bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refuting the myth of non‐response to exercise training: ‘non‐responders’ do respond to higher dose of training
Authors: Montero David , Lundby Carsten
Published: January 2017

Key points

The prevalence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) non‐response gradually declines in healthy individuals exercising 60, 120, 180, 240 or 300 min per week for 6 weeks.

Following a successive identical 6‐week training period but comprising 120 min of additional exercise per week, CRF non‐response is universally abolished.

The magnitude of CRF improvement is primarily attributed to changes in haemoglobin mass.

The potential for CRF improvement may be present and unveiled with appropriate exercise training stimuli in healthy individuals without exception.

One in five adults following physical activity guidelines are reported to not demonstrate any improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Herein, we sought to establish whether CRF non‐response to exercise training is dose‐dependent, using a between‐ and within‐subject study design. Seventy‐eight healthy adults were divided into five groups (1–5) respectively comprising one, two, three, four and five 60 min exercise sessions per week but otherwise following an identical 6‐week endurance training (ET) programme. Non‐response was defined as any change in CRF, determined by maximal incremental exercise power output (Wmax), within the typical error of measurement (±3.96%). Participants classified as non‐responders after the ET intervention completed a successive 6‐week ET period including two additional exercise sessions per week. Maximal oxygen consumption (), haematology and muscle biopsies were assessed prior to and after each ET period. After the first ET period, Wmax increased (P < 0.05) in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5, but not 1. In groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 69%, 40%, 29%, 0% and 0% of individuals, respectively, were non‐responders. After the second ET period, non‐response was eliminated in all individuals. The change in with exercise training independently determined Wmax response (partial correlation coefficient, rpartial ≥ 0.74, P < 0.001). In turn, total haemoglobin mass was the strongest independent determinant of (rpartial = 0.49, P < 0.001). In conclusion, individual CRF non‐response to exercise training is abolished by increasing the dose of exercise and primarily a function of haematological adaptations in oxygen‐carrying capacity.
T‐type calcium channels contribute to NMDA receptor independent synaptic plasticity in hippocampal regular‐spiking oriens‐alveus interneurons
Authors: Nicholson Elizabeth , Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: January 2017

Key points

Regular‐spiking interneurons in the hippocampal stratum oriens exhibit a form of long‐term potentiation of excitatory transmission that is independent of NMDA receptors but requires co‐activation of Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors.

We show that T‐type Ca2+ channels are present in such interneurons.

Blockade of T‐type currents prevents the induction of long‐term potentiation, and also interferes with long‐lasting potentiation induced either by postsynaptic trains of action potentials or by pairing postsynaptic hyperpolarization with activation of group I metabotropic receptors.

Several Ca2+ sources thus converge on the induction of NMDA receptor independent synaptic plasticity.

NMDA receptor independent long‐term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal stratum oriens‐alveus (O/A) interneurons requires co‐activation of postsynaptic group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors. The rectification properties of such AMPA receptors contribute to the preferential induction of LTP at hyperpolarized potentials. A persistent increase in excitatory transmission can also be triggered by exogenous activation of group I mGluRs at the same time as the interneuron is hyperpolarized, or by postsynaptic trains of action potentials in the absence of presynaptic stimulation. In the present study, we identify low‐threshold transient (T‐type) channels as a further source of Ca2+ that contributes to synaptic plasticity. T‐type Ca2+ currents were detected in mouse regular‐spiking O/A interneurons. Blocking T‐type currents pharmacologically prevented LTP induced by high‐frequency stimulation of glutamatergic axons, or by application of the group I mGluR agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine, paired with postsynaptic hyperpolarization. T‐type current blockade also prevented synaptic potentiation induced by postsynaptic action potential trains. Several sources of Ca2+ thus converge on NMDA receptor independent LTP induction in O/A interneurons.
Prediction of Flame Burning Velocity at Early Flame Development Time With High Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Spark Advance
Authors: Lian H. , Martz J. B. , Maldonado B. P. , Stefanopoulou A. G. , Zaseck K. , Wilkie J. , Nitulescu O. , Ehara M.
Published: January 2017

Diluting spark-ignited (SI) stoichiometric combustion engines with excess residual gas improves thermal efficiency and allows the spark to be advanced toward maximum brake torque (MBT) timing. However, flame propagation rates decrease and misfires can occur at high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conditions and advanced spark, limiting the maximum level of charge dilution and its benefits. The misfire limits are often determined for a specific engine from extensive experiments covering a large range of speed, torque, and actuator settings. To extend the benefits of dilute combustion while at the misfire limit, it is essential to define a parameterizable, physics-based model capable of predicting the misfire limits, with cycle to cycle varied flame burning velocity as operating conditions change based on the driver demand. A cycle-averaged model is the first step in this process. The current work describes a model of cycle-averaged laminar flame burning velocity within the early flame development period of 0–3% mass fraction burned. A flame curvature correction method is used to account for both the effect of flame stretch and ignition characteristics, in a variable volume engine system. Comparison of the predicted and the measured flame velocity was performed using a spark plug with fiber optical access. The comparison at a small set of spark and EGR settings at fixed load and speed, shows an agreement within 30% of uncertainty, while 20% uncertainty equals ± one standard deviation over 2000 cycles.
Bacterial meningitis: a rare complication of an unrecognised nasal foreign body in a child
Authors: van der Veen Jana , Thorne Simon
Published: January 2017

We present an interesting case of a 7-year-old child who developed severe bacterial meningitis requiring admission to paediatric ICU. Initial investigations failed to identify the reason for this otherwise healthy child to develop this life-threatening condition. The child recovered fully with no long-term sequelae. Further on-going unilateral purulent rhinorrhoea lead to ENT referral. CT head from a previous admission showed mucosal thickening and fluid within paranasal sinuses. Reluctance to expose the child to further radiation meant that no formal scan of sinuses was organised and the child was diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis. Symptoms failed to improve despite the treatment. A subsequent CT scan of sinuses revealed a radiopaque foreign body in the nasal cavity. This is a rare presentation of a nasal foreign body causing bacterial meningitis. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive investigations to avoid delays in establishing a correct diagnosis and initiating the appropriate treatment.
Rare presentation of Brodie's abscess in the acromion process and the value of the penumbra sign
Authors: Gorter Jelle , Rykov Kyrill , Ott Pieter , van Raay Jos J A M
Published: January 2017

A 17-year-old male patient presented with a swelling on his right shoulder 1 week after a fall. MRI revealed a superficial fluid collection of the acromion and trapezius muscle, with slight enhancement of the wall. The swelling burst open spontaneously after failed conservative therapy and was treated with surgical drainage and antibiotics. Tissue cultures showed aStaphylococcus aureus. 1 year later, he presented with local red discolouration and a recurrent painful swelling that fluctuated at palpation. Radiographs showed a lytic lesion of the acromion process. MRI showed a sinus in the lytic cavity and a penumbra sign, which helped to identify this extremely rare occurrence of Brodie's abscess in the acromion process that was breaking through to the subcutaneous fat. The abscess was treated successfully with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics. In retrospect, the first MRI showed a small cortical indentation, with slight oedema of the acromion process.
Idiosyncratic drug reactions and membranous glomerulopathy
Authors: Kirpalani Amrit , Rieder Michael J , Bax Kevin C , Filler Guido
Published: January 2017

An infant boy with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (idiopathic membranous glomerulonephropathy) achieved remission with ciclosporin but developed eosinophilia and high IgE levels (max 19 000  iU/mL). Conversion to tacrolimus resulted in chronic diarrhoea (eosinophilic gastroenteritis), muscle weakness, polyserositis and failure-to-thrive. In contrast, a trial without tacrolimus resulted in a ciclosporin-responsive relapse, therapy-resistant focal seizures with generalised spikes, worsening muscle weakness and diarrhoea. The patient was weaned off of ciclosporin and completely normalised. In vitro testing demonstrated decreased viability of the patient's cells when incubated with calcineurin inhibitors (ciclosporin, 70%; tacrolimus, 80% compared to control cells), supporting their role in this adverse drug reaction.
Effects of magnetized water treatment on growth characteristics and ion absorption, transportation, and distribution inPopulus×euramericana‘Neva’ under NaCl stress
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Ma Fengyun , Zhu Hong , Ma Xuesong , Guo Jianyao , Wan Xiao , Wang Lu , Wang Huatian , Wang Yanping
Published: January 2017

The effects of magnetized water irrigation on the growth and ionic movements of one-year-old potted seedlings of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ were investigated. A magnetic treatment device was used to treat the plants. The contents of K+, Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+in leaves and roots were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and the fluxes of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and H+in mesophyll cells and in meristematic zones were measured using a noninvasive micro-test technique (NIMT) after 30 days of treatment. After 90 days, the plants were harvested, and their growth indices and root morphology were measured. The results showed that (i) compared with nonmagnetic treatments (NMT), the magnetic treatments (MT) led to higher K+and Mg2+contents and lower Ca2+content in roots and leaves, while the Na+content was lower and the K+/Na+ratio was higher; (ii) MT enhanced Na+efflux, increased H+influx, and decreased K+and Mg2+efflux compared with NMT; (iii) MT resulted in greater height, diameter, and leaf area of the plants and increased the length, surface area, and number of root tips compared with NMT; and (iv) stomatal conductance (Gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), intercellular CO2concentration (Ci), and water use efficiency (WUE) were increased in MT, whereas both transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal limiting value (Ls) were decreased compared with NMT. The results indicate that the use of magnetized water can promote plant quality and regulate the ion absorption, transpiration, and distribution. Thus, MT is conducive to the re-establishment of ionic homeostatic mechanisms via ion-selective absorption and transportation under salt stress.
Preferential Lineage-Specific Differentiation of Osteoblast-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Osteoprogenitors
Authors: Roberts Casey L. , Chen Silvia S. , Murchison Angela C. , Ogle Rebecca A. , Francis Michael P. , Ogle Roy C. , Sachs Patrick C.
Published: January 2017

While induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great clinical promise, one hurdle that remains is the existence of a parental germ-layer memory in reprogrammed cells leading to preferential differentiation fates. While it is problematic for generating cells vastly different from the reprogrammed cells’ origins, it could be advantageous for the reliable generation of germ-layer specific cell types for future therapeutic use. Here we use human osteoblast-derived iPSCs (hOB-iPSCs) to generate induced osteoprogenitors (iOPs). Osteoblasts were successfully reprogrammed and demonstrated by endogenous upregulation of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, TRA-1-81, TRA-16-1, SSEA3, and confirmatory hPSC Scorecard Algorithmic Assessment. The hOB-iPSCs formed embryoid bodies with cells of ectoderm and mesoderm but have low capacity to form endodermal cells. Differentiation into osteoprogenitors occurred within only 2–6 days, with a population doubling rate of less than 24 hrs; however, hOB-iPSC derived osteoprogenitors were only able to form osteogenic and chondrogenic cells but not adipogenic cells. Consistent with this, hOB-iOPs were found to have higher methylation of PPARγbut similar levels of methylation on the RUNX2 promoter. These data demonstrate that iPSCs can be generated from human osteoblasts, but variant methylation patterns affect their differentiation capacities. Therefore, epigenetic memory can be exploited for efficient generation of clinically relevant quantities of osteoprogenitor cells.
Fibrillar Type I Collagen Enhances the Differentiation and Proliferation of Myofibroblasts by Loweringα2β1 Integrin Expression in Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Hong Jian , Chu Ming , Qian Lijun , Wang Junhong , Guo Yan , Xu Di
Published: January 2017

Many studies have shown thatα2β1 integrin plays an important role in the development of cardiac fibrosis. However, the mechanism of howα2β1 integrin regulates the differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts in cardiac fibrosis through fibrillar collagen (FC) remains uncertain. We established that FC mimicked the 3-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) of fibroblasts from post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients in vivo. This allowed us to explore the differentiation and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts on FC. Here, we report that low expression ofα2β1 integrin increased protein kinase B (AKT) activation andα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. This occurred due to the instability of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in myofibroblasts on FC. We also demonstrated that FC reduced protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) activity of myofibroblasts, which was coincident with lowα2β1 integrin expression and activation of AKT, but not mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK). In addition, knock-down of bothβ1 integrin and PP2A in fibroblasts promoted differentiation and proliferation via AKT activation and increasedα-SMA expression. In summary, our study demonstrated that lowα2β1 integrin expression regulated its downstream targets PTEN and AKT via crosstalk with PP2A, a critical cell signaling pathway that permits aberrant differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts on FC.
Electrospun Nanofibers Loaded with Quercetin Promote the Recovery of Focal Entrapment Neuropathy in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Thipkaew Chonlathip , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Muchimapura Supaporn
Published: January 2017

In this study, quercetin-loaded zein-based nanofibers were developed using electrospinning technique. The therapeutic effect of these quercetin-loaded nanofibers on neuropathy in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes in rats was assessed. Diabetic condition was induced in male Wistar rats by STZ, after which a crush injury of the right sciatic nerve was performed to induce mononeuropathy. Functional recovery was assessed using walking track analysis, measurements of foot withdrawal reflex, nerve conduction velocity, and morphological analysis. The oxidative stress status and the ratio of phosphorylated extracellular recognition kinase (pERK)/extracellular recognition kinase (ERK) expression in the nerve lesion were also assessed in order to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. Results showed that quercetin-loaded zein-based nanofibers slightly enhanced functional recovery from neuropathy in STZ-diabetic rats. The potential mechanism might partially involve improvements in oxidative stress status and the ratio of pERK/ERK expression in the nerve lesion.
A Note on the Performance of Biased Estimators with Autocorrelated Errors
Authors: Tyagi Gargi , Chandra Shalini
Published: January 2017

It is a well-established fact in regression analysis that multicollinearity and autocorrelated errors have adverse effects on the properties of the least squares estimator. Huang and Yang (2015) and Chandra and Tyagi (2016) studied the PCTP estimator and the r-(k,d) class estimator, respectively, to deal with both problems simultaneously and compared their performances with the estimators obtained as their special cases. However, to the best of our knowledge, the performance of both estimators has not been compared so far. Hence, this paper is intended to compare the performance of these two estimators under mean squared error (MSE) matrix criterion. Further, a simulation study is conducted to evaluate superiority of the r-(k,d) class estimator over the PCTP estimator by means of percentage relative efficiency. Furthermore, two numerical examples have been given to illustrate the performance of the estimators.
Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis as a Stenosing Lesion in the Subglottis
Authors: Keogh Ivan , O’Connell Rohana , Hynes Sean , Lang John
Published: January 2017

Subglottic Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis (EAF) is an extremely rare disease of an elusive aetiology. It is chronically progressive benign condition that causes narrowing of the subglottic region leading to dysphonia and airway compromise. The diagnosis is historical and imaging is nonspecific. We report a case xc of 56-year-old lady referred to our institution with globus sensation, hoarseness, and mild stridor. Incidental subglottic mass was found at time of diagnostic microlaryngoscopy and biopsy confirmed subglottic EAF. All laboratory investigations were unremarkable. Lesion was removed with laryngeal microdebrider and three courses of intravenous dexamethasone were administered. Patient’s postoperative period was uneventful and had remained disease free for 1 year. To date, no consensus has been reached on the optimal treatment of subglottic EAF. We recommend regular follow-up to detect early recurrence.
Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Regulating Self-Reactive T Cell Responses and Dendritic Cell Function
Authors: Anderson Per , Gonzalez-Rey Elena , O’Valle Francisco , Martin Francisco , Oliver F. Javier , Delgado Mario
Published: January 2017

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapy for autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Administration of MSCs to MS patients has proven safe with signs of immunomodulation but their therapeutic efficacy remains low. The aim of the current study has been to further characterize the immunomodulatory mechanisms of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs) in vitro and in vivo using the EAE model of chronic brain inflammation in mice. We found that murine ASCs (mASCs) suppress T cell proliferation in vitro via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 1/2 activities. mASCs also prevented the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. The addition of the COX-1/2 inhibitor indomethacin, but not the iNOS inhibitor L-NAME, reversed the block in DC maturation implicating prostaglandin (PG) E2 in this process. In vivo, early administration of murine and human ASCs (hASCs) ameliorated myelin oligodendrocyte protein- (MOG35-55-) induced EAE in C57Bl/6 mice. Mechanistic studies showed that mASCs suppressed the function of autoantigen-specific T cells and also decreased the frequency of activated (CD11c+CD40high and CD11c+TNF-α+) DCs in draining lymph nodes (DLNs). In summary, these data suggest that mASCs reduce EAE severity, in part, through the impairment of DC and T cell function.
Effects of Six CommercialSaccharomyces cerevisiaeStrains on Phenolic Attributes, Antioxidant Activity, and Aroma of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosacv.) Wine
Authors: Li Xingchen , Xing Yage , Cao Lin , Xu Qinglian , Li Shaohua , Wang Ranran , Jiang Zijing , Che Zhenming , Lin Hongbin
Published: January 2017

“Hayward” kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosacv.), widely planted all around the world, were fermented with six different commercialSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains (BM4×4, RA17, RC212, WLP77, JH-2, and CR476) to reveal their influence on the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, and aromatic components. Significant differences in the levels of caffeic acid, protocatechuate, and soluble solid content were found among wines with the six fermented strains. Wines fermented with RC212 strain exhibited the highest total phenolic acids as well as DPPH radical scavenging ability and also had the strongest ability to produce volatile esters. Wines made withS. cerevisiaeBM 4×4 had the highest content of volatile acids, while the highest alcohol content was presented in CR476 wines. Scoring spots of wines with these strains were separated in different quadrants on the components of phenolics and aromas by principal component analyses. Kiwifruit wines made withS. cerevisiaeRC212 were characterized by a rich fruity flavor, while CR476 strain and WLP77 strain produced floral flavors and green aromas, respectively. Altogether, the results indicated that the use ofS. cerevisiaeRC212 was the most suitable for the fermentation of kiwifruit wine with desirable characteristics.
Inhibition of Murine Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Promotes Recovery of Barrier Function under Septic Conditions
Authors: Wang Lefeng , Mehta Sanjay , Brock Michael , Gill Sean E.
Published: January 2017

Sepsis is characterized by injury of the pulmonary microvasculature and the pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC), leading to barrier dysfunction and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our recent work identified a strong correlation between PMVEC apoptosis and microvascular leak in septic mice in vivo, but the specific role of apoptosis in septic PMVEC barrier dysfunction remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesize thatPMVEC apoptosis is likely required for PMVEC barrier dysfunction under septic conditions in vitro. Septic stimulation (mixture of tumour necrosis factorα, interleukin 1β, and interferonγ[cytomix]) of isolatedmurinePMVEC resulted in a significant loss of barrier function as early as 4 h after stimulation, which persisted until 24 h. PMVEC apoptosis, as reflected by caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and loss of membrane polarity, was first apparent at 8 h after cytomix. Pretreatment of PMVEC with the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD significantly decreased septic PMVEC apoptosis and was associated with reestablishment of PMVEC barrier function at 16 and 24 h after stimulation but had no effect on septic PMVEC barrier dysfunction over the first 8 h. Collectively, our data suggest that early septic murine PMVEC barrier dysfunction driven by proinflammatory cytokines is not mediated through apoptosis, but PMVEC apoptosis contributes to late septic PMVEC barrier dysfunction.
Predictive Behavior of a Computational Foot/Ankle Model through Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Chande Ruchi D. , Hargraves Rosalyn Hobson , Ortiz-Robinson Norma , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: January 2017

Computational models are useful tools to study the biomechanics of human joints. Their predictive performance is heavily dependent on bony anatomy and soft tissue properties. Imaging data provides anatomical requirements while approximate tissue properties are implemented from literature data, when available. We sought to improve the predictive capability of a computational foot/ankle model by optimizing its ligament stiffness inputs using feedforward and radial basis function neural networks. While the former demonstrated better performance than the latter per mean square error, both networks provided reasonable stiffness predictions for implementation into the computational model.
A Variation on Uncertainty Principle and Logarithmic Uncertainty Principle for Continuous Quaternion Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Bahri Mawardi , Ashino Ryuichi
Published: January 2017

The continuous quaternion wavelet transform (CQWT) is a generalization of the classical continuous wavelet transform within the context of quaternion algebra. First of all, we show that the directional quaternion Fourier transform (QFT) uncertainty principle can be obtained using the component-wise QFT uncertainty principle. Based on this method, the directional QFT uncertainty principle using representation of polar coordinate form is easily derived. We derive a variation on uncertainty principle related to the QFT. We state that the CQWT of a quaternion function can be written in terms of the QFT and obtain a variation on uncertainty principle related to the CQWT. Finally, we apply the extended uncertainty principles and properties of the CQWT to establish logarithmic uncertainty principles related to generalized transform.
Effects of Particle Size and Cement Replacement of LCD Glass Powder in Concrete
Authors: Kim Seong Kyum , Kang Su Tae , Kim Jin Kwang , Jang Il Young
Published: January 2017

The high quality liquid crystal display (LCD) processing waste glass (LPWG) generated from the manufacturing process of Korea’s LCD industries, having the world’s highest technological level and production, was finely ground into particles smaller than cement particles (higher fineness than OPC) to verify their applicability and performance as a replacement for cement. For a concrete mix having a W/B ratio of 0.44, cement was replaced with LPWG glass powder (LGP) at ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20% (LGP12) and 5 and 10% (LGP5) according to the particle size to prepare test cylinder specimens, which were tested with respect to air contents, slump in fresh concrete, and compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of hardened concrete. The microstructure of the concrete specimens was analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and a Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP). Replacement of cement with LGP for cement could effectively decrease the quantity of cement used due to the excellent performance of LGP. It may positively contribute to the sustainable development of the cement industry as well as waste recycling and environment conservation on a national scale.
Histograms of Oriented 3D Gradients for Fully Automated Fetal Brain Localization and Robust Motion Correction in 3 T Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Serag Ahmed , Macnaught Gillian , Denison Fiona C. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Semple Scott I. , Boardman James P.
Published: January 2017

Fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a rapidly emerging diagnostic imaging tool. However, automated fetal brain localization is one of the biggest obstacles in expediting and fully automating large-scale fetal MRI processing. We propose a method for automatic localization of fetal brain in 3 T MRI when the images are acquired as a stack of 2D slices that are misaligned due to fetal motion. First, the Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature descriptor is extended from 2D to 3D images. Then, a sliding window is used to assign a score to all possible windows in an image, depending on the likelihood of it containing a brain, and the window with the highest score is selected. In our evaluation experiments using a leave-one-out cross-validation strategy, we achieved 96% of complete brain localization using a database of 104 MRI scans at gestational ages between 34 and 38 weeks. We carried out comparisons against template matching and random forest based regression methods and the proposed method showed superior performance. We also showed the application of the proposed method in the optimization of fetal motion correction and how it is essential for the reconstruction process. The method is robust and does not rely on any prior knowledge of fetal brain development.
Clinical Utility of Urinaryβ2-Microglobulin in Detection of Early Nephropathy in African Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Ekrikpo U. E. , Effa E. E. , Akpan E. E. , Obot A. S. , Kadiri S.
Published: January 2017

Background. Studies have indicated that diabetic tubulopathy may occur earlier than glomerulopathy, therefore providing a potential avenue for earlier diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy. Urinary beta-2-microglobulin (β2m) was investigated in this study as a potential biomarker in the detection of early nephropathy in type 2 diabetics.Methods. One hundred and two diabetic subjects and 103 controls that met the inclusion criteria had data (sociodemographic, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory) collected. Urinaryβ2m levels and urinary albumin concentration (UAC) were determined.Results. Elevated urinaryβ2m was more frequent among the diabetics (52%, 95% CI: 42.1–61.8%) than among the controls (32%, 95% CI: 22.9–41.2%). The frequency of microalbuminuria was higher in the diabetics (35.3%, 95% CI: 25.9–44.7%) than in the controls (15.5%, 95% CI: 8.4–22.6%). There was a positive correlation between urinaryβ2m and UAC (rho = 0.38,p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed BMI (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.45), eGFR (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99), and presence of microalbuminuria (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.32–11.77) as independent predictors of elevated urinary beta-2-microglobulin among the diabetics.Conclusion. Urinaryβ2m may be useful, either as a single test or as a component of a panel of tests, in the early detection of diabetic nephropathy.
Nondestructive Semistatic Testing Methodology for Assessing Fish Textural Characteristics via Closed-Form Mathematical Expressions
Authors: Dimogianopoulos D. , Grigorakis K.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel methodology based on semistatic nondestructive testing of fish for the analytical computation of its textural characteristics via closed-form mathematical expressions. The novelty is that, unlike alternatives, explicit values for both stiffness and viscoelastic textural attributes may be computed, even if fish of different size/weight are tested. Furthermore, the testing procedure may be adapted to the specifications (sampling rate and accuracy) of the available equipment. The experimental testing involves a fish placed on the pan of a digital weigh scale, which is subsequently tested with a ramp-like load profile in a custom-made installation. The ramp slope is (to some extent) adjustable according to the specification (sampling rate and accuracy) of the equipment. The scale’s reaction to fish loading, namely, the reactive force, is collected throughout time and is shown to depend on the fish textural attributes according to a closed-form mathematical formula. The latter is subsequently used along with collected data in order to compute these attributes rapidly and effectively. Four whole raw sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) of various sizes and textures were tested. Changes in texture, related to different viscoelastic characteristics among the four fish, were correctly detected and quantified using the proposed methodology.
Self-Inflicted Trauma Secondary to Local Anaesthesia in Children
Authors: Vempaty Srikrishna , Robbins James
Published: January 2017

Long acting local anaesthetics and inferior alveolar nerve block in children can cause loss of sensation and proprioception in a large area supplied by that particular nerve. Similar to the maxilla in mandible also, adequate level of anaesthesia can be achieved in the desired site of treatment by using a short acting local anaesthetic. Early return of normal sensory feedback after using short acting anaesthetics can be helpful in preventing self-harm.
Oral Health Characteristics and Dental Rehabilitation of Children with Global Developmental Delay
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Pai Deepika , Saran Runki
Published: January 2017

Global developmental delay (GDD) is a chronic neurological disturbance which includes defects in one or more developmental domains. The developmental domain can be motor, cognitive, daily activities, speech or language, and social or personal development. The etiology for GDD can be prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal. It can be diagnosed early in childhood as the delay or absence of one or more developmental milestones. Hence the role of pedodontist and pediatricians becomes more crucial in identifying this condition. The diagnosis of GDD requires a detailed history including family history and environmental risk factors followed by physical and neurological examinations. Investigations for GDD include diagnostic laboratory tests, brain imaging, and other evidence-based evaluations. GDD affects multiple developmental domains that not only have direct bearing on maintenance of oral health, but also require additional behavior management techniques to deliver optimal dental care. This paper describes two different spectra of children with GDD. Since the severity of GDD can vary, this paper also discusses the different behavior management techniques that were applied to provide dental treatment in such children.
A Rare Case of Rivaroxaban Causing Delayed Symptomatic Hepatocellular Injury and Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Glenn Keith , Chen Patrick , Musleh Mustafa , Pallivi Rao , Grilliot Melissa
Published: January 2017

Importance. As Rivaroxaban has increased in popularity, it has been accompanied with a growing body of evidence displaying its ability to cause drug induced liver injury (DILI). Observation. A 74-year-old Caucasian female developed Rivaroxaban DILI two weeks after finishing a 14-day course. The patient was symptomatic and jaundiced with elevated transaminases and hyperbilirubinemia with normal lab values two months priorly. Liver biopsies showed mixed inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, rare necrotic hepatocytes, and canalicular and intrahepatocellular cholestasis, all of which are consistent with DILI. Conclusion and Relevance. We present this case to add to the growing evidence that Rivaroxaban can be associated with severe, symptomatic liver injury and to ensure physicians are aware of these possible side effects of novel anticoagulants with their increasing use.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in a Child with Recurrent Macrophage Activation Syndrome Secondary to Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Barut Kenan , Sahin Sezgin , Adrovic Amra , Sen Velat , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: January 2017

Macrophage activation syndrome, a severe complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, represents one of the most important rheumatological emergencies. Delayed diagnosis could lead to life-threatening complications. Pulmonary hemosiderosis has been classically characterized by a triad of anemia, hemoptysis, and lung infiltrates on chest radiogram. Although the majority of patients of pulmonary hemosiderosis are considered idiopathic, secondary hemosiderosis associated with known diseases could be seen. In this case report, we aimed to present gradually increased pulmonary manifestations due to pulmonary hemosiderosis with recurrent macrophage activation syndrome attacks in a child with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Small-World and Scale-Free Network Models for IoT Systems
Authors: Sohn Insoo
Published: January 2017

It is expected that Internet of Things (IoT) revolution will enable new solutions and business for consumers and entrepreneurs by connecting billions of physical world devices with varying capabilities. However, for successful realization of IoT, challenges such as heterogeneous connectivity, ubiquitous coverage, reduced network and device complexity, enhanced power savings, and enhanced resource management have to be solved. All these challenges are heavily impacted by the IoT network topology supported by massive number of connected devices. Small-world networks and scale-free networks are important complex network models with massive number of nodes and have been actively used to study the network topology of brain networks, social networks, and wireless networks. These models, also, have been applied to IoT networks to enhance synchronization, error tolerance, and more. However, due to interdisciplinary nature of the network science, with heavy emphasis on graph theory, it is not easy to study the various tools provided by complex network models. Therefore, in this paper, we attempt to introduce basic concepts of graph theory, including small-world networks and scale-free networks, and provide system models that can be easily implemented to be used as a powerful tool in solving various research problems related to IoT.
TNF-Alpha in Peripheral Neuropathy Patients with Impaired Glucose Regulation
Authors: Li Xia , Zhu Ju , Liu Na , Liu Jie , Zhang Zhecheng
Published: January 2017

Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) is the prestate of diabetes; about 1/3 of IGR patients will develop to diabetes finally. In this study, we investigated the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in peripheral neuropathy impaired patients with impaired glucose regulation (IGR). A total of 70 IGR patients received the conventional nerve conduction test, including 30 patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) and 40 patients without peripheral neuropathy (NPN). The other 40 healthy individuals were recruited as controls. The serum TNF-α and IL-6 in IGR patients were higher than in control group, and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in IGR-PN group were higher than in IGR-NPN group (27.7±17.8 versus 13.1±6.7 pg/mL and 18.1±17.7 versus 6.4±3.7 pg/mL, resp., both p<0.05). Multifactors logistic regression analysis showed that TNF-α (OR = 0.893; p=0.009) was an independent factor affecting whether IGR could combine with peripheral neuropathy. TNF-α and IL-6 could aggregate peripheral neuropathy in impaired glucose regulation patients; TNF-α might be independent risk factor for peripheral neuropathy in glucose regulation impaired patients.
Maternal Prepregnancy BMI and Glucose Level at 24–28 Gestational Weeks on Offspring’s Overweight Status within 3 Years of Age
Authors: Li Weiqin , Wang Leishen , Li Nan , Li Wei , Liu Huikun , Zhang Shuang , Hu Gang , Leng Junhong
Published: January 2017

Objective. To examine the relative impact of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks on offspring’s overweight status from birth to 3 years of age in China.Methods. Health care records of 21,354 mother-child pairs were collected. The single and joint associations of maternal prepregnancy BMI and glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks with 0–3-year-old offspring’s overweight status were assessed.Results. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of offspring’s macrosomia at birth and overweight/obesity at the 12th month, 24th month, and 36th month were 1.12 (1.11–1.13), 1.05 (1.04–1.06), 1.07 (1.06–1.08), and 1.11 (1.10–1.12) for each 1-unit increase (km/m2) in maternal prepregnancy BMI and 1.13 (1.10–1.17), 1.01 (0.99–1.03), 0.99 (0.96–1.01), and 1.00 (0.97–1.02) for each 1-unit increase (mmol/L) in maternal glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks, respectively. The positive association of maternal glucose level with macrosomia at birth was similar between prepregnancy normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2); however, the positive association of high maternal glucose level with childhood overweight was only seen among prepregnancy normal weight mothers but not among overweight mothers.Conclusions. The impact of maternal gestational hyperglycemia on offspring’s overweight before 3 years of age can be modified by prepregnancy BMI.
Molecular and Histopathological Changes Associated with Keratoconus
Authors: Khaled Mariam Lotfy , Helwa Inas , Drewry Michelle , Seremwe Mutsa , Estes Amy , Liu Yutao
Published: January 2017

Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disorder that leads to loss of visual acuity through ectasia, opacity, and irregular astigmatism. It is one of the leading indicators for corneal transplantation in the Western countries. KC usually starts at puberty and progresses until the third or fourth decade; however its progression differs among patients. In the keratoconic cornea, all layers except the endothelium have been shown to have histopathological structural changes. Despite numerous studies in the last several decades, the mechanisms of KC development and progression remain unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of KC. Many previous articles have reviewed the genetic aspects of KC, but in this review we summarize the histopathological features of different layers of cornea and discuss the differentially expressed proteins in the KC-affected cornea. This summary will help emphasize the major molecular defects in KC and identify additional research areas related to KC, potentially opening up possibilities for novel methods of KC prevention and therapeutic intervention.
Propagation Analysis for Wireless Sensor Networks Applied to Viticulture
Authors: Correia Felipe Pinheiro , Alencar Marcelo Sampaio de , Lopes Waslon Terllizzie Araújo , Assis Mauro Soares de , Leal Brauliro Gonçalves
Published: January 2017

Wireless sensor networks have been proposed as a solution to obtain soil and environment information in large distributed areas. The main economic activity of the São Francisco Valley region in the Northeast of Brazil is the irrigated fruit production. The region is one of the major agricultural regions of the country. Grape plantations receive large investments and provide good financial return. However, the region still lacks electronic sensing systems to extract adequate information from plantations. Considering these facts, this paper presents a study of path loss in grape plantations for a 2.4 GHz operating frequency. In order to determine the position of the sensor nodes, the research dealt with various environmental factors that influence the intensity of the received signal. It has been noticed that main plantation aisles favor the guided propagation, and the vegetation along the secondary plantation aisles compromises the propagation. Diffraction over the grape trees is the main propagation mechanism in the diagonal propagation path. Transmission carried out above the vineyard showed that reflection on the top of the trees is the main mechanism.
Experimental Evaluation of Oxide Nanoparticles as Friction and Wear Improvement Additives in Motor Oil
Authors: Demas Nicholaos G. , Erck Robert A. , Lorenzo-Martin Cinta , Ajayi Oyelayo O. , Fenske George R.
Published: January 2017

The effect of two nanoparticle oxides on friction and wear was studied under laboratory test conditions using a reciprocating test machine and two test configurations. The addition of these nanoparticles in base stock oil under certain conditions reduced the coefficient of friction and improved wear, but that depended on the test configuration. Examination of the rubbed surfaces showed the pronounced formation of a tribofilm in some cases, while polishing on the surface was also observed in other cases. Contact configuration is important when oxide nanoparticles are being evaluated and the conclusions about their efficacy can be vastly different.
Measuring Fluid Intelligence in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Shakeel Mohammed K. , Goghari Vina M.
Published: January 2017

The present study evaluated subjective and objective cognitive measures as predictors of fluid intelligence in healthy older adults. We hypothesized that objective cognitive measures would predict fluid intelligence to a greater degree than self-reported cognitive functioning. Ninety-three healthy older (>65 years old) community-dwelling adults participated. Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) were used to measure fluid intelligence, Digit Span Sequencing (DSS) was used to measure working memory, Trail Making Test (TMT) was used to measure cognitive flexibility, Design Fluency Test (DFT) was used to measure creativity, and Tower Test (TT) was used to measure planning. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) was used to measure subjective perceptions of cognitive functioning. RAPM was correlated with DSS, TT, and DFT. When CFQ was the only predictor, the regression model predicting fluid intelligence was not significant. When DSS, TMT, DFT, and TT were included in the model, there was a significant change in the model and the final model was also significant, with DFT as the only significant predictor. The model accounted for approximately 20% of the variability in fluid intelligence. Our findings suggest that the most reliable means of assessing fluid intelligence is to assess it directly.
Prognostic Analysis for Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Mao-Jen , Chen Chun-Yu , Lin Hau-De , Wu Han-Ping
Published: January 2017

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is uncommon in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Long-term outcome and adverse predictors for outcomes in AMI patients with CS receiving percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are unclear. A total of 482 AMI patients who received PCI were collected, including 53 CS and 429 non-CS. Predictors for AMI patients with CS including recurrent MI, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, all-cause mortality, and repeated-PCI were analyzed. The CS group had a lower central systolic pressure and central diastolic pressure (both P<0.001). AMI patients with hypertension history were less prone to develop CS (P<0.001). Calcium channel blockers and statins were less frequently used by the CS group than the non-CS group (both P<0.05) after discharge. Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score, CV mortality, and all-cause mortality were higher in the CS group than the non-CS group (all P<0.005). For patients with CS, stroke history was a predictor of recurrent MI (P=0.036). CS, age, SYNTAX score, and diabetes were predictors of CV mortality (all P<0.05). CS, age, SYNTAX score, and stroke history were predictors for all-cause mortality (all P<0.05). CS, age, and current smoking were predictors for repeated-PCI (all P<0.05).
Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Patel Dhruvan , Sohrawardy Shazia , Sedhai Yub Raj , Basnyat Soney , Daxini Anisha , Basu Aparna , Mehta Vivek R. , Mohammed Aasim , Lichtenstein Steven
Published: January 2017

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive disease that can spread to many organs of the body. In rare cases, it can spread to the gallbladder causing secondary lesions, yet presenting with little to no symptoms. Therefore, most cases of metastatic melanoma lesions to the gallbladder go undiagnosed. Here, we present the case of a 41-year-old male with a four-month history of melanoma of the face, with a postresection status, who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography confirmed the presence of a mass on the gallbladder. Laparoscopic excision along with liver wedge resection was performed. Pathology staining revealed the presence of a malignant metastatic melanoma lesion of the gallbladder.