bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of polycaprolactone scaffolds fabricated via precision extrusion deposition for control of craniofacial tissue mineralization
Authors: Fedore C. W. , Tse L. Y. L. , Nam H. K. , Barton K. L. , Hatch N. E.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Recurrence of cranial bone fusion following surgical resection in craniosynostosis patients commonly requires additional surgical procedures. Surgical implantation of engineered 3D scaffolds that control tissue mineralization could be utilized to diminish recurrence of fusion. This study investigated the ability of composite scaffolds to control tissue mineralization when cultured in vitro.

Setting and Sample Population

Precision‐engineered scaffolds with calvarial cells were cultured in vitro at the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Michigan.

Material & Methods

Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated using a novel precision extrusion deposition technique. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel was coated onto select scaffolds to inhibit mineralization. MC3T3E1(C4) calvarial cells were cultured with scaffolds in media containing ascorbate and phosphate to promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Scaffolds were assayed for osteoblast differentiation by alkaline phosphatase assay. Scaffolds were assayed for mineralization by nano‐computed tomography (nano‐CT) and by von Kossa staining of histologic sections.

Results

MC3T3E1(C4) cells differentiated into osteoblasts and formed mineral when cultured on uncoated PCL scaffolds. MC3T3E1(C4) cells were significantly diminished in their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts when cultured on hydrogel‐coated scaffold.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that this novel printing technology can be used to fabricate 3D scaffolds to promote and inhibit tissue mineralization in a region‐specific manner. Future studies are needed to establish utility of such scaffolds in vivo.
Speed of human tooth movement in growers and non‐growers: Selection of applied stress matters
Authors: Iwasaki L. R. , Liu Y. , Liu H. , Nickel J. C.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To test that the speed of tooth translation is not affected by stress magnitude and growth status.

Setting and Sample Population

Advanced Education Orthodontic clinics at the Universities of Nebraska Medical Center and Missouri‐Kansas City. Forty‐six consenting subjects with orthodontic treatment plans involving maxillary first premolar extractions.

Materials and Methods

This randomized split‐mouth study used segmental mechanics with definitive posterior anchorage and individual vertical‐loop maxillary canine retraction appliances and measured three‐dimensional tooth movements. Height and cephalometric superimposition changes determined growing (G) and non‐growing (NG) subjects. Subjects were appointed for 9‐11 visits over 84 days for maxillary dental impressions to measure three‐dimensional tooth movement and to ensure retraction forces were continuously applied via calibrated nitinol coil springs. Springs were custom selected to apply two different stresses of 4, 13, 26, 52 or 78 kPa to maxillary canines in each subject. Statistical analyses (α=0.050) included ANOVA, effect size (partial η2) and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) and two‐group t tests.

Results

Distolateral translation speeds were 0.034±0.015, 0.047±0.019, 0.066±0.025, 0.068±0.016 and 0.079±0.030 mm/d for 4, 13, 26, 52 and 78 kPa, respectively. Stress significantly affected speed and partial η2=0.376. Overall, more distopalatal rotation was shown by teeth moved by 78 kPa (18.03±9.50º) compared to other stresses (3.86±6.83º), and speeds were significantly higher (P=.001) in G (0.062±0.026 mm/d) than NG subjects (0.041±0.019 mm/d).

Conclusions

Stress magnitude and growth status significantly affected the speed of tooth translation. Optimal applied stresses were 26‐52 kPa, and overall speeds were 1.5‐fold faster in G compared to NG subjects.
Diverse contribution of Col2a1‐expressing cells to the craniofacial skeletal cell lineages
Authors: Sakagami N. , Ono W. , Ono N.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Craniofacial skeletal development requires deliberate coordination of two distinct mechanisms of endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Col2a1‐expressing cells encompass growth‐associated skeletal progenitors in endochondral bones of the limb. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of Col2a1‐expressing cells to the craniofacial skeletal cell lineages. We hypothesize that Col2a1‐expressing progenitors significantly contribute to various modes of ossification associated with the craniofacial development.

Methods

Cellular fates of Col2a1‐expressing cells were studied based on a cre‐loxP system using a Col2a1‐cre transgene and an R26R‐tdTomato reporter allele. We analysed three distinct locations of the craniofacial skeletal complex representing unique ossification mechanisms: the cranial base, the calvaria and the mandibular condyle.

Results

Col2a1‐cre consistently marked a majority of skeletal cells in the cranial base. Interestingly, Col2a1‐cre also marked a large number of osteoblasts and suture mesenchymal cells in the calvaria, in addition to chondrocytes in the underlying transient cartilage. In the mandibular condyle, Col2a1‐cre marked chondrocytes and osteoblasts only during the growth phase.

Conclusions

Col2a1 is expressed by progenitors of the skeletal lineage in canonical endochondral bone formation occurring in the cranial base. In contrast, other ossification mechanisms of the craniofacial complex utilize Col2a1‐expressing cells in a different manner, whereby Col2a1 may be expressed in more differentiated or transient cell types of the skeletal lineage.
Preface to COAST 2016 innovators’ workshop on personalized and precision orthodontic therapy
Authors: Nickel J. C. , Covell D. A. , Frazier‐Bowers S. A. , Kapila S. , Huja S. S. , Iwasaki L. R.
Published: June 2017

Objective

A second focused workshop explored how to transfer novel findings into clinical orthodontic practice.

Setting and Sample Population

Participants met in West Palm Beach (Florida, USA), on 9‐11 September 2016 for the Consortium for Orthodontic Advances in Science and Technology 2016 Innovators’ Workshop (COAST). Approximately 65 registered attendees considered and discussed information from 27 to 34 speakers, 8 to 15 poster presenters and four lunch‐hour focus group leaders.

Material and Methods

The innovators’ workshops were organized according to five themed sessions. The aims of the discussion sessions were to identify the following: i) the strength and impact of the evidenced‐based discoveries, ii) required steps to enable further development and iii) required steps to translate these new discoveries into orthodontic practice.

Results

The role of gene‐environment interactions that underlie complex craniofacial traits was the focus of several sessions. It was agreed that diverse approaches are called for, such as (i) large‐scale collaborative efforts for future genetic studies of complex traits; (ii) deep genome sequencing to address the issues of isolated mutations; (iii) quantifying epigenetic‐environmental variables in diverse areas myofascial pain, alveolar remodelling and mandibular growth. Common needs identified from the themed sessions were multiscale/multispecies modelling and experimentation using controlled and quantified mechanics and translation of the findings in bone biology between species. Panel discussions led to the consensus that a consortium approach to establish standards for intra‐oral scanning and 3D imaging should be initiated.

Conclusions

Current and emerging technologies still require supported research to translate new findings from the laboratory to orthodontic practice.
In vitro evaluation of surface properties of Pro Seal® and Opal® SealTM in preventing white spot lesions
Authors: Premaraj T. S. , Rohani N. , Covey D. , Premaraj S.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the surface properties of two commercially available sealants (Pro Seal® (PS) and Opal® SealTM (OS)) in terms of fluoride(F) release, biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus and the ability to resist acid penetration.

Setting

University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Material & Methods

Discs of similar diameter and thickness were made from OS and PS. Discs were soaked in double‐distilled water, and F released was measured with fluoride meter daily for 14 consecutive days, then at 21 and 28 days. Biofilm formation was evaluated with Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli grown on sealant discs using confocal microscopy. Extracted human teeth (n=8) with sealant‐coated buccal surfaces and untreated lingual surfaces were exposed to 0.1M lactic acid(pH=4.5) to test the acid penetration. After 1‐4 weeks of exposure, teeth were subjected to microhardness testing and SEM microscopy.

Results

PS released significantly higher levels of F than OS. PS showed more S. mutans adherence than OS, whereas Lactobacillus did not show any differences in adherence. Both sealants protected enamel surfaces, showing statistically significant difference in the depth of acid penetration compared to their unsealed control sides.

Conclusion

F release was adequate to aid in remineralization, although clinically it would not likely aid in preventing demineralization as there was no prolonged release of F by both sealants tested. S. mutans adherence to OS surface was less compared to PS surface, which could be of relevance in biofilm formation and white spot lesions. Both sealants protected enamel surfaces from acid penetration.
Reason and Pareto‐Optimization
Authors: Browne Katharine
Published: June 2017

This paper takes up David Gauthier's most recent (2013) defense of the rationality of cooperation in prisoner's dilemmas. In that defense, Gauthier argues for a Pareto‐optimizing theory of rational choice. According to Gauthier, rational action should sometimes aim at Pareto‐optimization, and cooperation in prisoner's dilemmas is rational because it is Pareto‐optimizing. I argue that Pareto‐optimization cannot justify cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma in a manner that is also consistent with Gauthier's other desiderata. Either: (1) the rationality of cooperation must derive from what is beneficial for the group rather than what is beneficial for the individual, leaving the individual qua individual without any reason to cooperate, or (2) Gauthier cannot explain why defecting in prisoner's dilemmas is not also rational.
Extracting central places from the link structure in Wikipedia
Authors: Keßler Carsten
Published: June 2017

Explicit information about places is captured in an increasing number of geospatial datasets. This article presents evidence that relationships between places can also be captured implicitly. It demonstrates that the hierarchy of central places in Germany is reflected in the link structure of the German language edition of Wikipedia. The official upper and middle centers declared, based on German spatial laws, are used as a reference dataset. The characteristics of the link structure around their Wikipedia pages, which link to each other or mention each other, and how often, are used to develop a bottom‐up method for extracting central places from Wikipedia. The method relies solely on the structure and number of links and mentions between the corresponding Wikipedia pages; no spatial information is used in the extraction process. The output of this method shows significant overlap with the official central place structure, especially for the upper centers. The results indicate that real‐world relationships are in fact reflected in the link structure on the web in the case of Wikipedia.
Extracting urban functional regions from points of interest and human activities on location‐based social networks
Authors: Gao Song , Janowicz Krzysztof , Couclelis Helen
Published: June 2017

Data about points of interest (POI) have been widely used in studying urban land use types and for sensing human behavior. However, it is difficult to quantify the correct mix or the spatial relations among different POI types indicative of specific urban functions. In this research, we develop a statistical framework to help discover semantically meaningful topics and functional regions based on the co‐occurrence patterns of POI types. The framework applies the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling technique and incorporates user check‐in activities on location‐based social networks. Using a large corpus of about 100,000 Foursquare venues and user check‐in behavior in the 10 most populated urban areas of the US, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methodology by identifying distinctive types of latent topics and, further, by extracting urban functional regions using K‐means clustering and Delaunay triangulation spatial constraints clustering. We show that a region can support multiple functions but with different probabilities, while the same type of functional region can span multiple geographically non‐adjacent locations. Since each region can be modeled as a vector consisting of multinomial topic distributions, similar regions with regard to their thematic topic signatures can be identified. Compared with remote sensing images which mainly uncover the physical landscape of urban environments, our popularity‐based POI topic modeling approach can be seen as a complementary social sensing view on urban space based on human activities.
The redox‐sensitive module of cyclophilin 20‐3, 2‐cysteine peroxiredoxin and cysteine synthase integrates sulfur metabolism and oxylipin signaling in the high light acclimation response
Authors: Müller Sara M. , Wang Shanshan , Telman Wilena , Liebthal Michael , Schnitzer Helena , Viehhauser Andrea , Sticht Carsten , Delatorre Carolina , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Dietz Karl‐Josef
Published: June 2017

The integration of redox‐ and reactive oxygen species‐dependent signaling and metabolic activities is fundamental to plant acclimation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Previous data suggest the existence of a dynamically interacting module in the chloroplast stroma consisting of cyclophilin 20‐3 (Cyp20‐3), O‐acetylserine(thiol)lyase B (OASTL‐B), 2‐cysteine peroxiredoxins A/B (2‐CysPrx) and serine acetyltransferase 2;1 (SERAT2;1). The functionality of this COPS module is influenced by redox stimuli and oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), which is the precursor for jasmonic acid. The concept of an integrating function of these proteins in stress signaling was challenged by combining transcriptome and biochemical analyses in Arabidopsis mutants devoid of oastlB, serat2;1, cyp20‐3 and 2‐cysprxA/B, and wild‐type (WT). Leaf transcriptomes were analyzed 6 h after transfer to light intensity 10‐fold in excess of growth light or under growth light. The survey of KEGG‐based gene ontology groups showed common upregulation of translation‐ and protein homeostasis‐associated transcripts under control conditions in all mutants compared with WT. The results revealed that the interference of the module was accompanied with disturbance of carbohydrate, sulfur and nitrogen metabolism, and also citric acid cycle intermediates. Apart from common regulation, specific responses at the transcriptome and metabolite level linked Cyp20‐3 to cell wall‐bound carbohydrates and oxylipin signaling, and 2‐CysPrx to photosynthesis, sugar and amino acid metabolism. Deletion of either OASTL‐B or SERAT2;1 frequently induced antagonistic changes in biochemical or molecular features. Enhanced sensitivity of mutant seedlings to OPDA and leaf discs to NaHS‐administration confirmed the presumed functional interference of the COPS module in redox and oxylipin signaling.
Iowa Model of Evidence‐Based Practice: Revisions and Validation
Authors:   Iowa Model Collaborative, Buckwalter Kathleen C. , Cullen Laura , Hanrahan Kirsten , Kleiber Charmaine , McCarthy Ann Marie , Rakel Barbara , Steelman Victoria , Tripp‐Reimer Toni , Tucker Sharon ,   Authored on behalf of the Iowa Model Collaborative
Published: June 2017

Background

The Iowa Model is a widely used framework for the implementation of evidence‐based practice (EBP). Changes in health care (e.g., emergence of implementation science, emphasis on patient engagement) prompted the re‐evaluation, revision, and validation of the model.

Methods

A systematic multi‐step process was used capturing information from the literature and user feedback via an electronic survey and live work groups. The Iowa Model Collaborative critically assessed and synthesized information and recommendations before revising the model.

Results

Survey participants (n = 431) had requested access to the Model between years 2001 and 2013. Eighty‐eight percent (n = 379) of participants reported using the Iowa Model and identified the most problematic steps as: topic priority, critique, pilot, and institute change. Users provided 587 comments with rich contextual rationale and insightful suggestions. The revised model was then evaluated by participants (n = 299) of the 22nd National EBP Conference in 2015. They validated the model as a practical tool for the EBP process across diverse settings. Specific changes in the model are discussed.

Conclusion

This user driven revision differs from other frameworks in that it links practice changes within the system. Major model changes are expansion of piloting, implementation, patient engagement, and sustaining change.

Linking Evidence to Action

The Iowa Model‐Revised remains an application‐oriented guide for the EBP process. Intended users are point of care clinicians who ask questions and seek a systematic, EBP approach to promote excellence in health care.
Enhancing the dry etch resistance of polymethyl methacrylate patterned with electron beam lithography
Authors: Carbaugh Daniel J. , Pandya Sneha G. , Wright Jason T. , Kaya Savas , Rahman Faiz
Published: June 2017

Acrylic resists are used for both electron beam lithography and for deep-ultraviolet (UV) lithography at 193 nm wavelength. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used acrylic positive tone electron beam resist. While it offers superb resolution in this role, its dry etch resistance is quite poor. Here, the authors present a new technique for enhancing the dry etch resistance of PMMA. This involves adding Irgacure 651—a photo-cross-linking agent to PMMA. Irgacure-containing PMMA can be spin-coated onto substrates in exactly the same way as pure PMMA. Addition of Irgacure does not impair the chain scissioning properties of PMMA under electron beam irradiation. Electron beam lithography can be carried out with this resist in exactly the same manner as with pure PMMA, although at a higher dose. After electron beam exposure, the exposed sample can be developed in diluted methyl isobutyl ketone solvent, again just as with pure PMMA. A postlithography UV exposure step then cross-links the patterned resist; substantially enhancing its dry etch resistance. This technique enables the fabrication of deeper etched structures than is possible with PMMA alone.
The timing of head movements: The role of prosodic heads and edges
Authors: Esteve-Gibert Núria , Borràs-Comes Joan , Asor Eli , Swerts Marc , Prieto Pilar
Published: June 2017

This study examines the influence of the position of prosodic heads (accented syllables) and prosodic edges (prosodic word and intonational phrase boundaries) on the timing of head movements. Gesture movements and prosodic events tend to be temporally aligned in the discourse, the most prominent part of gestures typically being aligned with prosodically prominent syllables in speech. However, little is known about the impact of the position of intonational phrase boundaries on gesture-speech alignment patterns. Twenty-four Catalan speakers produced spontaneous (experiment 1) and semi-spontaneous head gestures with a confirmatory function (experiment 2), along with phrase-final focused words in different prosodic conditions (stress-initial, stress-medial, and stress-final). Results showed (a) that the scope of head movements is the associated focused prosodic word, (b) that the left edge of the focused prosodic word determines where the interval of gesture prominence starts, and (c) that the speech-anchoring site for the gesture peak (or apex) depends both on the location of the accented syllable and the distance to the upcoming intonational phrase boundary. These results demonstrate that prosodic heads and edges have an impact on the timing of head movements, and therefore that prosodic structure plays a central role in the timing of co-speech gestures.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus lutrae ATCC 700373, a Potential Pathogen Isolated from Deceased Otters
Authors: Veseli Iva A. , Tang Chenling , Pombert Jean-François
Published: June 2017

Despite their relevance to human health, not all staphylococcal species have been characterized. As such, the potential zoonotic threats posed by uninvestigated species and their contribution to the staphylococcal pangenome are unclear. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Staphylococcus lutrae
ATCC 700373, a coagulase-positive species isolated from deceased otters.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus paralicheniformis MDJK30, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Wang Yun , Liu Hu , Liu Kai , Wang Chengqiang , Ma Hailin , Li Yuhuan , Hou Qihui , Liu Fangchun , Zhang Tongrui , Wang Haide , Wang Beibei , Ma Jinjin , Ge Ruofei , Xu Baochao , Yao Gan , Xu Wenfeng , Fan Lingchao , Ding Yanqin , Du Binghai
Published: June 2017

Bacillus paralicheniformis
MDJK30 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a peony. It could control the pathogen of peony root rot. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
B. paralicheniformis
MDJK30. Eleven secondary metabolism gene clusters were predicted.
Lung Microbiota and Its Impact on the Mucosal Immune Phenotype
Authors: Wu Benjamin G. , Segal Leopoldo N.
Published: June 2017

The use of culture-independent techniques has allowed us to appreciate that the upper and lower respiratory tract contain a diverse community of microbes in health and disease. Research has only recently explored the effects of the microbiome on the host immune response. The exposure of the human body to the bacterial environment is an important factor for immunological development; thus, the interaction between the microbiome and its host is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of disease. In this article, we discuss the mechanisms that determine the composition of the airway microbiome and its effects on the host immune response. With the use of ecological principles, we have learned how the lower airways constitute a unique niche subjected to frequent microbial migration (e.g., through aspiration) and constant immunological pressure. The discussion will focus on the possible inflammatory pathways that are up- and downregulated when the immune system is challenged by dysbiosis. Identification of potential markers and microbial targets to address the modulation of inflammation in early disease, when changes may have the most effect, will be critical for future therapies.
The Genomic Basis of Lactobacilli as Health-Promoting Organisms
Authors: Salvetti Elisa , O’Toole Paul W.
Published: June 2017

Lactobacilli occupy a unique position in human culture and scientific history. Like brewer’s and baker’s yeast, lactobacilli have been associated with food production and preservation for thousands of years.
Lactobacillus
species are used in mixed microbial cultures, such as the classical
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
/
Streptococcus thermophilus
inoculum for yogurt fermentation, or combinations of diverse lactobacilli/yeasts in kefir grains. The association of lactobacilli consumption with greater longevity and improved health formed the basis for developing lactobacilli as probiotics, whose market has exploded worldwide in the past 10 years. The decade that followed the determination of the first genome sequence of a food-associated species,
Lactobacillus plantarum
, saw the application to lactobacilli of a full range of functional genomics methods to identify the genes and gene products that govern their distinctive phenotypes and health associations. In this review, we will briefly remind the reader of the range of beneficial effects attributed to lactobacilli, and then explain the phylogenomic basis for the distribution of these traits across the genus. Recognizing the strain specificity of probiotic effects, we review studies of intraspecific genomic variation and their contributions to identifying probiotic traits. Finally we offer a perspective on classification of lactobacilli into new genera in a scheme that will make attributing probiotic properties to clades, taxa, and species more logical and more robust.
The connection between acute otitis media and the acute abdomen
Authors: Masood Imran , Hendriksz Tami
Published: June 2017

A female aged 9 years with a recent episode of acute otitis media (AOM) presented to her primary care physician with complaints of severe abdominal pain with right lower quadrant rebound tenderness, suggestive of an acute surgical abdomen. Neurological examination was normal on presentation. She was transferred to the local children’s hospital for workup of appendicitis, during which she began exhibiting ataxia and slurred speech. Further evaluation revealed mastoiditis, venous sinus thrombosis and subdural empyema. Appendicitis was ruled out. We describe the first documented case of neurological complications of AOM presenting as an acute surgical abdomen without initial neurological findings.
Nasopharyngeal glial heterotopia with delayed postoperative meningitis
Authors: Maeda Kenichi , Furuno Kenji , Chong Pin Fee , Morioka Takato
Published: June 2017

A male infant, who underwent radical resection of a large glial heterotopia at the nasopharynx at 8 days, developed delayed postoperative bacterial meningitis at 9 months. Neuroradiological examination clearly demonstrated that meningitis had occurred because of the intracranial and extracranial connections, which were scarcely seen in the perioperative period. A transsphenoidal extension of hypothalamic hamartoma is possible because the connection started from the right optic nerve, running through the transsphenoidal canal in the sphenoid bone and terminating at the recurrent mass in the nasopharyngeal region.
Diagnosis and risk stratification of Barrett’s dysplasia by flow cytometric DNA analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Choi Won-Tak , Tsai Jia-Huei , Rabinovitch Peter S , Small Thomas , Huang Danning , Mattis Aras N , Kakar Sanjay
Published: June 2017

Objective

The diagnosis of dysplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) can be challenging, and reliable ancillary techniques are not available. This study examines if DNA content abnormality detected by flow cytometry can serve as a diagnostic marker of dysplasia and facilitate risk stratification of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and indefinite for dysplasia (IND) patients using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) BO samples with varying degrees of dysplasia.

Design

DNA flow cytometry was performed on 80 FFPE BO samples with high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 38 LGD, 21 IND and 14 negative for dysplasia (ND). Three to four 60-micron thick sections were cut from each tissue block, and the area of interest was manually dissected.

Results

DNA content abnormality was identified in 76 HGD (95%), 8 LGD (21.1%), 2 IND (9.5%) and 0 ND samples. As a diagnostic marker of HGD, the estimated sensitivity and specificity of DNA content abnormality were 95% and 85%, respectively. For patients with DNA content abnormality detected at baseline LGD or IND, the univariate HRs for subsequent detection of HGD or oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) were 7.0 and 20.0, respectively (p =<0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the promise of DNA flow cytometry using FFPE tissue in the diagnosis and risk stratification of dysplasia in BO. The presence of DNA content abnormality correlates with increasing levels of dysplasia, as 95% of HGD samples showed DNA content abnormality. DNA flow cytometry also identifies a subset of patients with LGD and IND who are at higher risk for subsequent detection of HGD or OAC.
Clinical benefit of the FIFA 11 programme for the prevention of hamstring and lateral ankle ligament injuries among amateur soccer players
Authors: Nouni-Garcia Rauf , Carratala-Munuera Concepcion , Orozco-Beltran Domingo , Lopez-Pineda Adriana , Asensio-Garcia María Rosario , Gil-Guillen Vicente F
Published: June 2017

Objective

To analyse the relationship between the implementation of ‘the 11’ protocol during the regular season in a men’s amateur soccer team and the rate of hamstring and lateral ankle ligament (LAL) injuries, and to estimate the clinical benefit of the programme according to the type of injury and the position field.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted in two different men’s amateur soccer teams. During two seasons, the exposed group (43 players) performed ‘the 11’ protocol twice a week, and the unexposed group (43 players) performed the regular training programme. All players trained three times per week for 1.5 hours per day. Data collection was performed for every 1000 hours of play.

Results

18 hamstring injuries (injury rate (IR) of 2.26 injuries/1000 training+competition hours) and 15 LAL injuries (IR of 1.88 injuries/1000) were registered in the exposed group. In the unexposed group, there were 25 LAL injuries (IR of 3.14 injuries/1000) and 35 hamstring injuries (IR of 4.39 injuries/1000). The number needed to treat to prevent one new case was 3.9 in LAL injuries, 3.31 in biceps femoris injuries and 10.7 in recurrent hamstring injuries.

Conclusions

‘The 11’ programme reduced the incidence of hamstring and LAL injuries in amateur players. According to the field position, the programme was effective for defenders and midfielders. In accordance with the type of injury, the exposed group had a lower risk of LAL, biceps femoris and hamstring injuries compared with those in the unexposed group.
Strain and different edge terminations modulated electronic and magnetic properties of armchair AlN/SiC nanoribbons: first-principles study
Authors: Du Xiu-Juan , Zhang Zheng-Wei , Song Yu-Ling
Published: June 2017

Using first-principle calculations based on density functional theory, we investigate the strain and different edge terminations modulated electronic and magnetic properties of armchair AlN/SiC nanoribbons. The results show that the edge terminations Fe, Co, Cl can decrease or even eliminate the edge deformation of AlN/SiC nanoribbon. The magnetism of the nanoribbons is greatly adjusted by magnetic atoms Fe and Co, but not by Cl atoms. Apart from the nanoribbon with Cl terminations, the magnetism of the residual nanoribbons can be adjusted by increasing the compressed or stretched strain. The magnetic semiconductor nanoribbon with Co terminations becomes a magnetic half-metal system and then becomes a magnetic metal system, with the increase of the compressed strain. The magnetism of the nanoribbon with dangling bonds is attributed to the SiC edge and its nearest-neighbour C atoms, whereas the magnetism of the nanoribbon with Fe (or Co) terminations is mainly contributed by Fe (or Co) terminations.
Reservoir computing on the hypersphere
Authors: Andrecut M.
Published: June 2017

Reservoir Computing (RC) refers to a Recurrent Neural Network (RNNs) framework, frequently used for sequence learning and time series prediction. The RC system consists of a random fixed-weight RNN (the input-hidden reservoir layer) and a classifier (the hidden-output readout layer). Here, we focus on the sequence learning problem, and we explore a different approach to RC. More specifically, we remove the nonlinear neural activation function, and we consider an orthogonal reservoir acting on normalized states on the unit hypersphere. Surprisingly, our numerical results show that the system’s memory capacity exceeds the dimensionality of the reservoir, which is the upper bound for the typical RC approach based on Echo State Networks (ESNs). We also show how the proposed system can be applied to symmetric cryptography problems, and we include a numerical implementation.
Improving the Performance of an Associative Classifier by Gamma Rough Sets Based Instance Selection
Authors: Antón-Vargas Jarvin A. , Villuendas-Rey Yenny , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio , López-Yáñez Itzamá , Camacho-Nieto Oscar
Published: June 2017

This paper introduces the Gamma Rough Sets for management information systems where the universe objects are represented by continuous attributes and are connected by similarity relations. Some properties of such sets are demonstrated in this paper. In addition, Gamma Rough Sets are used to improve the Gamma associative classifier, by selecting instances. The results indicate that the selection of instances significantly reduces the computational cost of the Gamma classifier without affecting its effectiveness. The results also suggest that the selection of instances using Gamma Rough Sets favors other lazy learners, such as Nearest Neighbor and ALVOT.
Adaptation Architecture for Self-Healing Computer Systems
Authors: Pelc Mariusz , Galus Dawid
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, information/data security and availability are of utmost importance. However, due to the fact that security is a process rather than a state, there is an increasing demand for technologies or architectural solutions that would allow a computer system to adjust its level of security in response to changes in its environmental/network characteristics. In this paper, an architecture for a self-managing adaptive router/firewall has been proposed to facilitate an intelligent and real-time self-protection of a computer system. We also show how the proposed architecture might be used to control other system mechanisms or resources (for example, RAM).
Intersection graphs of modules and rings
Authors: Matczuk Jerzy , Nowakowska Marta , Puczyłowski Edmund R.
Published: June 2017

We classify modules and rings with some specific properties of their intersection graphs. In particular, we describe rings with infinite intersection graphs containing maximal left ideals of finite degree. This answers a question raised in [S. Akbari, R. Nikandish and J. Nikmehr, Some results on the intersection graphs of ideals of rings, J. Algebra Appl. 12 (2013) 1250200]. We also generalize this result to modules, i.e. we get the structure theorem of modules for which their intersection graphs are infinite and contain maximal submodules of finite degree. Furthermore, we omit the assumption of maximality of submodules and still get a satisfactory characterization of such modules. In addition, we show that if the intersection graph of a module is infinite but its clique number is finite, then the clique and chromatic numbers of the graph coincide. This fact was known earlier only in some particular cases. It appears that such equality holds also in the complement graph.
Jacobson radicals of invariants under Hopf algebra actions
Authors: Bergen Jeffrey , Grzeszczuk Piotr
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we examine the relationship between the Jacobson radicals of rings [Formula: see text] and their invariants [Formula: see text] under the actions of finite dimensional Hopf algebras [Formula: see text]. For large classes of Hopf algebras and rings, we determine when [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], for some [Formula: see text].
A note on projective norm graphs
Authors: Grosu Codruţ
Published: June 2017

The projective norm graphs [Formula: see text] introduced by Alon, Rónyai and Szabó are explicit examples of extremal graphs not containing [Formula: see text]. Ball and Pepe showed that [Formula: see text] does not contain a copy of [Formula: see text] either for [Formula: see text], asymptotically improving the best lower bound for [Formula: see text]. We show that these results cannot be improved, in the sense that [Formula: see text] contains a copy of [Formula: see text] for infinitely many primes [Formula: see text].
Elliptic curve variants of the least quadratic nonresidue problem and Linnik’s theorem
Authors: Chen Evan , Park Peter S. , Swaminathan Ashvin A.
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be [Formula: see text]-nonisogenous, semistable elliptic curves over [Formula: see text], having respective conductors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and both without complex multiplication. For each prime [Formula: see text], denote by [Formula: see text] the trace of Frobenius. Assuming the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis (GRH) for the convolved symmetric power [Formula: see text]-functions [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], we prove an explicit result that can be stated succinctly as follows: there exists a prime [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] This improves and makes explicit a result of Bucur and Kedlaya.

Now, if [Formula: see text] is a subinterval with Sato–Tate measure [Formula: see text] and if the symmetric power [Formula: see text]-functions [Formula: see text] are functorial and satisfy GRH for all [Formula: see text], we employ similar techniques to prove an explicit result that can be stated succinctly as follows: there exists a prime [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
Enriching the Fan Experience in a Smart Stadium Using Internet of Things Technologies
Authors: Panchanathan Sethuraman , Chakraborty Shayok , McDaniel Troy , Tadayon Ramin , Fakhri Bijan , O’Connor Noel E. , Marsden Mark , Little Suzanne , McGuinness Kevin , Monaghan David
Published: June 2017

Rapid urbanization has brought about an influx of people to cities, tipping the scale between urban and rural living. Population predictions estimate that 64% of the global population will reside in cities by 2050. To meet the growing resource needs, improve management, reduce complexities, and eliminate unnecessary costs while enhancing the quality of life of citizens, cities are increasingly exploring open innovation frameworks and smart city initiatives that target priority areas including transportation, sustainability, and security. The size and heterogeneity of urban centers impede progress of technological innovations for smart cities. We propose a Smart Stadium as a living laboratory to balance both size and heterogeneity so that smart city solutions and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies may be deployed and tested within an environment small enough to practically trial but large and diverse enough to evaluate scalability and efficacy. The Smart Stadium for Smart Living initiative brings together multiple institutions and partners including Arizona State University (ASU), Dublin City University (DCU), Intel Corporation, and Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), to turn ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium and Ireland’s Croke Park Stadium into twinned smart stadia to investigate IoT and smart city technologies and applications.
Heavy mineral assemblage of marine sediments as an indicator of provenance and east antarctic ice sheet fluctuations
Authors: Pandey Mayuri , Pant Naresh C. , Biswas Paromita , Shrivastava Prakash K. , Joshi Sonalika , Nagi Neety
Published: June 2017

Records of fluctuations of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) are best preserved in proximal marine sediments. The examined section is a part of a drillcore at Site U1359 of IODP (Integrated Oceanic Drilling Program) 318 located at the eastern levee of Jussieau submarine channel off the coast of Wilkes Land. Drillcore U1359 from 200 m below seafloor (mbsf) to 600 mbsf represents samples from Mid-Miocene to Late Miocene. Heavy media separation, characterization of heavy minerals and quantification of their population were carried out using scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. Relative abundance of various minerals at different depths revealed that amphiboles and pyroxene show antipathic relationship at some depths. Multiple sources for supply of sediments at drillhole Site U1359 have been proposed with both magmatic and metamorphic minerals and rock fragments contributing clastic sediments. Factor analysis was carried out to test this inference. Six factors were obtained out of which the first three explain 76.6% of the variance. Relating variability of the factors to the provenance allows inference of four major ice advance phases during Mid to Late Micene which are largely positively correlatable with the global climate record.
Transforming growth factor-β stimulates Smad1/5 signaling in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of the newborn mouse through ALK1
Authors: Zhang Huili , Du Lili , Zhong Ying , Flanders Kathleen C. , Roberts Jesse D.
Published: June 2017

The intracellular signaling mechanisms through which TGF-β regulates pulmonary development are incompletely understood. Canonical TGF-β signaling involves Smad2/3 phosphorylation, Smad2/3·Smad4 complex formation and nuclear localization, and gene regulation. Here, we show that physiologically relevant TGF-β1 levels also stimulate Smad1/5 phosphorylation, which is typically a mediator of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, in mouse pup pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (mPASMC) and lung fibroblasts and other interstitial lung cell lines. This cross-talk mechanism likely has in vivo relevance because mixed Smad1/5/8·Smad2/3 complexes, which are indicative of TGF-β-stimulated Smad1/5 activation, were detected in the developing mouse lung using a proximity ligation assay. Although mixed Smad complexes have been shown not to transduce nuclear signaling, we determined that TGF-β stimulates nuclear localization of phosphorylated Smad1/5 and induces the expression of prototypical BMP-regulated genes in the mPASMC. Small-molecule kinase inhibitor studies suggested that TGF-β-regulated Smad1/5 phosphorylation in these cells is mediated by TGF-β-type I receptors, not BMP-type I receptors, but possibly the accessory activin-like kinase (ALK1) receptor. Although work by others suggested that ALK1 is expressed exclusively in endothelial cells in the vasculature, we detected ALK1 mRNA and protein expression in mPASMC in vitro and in mouse pup lungs. Moreover, using an antimurine ALK1 antibody and mPASMC, we determined that ALK1 regulates Smad1/5 phosphorylation by TGF-β. Together, these studies characterize an accessory TGF-β-stimulated BMP R-Smad signaling mechanism in interstitial cells of the developing lung. They also indicate the importance of considering alternate Smad pathways in studies directed at determining how TGF-β regulates newborn lung development.
Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bone Regenerative Medicine: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Oryan Ahmad , Kamali Amir , Moshiri Ali , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohamadreza
Published: June 2017

Healing and regeneration of bone injuries, particularly those that are associated with large bone defects, are a complicated process. There is growing interest in the application of osteoinductive and osteogenic growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in order to significantly improve bone repair and regeneration. MSCs are multipotent stromal stem cells that can be harvested from many different sources and differentiated into a variety of cell types, such as preosteogenic chondroblasts and osteoblasts. The effectiveness of MSC therapy is dependent on several factors, including the differentiating state of the MSCs at the time of application, the method of their delivery, the concentration of MSCs per injection, the vehicle used, and the nature and extent of injury, for example. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, together with genetic engineering and gene therapy, are advanced options that may have the potential to improve the outcome of cell therapy. Although several in vitro and in vivo investigations have suggested the potential roles of MSCs in bone repair and regeneration, the mechanism of MSC therapy in bone repair has not been fully elucidated, the efficacy of MSC therapy has not been strongly proven in clinical trials, and several controversies exist, making it difficult to draw conclusions from the results. In this review, we update the recent advances in the mechanisms of MSC action and the delivery approaches in bone regenerative medicine. We will also review the most recent clinical trials to find out how MSCs may be beneficial for treating bone defects.
The Effects of an Internet-Based Imagery Rehearsal Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gieselmann Annika , Böckermann Max , Sorbi Marjolijn , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: June 2017

Background: Nightmares are extremely dysphoric dreams, which are prevalent and associated with psychological strain. This study investigated (a) the efficacy of an internet-based imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), (b) the role of imagery rescription, and (c) the role of guidance during internet-based IRT. Methods: A total of 127 patients suffering from mainly idiopathic nightmares were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 IRT internet-based groups (guided IRT; unguided IRT) or to 1 of 2 active control groups (frequency control group; narrative control group). Results: IRT was more effective than a nightmare frequency control condition with respect to nightmare frequency and nightmare distress. Compared to the narrative control group, IRT was only superior in improving nightmare distress but not in nightmare frequency because the narrative control group also improved regarding nightmare frequency. Guidance by a nightmare coach did not affect efficacy, compliance, or dropout. Conclusion: Internet-based IRT seems to be an effective treatment even when offered with minimal guidance by a nightmare coach. Describing the nightmare narrative in detail already decreased nightmare frequency. However, with regard to inducing decreases in nightmare frequency and nightmare distress, IRT was superior to the narrative control group. The results are discussed with reference to the mastery hypothesis.
Recovery of Vocal Fold Epithelium after Acute Phonotrauma
Authors: Rousseau Bernard , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Novaleski Carolyn K. , Kimball Emily E. , Valenzuela Carla V. , Mizuta Masanobu , Daniero James J. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Sivasankar M. Preeti
Published: June 2017

We investigated the timeline of tissue repair of vocal fold epithelium after acute vibration exposure using an in vivo rabbit model. Sixty-five New Zealand white breeder rabbits were randomized to 120 min of modal- or raised-intensity phonation. After the larynges were harvested at 0, 4, 8, and 24 h, and at 3 and 7 days, the vocal fold tissue was evaluated using electron microscopy and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was an immediate decrease in the microprojection depth and height following raised-intensity phonation, paired with upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2. This initial 24-h period was also characterized by the significant downregulation of junction proteins. Interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β1 were upregulated for 3 and 7 days, respectively, followed by an increase in epithelial cell surface depth at 3 and 7 days. These data appear to demonstrate a shift from inflammatory response to the initiation of a restorative process in the vocal fold epithelium between 24 h and 3 days. Despite the initial damage from raised-intensity phonation, the vocal fold epithelium demonstrates a remarkable capacity for the expeditious recovery of structural changes from transient episodes of acute phonotrauma. While structurally intact, the return of functional barrier integrity may be delayed by repeated episodes of phonotrauma and may also play an important role in the pathophysiology of vocal fold lesions.