bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ag-Doped TiO2Nanotube Arrays Composite Film as a Photoanode for Enhancing the Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency in DSSCs
Authors: Hu Jinghua , Cheng Jiejie , Tong Shengqiang , Yang Yingping , Chen Mengwei , Hu Shiwu
Published: September 2016

A Ag-doped double-layer composite film with TiO2nanoparticles (P25) as the underlayer and TiO2nanotube (TNT) arrays with the Ag-doped nanoparticles as the overlayer was fabricated as the photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Five different concentrations of Ag-doped TNT arrays photoelectrode were compared with the pure TNT arrays composite photoelectrode. It is found that the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the TNT arrays composite photoanode is gradually improved from 3.00% of the pure TNT arrays composite photoanode to 6.12% of the Ag-doped TNT arrays photoanode with the increasing of the doping concentration, reaching up to the maximum in the 0.04 mol/L AgNO3solution, and then slightly decreased to 5.43% after continuing to increase the doping concentration. The reason is mainly that the cluster structure of the Ag nanoparticles with large surface area contributes to dye adsorption and the Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect of the Ag nanoparticles improved the photocatalytic ability of the TNT arrays film.
RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Candidate Targets for Curcumin againstTetranychus cinnabarinus
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Wu Dousheng , Zhang Yongqiang , Zhou Hong , Lai Ting , Ding Wei
Published: September 2016

Tetranychus cinnabarinusis an important agricultural pest with a broad host range. We previously identified curcumin as a promising acaricidal compound againstT. cinnabarinus. However, the acaricidal mechanism of curcumin remains unknown. In this study, RNA-seq was employed to analyze the transcriptome changes inT. cinnabarinustreated with curcumin or the solvent. A total of 105,706,297 clean sequence reads were generated by sequencing, with more than 90% of the reads successfully mapped to the reference sequence. The RNA-seq identified 111 and 96 differentially expressed genes between curcumin- and solvent-treated mites at 24 and 48 h after treatment, respectively. GO enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the cellular process was the dominant group at both time points. Finally, we screened 23 differentially expressed genes that were functionally identical or similar to the targets of common insecticide/acaricides or genes that were associated with mite detoxification and metabolism. Calmodulin, phospholipase A2, and phospholipase C were activated upon curcumin treatment suggesting that the calcium channel related genes might play important roles in mite’s response to curcumin. Overall our results revealed the global transcriptional changes inT. cinnabarinusafter curcumin treatment to enable further identification of the targets of curcumin in mites.
In VitroAntioxidant Treatment of Semen Samples in Assisted Reproductive Technology: Effects of Myo-Inositol on Nemaspermic Parameters
Authors: Palmieri Mariangela , Papale Palma , Della Ragione Antonietta , Quaranta Giuseppa , Russo Giovanni , Russo Sabatino
Published: September 2016

Male infertility and the poor quality of sperm seem to be influenced by oxidative stress. In particular, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mainly produced by morphologically altered spermatozoa affect sperm motility, morphology, and integrity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Myo-Inositol (Myo-Ins) on a number of parameters such as viscosity and total and progressive motility of spermatozoa, in order to better validate its possible practical applicationin vitro, in order to improve the capacitation protocols commonly used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). A total of 100 fresh and 25 thawed semen samples were analyzedin vitroprior to and after addition of Myo-Ins. Treatment of samples with Myo-Ins showed an increase in the sperm total and progressive motility in both fresh and thawed samples. Furthermore, Myo-Ins proved to be well tolerated by spermatozoain vitro, demonstrating that it can be efficiently and safely used as antioxidant in the laboratory practice and for preparation of semen samples in ART.
An Incremental Radial Basis Function Network Based on Information Granules and Its Application
Authors: Lee Myung-Won , Kwak Keun-Chang
Published: September 2016

This paper is concerned with the design of an Incremental Radial Basis Function Network (IRBFN) by combining Linear Regression (LR) and local RBFN for the prediction of heating load and cooling load in residential buildings. Here the proposed IRBFN is designed by building a collection of information granules through Context-based Fuzzy C-Means (CFCM) clustering algorithm that is guided by the distribution of error of the linear part of the LR model. After adopting a construct of a LR as global model, refine it through local RBFN that captures remaining and more localized nonlinearities of the system to be considered. The experiments are performed on the estimation of energy performance of 768 diverse residential buildings. The experimental results revealed that the proposed IRBFN showed good performance in comparison to LR, the standard RBFN, RBFN with information granules, and Linguistic Model (LM).
Antiviral Therapy in Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Hui-Lian , Lu Xi , Yang Xudong , Xu Nan
Published: September 2016

The relative efficacy of different strategies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with lamivudine resistance (LAM-R) has not yet been systematically studied. Clinical trials were searched in PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CNKI databases up to February 15, 2016. Nine trials including 764 patients met the entry criteria. In direct meta-analysis, TDF showed a stronger antiviral effect than any one of ETV, LAM/ADV, and ADV against LAM-R hepatitis B virus. LAM/ADV therapy was superior to ADV in suppressing viral replication. ETV achieved similar rate of HBV DNA undetectable compared to ADV or LAM/ADV. In network meta-analysis, TDF had higher rates of HBV DNA undetectable compared to ETV (OR, 24.69; 95% CrI: 5.36–113.66), ADV (OR, 37.28; 95% CrI: 9.73–142.92), or LAM/ADV (OR, 21.05; 95% CrI: 5.70–77.80). However, among ETV, ADV, and LAM/ADV, no drug was clearly superior to others in HBV DNA undetectable rate. Moreover, no significant difference in the rate of ALT normalization or HBeAg loss was observed compared the four rescue strategies with each other. TDF appears to be a more effective rescue therapy than LAM/ADV, ETV, or ADV. LAM plus ADV therapy was a better treatment option than ETV or ADV alone for patients with LAM-R.
Modulatory Effect of 2‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)amino‐1,4‐naphthoquinone on Endothelial Vasodilation in Rat Aorta
Authors: Palacios Javier , Cifuentes Fredi , Valderrama Jaime A. , Benites Julio , Ríos David , González Constanza , Chiong Mario , Cartes-Saavedra Benjamín , Lafourcade Carlos , Wyneken Ursula , González Pamela , Owen Gareth I. , Pardo Fabián , Sobrevia Luis , Buc Calderon Pedro
Published: September 2016

The vascular endothelium plays an essential role in the control of the blood flow. Pharmacological agents like quinone (menadione) at various doses modulate this process in a variety of ways. In this study, Q7, a 2‐phenylamino‐1,4‐naphthoquinone derivative, significantly increased oxidative stress and induced vascular dysfunction at concentrations that were not cytotoxic to endothelial or vascular smooth muscle cells. Q7 reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothelial vasodilation to acetylcholine in rat aorta. It also blunted the calcium release from intracellular stores by increasing the phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction when CaCl2 was added to a calcium‐free medium but did not affect the influx of calcium from extracellular space. Q7 increased the vasoconstriction to BaCl2 (10−3 M), an inward rectifying K+ channels blocker, and blocked the vasodilation to KCl (10−2 M) in aortic rings precontracted with BaCl2. This was recovered with sodium nitroprusside (10−8 M), a NO donor. In conclusion, Q7 induced vasoconstriction was through a modulation of cellular mechanisms involving calcium fluxes through K+ channels, and oxidative stress induced endothelium damage. These findings contribute to the characterization of new quinone derivatives with low cytotoxicity able to pharmacologically modulate vasodilation.
Lower Limb Metaphyseal Bone Is Lost in Men with Coeliac Disease and Does Not Relate to Parathyroid Status
Authors: Davie Michael W. J. , Evans Sally F. , Sharp Christopher A.
Published: September 2016

Aims. To investigate regional lower limb bone density and associations with weight, PTH, and bone breakdown in coeliac men.Methods. From whole body DXA scans bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 28 coeliac men, in the lower limb (subdivided into 6 regions, 3 being metaphyseal (mainly trabecular) and 2 diaphyseal (mainly cortical)). BMD at femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine L2–4, body weight, height, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and urinary calcium and NTx/Cr, a measure of bone breakdown, were also measured. Age matched healthy men provided values for BMD calculation ofzandTscores and for biochemical measurements.Results. Low BMDzscores were found at metaphyseal regions in the leg (p<0.001) and in the FN (p<0.05). The distal metaphyseal region BMD in the leg was lower than spine or FN (p<0.05). PTH, urinary calcium/creatinine, and urinary NTx/Cr were similar to controls. Both metaphyseal and diaphyseal BMDzscores were associated with body weight (p<0.02), but not with either PTH or urinary NTx/Cr.Conclusions. Low BMD lower limb regions comprising mostly trabecular bone occur early in CD and in the absence of elevated PTH or increased bone resorption. Low BMD is associated with low body weight.
The Rise and the Fall of Betatrophin/ANGPTL8 as an Inducer ofβ-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Abu-Farha Mohamed , Al Madhoun Ashraf , Abubaker Jehad
Published: September 2016

Diabetes is a global health problem that is caused by impaired insulin production from pancreaticβ-cells. Efforts to regenerateβ-cells have been advancing rapidly in the past two decades with progress made towards identifying new agents that induceβ-cells regeneration. ANGPTL8, also named betatrophin, has been recently identified as a hormone capable of inducingβ-cells proliferation and increasingβ-cells mass in rodents. Its discovery has been cherished as a breakthrough and a game changer in the field ofβ-cells regeneration. Initially, ANGPTL8 has been identified as atypical member of the angiopoietin-like protein family as a regulator of triglyceride in plasma through its interaction with ANGPTL3 and its regulation of lipoprotein lipase activity. In this review, we will review literature on the proposed role of ANGPTL8 inβ-cells proliferation, the controversy regarding this role, and the emerging data questioning its involvement inβ-cells proliferation. Additionally we will discuss new clinical data that describes its role in diabetes and the putative therapeutic targeting of this protein.
Large Rapidity Gap Method to Select Soft Diffraction Dissociation at the LHC
Authors: Nurse Emily , Sen Sercan
Published: September 2016

In proton-proton (pp) collisions, any process involves exchanging the vacuum quantum numbers is known as diffractive process. A diffractive process with no largeQ2is called soft diffractive process. The diffractive processes are important for understanding nonperturbative QCD effects and they also constitute a significant fraction of the total pp cross section. The diffractive events are typically characterized by a region of the detector without particles, known as a rapidity gap. In order to observe diffractive events in this way, we consider the pseudorapidity acceptance in the forward region of the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and discuss the methods to select soft diffractive dissociation for pp collisions ats=7 TeV. It is shown that, in the limited detector rapidity acceptance, it is possible to select diffractive dissociation events by requiring a rapidity gap in the event; however, without using forward detectors, it seems not possible to fully separate single and double diffractive dissociation events. The Zero Degree Calorimeters can be used to distinguish the type of the diffractive processes up to a certain extent.
Acute Liver and Renal Failure: A Rare Adverse Effect Exclusive to Intravenous form of Amiodarone
Authors: Paudel Robin , Dogra Prerna , Suman Saurav , Acharya Saurav , Matta Jyoti
Published: September 2016

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug which is highly effective against a wide spectrum of ventricular tachyarrhythmias making it irreplaceable in certain group of patients. We report an unusual case of acute liver and renal failure within 24 hours of initiation of intravenous (IV) amiodarone which resolved after stopping the medication. The mechanism of acute liver and renal toxicity is not clearly known but is believed to be secondary to amiodarone induced (relative) hypotension, idiosyncratic reaction to the drug, and toxicity of the vector that carries the medication, polysorbate-80. In this case review, we discuss the hyperacute drug toxicity caused by IV amiodarone being a distinctly different entity compared to the adverse effects shown by oral amiodarone and support the suggestion that oral amiodarone can be safely administered even in patients who manifest acute hepatitis with the IV form.
An Image Encryption Scheme Based on DNA Computing and Cellular Automata
Authors: Zhou Shihua , Wang Bin , Zheng Xuedong , Zhou Changjun
Published: September 2016

Networks have developed very quickly, allowing the speedy transfer of image information through Internet. However, the openness of these networks poses a serious threat to the security of image information. The field of image encryption has drawn attention for this reason. In this paper, the concepts of 1-dimensional DNA cellular automata and T-DNA cellular automata are defined, and the concept of reversible T-DNA cellular automata is introduced. An efficient approach to encryption involving reversible T-DNA cellular automata as an encryption tool and natural DNA sequences as the main keys is here proposed. The results of a simulation experiment, performance analysis, and comparison to other encryption algorithms showed this algorithm to be capable of resisting brute force attacks, statistical attacks, and differential attacks. It also enlarged the key space enormously. It meets the criteria for one-time pad and resolves the problem that one-time pad is difficult to save.
The Generation and Characterization of Recombinant Protein and Antibodies ofClostridium perfringensBeta2 Toxin
Authors: Zeng Jin , Song Fuyang , Yang Yi , Ma Chenjie , Deng Guangcun , Li Yong , Wang Yujiong , Liu Xiaoming
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) beta2 toxin (CPB2) is an important virulent factor of necrotic enteritis in both animals and humans. However, studies of its pathogenic roles and functional mechanisms have been hampered due to the difficulty of purification and lack of specific antibodies against this toxin.Methods.A recombinant His-taggedC. perfringensbeta2 (rCPB2) toxin and monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against CPB2 were generated and characterized by assays of cytotoxicity, immunoblotting, ELISA, neutralization, and immunofluorescence.Results.A His-tagged rCPB2 with integrity and cytotoxicity of native CPB2 was purified fromE. coliexpressing system, which exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity on NCM460 human intestinal epithelial cells. The rCPB2 could induce apoptotic cell death rather than necrotic death in part through a pathway involved in caspase-3 signaling. Mechanistically, rCPB2 was able to first bind to cell membrane and dynamically translocate into cytoplasm for its cytotoxic activity. Three McAbs 1E23, 2G7 and 2H7 were characterized to be able to immunologically react with CPB2 and neutralize rCPB2 cytotoxicity on NCM460 cells.Conclusion.These results indicated the rCPB2 and antibodies generated in this study are useful tools for studies of biological functions and pathogenic mechanisms of CPB2 in future, which warrants for further investigations.
MARS: An Educational Environment for Multiagent Robot Simulations
Authors: Casini Marco , Garulli Andrea
Published: September 2016

Undergraduate robotics students often find it difficult to design and validate control algorithms for teams of mobile robots. This is mainly due to two reasons. First, very rarely, educational laboratories are equipped with large teams of robots, which are usually expensive, bulky, and difficult to manage and maintain. Second, robotics simulators often require students to spend much time to learn their use and functionalities. For this purpose, a simulator of multiagent mobile robots namedMARShas been developed within the Matlab environment, with the aim of helping students to simulate a wide variety of control algorithms in an easy way and without spending time for understanding a new language. Through this facility, the user is able to simulate multirobot teams performing different tasks, from cooperative to competitive ones, by using both centralized and distributed controllers. Virtual sensors are provided to simulate real devices. A graphical user interface allows students to monitor the robots behaviour through an online animation.
Circularly Polarized Transparent Microstrip Patch Reflectarray Integrated with Solar Cell for Satellite Applications
Authors: Zainud-Deen S. H. , El-Shalaby N. A. , Gaber S. M. , Malhat H. A.
Published: September 2016

Circularly polarized (CP) transparent microstrip reflectarray antenna is integrated with solar cell for small satellite applications at 10 GHz. The reflectarray unit cell consists of a perfect electric conductor (PEC) square patch printed on an optically transparent substrate with the PEC ground plane. A comparison between using transparent conducting polymers and using the PEC in unit-cell construction has been introduced. The waveguide simulator is used to calculate the required compensation phase of each unit cell in the reflectarray. The radiation characteristics of 13 × 13 CP transparent reflectarray antenna are investigated. A circularly polarized horn antenna is used to feed the reflectarray. The solar cell is incorporated with the transparent reflectarray on the same area. The solar-cell integration with the reflectarray reduces the maximum gain by about 0.5 dB due to the increase in the magnitude of the reflection coefficient. The results are calculated using the finite integral technique (FIT).
A Novel Hybrid Clonal Selection Algorithm with Combinatorial Recombination and Modified Hypermutation Operators for Global Optimization
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Lin Jingjing , Jing Honglei , Zhang Qiuwen
Published: September 2016

Artificial immune system is one of the most recently introduced intelligence methods which was inspired by biological immune system. Most immune system inspired algorithms are based on the clonal selection principle, known as clonal selection algorithms (CSAs). When coping with complex optimization problems with the characteristics of multimodality, high dimension, rotation, and composition, the traditional CSAs often suffer from the premature convergence and unsatisfied accuracy. To address these concerning issues, a recombination operator inspired by the biological combinatorial recombination is proposed at first. The recombination operator could generate the promising candidate solution to enhance search ability of the CSA by fusing the information from random chosen parents. Furthermore, a modified hypermutation operator is introduced to construct more promising and efficient candidate solutions. A set of 16 common used benchmark functions are adopted to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the recombination and hypermutation operators. The comparisons with classic CSA, CSA with recombination operator (RCSA), and CSA with recombination and modified hypermutation operator (RHCSA) demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the performance of classic CSA. Moreover, comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms shows that the proposed algorithm is quite competitive.
Integrated Guidance and Control Based Air-to-Air Autonomous Attack Occupation of UCAV
Authors: Luo Chang , Wang Jie , Huang Hanqiao , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2016

An approach of air-to-air autonomous attack occupation for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) is proposed to improve attack precision and combat effectiveness. According to the shortage of UCAV in the task of attack occupation, kinematic and dynamic models of UCAV and missile loaded on it are formed. Then, attack zone and no-escape zone are calculated by pattern search algorithm, and the optimum attack position is indicated. To arrive at the optimum attack position accurately with restriction of gesture, a novel adaptive sliding mode control method is suggested to design the integrated guidance and control system of UCAV in the process of autonomous attack occupation. Key parameters of the control system are adaptively regulated, which further economize control energy at the same time. The simulation results show that compared with traditional methods our approach can guide the UCAV to the optimum attack position with stable gesture and economize nearly 25% control energy.
Reduced Appendicular Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength, and Size of Type II Muscle Fibers in Patients with Spondyloarthritis versus Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Røren Nordén Kristine , Dagfinrud Hanne , Løvstad Amund , Raastad Truls
Published: September 2016

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition, muscle function, and muscle morphology in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA).Methods. Ten male SpA patients (mean ± SD age39±4.1years) were compared with ten healthy controls matched for sex, age, body mass index, and self-reported level of physical exercise. Body composition was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Musculus quadriceps femoris (QF) strength was assessed by maximal isometric contractions prior to test of muscular endurance. Magnetic resonance imaging of QF was used to measure muscle size and calculate specific muscle strength. Percutaneous needle biopsy samples were taken fromm. vastus lateralis.Results. SpA patients presented with significantly lower appendicular lean body mass (LBM) (p=0.02), but there was no difference in bone mineral density, fat mass, or total LBM. Absolute QF strength was significantly lower in SpA patients (p=0.03) with a parallel trend for specific strength (p=0.08). Biopsy samples from the SpA patients revealed significantly smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) of type II muscle fibers (p=0.04), but no difference in CSA type I fibers.Conclusions. Results indicate that the presence of SpA disease is associated with reduced appendicular LBM, muscle strength, and type II fiber CSA.
Low-Carbon Watershed Management: Potential of Greenhouse Gas Reductions from Wastewater Treatment in Rural Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lan Huong , Mohan Geetha , Jian Pu , Takemoto Kazuhiko , Fukushi Kensuke
Published: September 2016

Currently in many cities and rural areas of Vietnam, wastewater is discharged to the environment without any treatment, which emits considerable amount of greenhouse gas (GHG), particularly methane. In this study, four GHG emission scenarios were examined, as well as the baseline scenario, in order to verify the potential of GHG reduction from domestic wastewater with adequate treatment facilities. The ArcGIS and ArcHydro tools were employed to visualize and analyze GHG emissions resulting from discharge of untreated wastewater, in rural areas of Vu Gia Thu Bon river basin, Vietnam. By applying the current IPCC guidelines for GHG emissions, we found that a reduction of GHG emissions can be achieved through treatment of domestic wastewater in the studied area. Compared with baseline scenario, a maximum 16% of total GHG emissions can be reduced, in which 30% of households existing latrines are substituted by Japanese Johkasou technology and other 20% of domestic wastewater is treated by conventional activated sludge.
Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Choice of Activation Method Affects the Release of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Cavallo Carola , Roffi Alice , Grigolo Brunella , Mariani Erminia , Pratelli Loredana , Merli Giulia , Kon Elizaveta , Marcacci Maurilio , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a low-cost procedure to deliver high concentrations of autologous growth factors (GFs). Platelet activation is a crucial step that might influence the availability of bioactive molecules and therefore tissue healing. Activation of PRP from ten voluntary healthy males was performed by adding 10% of CaCl2, 10% of autologous thrombin, 10% of a mixture of CaCl2+ thrombin, and 10% of collagen type I. Blood derivatives were incubated for 15 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 24 hours and samples were evaluated for the release of VEGF, TGF-β1, PDGF-AB, IL-1β, and TNF-α. PRP activated with CaCl2, thrombin, and CaCl2/thrombin formed clots detected from the 15-minute evaluation, whereas in collagen-type-I-activated samples no clot formation was noticed. Collagen type I produced an overall lower GF release. Thrombin, CaCl2/thrombin, and collagen type I activated PRPs showed an immediate release of PDGF and TGF-β1that remained stable over time, whereas VEGF showed an increasing trend from 15 minutes up to 24 hours. CaCl2induced a progressive release of GFs from 15 minutes and increasing up to 24 hours. The method chosen to activate PRP influences both its physical form and the releasate in terms of GF amount and release kinetic.
Potential for Lead Release from Lead-Immobilized Animal Manure Compost in Rhizosphere Soil of Shooting Range
Authors: Katoh Masahiko , Lu Wei , Sato Takeshi
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to clarify the magnitude of lead release from lead-sorbed animal manure compost (AMC) in rhizosphere soil compared with nonplanted soil of shooting range. The presence of buckwheat caused reduction in rhizosphere soil pH and enhancement in the level of water-soluble organic carbon compared with those of nonplanted soil. In addition, the presence of buckwheat altered the lead phases and increased the relative amount of the soluble exchangeable fraction, resulting in increase in the CaCl2-soluble lead level. In contrast, the presence of Guinea grass did not change the lead bioavailability or phases compared with nonplanted soil. Lead release tests in solution showed that between solution pH 5 and solution pH 7 the amount of lead released from the compost was higher in the rhizosphere soil of buckwheat than in nonplanted soil, whereas there was no significant difference between the rhizosphere soil of Guinea grass and nonplanted soil. These results suggest that the increase in the quantity of exchangeable lead resulting from the rhizosphere effect induces lead immobilized by the AMC to be remobilized. Therefore, AMC should be applied to soils that contain plants that are unable to alter the lead phases in the shooting range soil. Efforts should be particularly made to ensure that lead cannot be transformed to the exchangeable phase.
A Case Report of Neurosarcoidosis Presenting as a Lymphoma Mimic
Authors: Kaur Gurcharanjeet , Cameron Lauren , Syritsyna Olga , Coyle Patricia , Kowalska Agnes
Published: September 2016

Objective.To describe a unique presentation of neurosarcoidosis.Background.Central nervous system involvement is rare in sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis can be severe and can be mistaken for systemic lymphoma.Case Description.A 55-year-old right-handed white male with past medical history of obstructive sleep apnea, Raynaud’s disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was noted to have cognitive decline over a duration of few weeks and 20 lb weight loss. His neurologic exam (including cranial nerves) was normal except for five-minute recall. Head CT revealed a lacrimal gland mass, confirmed on brain MRI, which was suspicious for lymphoma on brain PET/MRI. Subsequent whole-body FDG PET/CT scan showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Bone marrow biopsy was negative. Serum and CSF ACE levels were within normal limits. Supraclavicular lymph node biopsy before steroids therapy was initiated and revealed multiple noncaseating granulomas, diagnostic of “sarcoidosis.” He was treated with daily prednisone for two months, followed by weekly infliximab. Brain MRI two months after treatment with prednisone showed decrease in size of lacrimal lesion, and brain PET/MRI showed normal brain metabolism pattern after five months. Neurocognitive evaluation three months after diagnosis demonstrated improvements in memory abilities.Discussion.Both clinically and radiographically, neurosarcoidosis can mimic systemic lymphoma. Biopsy in these types of cases is necessary to establish the diagnosis.
Fault Diagnosis for Analog Circuits by Using EEMD, Relative Entropy, and ELM
Authors: Xiong Jian , Tian Shulin , Yang Chenglin
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a novel fault diagnosis method for analog circuits using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), relative entropy, and extreme learning machine (ELM). First, nominal and faulty response waveforms of a circuit are measured, respectively, and then are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with the EEMD method. Second, through comparing the nominal IMFs with the faulty IMFs, kurtosis and relative entropy are calculated for each IMF. Next, a feature vector is obtained for each faulty circuit. Finally, an ELM classifier is trained with these feature vectors for fault diagnosis. Via validating with two benchmark circuits, results show that the proposed method is applicable for analog fault diagnosis with acceptable levels of accuracy and time cost.
Effects of Electroacupuncture Treatment on Bone Cancer Pain Model with Morphine Tolerance
Authors: Sima Lei , Fan Bifa , Yan Longtao , Shui Yuan
Published: September 2016

Objective. To explore the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment in cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) rat model with morphine tolerance and explore changes of calcitonin‐gene related peptide (CGRP) expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Methods. Forty SD rats were divided into five groups: sham, CIBP (B), CIBP + morphine (BM), CIBP + electroacupuncture (BE), and CIBP + morphine + electroacupuncture (BME). B, BM, BE, and BME groups were prepared CIBP model. The latter three groups then accepted morphine, electroacupuncture, and morphine combined electroacupuncture, separately, nine days consecutively (M1 to M9). Mechanical withdraw threshold (MWT) was evaluated. Results. BE group only had differences in M1, M2, and M3 compared to B group (P < 0.01). From M5, BM group showed significantly decreased MWT. Electroacupuncture could obtain analgesic effects only at early stage (M1 to M5). From M5 to M9, BME had the differences with BM group (P < 0.01). IOD value of CGRP in BM and BME was substantially less than in B group. CGRP in BME was significantly lower than that in BM group (P < 0.01). Conclusion. When used in combination with electroacupuncture, morphine could result in improving analgesic effects and reducing tolerance. CGRP may be associated with pain behaviors.
Bronchoesophageal Fistula Stenting Using High-Frequency Jet Ventilation and Underwater Seal Gastrostomy Tube Drainage
Authors: Fokeerah Nitish , Liu Xinwei , Hao Yonggang , Peng Lihua
Published: September 2016

Managing a patient scheduled for bronchoesophageal fistula repair is challenging for the anesthetist. If appropriate ventilation strategy is not employed, serious complications such as hypoxemia, gastric distension, and pulmonary aspiration can occur. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with a bronchoesophageal fistula in the left main stem bronchus requiring the insertion of a Y-shaped tracheobronchial stent through a rigid bronchoscope, under general anesthesia. We successfully managed this intervention and herein report this case to demonstrate the effectiveness of underwater seal gastrostomy tube drainage used in conjunction with high-frequency jet ventilation during bronchoesophageal fistula stenting.
Antihyperalgesic Effect of Hesperidin Improves with Diosmin in Experimental Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Carballo-Villalobos Azucena I. , González-Trujano María-Eva , Pellicer Francisco , López-Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: September 2016

Neuropathic pain is caused by a primary lesion, dysfunction, or transitory perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the hesperidin antihyperalgesic effects alone or combined with diosmin in a model of neuropathic pain to corroborate a possible synergistic antinociceptive activity. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed in the aesthesiometer and plantar tests, respectively, after chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in rats receiving hesperidin (HS, 5 doses from 10 to 1000 mg/kg) alone or combined with diosmin (DS, 10 and 100 mg/kg) in comparison to gabapentin (31.6 mg/kg). UHPLC-MS analysis of cerebral samples was used to recognize the central concentrations of these flavonoids. Participation of different receptors was also investigated in the presence of haloperidol, bicuculline, and naloxone antagonists. Acute hesperidin administration significantly decreased mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats. Antihyperalgesic response of hesperidin, improved by a combination with diosmin (DS10/HS100) in both stimuli, was blockaded by haloperidol, bicuculline, and naloxone, but not WAY100635, antagonists. Both flavonoids were detected in brain samples. In conclusion, hesperidin alone and combined with diosmin produces antihyperalgesic response in the CCI model in rats. Antihyperalgesic effect of DS10/HS100 combination involves central activity partially modulated by D2,GABAA, and opioids, but not by 5-HT1A, receptors.
Breast Cancer Prevalence and Mortality among Hispanic Subgroups in the United States, 2009–2013
Authors: Hunt Bijou R.
Published: September 2016

Background. This paper presents data on breast cancer prevalence and mortality among US Hispanics and Hispanic subgroups, including Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Central American, and South American.Methods. Five-year average annual female breast cancer prevalence and mortality rates for 2009–2013 were examined using data from the National Health Interview Survey (prevalence) and the National Center for Health Statistics and the American Community Survey (mortality rates).Results. Overall breast cancer prevalence among US Hispanic women was 1.03%. Although the estimates varied slightly by Hispanic subgroup, these differences were not statistically significant. The breast cancer mortality rate for Hispanics overall was 17.71 per 100,000 women. Higher rates were observed among Cubans (17.89), Mexicans (18.78), and Puerto Ricans (19.04), and a lower rate was observed among Central and South Americans (10.15). With the exception of the rate for Cubans, all Hispanic subgroup rates were statistically significantly different from the overall Hispanic rate. Additionally, all Hispanic subgroups rates were statistically significantly higher than the Central and South American rate.Conclusion. The data reveal significant differences in mortality across Hispanic subgroups. These data enable public health officials to develop targeted interventions to help lower breast cancer mortality among the highest risk populations.
The Evaluation of the Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiological Findings of 16 Cases of Brucellar Spondylitis
Authors: Yang Baohui , Hu Hongbo , Chen Jie , He Xijing , Li Haopeng
Published: September 2016

Objective. To evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological presentation of 16 cases of brucellar spondylitis.Methods. The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and imaging findings of 16 patients (aged from 24 to 66 years) with brucellar spondylitis treated between September 2012 and September 2014 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University (Xi’an, China) were retrospectively analyzed.Results. Clinical manifestations included high fever, severe pain, sweating, and fatigue. One patient had epididymitis, and two showed clear signs of spinal nerve damage. Laboratory tests showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein content. Serum brucella agglutination tests were positive, and 11 brucella blood cultures were positive. Imaging manifestations mainly consisted of abnormal signals in the intervertebral space or abnormal signals in the adjacent vertebral bodies (16/16, 100%) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), disc space narrowing (14/16, 88%) in X-ray and MRI, or bone destruction and sclerosis around the damaged zone (13/16, 81%) in computed tomography, with rare cases of psoas abscess (2/16, 13%) and sequestrum (1/16, 6%).Conclusion. Since brucellar spondylitis exhibited characteristic clinical and imaging manifestations, it could be diagnosed with specific laboratory tests. Early MRI examination of suspected cases could improve rapid diagnosis.
Research of Microcosmic Affection Factors on Capital Misallocation: A Case of Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Piao Zhefan , Jia Jini , Shen Fangyan , Chen Rongda
Published: September 2016

With the restrictions of equity financing of Chinese listed companies, debt dimensions are increasing, and the issue of corporate financial structure and financing constraints influence on capital misallocation has become an important practical problem which Chinese listed companies face. This paper is concerned with a model about capital misallocation and its influencing factors of integrated financing, capital operation, and investment performance. We take 7096 observations of 646 Chinese listed companies during fiscal years 2003 to 2014 for A-shares on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchange, for instance, to empirically test the microscopic influencing factors of capital misallocation under different external financing dependence. The study illustrates the following: (1) in descriptive statistics of different industries capital misallocation, more than half of firms experience the circumstance of capital misallocation; (2) although Chinese listed companies are faced with financing constraints, capital market inefficiency, and other issues, most companies still depend on external financing; (3) the main factors that affect capital misallocation of the listed companies are financial liquidity and financial pledgeability; (4) the firms with high innovation abilities generally have stronger profitability, superior financial liquidity, and better financial pledgeability, thus reducing corporate capital misallocation; (5) the Chinese listed companies with large-scale assets and strong profitability easily obtain bank loans and equity financing, while violating the principle of assets matching.
A New Extension of Hardy-Hilbert’s Inequality in the Whole Plane
Authors: Yang Bicheng , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2016

By the use of weight coefficients and Hermite-Hadamard’s inequality, a new extension of Hardy-Hilbert’s inequality in the whole plane with multiparameters and a best possible constant factor is given. The equivalent forms, the operator expressions, and a few particular inequalities are considered.
The Relationship between Adiposity and Insulin Sensitivity in African Women Living with the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Clamp Study
Authors: Doh Emmanuella , Mbanya Armand , Kemfang-Ngowa Jean Dupont , Dohbit Sama , Tchana-Sinou Mycilline , Foumane Pascal , Donfack Olivier Trésor , Doh Anderson S. , Mbanya Jean Claude , Sobngwi Eugene
Published: September 2016

Objectives. We aimed to assess the variation of insulin sensitivity in relation to obesity in women living with PCOS in a sub-Sahara African setting.Methods. We studied body composition, insulin sensitivity, and resting energy expenditure in 14 PCOS patients (6 obese and 8 nonobese) compared to 10 matched nonobese non-PCOS subjects. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the gold standard 80 mU/m2/min euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry.Results. Insulin sensitivity adjusted to lean mass was lowest in obese PCOS subjects and highest in healthy subjects (11.2[10.1–12.4]versus 12.9[12.1–13.8]versus 16.6[13.8–17.9],p=0.012); there was a tendency for resting energy expenditure adjusted for total body mass to decrease across the groups highest in obese PCOS subjects (1411[1368–1613]versus 1274[1174–1355]versus 1239[1195–1454],p=0.306).Conclusion. In this sub-Saharan population, insulin resistance is associated with PCOS per se but is further aggravated by obesity. Obesity did not seem to be explained by low resting energy expenditure suggesting that dietary intake may be a determinant of the obesity in this context.
Effects of a Comprehensive, Multiple Risky Behavior Prevention Program on High School Students
Authors: Collier Crystal , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , LaChapelle Alicia , Davison Jessica
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this research study was to examine the effect of a multiple risky behaviors prevention program applied comprehensively throughout an entire school system involving universal, selective, and indicated levels of students at a local private high school during a 4-year period. The noncurriculum prevention program was created based upon the key elements of effective prevention programming and the need to address the growing variety of risky behaviors that the youth face today. Results (n=469to 614) indicated that 7 out of 15 risky behaviors statistically significantly decreased throughout the 4-year study, with 6 behaviors involving alcohol and drugs. However, many of the targeted non-substance-use risky behaviors displayed inconsistent prevalence rate patterns without statistically significant changes. These findings indicate that the frequency and intensity of programming for non-substance-use behaviors should be increased to a value at least equal to that of the substance-use behaviors. Implications for schools, prevention specialists, and future program development and research are discussed.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Can Predict the Prognosis in Bladder Cancer Patients Who Receive Gemcitabine and Nedaplatin Therapy
Authors: Ohtake Shinji , Kawahara Takashi , Kasahara Ryo , Ito Hiroki , Osaka Kimito , Hattori Yusuke , Teranishi Jun-ichi , Makiyama Kazuhide , Mizuno Nobuhiko , Umemoto Susumu , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Nakaigawa Noboru , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: September 2016

Introduction and Objectives. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested to be a simple marker of the systemic inflammatory response in critical care patients. We previously assessed the utility of NLR as a biomarker to predict tumor recurrence and cancer death in bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of NLR in bladder cancer patients who received gemcitabine and nedaplatin (GN) chemotherapy.Methods. A total of 23 patients who received GN chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer were enrolled in this study. The cut-off point of NLR according to the sensitivity and specificity levels was derived from the area under receiver operator characteristics (AUROC) curve plotted for disease progression or overall mortality.Results. The NLR cut-off point was determined as 4.14 for both tumor progression and overall mortality. Median progression-free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS) in the higher NLR group (NLR ≥ 4.14) and lower NLR group (NLR < 4.14) were 194/468 days versus 73/237 days, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that higher NLR significantly correlated with poorer PFS (p=0.011) and OS (p=0.045).Conclusions. NLR may serve as a new biomarker to predict responses to GN-based chemotherapy in advanced bladder cancer patients and/or their prognosis.
Posttranscriptional Upregulation of p53 by Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Samuel Jesvin , Jayne Sandrine , Chen Yixiang , Majid Aneela , Wignall Alice , Wormull Timothy , Najeeb Hishyar , Luo Jin-Li , Jones George D.D. , Macip Salvador , Dyer Martin J.S.
Published: September 2016

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells multiply and become more resistant to immunochemotherapy in “proliferation centers” within tissues, whereas apoptosis occurs in the periphery. Various models recapitulate these microenvironments in vitro, such as stimulation with CD154 and IL4. Using this system, we observed a 30- to 40-fold induction of wild-type p53 protein in 50 distinct human CLL specimens tested, without the induction of either cell-cycle arrest or apoptosis. In contrast, the mRNA levels for p53 did not increase, indicating that its elevation occurred posttranscriptionally. Mechanistic investigations revealed that under the conditions studied, p53 was phosphorylated on residues associated with p53 activation and increased half-life. However, p53 protein induced in this manner could transcriptionally activate only a subset of target genes. The addition of a DNA-damaging agent further upregulated p53 protein levels, which led to apoptosis. p53 induction relied on the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species observed after CD154 and IL4 stimulation. We propose that chronic oxidative stress is a characteristic of the microenvironment in B-cell “proliferation centers” in CLL that are capable of elevating the basal expression of p53, but to levels below the threshold needed to induce arrest or apoptosis. Our findings suggest that reactivation of the full transcriptional activities of p53 in proliferating CLL cells may offer a possible therapeutic strategy. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6311–9. ©2016 AACR.
Biallelic Alteration and Dysregulation of the Hippo Pathway in Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney
Authors: Mehra Rohit , Vats Pankaj , Cieslik Marcin , Cao Xuhong , Su Fengyun , Shukla Sudhanshu , Udager Aaron M. , Wang Rui , Pan Jincheng , Kasaian Katayoon , Lonigro Robert , Siddiqui Javed , Premkumar Kumpati , Palapattu Ganesh , Weizer Alon , Hafez Khaled S. , Wolf J. Stuart , Sangoi Ankur R. , Trpkov Kiril , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Zhou Ming , Giannico Giovanna , McKenney Jesse K. , Dhanasekaran Saravana M. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: September 2016

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a relatively rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with distinctive morphologic and cytogenetic features. Here, we carry out whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing of a multi-institutional cohort of MTSCC (n = 22). We demonstrate the presence of either biallelic loss of Hippo pathway tumor suppressor genes (TSG) and/or evidence of alteration of Hippo pathway genes in 85% of samples. PTPN14 (31%) and NF2 (22%) were the most commonly implicated Hippo pathway genes, whereas other genes such as SAV1 and HIPK2 were also involved in a mutually exclusive fashion. Mutations in the context of recurrent chromosomal losses amounted to biallelic alterations in these TSGs. As a readout of Hippo pathway inactivation, a majority of cases (90%) exhibited increased nuclear YAP1 protein expression. Taken together, nearly all cases of MTSCC exhibit some evidence of Hippo pathway dysregulation.

Significance: MTSCC is a rare and relatively recently described subtype of RCC. Next-generation sequencing of a multi-institutional MTSCC cohort revealed recurrent chromosomal losses and somatic mutations in the Hippo signaling pathway genes leading to potential YAP1 activation. In virtually all cases of MTSCC, there was evidence of Hippo pathway dysregulation, suggesting a common mechanistic basis for this disease. Cancer Discov; 6(11); 1258–66. ©2016 AACR.

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