bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal radiologic position of an umbilical venous catheter tip as determined by echocardiography in very low birth weight newborns
Authors: Karber B.C.F. , Nielsen J.C. , Balsam D. , Messina C. , Davidson D.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare chest X-ray with echocardiogram (ECHO) in the localization of an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Secondary objectives determined the association between techniques for tip placement by the vertebral body level on X-ray, as well as the length of the thoracic inferior vena cava-right atrial (TIVC-RA) junction by ECHO.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, sequentially enrolled, masked, single regional perinatal center study. Shortly after birth, one or more anterior-posterior X-rays were ordered by the clinical team to verify that the UVC tip was fixed in the central right atrium (cRA) or at the TIVC-RA junction. An echocardiogram was performed as soon as possible after the last X-ray and UVC tip location was interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist. The pediatric radiologist and cardiologist were masked with regard to each other’s reading.

RESULTS: The newborns ( n = 51) were 27 (±3) weeks by gestational age with birth weights of 1029 (±288) grams (mean±SD). The radiologist read 50 UVC tips (98%) in the cRA or TIVC-RA junction and 1 (2%) in the LA. The cardiologist read 22 (43%) in the cRA or TIVC-RA, 21 (41%) in the LA and 8 (16%) tips could not be located in the heart. When the UVC tip was interpreted by X-ray as located in the TIVC-RA junction 8/29 (28%) were in the LA by echocardiogram. There was no agreement between vertebral level and tip position in the TIVC-RA junction, RA or LA. The TIVC-RA junction measured 6±1 mm and correlated with birth weight r = 0.54 ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In VLBW newborns, placement of the UVC tip into the cRA or TIVC-RA junction by X-ray does not avoid misplacement in the left atrium as demonstrated by echocardiography. For VLBW infants, it is suggested that echocardiography may be helpful in verifying that the original placement or migration of the UVC tip into the LA has not occurred.
Endothelin 1 as a predictor marker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: El Shemi M.S. , Tawfik S. , Khafagy S.M. , Hamza M.T. , Youssef A.M.A.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate if endothelin 1 concentration at day 3 postnatal age could be used as a predictive marker for development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.

METHODS: This prospective observational study was done on 69 preterm neonates with gestational ages between 28 and 34 weeks and diagnosed as having respiratory distress syndrome. Serum concentrations of endothelin 1 was measured for all patients at day 3 of life and they were divided into BPD and No-BPD groups according to whether they developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia or not.

RESULTS: A total of 17 infants were in the BPD group and 52 infants were in the No-BPD group. Serum endothelin 1 was significantly higher in the BPD group (435.39±172.88) compared with the No-BPD group (302.65±49.32) ( p < 0.001). Serum endothelin 1 correlated significantly with days spent on mechanical ventilation ( r = 0.379, p = 0.022) and days spent on CPAP ( r = 0.391, p = 0.001). A serum endothelin 1 cut off value of 302.7 ng/L could predict preterm that will develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia with a sensitivity of 88.24%, and specificity of 61.54%.

CONCLUSION: Serum endothelin 1 is significantly increased at day 3 of life in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome who later develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It seems to be a promising predictive marker for BPD but further studies are needed to find the appropriate time for its measurement.
Assessment of serum apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-1 and their ratio in healthy full term small for gestational age newborns
Authors: Agrawal A. , Shrivastava J. , Dwivedi R. , Siddiqui M.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: Programmed changes in growth restricted fetuses can increase the risk of adulthood diseases due to elevated serum cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) concentrations. Increasing evidence demonstrated the role of apoB/apoA-I ratio as a strong risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of cord blood lipoproteins and apolipoproteins as well as their correlation with birth weight.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching institution in central India. Healthy full-term newborns, born out of normal vaginal deliveries, were recruited. Cases include term small for gestational age (SGA) babies while term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies were taken as controls. Their umbilical venous blood was collected and sent for biochemical analysis.

RESULTS: Out of 126 healthy newborns, 66 were cases and 60 were controls. Mean values of serum triglyceride (141.56±69.67 mg/dl vs. 113.67±33.38 mg/dl; p < 0.006; 95% CI = 8.31 to 47.46) and serum apo-B/apo-A-1 ratio (0.67±0.28 vs. 0.55±0.20; p < 0.007; 95% CI = 0.033 to 0.206) were significantly high and that of serum high density cholesterol (35.84±10.42 mg/dl vs. 40.73±11.70 mg/dl; p < 0.014; 95% CI = –8.79 to –0.98) and Apo-A1 [87.59±12.44 mg/dl vs. 101.87±35.07 mg/dl; p = 0.002; 95% CI = –23.39 to –5.16) were significantly low in SGA newborns. Serum cholesterol, very low-density cholesterol rlow-density cholesterol rand Apo-B did not show any significant difference. Among SGA newborns significant negative correlation was seen between birth weight and apo-B/apo-A1 and serum triglyceride, while birth weight and serum apo-A1 level showed significant positive correlation. There was no statistically significant correlation between birth weight and other parameters.

CONCLUSION: These findings further support the association of prenatal factors with lipid profile rand can serve as starting point for studying lipid transport system changes during early life in Indian population.
Selected Issues of the Indicating Measurements in a Spark Ignition Engine with an Additional Expansion Process
Authors: Noga Marcin
Published: March 2017

The paper presents the results of research on the turbocharged spark ignition engine with additional exhaust expansion in a separate cylinder, which is commonly known as the five-stroke engine. The research engine has been constructed based on the four cylinder engine in which two outer cylinders work as the fired cylinders, while two internally connected inner cylinders constitute the volume of the additional expansion process. The engine represents a powertrain realizing an ultra-expansion cycle. The purpose of the study was to find an effective additional expansion process in the five-stroke engine. Cylinder-pressure indicating measurements were carried out for one of the fired cylinders and the additional expansion cylinder. The study was performed for over 20 different points on the engine operation map. This allowed us to determine a dependence between the pressure indicated in the fired cylinders and in the additional expansion cylinders. A function of the mean pressure indicated in the additional expansion cylinder versus a brake mean effective pressure was also presented. This showed a load threshold from which the work of the cylinders of additional expansion produced benefits for the output of the experimental engine. The issues of mechanical efficiency and effective efficiency of this engine were also discussed.
Does Renewable Energy Drive Sustainable Economic Growth? Multivariate Panel Data Evidence for EU-28 Countries
Authors: Armeanu Daniel , Vintilă Georgeta , Gherghina Ştefan
Published: March 2017

Energy is crucial to economic progress, but the contemporary worldwide population increase that demands greater energy generated from conventional exhaustible resources, an energy price upsurge, and environmental concerns, imperils sustainable economic growth. Nevertheless, switching to renewable energy produced from naturally replenished resources promotes energy security, likewise addressing issues such as global warming and climate change. This paper aims at exploring the influence and causal relation between renewable energy, both overall and by type, and sustainable economic growth of European Union (EU)-28 countries for the period of 2003–2014. We notice that the mean share of renewable energy in the gross final energy consumption is 15%, while the mean share of renewable energy in transport fuel consumption is 3%, which are below the thresholds of 20% and 10%, respectively, as set by the EU Directive 2009/28/EC. By estimating panel data fixed-effects regression models, the results provide support for a positive influence of renewable energy overall, as well as by type, namely biomass, hydropower, geothermal energy, wind power, and solar energy on gross domestic product per capita. However, biomass energy shows the highest influence on economic growth among the rest of renewable energy types. In fact, a 1% increase of the primary production of solid biofuels increases GDP per capita by 0.16%. Besides, cointegrating regressions set on panel fully modified and dynamic ordinary least squares regressions confirm the positive influence related to the primary production of renewable energies on economic growth. A 1% increase in primary production of renewable energies increases GDP per capita by 0.05%–0.06%. However, the results of Granger causality based on panel vector error correction model indicate both in short-run and long-run a unidirectional causal relationship running from sustainable economic growth to the primary production of renewable energies, being supported the conservation hypothesis.
Process Heat Generation Potential from Solar Concentration Technologies in Latin America: The Case of Argentina
Authors: Lillo Isidoro , Pérez Elena , Moreno Sara , Silva Manuel
Published: March 2017

This paper evaluates the potential of solar concentration technologies—compound parabolic collector (CPC), linear Fresnel collector (LFC) and parabolic trough collector (PTC)—as an alternative to conventional sources of energy for industrial processes in Latin America, where high levels of solar radiation and isolated areas without energy supply exist. The analysis is addressed from energy, economic and environmental perspective. A specific application for Argentina in which fourteen locations are analyzed is considered. Results show that solar concentration technologies can be an economically and environmentally viable alternative. Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranges between 2.5 and 16.9 c€/kWh/m2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided range between 33 and 348 kgCO2/(m2·year). CPC technology stands out as the most recommendable technology when the working fluid temperature ranges from 373 K to 423 K. As the working fluid temperature increases the differences between the LCOE values of the CPC and LFC technologies decrease. When 523 K is reached LFC technology is the one which presents the lowest LCOE values for all analyzed sites, while the LCOE values of PTC technology are close to CPC technology values. Results show that solar concentration technologies have reached economic and environmental competitiveness levels under certain scenarios, mainly linked to solar resource available, thermal level requirements and solar technology cost.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 7-Deoxy-Epothilone Analogues
Authors: Woods Laura , Arico Joseph , Frein Jeffrey , Sackett Dan , Taylor Richard
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of two deoxygenated analogues of potent epothilones is reported in an effort to analyze the relative importance of molecular conformation and ligand–target interactions to biological activity. 7-deoxy-epothilone D and 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D were prepared through total synthesis and shown to maintain the conformational preferences of their biologically active parent congeners through computer modeling and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The significant decrease in observed potency for each compound suggests that a hydrogen bond between the C7-hydroxyl group and the tubulin binding site plays a critical role in the energetics of binding in the epothilone class of polyketides.
In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Effects of Aqueous Extracts from the Edible Sea Anemones Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina
Authors: Silva Tânia , De Andrade Paula , Paiva-Martins Fátima , Valentão Patrícia , Pereira David
Published: March 2017

Marine invertebrates have been attracting the attention of researchers for their application in nutrition, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry, among others. Concerning sea anemones (Cnidaria), little is known regarding their metabolic profiles and potential value as a source of pharmacologically-active agents. In this work, the chemical profiles of two species of sea anemones Actinia equina and Anemonia sulcata, were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) and its impact upon immune and gastric cells was evaluated. In both species, the methylpyridinium alkaloid homarine was the major compound in aqueous extracts. The extracts were effective in reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced levels of nitric oxide (NO) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a macrophage model of inflammation. Both the extracts and the alkaloid homarine were effective in inhibiting phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a pivotal enzyme in the initial steps of the inflammatory cascade. In order to mimic the oral consumption of these extracts; their effect upon human gastric cells was evaluated. While no caspase-9 activation was detected, the fact that the endoplasmic reticulum-resident caspase-4, and also caspase-3, were activated points to a non-classical mechanism of apoptosis in human gastric cells. This work provides new insights on the toxicity and biological potential of sea anemones increasingly present in human nutrition.
Inverse Association of Plasma Chromium Levels with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Sijing , Jin Xiaoling , Shan Zhilei , Li Shuzhen , Yin Jiawei , Sun Taoping , Luo Cheng , Yang Wei , Yao Ping , Yu Kaifeng , Zhang Yan , Cheng Qian , Cheng Jinquan , Bao Wei , Liu Liegang
Published: March 2017

Chromium has long been known as an enhancer of insulin action. However, the role of chromium in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans remains controversial. The current study aimed to examine the associations of plasma chromium levels with T2DM and pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM). We conducted a case-control study involving 1471 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, 682 individuals with newly diagnosed pre-DM, and 2290 individuals with normal glucose tolerance in a Chinese population from 2009 to 2014. Plasma chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Plasma chromium levels were lower in the T2DM and pre-DM groups than in the control group (median: 3.68 μg/L, 3.61 μg/L, 3.97 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for T2DM across increasing quartiles of plasma chromium levels were 1 (referent), 0.67 (0.55–0.83), 0.64 (0.51–0.79), and 0.58 (0.46–0.73), respectively (p for trend <0.001). The corresponding odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for pre-DM were 1 (referent), 0.70 (0.54–0.91), 0.67 (0.52–0.88), and 0.58 (0.43–0.78), respectively (p for trend < 0.001). Our results indicated that plasma chromium concentrations were inversely associated with T2DM and pre-DM in Chinese adults.
The Relationship between Fatty Acids and Different Depression-Related Brain Regions, and Their Potential Role as Biomarkers of Response to Antidepressants
Authors: Fernandes Maria , Mutch David , Leri Francesco
Published: March 2017

Depression is a complex disorder influenced by a variety of biological and environmental factors. Due to significant heterogeneity, there are remarkable differences in how patients respond to treatment. A primary objective of psychiatric research is to identify biological markers that could be used to better predict and enhance responses to antidepressant treatments. Diet impacts various aspects of health, including depression. The fatty acid composition of the Western diet, which has a high ratio of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, is associated with increased incidence of depression. The brain is rich in lipids, and dietary fatty acids act within specific brain regions to regulate processes that impact emotional behavior. This manuscript reviews existing evidence demonstrating brain region-specific fatty acid profiles, and posits that specific fatty acids may serve as predictive biomarkers of response to antidepressants. Furthermore, increasing blood levels of certain fats, such as n-3s, via dietary intervention may serve as an adjunct to improve the efficacy of antidepressants. Notably, most of the existing research regarding fats and depression-related brain regions has focused on n-3s, as compared to n-6s, monounsaturated, and saturated fats. This review article will help guide future work investigating the relationships between fatty acids, brain regions, and antidepressant efficacy.
An EM Induction Hi-Speed Rotation Angular Rate Sensor
Authors: Li Kai , Li Yuan , Han Yan
Published: March 2017

A hi-speed rotation angular rate sensor based on an electromagnetic induction signal is proposed to provide a possibility of wide range measurement of high angular rates. An angular rate sensor is designed that works on the principle of electromagnetism (EM) induction. In addition to a zero-phase detection technique, this sensor uses the feedback principle of magnetic induction coils in response to a rotating magnetic field. It solves the challenge of designing an angular rate sensor that is suitable for both low and high rotating rates. The sensor was examined for angular rate measurement accuracy in simulation tests using a rotary table. The results show that it is capable of measuring angular rates ranging from 1 rps to 100 rps, with an error within 1.8‰ of the full scale (FS). The proposed sensor is suitable to measurement applications where the rotation angular rate is widely varied, and it contributes to design technology advancements of real-time sensors measuring angular acceleration, angular rate, and angular displacement of hi-speed rotary objects.
A Wellness Mobile Application for Smart Health: Pilot Study Design and Results
Authors: Sannino Giovanna , Forastiere Manolo , De Pietro Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Wellness is one of the main factors crucial in the avoidance of illness or disease. Experience has shown that healthy lifestyle programs are an important strategy to prevent the major shared risk factors for many diseases including cardiovascular diseases, strokes, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Within the ambit of the Smart Health 2.0 project, a Wellness App has been developed which has the aim of providing people with something similar to a personal trainer. This Wellness App is able to gather information about the subject, to classify her/him by evaluating some of her/his specific characteristics (physical parameters and lifestyle) and to make personal recommendations to enhance her/his well-being. The application can also give feedback on the effectiveness of the specified characteristics by monitoring their evolution over time, and can provide a positive incentive to stimulate the subject to achieve her/his wellness goals. In this paper, we present a pilot study conducted in Calabria, a region of Italy, aimed at an evaluation of the validity, usability, and navigability of the app, and of people’s level of satisfaction with it. The preliminary results show an average score of 77.16 for usability and of 76.87 for navigability, with an improvement of the Wellness Index with a significance average of 95% and of the Mediterranean Adequacy Index with a significance average of as high as 99%.
Study on Climate and Grassland Fire in HulunBuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Liu Meifang , Zhao Jianjun , Guo Xiaoyi , Zhang Zhengxiang , Tan Gang , Yang Jihong
Published: March 2017

Grassland fire is one of the most important disturbance factors of the natural ecosystem. Climate factors influence the occurrence and development of grassland fire. An analysis of the climate conditions of fire occurrence can form the basis for a study of the temporal and spatial variability of grassland fire. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of monthly time scale climate factors on the occurrence of grassland fire in HulunBuir, located in the northeast of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. Based on the logistic regression method, we used the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) active fire data products named thermal anomalies/fire daily L3 Global 1km (MOD14A1 (Terra) and MYD14A1 (Aqua)) and associated climate data for HulunBuir from 2000 to 2010, and established the model of grassland fire climate index. The results showed that monthly maximum temperature, monthly sunshine hours and monthly average wind speed were all positively correlated with the fire climate index; monthly precipitation, monthly average temperature, monthly average relative humidity, monthly minimum relative humidity and the number of days with monthly precipitation greater than or equal to 5 mm were all negatively correlated with the fire climate index. We used the active fire data from 2011 to 2014 to validate the fire climate index during this time period, and the validation result was good (Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.578), which showed that the fire climate index model was suitable for analyzing the occurrence of grassland fire in HulunBuir. Analyses were conducted on the temporal and spatial distribution of the fire climate index from January to December in the years 2011–2014; it could be seen that from March to May and from September to October, the fire climate index was higher, and that the fire climate index of the other months is relatively low. The zones with higher fire climate index are mainly distributed in Xin Barag Youqi, Xin Barag Zuoqi, Zalantun Shi, Oroqen Zizhiqi, and Molidawa Zizhiqi; the zones with medium fire climate index are mainly distributed in Chen Barag Qi, Ewenkizu Zizhiqi, Manzhouli Shi, and Arun Qi; and the zones with lower fire climate index are mainly distributed in Genhe Shi, Ergun city, Yakeshi Shi, and Hailar Shi. The results of this study will contribute to the quantitative assessment and management of early warning and forecasting for mid-to long-term grassland fire risk in HulunBuir.
Conditional Random Field (CRF)-Boosting: Constructing a Robust Online Hybrid Boosting Multiple Object Tracker Facilitated by CRF Learning
Authors: Yang Ehwa , Gwak Jeonghwan , Jeon Moongu
Published: March 2017

Due to the reasonably acceptable performance of state-of-the-art object detectors, tracking-by-detection is a standard strategy for visual multi-object tracking (MOT). In particular, online MOT is more demanding due to its diverse applications in time-critical situations. A main issue of realizing online MOT is how to associate noisy object detection results on a new frame with previously being tracked objects. In this work, we propose a multi-object tracker method called CRF-boosting which utilizes a hybrid data association method based on online hybrid boosting facilitated by a conditional random field (CRF) for establishing online MOT. For data association, learned CRF is used to generate reliable low-level tracklets and then these are used as the input of the hybrid boosting. To do so, while existing data association methods based on boosting algorithms have the necessity of training data having ground truth information to improve robustness, CRF-boosting ensures sufficient robustness without such information due to the synergetic cascaded learning procedure. Further, a hierarchical feature association framework is adopted to further improve MOT accuracy. From experimental results on public datasets, we could conclude that the benefit of proposed hybrid approach compared to the other competitive MOT systems is noticeable.
The Dynamic Change of Vegetation Cover and Associated Driving Forces in Nanxiong Basin, China
Authors: Yan Luobin , He Ruixiang , Kašanin-Grubin Milica , Luo Gusong , Peng Hua , Qiu Jianxiu
Published: March 2017

Natural climate change and human activities are the main driving forces associated with vegetation coverage change. Nanxiong Basin is a key ecosystem-service area at the national level with a dense population and highly representative of red-bed basins, which are considered as fragile ecological units in humid regions. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the trends in vegetation cover change over past two decades and the associated driving forces in this study area. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of 2000–2015, derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) remote sensing dataset along with the application of statistical methods and GIS (geographic information system) techniques were used to quantify vegetation cover change. The results show that human-induced factors can explain most variations at sites with significant cover change. That is to say that human activities are the main drivers of vegetation dynamics in this study area, which shows a significant reduction trend in vegetation cover during the industrialization and urbanization processes of the study period and noticeable recovery trend in 2000–2015 under the plantation and enclosed forest policy.
Le karst du sud et de l'ouest du Moncayo (Cordillère Ibérique Soria - Espagne)
Authors: Sanz Perez Eugenio
Published: March 2017

The southern and western karst of «Sierra del Moncayo» (Cordillera iberica, Soria, Spain)

The present work is a summary of our doctoral thesis about the karst on the southern and eastern slopes of the Moncayo (Sanz Perez, 1984). An interesting example of subterranean capture from the atlantic watershed to the mediterranean is shown, qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrated through diverse hydrogeological techniques of study. In the first part of the article, diverse karstic forms are described, among those which the Araviana Polje, with a surface area of 37 km2. Subsequently, the hydrogeological characteristics and functioning of the karst are explained, arriving at the establishment of a detailed hydraulic balance from which it is deduced that 70% of the water feeding the Vozmediano stream, the only discharge in the aquifer, of 1.1 m3/s, and situated in the Ebro valley, comes from the Duero basin.
Le point des recherches karstologiques en U.R.S.S
Authors: Kisselov V. , Klimchouk Alexander , Doubliansky V.
Published: March 2017

Karst researches in U.S.S.R

Karst researches in U.S.S.R. have obtained a further development during these last years. Numerous regional investigations have been realized, especially in Crimea, western Caucasus, Podolia, Ural, central Asia and southern Siberia. Some works on caves sedimentology have permitted to develop the knowledge on speleogenesis. Interesting studies are performed on speleoclimatology and ice caves («thermo-karst»). Several contributions on the modern practical speleology are underlied : speleo-medicine, speleological techniques on steel cables, surveying, morphometry, applied speleology, show caves.
Paléokarst paléozoïque en Antarctique
Authors: Maire Richard , Laurent Roger
Published: March 2017

Paleozoic karst in Antarctica

Karst features in Antarctica have been rarely observed. In their study on the geology of the Beardmore Glacier area in the Transantarctic Mountains (south of Ross Ice Shelf), Barret and al., (1968) describe a preglacial karst topography (Mt. Counts) and especially a former cave (Ø 10 m) 10 m below the erosion surface and filled with coarse green sandstone. Shaped in the «Shackleton limestone» (Low to Middle Cambrian) probably during the Permo-Carboniferous (hercynian cycle), this karst is fossilized by the «Pagoda formation», permian tillite of the «Beacon sequence» (Devonian-Permian-Triassic).
Phase II Trial of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Concurrent With Chemotherapy for Postoperative Node-Positive Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tao Hua , Zhou Yiqin , Yao Chengyun , Gu Dayong , Chen Wei , Lu Jincheng
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy concurrent with weekly docetaxel in patients with node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radical surgery. Between January 2011 and December 2013, a total of 46 eligible
patients were enrolled. All patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy concurrent with weekly docetaxel (20 mg/m2). Patients were treated 5 days per week at 2.0 Gy/day. The total dose of external radiotherapy given was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. The primary endpoints included
treatment completion and safety. The secondary endpoint was to assess whether the approach would achieve a 1-year survival rate of 80% or higher. The median duration of follow-up was 18 months (range: 2‐41 months). The 1-year overall survival and progression-free survival rate were
91.2% and 80.4%, respectively. The major acute toxicities were esophagitis and neutropenia. While most cases were grade 1 or 2, grade 3 neutropenia and esophagitis were observed in seven (15.2%) and five patients (10.9%), respectively. The toxicities were controllable and transitory. There
were no unexpected cases of serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths. Our study confirms that intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly docetaxel is an effective and safe treatment in postoperative node-positive patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The
identified treatment regimen is of interest for a phase III trial.
A STUDY OF NONLINEAR FRACTIONAL-ORDER BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM WITH NONLOCAL ERDELYI-KOBER AND GENERALIZED RIEMANN-LIOUVILLE TYPE INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2017

We investigate a new kind of nonlocal boundary value problems of nonlinear Caputo fractional differential equations supplemented with integral boundary conditions involving Erdelyi-Kober and generalized Riemann-Liouville fractional integrals. Existence and uniqueness results for the given problem are obtained by means of standard fixed point theorems. Examples illustrating the main results are also discussed.
Perception du changement organisationnel et concept de développement personnel : entre ambivalence et performativité
Authors: Batazzi Claudine
Published: March 2017

Si le concept de « changement organisationnel » fait l’objet de pléthore de travaux en sciences de gestion – un peu moins cependant en sciences de l’information et de la communication – l’originalité et la pertinence de la problématique soulevée ici résident bien dans le lien entre « développement personnel » et « changement organisationnel ». Aussi avons-nous pris le parti de considérer ces deux notions comme des construits qui s’instituent l’un et l’autre, au cœur d’un processus récursif entre individuel et collectif, entre formes symboliques et formes organisationnelles, entre délibéré et émergent.
Conduite du changement organisationnel : le paradoxe d’une intervention systémique brève et durable
Authors: Hassani Nadia
Published: March 2017

À l’appui d’une enquête qualitative et quantitative menée en France auprès de praticiens de l’intervention systémique brève (ISB) dans le cadre d’un travail de recherche en Sciences de l’Information et de la Communication, cet article s’intéresse aux stratégies communicationnelles et aux concepts interactionnistes mis en œuvre par les praticiens de l’ISB leur permettant d’initier un changement organisationnel à la fois rapide et dont les effets se prolongent dans le temps. Par une réflexion autour de la notion de durabilité du changement, il vise à discuter la compatibilité de ce modèle avec le concept de responsabilité sociétale des organisations.
Ubc9 Is Required for Positive Selection and Late-Stage Maturation of Thymocytes
Authors: Wang Aibo , Ding Xiao , Demarque Maud , Liu Xindong , Pan Deng , Xin Huawei , Zhong Bo , Wang Xiaohu , Dejean Anne , Jin Wei , Dong Chen
Published: March 2017

SUMOylation is an important posttranslational modification that regulates protein function in diverse biological processes. However, its role in early T cell development has not been genetically studied. UBC9 is the only E2 enzyme for all SUMOylation. In this study, by selectively deleting Ubc9 gene in T cells, we have investigated the functional roles of SUMOylation in T cell development. Loss of Ubc9 results in a significant reduction of CD4 and CD8 single-positive lymphocytes in both thymus and periphery. Ubc9-deficient cells exhibit defective late-stage maturation post the initial positive selection with increased apoptosis and impaired proliferation, among which attenuated IL-7 signaling was correlated with the decreased survival of Ubc9-deficent CD8 single-positive cells. Furthermore, NFAT nuclear retention induced by TCR signals was regulated by SUMOylation during thymocytes development. Our study thus reveals a novel posttranslational mechanism underlying T cell development.
Def6 Restrains Osteoclastogenesis and Inflammatory Bone Resorption
Authors: Binder Nikolaus , Miller Christine , Yoshida Masaki , Inoue Kazuki , Nakano Shinichi , Hu Xiaoyu , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Schett Georg , Pernis Alessandra , Goldring Steven R. , Ross F. Patrick , Zhao Baohong
Published: March 2017

Inflammatory bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts is a major cause of morbidity and disability in many inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms that regulate osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in inflammatory settings are complex and have not been well elucidated. In this study, we identify the immunoregulator differentially expressed in FDCP 6 homolog (Def6) as a novel inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in physiological and inflammatory conditions. Def6 deficiency in Def6−/− mice enhanced the sensitivity of osteoclast precursors to the physiological osteoclastogenic inducer receptor activator for NF-κB ligand, and Def6−/− osteoclasts formed actin rings. Furthermore, Def6 deficiency markedly increased TNF-α–induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo and enhanced bone resorption in an inflammatory osteolysis mouse model. TNF-α serum levels correlated negatively with Def6 expression levels in osteoclast precursors obtained from RA patients, and the osteoclastogenic capacity of the osteoclast precursors was significantly inversely correlated with their Def6 expression levels, indicating that Def6 functions as an inhibitor of excessive osteoclast formation and bone destruction in RA. Mechanistically, Def6 suppressed osteoclastogenesis and the expression of key osteoclastogenic factors NFATc1, B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1, and c-Fos by regulating an endogenous IFN-β–mediated autocrine feedback loop. The Def6-dependent pathway may represent a novel therapeutic target to prevent pathological bone destruction.
Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, and Practice toward Minimal Intervention Dentistry among Dental Professionals in Bengaluru City, India
Authors: Suma, G , Salman Yasin
Published: March 2017

Aims

The emphasis on caries prevention and early detection has led to a paradigm shift toward the concept of minimal intervention dentistry (MID). Despite the benefits of MID in the preservation of dental components and significant reliability, the clinical application is still limited. This study was, therefore, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and clinical decision behaviors of dental professionals of Bengaluru city, Karnataka, India.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Bengaluru city, Karnataka, India, in the year 2016 for a period of 1 month among dental professionals. Data were collected using 25 questions focused on knowledge, attitude, practice, and behavior toward MID. The descriptive data were analyzed; statistical evaluation was done by chi-square test.

Results

Among 100 respondents, the mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and clinical decision were 3.57 ± 0.685, 0 to 4; 18.84 ± 2.21, 5 to 25; and 4.69 ± 0.78, 0 to 6 respectively. Data showed that dental professionals had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward MID. A weak positive correlation was seen between knowledge and attitude (r = –0.059, p = 0.55) and knowledge and clinical decision (r = –0.050, p = 0.62).

Conclusion

Adequate knowledge and positive attitude neither influenced their clinical decision-making behavior nor their practical application of MID. A nationwide awareness campaign has to be done to alarm the authorities in making and implementing a course of action for updating the practice and clinical decisions behaviors of dental professionals in the country.

How to cite this article

Suma G, Salman Y. Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, and Practice toward Minimal Intervention Dentistry among Dental Professionals in Bengaluru City, India. J Health Sci Res 2017;8(1):20-24.
Comparative Evaluation of Coronally Advanced Flap with Platelet-rich Fibrin vs Amniotic Membrane for the Treatment of Gingival Recession
Authors: Gautam Abhishek
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the outcome of gingival recession technique using the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and amniotic membrane.

Materials and methods

About 15 patients with bilateral Miller class I buccal gingival recessions (4–5 mm) in maxillary and mandibular canines were selected. The recessions were randomly assigned to receive either the CAF with PRF or the CAF with amniotic membrane. Recession height (RH), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline as well as 6 months postsurgery. Patient satisfaction with esthetics, root sensitivity, and postoperative pain was also evaluated.

Results

The average percentages of root coverage for CAF with PRF and CAF with amniotic membrane were 92.95% and 97.40% (p < 0.05) respectively, and the complete root coverage observed was 56.94% and 76.47% respectively. The CAF with amniotic membrane showed a statistically significant increase in TKT (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to RH, RW, WKT, PD, and CAL. The esthetic condition after both treatments was considered satisfactory by the patients.

Conclusion

The outcome of this study reflects that CAF with PRF and amniotic membrane can be successfully used to treat class I gingival recession.

How to cite this article

Gautam A. Comparative Evaluation of Coronally Advanced Flap with Platelet-rich Fibrin vs Amniotic Membrane for the Treatment of Gingival Recession. J Health Sci Res 2017;8(1):31-37.
Cytomorphological Study of Oral Exfoliated Cells in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Sheethal HS , Srinivasan, Shruti , Priya, NS , Rao, Kavita , Umadevi, HS , Smitha, T
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide. It is a third leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Diabetes affects several organs including the oral cavity. The oral complications of uncontrolled DM can include xerostomia, infection, poor healing, increased incidence and severity of caries, candidiasis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, periapical abscesses, and burning mouth syndrome. Early diagnosis of the DM is an important aspect of health care. Exfoliative cytology is considered a moderate, straightforward, and noninvasive diagnostic marker for DM. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate cytologic changes of the exfoliated oral mucosal cells of diabetic patients using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique to establish its role as diagnostic criteria.

Results

The frequency of micronuclei, enlarged nucleus, perinuclear halo, binucleation, cytoplasmic streaks, Candida, and inflammation were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

Clinical observations and results suggested morphologic and functional alterations in oral epithelial cells in diabetic patients, detectable by microscopic and cytomorphometric analysis using exfoliative cytology and can be used in diagnosis.

Clinical significance

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate cytologic changes of the exfoliated oral mucosal cells of diabetic patients using H&E staining technique to establish its role as diagnostic criteria.

How to cite this article

Srinivasan S, Priya NS, Rao K, Umadevi HS, Smitha T, Sheethal HS. Cytomorphological Study of Oral Exfoliated Cells in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients. J Health Sci Res 2017;8(1):38-41.
THEMIS satellite observations of hot flow anomalies at Earth's bow shock
Authors: Chu Christina , Zhang Hui , Sibeck David , Otto Antonius , Zong QiuGang , Omidi Nick , McFadden James P. , Fruehauff Dennis , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Hot flow anomalies (HFAs) at Earth's bow shock were identified in Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms (THEMIS) satellite data from 2007 to 2009. The events were classified as young or mature and also as regular or spontaneous hot flow anomalies (SHFAs). The dataset has 17 young SHFAs, 49 mature SHFAs, 15 young HFAs, and 55 mature HFAs. They span a wide range of magnetic local times (MLTs) from approximately 7 to 16.5 MLT. The largest ratio of solar wind to HFA core density occurred near dusk and at larger distances from the bow shock. In this study, HFAs and SHFAs were observed up to 6.3 RE and 6.1 RE (Earth radii), respectively, upstream from the model bow shock. HFA–SHFA occurrence decreases with distance upstream from the bow shock. HFAs of the highest event core ion temperatures were not seen at the flanks. The ratio of HFA ion temperature increase to HFA electron temperature increase is highest around 12 MLT and slightly duskward. For SHFAs, (Tihfa∕Tisw)/(Tehfa∕Tesw) generally increased with distance from the bow shock. Both mature and young HFAs are more prevalent when there is an approximately radial interplanetary magnetic field. HFAs occur most preferentially for solar wind speeds from 550 to 600 km s−1. The correlation coefficient between the HFA increase in thermal energy density from solar wind values and the decrease in kinetic energy density from solar wind values is 0.62. SHFAs and HFAs do not show major differences in this study.
Turning the tide: comparison of tidal flow by periodic sealevel fluctuation and by periodic bed tilting in the Metronome tidal facility
Authors: Kleinhans Maarten G. , van der Vegt Maarten , Leuven Jasper , Braat Lisanne , Markies Henk , Simmelink Arjan , Roosendaal Chris , van Eijk Arjan , Vrijbergen Paul , van Maarseveen Marcel
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Analogue models or scale experiments of estuaries and short tidal basins are notoriously difficult to create in the laboratory because of the difficulty to obtain currents strong enough to transport sand. Since Osborne Reynolds' experiments over a century ago, experimental tidal flow has been driven by periodic sealevel fluctuations. Recently we discovered a novel method to drive periodic tidal currents: periodically tilting the entire flume. This leads to sediment transport in both the ebb and flood phase which in tidal systems with dynamic channel and shoal patterns. Here we compare the tidal currents driven by sealevel fluctuations with those driven by tilting. We use a bespoke flume of 20 m by 3 m with rough bed: the Metronome. Experiments were run in a straight flume with different tilting periods and with either one or both boundaries open at constant head with free inflow and outflow. Also experiments were run with flow driven by periodic sealevel fluctuations. We recorded surface flow velocity along the flume with Particle Imaging Velocimetry and water levels along the flume. Furthermore we compared the results to a one-dimensional model with shallow flow equations for a rough bed. We found that Reynolds’ method results in negligible flows along the flume except for the first few meters, whereas flume tilting results in nearly uniform, reversing flow velocities along the entire flume that are strong enough to move sand. A periodically tilting flume therefore has the potential to simulate estuaries as observed in a pilot experiment and opens up the possibility of systematic biomorphological experimentation with self-formed estuaries.
Time-stamp correction of magnetic observatory data acquired during unavailability of time-synchronization services
Authors: Coïsson Pierdavide , Telali Kader , Heumez Benoit , Lesur Vincent , Lalanne Xavier , Xin Chang Jiang
Published: March 2017

Abstract. During magnetic observatory data acquisition, the data time-stamp is kept synchronized with a precise source of time. This is usually done using a GPS controlled Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal. For some observatories located in remote areas or where internet restrictions are enforced, only the magnetometer data are transmitted, limiting the capabilities of monitoring the acquisition operations. The magnetic observatory in Lanzhou (LZH), China, experienced an interruption of the GPS PPS in 2013. The data-logger clock drifted slowly in time: in 6 months a lag of 28 s was accumulated. After a reboot on 2 April 2014 the drift became faster, 2 s per day, before the GPS PPS could be restored on 8 July 2014. To estimate the time lags that LZH time-series had accumulated, we compared it with data from other observatories located in East Asia. A synchronization algorithm was developed. Natural sources providing synchronous events could be used as markers to obtain the time lag between the observatories. The analysis of slices of 15 minutes of 1-s data at arbitrary UTC allowed estimating time lags with an uncertainty smaller than ~ 10 s, revealing the correct trends of LZH time drift. A precise estimation of the time lag was obtained by comparing data from co-located instruments controlled by an independent PPS. In this case, it was possible to take advantage of spikes and local noise that constituted precise time-markers. It was therefore possible to determine a correction to apply to LZH time-stamps to correct the data files and produce reliable 1 minute averaged definitive magnetic data.
Extracting real-crack properties from nonlinear elastic behavior of rocks: abundance of cracks with dominating normal compliance and rocks with negative Poisson's ratio
Authors: Zaitsev Vladimir Y. , Radostin Andrey V. , Pasternak Elena , Dyskin Arcady
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Results of examination of experimental data on nonlinear elasticity of rocks using experimental pressure-dependences of P- and S-wave velocities from various literature sources are presented. Overall, over 90 rock samples are considered. Interpretation of the data is performed using an effective-medium description in which cracks are considered as compliant defects (cracks) with independent shear and normal compliances without specifying a particular crack model with an a priori given ratio of the compliances. Comparison with the experimental data indicated abundance of cracks (~ 80 %) with the normal-to-shear compliance ratios significantly exceeding the values typical of conventionally used crack models (such as penny-shape cuts or thin ellipsoidal cracks). Correspondingly, rocks with such cracks demonstrate strongly decreased Poisson's ratio including a significant portion of rocks (~ 45 %) exhibiting negative Poisson's ratios at lower pressures, for which the concentration of not yet closed cracks is maximal. The obtained results indicate the necessity of further development of crack models to account the revealed numerous examples of cracks with strong domination of normal compliance. Discovering such a significant number of naturally auxetic rocks is in contrast with the conventional viewpoint that occurrence of negative Poisson's ratio is an exotic fact that is mostly associated with specially engineered structures.