bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Early Neuronal Processing of Food Pictures in Anorexia Nervosa: A Magnetoencephalography Study
Authors: Godier Lauren R. , Scaife Jessica C. , Braeutigam Sven , Park Rebecca J.
Published: July 2016

Neuroimaging studies in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) have shown increased activation in reward and cognitive control regions in response to food, and a behavioral attentional bias (AB) towards food stimuli is reported. This study aimed to further investigate the neural processing of food using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants were 13 females with restricting-type AN, 14 females recovered from restricting-type AN, and 15 female healthy controls. MEG data was acquired whilst participants viewed high- and low-calorie food pictures. Attention was assessed with a reaction time task and eye tracking. Time-series analysis suggested increased neural activity in response to both calorie conditions in the AN groups, consistent with an early AB. Increased activity was observed at 150 ms in the current AN group. Neuronal activity at this latency was at normal level in the recovered group; however, this group exhibited enhanced activity at 320 ms after stimulus. Consistent with previous studies, analysis in source space and behavioral data suggested enhanced attention and cognitive control processes in response to food stimuli in AN. This may enable avoidance of salient food stimuli and maintenance of dietary restraint in AN. A later latency of increased activity in the recovered group may reflect a reversal of this avoidance, with source space and behavioral data indicating increased visual and cognitive processing of food stimuli.
Clinical Presentation, Risk Factors, and Treatment Modalities of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Tertiary Care Center Experience
Authors: Aljumah Abdulrahman A. , Kuriry Hadi , AlZunaitan Mohammed , Al Ghobain Mohammed , Al Muaikeel Mohamed , Al Olayan Ashwaq , Azzumeea Fahad , Almutairi Bader , AlAlwan Abduljaleel , AlGhamdi Hamdan
Published: July 2016

Objective. To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes in Saudi patients with HCC and propose points for early detection of the disease.Methods. Patients were stratified according to underlying risk factors for the development of HCC. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) was used for cancer staging. Treatment was classified into surgical resection/liver transplantation; locoregional ablation therapy; transarterial embolization; systemic chemotherapy; and best supportive care.Results. A total of 235 patients were included. Males had higher tumor size and incidence of portal vein thrombosis. Viral hepatitis was a risk factor in 75.7%. The most common BCLC stages were B (34.5%) and A (33.6%), and the most common radiological presentation was a single nodule of less than 5 cm. Metastases were present in 13.2%. Overall, 77 patients (32.8%) underwent a potentially curative treatment as the initial therapy. The most commonly utilized treatment modality was chemoembolization with 113 sessions in 71 patients. The overall median survival was15.97±27.18months.Conclusion. HCC in Saudi Arabia is associated with high prevalence of HCV. Potentially curative therapies were underutilized in our patients. Cancer stage BCLC-B was the most frequent (34.5%) followed by BCLC-A (33.6%). The overall median survival was shorter than other studies.
Evaluation of MTBDRplusand MTBDRslin Detecting Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in a Chinese Population
Authors: Lu Wei , Feng Yan , Wang Jianming , Zhu Limei
Published: July 2016

Background. This study aims to evaluate GenoType MTBDRplusand GenoType MTBDRslfor their ability to detect drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Chinese population.Methods. We collected 112Mycobacteria tuberculosisstrains from Jiangsu province, China. The conventional DST and line probe assay were used to detect drug resistance to rifampicin (RFP), isoniazid (INH), ofloxacin (OFX), kanamycin (Km), and ethambutol (EMB).Results. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 50% for RFP and 86.11% and 47.06% for INH, respectively. The most common mutations observed in MTBDRpluswererpoBWT8 omission + MUT3 presence,katGWT omission + MUT1 presence, andinhAWT1 omission + MUT1 presence. For drug resistance to OFX, Km, and EMB, the sensitivity of MTBDRslwas 94.74%, 62.50%, and 58.82%, respectively, while the specificity was 92.59%, 98.81%, and 91.67%, respectively. The most common mutations weregyrAWT3 omission + MUT3C presence,rrsMUT1 presence,embBWT omission + MUT1B presence, andembBWT omission + MUT1A presence. Sequencing analysis found several uncommon mutations.Conclusion. In combination with DST, application of the GenoType MTBDRplusand GenoType MTBDRslassays might be a useful additional tool to allow for the rapid and safe diagnosis of drug resistance to RFP and OFX.
Prevalence of Blood-Borne Viruses in Health Care Workers of a Northern District in Pakistan: Risk Factors and Preventive Behaviors
Authors: Zuhaib Khan Muhammad , Saqib Shahab , Irtiza Hussain Shah Gardyzi Sayed , Qazi Javaria
Published: July 2016

Background. Blood-borne viral infections like viral hepatitis are highly prevalent in Pakistan. There is also a potential threat of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread in the country. Health care workers (HCWs) are a high risk population for acquiring such viral infections and potential spread to the patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency of three blood-borne viruses: HCV, HBV, and HIV in HCWs of district Malakand in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Moreover, risk factors and preventive behaviors among HCWs were investigated in detail.Materials and Methods.Prevalence was investigated using serological assays followed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based characterization. A total of 626 health care workers working at 17 different health care units, belonging to 6 different job categories, were included in this study.Results.HIV was not detected in the HCWs while rate of prevalence of HCV and HBV was far less (0.8 % and 0.64 %, resp.) as compared to general population (4.7%–38%). The majority of HCWs were aware of the mode of spread of these viruses and associated risk factors. Needle stick injury was found to be the most important risk factor for possible acquisition of these infections.
Multiple Small Coronary Artery Fistulas Emptying into the Left Ventricle: A Rare but Challenging Problem
Authors: Kahaly Omar , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean
Published: July 2016

A coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or a great vessel. CAFs are rare based on coronary arteriography and when found they most often empty into the right ventricle and atrium and less often into the high pressure, low compliance left ventricle (LV). A patient who presented with atypical chest pain and was found to have multiple small CAFs originating from the ramus intermedius coronary artery and emptying into the LV is presented. This case highlights the challenges in providing an appropriate therapy for multiple small CAFs emptying into the LV.
Surface Modification of Polypropylene Membrane Using Biopolymers with Potential Applications for Metal Ion Removal
Authors: Hernández-Aguirre Omar Alberto , Núñez-Pineda Alejandra , Tapia-Tapia Melina , Gómez Espinosa Rosa María
Published: July 2016

This work aims to present the modification of polypropylene (PP) membranes using three different biopolymers, chitosan (CHI), potato starch (PS), and cellulose (CEL), in order to obtain three new materials. The modified membranes may be degraded easier than polypropylene ones and could be used as selective membranes for metal ions removal, among other applications. For this purpose, the UV energy induced graft copolymerization reaction among polypropylene membrane, acrylic acid, benzophenone (as photoinitiator), and the biopolymer (CHI, PS, or CEL) was conducted. The results of FT-IR-ATR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM, BET, and AFM analyses and mechanical properties clearly indicate the successful modification of the membrane surface. The change of surface wettability was monitored by contact angle. The grafting reaction depends on natural polymer, reaction time, and concentration. In order to prove the potential application of the modified membranes, a preliminary study of sorption of metal ion was carried out. For this purpose, the PP-CHI membrane was chosen because of the high hydrophilicity, proportionate to -OH and NH2; these groups could act as ligands of metal ions, provoking the interaction between PP-CHI and M+ (PP-CHI-M+) and therefore the metal ion removal from water.
Clozapine Can Be the Good Option in Resistant Mania
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yasir , Rahman S. M. Atikur , Haque Md. Maruful , Shah Mohsin Ali , Algin Sultana , Nahar Jhunu Shamsun
Published: July 2016

Bipolar mood disorder is a mental disorder with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 1% in the general population and there are still a proportion of individuals who suffer from bipolar mood disorders that are resistant to standard treatment. Reporting clozapine responsive mania that was not responding to two previous consecutive atypical antipsychotics and one typical antipsychotic was aimed at. A 17-year-old male manic patient was admitted into the psychiatry inpatient department and was nonresponsive to Risperidone 12 mg daily for 4 weeks, Olanzapine 30 mg daily for 3 weeks, and Haloperidol 30 mg daily for 3 weeks, along with valproate preparation 1500 mg daily. He was started on clozapine as he was nonresponsive to Lithium in previous episodes and did not consent to starting Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). He responded adequately to 100 mg clozapine and 1500 mg valproate preparation and remission happened within 2 weeks of starting clozapine. Clozapine can be a good option for resistant mania and further RCT based evidences will strengthen the options in treating resistant mania.
On the Existence of Coincidence and Common Fixed Point of Two Rational Type Contractions and an Application in Dynamical Programming
Authors: Soliman Ahmed H. , Nabil Tamer
Published: July 2016

We establish some coincidence point results for self-mappings satisfying rational type contractions in a generalized metric space. Presented coincidence point theorems weaken and extend numerous existing theorems in the literature besides furnishing some illustrative examples for our results. Finally, our results apply, in particular, to the study of solvability of functional equations arising in dynamic programming.
The Potential Role of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase-Driven DNA Base Excision Repair in Exercise-Induced Asthma
Authors: Belanger KarryAnne K. , Ameredes Bill T. , Boldogh Istvan , Aguilera-Aguirre Leopoldo
Published: July 2016

Asthma is characterized by reversible airway narrowing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms driven by chronic inflammatory processes, commonly triggered by allergens. In 90% of asthmatics, most of these symptoms can also be triggered by intense physical activities and severely exacerbated by environmental factors. This condition is known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Current theories explaining EIA pathogenesis involve osmotic and/or thermal alterations in the airways caused by changes in respiratory airflow during exercise. These changes, along with existing airway inflammatory conditions, are associated with increased cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting important biomolecules including DNA, although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. One of the most abundant oxidative DNA lesions is 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), which is repaired by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) during the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Whole-genome expression analyses suggest a cellular response to OGG1-BER, involving genes that may have a role in the pathophysiology of EIA leading to mast cell degranulation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and bronchoconstriction. Accordingly, this review discusses a potential new hypothesis in which OGG1-BER-induced gene expression is associated with EIA symptoms.
Kinetics and Mechanistic Study of Permanganate Oxidation of Fluorenone Hydrazone in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Fawzy Ahmed , Ahmed Saleh A. , Althagafi Ismail I. , Morad Moataz H. , Khairou Khalid S.
Published: July 2016

The oxidation kinetics of fluorenone hydrazone (FH) using potassium permanganate in alkaline medium were measured at a constant ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm−3 and at 25°C using UV/VIS spectrophotometer. A first-order kinetics has been monitored in the reaction of FH with respect to [permanganate]. Less-than-unit order dependence of the reaction on [FH] and [OH−] was revealed. No pronounced effect on the reaction rate by increasing ionic strength was recorded. Intervention of free radicals was observed in the reaction. The reaction mechanism describing the kinetic results was illustrated which involves formation of 1 : 1 intermediate complex between fluorenone hydrazones and the active species of permanganate. 9H-Fluorenone as the corresponding ketone was found to be the final oxidation product of fluorenone hydrazone as confirmed by GC/MS analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The expression rate law for the oxidation reaction was deduced. The reaction constants and mechanism have been evaluated. The activation parameters associated with the rate-limiting step of the reaction, along with the thermodynamic quantities of the equilibrium constants, have been calculated and discussed.
CBCT-Aided Microscopic and Ultrasonic Treatment for Upper or Middle Thirds Calcified Root Canals
Authors: Yang Ying-Ming , Guo Bin , Guo Li-Yang , Yang Yan , Hong Xiao , Pan Hong-Ying , Zou Wen-Ling , Hu Tao
Published: July 2016

Root canal calcification is considered a great challenge during root canal treatment. Although the application of ultrasonic instruments and dental operating microscope (DOM) has advantages, dealing with calcified root canals still suffers a great risk of failure because of limited information about the location, length, and direction of obliteration on periapical radiographs. In this work, a cone-beam computed tomography- (CBCT-) aided method aimed at solving complicated calcified root canals in which conventional approaches could not work was proposed. Thirteen teeth with sixteen calcified canals (12 calcified in the upper third, 4 calcified in the middle third), which cannot be negotiated with conventional methods, were treated with the aid of CBCT. The location of calcification and depth of instrumentation and operating direction were calculated and assessed in three dimensions with ultrasonic instruments under DOM. In all thirteen teeth, canals with upper and middle thirds calcification were treated successfully. Finally, a guideline was proposed to help achieve consistent apical patency in calcified canals.
Ewing’s Sarcoma as a Second Malignancy in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Wolpert Fabian , Grotzer Michael A. , Niggli Felix , Zimmermann Dieter , Rushing Elisabeth , Bode-Lesniewska Beata
Published: July 2016

Modern multimodal treatment has significantly increased survival for patients affected by hematologic malignancies, especially in childhood. Following remission, however, the risk of developing a further malignancy is an important issue. The long-term estimated risk of developing a sarcoma as a secondary malignancy is increased severalfold in comparison to the general population. Ewing’s sarcoma family encompasses a group of highly aggressive, undifferentiated, intra- and extraosseous, mesenchymal tumors, caused by several types of translocations usually involving theEWSR1gene. Translocation associated sarcomas, such as Ewing sarcoma, are only rarely encountered as therapy associated secondary tumors. We describe the clinical course and management of three patients from a single institution with Ewing’s sarcoma that followed successfully treated lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The literature on secondary Ewing’s sarcoma is summarized and possible pathogenic mechanisms are critically discussed.
Luteolin Prevents H2O2-Induced Apoptosis in H9C2 Cells through Modulating Akt-P53/Mdm2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chang Hong , Li Chun , Huo Kuiyuan , Wang Qiyan , Lu Linghui , Zhang Qian , Wang Yong , Wang Wei
Published: July 2016

Introduction.Luteolin, a falconoid compound in many Chinese herbs and formula, plays important roles in cardiovascular diseases. The underlying mechanism of luteolin remains to be further elaborated.Methods. A model of hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced H9C2 cells apoptosis was established. Cell viabilities were examined with an MTT assay.2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and flow cytometry were used to detect ROS level and apoptosis rate, respectively. The expressions of signaling proteins related to apoptosis were analyzed by western blot and mRNA levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quercetin was applied as positive drug.Results. Incubation with various concentrations of H2O2(0, 50, 100, and 200 μM) for 1 h caused dose-dependent loss of cell viability and 100 μM H2O2reduced the cell viability to approximately 50%. Treatments with luteolin and quercetin protected cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and reduced cellular ROS level and apoptosis rate. Moreover, luteolin could downregulate the expressions of Bax, caspase-8, cleaved-caspase-3, and p53 in apoptotic signaling pathway. Further study showed that the expressions of Akt, Bcl-2, and Mdm2 were upregulated by luteolin.Conclusion. Luteolin protects H9C2 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. The protective and antiapoptotic effects of luteolin could be mediated by regulating the Akt-P53/Mdm2 apoptotic pathway.
Influence of Nano-SiO2on the Consistency, Setting Time, Early-Age Strength, and Shrinkage of Composite Cement Pastes
Authors: Chen Yu , Deng Yi-fan , Li Meng-qiang
Published: July 2016

The study outlined the raw materials and mix proportions to prepare composite cement pastes with the addition of silica-based micro- and nanoparticles. The effects of amorphous nano-SiO2on the early-age properties, including the consistency, setting time, early-age strength, and chemical and autogenous shrinkages, were investigated. Under the condition of the same dosage of superplasticizer used, the consistency of cement paste with nano-SiO2is higher than that with silica fume. Significant reductions of the initial and final setting times are observed especially for nano-SiO2addition groups, and the time difference between the initial and final setting times goes up with the increasing proportions of nano-SiO2. The addition of nano-SiO2is more helpful to the improvement of early-age strengths of the paste with or without fly ash admixed than silica fume additive for the same mass proportion. Both the chemical and autogenous shrinkages of cement paste develop with the increasing amount of micro- or nanolevel silica particles; however, nano-SiO2plays a more active role than silica fume in inspiring early-age shrinkage. The physical and chemical mechanisms of nano-SiO2in cement paste are also discussed.
On the Stability of Quadratic Functional Equations inF-Spaces
Authors: Yang Xiuzhong
Published: July 2016

The Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of quadratic functional equationf(2x+y)+f(2x-y)=f(x+y)+f(x-y)+6f(x)and orthogonal stability of the Pexiderized quadratic functional equationf(x+y)+f(x-y)=2g(x)+2h(y)inF-spaces are proved.
Low CD36 and LOX-1 Levels andCD36Gene Subexpression Are Associated with Metabolic Dysregulation in Older Individuals with Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Madrigal-Ruíz Perla-Monserrat , Navarro-Hernández Rosa-Elena , Ruíz-Quezada Sandra-Luz , Corona-Meraz Fernanda-Isadora , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Gómez-Bañuelos Eduardo , Castro-Albarran Jorge , Sandoval-García Flavio , Flores-Alvarado Luis-Javier , Martín-Marquez Beatriz-Teresita
Published: July 2016

Background. Obesity study in the context of scavenger receptors has been linked to atherosclerosis. CD36 and LOX-1 are important, since they have been associated with atherogenic and metabolic disease but not fat redistribution. The aim of our study was to determinate the association between CD36 and LOX-1 in presence of age and abdominal obesity.Methods. This is a cross-sectional study that included 151 healthy individuals, clinically and anthropometrically classified into two groups by age (<30 and ≥30 years old) and abdominal obesity (according to World Health Organization guidelines). We excluded individuals with any chronic and metabolic illness, use of medication, or smoking. Fasting blood samples were taken to perform determination of CD36 mRNA expression by real-time PCR, lipid profile and metabolic and low grade inflammation markers by routine methods, and soluble scavenger receptors (CD36 and LOX-1) by ELISA.Results. Individuals ≥30 years old with abdominal obesity presented high atherogenic index, lower soluble scavenger receptor levels, and subexpression ofCD36mRNA (54% less). On the other hand, individuals <30 years old with abdominal adiposity presented higher levels in the same parameters, except LOX-1 soluble levels.Conclusion. In this study, individuals over 30 years of age presented low soluble scavenger receptors levels pattern andCD36gene subexpression, which suggest the chronic metabolic dysregulation in abdominal obesity.
Maximization of Visible Light Communication Capacity Employing Quasi-Linear Preequalization with Peak Power Limitation
Authors: Zhou Yingjun , Shi Jianyang , Wang Zhixin , Zhang Junwen , Huang Xingxing , Chi Nan
Published: July 2016

We propose quasi-linear preequalization to be used for high speed visible light communication (VLC) system. Compared with zero-forcing preequalization, this kind of preequalization method is more suitable for a real VLC experimental system with peak power limitation. We carry out simulations and experiments to test the performance of quasi-linear preequalization. With this equalizer, the 3 dB bandwidth of the system can be extended from 17 MHz to 450 MHz. We implement 2.32 Gbit/s phosphorescent white light-emitting diode (LED) VLC transmission over 1 m distance with quasi-linear equalizer, bit and power loading OFDM, differential amplification positive intrinsic negative diode (PIN) receivers, and maximum ratio combining algorithm. To our knowledge, this is the highest transmission data rate based on a phosphorescent white LED VLC system.
Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Total Glucosides of Peony for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cai Yongsong , Yuan Qiling , Xu Ke , Zhu Jialin , Li Yuanbo , Wu Xiaoqing , Yang Le , Qiu Yusheng , Xu Peng
Published: July 2016

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children; some clinical trials have reported the effects of total glucosides of peony (TGP) in the treatment of JIA. However, no systematic review has yet been conducted. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety in patients with JIA enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TGP. We extracted data for studies searched from 8 electronic databases that were searched and also evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. We assessed the following outcome measures: overall response rate, pain, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), duration of morning stiffness (DMS), grip strength (GS), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and adverse effects (AEs) in short term (4–8 weeks), intermediate term (9–26 weeks), and long term (>26 weeks). The final analysis showed that TGP acted as a unique nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (nonbiologic DMARD), and its therapeutic effects were safe and efficacious for the treatment of JIA with few AEs. However, more high‐quality RCTs are needed to confirm these therapeutic effects.
Micro-CT Imaging of RGD-Conjugated Gold Nanorods Targeting TumorIn Vivo
Authors: Qu Xiaochao , Li Xiaoxiao , Liang Jingning , Wang Yanran , Liu Muhan , Liang Jimin
Published: July 2016

Gold nanomaterials as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents at lower X-ray dosage to get a higher contrast have advantages of longer imaging time and lower toxic side effects compared to current contrast agents. As a receptor for Cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys) (RGD) peptide, integrinαvβ3is overexpressed on some tumor cells and tumor neovasculature. In this paper, we conjugated the RGD peptide on the surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs), designated as RGD-AuNRs, a promising candidate in applications such as tumor targeting and imaging capability for micro-CT imaging. Integrinαvβ3-positive U87 cells and integrinαvβ3-negative HT-29 cells were chosen to establish animal models relatedly and then texted the tumor targeting ability and imaging capability of RGD-AuNRsin vitroandin vivo. The MTT assay and stability measurement showed that RGD-conjugation eliminated their cytotoxicity and improved their biocompatibility and stability. Dark-field imaging of U87 cells and HT-29 cells testified the binding affinities and uptake abilities of RGD-AuNRs, and the results showed that RGD-AuNRs were more specifical to U87 cells. The enhanced micro-CT imaging contrast of intramuscular and subcutaneous injection illustrated the feasibility of RGD-AuNRs to be contrast agents. Furthermore, the micro-CT imaging of targeting U87 and HT-29 tumor models verified the targeting abilities of RGD-AuNRs.
Unilateral Global Bifurcation for Fourth-Order Problems and Its Applications
Authors: Shen Wenguo
Published: July 2016

We will establish unilateral global bifurcation result for a class of fourth-order problems. Under some natural hypotheses on perturbation function, we show that(λk,0)is a bifurcation point of the above problems and there are two distinct unbounded continua,Ck+andCk-, consisting of the bifurcation branchCkfrom(μk,0), whereμkis thekth eigenvalue of the linear problem corresponding to the above problems. As the applications of the above result, we study the existence of nodal solutions for the following problems:x′′′′+kx′′+lx=rh(t)f(x),  0<t<1,x(0)=x(1)=x′(0)=x′(1)=0, wherer∈Ris a parameter andk,lare given constants;h(t)∈C([0,1],[0,∞))withh(t)≢0on any subinterval of[0,1]; andf:R→Ris continuous withsf(s)>0fors≠0.We give the intervals for the parameterr≠0which ensure the existence of nodal solutions for the above fourth-order Dirichlet problems iff0∈[0,∞]orf∞∈[0,∞],wheref0=lim|s|→0f(s)/sandf∞=lim|s|→+∞f(s)/s.We use unilateral global bifurcation techniques and the approximation of connected components to prove our main results.
Oxidative Stress as Estimated by Gamma‐Glutamyl Transferase Levels Amplifies the Alkaline Phosphatase‐Dependent Risk for Mortality in ESKD Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Torino Claudia , Mattace-Raso Francesco , van Saase Jan L. C. M. , Postorino Maurizio , Tripepi Giovanni Luigi , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine , PROGREDIRE Study Group
Published: July 2016

Alkaline phosphatase (Alk‐Phos) is a powerful predictor of death in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and oxidative stress is a strong inducer of Alk‐Phos in various tissues. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress, as estimated by a robust marker of systemic oxidative stress like γ‐Glutamyl‐Transpeptidase (GGT) levels, may interact with Alk‐Phos in the high risk of death in a cohort of 993 ESKD patients maintained on chronic dialysis. In fully adjusted analyses the HR for mortality associated with Alk‐Phos (50 IU/L increase) was progressively higher across GGT quintiles, being minimal in patients in the first quintile (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77–1.03) and highest in the GGT fifth quintile (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.2) (P for the effect modification = 0.02). These findings were fully confirmed in sensitivity analyses excluding patients with preexisting liver disease, excessive alcohol intake, or altered liver disease biomarkers. GGT amplifies the risk of death associated with high Alk‐Phos levels in ESKD patients. This observation is compatible with the hypothesis that oxidative stress is a strong modifier of the adverse biological effects of high Alk‐Phos in this population.
Two-Stage Mucogingival Surgery with Free Gingival Autograft and Biomend Membrane and Coronally Advanced Flap in Treatment of Class III Millers Recession
Authors: Rath Avita , Varma Smrithi , Paul Renny
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Gingival recession is an apical shift of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. This migration of the marginal tissue leads to esthetic concerns, dentin hypersensitivity, root caries, and cervical wear. It is, paradoxically, a common finding in patients with a high standard of oral hygiene, as well as in periodontally untreated populations with poor oral hygiene. Changing the topography of the marginal soft tissue in order to facilitate plaque control is a common indication for root coverage procedures and forms a major aspect of periodontal plastic surgeries. The regeneration of a new connective tissue attachment to denuded root surface is by allowing the selective coronal regrowth of periodontal ligament cells while excluding the gingival tissues from the root during wound healing by means of a barrier membrane.Case Presentation. This case reports a two-stage surgical technique for treatment of Miller’s class III defect using free gingival autograft and type I absorbable collagen membrane (BioMend®,Zimmer Dental, USA)§.Conclusions. The 6-month follow-up of the case showed a significant increase in attached gingiva suggesting it as a predictable alternative in the treatment of Millers class III defects.
Comparison of Neuroprotective and Cognition-Enhancing Properties of Hydrolysates from Soybean, Walnut, and Peanut Protein
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Zhao Tiantian , Zhang Jianan , Wu Changping , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan
Published: July 2016

Hydrolysates were prepared from soybean, walnut, and peanut protein by papain, respectively. Their amino acid compositions and molecular weight distributions, the effects of various hydrolysates on H2O2-induced injury PC12 cells, and cognition of mice were investigated, respectively. Results showed that the three hydrolysates were dominated by the peptides with 1–3 KDa with large amount of neurotrophic amino acids. All the hydrolysates exhibited much stronger inhibitory activity against H2O2-induced toxicity than cerebrolysin, and soy protein hydrolysate showed the highest activity. Moreover, the hydrolysates also could reduce the rate of nonviable apoptotic cells at the concentration of 2 mg/mL. The test of animal’s cognition indicated that three hydrolysates could present partly better effect of improving recurred memory ability of normal mice and consolidated memory ability of anisodine-treated mice than piracetam. Therefore, soybean, walnut, and peanut protein hydrolysates were recommended as a potential food raw material for prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Improved Correction of Atmospheric Pressure Data Obtained by Smartphones through Machine Learning
Authors: Kim Yong-Hyuk , Ha Ji-Hun , Yoon Yourim , Kim Na-Young , Im Hyo-Hyuc , Sim Sangjin , Choi Reno K. Y.
Published: July 2016

A correction method using machine learning aims to improve the conventional linear regression (LR) based method for correction of atmospheric pressure data obtained by smartphones. The method proposed in this study conducts clustering and regression analysis with time domain classification. Data obtained in Gyeonggi-do, one of the most populous provinces in South Korea surrounding Seoul with the size of 10,000 km2, from July 2014 through December 2014, using smartphones were classified with respect to time of day (daytime or nighttime) as well as day of the week (weekday or weekend) and the user’s mobility, prior to the expectation-maximization (EM) clustering. Subsequently, the results were analyzed for comparison by applying machine learning methods such as multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector regression (SVR). The results showed a mean absolute error (MAE) 26% lower on average when regression analysis was performed through EM clustering compared to that obtained without EM clustering. For machine learning methods, the MAE for SVR was around 31% lower for LR and about 19% lower for MLP. It is concluded that pressure data from smartphones are as good as the ones from national automatic weather station (AWS) network.
Self-Healing Many-Core Architecture: Analysis and Evaluation
Authors: Kamran Arezoo , Navabi Zainalabedin
Published: July 2016

More pronounced aging effects, more frequent early-life failures, and incomplete testing and verification processes due to time-to-market pressure in new fabrication technologies impose reliability challenges on forthcoming systems. A promising solution to these reliability challenges is self-test and self-reconfiguration with no or limited external control. In this work a scalable self-test mechanism for periodic online testing of many-core processor has been proposed. This test mechanism facilitates autonomous detection and omission of faulty cores and makes graceful degradation of the many-core architecture possible. Several test components are incorporated in the many-core architecture that distribute test stimuli, suspend normal operation of individual processing cores, apply test, and detect faulty cores. Test is performed concurrently with the system normal operation without any noticeable downtime at the application level. Experimental results show that the proposed test architecture is extensively scalable in terms of hardware overhead and performance overhead that makes it applicable to many-cores with more than a thousand processing cores.
Effects of Mechanical Stretch on Cell Proliferation and Matrix Formation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Fibroblast
Authors: Sun Liguo , Qu Ling , Zhu Rui , Li Hongguo , Xue Yingsen , Liu Xincheng , Fan Jiabing , Fan Hongbin
Published: July 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts are two major seed cells for ligament tissue engineering. To understand the effects of mechanical stimulation on these cells and to develop effective approaches for cell therapy, it is necessary to investigate the biological effects of various mechanical loading conditions on cells. In this study, fibroblasts and MSCs were tested and compared under a novel Uniflex/Bioflex culture system that might mimic mechanical strain in ligament tissue. The cells were uniaxially or radially stretched with different strains (5%, 10%, and 15%) at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 Hz. The cell proliferation and collagen production were compared to find the optimal parameters. The results indicated that uniaxial stretch (15% at 0.5 Hz; 10% at 1.0 Hz) showed positive effects on fibroblast. The uniaxial strains (5%, 10%, and 15%) at 0.5 Hz and 10% strain at 1.0 Hz were favorable for MSCs. Radial strain did not have significant effect on fibroblast. On the contrary, the radial strains (5%, 10%, and 15%) at 0.1 Hz had positive effects on MSCs. This study suggested that fibroblasts and MSCs had their own appropriate mechanical stimulatory parameters. These specific parameters potentially provide fundamental knowledge for future cell‐based ligament regeneration.
Off-Axial Tensile Properties of Precontraint PVDF Coated Polyester Fabrics under Different Tensile Rates
Authors: Zhang Lanlan
Published: July 2016

Two types of Precontraint PVDF coated polyester are taken as the research objects. A series of uniaxial tensile tests were carried out to study the tensile performances of the specimens in eleven in-plane directions including 0°, 5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, 45°, 55°, 65°, 75°, 85°, and 90°, and six tensile rates (10 mm/min, 25 mm/min, 50 mm/min, 100 mm/min, 200 mm/min, and 500 mm/min) were also considered. The corresponding failure modes and fracture mechanisms were discussed, and the relationships between tensile strength and strain at break and tensile rate and off-axial angles were obtained. Results show that the Precontraint PVDF coated woven fabrics are typically anisotropic. With off-axial angle increasing, the tensile strength decreases while the strain at break increases. Three failure modes can be observed, including failure of yarns pulled out, yarns fracture, and mixture failure. With tensile rate increasing, the tensile strength increases slightly while the strain at break decreases. The tensile strength and strain at break show good linear relationship with tensile rate’s logarithm.
One-Year Weight Loss with a Telephone-Based Lifestyle Program
Authors: Holzapfel Christina , Merl Melissa , Stecher Lynne , Hauner Hans
Published: July 2016

Objective: Telephone-based weight loss programs are offered as an alternative to face-to-face obesity treatments, but data on the effectiveness regarding weight loss are limited. Therefore, we evaluated a telephone-based lifestyle program in a real-world setting. Methods: The telephone-based intervention consists of regular phone calls providing individualized lifestyle recommendations, and delivery of printed materials. Anthropometric and metabolic data are collected by general practitioners or are self-reported. Results: Baseline data were available from 398 participants (61% men; weight 103.12 ± 14.21 kg; BMI 33.38 ± 2.83 kg/m2) and 1-year data from 258 (65%) participants. In the completers, mean weight change was -4.25 ± 5.18 kg (p < 0.001) which corresponds to a mean percentage body weight change of -4.10 ± 4.88%. 87 participants (34%) lost more than 5% of their initial body weight, with 29 (11%) losing more than 10% of their initial body weight. 40 participants (16%) gained weight over this period. A reduction of abdominal girth of -0.59 cm (95% CI 0.34, 0.85 cm; p < 0.001) and total cholesterol of -1.55 mg/dl (95% CI 0.04, 3.05 mg/dl; p = 0.044) per kilogram weight loss was observed. Conclusions: The telephone-based lifestyle program results in a moderate weight loss after 12 months, which may be comparable to face-to-face interventions. Telephone-based weight loss support is independent of time and location and represents a tool which is also accepted by men.
Stabilization of Overweight and Obesity in Slovenian Adolescents and Increased Risk in Those Entering Non-Grammar Secondary Schools
Authors: Sedej Katarina , Lusa Lara , Battelino Tadej , Kotnik Primoz
Published: July 2016

Background/Aim: To estimate overweight and obesity prevalence trends in Slovenian adolescents entering secondary schools in the years 2004, 2009 and 2014 and differences in the prevalence between different types of secondary schools. Methods: Data from 17,538 adolescents entering secondary schools (mean age ± standard deviation 15.4 ± 0.5 years) collected during obligatory medical examination in years 2004, 2009 and 2014 was analyzed. Overweight and obesity were defined using International Obesity Task Force criteria. Results: In 2004-2009 overweight and obesity prevalence increased, especially in males and stabilized thereafter (2009-2014) in both genders. It was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in those attending secondary vocational and technical/professional versus grammar schools (2009; 28.7 vs. 16.8% overweight females and 31.6 vs. 22.3% overweight males; 2014: 29.7 vs. 17.9% overweight females and 33.6 vs. 20.4% overweight males). Conclusions: Overweight and obesity prevalence in Slovenian adolescents entering secondary schools stabilized recently. Adolescents attending secondary vocational and technical/professional schools are at an increased risk of overweight and obesity.
Retroperitoneoscopy Technique-Assisted Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Complexity Horseshoe Kidney with Renal Stones
Authors: Jiang Kehua , Tang Kun , Xu Hua , Chen Hongbo , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: July 2016

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of retroperitoneoscopy technique-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) used in the treatment of complexity horseshoe kidney (HSK) with renal stones. Methods: Between January 2012 and April 2015, 5 patients with renal stones in complexity HSK underwent retroperitoneoscopy technique-assisted PCNL. The perioperative data analyzed, included operation time, blood loss, incidence of complication rate, the stone-free rate (SFR), and so on. Results: All the patients successfully completed the operation without need for an open surgery. The mean operative time in which this procedure was done was 77.5 ± 20.6 min, the mean hemoglobin that was reduced was 2.5 ± 0.8 g/dl, the mean time to remove nephrostomy tube and retroperitoneal tube were 3.0 ± 1.0, 3.5 ± 1.0 days, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 7.0 ± 1.5 days. The SFR of all the patients was 80% (4/5). One patient who had residual stones (6 × 5 mm) in the middle pole underwent additional shock wave lithotripsy after the operation and no serious perioperative complications were noticed. Study limitations include small sample size and short follow-up time. Conclusions: Retroperitoneoscopy technique-assisted PCNL is a feasible, safe, and an effective alternative to laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for treating complexity HSK with renal stones, especially in a situation where the HSK is tightly wrapped by the surrounding organs.
Tongue and Lower Lip Movement in Semivowel /w/ Production
Authors: Lee Jimin , Pond Alexa L. , Sincavage Julianna
Published: July 2016

Aims: Previous studies have shown significant correlations between the acoustic characteristics of /w/ and speech intelligibility. To understand the articulatory pattern in /w/ production, the current study investigated the movement characteristics of the tongue and lower lip in whip productions in comparison to bib productions. Methods: Data from 19 typical adult male participants were collected using electromagnetic articulography. A number of kinematic measures of tongue body (approximately 25 mm posterior to the tongue apex) and lower lip movements were analyzed. Results: The findings suggested different movement patterns of the tongue body and lower lip in whip and bib productions. The amount of lip movement in the anterior-posterior plane exhibited by each speaker did not vary between whip and bib. However, speakers did exhibit more tongue retraction/advancement, greater overall tongue movement, and faster tongue movement speed in whip than in bib. Conclusion: Tongue movement in the anterior-posterior plane, such as tongue retraction and advancement, was found to be crucial for the production of /w/ in typical male speakers. Thus, the articulatory kinematics of the tongue in the anterior-posterior plane and its coordination with the lips need to be further examined in speakers with dysarthria to understand the underlying kinematic characteristics that influence speech intelligibility.
Aging with Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects of Age at Injury on Behavioral Outcome following Diffuse Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Rowe Rachel K. , Ziebell Jenna M. , Harrison Jordan L. , Law L. Matthew , Adelson P. David , Lifshitz Jonathan
Published: July 2016

Development and aging are influenced by external factors with the potential to impact health throughout the life span. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can initiate and sustain a lifetime of physical and mental health symptoms. Over 1.7 million TBIs occur annually in the USA alone, with epidemiology suggesting a higher incidence for young age groups. Additionally, increasing life spans mean more years to age with TBI. While there is ongoing research of experimental pediatric and adult TBI, few studies to date have incorporated animal models of pediatric, adolescent, and adult TBI to understand the role of age at injury across the life span. Here, we explore repeated behavioral performance between rats exposed to diffuse TBI at five different ages. Our aim was to follow neurological morbidities across the rodent life span with respect to age at injury. A single cohort of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 69) was received at postnatal day (PND) 10. Subgroups of this cohort (n = 11-12/group) were subjected to a single moderate midline fluid percussion injury at age PND 17, PND 35, 2 months, 4 months, or 6 months. A control group of naïve rats (n = 12) was assembled from this cohort. The entire cohort was assessed for motor function by beam walk at 1.5, 3, 5, and 7 months of age. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed with the open field test at 8 months of age. Cognitive performance was assessed using the novel object location task at 8, 9, and 10 months of age. Depression-like behavior was assessed using the forced swim test at 10 months of age. Age at injury and time since injury differentially influenced motor, cognitive, and affective behavioral outcomes. Motor and cognitive deficits occurred in rats injured at earlier developmental time points, but not in rats injured in adulthood. In contrast, rats injured during adulthood showed increased anxiety-like behavior compared to uninjured control rats. A single diffuse TBI did not result in chronic depression-like behaviors or changes in body weight among any groups. The interplay of age at injury and aging with an injury are translationally important factors that influence behavioral performance as a quality of life metric. More complete understanding of these factors can direct rehabilitative efforts and personalized medicine for TBI survivors.
Enamel Thickness Determination by Optical Coherence Tomography: In vitro Validation
Authors: Algarni Amnah , Kang Hobin , Fried Daniel , Eckert George J. , Hara Anderson T.
Published: July 2016

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been introduced in dentistry as a nondestructive diagnostic imaging tool that does not utilize ionizing radiation. This study investigated the agreement between polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT), microcomputed tomography (μ-CT), and histology for enamel thickness measurements. Human enamel samples were prepared and evaluated with μ-CT and PS-OCT and then sectioned and observed via digital transversal light microscopy. For all methods, a standard transversal section (b-scan) in each sample was selected, and the enamel thickness was measured at three predetermined positions using ImageJ analysis software. The results revealed significant high agreement between all tested methods, indicating the potential of PS-OCT as a clinical tool to effectively measure enamel thickness.
Rate and Outcomes of Pulmonary Stenosis and Functional Pulmonary Atresia in Recipient Twins with Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Ortiz Javier U. , Masoller Narcís , Gómez Olga , Bennasar Mar , Eixarch Elisenda , Lobmaier Silvia M. , Crispi Fàtima , Gratacos Eduard , Martinez Josep María
Published: July 2016

Objective: To evaluate the rate of pulmonary stenosis and functional pulmonary atresia (PS/PA) in recipient twins prior to fetal surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and their pre- and postnatal outcomes. Methods: We carried out a prospective study including 260 cases of TTTS. Echocardiography was performed before laser surgery to detect the presence of PS/PA. The outcomes of recipients with and without PS/PA were compared. The need of postnatal cardiac interventions and the survival rate at 6 months of age were also evaluated. Results: PS was observed in 16/260 (6.2%) of recipient twins and PA in 12/260 (4.6%). After fetal surgery, 10/28 (35.7%) recipients died, 9/28 (32.1%) showed in utero regression, and 9/28 (32.1%) had persistence of PS/PA. Postnatally, seven recipients underwent percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, one required surgical valvotomy and one palliative surgery. Pregnancies with recipient twins with PS/PA had lower survival of at least one twin (67.9 vs. 83.6%, p = 0.045) and lower overall survival (57.1 vs. 72.8%, p = 0.015) at 6 months of age. Conclusion: PS and PA were observed in 10.8% of recipients. Among these, about one third showed persistence of pulmonary valve pathology after delivery, which stresses the need for strict follow-up.