bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Atomic Scale Kinetic Friction in Ambient Condition With a Novel Extended Prandtl-Tomlinson Model
Authors: Gueye Birahima , Sun Chenfei , Zhang Yan , Wang Yujuan , Chen Yunfei
Published: April 2016

A more adequate extended Prandtl-Tomlinson model in two dimensions (2D) analysis is proposed in the aim to thoroughly investigate the interplay between kinetic friction, relative humidity (RH), normal load, and temperature in both contact and tapping mode atomic force microscopic (AFM). In contact mode operation, results firstly show that for various applied normal loads highly wetted surface in contrast to partially wetted surface exhibits lower friction at finite temperature range. This phenomenon is attributed to the film layer acting as a lubricant. Secondly, two different regimes when varying the relative humidity were further observed with increasing temperature. The first one shows the thermolubricity’s effect at low RH (RH 20%) while the second regime remarkably confirms an increase of friction with temperature at higher RH (RH60%) which is inconsistent with common observation. The latter regime is characterized by the thermally activated capillary bridge formation leading to an increase of the total adhesion force. Thirdly we demonstrated that both regimes also hold in ac mode operation and regardless to the humidity level, either low or high RH, friction force decreases with increasing amplitude modulation. Good agreement was found with measurement and analytical data reported previously. In the model treatment, however, only effects of capillary force which dominate in AFM measurement were considered.
Multi-Scale Regular-Fractal Topography Characterization and Modeling
Authors: Liu Jinya , Chalivendra Vijaya , Goldsmith Charles L. , Huang Wenzhen
Published: April 2016

Regular-fractal topography on RF-switch MEMS surface is reported over different scale ranges. Surface topography is crucial in understanding underling physics associated with the surface contacts, switch working performance, and reliability. The complexity of these structures requires new techniques to characterize topography and then replicate the multi-scale regular-fractal structure for analysis. Topography on RF-switch contacting surfaces are scanned by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at different length scales (e.g. 1×1, 10×10 and 60×60 μm2). A sample allocation plan is designed to maximize the spatial representative of the AFM scanning patches with different resolutions and uniformly distributed sample patches. The scanning data are used for characterizing and model estimation. Hexagonal patterns are found on at coarser scales (e.g. 10×10 and 60×60 μm2). They were formed by the remnant (polymer) of etching process. Random irregularity is observed and the fractal structure at finer scales (e.g. 1×1 μm2) is identified. A regular-fractal model is proposed to decompose and characterize the regular and fractal structures with two model components: one for the regular geometric pattern and the other for fractal irregularity. The former uses a 2D cosine functions to characterize dominant modes in the regular (larger scale) patterns. The later summarizes random irregularity in finer scales with a statistical fractal model estimated from the data on the scattered sample patches. The model validation is made through the comparisons of topography and conventional roughness parameters between the results of simulation from the proposed model and that derived from AFM scanned data.
Plasma-free atomic layer deposition of Ru thin films using H2 molecules as a nonoxidizing reactant
Authors: Lee Seung-Joon , Kim Soo-Hyun , Saito Masayuki , Suzuki Kazuharu , Nabeya Shunichi , Lee Jeongyeop , Kim Sangdeok , Yeom Seungjin , Lee Do-Joong
Published: April 2016

The ruthenium (Ru) thin films were grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using a sequential supply of dicarbonyl-bis(5-methyl-2,4-hexanediketonato) Ru(II) (C16H22O6Ru) and H2 as a reactant at a substrate temperature of 250 °C. Deposition was possible using H2 molecules without a plasma by increasing the chamber pressure to above 10 Torr. Specifically, high-quality Ru films with a low resistivity of ∼40 μΩ cm and few amount of oxygen (∼1.2 at. %) were obtained under a chamber pressure of 300 Torr though the oxygen was contained in the precursor. Under the optimized conditions, self-limited film growth with regard to the precursor and reactant pulsing times was confirmed under elevated chamber pressures. The ALD-Ru process proposed in this study showed one of the highest growth rates of 0.12 nm/cycle on a thermally grown SiO2 substrate, as well as a very low number of incubation cycles (approximately 12 cycles). Cross-sectional view transmission electron microscopy showed that no interfacial oxide had formed during the deposition of the ALD-Ru films on a W surface using H2 molecules, whereas ∼7 nm thick interfacial oxide was formed when O2 molecules were used as a reactant. The step coverage of the ALD-Ru film onto very small-sized trenches (aspect ratio: ∼4.5 and the top opening size of 25 nm) and holes (aspect ratio: ∼40 and top opening size of 40 nm) was excellent (∼100%).
In situ monitoring of hydrogen desorption from silicon nanoparticles dispersed in a nonthermal plasma
Authors: Lopez Thomas , Mangolini Lorenzo
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the authors discuss the use of Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy to monitor the hydrogen surface coverage of silicon nanoparticles suspended in an argon-hydrogen nonthermal plasma. The absorption from surface silicon hydride groups is measured by growing nanoparticles from silane in a first plasma reactor and by passing them through a second plasma reactor intersected by an infrared beam. Using this setup, the authors obtain an in situ, in-flight measurement of the surface termination. They have found that hydrogen surface coverage declines at increasing plasma power. Control experiments performed on particles collected onto a substrate and exposed to the same plasma indicate that the loss of hydrogen is the result of a thermally induced desorption process. By using well-established kinetic rates for hydrogen interactions with silicon surfaces, the authors estimate the nanoparticle temperature to be in the 650–750 K range. This work provides additional experimental evidence that dust suspended in a low-pressure partially ionized gas is heated to a high temperature, enabling the production of high-quality nanocrystals.
Synchronous presentation of two rare forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Manso Marta Catarino , Rodeia Simão C , Rodrigues Sofia , Domingos Raquel
Published: April 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious causes of death throughout the world. Extrapulmonary forms, namely adrenalitis and prostatitis, are rare presentations of TB and pose a difficult diagnostic challenge, given their non-specific manifestations. The authors present a case of a 42-year-old man with long-standing symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, nightly fever and sudoresis. He also suffered from sporadic vomiting and episodic hypotension, and had skin hyperpigmentation, as well as frequent urination, perineal discomfort and pain at ejaculation. Laboratory investigation confirmed primary adrenal failure. On CT scan there were two hypodense right adrenal nodules and bilateral lung condensations with a tree-in-bud pattern. Another hypodense nodule was seen in the prostate. TB was diagnosed by isolatingMycobacterium tuberculosisfollowing cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial secretions, urine and ejaculate. Antibacillary treatment resolved the infectious lesions but the patient remained on corticosteroid replacement therapy for ongoing adrenal failure.
Extensive upper respiratory tract sarcoidosis
Authors: Soares Mafalda Trindade , Sousa Carolina , Garanito Luísa , Freire Filipe
Published: April 2016

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. It can affect any part of the organism, although the lung is the most frequently affected organ. Upper airway involvement is rare, particularly if isolated. Sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion, established by histological evidence of non-caseating granulomas and the absence of other granulomatous diseases. The authors report a case of a man with sarcoidosis manifesting as a chronic inflammatory stenotic condition of the upper respiratory tract and trachea.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis in a Lebanese girl with primary Epstein-Barr viral infection
Authors: Majdalani Marianne , Milad Nadine , Sahli Zeyad , Rizk Sarah
Published: April 2016

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) constitutes 5–10% of all cases of cholecystitis in adults, and is even less common in children. The recent literature has described an association between primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and AAC, however, it still remains an uncommon presentation of the infection. Most authors advise that the management of AAC in patients with primary EBV infection should be supportive, since the use of antibiotics does not seem to alter the severity or prognosis of the illness. Furthermore, surgical intervention has not been described as necessary or indicated in the management of uncomplicated AAC associated with EBV infection. We report a case of a 16-year-old Lebanese girl with AAC associated with primary EBV infection. She presented to the emergency department, with high-grade fever, fatigue, vomiting and abdominal pain. Liver enzymes were elevated with a cholestatic pattern, and imaging confirmed the diagnosis of AAC. She was admitted to the regular floor, and initial management was conservative. Owing to persistence of fever, antibiotics were initiated on day 3 of admission. She had a smooth clinical course and was discharged home after a total of 9 days, with no complications.
Lymphoedema of the upper limb: a rare complication of thyroid surgery?
Authors: Stephen Christopher , Munnoch David Alexander
Published: April 2016

A 40-year-old woman underwent an elective thyroidectomy for a non-toxic, multinodular goitre. In the early postoperative period, the patient developed a significant unilateral swelling of the right upper limb, which was subsequently confirmed to be lymphoedema. This was eventually treated successfully using liposuction and compression garment therapies. We report the case due to its rarity and present a possible explanation for such an unexpected complication based on known anatomical variations of lymphatic drainage of the upper limb.
A mild phenotype associated with a de novo microdeletion 10q23.1-q23.2: a new patient with a novel feature
Authors: Pavone Piero , Praticò Andrea D , Campisi Corrado , Falsaperla Raffaele
Published: April 2016

Chromosome 10q23 contains several genes, includingPTENandBMPR1A, the mutations or microdeletion of which are associated with aggressive polyposis and malignancies in children. Deletions in this chromosomal region have also been associated with heart anomalies, developmental delay and macrocephaly. Most of the cases reported involve thePTENandBMPR1Agenes, usually associated with complex and severe anomalies. We report a case of a boy with a de novo interstitial microdeletion in 10q23.1-q23.2 spanning 6.7 Mb with boundaries from 82 087 077 to 88 847 906, not includingPTENandBMPR1A. Clinical features consisted of mildly dysmorphic facies, frontal telangiectasias, poor scholastic performance and hyperactivity. Furthermore, the boy presented toe anomalies, which appeared to be novel features associated with 10q23 deletion. Further observations of 10q23.1-q23.2 deletions are necessary to confirm the clinical features observed in the proband, and to show that deletion or mutations not involvingPTENandBMPR1Amay not be associated with severe neurological impairment and malformation anomalies.
Von Meyenburg complex and complete ductal plate malformation along with Klatskin tumour: a rare association
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Pattnaik Bramhadatta , Das Ashim , Kaman Lileswar
Published: April 2016

Von Meyenburg complexes (VMCs), or bile duct microhamartomas, are among the constellation of defects of ductal plate malformation. These present as multiple small intrahepatic cysts and are diagnosed incidentally. Association of intrahepatic VMCs with a bile duct cancer has rarely been reported. We describe a case of a 53-year-old man presenting with obstructive jaundice. Biochemistry and radiology gave a provisional diagnosis of a resectable Klatskin tumour. The patient underwent right hepatectomy with common bile duct and caudate lobe excision. The histopathological examination demonstrated intrahepatic VMCs with complete ductal malformation and malignancy at the hilum.
Numerical simulation of plug formation during casing installation of cast-in-place concrete pipe (PCC) piles
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Hanlong , Hossain Muhammad Shazzad , Hu Yuxia , Zhang Ting
Published: April 2016

There is a historic lack of research examining inner soil plugging and outer lateral soil deformation during installation of pipe piles in clay. Furthermore, the influence of the pile tip geometry on soil deformation has not been investigated. Cast-in-place concrete pipe (PCC) piles are a recent generation of pipe piles for soft ground improvement applications, and are cast in place using an innovative double-walled steel casing with a tapered tip. This paper investigates the effect of tip geometry on soil flow mechanisms inside and outside the PCC pile casing during installation in clay. Large-deformation finite element (LDFE) analysis was conducted simulating the continuous penetration process of the casing installation. The LDFE results were validated against (i) field monitoring data in terms of soil lateral displacement and heave outside the casing and (ii) centrifuge test data in terms of penetration resistance, with excellent agreement obtained. An extensive parametric study was then performed encompassing a practical range of parameters. The geometry of the casing tip was shown to have significant influence on the soil movements inside and outside the casing, but minimal effect on the casing penetration resistance. The optimal tapered tip with a tip angle of 45° and minimal extended tip length beneath the tip angle allowed more soil to be pushed inside the casing and less lateral displacement outside the casing, which dictates the amount of concrete required to fill the cavity inside the pile and the pile construction sequence, respectively. Design expressions are proposed for estimating soil movements inside and outside the casing with optimal tip geometry being installed.
Chebyshev Collocation Solutions for Vibration Analysis of Circular Cylindrical Shells with Arbitrary Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wattanasakulpong Nuttawit , Pornpeerakeat Sacharuck , Chaikittiratana Arisara
Published: April 2016

This paper applies the Chebyshev collocation method to finding accurate solutions of natural frequencies for circular cylindrical shells. The shells with different boundary conditions are considered in the parametric study. By using the method to solve the coupled differential equations of motion governing the vibration of the shell, numerical results are obtained from the algebraic eigenvalue equation using the Chebyshev differentiation matrices. And the results satisfy both the geometric and force boundary conditions. Based on the numerical examples, the proposed method shows its capacity and reliability in predicting accurate frequency results for circular cylindrical shells with various boundary conditions as compared to some exact solutions available in the literature.
Postnatal Changes in Humerus Cortical Bone Thickness Reflect the Development of Metabolic Bone Disease in Preterm Infants
Authors: Tokuriki Shuko , Igarashi Aiko , Okuno Takashi , Ohta Genrei , Kosaka Takuya , Ohshima Yusei
Published: April 2016

Objective. To use cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the humerus to identify risk factors for the development of metabolic bone disease in preterm infants.Methods. Twenty-seven infants born at <32 weeks of gestational age, with a birth weight of <1,500 g, were enrolled. Humeral CBT was measured from chest radiographs at birth and at 27-28, 31-32, and 36–44 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). The risk factors for the development of osteomalacia were statistically analyzed.Results. The humeral CBT at 36–44 weeks of PMA was positively correlated with gestational age and birth weight and negatively correlated with the duration of mechanical ventilation. CBT increased with PMA, except in six very early preterm infants in whom it decreased. Based on logistic regression analysis, gestational age and duration of mechanical ventilation were identified as risk factors for cortical bone thinning.Conclusions. Humeral CBT may serve as a radiologic marker of metabolic bone disease at 36–44 weeks of PMA in preterm infants. Cortical bones of extremely preterm infants are fragile, even when age is corrected for term, and require extreme care to lower the risk of fractures.
Recent Advances in Treatments of Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Children
Authors: Han Kyoung Hee , Kim Seong Heon
Published: April 2016

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a nephrotic syndrome. Up to around 80% of cases of primary FSGS are resistant to steroid treatment. A large proportion of patients with steroid-resistant FSGS progress to end-stage renal disease. The purpose of treatment is to obtain a complete remission of proteinuria, a necessary step that precedes improved renal survival and reduces the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. When this is not possible, the secondary goal is a partial remission of proteinuria. Reduction or remission of proteinuria is the most important factor predictive of renal survival. We will review the current updated strategies for treatment of primary FSGS in children, including traditional therapies consisting of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors and novel therapies such as rituximab, abatacept, adalimumab, and fresolimumab.
A FACS Based Case Study on Two HbE-βThalassaemia Members of a Family, Having Similar Mutational Background
Authors: Chatterjee Tridip , Halder Suchismita , Chakravarty Amit , Chakravarty Sudipa , Chakrabarti Abhijit
Published: April 2016

In this report we have tried to explain the reasons behind the difference in the pattern of transfusion requirement between two members of a family with similarβ-globin mutation. The father and younger son both are HbE-β, but the father never had transfusion, whereas the younger son takes transfusion monthly. Mother and the elder son are HbEE without any history of transfusion.β-globin mutations of all family members were determined by ARMS-PCR. These were reconfirmed by direct sequencing ofβ-globin gene. Father and younger son were found to be Cod 26 (G-A)/IVS 1-5 (G-C), whereas mother and elder son were found to be Cod 26 (G-A)/Cod 26 (G-A). XmnI sequencing also revealed that all members of the family were CC. Then, flow cytometry study of red blood cells (RBCs) was performed to measure the oxidative stress of the RBCs. This study was also done on the light and dense fractions of the RBC population of the father and younger son. It was seen that the younger son suffers severe oxidative stress, which can be explained by his higher transfusion requirement. From our work, we have established the importance of taking oxidative stress of RBCs into consideration to explain the clinical manifestation and progression of haemoglobin related diseases like thalassaemia.
Gigantomastia and Macroprolactinemia Responding to Cabergoline Treatment: A Case Report and Minireview of the Literature
Authors: Dellal Fatma Dilek , Ozdemir Didem , Aydin Cevdet , Kaya Gulfem , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: April 2016

Background. Macroprolactinemia is defined as predominance of high molecular weight prolactin forms in the circulation. Although macroprolactin is considered as a biologically inactive molecule, some authorities suggest treatment in symptomatic cases. Gigantomastia is defined as excess breast tissue and most cases in the literature were treated by surgical intervention.Case. A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with gigantomastia and galactorrhea. The patient had a demand for surgical therapy. In laboratory examination, she had hyperprolactinemia and macroprolactinemia. Pituitary imaging revealed 6 mm microadenoma in right side of the hypophysis. Since she was symptomatic, cabergolin treatment was started. Macroprolactin became negative, breast circumference decreased significantly, and galactorrhea resolved after treatment.Conclusion. Gigantomastia might be the presenting symptom in patients with macroprolactinemia. In these patients medical treatment with cabergoline may be used initially as an alternative to surgical approach.
Collagen V Is a Potential Substrate for Clostridial Collagenase G in Pancreatic Islet Isolation
Authors: Shima Hiroki , Inagaki Akiko , Imura Takehiro , Yamagata Youhei , Watanabe Kimiko , Igarashi Kazuhiko , Goto Masafumi , Murayama Kazutaka
Published: April 2016

The clostridial collagenases, H and G, play key roles in pancreatic islet isolation. Collagenases digest the peptide bond between Yaa and the subsequent Gly in Gly-Xaa-Yaa repeats. To fully understand the pancreatic islet isolation process, identification of the collagenase substrates in the tissue is very important. Although collagen types I and III were reported as possible substrates for collagenase H, the substrate for collagenase G remains unknown. In this study, collagen type V was focused upon as the target for collagenases.In vitrodigestion experiments for collagen type V were performed and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Porcine pancreatic tissues were digestedin vitrounder three conditions and observed during digestion. The results revealed that collagen type V was only digested by collagenase G and that the digestion was initiated from the N-terminal part. Tissue degradation during porcine islet isolation was only observed in the presence of both collagenases H and G. These findings suggest that collagen type V is one of the substrates for collagenase G. The enzymatic activity of collagenase G appears to be more important for pancreatic islet isolation in large mammals such as pigs and humans.
Novel Microdilution Method to Assess Double and Triple Antibiotic Combination TherapyIn Vitro
Authors: El-Azizi Mohamed
Published: April 2016

Anin vitromicrodilution method was developed to assess double and triple combinations of antibiotics. Five antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, amikacin, ceftazidime, piperacillin, and imipenem were tested against 10 clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. Each isolate was tested against ten double and nine triple combinations of the antibiotics. A 96-well plate was used to test three antibiotics, each one alone and in double and triple combinations against each isolate. The minimum bacteriostatic and bactericidal concentrations in combination were determined with respect to the most potent antibiotic. An Interaction Code (IC) was generated for each combination, where a numerical value was designated based on the 2-fold increase or decrease in the MICs with respect to the most potent antibiotic. The results of the combinations were verified by time-kill assay at constant concentrations of the antibiotics and in a chemostat. Only 13% of the double combinations were synergistic, whereas 5% showed antagonism. Forty-three percent of the triple combinations were synergistic with no antagonism observed, and 100% synergism was observed in combination of ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and ceftazidime. The presented protocol is simple and fast and can help the clinicians in the early selection of the effective antibiotic therapy for treatment of severe infections.
Robotic Compartment-Based Radical Surgery in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Authors: Toptas Tayfun , Uysal Aysel , Ureyen Isin , Erol Onur , Simsek Tayup
Published: April 2016

A radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the recommended treatment option in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Although various classifications were developed in order to define the resection margins of this operation, no clear standardization could be achieved both in the nomenclature and in the extent of the surgery. Total mesometrial resection (TMMR) is a novel procedure which aims to remove all components of the compartment formed by Müllerian duct in which female reproductive organs develop. TMMR differs from the conventional radical hysterectomy techniques in that its surgical philosophy, terminology, and partly resection borders are different. In this paper, a TMMR with therapeutic pelvic lymphadenectomy operation that we performed for the first time with robot-assisted laparoscopic (robotic) approach in an early-stage cervical cancer patient was presented. This procedure has already been described in open surgery by Michael Höckel and translated to the robotic surgery by Rainer Kimmig. Our report is the second paper, to our knowledge, to present the initial experience regarding robotic TMMR in the English literature.
The Microbiome of Animals: Implications for Conservation Biology
Authors: Bahrndorff Simon , Alemu Tibebu , Alemneh Temesgen , Lund Nielsen Jeppe
Published: April 2016

In recent years the human microbiome has become a growing area of research and it is becoming clear that the microbiome of humans plays an important role for human health. Extensive research is now going into cataloging and annotating the functional role of the human microbiome. The ability to explore and describe the microbiome of any species has become possible due to new methods for sequencing. These techniques allow comprehensive surveys of the composition of the microbiome of nonmodel organisms of which relatively little is known. Some attention has been paid to the microbiome of insect species including important vectors of pathogens of human and veterinary importance, agricultural pests, and model species. Together these studies suggest that the microbiome of insects is highly dependent on the environment, species, and populations and affects the fitness of species. These fitness effects can have important implications for the conservation and management of species and populations. Further, these results are important for our understanding of invasion of nonnative species, responses to pathogens, and responses to chemicals and global climate change in the present and future.
Consecutive Case Series of Healed Single-Molar Sites Immediately Restored with Wide-Diameter Implants: A 1-Year Evaluation
Authors: Antoun Hadi , Cherfane Pierre , Sojod Bouchra
Published: April 2016

Introduction. To evaluate outcomes of wide-diameter (6 mm) implants immediately provisionalized with cement-retained single crowns in posterior molar sites.Materials and Methods. Forty-eight consecutive patients received a total of 53 moderately rough-surface, 6 mm diameter implants in healed sites. All implants were immediately provisionalized with a cement-retained provisional crown. Final prosthesis with cement-retained porcelain fused to metal crowns was delivered 3–6 months later. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Outcome measures were implant failures and success rate, complications, marginal bone levels, bone level changes, papilla index, bleeding on probing, and inflammation.Results. One patient was lost to follow-up. At one year, the implant survival and success rate were 98.1%. The mean marginal bone loss after 1 year was −0.17±1.84 mm. Ideal papilla score was recorded at 83.8% of the sites. More than 95.6% of the sites showed no bleeding or inflammation. No procedure-related or device-related adverse events were reported.Conclusion. Wide-diameter (6 mm) implants can safely and successfully replace single posterior molars. Longer follow-up studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term success of these implants.
Tricellular Tight Junctions in the Inner Ear
Authors: Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Katsuno Tatsuya
Published: April 2016

Tight junctions (TJs) are structures that seal the space between the epithelial cell sheets. In the inner ear, the barrier function of TJs is indispensable for the separation of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces, which is essential for the generation and maintenance of the endocochlear potential (EP). TJs are formed by the intercellular binding of membrane proteins, known as claudins, and mutations in these proteins cause deafness in humans and mice. Within the epithelial cell sheet, however, a bound structure is present at the site where the corners of three cells meet (tricellular tight junctions (tTJs)), and the maintenance of the barrier function at this location cannot be explained by the claudins alone. Tricellulin and the angulin family of proteins (angulin-1/LSR, angulin-2/ILDR1, and angulin-3/ILDR2) have been identified as tTJ-associated proteins. Tricellulin and ILDR1 are localized at the tTJ and alterations in these proteins have been reported to be involved in deafness. In this review, we will present the current state of knowledge for tTJs.
Phenotyping of Leukocytes and Leukocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Pugholm Lotte Hatting , Bæk Rikke , Søndergaard Evo Kristina Lindersson , Revenfeld Anne Louise Schacht , Jørgensen Malene Møller , Varming Kim
Published: April 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have a demonstrated involvement in modulating the immune system. It has been proposed that EVs could be used as biomarkers for detection of inflammatory and immunological disorders. Consequently, it is of great interest to investigate EVs in more detail with focus on immunological markers. In this study, five major leukocyte subpopulations and the corresponding leukocyte-derived EVs were phenotyped with focus on selected immunological lineage-specific markers and selected vesicle-related markers. The leukocyte-derived EVs displayed phenotypic differences in the 34 markers investigated. The majority of the lineage-specific markers used for identification of the parent cell types could not be detected on EVs released from monocultures of the associated cell types. In contrast, the vesicular presentation of CD9, CD63, and CD81 correlated to the cell surface expression of these markers, however, with few exceptions. Furthermore, the cellular expression of CD9, CD63, and CD81 varied between leukocytes present in whole blood and cultured leukocytes. In summary, these data demonstrate that the cellular and vesicular presentation of selected lineage-specific and vesicle-related markers may differ, supporting the accumulating observations that sorting of molecular cargo into EVs is tightly controlled.
Periodic Orbits of Radially Symmetric Keplerian-Like Systems with a Singularity
Authors: Li Shengjun , Zhu Yuming
Published: April 2016

We study planar radially symmetric Keplerian-like systems with repulsive singularities near the origin and with some semilinear growth near infinity. By the use of topological degree theory, we prove the existence of two distinct families of periodic orbits; one rotates around the origin with small angular momentum, and the other one rotates around the origin with both large angular momentum and large amplitude.
A Comprehensive Curation Shows the Dynamic Evolutionary Patterns of Prokaryotic CRISPRs
Authors: Mai Guoqin , Ge Ruiquan , Sun Guoquan , Meng Qinghan , Zhou Fengfeng
Published: April 2016

Motivation.Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) is a genetic element with active regulation roles for foreign invasive genes in the prokaryotic genomes and has been engineered to work with the CRISPR-associated sequence (Cas) gene Cas9 as one of the modern genome editing technologies. Due to inconsistent definitions, the existing CRISPR detection programs seem to have missed some weak CRISPR signals.Results.This study manually curates all the currently annotated CRISPR elements in the prokaryotic genomes and proposes 95 updates to the annotations. A new definition is proposed to cover all the CRISPRs. The comprehensive comparison of CRISPR numbers on the taxonomic levels of both domains and genus shows high variations for closely related species even in the same genus. The detailed investigation of how CRISPRs are evolutionarily manipulated in the 8 completely sequenced species in the genusThermoanaerobacterdemonstrates that transposons act as a frequent tool for splitting long CRISPRs into shorter ones along a long evolutionary history.
Physical and Psychosocial Functions of Adults with Lower Limb Congenital Deficiencies and Amputations in Childhood
Authors: Montesinos-Magraner Ll. , Issa-Benítez D. , Pagès-Bolíbar E. , Meléndez-Plumed M. , González-Viejo M. A. , Castellano-Tejedor C.
Published: April 2016

Objectives.(1) To describe the epidemiological and medical features of a sample with LLA and LLD in childhood and (2) to explore their relationship with subsequent physical and psychosocial functions in adulthood.Methods.Cross-sectional survey. Demographics, medical data, Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI), and Discomfort-Engagement in Everyday Activities Involving Revealing the Body Scale (D-EEARB) were collected from thirty-two adults who suffered from LLA in childhood or LLD.Results.Most of the sample (53.1% males) was working (84.4%), living independently (75%), and single (75%). Mean age was 33.16 (SD = 7.64, range 18–50). Leading causes for LLA were traumatic (40.6%) and oncologic (25%). LLD was present in 6 cases (18.8%). LCI scores revealed a high performance among males (t17,464=2.976,p=.008). D-EEARB scores showed that 56.25% stated feeling “quite” or “totally comfortable” in situations which involved revealing their body, but 43.75% stated the contrary (“uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable”). LLD and traumatic LLA show higher scores in D-EEARB than vascular and oncological LLA (χ2=7.744, df = 3,p=.05).Conclusions.Adults suffering from LLDs and LLAs during childhood seem to perform well once they are adults. However, 43.75% of patients express considerable discomfort in situations that involve revealing the body.
Neutropenic Sepsis in the ICU: Outcome Predictors in a Two-Phase Model and Microbiology Findings
Authors: Kruse Jan M. , Jenning Thomas , Rademacher Sibylle , Arnold Renate , Schmitt Clemens A. , Jörres Achim , Enghard Philipp , Oppert Michael
Published: April 2016

Objective. Patients with neutropenic sepsis have a poor prognosis. We aimed to identify outcome predictors and generate hypotheses how the care for these patients may be improved.Methods. All 12.352 patients admitted between 2006 and 2011 to the medical ICUs of our tertiary university center were screened for neutropenia; out of 558 patients identified, 102 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Severity markers and outcome predictors were assessed.Results. The overall ICU mortality was 54.9%. The severity of sepsis and the number of organ failures predicted survival of the primary septic episode (APACHE II 22.8 and 29.0; SOFA 7.3 and 10.1, resp.). In the recovery phase, persistent organ damage and higher persistent C-reactive protein levels were associated with a poor outcome. Blood transfusions and CMV infection correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Ineffective initial antibiotic therapy, fungal infections, and detection of multiresistant bacteria displayed a particularly poor outcome. Infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci and enterococci were associated with a significantly higher mortality and a high degree of systemic inflammation.Conclusion. Patients with persistent organ dysfunction show an increased mortality in the further course of their ICU stay. Early antimicrobial treatment of Gram-positive cocci may improve the outcome of these patients.
The Possible Roles of Biological Bone Constructed with Peripheral Blood Derived EPCs and BMSCs in Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Wu Li , Zhao Xian , He Bo , Jiang Jie , Xie Xiao-Jie , Liu Liu
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to determine the possible potential of partially deproteinized biologic bone (PDPBB) seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in osteogenesis and angiogenesis. BMSCs and EPCs were isolated, identified, and coculturedin vitro, followed by seeding on the PDPBB. Expression of osteogenesis and vascularization markers was quantified by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and quantitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was also employed to further evaluate the morphologic alterations of cocultured cells in the biologic bone. Results demonstrated that the coculture system combined with BMSCs and EPCs had significant advantages of (i) upregulating the mRNA expression of VEGF, Osteonectin, Osteopontin, and Collagen Type I and (ii) increasing ALP and OC staining compared to the BMSCs or EPCs only group. Moreover, IHC staining for CD105, CD34, and ZO-1 increased significantly in the implanted PDPBB seeded with coculture system, compared to that of BMSCs or EPCs only, respectively. Summarily, the present data provided evidence that PDPBB seeded with cocultured system possessed favorable cytocompatibility, provided suitable circumstances for different cell growth, and had the potential to provide reconstruction for cases with bone defection by promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis.
Two-Year Follow-Up Analysis of Telaprevir-Based Antiviral Triple Therapy for HCV Recurrence in Genotype 1 Infected Liver Graft Recipients as a First Step towards Modern HCV Therapy
Authors: Klein Fritz , Neuhaus Ruth , Eurich Dennis , Hofmann Jörg , Bayraktar Sandra , Pratschke Johann , Bahra Marcus
Published: April 2016

Objective. The introduction of protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir in 2011 had extended the antiviral treatment options especially in genotype 1 infected hepatitis C relapsers and nonresponders to interferon/ribavirin therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term treatment efficiency of telaprevir-based triple therapy for patients with hepatitis C reinfection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Patients and Methods. We included 12 patients with histologically confirmed graft fibrosis due to hepatitis C reinfection. The treatment duration was scheduled as 12 weeks of telaprevir-based antiviral triple therapy followed by 36 weeks of dual therapy with pegylated interferon/ribavirin. The patients were followed up for two years after the end of triple therapy. Results. Of the 12 patients, 6 (50%) completed the full 48 weeks of antiviral treatment. An end of treatment response and a sustained virological response 52 weeks after the end of the antiviral treatment course were achieved in 8/12 (67%) and 7/12 (58%) patients, respectively. Conclusion. Telaprevir-based triple therapy was shown to be a long-term effective but complex treatment option for individual patients with hepatitis C graft. With the recent improvements in hepatitis C therapy options telaprevir may not be recommended as a standard therapy for this indication anymore.
Routing in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks: A Survey of Existing Protocols and Open Research Issues
Authors: Bhandary Vikas , Malik Amita , Kumar Sanjay
Published: April 2016

With the advancement of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and technology, applicability of WSNs as a system is touching new heights. The development of multimedia nodes has led to the creation of another intelligent distributed system, which can transfer real-time multimedia traffic, ubiquitously. Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) are applicable in a wide range of areas including area monitoring and video surveillance. But due to unreliable error-prone communication medium and application specific quality of service (QoS) requirements, routing of real-time multimedia traffic in WMSNs poses a serious problem. The paper discusses various existing routing strategies in WMSNs, with their properties and limitations which lead to open research issues. Further, detailed classification and analytical comparison of discussed protocols are also presented.
Neurocognitive Deficits and Effects of Cognitive Reserve in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Andrejeva Nadeshda , Knebel Maren , Dos Santos Vasco , Schmidt Janna , Herold Christina Josefa , Tudoran Ruxandra , Wetzel Petra , Wendelstein Britta , Meyer-Kühling Inga , Navratil Sabrina Dominique , Gorenc-Mahmutaj Lina , Rosenbaum Gerd , Pantel Johannes , Schröder Johannes
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a frequent syndrome in the older population, which involves an increased risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). The latter can be modified by the cognitive reserve, which can be operationalized by the length of school education. MCI can be differentiated into four subtypes according to the cognitive domains involved: amnestic MCI, multiple-domain amnestic MCI, non-amnestic MCI and multiple-domain non-amnestic MCI. While neurocognitive deficits are a constituent of the diagnosis of these subtypes, the question of how they refer to the cognitive reserve still needs to be clarified. Methods: We examined neuropsychological deficits in healthy controls, patients with MCI and patients with mild AD (n = 485) derived from a memory clinic. To reduce the number of neuropsychological variables, a factor analysis with varimax rotation was calculated. In a second step, diagnostic groups including MCI subtypes were compared with respect to their clinical and neuropsychological characteristics including cognitive reserve. Results: Most MCI patients showed the amnestic multiple-domain subtype followed by the pure amnestic subtype, while the non-amnestic subtypes were rare. The amnestic subtype displayed a significantly higher level of cognitive reserve and higher MMSE scores than the amnestic multiple-domain subtype, which was in most cases characterized by additional psychomotor and executive deficits. Conclusions: These findings confirm earlier reports revealing that the amnestic multiple-domain subtype is the most frequent one and indicating that a high cognitive reserve may primarily prevent psychomotor and executive deficits in MCI.
Selective Mutism: The Fraternal Twin of Childhood Social Phobia
Authors: Gensthaler Angelika , Maichrowitz Verena , Kaess Michael , Ligges Marc , Freitag Christine M. , Schwenck Christina
Published: April 2016

Background: Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder with a close link to childhood social phobia (SP). Our studies compare behavioral problem profiles in children and adolescents with SM and SP and control groups and assess the comorbidity patterns of SM and SP. Methods: Participants aged 3-18 years with SM (n = 95), SP (n = 74) and internalizing disorders (INT, n = 46) and a typically developing control group (CG, n = 119) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); adolescents were additionally assessed with the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Comorbidity was assessed in SM and SP participants with a diagnostic interview. Results: SP was detected in 94% of children with SM. SM participants showed different behavioral and psychiatric symptoms than SP: they were more frequently affected by lifetime separation anxiety disorder (SM: 45%, SP: 26%) and oppositional defiant disorder (SM: 22%, SP: 5%), and less by generalized anxiety disorder (SM: 6%, SP: 20%) and major depression (SM: 12%, SP: 26%). Adolescents with SM showed high rates of agoraphobia (SM 27%; SP 10%) and more social problems (YSR), and were more withdrawn (CBCL, YSR) than those with SP alone. Specific behavioral problems of SM and SP compared to INT and CG were observed. Conclusion: SM and SP represent separate but closely related disorders, distinct from other INT and CG, with specific patterns of lifetime comorbidities.
Oxygen Monitoring Reduces the Risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Mexican Population
Authors: Zepeda-Romero Luz Consuelo , Lundgren Pia , Gutierrez-Padilla Jose Alfonso , Gomez-Ruiz Larissa Maria , Quiles Corona Moises , Orozco-Monroy José Víctor , Barragan-Sánchez Andrea , Razo-Cervantes Juan Carlos , Löfqvist Chatarina , Hård Anna-Lena , Hellström Ann
Published: April 2016

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding disease, affects preterm infants. High levels of oxygen saturation are a well-known risk factor for ROP. Objectives: To assess the frequency of ROP type 1 needing treatment after improved oxygen monitoring (2011) in a Mexican preterm population selected for WINROP analyses and to retrospectively revalidate WINROP, an online surveillance system identifying infants at risk of developing ROP type 1. Methods: Preterm infants born with birth weight (BW) <1,750 g and/or at gestational age (GA) ≤34 weeks, screened for ROP in 2012-2014 at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Mexico were included (n = 151). Eighty-five infants with GA <32 weeks qualified for WINROP analyses. GA, BW, maximal ROP stage, ROP treatment and weekly weights were recorded. The results in the present study were compared to those of a previous WINROP study in the same hospital (2005-2010; n = 352). Results: In the present WINROP cohort, 11.8% of the infants born at GA <32 weeks received treatment compared to 51.0% of the infants in the previous WINROP cohort. One infant (3%) born at GA ≥32 weeks received treatment during the present study period compared to 35.6% during the previous period. WINROP displayed 80.0% sensitivity in infants born at GA <32 weeks in the present study compared to 84.7% in the previous study. Conclusions: Uncontrolled oxygen supplementation is the major risk factor for severe ROP in infants born at GA ≥32 weeks. After improved oxygen monitoring, the frequency of ROP treatment was dramatically reduced at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Mexico.
Irinotecan Plus Gemcitabine and Fluorouracil in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Endlicher Esther , Schnoy Elisabeth , Troppmann Martina , Rogler Gerhard , Messmann Helmut , Klebl Frank , Gelbmann Cornelia , Kullmann Frank
Published: April 2016

Background: Since 2010, combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin is the standard treatment for patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) based on the ABC-02 trial. However, treatment after first-line progression is less clearly defined. We therefore retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of a 3-drug chemotherapy regimen in patients with advanced BTC. Methods: Patients with advanced BTC treated with palliative chemotherapy between April 2000 and October 2005 at Regensburg University Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of an institutional standard 3-drug regimen consisting of irinotecan, gemcitabine and 5-FU (IGF). One cycle, lasting 21 days, included applications on days 1 and 8 consisting of 75 mg/m2 irinotecan i.v. for 90 min, 1,000 mg/m2 gemcitabine i.v. for 30 min and 2,000 mg/m2 fluorouracil (5-FU) for 24 h. Results: A total of 12 histologically confirmed cases with gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic BTC were reviewed. Fifty percent of the patients (6/12) had been pretreated with other chemotherapies. Median progression-free survival was 9.4 months (1.5-21.5) and median overall survival was 17.2 months (2.5-24.3). Only neutropenia (8%) was observed as an NCI-CTC grade 3 toxicity. Anemia and leucopenia grades 1 and 2 were the most common side effects. Conclusions: The combination of IGF shows a promising survival benefit with manageable toxicity in patients with advanced BTC. Therefore, this regimen seems to be a feasible second-line treatment option for patients with rapid progression under first-line therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin and with a good performance status.