bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Regression Based Health Monitoring of Hysteretic Structures under Seismic Excitation
Authors: Xu C. , Chase J. Geoffrey , Rodgers Geoffrey W.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a health monitoring method using measured hysteretic responses. Acceleration and infrequently measured displacement are integrated using a multirate Kalman filtering method to generate restoring force-displacement hysteresis loops. A linear/nonlinear regression analysis based two-step method is proposed to identify nonlinear system parameters. First, hysteresis loops are divided into loading/unloading half cycles. Multiple linear regression analysis is applied to separate linear and nonlinear half cycles. Preyielding stiffness and viscous damping coefficient are obtained in this step and used as known parameters in the second step. Then, nonlinear regression analysis is applied to identified nonlinear half cycles to yield nonlinear system parameters and two damage indicators: cumulative plastic deformation and residual deformation. These values are closely related to structural status and repair costs. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated using a simulated shear-type structure with different levels of added measurement noise and a suite of ground motions. The results show that the proposed SHM method effectively and accurately identifies physical system parameters with up to 10% RMS added noise. The resulting damage indicators can robustly and clearly indicate structural condition over different earthquake events.
Bacterial Diversity Associated with the Coccolithophorid AlgaeEmiliania huxleyiandCoccolithus pelagicusf.braarudii
Authors: Green David H. , Echavarri-Bravo Virginia , Brennan Debra , Hart Mark C.
Published: July 2015

Coccolithophores are unicellular calcifying marine phytoplankton that can form large and conspicuous blooms in the oceans and make significant contributions to oceanic carbon cycling and atmospheric CO2regulation. Despite their importance, the bacterial diversity associated with these algae has not been explored for ecological or biotechnological reasons. Bacterial membership ofEmiliania huxleyiandCoccolithus pelagicusf.braarudiicultures was assessed using cultivation and cultivation-independent methods. The communities were species rich compared to other phytoplankton cultures. Community analysis identified specific taxa which cooccur in all cultures (MarinobacterandMarivita). Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were found in all cultures. The presence of Acidobacteria, Acidimicrobidae,Schlegelella, andThermomonaswas unprecedented but were potentially explained by calcification associated with coccolith production. One strain of Acidobacteria was cultivated and is closely related to a marine Acidobacteria isolated from a sponge. From this assessment of the bacterial diversity of coccolithophores, a number of biotechnological opportunities are evident, from bioprospecting for novel taxa such as Acidobacteria to helping understand the relationship between obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria occurrence with phytoplankton and to revealing bacterial taxa that have a specific association with algae and may be suitable candidates as a means to improve the efficiency of mass algal cultivation.
Current Controversies in Diagnosis and Management of Cleft Palate and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Ysunza Pablo Antonio , Repetto Gabriela M. , Pamplona Maria Carmen , Calderon Juan F. , Shaheen Kenneth , Chaiyasate Konkgrit , Rontal Matthew
Published: July 2015

Background. One of the most controversial topics concerning cleft palate is the diagnosis and treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).Objective. This paper reviews current genetic aspects of cleft palate, imaging diagnosis of VPI, the planning of operations for restoring velopharyngeal function during speech, and strategies for speech pathology treatment of articulation disorders in patients with cleft palate.Materials and Methods. An updated review of the scientific literature concerning genetic aspects of cleft palate was carried out. Current strategies for assessing and treating articulation disorders associated with cleft palate were analyzed. Imaging procedures for assessing velopharyngeal closure during speech were reviewed, including a recent method for performing intraoperative videonasopharyngoscopy.Results. Conclusions from the analysis of genetic aspects of syndromic and nonsyndromic cleft palate and their use in its diagnosis and management are presented. Strategies for classifying and treating articulation disorders in patients with cleft palate are presented. Preliminary results of the use of multiplanar videofluoroscopy as an outpatient procedure and intraoperative endoscopy for the planning of operations which aimed to correct VPI are presented.Conclusion. This paper presents current aspects of the diagnosis and management of patients with cleft palate and VPI including 3 main aspects: genetics and genomics, speech pathology and imaging diagnosis, and surgical management.
Quasi-Triangular Spaces, Pompeiu-Hausdorff Quasi-Distances, and Periodic and Fixed Point Theorems of Banach and Nadler Types
Authors: Włodarczyk Kazimierz
Published: July 2015

LetC={Cα}α∈A∈[1;∞)A,A-index set. A quasi-triangular space(X,PC;A)is a setXwith familyPC;A={pα:X2→[0,∞),  α∈A}satisfying∀α∈A  ∀u,v,w∈X  {pα(u,w)≤Cα[pα(u,v)+pα(v,w)]}. For anyPC;A, a left (right) familyJC;Agenerated byPC;Ais defined to beJC;A={Jα:X2→[0,∞),  α∈A}, where∀α∈A  ∀u,v,w∈X  {Jα(u,w)≤Cα[Jα(u,v)+Jα(v,w)]}and furthermore the property∀α∈A  {limm→∞pα(wm,um)=0}  (∀α∈A  {limm→∞pα(um,wm)=0})holds whenever two sequences(um:m∈N)and(wm:m∈N)inXsatisfy∀α∈A  {limm→∞supn>mJα(um,un)=0andlimm→∞Jα(wm,um)=0}  (∀α∈A  {limm→∞supn>mJα(un,um)=0andlimm→∞Jα(um,wm)=0}). In(X,PC;A), using the left (right) familiesJC;Agenerated byPC;A(PC;Ais a special case ofJC;A), we construct three types of Pompeiu-Hausdorff left (right) quasi-distances on2X; for each type we construct of left (right) set-valued quasi-contractionT:X→2X, and we prove the convergence, existence, and periodic point theorem for such quasi-contractions. We also construct two types of left (right) single-valued quasi-contractionsT:X→Xand we prove the convergence, existence, approximation, uniqueness, periodic point, and fixed point theorem for such quasi-contractions. (X,PC;A) generalize ultra quasi-triangular and partiall quasi-triangular spaces (in particular, generalize metric, ultra metric, quasi-metric, ultra quasi-metric,b-metric, partial metric, partialb-metric, pseudometric, quasi-pseudometric, ultra quasi-pseudometric, partial quasi-pseudometric, topological, uniform, quasi-uniform, gauge, ultra gauge, partial gauge, quasi-gauge, ultra quasi-gauge, and partial quasi-gauge spaces).
Network Comparison of Inflammation in Colorectal Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Park Sungjin , Yu Seok Jong , Cho Yongseong , Balch Curt , Lee Jinhyuk , Kim Yon Hui , Nam Seungyoon
Published: July 2015

Recently, a large clinical study revealed an inverse correlation of individual risk of cancer versus Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, no explanation exists for this anticorrelation at the molecular level; however, inflammation is crucial to the pathogenesis of both diseases, necessitating a need to understand differing signaling usage during inflammatory responses distinct to both diseases. Using a subpathway analysis approach, we identified numerous well-known and previously unknown pathways enriched in datasets from both diseases. Here, we present the quantitative importance of the inflammatory response in the two disease pathologies and summarize signal transduction pathways common to both diseases that are affected by inflammation.
Development of a Hand Gestures SDK for NUI-Based Applications
Authors: Lee Seongjo , Sim Sohyun , Um Kyhyun , Jeong Young-Sik , Jung Seung-won , Cho Kyungeun
Published: July 2015

Concomitant with the advent of the ubiquitous era, research into better human computer interaction (HCI) for human-focused interfaces has intensified. Natural user interface (NUI), in particular, is being actively investigated with the objective of more intuitive and simpler interaction between humans and computers. However, developing NUI-based applications without special NUI-related knowledge is difficult. This paper proposes a NUI-specific SDK, called “Gesture SDK,” for development of NUI-based applications. Gesture SDK provides a gesture generator with which developers can directly define gestures. Further, a “Gesture Recognition Component” is provided that enables defined gestures to be recognized by applications. We generated gestures using the proposed SDK and developed a “Smart Interior,” NUI-based application using the Gesture Recognition Component. The results of experiments conducted indicate that the recognition rate of the generated gestures was 96% on average.
Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Subclinical Cardiovascular Changes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bonci Enea , Chiesa Claudio , Versacci Paolo , Anania Caterina , Silvestri Lucia , Pacifico Lucia
Published: July 2015

In the last 20 years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, primarily as a result of the epidemic of obesity. NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia and is currently regarded as the liver manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, a highly atherogenic condition even at a very early age. Patients with NAFLD including pediatric subjects have a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis, as shown by impaired flow-mediated vasodilation, increased carotid artery intima-media thickness, and arterial stiffness, which are independent of obesity and other established risk factors. More recent work has identified NAFLD as a risk factor not only for premature coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events, but also for early subclinical abnormalities in myocardial structure and function. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that NAFLD is associated with evidence of subclinical cardiac structural and functional abnormalities.
Partially Occluded Facial Image Retrieval Based on a Similarity Measurement
Authors: Park Sohee , Lee Hansung , Yoo Jang-Hee , Kim Geonwoo , Kim Soonja
Published: July 2015

We present a partially occluded facial image retrieval method based on a similarity measurement for forensic applications. The main novelty of this method compared with other occluded face recognition algorithms is measuring the similarity based on Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) matching between normal gallery images and occluded probe images. The proposed method consists of four steps: (i) a Self-Quotient Image (SQI) is applied to input images, (ii) Gabor-Local Binary Pattern (Gabor-LBP) histogram features are extracted from the SQI images, (iii) the similarity between two compared images is measured by using the SIFT matching algorithm, and (iv) histogram intersection is performed on the SIFT-based similarity measurement. In experiments, we have successfully evaluated the performance of the proposed method with the commonly used benchmark database, including occluded facial images. The results show that the correct retrieval ratio was 94.07% in sunglasses occlusion and 93.33% in scarf occlusion. As such, the proposed method achieved better performance than other Gabor-LBP histogram-based face recognition algorithms in eyes-hidden occlusion of facial images.
Intravenous Infusion of Dexmedetomidine Combined Isoflurane Inhalation Reduces Oxidative Stress and Potentiates Hypoxia Pulmonary Vasoconstriction during One‐Lung Ventilation in Patients
Authors: Xia Rui , Xu Jinjin , Yin Hong , Wu Huozhi , Xia Zhengyuan , Zhou Daiwei , Xia Zhong-yuan , Zhang Liangqing , Li Haobo , Xiao Xiaoshan
Published: July 2015

Inhalation anesthetic isoflurane inhibits hypoxia pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), while dexmedetomidine (Dex) could reduce the dose of isoflurane inhalation and potentiate HPV, but the mechanism is unclear. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can favor HPV during one‐lung ventilation (OLV). Similarly, nitric oxide (NO), an important endothelium‐derived vasodilator in lung circulation, can decrease the regional pulmonary vascular resistance of ventilated lung and reduce intrapulmonary shunting. We hypothesized that Dex may augment HPV and improve oxygenation during OLV through inhibiting oxidative stress and increasing NO release. Patients undergoing OLV during elective thoracic surgery were randomly allocated to either isoflurane + saline (NISO, n = 24) or isoflurane + dexmedetomidine (DISO, n = 25) group. Anesthesia was maintained with intravenous remifentanil and inhalational isoflurane (1.0–2.0%), with concomitant infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.7 μgkg−1h−1 in DISO and saline 0.25 mL kg−1h−1 in NISO group. Hemodynamic variables or depth of anesthesia did not significantly differ between groups. Administration of Dex significantly reduced Qs/Qt and increased PaO2 after OLV, accompanied with reduced lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and higher levels of SOD activity as well as serum NO (all P < 0.05 DISO versus NISO). In conclusion, reducing oxidative stress and increasing NO release during OLV may represent a mechanism whereby Dex potentiates HPV.
Diverse Reductive Dehalogenases Are Associated with Clostridiales-Enriched Microcosms Dechlorinating 1,2-Dichloroethane
Authors: Merlino Giuseppe , Balloi Annalisa , Marzorati Massimo , Mapelli Francesca , Rizzi Aurora , Lavazza Davide , de Ferra Francesca , Carpani Giovanna , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: July 2015

The achievement of successful biostimulation of active microbiomes for the cleanup of a polluted site is strictly dependent on the knowledge of the key microorganisms equipped with the relevant catabolic genes responsible for the degradation process. In this work, we present the characterization of the bacterial community developed in anaerobic microcosms after biostimulation with the electron donor lactate of groundwater polluted with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). Through a multilevel analysis, we have assessed (i) the structural analysis of the bacterial community; (ii) the identification of putative dehalorespiring bacteria; (iii) the characterization of functional genes encoding for putative 1,2-DCA reductive dehalogenases (RDs). Following the biostimulation treatment, the structure of the bacterial community underwent a notable change of the main phylotypes, with the enrichment of representatives of the orderClostridiales. Through PCR targeting conserved regions within known RD genes, four novel variants of RDs previously associated with the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-DCA were identified in the metagenome of the Clostridiales-dominated bacterial community.
Glycemic Variability Assessed by Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Short-Term Outcome in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Nusca Annunziata , Lauria Pantano Angelo , Melfi Rosetta , Proscia Claudio , Maddaloni Ernesto , Contuzzi Rocco , Mangiacapra Fabio , Palermo Andrea , Manfrini Silvia , Pozzilli Paolo , Di Sciascio Germano
Published: July 2015

Poor glycemic control is associated with unfavorable outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), irrespective of diabetes mellitus. However a complete assessment of glycemic status may not be fully described by glycated hemoglobin or fasting blood glucose levels, whereas daily glycemic fluctuations may influence cardiovascular risk and have even more deleterious effects than sustained hyperglycemia. Thus, this paper investigated the effectiveness of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), registering the mean level of glycemic values but also the extent of glucose excursions during coronary revascularization, in detecting periprocedural outcome such as renal or myocardial damage, assessed by serum creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and troponin I levels. High glycemic variability (GV) has been associated with worse postprocedural creatinine and NGAL variations. Moreover, GV, and predominantly hypoglycemic variations, has been observed to increase in patients with periprocedural myocardial infarction. Thus, our study investigated the usefulness of CGM in the setting of PCI where an optimal glycemic control should be achieved in order to prevent complications and improve outcome.
Association between rs12045440 Polymorphism in the CAPZB Intron and Serum TSH Concentrations in Chinese Thyroid Tumor Patients
Authors: Feng Shouhao , Lin Shengli , Zou Jidong , Wang Yulong , Ji Qinghai , Lv Zhenghua
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of different genotypes of the lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10917468 and rs12045440 in the CAPZB gene on the thyroid function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid neoplasm (BN) patients. In the study, a significant association was detected between rs12045440 and serum TSH concentrations in thyroid tumor patients (p=0.001). After the adjustment of relevant covariates, the difference between the mean serum TSH levels in different genotypes of rs12045440 was still significant in the BN group (p=0.003) but was not significant in the PTC cases (p=0.115). No significant association of rs10917468 with TSH levels was found. The SNP rs12045440 was associated with the serum TSH concentrations in Chinese thyroid tumor patients, especially in benign thyroid tumor cases.
Pricing FX Options in the Heston/CIR Jump-Diffusion Model with Log-Normal and Log-Uniform Jump Amplitudes
Authors: Ahlip Rehez , Prodan Ante
Published: July 2015

We examine foreign exchange options in the jump-diffusion version of the Heston stochastic volatility
model for the exchange rate with log-normal jump amplitudes and the volatility model with log-uniformly distributed jump amplitudes. We assume that the domestic and foreign stochastic interest rates are governed by the CIR dynamics. The instantaneous volatility is correlated with the dynamics of the exchange rate return, whereas the domestic and foreign short-term rates are assumed to be independent of the dynamics of the exchange rate and its volatility. The main result furnishes a semianalytical formula for the price of the foreign exchange European call option.
The Effect of PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphism and Clinical Factors on Coronary Artery Occlusion in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Parpugga Tajinder Kumar , Tatarunas Vacis , Skipskis Vilius , Kupstyte Nora , Zaliaduonyte-Peksiene Diana , Lesauskaite Vaiva
Published: July 2015

Objective. Data on the impact of PAI-1-675 4G/5G genotype for fibrinolysis during myocardial infarction are inconsistent. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of clinical and genetic (PAI-1-675 4G/5G polymorphism) factors with coronary artery occlusion in patients with myocardial infarction.Materials and Methods. PAI-1-675 4G/5G detection was achieved by using Sanger sequencing in a sample of patients hospitalized for stent implantation due to myocardial infarction. We categorized the patients into two groups: patients with coronary artery occlusion and patients without coronary artery occlusion according to angiographic evaluation.Results. We identifiedn=122(32.4%) 4G/4G,n=186(49.5%) 4G/5G, andn=68(18.1%) 5G/5G PAI-1 genotype carriers. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only the 4G/5G genotype was associated with coronary artery occlusion (OR: 1.656 and 95% CI: 1.009–2.718,p=0.046).Conclusions. Our results showed that carriers of PAI-1 4G/5G genotype with myocardial infarction have increased odds of coronary artery occlusion more than 1.6 times in comparison to the carriers of homozygous genotypes.
Smoking Cessation and Socioeconomic Status: An Update of Existing Evidence from a National Evaluation of English Stop Smoking Services
Authors: Hiscock Rosemary , Dobbie Fiona , Bauld Linda
Published: July 2015

Smokers from lower socioeconomic groups are less likely to be successful in stopping smoking than more affluent smokers, even after accessing cessation programmes. Data were analysed from 3057 clients of nine services. Routine monitoring data were expanded with CO validated smoking status at 52-week follow-up. Backwards logistic regression modelling was used to consider which factors were most important in explaining the relationship between SES and quitting. The odds ratio of stopping smoking among more affluent clients, compared with more disadvantaged clients, after taking into account design variables only, was 1.85 (95% CI 1.44 to 2.37) which declined to 1.44 (1.11 to 1.87) when all controls were included. The factors that explained more than 10% of the decline in the odds ratio were age, proportion of friends and family who smoked, nicotine dependence, and taking varenicline. A range of factors contribute to lower cessation rates for disadvantaged smokers. Some of these can be modified by improved smoking cessation service provision, but others require contributions from wider efforts to improve material, human, and social capital.
Successful Pregnancy in a Couple with Severe Male Factor Infertility after Selection of Sperm with Cytoplasmic Droplets
Authors: Bellish Jenna , McCulloh David H. , Ahmad Khaliq , McGovern Peter G.
Published: July 2015

We present live births resulting from two separate IVF cycles in a couple in which ICSI was performed with sperm specifically selected for presence of small cytoplasmic droplets. These cycles followed previous cycles using standard sperm selection methods in which very poor embryo development and no pregnancies ensued. The male partner was diagnosed with severe male factor infertility including elevated DNA fragmentation.
New Approach to Fractal Approximation of Vector-Functions
Authors: Igudesman Konstantin , Davletbaev Marsel , Shabernev Gleb
Published: July 2015

This paper introduces new approach to approximation of continuous vector-functions and vector sequences by fractal interpolation vector-functions which are multidimensional generalization of fractal interpolation functions. Best values of fractal interpolation vector-functions parameters are found. We give schemes of approximation of some sets of data and consider examples of approximation of smooth curves with different conditions.
An Approach to Refinement of Irregular Clouds of Points Using Generalized Finite Differences
Authors: Gavete Luis , Gavete María Lucía , Ureña Francisco , Benito Juan José
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a fully automatic adaptive refinement procedure performed in conjunction with the generalized finite difference method (GFDM) for solving a second-order partial differential equation (PDE) frequently encountered in engineering practice. A quadtree structure is used to organize the clouds of points. The adaptive procedure is based on the existing differences between the gradients of close points. The relative error between two successive adaptation processes is taken as the criterion to stop the algorithm. Using this adaptive procedure, the high gradient regions are easily detected and refined. Some benchmark examples are presented showing the accuracy of the method.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of Splicing Factor SRSF1 and Its Role in Cancer Cell Biology
Authors: Gonçalves Vânia , Jordan Peter
Published: July 2015

Over the past decade, alternative splicing has been progressively recognized as a major mechanism regulating gene expression patterns in different tissues and disease states through the generation of multiple mRNAs from the same gene transcript. This process requires the joining of selected exons or usage of different pairs of splice sites and is regulated by gene-specific combinations of RNA-binding proteins. One archetypical splicing regulator is SRSF1, for which we review the molecular mechanisms and posttranscriptional modifications involved in its life cycle. These include alternative splicing of SRSF1 itself, regulatory protein phosphorylation events, and the role of nuclear versus cytoplasmic SRSF1 localization. In addition, we resume current knowledge on deregulated SRSF1 expression in tumors and describe SRSF1-regulated alternative transcripts with functional consequences for cancer cell biology at different stages of tumor development.
The Potential Role of Iron and Copper in Pediatric Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Feldman Alexandra , Aigner Elmar , Weghuber Daniel , Paulmichl Katharina
Published: July 2015

Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem and is paralleled by a multitude of comorbidities, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has become the most common chronic liver disease in both adults and children. The current understanding of NAFLD is still fragmentary. While simple steatosis is characterized by the interplay between excessive free fatty acid accumulation and hepatic insulin resistance, the progression to NASH has been related to oxidative stress and a proinflammatory state with dysbalanced adipokine, cytokine levels, and endotoxin-mediated immune response. In addition, oxidative stress has been suggested to play a central role for the sequelae leading to NASH. Trace elements are critical in regulatory, immunologic, and antioxidant functions resulting in protection against inflammation and peroxidation and consequently against the known comorbidities of obesity. Disruptions of the metal detoxification processes located in the liver are plausibly related to NAFLD development via oxidative stress. Perturbations of iron and copper (Cu) homeostasis have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. This review presents current data from pediatric studies. In addition, data from adult studies are summarized where clinical relevance may be extrapolated to pediatric obesity and NAFLD.
Increased Oxidative Stress as a Selective Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Wang Zhichong
Published: July 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely related to tumorgenesis. Under hypoxic environment, increased levels of ROS induce the expression of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) in cancer stem cells (CSCs), resulting in the promotion of the upregulation of CSC markers, and the reduction of intracellular ROS level, thus facilitating CSCs survival and proliferation. Although the ROS level is regulated by powerful antioxidant defense mechanisms in cancer cells, it is observed to remain higher than that in normal cells. Cancer cells may be more sensitive than normal cells to the accumulation of ROS; consequently, it is supposed that increased oxidative stress by exogenous ROS generation therapy has an effect on selectively killing cancer cells without affecting normal cells. This paper reviews the mechanisms of redox regulation in CSCs and the pivotal role of ROS in anticancer treatment.
Surgical Correction of Posttraumatic Scapulothoracic Bursitis, Rhomboid Major Muscle Injury, Ipsilateral Glenohumeral Instability, and Headaches Resulting from Circus Acrobatic Maneuvers
Authors: Skedros John G. , Langston Tanner D. , Phippen Colton M.
Published: July 2015

We report the case of a 28-year-old transgender (male-to-female) patient that had a partial tear of the rhomboid major tendon, scapulothoracic bursitis, and glenohumeral instability on the same side. These conditions resulted from traumatic events during circus acrobatic maneuvers. Additional aspects of this case that make it unique include (1) the main traumatic event occurred during a flagpole exercise, where the patient’s trunk was suspended horizontally while a vertical pole was grasped with both hands, (2) headaches were associated with the periscapular injury and they improved after scapulothoracic bursectomy and rhomboid tendon repair, (3) surgical correction was done during the same operation with an open anterior capsular-labral reconstruction, open scapulothoracic bursectomy without bone resection, and rhomboid tendon repair, (4) a postoperative complication of tearing of the serratus anterior and rhomboid muscle attachments with recurrent scapulothoracic pain occurred from patient noncompliance, and (5) the postoperative complication was surgically corrected and ultimately resulted in an excellent outcome at the one-year final follow-up.
Expression of Heterologous Cellulases inThermotogasp. Strain RQ2
Authors: Xu Hui , Han Dongmei , Xu Zhaohui
Published: July 2015

The ability ofThermotogaspp. to degrade cellulose is limited due to a lack of exoglucanases. To address this deficiency, cellulase genes Csac_1076 (celA) and Csac_1078 (celB) fromCaldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticuswere cloned intoT.sp. strain RQ2 for heterologous overexpression. Coding regions of Csac_1076 and Csac_1078 were fused to the signal peptide of TM1840 (amyA) and TM0070 (xynB), resulting in three chimeric enzymes, namely, TM1840-Csac_1078, TM0070-Csac_1078, and TM0070-Csac_1076, which were carried byThermotoga-E. colishuttle vectors pHX02, pHX04, and pHX07, respectively. All three recombinant enzymes were successfully expressed inE. coliDH5αandT.sp. strain RQ2, rendering the hosts with increased endo- and/or exoglucanase activities. InE. coli, the recombinant enzymes were mainly bound to the bacterial cells, whereas inT.sp. strain RQ2, about half of the enzyme activities were observed in the culture supernatants. However, the cellulase activities were lost inT.sp. strain RQ2 after three consecutive transfers. Nevertheless, this is the first time heterologous genes bigger than 1 kb (up to 5.3 kb in this study) have ever been expressed inThermotoga, demonstrating the feasibility of using engineeredThermotogaspp. for efficient cellulose utilization.
Magnetic Circuit Analyses and Turning Chatter Suppression Based on a Squeeze-Mode Magnetorheological Damping Turning Tool
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Wereley Norman M. , Hu Wei , Hong Ming , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2015

As a smart material, magnetorheological fluid (MRF) has been utilized in fields including civil engineering and automotive engineering, and so on. In this study, the MR damping turning tool based on the squeeze-mode was developed to improve the vibration resistance of the tool system on the lathe. The 3D magnetic circuit simulations of the damper were performed. The influences of damper structural parameters, such as coil positions, plate thicknesses, and others, on the magnetic induction strength were investigated. Orthogonal experiments were carried out and the optimal combination of damper parameters was determined. The chatter suppressive experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the MR damping turning tool.
The Epidemiology of Tobacco Use among Khat Users: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kassim Saba , Jawad Mohammed , Croucher Ray , Akl Elie A.
Published: July 2015

Khat, an “amphetamine-like green leaf,” may influence the consumption of tobacco. This study reviews the epidemiology of tobacco use among khat users. Electronic database searches using appropriate keywords/terms were conducted to identify observational studies of khat use. Assessment of quality and risk of bias of all included studies was conducted, and the results were synthesised descriptively. Nine eligible cross-sectional studies were identified. All assessed self-reported tobacco among khat users and were carried out in Africa and the Middle East. Eight reported cigarettes and one reported waterpipes as the mode of use. Methods of tobacco use prevalence assessment varied. Prevalence of “current” tobacco use among students and university teachers ranged from 29 to 37%; “lifetime” tobacco use in university teachers was 58% and “undefined” tobacco use in nonspecific adults and students ranged from 17 to 78%. Daily tobacco use among adults was reported as 17% whilst simultaneous tobacco and khat use was reported as between 14 and 30% in students. In conclusion, tobacco prevalence among khat users appears significant. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to self-reported tobacco use, diversity in questions assessing tobacco use, and type of tobacco consumption. Future research should address the methodological shortcomings identified in this review before appropriate policy interventions can be developed.
FARMS: A New Algorithm for Variable Selection
Authors: Perez-Alvarez Susana , Gómez Guadalupe , Brander Christian
Published: July 2015

Large datasets including an extensive number of covariates are generated these days in many different situations, for instance, in detailed genetic studies of outbreed human populations or in complex analyses of immune responses to different infections. Aiming at informing clinical interventions or vaccine design, methods for variable selection identifying those variables with the optimal prediction performance for a specific outcome are crucial. However, testing for all potential subsets of variables is not feasible and alternatives to existing methods are needed. Here, we describe a new method to handle such complex datasets, referred to as FARMS, that combines forward and all subsets regression for model selection. We apply FARMS to a host genetic and immunological dataset of over 800 individuals from Lima (Peru) and Durban (South Africa) who were HIV infected and tested for antiviral immune responses. This dataset includes more than 500 explanatory variables: around 400 variables with information on HIV immune reactivity and around 100 individual genetic characteristics. We have implemented FARMS inRstatistical language and we showed that FARMS is fast and outcompetes other comparable commonly used approaches, thus providing a new tool for the thorough analysis of complex datasets without the need for massive computational infrastructure.
A Location-Based Business Information Recommendation Algorithm
Authors: Liu Shudong , Meng Xiangwu
Published: July 2015

Recently, many researches on information (e.g., POI, ADs) recommendation based on location have been done in both research and industry. In this paper, we firstly construct a region-based location graph (RLG), in which region node respectively connects with user node and business information node, and then we propose a location-based recommendation algorithm based on RLG, which can combine with user short-ranged mobility formed by daily activity and long-distance mobility formed by social network ties and sequentially can recommend local business information and long-distance business information to users. Moreover, it can combine user-based collaborative filtering with item-based collaborative filtering, and it can alleviate cold start problem which traditional recommender systems often suffer from. Empirical studies from large-scale real-world data from Yelp demonstrate that our method outperforms other methods on the aspect of recommendation accuracy.
Association between Hyperuricemia and Metabolic Syndrome: An Epidemiological Study of a Labor Force Population in Taiwan
Authors: Wei Cheng-Yu , Sun Chia-Cheng , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Tai Hsu-Chih , Sun Chien-An , Chung Chian-Fang , Chou Yu-Ching , Lin Pi-Li , Yang Tsan
Published: July 2015

The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an important issue worldwide. Metabolic comorbidities of hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia are shown as important risk factors for incident gout. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and MetS. This is a cross-sectional study. The effective sample included 21,544 individuals who received worker health examinations at a local teaching hospital in Changhua County from 2008~2012. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to investigate the influences of hyperuricemia on MetS. The results showed that individuals with MetS had significantly higher blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than those without MetS(P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed hyperuricemia to be an important factor of MetS. The risk of developing MetS is higher with high levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and the odds ratio (OR) of having MetS is 4.98 times higher for Tertile 3 than for Tertile 1 (95% CI = 4.16–5.97) and 4 times higher for Quartile 4 than for Quartile 1 (95% CI = 3.59–4.46). In conclusion, males are more likely to develop MetS than females, and the risk of having MetS increases with age and SUA concentration.
Influence of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) in the Healing of Simple Postextraction Sockets: A Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Marenzi Gaetano , Riccitiello Francesco , Tia Mariano , di Lauro Alessandro , Sammartino Gilberto
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the pain and soft tissue healing after tooth extractions. Twenty-six patients (9 males and 17 females) were treated with multiple extractions (2 to 8), with a total of 108 extractions. This was an exploratory single blinded randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth design. The pain after the surgery was assessed in each patient by the VAS scale (1 to 10) at intervals of 24-48-72-96 hours. The soft tissue healing was clinically evaluated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery by the same examiner surgeon, using the modified Healing Index (4 to 12). The mean value of postextraction pain was 3.2 ± 0.3 in the experimental sides and 4.1 ± 0.1 in the control sides. After 7 days from the extractions, the values of modified Healing Index in the experimental and control groups were, respectively, 4.8 ± 0.6 and 5.1 ± 0.9. The use of L-PRF in postextraction sockets filling can be proposed as a useful procedure in order to manage the postoperative pain and to promote the soft tissue healing process, reducing the early adverse effects of the inflammation.
The Adoption of Smoking and Its Effect on the Mortality Gender Gap in Netherlands: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Janssen Fanny , van Poppel Frans
Published: July 2015

We examine in depth the effect of differences in the smoking adoption patterns of men and women on the mortality gender gap in Netherlands, employing a historical perspective. Using an indirect estimation technique based on observed lung cancer mortality from 1931 to 2012, we estimated lifetime smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable mortality. We decomposed the sex difference in life expectancy at birth into smoking-related and nonsmoking-related overall and cause-specific mortality. The smoking epidemic in Netherlands, which started among men born around 1850 and among women from birth cohort 1900 onwards, contributed substantially to the increasing sex difference in life expectancy at birth from 1931 (1.3 years) to 1982 (6.7 years), the subsequent decline to 3.7 years in 2012, and the high excess mortality among Dutch men born between 1895 and 1910. Smoking-related cancer mortality contributed most to the increase in the sex difference, whereas smoking-related cardiovascular disease mortality was mainly responsible for the decline from 1983 onwards. Examining nonsmoking-related (cause-specific) mortality shed new light on the mortality gender gap and revealed the important role of smoking-related cancers, the continuation of excess mortality among women aged 40–50, and a smaller role of biological factors in the sex difference than was previously estimated.
Regenerative Translation of Human Blood-Vessel-Derived MSC Precursors
Authors: Chen William C. W. , Péault Bruno , Huard Johnny
Published: July 2015

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising adult progenitor cell source for tissue repair and regeneration. Their mysterious identityin situhas gradually been unveiled by the accumulating evidence indicating an association between adult multipotent stem/progenitor cells and vascular/perivascular niches. Using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we and other groups have prospectively identified and purified subpopulations of multipotent precursor cells associated with the blood vessels within multiple human organs. The three precursor subsets, myogenic endothelial cells (MECs), pericytes (PCs), and adventitial cells (ACs), are located, respectively, in the three structural tiers of typical blood vessels: intima, media, and adventitia. MECs, PCs, and ACs have been extensively characterized in prior studies and are currently under investigation for their therapeutic potentials in preclinical animal models. In this review, we will briefly discuss the identification, isolation, and characterization of these human blood-vessel-derived stem cells (hBVSCs) and summarize the current status of regenerative applications of hBVSC subsets.
Frequency Dependent Spencer Modeling of Magnetorheological Damper Using Hybrid Optimization Approach
Authors: Fellah Jahromi Ali , Bhat Rama B. , Xie Wen-Fang
Published: July 2015

Magnetorheological dampers have been widely used in civil and automotive industries. The nonlinear behavior of MR fluid makes MR damper modeling a challenging problem. In this paper, a frequency dependent MR damper model is proposed based on Spencer MR damper model. The parameters of the model are identified using an experimental data based hybrid optimization approach which is a combination of Genetic Algorithm and Sequential Quadratic Programming approach. The frequency in the proposed model is calculated using measured relative velocity and relative displacement between MR damper ends. Therefore, the MR damper model will be function of frequency. The mathematical model is validated using the experimental results which confirm the improvement in the accuracy of the model and consistency in the variation damping with the frequency.
Dimensions of Velopharyngeal Space following Maxillary Advancement with Le Fort I Osteotomy Compared to Zisser Segmental Osteotomy: A Cephalometric Study
Authors: Karabekmez Furkan Erol , Kleinheinz Johannes , Jung Susanne
Published: July 2015

The objectives of this study are to assess the velopharyngeal dimensions using cephalometric variables of the nasopharynx and oropharynx as well as to compare the Le Fort I osteotomy technique to Zisser’s anterior maxillary osteotomy technique based on patients’ outcomes within early and late postoperative follow-ups. 15 patients with severe maxillary deficiency treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and maxillary segmental osteotomy were assessed. Preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative follow-up lateral cephalograms, patient histories, and operative reports are reviewed with a focus on defined cephalometric landmarks for assessing velopharyngeal space dimension and maxillary movement (measured for three different tracing points). A significant change was found between preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalometric measurements regarding the distance between the posterior nasal spine and the posterior pharyngeal wall in Le Fort I osteotomy cases. However, no significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative measurements in maxillary segmental osteotomy cases regarding the same measurements. The velopharyngeal area calculated for the Le Fort I osteotomy group showed a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements. Le Fort I osteotomy for advancement of upper jaw increases velopharyngeal space. On the other hand, Zisser’s anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy does not alter the dimension of the velopharyngeal space significantly.
Unravelling the RNA-Binding Properties of SAFB Proteins in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hong Elaine , Best Andrew , Gautrey Hannah , Chin Jas , Razdan Anshuli , Curk Tomaz , Elliott David J. , Tyson-Capper Alison J.
Published: July 2015

Scaffold attachment factor B1 (SAFB1) and SAFB2 proteins are oestrogen (ER) corepressors that bind to and modulate ER activity through chromatin remodelling or interaction with the basal transcription machinery. SAFB proteins also have an internal RNA-recognition motif but little is known about the RNA-binding properties of SAFB1 or SAFB2. We utilised crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) coupled with high-throughput sequencing to enable a transcriptome-wide mapping of SAFB1 protein-RNA interactions in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Analysis of crosslinking frequency mapped to transcript regions revealed that SAFB1 binds to coding and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). The highest proportion of SAFB1 crosslink sites mapped to ncRNAs, followed by intergenic regions, open reading frames (ORFs), introns, and 3′ or 5′ untranslated regions (UTR). Furthermore, we reveal that SAFB1 binds directly to RNA and its binding is particularly enriched at purine-rich sequences not dissimilar to the RNA-binding motifs for SR proteins. Using RNAi, we also show, for the first time, that single depletion of either SAFB1 or SAFB2 leads to an increase in expression of the other SAFB protein in both MCF-7 and MDA-MD231 breast cancer cells.
Characterization, Microbial Community Structure, and Pathogen Occurrence in Urban Faucet Biofilms in South China
Authors: Lin Huirong , Zhang Shuting , Gong Song , Zhang Shenghua , Yu Xin
Published: July 2015

The composition and microbial community structure of the drinking water system biofilms were investigated using microstructure analysis and 454 pyrosequencing technique in Xiamen city, southeast of China. SEM (scanning electron microscope) results showed different features of biofilm morphology in different fields of PVC pipe. Extracellular matrix material and sparse populations of bacteria (mainly rod-shaped and coccoid) were observed. CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscope) revealed different distributions of attached cells, extracellular proteins,α-polysaccharides, andβ-polysaccharides. The biofilms had complex bacterial compositions. Differences in bacteria diversity and composition from different tap materials and ages were observed. Proteobacteria was the common and predominant group in all biofilms samples. Some potential pathogens (Legionellales, Enterobacteriales, Chromatiales, and Pseudomonadales) and corrosive microorganisms were also found in the biofilms. This study provides the information of characterization and visualization of the drinking water biofilms matrix, as well as the microbial community structure and opportunistic pathogens occurrence.
Can Whole-Body Cryotherapy with Subsequent Kinesiotherapy Procedures in Closed Type Cryogenic Chamber Improve BASDAI, BASFI, and Some Spine Mobility Parameters and Decrease Pain Intensity in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Authors: Stanek Agata , Cholewka Armand , Gadula Jolanta , Drzazga Zofia , Sieron Aleksander , Sieron-Stoltny Karolina
Published: July 2015

The present study investigated whether whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) procedures could potentially have more beneficial effects on index of BASDAI and BASFI, pain intensity, and spine mobility parameters: Ott test, modified Schober test, chest expansion in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, than kinesiotherapy procedures used separately. AS patients were exposed to a cycle of WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day, with a subsequent 60 minutes of kinesiotherapy or 60 minutes of kinesiotherapy only, for 10 consecutive days excluding weekend. After the completion of the cycle of WBC procedures with subsequent kinesiotherapy in the AS patients, BASDAI index decreased about 40% in comparison with the input value, whereas in the group of patients who received only kinesiotherapy it decreased only about 15% in comparison with the input value. After the completion of the treatment in the WBC group, BASFI index decreased about 30% in comparison with the input value, whereas in the kinesiotherapy group it only decreased about 16% in comparison with the input value. The important conclusion was that, in WBC group with subsequent kinesiotherapy, we observed on average about twice better results than in the group treated only by kinesiotherapy.