bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice Patterns in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Survey of the American Rhinologic Society
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Ramadan Hassan , Baroody Fuad M. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: November 2016

Background

The management of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) is evolving.

Objective

To assess current practice patterns of members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) in managing PCRS.

Methods

A 27-item Web-based survey on treatment of PCRS was electronically distributed to the ARS membership.

Results

The survey was completed by 67 members, 40% of whom had completed a rhinology fellowship. The most frequently used medical therapies as part of initial treatment for PCRS were nasal saline solution irrigation, (90%), topical nasal steroids (93%), oral antibiotics (52%), and oral steroids (20%). For initial surgical therapy, 90% performed adenoidectomy; in addition, 31% also performed sinus lavage, 17% performed balloon catheter dilation (BCD), and 17% performed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Sixty percent performed adenoidectomy before obtaining computed tomography imaging. When initial surgical treatment failed, 85% performed traditional ESS. In patients with pansinusitis, 50% of the respondents performed frontal sinusotomy and 70% performed sphenoidotomy. BCD was not frequently used; overall, 66% never or rarely used it, 20% sometimes used it, 12% usually used it, and 3% always or almost always used BCD.

Conclusions

Most aspects of PCRS management among ARS members were aligned with published consensus statements. Adenoidectomy was almost always included as part of first-line surgical treatment but was also combined with adjunctive surgical procedures with moderate frequency. ESS was performed by a minority of rhinologists as a primary procedure for medically refractory PCRS but was favored when previous surgery failed. BCD was uncommonly used in PCRS.
New Routes of Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: Aricigil Mitat , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Sakarya Engin Umut , Sakalar Emine Giiven , Senturk Mehmet , Reisacher William R. , Cingi Cemal
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Allergen immunotherapy is the only cure for immunoglobulin E mediated type I respiratory allergies. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are the most common treatments. In this article, we reviewed new routes of allergen immunotherapy.

Methods

Data on alternative routes to allow intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT), epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT), local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT), oral immunotherapy (OIT), and oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) were gathered from the literature and were discussed.

Results

ILIT features direct injection of allergens into lymph nodes. ILIT may be clinically effective after only a few injections and induces allergen-specific immunoglobulin G, similarly to SCIT. A limitation of ILIT is that intralymphatic injections are required. EPIT features allergen administration by using patches mounted on the skin. EPIT seeks to target epidermal antigen–presenting Langerhans cells rather than mast cells or the vasculature; this should reduce both local and systemic adverse effects. LNIT involves the spraying of allergen extracts into the nasal cavity. Natural or chemically modified allergens (the latter, termed allergoids, lack immunoglobulin E reactivity) are prepared in a soluble form. OIT involves the regular administration of small amounts of a food allergen by mouth and commences with low oral doses, which are then increased as tolerance develops. OMIT seeks to deliver allergenic proteins to an expanded population of Langerhans cells in the mucosa of the oral cavity.

Conclusions

ILIT, EPIT, LNIT, OIT, and OMIT are new routes for allergen immunotherapy. They are safe and effective.
Effect of Doxycycline on Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-1–Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Expression, Migration, and Collagen Contraction in Nasal Polyp–Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Shin Jae-Min , Park Joo-Hoo , Kang Byungjin , Lee Seoung-Ae , Park Il-Ho , Lee Heung-Man
Published: November 2016

Purpose

It is well known that doxycycline has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of doxycycline on the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1–induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 expression, migration, and collagen contraction, and to determine its molecular mechanism on nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (NPDF).

Methods

NPDFs were isolated from the nasal polyps of six patients. Doxycycline was used to pretreat TGF-beta-1–induced NPDFs and ex vivo organ cultures of nasal polyps. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Smad2/3 is one of the major transcription factors of TGF-beta signaling. The expression levels of MMP2 and Smad2/3 were measured by using Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. The enzymic activity of MMP2 was analyzed by using gelatin zymography. Fibroblast migration was evaluated by using transwell migration assays. Contractile activity was measured by a collagen gel contraction assay.

Results

The expression level of MMP2 in nasal polyp tissues increased in comparison with inferior turbinate tissues. TGF-beta-1–induced NPDFs were not affected by doxycycline (0–40 μg/mh). The expression levels of MMP2 and activation of Smad2/3 in TGF-beta-1–induced NPDFs and in organ cultures of nasal polyps were significantly downregulated with doxycycline pretreatment. Doxycycline also reduced TGF-beta-1–induced fibroblast migration and collagen contraction in NPDFs.

Conclusion

Doxycycline inhibited TGF-beta-1–induced MMP2 expression, migration, and collagen contraction via the Smad2/3 signal pathways in NPDFs.
The Effects of Radioactive Iodine Therapy on Olfactory Function
Authors: Suat Bilici , Tuna Edizer Deniz , Ozgur Yigit , Muhammet Yildiz , Fikret Cermik Tevfik
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To determine the possible adverse effects of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment on the olfactory functions of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

This prospective clinical study included 63 Turkish patients who had been diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma only to ensure homogeneity. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center olfactory test was administered at 1 week before treatment and at the third week and the first year after treatment. Triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, and antithyroglobulin levels were measured 1 week before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.

Results

The smell threshold test, smell identification test, and total smell scores showed statistically significant decreases after treatment when compared with the pretreatment scores (p = 0.000). No significant differences were noted between the late term and early term after RAI for either the identification score (p = 0.502) or the total score (p = 0.051). The Spearman correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between age and RAI before and after treatment for the smell threshold test, smell identification test, and total smell scores (p < 0.05). A total of 54% of the patients displayed normosmia in the posttreatment period. A few patients had mild hyposmia before RAI, 27% had mild hyposmia in the early stage after RAI, and 29% had mild hyposmia in the late stage.

Conclusion

The olfactory function deteriorated in almost half of the patients in the early stage after RAI. Mild and moderate hyposmia in particular occurred in the first year after RAI.
Rapamycin Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation via the Phosphorylated-Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signal Pathways in Nasal Polyp–Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Ko Dong-Yn , Shin Jae-Min , Um Ji-Young , Kang Byungjin , Park Il-Ho , Lee Heung-Man
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Rapamycin has antiproliferative and antifibrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapamycin on transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 induced myofibroblast differentiation (alpha smooth-muscle actin [SMA]), extracellular matrix production, and collagen contraction in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (NPDF). The underlying molecular mechanisms of rapamycin were also determined in NPDFs.

Methods

NPDFs were grown in culture and transformed into myofibroblasts by using TGF beta 1 (5 ng/mL). For cytotoxicity evaluation, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was used. Expression levels of alpha SMA, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were determined by using Western blot, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. The total amount of collagen was analyzed by using the Sircol collagen assay, and contractile activity was measured with a collagen gel contraction assay. Silencing mTOR with mTOR-specific small interference RNA was determined by using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Whereas rapamycin (range, 0–400 nM) had no significant cytotoxic effects on TGF beta 1 induced NPDFs, it significantly reduced the expression levels of alpha–SMA in TGF beta 1 induced NPDFs in a dose-dependent manner. TGF beta 1 induced collagen production and collagen contraction were significantly inhibited by rapamycin treatment. Rapamycin also attenuated the TGF beta 1 induced activation of PI3K and mTOR, and its inhibitory effects were similar to those of mTOR silencing and a specific PI3K inhibitor.

Conclusions

Rapamycin inhibited TGF beta 1 induced myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix production, and collagen contraction through the PI3K/mTOR signal pathways in NPDFs.
Significance of Undissected Retromaxillary Air Cells as a Risk Factor for Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Clair Jon Mallen-St. , Frederick John W. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Wang Marilene B. , Harvey Richard J. , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2016

Background

Retromaxillary air cells (RMC) are posterior ethmoid cells that separate the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. The clinical significance of these cells in contributing to revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, anatomic dimensions, and radiographic characteristics of RMC in patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis after previous FESS.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent revision FESS at a tertiary medical center between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. Computed tomographies of patients who underwent revision FESS, including posterior ethmoidectomies, were reviewed. Each side of the scan was assessed for residual RMCs. The radiographic dimensions and Lund-Mackay (LM) scores of these cells were recorded.

Results

Sixty-nine patients who underwent revision FESS were identified. The median age of the patient population was 51 years (range, 21–79 years). Forty-two percent of the patients had nasal polyps. The mean number of previous FESS was 2 (range, 1–10). Incompletely dissected RMCs were identified in 101 of 138 analyzed sides (73%), despite documented previous posterior ethmoidectomies. Sixty-five percent of RMCs had an LM score of >1; RMCs of patients with polyps were more likely to have an LM score of 2 (p = 0.049). There was a significant correlation between the number of previous FESS procedures and whether the RMCs had been dissected (p = 0.010). There also was a significant correlation between RMC height and the number of previous FESS procedures (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

RMCs seemed to often be undissected during primary FESS and, thus, were commonly encountered in revision FESS. The majority of analyzed cells in this cohort demonstrated an LM score of >1, which indicated that these cells frequently harbor residual diseased mucosa that may contribute to the need for revision surgery.
Differences in Innate Immune Response Gene Regulation in the Middle Ear of Children who are Otitis Prone and in those not Otitis Prone
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Casey Janet , Pichichero Michael
Published: November 2016

Objective

Acute otitis media (AOM) causes an inflammatory response in the middle ear. We assessed differences in innate immune responses involved in bacterial defense at onset of AOM in children who were stringently defined as otitis prone (sOP) and children not otitis prone (NOP).

Study Design

Innate immune genes analysis from middle ear fluid (MEF) samples of children.

Methods

Genes of toll-like receptors (TLR), nod-like and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors, downstream effectors important for inflammation and apoptosis, including cytokines and chemokines, were studied from MEF samples by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction array. Protein levels of differentially regulated genes were measured by Luminex.

Results

Gene expression in MEF among children who were sOP was significantly different in upregulation of interleukin 8, secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3, and in downregulation of interferon regulatory factor 7 and its related signaling molecules interferon alpha, Toll-like receptor adaptor molecule 2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 compared with children who were NOP. Differences in innate gene regulation were similar when AOM was caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae.

Conclusion

Innate-immune response genes are differentially regulated in children who were sOP compared with children with NOP.
Nested Markets, Food Networks, and New Pathways for Rural Development in Brazil
Authors: Schneider Sergio , Salvate Natália , Cassol Abel
Published: November 2016

This paper applies the frameworks of nested markets and alternative food networks to two empirical cases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aiming to analyse the construction and dynamics of these markets in order to demonstrate how their dimensions of quality, location, and nature are built and sustained, especially with regard to their interface with broader markets and their contributions to rural development practices, policies, and processes. The paper focuses on the study of rural tourism in Caminhos de Pedra Route, in the municipality of Bento Gonçalves, and the Farmers’ Market, in the municipality of Passo Fundo. Both cases represent alternative practices and processes of rural development and bear features that associate them to the nested markets. It is noteworthy that the influence of conventional food markets in these cases shows that nested markets do not operate in isolation but coexist and are continuously in connection with broader agri-food markets. In this sense, despite being subject to criticism and showing limitations, nested markets constitute increasingly robust strategies for rural development practices, processes, and policies, being able to create opportunities for families’ livelihood in rural areas.
Field Measurements of Water Supply and Drainage Noise in the Bathrooms of Korea’s Multi-Residential Buildings
Authors: Yang Hong-Seok , Cho Hyun-Min , Kim Myung-Jun
Published: November 2016

In Korea, water supply and drainage noises result in one of the main noise complaints because more than 50% of people reside in multi-residential buildings. In this study, a series of field measurements were therefore carried out to examine the current noise situation. The noise levels were measured in the bathrooms of the upper and lower floors, as well as in habitable rooms. The measurement results for the bathrooms of the lower floor (N = 113) are 47.8 dBA (water closet), 42.7 dBA (basin), and 33.9 dBA (bathtub) for water drainage, while values vary between 33.7 dBA and 37.0 dBA for the water supply. The results suggest that the water drainage noise needs to be controlled first. The system bathroom (42.8 dBA) produced lower noise levels than the wet construction method (48.2 dBA) for all of the sanitary wares. The highest noise levels in the living rooms (N = 11) and bedrooms (N = 8) of the lower floor are 34.3 dBA and 39.1 dBA, respectively. The average noise level in the rooms (N = 19) is 37.8 dBA. The overall result suggests that it is necessary to develop an acoustic guideline to satisfy the higher Class of the 2nd ISO/CD 19488, although the current noise level satisfies Class C (living room) and Class D (bedroom).
Ammonium Removal from Landfill Leachate by Means of Multiple Recycling of Struvite Residues Obtained through Acid Decomposition
Authors: Siciliano Alessio , Stillitano Maria , Limonti Carlo , Marchio Francesco
Published: November 2016

The treatment of landfill leachate, due to its great polluting load, is a very difficult task. In particular, the abatement of high ammonium concentrations represents one of the main issues. Among the available techniques, struvite precipitation is an effective method for the removal and recovery of NH4+ load. However, due to the lack of phosphorus and magnesium amounts, the struvite formation results in an expensive process in the leachate treatment. To overcome this issue, in the present work, we developed a simple and suitable method for ammonium removal by the multiple recycling of struvite decomposition residues. In this regard, a procedure for acid dissolution of struvite, produced by using industrial grade reagents, was initially defined. The effect of pH, temperature, and acid type was investigated. The experimental results proved the effectiveness of both hydrochloric and acetic acid, which allow a high and selective release of ammonium at T = 50 °C and pH = 5.5. The multiple reuse of decomposition products, combined with the supplementation of a small quantity of phosphorus and magnesium at molar ratios of n(N):n(Mg):n(P) = 1:0.05:0.05, guarantees stable NH4+ abatement of about 82%. The proposed process allows a cost saving of around to 74% and can be easily applied in industrial treatment plants.
Digital Controller Design Based on Active Damping Method of Capacitor Current Feedback for Auxiliary Resonant Snubber Inverter with LC Filter
Authors: Zhang Hailin , Kou Baoquan , Zhang Lu , Jin Yinxi
Published: November 2016

In some high-performance applications, an LC filter must be added to the auxiliary resonant snubber inverter (ARSI) to reduce the output current ripple. However, resonance occurs due to the additional LC filter, which makes the traditional closed-loop control not suitable to be used directly. Therefore, this paper presents a double-loop digital control based on the active damping method of capacitor current feedback to stabilize the system. Most of the studies on active damping methods are focused on the grid in consideration of zero resistance. However, the load resistance should not be neglected in the drive system. Therefore, the load resistance and digital control delays are considered in this paper. Moreover, an improved loading method is proposed to improve the duty ratio range. In order to verify the effectiveness of the controller, a prototype was developed. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that soft-switching can be realized for the entire load range. The maximum duty ratio is improved by 0.01 by using the proposed loading method. The resonance can be eliminated by using the proposed control method.
Patterns of Dekadal Rainfall Variation Over a Selected Region in Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda
Authors: Mugume Isaac , Mesquita Michel , Basalirwa Charles , Bamutaze Yazidhi , Reuder Joachim , Nimusiima Alex , Waiswa Daniel , Mujuni Godfrey , Tao Sulin , Jacob Ngailo Triphonia
Published: November 2016

Understanding variations in rainfall in tropical regions is important due to its impacts on water resources, health and agriculture. This study assessed the dekadal rainfall patterns and rain days to determine intra-seasonal rainfall variability during the March–May season using the Mann–Kendall ( M K ) trend test and simple linear regression ( S L R ) over the period 2000–2015. Results showed an increasing trend of both dekadal rainfall amount and rain days (third and seventh dekads). The light rain days ( S L R = 0.181; M K = 0.350) and wet days ( S L R = 0.092; M K = 0.118) also depict an increasing trend. The rate of increase of light rain days and wet days during the third dekad (light rain days: S L R = 0.020; M K = 0.279 and wet days: S L R = 0.146; M K = 0.376) was slightly greater than during the seventh dekad (light rain days: S L R = 0.014; M K = 0.018 and wet days: S L R = 0.061; M K = 0.315) dekad. Seventy-four percent accounted for 2–4 consecutive dry days, but no significant trend was detected. The extreme rainfall was increasing over the third ( M K = 0.363) and seventh ( M K = 0.429) dekads. The rainfall amount and rain days were highly correlated (r: 0.43–0.72).
Effect of Porosity on the Thick Electrodes for High Energy Density Lithium Ion Batteries for Stationary Applications
Authors: Singh Madhav , Kaiser Jörg , Hahn Horst
Published: November 2016

A series of 250–350 μ m-thick single-sided lithium ion cell graphite anodes and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes with constant area weight, but varying porosity were prepared. Over this wide thickness range, micron-sized carbon fibers were used to stabilize the electrode structure and to improve electrode kinetics. By choosing the proper porosities for the anode and cathode, kinetic limitations and aging losses during cell cycling could be minimized and energy density improved. The cell (C38%-A48%) exhibits the highest energy density, 441 Wh/L at the C/10 rate, upon cycling at elevated temperature and different C-rates. The cell (C38%-A48%) showed 9% higher gravimetric energy density at C/10 in comparison to the cell with as-coated electrodes.
Gold Nanoparticles for Diagnostics: Advances towards Points of Care
Authors: Cordeiro Mílton , Ferreira Carlos Fábio , Pedrosa Pedro , Lopez António , Baptista Pedro
Published: November 2016

The remarkable physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have prompted developments in the exploration of biomolecular interactions with AuNP-containing systems, in particular for biomedical applications in diagnostics. These systems show great promise in improving sensitivity, ease of operation and portability. Despite this endeavor, most platforms have yet to reach maturity and make their way into clinics or points of care (POC). Here, we present an overview of emerging and available molecular diagnostics using AuNPs for biomedical sensing that are currently being translated to the clinical setting.
Oak Group Planting Produces a Higher Number of Future Crop Trees, with Better Spatial Distribution than Row Planting
Authors: Skiadaresis Georgios , Saha Somidh , Bauhus Jürgen
Published: November 2016

Recent studies have reported superior tree quality and comparable tree growth of oaks planted in group compared with row planting. However, a comparative assessment of the potential future crop trees (PFCTs) between group and row planting is still lacking. Here, we compared the density and tree quality of planted oaks and other naturally regenerated trees between group and row planting. We assessed whether the distribution of PFCTs fulfills the goal of maintaining a spatially homogenous distribution of such crop trees at the stand level by geospatial analysis. We selected 10 group and row planting stands that were either 14 to 15 or 21 to 22 years old. Tree density in group plantings was significantly higher than in row plantings. Stand basal area was higher in row planting in younger stands but comparable to group planting in older stands. The proportion of trees with straight stems and monopodial crowns was higher in groups than in rows. The density and species’ richness of the PFCTs was significantly higher but the number of oak PFCTs was lower in group than in row plantings. In group plantings, naturally regenerated PFCTs contributed to 43% of total PFCTs, but to only 19% in row plantings. Also, the spatial distribution of PFCTs in group plantings was more uniform than in row plantings. Uniform and homogeneous distribution of the PFCTs in group planting stands can facilitate design and conduct of tending operations. Thus, the group planting technique offers not only cost savings in the establishment phase but also additional benefits, including spreading of risks through increased tree species diversity.
Geographical and Temporal Variations in Female Breast Cancer Mortality in the Municipalities of Andalusia (Southern Spain)
Authors: Ocaña-Riola Ricardo , Montaño-Remacha Carmen , Mayoral-Cortés José
Published: November 2016

The last published figures have shown geographical variations in mortality with respect to female breast cancer in European countries. However, national health policies need a dynamic image of the geographical variations within the country. The aim of this paper was to describe the spatial distribution of age-specific mortality rates from female breast cancer in the municipalities of Andalusia (southern Spain) and to analyze its evolution over time from 1981 to 2012. An ecological study was devised. Two spatio-temporal hierarchical Bayesian models were estimated. One of these was used to estimate the age-specific mortality rate for each municipality, together with its time trends, and the other was used to estimate the age-specific rate ratio compared with Spain as a whole. The results showed that 98% of the municipalities exhibited a decreasing or a flat mortality trend for all the age groups. In 2012, the geographical variability of the age-specific mortality rates was small, especially for population groups below 65. In addition, more than 96.6% of the municipalities showed an age-specific mortality rate similar to the corresponding rate for Spain, and there were no identified significant clusters. This information will contribute towards a reflection on the past, present and future of breast cancer outcomes in Andalusia.
Effects of Luteolin and Quercetin in Combination with Some Conventional Antibiotics against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Usman Amin Muhammad , Khurram Muhammad , Khan Taj , Faidah Hani , Ullah Shah Zia , Ur Rahman Shafiq , Haseeb Abdul , Ilyas Muhammad , Ullah Naseem , Umar Khayam Sahibzada , Iriti Marcello
Published: November 2016

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of flavonoids luteolin (L) and quercetin + luteolin (Q + L) in combination with commonly used antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates and S. aureus (ATCC 43300). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of L and Q + L, as well as the MICs of flavonoids in combination with antibiotics were determined and results showed an increased activity of flavonoids with antibiotics. The synergistic, additive, or antagonistic relationships between flavonoids (L and Q + L) and antibiotics were also evaluated, and additive and synergistic effects were observed for some antibiotic + flavonoid combinations. In addition, some combinations were also found to damage the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, as assessed through potassium leakage assay. The effects of flavonoids and flavonoids + antibiotics on mecA gene mutations were also tested, and no functional variation was detected in the coding region.
Pulmonary Function and Incidence of Selected Respiratory Diseases Depending on the Exposure to Ambient PM10
Authors: Badyda Artur , Gayer Anna , Czechowski Piotr , Majewski Grzegorz , Dąbrowiecki Piotr
Published: November 2016

It is essential in pulmonary disease research to take into account traffic-related air pollutant exposure among urban inhabitants. In our study, 4985 people were examined for spirometric parameters in the presented research which was conducted in the years 2008–2012. The research group was divided into urban and rural residents. Traffic density, traffic structure and velocity, as well as concentrations of selected air pollutants (CO, NO2 and PM10) were measured at selected areas. Among people who live in the city, lower percentages of predicted values of spirometric parameters were noticed in comparison to residents of rural areas. Taking into account that the difference in the five-year mean concentration of PM10 in the considered city and rural areas was over 17 μg/m3, each increase of PM10 by 10 μg/m3 is associated with the decline in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume during the first second of expiration) by 1.68%. These findings demonstrate that traffic-related air pollutants may have a significant influence on the decline of pulmonary function and the growing rate of respiratory diseases.
A Discriminative Framework for Action Recognition Using f-HOL Features
Authors: Bakheet Samy , Al-Hamadi Ayoub
Published: November 2016

Inspired by the overwhelming success of Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features in many vision tasks, in this paper, we present an innovative compact feature descriptor called fuzzy Histogram of Oriented Lines (f-HOL) for action recognition, which is a distinct variant of the HOG feature descriptor. The intuitive idea of these features is based on the observation that the slide area of the human body skeleton can be viewed as a spatiotemporal 3D surface, when observing a certain action being performed in a video. The f-HOL descriptor possesses an immense competitive advantage, not only of being quite robust to small geometric transformations where the small translation and rotations make no large fluctuations in histogram values, but also of not being very sensitive under varying illumination conditions. The extracted features are then fed into a discriminative conditional model based on Latent-Dynamic Conditional random fields (LDCRFs) to learn to recognize actions from video frames. When tested on the benchmark Weizmann dataset, the proposed framework substantially supersedes most existing state-of-the-art approaches, achieving an overall recognition rate of 98.2%. Furthermore, due to its low computational demands, the framework is properly amenable for integration into real-time applications.
Joint Modulation Classification and User Number Detection for Multiuser MIMO-STBC Systems
Authors: Qian Guobing , Ruan Zongli , Lu Jianqi
Published: November 2016

The research on non-cooperative multiuser multiple-input multiple-output with space-time block code (MIMO-STBC) communication systems is a challenging and important task. However, to our knowledge, there is little report of this topic. Being two key research issues in this area, modulation classification and user number detection are studied in this paper. We consider both problems jointly as a multiple hypothesis testing problem. Based on this idea, we propose a joint modulation classification and user number detection algorithm for the multiuser MIMO-STBC systems. The proposed method does not require prior knowledge of the propagation channel or noise power, and thus might be suitable for the non-cooperative scenario. Simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Overview of Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Lancaster Cynthia , Teeters Jenni , Gros Daniel , Back Sudie
Published: November 2016

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychological disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. This review summarizes the literature on the epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of PTSD. We provide a review of the characteristics of PTSD along with associated risk factors, and describe brief, evidence-based measures that can be used to screen for PTSD and monitor symptom changes over time. In regard to treatment, we highlight commonly used, evidence-based psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for PTSD. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapies (e.g., Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. A wide variety of pharmacotherapies have received some level of research support for PTSD symptom alleviation, although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have the largest evidence base to date. However, relapse may occur after the discontinuation of pharmacotherapy, whereas PTSD symptoms typically remain stable or continue to improve after completion of evidence-based psychotherapy. After reviewing treatment recommendations, we conclude by describing critical areas for future research.
Optimizing Injection Molding Parameters of Different Halloysites Type-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites via Taguchi Complemented with ANOVA
Authors: Gaaz Tayser , Sulong Abu , Kadhum Abdul , Nassir Mohamed , Al-Amiery Ahmed
Published: November 2016

Halloysite nanotubes-thermoplastic polyurethane (HNTs-TPU) nanocomposites are attractive products due to increasing demands for specialized materials. This study attempts to optimize the parameters for injection just before marketing. The study shows the importance of the preparation of the samples and how well these parameters play their roles in the injection. The control parameters for injection are carefully determined to examine the mechanical properties and the density of the HNTs-TPU nanocomposites. Three types of modified HNTs were used as untreated HNTs (uHNTs), sulfuric acid treated (aHNTs) and a combined treatment of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-malonic acid (MA) (treatment (mHNTs)). It was found that mHNTs have the most influential effect of producing HNTs-TPU nanocomposites with the best qualities. One possible reason for this extraordinary result is the effect of SDS as a disperser and MA as a crosslinker between HNTs and PVA. For the highest tensile strength, the control parameters are demonstrated at 150 °C (injection temperature), 8 bar (injection pressure), 30 °C (mold temperature), 8 min (injection time), 2 wt % (HNTs loading) and mHNT (HNTs type). Meanwhile, the optimized combination of the levels for all six control parameters that provide the highest Young’s modulus and highest density was found to be 150 °C (injection temperature), 8 bar (injection pressure), 32 °C (mold temperature), 8 min (injection time), 3 wt % (HNTs loading) and mHNT (HNTs type). For the best tensile strain, the six control parameters are found to be 160 °C (injection temperature), 8 bar (injection pressure), 32 °C (mold temperature), 8 min (injection time), 2 wt % (HNTs loading) and mHNT (HNTs type). For the highest hardness, the best parameters are 140 °C (injection temperature), 6 bar (injection pressure), 30 °C (mold temperature), 8 min (injection time), 2 wt % (HNTs loading) and mHNT (HNTs type). The analyses are carried out by coordinating Taguchi and ANOVA approaches. Seemingly, mHNTs has shown its very important role in the resulting product.
Effect of Pre-Fatigue on the Monotonic Deformation Behavior of a Coplanar Double-Slip-Oriented Cu Single Crystal
Authors: Li Xiao-Wu , Wang Xiao-Meng , Yan Ying , Guo Wei-Wei , Qi Cheng-Jun
Published: November 2016

The [ 2 ¯ 33 ] coplanar double-slip-oriented Cu single crystals were pre-fatigued up to a saturation stage and then uniaxially tensioned or compressed to fracture. The results show that for the specimen pre-fatigued at a plastic strain amplitude γpl of 9.2 × 10−4, which is located within the quasi-plateau of the cyclic stress-strain (CSS) curve, its tensile strength and elongation are coincidently improved, showing an obvious strengthening effect by low-cycle fatigue (LCF) training. However, for the crystal specimens pre-fatigued at a γpl lower or higher than the quasi-plateau region, due to a low pre-cyclic hardening or the pre-induction of fatigue damage, no marked strengthening effect by LCF training occurs, and even a weakening effect by LCF damage takes place instead. In contrast, the effect of pre-fatigue deformation on the uniaxial compressive behavior is not so significant, since the compressive deformation is in a stress state more beneficial to the ongoing plastic deformation and it is insensitive to the damage induced by pre-cycling. Based on the observations and comparisons of deformation features and dislocation structures in the uniaxially deformed [ 2 ¯ 33 ] crystal specimens which have been pre-fatigued at different γpl, the micro-mechanisms for the effect of pre-fatigue on the static mechanical behavior are discussed.
An Interference-Assisted Thermal Bonding Method for the Fabrication of Thermoplastic Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Gong Yao , Park Jang , Lim Jiseok
Published: November 2016

Solutions for the bonding and sealing of micro-channels in the manufacturing process of microfluidic devices are limited; therefore, further technical developments are required to determine these solutions. In this study, a new bonding method for thermoplastic microfluidic devices was developed by combining an interference fit with a thermal treatment at low pressure. This involved a process of first injection molding thermoplastic substrates with a microchannel structure, and then performing bonding experiments at different bonding conditions. The results indicated the successful bonding of microchannels over a wide range of bonding pressures with the help of the interference fit. The study also determined additional advantages of the proposed bonding method by comparing the method with the conventional thermal bonding method.
The Protective Effects of Icariin against the Homocysteine-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Primary Embryonic Cultures of Rat Cortical Neurons
Authors: Li Xiao-Ang , HO Yuen-Shan , Chen Lei , Hsiao W.L.
Published: November 2016

Icariin, an ingredient in the medicinal herb Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (EbM), has been considered as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a risk factor for AD and other associated neurological diseases. In this study we aim to investigate whether icariin can reverse homocysteine (Hcy)-induced neurotoxicity in primary embryonic cultures of rat cortical neurons. Our findings demonstrated that icariin might be able restore the cytoskeleton network damaged by Hcy through the modulation of acetyl-α-tubulin, tyrosinated-α-tubulin, and phosphorylation of the tubulin-binding protein Tau. In addition, icariin downregulated p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) which is a kinase targeting tau protein. Furthermore, icariin effectively restored the neuroprotective protein p-Akt that was downregulated by Hcy. We also applied RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays focused on genes related to AD and neurotoxicity to examine genes differentially altered by Hcy or icariin. Among the altered genes from the arrays, ADAM9 was downregulated 15 folds in cells treated with Hcy, but markedly restored by icariin. ADAM family, encoded α-secreatase, plays a protective role in AD. Overall, our findings demonstrated that icariin exhibits a strong neuroprotective function and have potential for future development for drug treating neurological disorders, such as AD.
A Comparative Study of Enantioseparations of Nα-Fmoc Proteinogenic Amino Acids on Quinine-Based Zwitterionic and Anion Exchanger-Type Chiral Stationary Phases under Hydro-Organic Liquid and Subcritical Fluid Chromatographic Conditions
Authors: Lajkó Gyula , Grecsó Nóra , Tóth Gábor , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal , Ilisz István
Published: November 2016

The focus of this contribution is a comparative investigation of enantioseparations of 19 Nα-Fmoc proteinogenic amino acids on Quinine-based zwitterionic and anion-exchanger type chiral stationary phases employing hydro-organic and polar-ionic liquid and subcritical fluid chromatographic conditions. Effects of mobile phase composition (including additives, e.g., water, basis and acids) and nature of chiral selectors on the chromatographic performances were studied at different chromatographic modes. Thermodynamic parameters of the temperature dependent enantioseparation results were calculated in the temperature range 5–50 °C applying plots of lnα versus 1/T. The differences in standard enthalpy and standard entropy for a given pair of enantiomers were calculated and served as a basis for comparisons. Elution sequence in all cases was determined, where a general rule could be observed, both in liquid and subcritical fluid chromatographic mode the d-enantiomers eluted before the L ones. In both modes, the principles of ion exchange chromatography apply.
4-Hydroxyisoleucine from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Effects on Insulin Resistance Associated with Obesity
Authors: Avalos-Soriano Anaguiven , De la Cruz-Cordero Ricardo , Rosado Jorge , Garcia-Gasca Teresa
Published: November 2016

Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are interdependent multifactorial processes that cannot be understood separately. Obesity leads to systemic inflammation and increased levels of free fatty acids that provoke IR and lipotoxicity. At the same time, IR exacerbates adipose cell dysfunction, resulting in chronic inflammation and major lipotoxic effects on nonadipose tissues. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-OHIle), a peculiar nonprotein amino acid isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, exhibits interesting effects on IR related to obesity. 4-OHIle increases glucose-induced insulin release, and the insulin response mediated by 4-OHIle depends on glucose concentration. The beneficial effects observed are related to the regulation of blood glucose, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acid levels, and the improvement of liver function. The mechanism of action is related to increased Akt phosphorylation and reduced activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Here, we present a review of the research regarding the insulinotropic and insulin-sensitising activity of 4-OHIle in in vitro and in vivo models.
Retinol Dehydrogenases Regulate Vitamin A Metabolism for Visual Function
Authors: Sahu Bhubanananda , Maeda Akiko
Published: November 2016

The visual system produces visual chromophore, 11-cis-retinal from dietary vitamin A, all-trans-retinol making this vitamin essential for retinal health and function. These metabolic events are mediated by a sequential biochemical process called the visual cycle. Retinol dehydrogenases (RDHs) are responsible for two reactions in the visual cycle performed in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptor cells and Müller cells in the retina. RDHs in the RPE function as 11-cis-RDHs, which oxidize 11-cis-retinol to 11-cis-retinal in vivo. RDHs in rod photoreceptor cells in the retina work as all-trans-RDHs, which reduce all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol. Dysfunction of RDHs can cause inherited retinal diseases in humans. To facilitate further understanding of human diseases, mouse models of RDHs-related diseases have been carefully examined and have revealed the physiological contribution of specific RDHs to visual cycle function and overall retinal health. Herein we describe the function of RDHs in the RPE and the retina, particularly in rod photoreceptor cells, their regulatory properties for retinoid homeostasis and future therapeutic strategy for treatment of retinal diseases.
System Dynamics Modeling for Agricultural and Natural Resource Management Issues: Review of Some Past Cases and Forecasting Future Roles
Authors: Turner Benjamin , Menendez Hector , Gates Roger , Tedeschi Luis , Atzori Alberto
Published: November 2016

Contemporary issues in agriculture and natural resource management (AGNR) span a wide spectrum of challenges and scales—from global climate change to resiliency in national and regional food systems to the sustainability of livelihoods of small-holder farmers—all of which may be characterized as complex problems. With rapid development of tools and technologies over the previous half century (e.g., computer simulation), a plethora of disciplines have developed methods to address individual components of these multifaceted, complex problems, oftentimes neglecting unintended consequences to other systems. A systems thinking approach is needed to (1) address these contemporary AGNR issues given their multi- and interdisciplinary aspects; (2) utilize a holistic perspective to accommodate all of the elements of the problem; and (3) include qualitative and quantitative techniques to incorporate “soft” and “hard” elements into the analyses. System dynamics (SD) methodology is uniquely suited to investigate AGNR given their inherently complex behaviors. In this paper, we review applications of SD to AGNR and discuss the potential contributions and roles of SD in addressing emergent problems of the 21st century. We identified numerous SD cases applied to water, soil, food systems, and smallholder issues. More importantly, several case studies are shown illustrating the tradeoffs between short-term and long-term strategies and the pitfalls of relying on quick fixes to AGNR problems (known as “fixes that backfire” and “shifting the burden”, well-known, commonly occurring, systemic structures—or archetypes—observed across numerous management situations [Senge, P.M. The Fifth Discipline, 1st ed.; Doubleday: New York, NY, USA, 1990.]). We conclude that common attempts to alleviate AGNR problems, across continents and regardless of the type of resources involved, have suffered from reliance on short-term management strategies. To effectively address AGNR problems, longer-term thinking and strategies aimed at fundamental solutions will be needed to better identify and minimize the often delayed, and unintended, consequences arising from feedback between management interventions and AGNR systems.
Incremental and Enhanced Scanline-Based Segmentation Method for Surface Reconstruction of Sparse LiDAR Data
Authors: Wang Weimin , Sakurada Ken , Kawaguchi Nobuo
Published: November 2016

The segmentation of point clouds is an important aspect of automated processing tasks such as semantic extraction. However, the sparsity and non-uniformity of the point clouds gathered by the popular 3D mobile LiDAR devices pose many challenges for existing segmentation methods. To improve the segmentation results of point clouds from mobile LiDAR devices, we propose an optimized segmentation method based on Scanline Continuity Constraint (SLCC) in this work. Unlike conventional scanline-based segmentation methods, SLCC clusters scanlines using the continuity constraints in terms of the distance as well as the direction of two consecutive points. In addition, scanline clusters are agglomerated not only into primitive geometrical shapes but also irregular shapes. Another downside to existing segmentation methods is that they are not capable of incremental processing. This causes unnecessary memory and time consumption for applications that require frame-wise segmentation or when new point clouds are added. In order to address this, we propose an incremental scheme—the Incremental Recursive Segmentation (IRIS), that can be easily applied to any segmentation method. IRIS is achieved by combining the segments of newly added point clouds and the previously segmented results. Furthermore, as an example application, we construct a processing pipeline consisting of plane fitting and surface reconstruction using the segmentation results. Finally, we evaluate the proposed methods on three datasets acquired from a handheld Velodyne HDL-32E LiDAR device. The experimental results verify the efficiency of IRIS for any segmentation method and the advantages of SLCC for processing mobile LiDAR data.