bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Evaluation of RaPIDO, A Platform for Rapid Prototyping of Interactive Outdoor Games
Authors: Soute Iris , Vacaretu Tudor , Wit Jan De , Markopoulos Panos
Published: August 2017

Outdoor, multi-player games involving social interaction and physical activity are an emerging class of applications particularly interesting for children, for whom the attraction and the health and developmental benefits are clear cut. Implementing and prototyping such games present non-trivial technical challenges to interaction and game designers; this hampers iterative prototyping and testing cycles that are core to user-centred design and game development processes. This insight has motivated the development of RaPIDO (Rapid prototyping of Physical Interaction Design for Outdoor games), a prototyping platform for physical computing, targeting interaction designers with limited electronics or software skills. RaPIDO has been evaluated in a user test, evaluating RaPIDOs software library, and in a case study involving two designers who used it to develop outdoor games for children. We illustrate how RaPIDO enabled broader exploration of the design space and faster iterations than would otherwise be possible, allowing designers to focus on the core game concepts rather than complex and low-level engineering issues.
ESTIMA
Authors: Chatzopoulos Georgios , Dragojević Aleksandar , Guerraoui Rachid
Published: August 2017

This article presents
estima
, an easy-to-use tool for extrapolating the scalability of in-memory applications.
estima
is designed to perform a simple yet important task: Given the performance of an application on a small machine with a handful of cores,
estima
extrapolates its scalability to a larger machine with more cores, while requiring minimum input from the user. The key idea underlying
estima
is the use of stalled cycles (e.g., cycles that the processor spends waiting for missed cache line fetches or busy locks).
estima
measures stalled cycles on a few cores and extrapolates them to more cores, estimating the amount of
waiting
in the system.
estima
can be effectively used to predict the scalability of in-memory applications for bigger execution machines. For instance, using measurements of memcached and SQLite on a desktop machine, we obtain accurate predictions of their scalability on a server. Our extensive evaluation shows the effectiveness of
estima
on a large number of in-memory benchmarks.
GPU Multisplit
Authors: Ashkiani Saman , Davidson Andrew , Meyer Ulrich , Owens John D.
Published: August 2017

Multisplit is a broadly useful parallel primitive that permutes its input data into contiguous
buckets
or
bins
, where the function that categorizes an element into a bucket is provided by the programmer. Due to the lack of an efficient multisplit on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), programmers often choose to implement multisplit with a sort. One way is to first generate an auxiliary array of bucket IDs and then sort input data based on it. In case smaller indexed buckets possess smaller valued keys, another way for multisplit is to directly sort input data. Both methods are inefficient and require more work than necessary: The former requires more expensive data movements while the latter spends unnecessary effort in sorting elements within each bucket. In this work, we provide a parallel model and multiple implementations for the multisplit problem. Our principal focus is multisplit for a small (up to 256) number of buckets. We use warp-synchronous programming models and emphasize warpwide communications to avoid branch divergence and reduce memory usage. We also hierarchically reorder input elements to achieve better coalescing of global memory accesses. On a GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, we can reach a peak throughput of 18.93Gkeys/s (or 11.68Gpairs/s) for a key-only (or key-value) multisplit. Finally, we demonstrate how multisplit can be used as a building block for radix sort. In our multisplit-based sort implementation, we achieve comparable performance to the fastest GPU sort routines, sorting 32-bit keys (and key-value pairs) with a throughput of 3.0Gkeys/s (and 2.1Gpair/s).
Implicitizing Rational Tensor Product Surfaces Using the Resultant of Three Moving Planes
Authors: Shen Li-Yong , Goldman Ron
Published: August 2017

Implicitizing rational surfaces is a fundamental computational task in Computer Graphics and Computer Aided Design. Ray tracing, collision detection, and solid modeling all benefit from implicitization procedures for rational surfaces. The univariate resultant of two moving lines generated by a μ-basis for a rational curve represents the implicit equation of the rational curve. But although the multivariate resultant of three moving planes corresponding to a μ-basis for a rational surface is guaranteed to contain the implicit equation of the surface as a factor, μ-bases for rational surfaces are difficult to compute. Moreover, μ-bases for a rational surface often have high degrees, so these resultants generally contain many extraneous factors. Here we develop fast algorithms to implicitize rational tensor product surfaces by computing the resultant of three moving planes corresponding to three syzygies with low degrees. These syzygies are easy to compute, and the resultants of the corresponding moving planes generally contain fewer extraneous factors than the resultants of the moving planes corresponding to μ-bases. We predict and compute all the possible extraneous factors that may appear in these resultants. Examples are provided to clarify and illuminate the theory.
In vitro contraction protects against palmitate-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Nieuwoudt Stephan , Mulya Anny , Fealy Ciarán E. , Martelli Elizabeth , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Naga Prasad Sathyamangla V. , Kirwan John P.
Published: August 2017

We are interested in understanding mechanisms that govern the protective role of exercise against lipid-induced insulin resistance, a key driver of type 2 diabetes. In this context, cell culture models provide a level of abstraction that aid in our understanding of cellular physiology. Here we describe the development of an in vitro myotube contraction system that provides this protective effect, and which we have harnessed to investigate lipid-induced insulin resistance. C2C12 myocytes were differentiated into contractile myotubes. A custom manufactured platinum electrode system and pulse stimulator, with polarity switching, provided an electrical pulse stimulus (EPS) (1 Hz, 6-ms pulse width, 1.5 V/mm, 16 h). Contractility was assessed by optical flow flied spot noise mapping and inhibited by application of ammonium acetate. Following EPS, myotubes were challenged with 0.5 mM palmitate for 4 h. Cells were then treated with or without insulin for glucose uptake (30 min), secondary insulin signaling activation (10 min), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-α (PI3Kα) activity (5 min). Prolonged EPS increased non-insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (83%, P = 0.002), Akt (Thr308) phosphorylation ( P = 0.005), and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-associated PI3Kα activity ( P = 0.048). Palmitate reduced insulin-specific action on glucose uptake (−49%, P < 0.001) and inhibited insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation ( P = 0.049) and whole cell PI3Kα activity ( P = 0.009). The inhibitory effects of palmitate were completely absent with EPS pretreatment at the levels of glucose uptake, insulin responsiveness, Akt phosphorylation, and whole cell PI3Kα activity. This model suggests that muscle contraction alone is a sufficient stimulus to protect against lipid-induced insulin resistance as evidenced by changes in the proximal canonical insulin-signaling pathway.
The differential role of reactive oxygen species in early and late stages of cancer
Authors: Assi Mohamad
Published: August 2017

The large doses of vitamins C and E and β-carotene used to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative damages in cancerous tissue have produced disappointing and contradictory results. This therapeutic conundrum was attributed to the double-faced role of ROS, notably, their ability to induce either proliferation or apoptosis of cancer cells. However, for a ROS-inhibitory approach to be effective, it must target ROS when they induce proliferation rather than apoptosis. On the basis of recent advances in redox biology, this review underlined a differential regulation of prooxidant and antioxidant system, respective to the stage of cancer. At early precancerous and neoplastic stages, antioxidant activity decreases and ROS appear to promote cancer initiation via inducing oxidative damage and base pair substitution mutations in prooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, such as RAS and TP53, respectively. Whereas in late stages of cancer progression, tumor cells escape apoptosis by producing high levels of intracellular antioxidants, like NADPH and GSH, via the pentose phosphate pathway to buffer the excessive production of ROS and related intratumor oxidative injuries. Therefore, antioxidants should be prohibited in patients with advanced stages of cancer and/or undergoing anticancer therapies. Interestingly, the biochemical and biophysical properties of some polyphenols allow them to selectively recognize tumor cells. This characteristic was exploited to design and deliver nanoparticles coated with low doses of polyphenols and containing chemotherapeutic drugs into tumor-bearing animals. First results are encouraging, which may revolutionize the conventional use of antioxidants in cancer.
Curcumin limits weight gain, adipose tissue growth, and glucose intolerance following the cessation of exercise and caloric restriction in rats
Authors: Teich Trevor , Pivovarov Jacklyn A. , Porras Deanna P. , Dunford Emily C. , Riddell Michael C.
Published: August 2017

Weight regain, adipose tissue growth, and insulin resistance can occur within days after the cessation of regular dieting and exercise. This phenomenon has been attributed, in part, to the actions of stress hormones as well as local and systemic inflammation. We investigated the effect of curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory properties and inhibitory action on 11β-HSD1 activity, on preserving metabolic health and limiting adipose tissue growth following the cessation of daily exercise and caloric restriction (CR). Sprague-Dawley rats (6–7 wk old) underwent a “training” protocol of 24-h voluntary running wheel access and CR (15–20 g/day; ~50–65% of ad libitum intake) for 3 wk (“All Trained”) or were sedentary and fed ad libitum (“Sed”). After 3 wk, All Trained were randomly divided into one group which was terminated immediately (“Trained”), and two detrained groups which had their wheels locked and were reintroduced to ad libitum feeding for 1 wk. The wheel locked groups received either a daily gavage of a placebo (“Detrained + Placebo”) or curcumin (200 mg/kg) (“Detrained + Curcumin”). Cessation of daily CR and exercise caused an increase in body mass, as well as a 9- to 14-fold increase in epididymal, perirenal, and inguinal adipose tissue mass, all of which were attenuated by curcumin ( P < 0.05). Insulin area under the curve (AUC) during an oral glucose tolerance test, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated 6-, 9-, and 2-fold, respectively, in the Detrained + Placebo group vs. the Trained group (all P < 0.05). Curcumin reduced insulin AUC, HOMA-IR, and CRP vs. the placebo group (all P < 0.05). Our results indicate that curcumin has a protective effect against weight regain and impaired metabolic control following a successful period of weight loss through diet and exercise, perhaps via inhibition of glucocorticoid action and inflammation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Weight regain after dieting and exercise is a common phenomenon plaguing many individuals. The biological mechanisms underlying weight regain are incompletely understood and are likely multifactorial. In this paper, we examined the metabolic implications of curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and inhibitory action on the enzyme 11β-HSD1, in a rodent model of adiposity rebound after the cessation of diet and exercise.
Quantifying Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Solar Radiation over the Northeast China Based on ACO-BPNN Model and Intensity Analysis
Authors: Li Xiangqian , Tong Zhijun , Guo Enliang , Luo Xiaolong
Published: August 2017

Reliable information on the spatiotemporal dynamics of solar radiation plays a crucial role in studies relating to global climate change. In this study, a new backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model optimized with an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm was developed to generate the ACO-BPNN model, which had demonstrated superior performance for simulating solar radiation compared to traditional BPNN modelling, for Northeast China. On this basis, we applied an intensity analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal variation of solar radiation from 1982 to 2010 over the study region at three levels: interval, category, and conversion. Research findings revealed that (1) the solar radiation resource in the study region increased from the 1980s to the 2000s and the average annual rate of variation from the 1980s to the 1990s was lower than that from the 1990s to the 2000s and (2) the gains and losses of solar radiation at each level were in different conditions. The poor, normal, and comparatively abundant levels were transferred to higher levels, whereas the abundant level was transferred to lower levels. We believe our findings contribute to implementing ad hoc energy management strategies to optimize the use of solar radiation resources and provide scientific suggestions for policy planning.
High Circulating Levels of ANGPTL2: Beyond a Clinical Marker of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Thorin-Trescases Nathalie , Thorin Eric
Published: August 2017

Angiopoietin‐like 2 (ANGPTL2) is a proinflammatory protein belonging to the angiopoietin‐like family. ANGPTL2 is secreted and detected in the systemic circulation. Different observational clinical studies reported that circulating levels of ANGPTL2 increase significantly in various chronic inflammatory diseases and showed associations between ANGPTL2 levels and diagnosis and/or prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and various types of cancers. However, these studies did not address the following questions: (a) what are the sources of circulating ANGPTL2? (b) How and by which mechanisms an increase in circulating ANGPTL2 contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases? (c) Does an increase in circulating levels of ANGPTL2 measured in a well‐defined chronic medical condition originate from a specific cell type? Mechanistic hypotheses have been proposed based on studies performed in mice and cultured cells, and proinflammatory, prooxidative, proangiogenic, proliferative, and antiapoptotic properties of ANGPTL2 have been reported. The aim of this review is to propose answers concerning the potential sources of circulating ANGPTL2 and its common pathological properties associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases and death in humans. We believe that high circulating ANGPTL2 levels are more than an inflammatory marker and may reflect the senescent cellular load of an individual.
Construction Practices Contributing to Rising Damp in Kumasi Metropolitan and Ejisu Municipal Assemblies in Ghana
Authors: Oduro Asamoah Richard , Solomon Ankrah John , Bannor Philip , Ofei-Nyako Kofi
Published: August 2017

Buildings represent significant investment of developers and, as such, it is important to ensure value for the capital injected into the construction of buildings. Unfortunately, due to neglect of proper construction practices, buildings are facing defects, and one of such defects is rising damp. This study sought to identify some of the construction practices contributing to rising damp in buildings and their effects and suggest some remedial measures for controlling and treatment of rising damps. Snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to gather data from a cross section of 78 building environment professionals in Kumasi and Ejisu who have experienced the effects of moisture rise. Relative Importance Index was used to rank the significance of the causes. The study revealed that failure to use damp-proof membrane or course, presence of groundwater, porosity of masonry, and concrete element sand flooding were the main causes of rising damp. Undersetting and saw slotting, making good plumbing leakages, using approved waterproof chemical injection, and application of admixtures were the main measures recommended to avert rising damp.
Local and Systemic Immune Responses to Influenza A Virus Infection in Pneumonia and Encephalitis Mouse Models
Authors: Nagaoka Yoshiharu , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Yamada Mutsuko , Yashiro Masato , Washio Yosuke , Baba Kenji , Morishima Tsuneo , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: August 2017

Objective. To compare local and systemic profiles between different disease pathologies (pneumonia and encephalitis) induced by influenza A virus (IAV).Methods. An IAV pneumonia model was created by intranasal inoculation of C57BL/6 mice with influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus. Lung lavage and blood collection were performed on day 3 after IAV inoculation. Similarly, an IAV encephalitis mouse model was created by direct intracranial IAV inoculation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood collection were conducted according to the same schedule. Cytokine/chemokine profiles were produced for each collected sample. Then the data were compared visually using radar charts.Results. Serum cytokine profiles were similar in pneumonia and encephalitis models, but local responses between the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the pneumonia model and CSF in the encephalitis model differed. Moreover, to varying degrees, the profiles of local cytokines/chemokines differed from those of serum in both the pneumonia and encephalitis models.Conclusion. Investigating local samples such as BALF and CSF is important for evaluating local immune responses, providing insight into pathology at the primary loci of infection. Serum data alone might be insufficient to elucidate local immune responses and might not enable clinicians to devise the most appropriate treatment strategies.
Neuronal Regeneration after Electroacupuncture Treatment in Ischemia–Reperfusion-Injured Cerebral Infarction Rats
Authors: Liao Shiang-Lin , Lin Yi-Wen , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: August 2017

Adult neuronal cells which can regenerate have been reported. The present study investigated whether acupuncture enhances neuronal regeneration in ischemic stroke rats. We established an ischemic stroke rat model by occluding the cerebral blood flow of the right middle cerebral artery for 15 minutes and then allowing reperfusion in Sprague–Dawley rats. The results indicated that, in these rats, 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) at both Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints reduced the infarction/hemisphere ratio 8 days after reperfusion and reduced the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and increased the rotarod test time 4 and 8 days after reperfusion, respectively. In addition, 2 Hz reduced nestin immunoreactive cells in the penumbra area and the ischemic core area; 2 Hz EA also reduced Ki67 immunoreactive cells and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive cells in the penumbra area. These findings suggest that 2 Hz EA at the ST36 and ST37 acupoints has a neuroprotective role. However, additional studies are needed to further investigate these preliminary results.
In-Plane Strengthening Effect of Prefabricated Concrete Walls on Masonry Structures: Shaking Table Test
Authors: Li Weiwei , Liu Weiqing , Wang Shuguang , Du Dongsheng
Published: August 2017

The improvement effect of a new strengthening strategy on dynamic action of masonry structure, by installing prefabricated concrete walls on the outer facades, is validated by shaking table test presented in this paper. We carried out dynamic tests of two geometrically identical five-story reduced scaled models, including an unstrengthened and a strengthened masonry model. The experimental analysis encompasses seismic performances such as cracking patterns, failure mechanisms, amplification factors of acceleration, and displacements. The results show that the strengthened masonry structure shows much more excellent seismic capacity when compared with the unstrengthened one.
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor and 14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid-Facilitated Long-Term Potentiation through cAMP and CaMKII in the Hippocampus
Authors: Wu Han-Fang , Chen Yi-Ju , Wu Su-Zhen , Lee Chi-Wei , Chen I-Tuan , Lee Yi-Chao , Huang Chi-Chen , Hsing Chung-Hsi , Tang Chih-Wei , Lin Hui-Ching
Published: August 2017

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are derived from arachidonic acid and metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The role of EETs in synaptic function in the central nervous system is still largely unknown. We found that pharmacological inhibition of sEH to stabilize endogenous EETs and exogenous 14,15-EET significantly increased the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) response in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, while additionally enhancing high-frequency stimulation- (HFS-) induced long-term potentiation (LTP) and forskolin- (FSK-) induced LTP. sEH inhibitor (sEHI) N-[1-(oxopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N’-[4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)-urea (TPPU) and exogenous 14,15-EET increased HFS-LTP, which could be blocked by an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit NR2B antagonist. TPPU- or 14,15-EET-facilitated FSK-mediated LTP can be potentiated by an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, but is prevented by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor. sEHI and 14,15-EET upregulated the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and Ca2+/calmodulin- (CaM-) dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Phosphorylation of synaptic receptors NR2B andα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR1 was increased by TPPU and 14,15-EET administration. These results indicated that EETs increased NMDAR- and FSK-mediated synaptic potentiation via the AC-cAMP-PKA signaling cascade and upregulated the ERKs and CaMKII, resulting in increased phosphorylation of NR2B and GluR1 in the hippocampus.
Adequate Platelet Function Inhibition Confirmed by Two Inductive Agents Predicts Lower Recurrence of Ischemic Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Hu Xiaowei , Zhu Juehua , Cai Xiuying , Kong Yan , Wang Hui , Diao Shanshan , Zhao Hongru , Jiang Jianhua , Wang Dapeng , Zhang Quanquan , Qin Yiren , Yue Wei , Fang Qi
Published: August 2017

Background. The correlation between platelet function and recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA remains uncertain.Objective. To investigate two inductive agents to detect platelet functions and assess associations with recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA.Method. The study included 738 ischemic stroke/TIA patients. On days 0, 3, and 9 after antiplatelet therapy, platelet function tests were determined by maximum aggregation rate (MAR) using a PL-11 platelet function analyzer and phase matching reagents. Two induction agents were used: arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). At 3-month follow-up, recurrence of stroke/TIA was recorded.Result. Cut-off values of adequate platelet function inhibition were MARADP< 35% and MARAA< 35%. Data showed that antiplatelet therapy could reduce the maximum aggregation rate. More importantly, adequate platelet function inhibition of either MARADPor MARAAwas not associated with the recurrence of stroke/TIA, but adequate platelet function inhibition of not only MARADPbut also MARAApredicts lower recurrence (0/121 (0.00%) versus 18/459 (3.92%),P= 0.0188).Conclusion. The platelet function tested by PL-11 demonstrated that adequate inhibition of both MARADPand MARAAcould predict lower risk of ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence.
Physician Beware: Severe Cyanide Toxicity from Amygdalin Tablets Ingestion
Authors: Dang Tam , Nguyen Cham , Tran Phu N.
Published: August 2017

Despite the risk of cyanide toxicity and lack of efficacy, amygdalin is still used as alternative cancer treatment. Due to the highly lethal nature of cyanide toxicity, many patients die before getting medical care. Herein, we describe the case of a 73-year-old female with metastatic pancreatic cancer who developed cyanide toxicity from taking amygdalin. Detailed history and physical examination prompted rapid clinical recognition and treatment with hydroxocobalamin, leading to resolution of her cyanide toxicity. Rapid clinical diagnosis and treatment of cyanide toxicity can rapidly improve patients’ clinical outcome and survival. Inquiries for any forms of ingestion should be attempted in patients with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of poisoning.
An Incidentally Detected Right Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Gaddipati Vamsi C. , Martin Angel I. , Valenzuela Mauricio O. , Mahmud Asef , Patel Aarti A.
Published: August 2017

Ventricular pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon, potentially fatal complication that has been associated with myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, chest trauma, and infectious processes. Diagnosis can be challenging, as cases are rare and slowly progressing and typically lack identifiable features on clinical presentation. As a result, advanced imaging techniques have become the hallmark of identification. Ahead, we describe a patient who presents with acute decompensated heart failure and was incidentally discovered to have a large right ventricular pseudoaneurysm that developed following previous traumatic anterior rib fracture.
Effectiveness of Vildagliptin in Clinical Practice: Pooled Analysis of Three Korean Observational Studies (the VICTORY Study)
Authors: Suh Sunghwan , Song Sun Ok , Kim Jae Hyeon , Cho Hyungjin , Lee Woo Je , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: August 2017

The present observational study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of vildagliptin with metformin in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data were pooled from the vildagliptin postmarketing survey (PMS), the vildagliptin/metformin fixed drug combination (DC) PMS, and a retrospective observational study of vildagliptin/metformin (fixed DC or free DC). The effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a glycemic target (HbA1c) of ≤7.0% at 24 weeks. In total, 4303 patients were included in the analysis; of these, 2087 patients were eligible. The mean patient age was 56.99 ± 11.25 years. Overall, 58.94% patients achieved an HbA1c target of ≤7.0% at 24 weeks. The glycemic target achievement rate was significantly greater in patients with baseline HbA1c < 7.5% versus ≥7.5% (84.64% versus 43.97%), receiving care at the hospital versus clinic (67.95% versus 52.33%), and receiving vildagliptin/metformin fixed DC versus free DC (70.69% versus 55.42%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that disease duration (P<0.0001), baseline HbA1c (P<0.0001), and DC type (P=0.0103) had significant effects on drug effectiveness. Vildagliptin plus metformin appeared as an effective treatment option for patients with T2DM in clinical practice settings in Korea.
Numerical Simulation of GFRP Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Zhao Xia , He Xiong-Jun , Yang Yong-Chao
Published: August 2017

Experiment on the constitutive model of fiber reinforced concrete with volume fraction of alkali-resistant glass fiber of, respectively, 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% was conducted, and the constitutive relation of tension stress-strain full curve of GFRC shaft was obtained; the constitutive relation of GFRP is obtained by experiment, and the secant modulus was obtained by the fitting of univariate cubic equation. The finite element numerical simulation of GFRP fiber reinforced concrete beam was carried out, and the load deflection nephogram of fiber reinforced concrete beam, strain nephogram, crack nephogram, and GFRP stress nephogram were obtained. When the fiber content is 1.0%, the bearing capacity of GFRP reinforced concrete beams is the best, and it could play a “bridging” effect when the incorporation of fiber is within the load range of about 60%, which inhibited the developing speed of cracks, but with the gradual increase of the load, the “bridging” effect disappeared.
Observation of Blood Donor-Recipient Malaria Parasitaemia Patterns in a Malaria Endemic Region
Authors: Faruk Jamilu Abdullahi , Ogunrinde Gboye Olufemi , Mamman Aisha Indo
Published: August 2017

Background. Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia has been documented in donor blood in West Africa. However, donated blood is not routinely screened for malaria parasites (MPs). The present study therefore aimed to document the frequency of blood transfusion-induced donor-recipient malaria parasitaemia patterns, in children receiving blood transfusion in a tertiary health-centre. Methodology. A cross-sectional, observational study involving 140 children receiving blood transfusion was carried out. Blood donor units and patients’ blood samples were obtained, for the determination of malaria parasites (MPs). Giemsa staining technique was used to determine the presence of malaria parasitaemia. Results. Malaria parasites were detected in 7% of donor blood and in 8.3% of the recipients’ pretransfusion blood. The incidence of posttransfusion MPs was 3%, but none of these were consistent with blood transfusion-induced malaria, as no child with posttransfusion parasitaemia was transfused with parasitized donor blood. Majority of the blood transfusions (89.4%) had no MPs in either donors or recipients, while 6.8% had MPs in both donors and recipients, with the remaining 3.8% showing MPs in recipients alone. Conclusion. In conclusion, the incidence of posttransfusion malaria parasitaemia appears low under the prevailing circumstances.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Inguinum and Angiosarcoma of the Scalp in a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Milković Periša Marija , Džombeta Tihana , Stepan Giljević Jasminka , Krušlin Božo
Published: August 2017

Benign and malignant tumors are common in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and angiosarcoma are rare tumors in children and adolescents and mostly occur in young patients in relation to NF1. Both histological types can be present in the same tumor mass in patients with NF1. We present a case of 12.5-year-old girl with NF1 who first presented with MPNST of the right inguinal region and 1.5 years later with unrelated angiosarcoma of the scalp.
A Hybrid Approach for Evaluating Faulty Behavior Risk of High‐Risk Operations Using ANP and Evidence Theory
Authors: Zheng Xia-Zhong , Wang Fei , Zhou Jian-Lan
Published: August 2017

Hydropower project construction is a high‐risk operation, where accidents occur frequently. Moreover, the factors leading to accidents are often human factors, so safety evaluation of these factors for the hydropower projects’ work system is very significant. The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) framework is applied to build evaluation system. In the evaluation process, correlation analysis is used to form the intercriteria analysis matrix that helps the decision makers to build impact relation matrix. Factor weights are calculated by the Analytic Network Process (ANP). In the index value determination step, the evidence theory is used to eliminate the conflicts of three decision makers and the index values are then calculated. The faulty behavior risk (FBR) assessment value is finally obtained. The proposed method is practical and its applicability is proved by an example.
Multispeed Lattice Boltzmann Model with Space‐Filling Lattice for Transcritical Shallow Water Flows
Authors: Peng Y. , Meng J. P. , Zhang J. M.
Published: August 2017

Inspired by the recent success of applying multispeed lattice Boltzmann models with a non‐space‐filling lattice for simulating transcritical shallow water flows, the capabilities of their space‐filling counterpart are investigated in this work. Firstly, two lattice models with five integer discrete velocities are derived by using the method of matching hydrodynamics moments and then tested with two typical 1D problems including the dam‐break flow over flat bed and the steady flow over bump. In simulations, the derived space‐filling multispeed models, together with the stream‐collision scheme, demonstrate better capability in simulating flows with finite Froude number. However, the performance is worse than the non‐space‐filling model solved by finite difference scheme. The stream‐collision scheme with second‐order accuracy may be the reason since a numerical scheme with second‐order accuracy is prone to numerical oscillations at discontinuities, which is worthwhile for further study.
Association between Sedentary Behaviour and Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Status among Older Adults in Assisted Living
Authors: Leung Pet-Ming , Ejupi Andreas , van Schooten Kimberley S. , Aziz Omar , Feldman Fabio , Mackey Dawn C. , Ashe Maureen C. , Robinovitch Stephen N.
Published: August 2017

Objective. Identification of the factors that influence sedentary behaviour in older adults is important for the design of appropriate intervention strategies. In this study, we determined the prevalence of sedentary behaviour and its association with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial status among older adults residing in Assisted Living (AL). Methods. Participants (n=114, mean age = 86.7) from AL sites in British Columbia wore waist-mounted activity monitors for 7 consecutive days, after being assessed with the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES). Results. On average, participants spent 87% of their waking hours in sedentary behaviour, which accumulated in 52 bouts per day with each bout lasting an average of 13 minutes. Increased sedentary behaviour associated significantly with scores on the TUG (r=0.373, p<0.001) and MFES (r=-0.261, p=0.005), but not with the MoCA or GDS. Sedentary behaviour also associated with male gender, use of mobility aid, and multiple regression with increased age. Conclusion. We found that sedentary behaviour among older adults in AL associated with TUG scores and falls-related self-efficacy, which are modifiable targets for interventions to decrease sedentary behaviour in this population.
Effects of Marathon Running on Aerobic Fitness and Performance in Recreational Runners One Week after a Race
Authors: Takayama Fuminori , Aoyagi Atsushi , Shimazu Wataru , Nabekura Yoshiharu
Published: August 2017

It is not clear whether or not recreational runners can recover aerobic fitness and performance within one week after marathon running. This study aimed to investigate the effects of running a marathon race on aerobic fitness and performance one week later. Eleven recreational runners (six men, five women) completed the race in 3 h 36 min 20 s ± 41 min 34 s (mean ± standard deviation). Before and 7 days after the race, they performed a treadmill running test. Perceived muscle soreness was assessed before the race and for the following 7 days. The magnitude of changes in the treadmill running test was consideredpossibly trivialfor maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) (mean difference −1.2 ml/kg/min; ±90% confidence limits 2 ml/kg/min),unclearfor %V˙O2max at anaerobic threshold (AT) (−0.5; ±4.1%) and RE (0.2; ±3.5 ml/kg/km), andlikely trivialfor both velocity at AT and peak (−0.2; ±0.49 km/h and −0.3; ±0.28 km/h). Perceived muscle soreness increased until 3 days after the race, but there were no clear differences between the values before the race and 4–7 days after it. These results show that physiological capacity associated with marathon running performance is recovered within 7 days after a marathon run.
Risk Factors of Malignant Glaucoma Occurrence after Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Krix-Jachym Karolina , Żarnowski Tomasz , Rękas Marek
Published: August 2017

Purpose. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the predisposing factors for occurrence of malignant glaucoma and second, to compare frequency of malignant glaucoma depending on the type of primary glaucoma surgery. Methods. Retrospective analysis was performed in 1689 consecutive patients who underwent glaucoma surgery alone or combined with phacoemulsification. Data collected included the type of surgery, width of the filtration angle, presence or absence of malignant glaucoma in the postoperative period, and time from the primary surgery to malignant glaucoma occurrence. Results. Malignant glaucoma occurred in 22 eyes that amounted to 1.3% of cases among all surgery performed. Mean time from glaucoma surgery to malignant glaucoma occurrence was 61.4 ± 190.5 days. Among patients with penetrating surgery, malignant glaucoma occurred in 2.3% of patients, whereas after nonpenetrating operations, such complication was not found (p=0.00004). Malignant glaucoma occurred more often in patients with shallow iridocorneal angle (p=0.0013). Conclusions. The risk of malignant glaucoma development is associated with penetrating characteristic of glaucoma surgery, after which this complication appears and its occurrence is higher in eyes with shallow iridocorneal angle. The risk of malignant glaucoma after trabeculectomy compared to iridencleisis as well as after phacotrabeculectomy compared to phacoiridencleisis is equivalent.
Isolated Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Sick Sinus Syndrome, and Challenging Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Kemal Hatice S. , Gunsel Aziz , Cerit Levent , Kocaoglu Murat , Duygu Hamza
Published: August 2017

Persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava is a very rare venous anomaly and is known as isolated PLSVC. It is usually an asymptomatic anomaly and is mostly detected during difficult central venous access or pacemaker implantation, though it could also be associated with an increased incidence of congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, and conduction disturbances. Herein, we describe a dual-chamber pacemaker implantation in a patient with isolated PLSVC and sick sinus syndrome.
Single Dose of the CXCR4 Antagonist BL-8040 Induces Rapid Mobilization for the Collection of Human CD34+ Cells in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Abraham Michal , Pereg Yaron , Bulvik Baruch , Klein Shiri , Mishalian Inbal , Wald Hana , Eizenberg Orly , Beider Katia , Nagler Arnon , Golan Rottem , Vainstein Abi , Aharon Arnon , Galun Eithan , Caraco Yoseph , Or Reuven , Peled Amnon
Published: August 2017

Purpose: The potential of the high-affinity CXCR4 antagonist BL-8040 as a monotherapy-mobilizing agent and its derived graft composition and quality were evaluated in a phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers (NCT02073019).

Experimental Design: The first part of the study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose escalation phase. The second part of the study was an open-label phase, in which 8 subjects received a single injection of BL-8040 (1 mg/kg) and approximately 4 hours later underwent a standard leukapheresis procedure. The engraftment potential of the purified mobilized CD34+ cells was further evaluated by transplanting the cells into NSG immunodeficient mice.

Results: BL-8040 was found safe and well tolerated at all doses tested (0.5–1 mg/kg). The main treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate. Transient injection site and systemic reactions were mitigated by methylprednisolone, paracetamol, and promethazine pretreatment. In the first part of the study, BL-8040 triggered rapid and substantial mobilization of WBCs and CD34+ cells in all tested doses. Four hours postdose, the count rose to a mean of 8, 37, 31, and 35 cells/μL (placebo, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/kg, respectively). FACS analysis revealed substantial mobilization of immature dendritic, T, B, and NK cells. In the second part, the mean CD34+ cells/kg collected were 11.6 × 106 cells/kg. The graft composition was rich in immune cells.

Conclusions: The current data demonstrate that BL-8040 is a safe and effective monotherapy strategy for the collection of large amounts of CD34+ cells and immune cells in a one-day procedure for allogeneic HSPC transplantation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6790–801. ©2017 AACR.
Estrogen Receptor β Is a Novel Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Rota Sarah-Grace , Roma Alessia , Dude Iulia , Ma Christina , Stevens Robert , MacEachern Janet , Graczyk Joanna , Espiritu Shaundrei Mabriel G. , Rao Praveen N. , Minden Mark D. , Kreinin Elena , Hess David A. , Doxey Andrew C. , Spagnuolo Paul A.
Published: August 2017

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating disease characterized by poor patient outcome and suboptimal chemotherapeutics. Here, a high-throughput screen identified diosmetin, a citrus flavonoid, with anti-AML activity. Diosmetin imparted selective toxicity against leukemia and leukemia stem cells in vitro and in vivo with no effect on normal hematopoietic stem cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that diosmetin targets estrogen receptor (ER) β. ERβ expression conferred cell sensitivity, as patient-derived AML cells with high levels of ERβ were sensitive, whereas cells with low ERβ were insensitive to diosmetin. Knockdown of ERβ confirmed resistance, whereas overexpression enhanced sensitivity to diosmetin, which was demonstrated to be mediated by reactive oxygen species signaling. In summary, these studies highlight targeting of ERβ with diosmetin as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AML. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2618–26. ©2017 AACR.
S100A8/A9 (Calprotectin), Interleukin-6, and C-Reactive Protein in Obesity and Diabetes before and after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Lylloff Louise , Bathum Lise , Madsbad Sten , Grundtvig Josefine Liv Gilling , Nordgaard-Lassen Inge , Fenger Mogens
Published: August 2017

Background: In obesity, which is a major contributor to insulin resistance and diabetes, the circulating level of S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) is elevated and declines after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). However, studies on S100A8/A9 and the pathophysiological mechanisms in insulin resistance and diabetes are few and contradictory. Methods: We studied 48 subjects who underwent RYGB, comprising a non-diabetic control group and two diabetic groups in whom diabetes either regressed or persisted, 6-12 months post-surgically. S100A8/A9, interleukin 6 (IL-6) as well as other inflammatory and diabetes-related markers were measured pre- and post-surgically. Results: Significant and similar decreases of BMI were found in all groups. S100A8/A9 and IL-6 decreased significantly in the group with diabetes remission and in the control group, but not in the group with persistent diabetes. The relative changes in S100A8/A9 and IL-6 correlated significantly (r = 0.905, p = 0.005) only in the group with persistent diabetes. In contrast, leukocyte count and C-reactive protein correlated significantly to S100A8/A9 only in the control group. Conclusion: Our study is suggestive of S100A8/A9 and IL-6 being related to a persistent diabetes status post-surgically and of different pathophysiological mechanisms being involved in the post-surgical changes in the three groups, despite similar decreases in BMI.
Two Ethnic Clusters with Huntington Disease in Israel: The Case of Mountain Jews and Karaites
Authors: Zitser Jennifer , Thaler Avner , Inbar Noit , Gad Alona , Faust-Socher Achinoam , Paleacu Diana , Anca-Herschkovitch Marieta , Balash Yakov , Shabtai Hertzel , Ash Elissa L. , Merkin Ludmila , Manor Yael , Kestenbaum Meir , Bar David Aya , Peretz Chava , Naiman Tova , Bar-Shira Anat , Orr-Urtreger Avi , Dangoor Nira , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya
Published: August 2017

Background: Worldwide prevalence estimates of Huntington disease (HD) vary widely, with no reliable information regarding the Jewish population in Israel. Methods: This specialized tertiary single-center cross-sectional study assessed clinical, cognitive, and demographic characteristics of 84 HD patients who were treated at the Movement Disorder Unit of the Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel. Results: Our cohort was composed of one-third Ashkenazi Jews, 27% Mountain Jews (Caucasus Jews), 18% Sephardi Jews, and 21% Karaites, with both Mountain Jews and Karaites over-represented compared to their relevant proportion in the population of the state of Israel, which is less than 1%. No between-group differences were detected regarding the number of CAG (cytosine-adenine-guanine) repeats, age at onset, disease duration, years from symptom onset to diagnosis, gender, years of education, Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale scores, or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Conclusion: We detected clustering of HD among the population treated at our Medical Center, which has the only specialized HD clinic in the country, with a high percentage of HD among 2 relatively small subpopulations of Jews: Mountain Jews and Karaites.
Apixaban and dalteparin in active malignancy associated venous thromboembolism
Authors: Loprinzi Charles , Ashrani Aneel , Botero Juliana Perez , Leon Ferre Roberto , Henkin Stanislav , Lenz Charles , Le-Rademacher Jennifer , Wysokinski Waldemar , McBane Robert
Published: August 2017

Currently, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the guideline endorsed treatment of patients with cancer associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). While apixaban is approved for the treatment of acute VTE, there are limited data supporting its use in cancer patients. The rationale and design of this investigator initiated Phase IV, multicenter, randomized, open label, superiority trial assessing the safety of apixaban versus dalteparin for cancer associated VTE is provided (ADAM-VTE; NCT02585713). The main aim of the ADAM-VTE trial is to test the hypothesis that apixaban is associated with a significantly lower rate of major bleeding compared to dalteparin in the treatment of cancer patients with acute VTE. The primary safety outcome is rate of major bleeding. Secondary efficacy objective is to assess the rates of recurrent VTE or arterial thromboembolism. Cancer patients with acute VTE (n=300) are randomized to receive apixaban (10 mg twice daily for 7 days followed by 5 mg twice daily thereafter) or dalteparin (200 IU/Kg daily for 30 days followed by 150 IU/kg daily thereafter) for 6 months. Stratification factors used for randomization include cancer stage and cancer specific risk of venous thromboembolism using the Khorana score. Participating centers are chosen from the Academic and Community Cancer Research United (ACCRU) consortium comprised of 90 oncology practices in the United States and Canada. Based on the hypothesis to be tested, we anticipate that these trial results will provide evidence supporting apixaban as an effective treatment of cancer associated VTE at lower rates of major bleeding compared to LMWH.