-4, including expression of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, and CD86), MHC II, and secretion of cytokines in DCs. Additionally, matured DCs by KML-B induced T helper (Th) cell activation and differentiation toward Th1 cells. However, the interaction of KML-B-treated DCs with CD8+ T cells is still poorly understood. In this study, we confirmed the ability of matured DCs by KML-B to stimulate cytotoxic T cells using OT-1 mouse-derived CD8+ T cells. KML-B induced MHC I expression in DCs, stimulation of CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation, and IFN-γ secretion. Moreover, tumor sizes were reduced by KML-B treatment during vaccination of OVA257−264-pulsed DCs. Here, we confirmed induction of CD8+ T cell activation and the antitumor effect of KML-B treatment in DCs.
Logging Characteristics and Identification Methods of Low Resistivity Oil Layer: Upper Cretaceous of the Third Member of Qingshankou Formation, Daqingzijing Area, Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Feng Congjun , Gingras Murray , Sun Mengsi , Wang Bing
Published: May 2017

This study focuses on low resistivity thick layer sandstone in the X~XII groups of the third member of Qingshankou Formation at Daqingzijing oilfield, along with comprehensive data of logging, core, oil test, and production test. Based on the current data, we characterized the logs of low resistivity thick-layer sandstone, quantitatively identified calcareous sandstone and low resistivity reservoir, predicted the reservoir thickness, and further explored the causes of low resistivity reservoir of the region. The resistivity of thick layer sandstone in the X~XII groups of Qingshankou Formation can be classified into low amplitude logfacies, middle amplitude logfacies, and sharp high amplitude logfacies. Sharp high amplitude logfacies sandstone is the tight sandstone of the calcareous cementation. Low amplitude logfacies sandstone is water layer. For the middle amplitude logfacies sandstone, water layer or oil-water layer can be identified with the identification standard. Low amplitude structure, high clay content, high irreducible water saturation, and high formation water salinity are attributed to the origin of low resistivity oil layer.
DJC Suppresses Advanced Glycation End Products‐Induced JAK‐STAT Signaling and ROS in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Sun Min , Li Yan , Bu Wenjie , Zhao Jindong , Zhu Jianliang , Gu Lingling , Zhang Pingping , Fang Zhaohui
Published: May 2017

The antidiabetic properties and anti‐inflammatory effects of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules (DJC) have been demonstrated in clinical and laboratory experiments. In this study, we explored whether DJC can ameliorate advanced glycation end products‐ (AGEs‐) mediated cell injury and the precise mechanisms of DJC in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). Western blot analysis was employed to assess the expressions of iNOS, COX2, and SOCS and the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT1, and STAT3 in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) after treatment with DJC. TNF‐α, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 were determined using double‐antibody sandwich ELISA. ROS and NADPH oxidase activity were measured by DCFH‐DA assay and lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence, respectively. DJC significantly reversed the AGEs‐induced expression of COX2 and iNOS. Moreover, DJC inhibited the AGEs‐induced JAK2‐STAT1/STAT3 activation, resulting in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6, MCP‐1, and TNF‐α in a concentration‐dependent manner. The ability of DJC to suppress STAT activation was also verified by the observation that DJC significantly increased the SOCS3 protein level. DJC reversed the AGEs‐induced accumulation of ROS and NADPH oxidase activity, thus confirming that DJC possesses antioxidant activity. The results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory effects of DJC in GMCs may be due to its ability to suppress the JAK2‐STAT1/STAT3 cascades and reduce ROS production.
Different Cognitive Profiles of Patients with Severe Aphasia
Authors: Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Spaccavento Simona , Craca Angela , Marangolo Paola , Angelelli Paola
Published: May 2017

Cognitive dysfunction frequently occurs in aphasic patients and primarily compromises linguistic skills. However, patients suffering from severe aphasia show heterogeneous performance in basic cognition. Our aim was to characterize the cognitive profiles of patients with severe aphasia and to determine whether they also differ as to residual linguistic abilities. We examined 189 patients with severe aphasia with standard language tests and with the CoBaGA (Cognitive Test Battery for Global Aphasia), a battery of nonverbal tests that assesses a wide range of cognitive domains such as attention, executive functions, intelligence, memory, visual-auditory recognition, and visual-spatial abilities. Twenty patients were also followed longitudinally in order to assess their improvement in cognitive skills after speech therapy. Three different subgroups of patients with different types and severity of cognitive impairment were evidenced. Subgroups differed as to residual linguistic skills, in particular comprehension and reading-writing abilities. Attention, reasoning, and executive functions improved after language rehabilitation. This study highlights the importance of an extensive evaluation of cognitive functions in patients with severe aphasia.
The Referral System between Primary and Secondary Health Care in Saudi Arabia for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Senitan Mohammed , Alhaiti Ali Hassan , Gillespie James , Alotaibi Badar Faiz , Lenon George Binh
Published: May 2017

Background.In Saudi Arabia, the mortality of diabetes is currently reported at 6%. A well-administered referral system is crucial in aiding the management of this disease.Method.A single reviewer employed a systematic approach to searching the literature databases with regard to the question: what are the attributes of referral systems in Saudi Arabia for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)? The results were analysed in order to provide recommendations to improve the Saudi health system.Results.Twelve primary studies were identified from a systematic search. Overall, the 12 studies did not clearly mention any of the factors of a good referral system. The referral problems identified by this study included patients’ unnecessary requests for referral, unstructured referral letters, and unclear dissemination guidelines for referral.Conclusions.This research attempted to identify the efficiency of the referral processes that were implemented for patients with T2D. The majority of the included studies were completely silent on the main referral factors for patients. If this review is representative of the referral system in Saudi Arabia, then, in the context of T2D, current referrals are unsafe. Further research on the quality of the referral system, taking into account at least some of the WHO referral guidelines, is required.