bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody Prevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women from Multan, Pakistan
Authors: Nazir M. M. , Akhtar M. , Maqbool A. , Waheed A. , Sajid M. A. , Ali M. A. , Oneeb M. , Alam M. A. , Ahmad A. N. , Nazir N. , Fatima S. , Lindsay D. S.
Published: January 2017

Toxoplasma gondii infections are prevalent in humans and warm‐blooded animals. Maternal infections during pregnancy may have devastating consequences for transplacentally infected neonates. This study was conducted to examine the seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in pregnant women of childbearing age and determine risk factors associated with pregnancy history, pet ownership, social and cultural factors at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Samples were collected from 403 women and examined using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was 17.6% (71) in the 403 samples collected from women. Antibodies to T. gondii were present in 19.4% (45) of 232 pregnant women and 15.2% (26) of the samples from 171 non‐pregnant women. This study identified miscarriage history, pet ownership, type of residence, marital status, source of drinking water and eating habits as significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with the presence of antibodies to T. gondii infection. Seroprevalence was not significantly different (P > 0.05) in women from different ethnic groups based upon lifestyle and culture.
Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations
Authors: Darroch John , Adamson Carole
Published: January 2017

INTRODUCTION: Companion animals have often been treated as an afterthought, or ignored, by those involved in planning for and responding to disasters. This omission in planning for the needs of companion animals has been predicated upon a failure to recognise the emotional bond between many people and their companion animals. This has resulted in significant costs for humans and animals in many disasters. This article serves to raise issues regarding the responsibilities of human service organisations (HSOs) for animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).METHOD: This article develops a conceptual base for the consideration of the inclusion of animals in disaster planning and response within human services organisations. By first establishing the legitimacy of the human–animal bond and the requirement for human services organisations to develop their disaster planning, an exploration of the literature explores the rationale for the inclusion of companion animals within DRR.FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: A clearly demonstrated relationship between DRR and the presence of companion animals is evidenced within the literature. Delays in evacuation due to the lack of facilities for companion animals, the loss and grief experienced by those forced to abandon their animals, and the particular vulnerabilities of those living in isolation or in homeless situations attest to the importance of animal-inclusive planning. Those living with animals may be more inclined to commit to DRR if the needs of their animals are included in planning. A mandate for organisational and professional responsibility for the inclusion of companion animals is established.CONCLUSION: For effective DRR, human services organisations have a professional and ethical imperative to include companion animals in their disaster planning and response.
The art of body mapping: A methodological guide for social work researchers
Authors: Skop Michelle
Published: January 2017

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this Canadian social work research was to explore the healthcare experiences of men and women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic condition of unknown origin.METHODS: This study had a total sample of 35 Southwestern Ontarians who participated in two separate qualitative methods of data collection. Ten participants completed in-depth interviews, while 25 participants engaged in body mapping, an arts-based research method, within a series of focus group sessions. The latter method for data collection is the focus of this article. This material provides social work researchers with a methodological road map by outlining the design and implementation of the body mapping process, sharing the lessons learned in data collection and addressing practical and ethical considerations for future studies.FINDINGS: This research found that: (a) participants experienced structural barriers to accessing healthcare services and unsupportive attitudes from healthcare providers; (b) participants’ healthcare experiences were affected by their gender, age, class and race; and (c) participants used self-management strategies to cope with healthcare barriers. The study also found that the body mapping process had therapeutic value.CONCLUSION: This research contributes information for the transformation of healthcare policies, programmes and clinical practices for the FM population. As a form of applied research, the body mapping process has also helped to empower a marginalised population while promoting innovative forms of social work research.
Impact of low thermal processes on reliability of high-k/metal gate stacks
Authors: Tsiara Artemisia , Garros Xavier , Lu Cao-Minh Vincent , Fenouillet-Béranger Claire , Ghibaudo Gerard
Published: January 2017

The time dependent defect spectroscopy method has been used to analyze the impact of low thermal budget (TB) processes on the quality of high-k/metal gate stacks. For n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), it is shown that reducing the TB of the process does not seem to degrade the t0-reliability of the gate oxide. The density of pre-existing high-k defects responsible for random telegraph noise (RTN) has a small increase for the low temperature (LT) process, and, at the same time, the location of the traps, inside the oxide, remains the same. On the other hand, for p-type MOSFETs, the gate stack reliability is affected by the thermal budget, and there is a large increase in the density of RTN defects for the LT process compared to the high temperature reference. Finally, it is observed that, for low thermal budget, the nature of the traps changes and there is a modification of the depth of the traps within the interfacial layer which are, now, closer to the Si interface. This study gives guidelines to achieve good trade off performance/reliability for a 3D CoolCube™ integration process.
IRAV
(
FLJ11286
), an Interferon-Stimulated Gene with Antiviral Activity against Dengue Virus, Interacts with MOV10
Authors: Balinsky Corey A. , Schmeisser Hana , Wells Alexandra I. , Ganesan Sundar , Jin Tengchuan , Singh Kavita , Zoon Kathryn C.
Published: January 2017

Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the genus
Flavivirus
and can cause severe febrile illness. Here, we show that FLJ11286, which we refer to as IRAV, is induced by DENV in an interferon-dependent manner, displays antiviral activity against DENV, and localizes to the DENV replication complex. IRAV is an RNA binding protein and localizes to cytoplasmic processing bodies (P bodies) in uninfected cells, where it interacts with the MOV10 RISC complex RNA helicase, suggesting a role for IRAV in the processing of viral RNA. After DENV infection, IRAV, along with MOV10 and Xrn1, localizes to the DENV replication complex and associates with DENV proteins. Depletion of IRAV or MOV10 results in an increase in viral RNA. These data serve to characterize an interferon-stimulated gene with antiviral activity against DENV, as well as to propose a mechanism of activity involving the processing of viral RNA.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus, a member of the family
Flaviviridae
, can result in a life-threatening illness and has a significant impact on global health. Dengue virus has been shown to be particularly sensitive to the effects of type I interferon; however, little is known about the mechanisms by which interferon-stimulated genes function to inhibit viral replication. A better understanding of the interferon-mediated antiviral response to dengue virus may aid in the development of novel therapeutics. Here, we examine the influence of the interferon-stimulated gene
IRAV
(
FLJ11286
) on dengue virus replication. We show that IRAV associates with P bodies in uninfected cells and with the dengue virus replication complex after infection. IRAV also interacts with MOV10, depletion of which is associated with increased viral replication. Our results provide insight into a newly identified antiviral gene, as well as broadening our understanding of the innate immune response to dengue virus infection.
Hypotension induced by the concomitant use of a calcium-channel blocker and clarithromycin
Authors: Takeuchi Sayako , Kotani Yuki , Tsujimoto Toshihide
Published: January 2017

In the elderly, calcium-channel blockers are the first-line treatment for hypertension, and macrolides are commonly prescribed antibiotics. Here we report a 78-year-old man taking nifedipine, diltiazem and carvedilol who presented with persistent hypotension and bradycardia after clarithromycin was prescribed. He was diagnosed with drug-induced hypotension and treated with fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents. His symptoms gradually improved. He was transferred out of the intensive care unit 3 days after hospitalisation. Combining calcium-channel blockers and clarithromycin can cause vasodilatory hypotension. The concomitant use of calcium-channel blockers and macrolide antibiotics increases the levels of calcium-channel blockers in the blood as they are metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which is inhibited by macrolide antibiotics. Moreover, the addition of another calcium-channel blocker and a β blocker can lower cardiac output due to bradycardia and worsen hypotension. Therefore, it is important to consider drug interactions when the cause of hypotension is unknown.
An approach for modelling volume change of fine-grained soil subjected to thermal cycles
Authors: Ma Q.J. , Ng C.W.W. , Mašín D. , Zhou C.
Published: January 2017

As a result of cyclic heating and cooling around the ambient temperature under drained conditions, normally consolidated and lightly overconsolidated fine-grained soils experience accumulation of irreversible volumetric contraction. Most existing thermomechanical models were developed for one heating–cooling cycle and are not suitable for multiple thermal cycles. An approach is proposed to simulate the volume change of fine-grained soil induced by thermal cycles. In the proposed approach, a thermal stabilization line is introduced to control the stabilized volumetric contraction under thermal cycles. Comparison with experimental results shows that the proposed approach can reproduce well the cumulative feature of volumetric contraction of fine-grained soil subjected to thermal cycles.
Simulating future climate impacts on tropical fisheries: are contemporary spatial fishery management strategies sufficient?
Authors: Kapur Maia R. , Franklin Erik C.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrated a possible future wherein coral reefs shift to an algae-dominated state that retains low coral cover and a functional biomass of herbivorous fishes that sustains a reef fish fishery. We evaluate the effect of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) and increased coastal nutrients under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change climate scenarios for years 2000–2100, which are implemented as coral bleaching events. Coral mortality from bleaching events drove a lagged increase in herbivorous fish populations via a shift from coral-dominated to algae-dominated habitats. Biomass and catch of piscivorous fish declined significantly, with the fishery shifting to the harvest of herbivorous fish. No-take MPAs for 20% of reef areas represented a threshold that had a positive effect on herbivorous fishes but no influence on the steep declines of corals and piscivorous fishes. Contemporary no-take MPAs protect less than 1% of coral reef areas around the Hawaiian Islands; substantial management action would be required to approach the 20% area threshold.
A fractal process of hydrogen diffusion in a-Si:H with exponential energy distribution
Authors: Hikita Harumi , Ishikawa Hirohisa , Morigaki Kazuo
Published: January 2017

Hydrogen diffusion in a-Si:H with exponential distribution of the states in energy exhibits the fractal structure. It is shown that a probability [Formula: see text] of the pausing time [Formula: see text] has a form of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]: fractal dimension). It is shown that the fractal dimension [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]: hydrogen temperature, [Formula: see text]: a temperature corresponding to the width of exponential distribution of the states in energy) is in agreement with the Hausdorff dimension. A fractal graph for the case of [Formula: see text] is like the Cantor set. A fractal graph for the case of [Formula: see text] is like the Koch curves. At [Formula: see text], hydrogen migration exhibits Brownian motion. Hydrogen diffusion in a-Si:H should be the fractal process.
Spin clusters and low-energy excitations in rare earth kagome systems
Authors: Hoch M. J. R.
Published: January 2017

The rare earth kagome systems R3Ga5SiO[Formula: see text] (R = Nd or Pr), which are weakly frustrated antiferromagnets, do not exhibit long-range order at temperatures down to 40 mK as revealed by neutron scattering. The neutron experiments provide evidence for the emergence at low temperatures of correlated spins in nanoscale cluster regions with magnetic field-dependent correlation lengths. A variety of techniques have been used to determine the magnetic and thermal properties of these systems. In particular, high-field electron spin resonance (ESR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and muon spin resonance ([Formula: see text]SR) experiments have established that dynamic correlation of spins remains significant at temperatures well above 1 K. ESR provides evidence for spin wave excitations in spin clusters and the spectra have been interpreted using a Heisenberg model approach. While Nd[Formula: see text] (J = 9/2) is a Kramers ion Pr[Formula: see text] (J = 4) is not. This difference leads to contrasts in the magnetic properties of the two systems. This review surveys the information that has been obtained on the properties of these kagome materials over the past decade.
Reusable Coordination Components: Reliable Development of Cooperative Information Systems
Authors: Kühn Eva
Published: January 2017

Today’s emerging trends like factory of the future, big data, Internet-of-things, intelligent traffic solutions, cyber-physical systems, wireless sensor networks, smart home, smart city and smart grid raise new challenges on software development. They are characterized by high concurrency, distribution and dynamics as well as huge numbers of heterogeneous devices, resources and users that must collaborate in a reliable way. The management of the interactions and dependencies between the participants is a complex task posing massive coordination problems. The here proposed approach is twofold: (i) to analyze similarities in the communication and synchronization behavior of such applications and to identify coordination patterns; and (ii) to give a precise specification of them by means of a suitable coordination model which enables the development of coordination pattern-based software components as solutions. The vision is to compose advanced cooperative information systems from proven, configurable, reusable, generic components that run on a suitable target platform, in order to reduce software development time, risks and costs. In this paper we delimit the idea of “coordination patterns” from other related pattern approaches and motivate the need for a well-defined model to specify them. Several coordination models to achieve this goal are discussed, and the advantages of a new coordination model termed the “Peer Model” are pointed out. The feasibility of the approach to identify coordination patterns, to model them and to provide generic components that can be reused in different scenarios through configuration and composition is evaluated by means of a coordination pattern found in several industrial use cases.
A New Look at Kinetics in Relation to Food Storage
Authors: Peleg Micha , Normand Mark D. , Corradini Maria G.
Published: January 2017

Modern mathematical software and user-friendly interactive programs can simplify and speed up kinetics calculations. They also open the way for new approaches to storage data gathering and analysis. This is demonstrated with a recently introduced simple exponential model that is interchangeable with the Arrhenius equation and endpoints and successive points methods and that estimates chemical degradation kinetics parameters from a small number of isothermal or nonisothermal experimental data. Also presented are a method to determine shelf life using two chemical markers and a global phenomenological model for peaked reactions, such as those encountered in lipid oxidation. Also recently introduced are freely downloadable Wolfram Demonstrations and other interactive software to generate, visualize, examine, and/or compare actual or hypothetical storage scenarios in minutes. They include programs that solve pairs of simultaneous nonlinear algebraic or differential rate equations by passing two reconstructed degradation curves, or a single nonisothermal curve, through two entered experimental points by moving the degradation parameters’ sliders on the screen.
Side Streams of Plant Food Processing As a Source of Valuable Compounds: Selected Examples
Authors: Schieber Andreas
Published: January 2017

Industrial processing of plant-derived raw materials generates enormous amounts of by-products. On one hand, these by-products constitute a serious disposal issue because they often emerge seasonally and are prone to microbial decay. On the other hand, they are an abundant source of valuable compounds, in particular secondary plant metabolites and cell wall materials, which may be recovered and used to functionalize foods and replace synthetic additives with ingredients of natural origin. This review covers 150 references and presents select studies performed between 2001 and 2016 on the recovery, characterization, and application of valuable constituents from grape pomace, apple pomace, potato peels, tomato pomace, carrot pomace, onion peels, by-products of citrus, mango, banana, and pineapple processing, side streams of olive oil production, and cereal by-products. The criteria used were economic importance, amounts generated, relevance of side streams as a source of valuable compounds, and reviews already published. Despite a plethora of studies carried out on the utilization of side streams, relatively few processes have yet found industrial application.
Immunity to Commensal Fungi: Detente and Disease
Authors: Wheeler Matthew L. , Limon Jose J. , Underhill David M.
Published: January 2017

Fungi are ubiquitous in our environment, and a healthy immune system is essential to maintain adequate protection from fungal infections. When this protection breaks down, superficial and invasive fungal infections cause diseases that range from irritating to life-threatening. Millions of people worldwide develop invasive infections during their lives, and mortality for these infections often exceeds 50%. Nevertheless, we are normally colonized with many of the same disease-causing fungi (e.g., on the skin or in the gut). Recent research is dramatically expanding our understanding of the mechanisms by which our immune systems interact with these organisms in health and disease. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about where and how the immune system interacts with common fungi.
Statistical Methods for Large Ensembles of Super-Resolution Stochastic Single Particle Trajectories in Cell Biology
Authors: Hozé Nathanaël , Holcman David
Published: January 2017

Following recent progress in super-resolution microscopy in the past decade, massive amounts of redundant single stochastic trajectories are now available for statistical analysis. Flows of trajectories of molecules or proteins sample the cell membrane or its interior at very high time and space resolution. Several statistical analyses were developed to extract information contained in these data, such as the biophysical parameters of the underlying stochastic motion to reveal the cellular organization. These trajectories can further reveal hidden subcellular organization. We review here the statistical analysis of these trajectories based on the classical Langevin equation, which serves as a model of trajectories. Parametric and nonparametric estimators are constructed by discretizing the stochastic equations, and they allow the recovery of tethering forces, diffusion tensors, or membrane organization from measured trajectories that differ from physical ones by a localization noise. Modeling, data analysis, and automatic detection algorithms serve to extract novel biophysical features such as potential wells and other substructures, such as rings, at an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. It is also possible to reconstruct the surface membrane of a biological cell from the statistics of projected random trajectories.
Fault Diagnosis and Detection in Industrial Motor Network Environment Using Knowledge-Level Modelling Technique
Authors: Altaf Saud , Soomro Muhammad Waseem , Mehmood Mirza Sajid
Published: January 2017

In this paper, broken rotor bar (BRB) fault is investigated by utilizing the Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA) method. In industrial environment, induction motor is very symmetrical, and it may have obvious electrical signal components at different fault frequencies due to their manufacturing errors, inappropriate motor installation, and other influencing factors. The misalignment experiments revealed that improper motor installation could lead to an unexpected frequency peak, which will affect the motor fault diagnosis process. Furthermore, manufacturing and operating noisy environment could also disturb the motor fault diagnosis process. This paper presents efficient supervised Artificial Neural Network (ANN) learning technique that is able to identify fault type when situation of diagnosis is uncertain. Significant features are taken out from the electric current which are based on the different frequency points and associated amplitude values with fault type. The simulation results showed that the proposed technique was able to diagnose the target fault type. The ANN architecture worked well with selecting of significant number of feature data sets. It seemed that, to the results, accuracy in fault detection with features vector has been achieved through classification performance and confusion error percentage is acceptable between healthy and faulty condition of motor.
Maximal Ratio Combining Using Channel Estimation in Chaos Based Pilot-Added DS-CDMA System with Antenna Diversity
Authors: Patel Meher Krishna , Berber Stevan M. , Sowerby Kevin W.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an adaptive multiuser transceiver scheme for DS-CDMA systems in which pilot symbols are added to users’ data to estimate complex channel fading coefficients. The performance of receiver antenna diversity with maximal ratio combining (MRC) technique is analyzed for imperfect channel estimation in flat fading environments. The complex fading coefficients are estimated using least mean square (LMS) algorithm and these coefficients are utilized by the maximal ratio combiner for generating the decision variable. Probability of error in closed form is derived. Further, the effect of pilot signal power on bit error rate (BER) and BER performance of multiplexed pilot and data signal transmission scenario are investigated. We have compared the performance of added and multiplexed pilot-data systems and concluded the advantages of both systems. The proposed CDMA technique uses the chaotic sequence as spreading sequence. Assuming proper synchronization, the computer simulation results demonstrate the better bit error rate performance in the presence of channel estimator in the chaotic based CDMA system and the receiver antenna diversity technique further improves the performance of the proposed system. Also, no channel estimator is required if there is no phase distortion to the transmitted signal.
Computational and Mathematical Model with Phase Change and Metal Addition Applied to GMAW
Authors: dos Santos Maia Neto Alfredo , Gonçalves de Souza Marcelo , Alves Figueira Júnior Edson , Borges Valério Luiz , Carvalho Solidônio Rodrigues de
Published: January 2017

This work presents a 3D computational/mathematical model to solve the heat diffusion equation with phase change, considering metal addition, complex geometry, and thermal properties varying with temperature. The finite volume method was used and the computational code was implemented in C++, using a Borland compiler. Experimental tests considering workpieces of stainless steel AISI 304 were carried out for validation of the thermal model. Inverse techniques based on Golden Section method were used to estimate the heat transfer rate to the workpieces. Experimental temperatures were measured using thermocouples type J—in a total of 07 (seven)—all connected to the welded workpiece and the Agilent 34970A data logger. The workpieces were chamfered in a 45° V‐groove in which liquid metal was added on only one weld pass. An innovation presented in this work when compared to other works in scientific literature was the geometry of the weld pool. The good relation between experimental and simulated data confirmed the quality and robustness of the thermal model proposed in this work.
New Systematic CFD Methods to Calculate Static and Single Dynamic Stability Derivatives of Aircraft
Authors: Mi Bai-gang , Zhan Hao , Chen Bai-bing
Published: January 2017

Several new systematic methods for high fidelity and reliability calculation of static and single dynamic derivatives are proposed in this paper. Angle of attack step response is used to obtain static derivative directly; then translation acceleration dynamic derivative and rotary dynamic derivative can be calculated by employing the step response motion of rate of the angle of attack and unsteady motion of pitching angular velocity step response, respectively. Longitudinal stability derivative calculations of SACCON UCAV are taken as test cases for validation. Numerical results of all cases achieve good agreement with reference values or experiments data from wind tunnel, which indicate that the proposed methods can be considered as new tools in the process of design and production of advanced aircrafts for their high efficiency and precision.
Analysis of the Conformally Flat Approximation for Binary Neutron Star Initial Conditions
Authors: Suh In-Saeng , Mathews Grant J. , Haywood J. Reese , Lan N. Q.
Published: January 2017

The spatially conformally flat approximation (CFA) is a viable method to deduce initial conditions for the subsequent evolution of binary neutron stars employing the full Einstein equations. Here we analyze the viability of the CFA for the general relativistic hydrodynamic initial conditions of binary neutron stars. We illustrate the stability of the conformally flat condition on the hydrodynamics by numerically evolving ~100 quasicircular orbits. We illustrate the use of this approximation for orbiting neutron stars in the quasicircular orbit approximation to demonstrate the equation of state dependence of these initial conditions and how they might affect the emergent gravitational wave frequency as the stars approach the innermost stable circular orbit.
Novel Pathogenic Variant in TGFBR2 Confirmed by Molecular Modeling Is a Rare Cause of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Authors: Zimmermann Michael T. , Urrutia Raul A. , Blackburn Patrick R. , Cousin Margot A. , Boczek Nicole J. , Klee Eric W. , Macmurdo Colleen , Atwal Paldeep S.
Published: January 2017

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by vascular findings of aneurysm and/or dissection of cerebral, thoracic, or abdominal arteries and skeletal findings. We report a case of a novel pathogenic variant in TGFBR2 and phenotype consistent with classic LDS. The proband was a 10-year-old presenting to the genetics clinic with an enlarged aortic root (Z-scores 5-6), pectus excavatum, and congenital contractures of the right 2nd and 3rd digit. Molecular testing of TGFBR2 was sent to a commercial laboratory and demonstrated a novel, likely pathogenic, variant in exon 4, c.1061T>C, p.(L354P). Molecular modeling reveals alteration of local protein structure as a result of this pathogenic variant. This pathogenic variant has not been previously reported in LDS and thus expands the pathogenic variant spectrum of this condition.
Further Evidence That the CFTR Variant c.2620-6T>C Is Benign
Authors: Wallerstein Violet I. , Wallerstein Robert
Published: January 2017

The c.2620-6T>C variant in the CFTR gene is a rare variant about which little is known. We present an asymptomatic adult who has this variant as well as the well described delta F508 pathogenic variant in transpresentation. This patient provides additional evidence that this is a benign polymorphism.
The Strategic Decision-Making as a Complex Adaptive System: A Conceptual Scientific Model
Authors: Wollmann Dewey , Steiner Maria Teresinha Arns
Published: January 2017

A company in a competitive environment that wishes to be a benchmark in the business world needs a management model that enables the development of systemic thinking on the part of its executives. In addition to systemic thinking, it is also necessary that executives (i) are aware that the decision-making processes should be shared, (ii) have bounded rationality, and (iii) exert political influence according to their preferences. In this context, the aim of this paper is to describe a conceptual scientific model for strategic decision-making from rules originating from Complex Adaptive Systems and the following mathematical techniques: Analytic Network Process and Linear Programming. This applied and quantitative study is a theoretical essay developed from an integrative review of the aforementioned concepts and techniques, resulting in the proposition of a scientific and conceptual mathematical model that can be applied to a wide variety of business environments. The results obtained from a hypothetical example (Strategic Operation Management Decision) show that the model is able to rank a set of strategic decisions in the environment of most companies and generate information to minimize the negative effects of shared decisions.
Radiation for MALT of the Submandibular Gland
Authors: Chadha Juskaran , Teng Marita S. , Teruya-feldstein Julie , Bakst Richard L.
Published: January 2017

We are reporting a case of a 27-year-old woman with a history of swelling in the left submandibular region. This swelling was associated with a mass, and this was pathologically confirmed to be an extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MALT). The patient underwent surgical excision and postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy. The patient tolerated treatments well and remains free of disease. Here, we describe the case and management described in the current literature.
Recent Trends in Pharmacological Activity of Alkaloids in Animal Colitis: Potential Use for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Alves de Almeida Ana Cristina , de-Faria Felipe Meira , Dunder Ricardo José , Manzo Luis Paulo Bognoni , Souza-Brito Alba Regina Monteiro , Luiz-Ferreira Anderson
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and disrupted inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD have two main conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and have been extensively investigated in recent years. Antibiotics derived from salicylates, steroids, immunosuppressors, and anti‐TNF therapy are part of the therapeutic arsenal for IBD. However, very often patients stop responding to treatments over the time. In this context, searching for alternative agents is crucial for IBD clinical management. Natural products derived from medicinal plants are an interesting therapeutic alternative, since several studies have proven effective treatments in animal models of intestinal inflammation. Several naturally occurring compounds are potent antioxidants, both as free radical scavengers and as modulators of antioxidant enzymes expression and activity. A number of natural compounds have also been proved to inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines, decreasing the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), which is important to the inflammatory response in IBD. The alkaloids are substances of a very diverse class of plant secondary metabolites; an extensive list of biological activities has been attributed to alkaloids, such as being anticholinergic, antitumor, diuretic, antiviral, antihypertensive, antiulcer, analgesic, and anti‐inflammatory. In the present work, studies on the pharmacological activity of alkaloids in experimental models of IBD were reviewed.
Defense Strategy of Aircraft Confronted with IR Guided Missile
Authors: Huang Hesong , Tong Zhongxiang , Li Taorui , Jia Lintong , Li Shenbo
Published: January 2017

Surface‐type infrared (IR) decoy can simulate the IR characteristics of the target aircraft, which is one of the most effective equipment to confront IR guided missile. In the air combat, the IR guided missile poses a serious threat to the aircraft when it comes from the front of target aircraft. In this paper, firstly, the model of aircraft and surface‐type IR decoy is established. To ensure their authenticity, the aircraft maneuver and radiation models based on real data of flight and exhaust system radiation in the state of different heights and different speeds are established. Secondly, the most effective avoidance maneuver is simulated when the missile comes from the front of the target aircraft. Lastly, combining maneuver with decoys, the best defense strategy is analysed when the missile comes from the front of aircraft. The result of simulation, which is authentic, is propitious to avoid the missile and improve the survivability of aircraft.
Rectal Bleeding and Abdominal Pain Following Vaccination in a 4-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Otero Jaclyn , Posa Molly R. , Kelly Maria N.
Published: January 2017

Intussusception is one of the most frequent causes of intestinal obstruction in infants. Rotavirus vaccination has been associated with intussusception in the medical literature. We report a case of a 4-month-old female with intussusception requiring hemicolectomy one week following rotavirus vaccination. We review the pathophysiology, presentation, and management of intussusception with a distinct focus on the history of rotavirus vaccination and risks of intussusception associated with timing of rotavirus vaccine administration. The discussion makes a strong case for rotavirus vaccine counseling regarding signs of intestinal obstruction and the importance of early recognition.
Effect of Gelatin-Based Edible Coatings Incorporated with Aloe vera and Black and Green Tea Extracts on the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Oranges
Authors: Radi Mohsen , Firouzi Elham , Akhavan Hamidreza , Amiri Sedigheh
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gelatin coating incorporated with Aloe vera gel (50,100%) and green and black tea extracts (5,10%) on physicochemical, microbial, and sensorial properties of fresh-cut oranges at 4°C for 17 days. Significant differences in terms of quality parameters were observed between the control and coated fresh-cut oranges. The highest variation of quality parameters was observed in control, while the least variations were observed in coated slices with 100% Aloe vera and 10% green tea extract. The weight loss was increased with time, but the coating treatment especially with 100% Aloe vera had significant effect on the prevention of weight loss. Also, Aloe vera coated samples obtained the highest score in sensory evaluation. Coating with gelatin incorporated with Aloe vera and green tea extracts successfully retarded the microbial growth and therefore extended the shelf life of fresh-cut oranges during cold storage.
Hearing Loss after Round Window Surgery in Mice Is due to Middle Ear Effusion
Authors: Zhu Bovey Z. , Saleh Jasmine , Isgrig Kevin T. , Cunningham Lisa L. , Chien Wade W.
Published: January 2017

Background: Delivery of therapeutic agents directly through the round window (RW) offers promise for treating sensorineural hearing loss. However, hearing loss can result from the surgical approach itself, and the reasons for this are poorly understood. We examined the hearing loss following the 3 major steps involved with the RW approach to access the mouse cochlea: bullostomy, RW puncture, and RW injection. Methods: Twenty-one adult CBA/J mice underwent bullostomy alone, 10 underwent RW puncture, and 8 underwent RW injection with PBS with 5% glycerol. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and otoscopy were performed preoperatively and up to 6 weeks postoperatively. Hair cells were stained, and survival was assessed using immunofluorescence. Results: One week postoperatively, mice in all groups showed significant threshold shifts. Otoscopy revealed approximately half of all mice had middle ear effusion (MEE), with a higher incidence of effusion in the RW puncture and RW injection groups. Those with MEE had significant ABR threshold shifts, whereas those without MEE had minimal hearing loss. MEE persisted through 6 weeks in a majority of cases, but in those mice with MEE resolution, there was at least partial improvement in hearing. Immunohistochemistry showed minimal loss of hair cells in all animals. Conclusion: MEE is highly correlated with hearing loss in mice undergoing RW surgery. Otoscopy is an important adjunct to consider after ear surgery in mice, as MEE may contribute to postsurgical hearing loss.
Evolution of Gyrification in Carnivores
Authors: Lyras George A. , Giannakopoulou Aggeliki , Kouvari Miranda , Papadopoulos Georgios C.
Published: January 2017

The order Carnivora is a large and highly diverse mammalian group with a long and well-documented evolutionary history. Nevertheless, our knowledge on the degree of cortical folding (or degree of gyrification) is limited to just a few species. Here we investigate the degree of cortical folding in 64 contemporary and 37 fossil carnivore species. We do so by measuring the length of gyri impressions on endocranial casts. We use this approach because we have found that there is a very good correlation between the degree of cortical folding and the relative length of the gyri that are exposed on the outer surface of the hemispheres. Our results indicate that aquatic and semiaquatic carnivores have higher degrees of cortical folding than terrestrial carnivores. The degree of cortical folding varies among modern families, with viverrids having the lowest values. Furthermore, the scaling of cortical folding with brain size follows different patterns across specific carnivore families. Forty million years ago, the first carnivores had a relatively small cortex and limited cortical folding. Both the size of the cortex and the degree of cortical folding increased independently in each family during evolution.
Collectin Kidney 1 Plays an Important Role in Innate Immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection
Authors: Hwang Insu , Mori Kenichiro , Ohtani Katsuki , Matsuda Yasuyuki , Roy Nitai , Kim YounUck , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Wakamiya Nobutaka
Published: January 2017

Collectins are C-type lectins that are involved in innate immunity as pattern recognition molecules. Recently, collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1) has been discovered, and in vitro studies have shown that CL-K1 binds to microbes and activates the lectin complement pathway. However, in vivo functions of CL-K1 against microbes have not been elucidated. To investigate the biological functions of CL-K1, we generated CL-K1 knockout (CL-K1-/-) mice and then performed a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection analysis. First, we found that recombinant human CL-K1 bound to S. pneumoniae in a calcium-dependent manner, and induced complement activation. CL-K1-/- mice sera formed less C3 deposition on S. pneumoniae. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis in the wild-type (WT) mice demonstrated that CL-K1 and C3 were localized on S. pneumoniae in infected lungs. CL-K1-/- mice revealed decreased phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae. Consequently, less S. pneumoniae clearance was observed in their lungs. CL-K1-/- mice showed severe pulmonary inflammation and weight loss in comparison with WT mice. Finally, the decreased clearance and severe pulmonary inflammation caused by S. pneumoniae infection might cause higher CL-K1-/- mice lethality. Our results suggest that CL-K1 might play an important role in host protection against S. pneumoniae infection through the activation of the lectin complement pathway.
Mechanisms of Improved Exercise Performance under Hyperoxia
Authors: Ulrich Silvia , Hasler Elisabeth D. , Müller-Mottet Séverine , Keusch Stephan , Furian Michael , Latshang Tsogyal D. , Schneider Simon , Saxer Stéphanie , Bloch Konrad E.
Published: January 2017

Background: The impact of hyperoxia on exercise limitation is still incompletely understood. Objectives: We investigated to which extent breathing hyperoxia enhances the exercise performance of healthy subjects and which physiologic mechanisms are involved. Methods: A total of 32 healthy volunteers (43 ± 15 years, 12 women) performed 4 bicycle exercise tests to exhaustion with ramp and constant-load protocols (at 75% of the maximal workload [Wmax] on FiO2 0.21) on separate occasions while breathing ambient (FiO2 0.21) or oxygen-enriched air (FiO2 0.50) in a random, blinded order. Workload, endurance, gas exchange, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and cerebral (CTO) and quadriceps muscle tissue oxygenation (QMTO) were measured. Results: During the final 15 s of ramp exercising with FiO2 0.50, Wmax (mean ± SD 270 ± 80 W), SpO2 (99 ± 1%), and CTO (67 ± 9%) were higher and the Borg CR10 Scale dyspnea score was lower (4.8 ± 2.2) than the corresponding values with FiO2 0.21 (Wmax 257 ± 76 W, SpO2 96 ± 3%, CTO 61 ± 9%, and Borg CR10 Scale dyspnea score 5.7 ± 2.6, p < 0.05, all comparisons). In constant-load exercising with FiO2 0.50, endurance was longer than with FiO2 0.21 (16 min 22 s ± 7 min 39 s vs. 10 min 47 s ± 5 min 58 s). With FiO2 0.50, SpO2 (99 ± 0%) and QMTO (69 ± 8%) were higher than the corresponding isotime values to end-exercise with FiO2 0.21 (SpO2 96 ± 4%, QMTO 66 ± 9%), while minute ventilation was lower in hyperoxia (82 ± 18 vs. 93 ± 23 L/min, p < 0.05, all comparisons). Conclusion: In healthy subjects, hyperoxia increased maximal power output and endurance. It improved arterial, cerebral, and muscle tissue oxygenation, while minute ventilation and dyspnea perception were reduced. The findings suggest that hyperoxia enhanced cycling performance through a more efficient pulmonary gas exchange and a greater availability of oxygen to muscles and the brain (cerebral motor and sensory neurons).
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: User Motivations, Decision Making, and Perceived Utility of Results
Authors: Roberts J. Scott , Gornick Michele C. , Carere Deanna Alexis , Uhlmann Wendy R. , Ruffin Mack T. , Green Robert C.
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: To describe the interests, decision making, and responses of consumers of direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing (DTC-PGT) services. Methods: Prior to 2013 regulatory restrictions on DTC-PGT services, 1,648 consumers from 2 leading companies completed Web surveys before and after receiving test results. Results: Prior to testing, DTC-PGT consumers were as interested in ancestry (74% very interested) and trait information (72%) as they were in disease risks (72%). Among disease risks, heart disease (68% very interested), breast cancer (67%), and Alzheimer disease (66%) were of greatest interest prior to testing. Interest in disease risks was associated with female gender and poorer self-reported health (p < 0.01). Many consumers (38%) did not consider the possibility of unwanted information before purchasing services; this group was more likely to be older, male, and less educated (p < 0.05). After receiving results, 59% of respondents said test information would influence management of their health; 2% reported regret about seeking testing and 1% reported harm from results. Conclusion: DTC-PGT has attracted controversy because of the health-related information it provides, but nonmedical information is of equal or greater interest to consumers. Although many consumers did not fully consider potential risks prior to testing, DTC-PGT was generally perceived as useful in informing future health decisions.
An Evidence-Based Medicine Approach to Antihyperglycemic Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus to Overcome Overtreatment
Authors: Makam Anil N. , Nguyen Oanh K.
Published: January 2017

Overtreatment is pervasive in medicine and leads to potential patient harms and excessive costs in health care. Although evidence-based medicine is often derided as practice by rote algorithmic medicine, the appropriate application of key evidence-based medicine principles in clinical decision making is fundamental to preventing overtreatment and promoting high-value, individualized patient-centered care. Specifically, this article discusses the importance of (1) using absolute rather than relative estimates of benefits to inform treatment decisions; (2) considering the time horizon to benefit of treatments; (3) balancing potential harms and benefits; and (4) using shared decision making by physicians to incorporate the patient’s values and preferences into treatment decisions. Here, we illustrate the application of these principles to considering the decision of whether or not to recommend intensive glycemic control to patients to minimize microvascular and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Through this lens, this example will illustrate how an evidence-based medicine approach can be used to individualize glycemic goals and prevent overtreatment, and can serve as a template for applying evidence-based medicine to inform treatment decisions for other conditions to optimize health and individualize patient care.
Contributions to the knowledge of the “Staphylinus-complex” (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) of China. Part XX. The genus Ocypus Leach, 1819, subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey, 1876. Section 1
Authors: SMETANA ALEŠ
Published: January 2017

The paper deals with the species of the semenowi-lineage of the subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey, 1876 of the genus Ocypus Leach, 1819, known to occur at present on the territory of the People’s Republic of China. Thirty three species are treated, of which twenty nine are described as new: O. ballio, O. bion, O. calamis, O. elpenor, O. glabrio, O. hecato, O. itys, O. laelaps, O. orodes, O. pammenes, O. pelias, O. quiris, O. sarpedon, O. scaevola, O. teuthras, O. vindex, O. xerxes and O. zetes, (all from Sichuan), O. palamedes (from Sichuan: Jiuding Shan), O. abaris, O. sadales and O. gorgias (all from Gansu), O. hyas (from Yunnan), O. dryas (from Xinjiang), O. zeuxis (from Hubei: Da Shennongjia range), O. neocles and O. rhinton (both from Shaanxi: Qinling Shan), O. dolon and O. menander (both from Shaanxi: Daba Shan). The lectotype is designated for Ocypus semenowi Reitter, 1887. Protocypus puer Smetana, 2005 is transferred to the subgenus Pseudocypus of Ocypus (new combination). Each species is described, illustrated and all available distributional and bionomic data are given. A key to the Chinese species of the semenowi-lineage of the subgenus Pseudocypus is given.