bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative evaluation of peripheral nerve injuries: What is the place for ultrasound?
Authors: Toia Francesca , Gagliardo Andrea , D'Arpa Salvatore , Gagliardo Cesare , Gagliardo Giuseppe , Cordova Adriana
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound in the preoperative workup of peripheral nerve lesions and illustrate how nerve ultrasonography can be integrated in routine clinical and neurophysiological evaluation and in the management of focal peripheral nerve injuries. The diagnostic role and therapeutic implications of ultrasonography for different neuropathies are described.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the use of ultrasound in 119 entrapment, tumoral, posttraumatic, or postsurgical nerve injuries of limbs evaluated in 108 patients during 2013 and 2014. All patients were candidates for surgery, and in all cases the evaluation included clinical examination, electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction study and electromyography), and ultrasound nerve study.

Ultrasound was used to explore the nerve fascicular echotexture, continuity, and surrounding tissues. The maximum cross-sectional area (CSA) and the presence of epineurial hyperechogenicity or intraneural hyper- or hypoechogenicity, of anatomical anomalies, dynamic nerve dislocations, or compressions were recorded.

The concordance rate of neurophysiological and ultrasonographic data was analyzed, classifying ultrasound findings as confirming, contributive, or nonconfirming with respect to electrodiagnostic data. The correlation between maximum nerve CSA and neurophysiological severity degree in entrapment syndromes was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Ultrasonography confirmed electrodiagnostic findings in 36.1% of cases and showed a contributive role in the diagnosis and surgical planning in 53.8% of all cases; the findings were negative (“nonconfirming”) in only 10.1% of the patients. In 16% of cases, ultrasound was not only contributive, but had a key diagnostic role in the presence of doubtful electrodiagnostic findings. The contributive role differed according to etiology, being higher for tumors (100%) and for posttraumatic or postsurgical neuropathies (72.2%) than for entrapment neuropathies (43.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is a powerful, noninvasive tool for the examination of peripheral nerve injuries, and can guide diagnosis of and surgical strategy for focal peripheral nerve injuries. It allows direct visualization of the cause and extent of nerve lesions and finds its place between electrodiagnostic tests and exploratory surgery. It can provide invaluable information, such as the presence and extent of a mass, scar compression, or neuromas. The authors recommend it as a complement to routine clinical and neurophysiological evaluation and as the first-line imaging modality for masses of suspected nerve origin.
Gamma Knife surgery for tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia: targeting both the tumor and the trigeminal root exit zone in a single session
Authors: Kim Sung Kwon , Kim Dong Gyu , Se Young-Bem , Kim Jin Wook , Kim Yong Hwy , Chung Hyun-Tai , Paek Sun Ha
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) represents an alternative treatment for patients with tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia (TRTN). However, in previous studies, the primary GKS target was limited to mass lesions. The authors evaluated whether GKS could target both the tumor and the trigeminal root exit zone (REZ) in a single session while providing durable pain relief and minimizing radiation dose–related complications for TRTN patients.

METHODS

The authors' institutional review board approved the retrospective analysis of data from 15 consecutive patients (6 men and 9 women, median age 67 years, range 45–79 years) with TRTN who had undergone GKS. In all cases, the radiation was delivered in a single session targeting both the tumor and trigeminal REZ. The authors assessed the clinical outcomes, including the extent of pain relief, durability of the treatment response, and complications. Radiation doses to organs at risk (OARs), including the brainstem and the cranial nerve VII–VIII complex, were analyzed as doses received by 2% or 50% of the tissue volume and the tissue volume covered by a dose of 12 Gy (V12Gy).

RESULTS

The median length of clinical follow-up was 38 months (range 12–78 months). Pain relief with GKS was initially achieved in 14 patients (93.3%) and at the last follow-up in 13 patients (86.7%). The actuarial recurrence-free survival rates were 93%, 83%, and 69% at 1, 3, and 5 years after GKS, respectively. Persistent facial numbness was observed in 3 patients (20.0%). There were no complications such as facial weakness, altered taste function, hearing impairment, and balance difficulties indicating impaired function of the cranial nerve VII–VIII complex. The V12Gy in the brainstem was less than or equal to 0.24 cm3 in all patients. There were no significant differences in any OAR values in the brainstem between patients with and without facial numbness after GKS.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of performing GKS for both tumor and trigeminal REZ in a single session is a safe and effective radiosurgical approach that achieves durable pain control for TRTN patients.
Dynamics of circulating hypoxia-mediated miRNAs and tumor response in patients with high-grade glioma treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Siegal Tali , Charbit Hanna , Paldor Iddo , Zelikovitch Bracha , Canello Tamar , Benis Arriel , Wong Michael L. , Morokoff Andrew P. , Kaye Andrew H. , Lavon Iris
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Bevacizumab is an antiangiogenic agent under investigation for use in patients with high-grade glioma. It produces a high rate of radiological response; however, this response should be interpreted with caution because it may reflect normalization of the tumor vasculature and not necessarily a true antitumor effect. The authors previously demonstrated that 4 hypoxia-mediated microRNAs (miRNA)—miR-210, miR-21, miR-10b, and miR-196b—are upregulated in glioma as compared with normal brain tissue. The authors hypothesized that the regulation and expression of these miRNAs would be altered in response to bevacizumab treatment. The object of this study was to perform longitudinal monitoring of circulating miRNA levels in patients undergoing bevacizumab treatment and to correlate it with tumor response.

METHODS

A total of 120 serum samples from 28 patients with high-grade glioma were prospectively collected prior to bevacizumab (n = 15) or temozolomide (TMZ; n = 13) treatment and then longitudinally during treatment. Quantification of the 4 miRNAs was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction using total RNA extracted from the serum. At each time point, tumor response was assessed by Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria and by performing MRI using fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced images.

RESULTS

As compared with pretreatment levels, high levels of miR-10b and miR-21 were observed in the majority of patients throughout the bevacizumab treatment period. miR-10b and miR-21 levels correlated negatively and significantly with changes in enhancing tumor diameters (r = −0.648, p < 0.0001) in the bevacizumab group but not in the TMZ group. FLAIR images and the RANO assessment did not correlate with the sum quantification of these miRNAs in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating levels of miR-10b and miR-21 probably reflect the antiangiogenic effect of therapy, but their role as biomarkers for tumor response remains uncertain and requires further investigation.
Single-fraction versus multifraction spinal stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal metastases from renal cell carcinoma: secondary analysis of Phase I/II trials
Authors: Ghia Amol J. , Chang Eric L. , Bishop Andrew J. , Pan Hubert Y. , Boehling Nicholas S. , Amini Behrang , Allen Pamela K. , Li Jing , Rhines Laurence D. , Tannir Nizar M. , Tatsui Claudio E. , Brown Paul D. , Yang James N.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare fractionation schemes and outcomes of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated in institutional prospective spinal stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) trials who did not previously undergo radiation treatment at the site of the SSRS.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in 2 separate institutional prospective protocols and treated with SSRS between 2002 and 2011 were included. A secondary analysis was performed on patients with previously nonirradiated RCC spinal metastases treated with either single-fraction (SF) or multifraction (MF) SSRS.

RESULTS

SSRS was performed in 47 spinal sites on 43 patients. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range 38–75 years). The most common histological subtype was clear cell (n = 30). Fifteen sites underwent surgery prior to the SSRS, with laminectomy the most common procedure performed (n = 10). All SF SSRS was delivered to a dose of 24 Gy (n = 21) while MF regiments were either 27 Gy in 3 fractions (n = 20) or 30 Gy in 5 fractions (n = 6). The median overall survival duration for the entire cohort was 22.8 months. The median local control (LC) for the entire cohort was 80.6 months with 1-year and 2-year actuarial LC rates of 82% and 68%, respectively. Single-fraction SSRS correlated with improved 1- and 2-year actuarial LC relative to MF SSRS (95% vs 71% and 86% vs 55%, respectively; p = 0.009). On competing risk analysis, SF SSRS showed superior LC to MF SSRS (subhazard ratio [SHR] 6.57, p = 0.014). On multivariate analysis for LC with tumor volume (p = 0.272), number of treated levels (p = 0.819), gross tumor volume (GTV) coverage (p = 0.225), and GTV minimum point dose (p = 0.97) as covariates, MF SSRS remained inferior to SF SSRS (SHR 5.26, p = 0.033)

CONCLUSIONS

SSRS offers durable LC for spinal metastases from RCC. Single-fraction SSRS is associated with improved LC over MF SSRS for previously nonirradiated RCC spinal metastases.
Assessment and Management of Ganga River Water Quality Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques in India
Authors: Kumar Pradip , Kaushal Rajendra Kumar , Nigam Anjani K.
Published: January 2016

Multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied for evaluation of spatial variations and interpretation of large complex water quality data set of the Ganga river basin, generated during one year (2013-2014) monitoring of eight water parameters at seven different sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped seven sampling sites into three clusters, i.e., relatively low polluted (LP), medium polluted (MP) and highly polluted (HP) sites based on the similarity of water quality characteristics. Principal component analysis produced three significant main components and explaining more than 82.9% of the variance (anthropogenic and industrial effect) that present 57.1%, 13.8% and 12% respectively of the total variance of water quality in Ganga river. The result reveals that Turbidity, Dissolved oxygen and Biochemical oxygen demand are the parameters that are most important in assessing variations of water quality. Water quality index based on eight parameters (Turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, pH, TS, TSS and TDS) calculated for all the sites are found to be medium to bad. Thus, this study illustrates the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for analysis, interpretation of complex data sets and understanding spatial variations in water quality for effective river water quality management. The study reveals that untreated industrial and municipal discharges are the major source of the pollution to the Ganga river. Implementation of suitable management plan along with proper sewerage treatment network, maintaining sufficient dilution flow, artificial aeration and watershed management will control the pollution in the Ganga river.
Discovery of Radon in Hot Spring Waters of Odisha in Eastern India
Authors: Das Nachiketa , Morikawa Hiroyo , Sasaki Ken
Published: January 2016

We report here for the very first time ever, a discovery of significant presence of radon in hot spring waters of Odisha in eastern India. Samples of water collected from two hot springs of Atri and Tarabalo of Odisha possess Rn in concentrations of 0.03 × 10−10 Ci/l of water and 19.16 × 10−10 Ci/l of water, respectively. While the Rn content of Atri hot spring is low, the Rn content of Tarabalo is significant and comparable to that of the famous hot springs of Hiroshima in Japan that average around 80 × 10−10 Ci/l of water. Uranium bearing sandstones, mudstones and shales of the underlying Athgarh Sandstones of Gondwanas appear to be the source of Rn.

Waters of Atri and Tarabalo contain small amounts of organic matter, and Tarabalo also contains minor counts of bacteria, which could be easily eliminated with proper maintenance, and these two hot springs can be developed into major health and tourist resorts.
Effective Utilization of Leather Waste for Cultivation of Bacteria
Authors: Kumar Rajendran , Kanth Swarna V. , Sasi V. , Jagan G. , Sen Shampa
Published: January 2016

Environmental pollution is one of the major problems associated with rapid industrialization in developing countries. Tanneries generate huge amount of solid waste. Leather waste has been utilized for land filling, preparation of boards, soil fertilizer and animal feed. In the present study, solid leather waste was hydrolyzed with acid and alkali. The tanning agent was removed from the hydrolysate. The hydrolysate was analyzed for protein/amino acid content. The hydrolysate along with agar was used as solid media (Leather Hydrolysate Agar) for the cultivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The significant growth of bacteria on leather hydrolysate agar shows the possible use of leather waste hydrolysate in the preparation of microbiological media as well as supplement to bacteriological media.
Exposure Assessment to Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene (BTEX) in Gas Stations in Central Region of Iran
Authors: Ebrahemzadih Mehrzad , Abadi Abolfazl Barkhordari Firooz , Giahi Omid , Tahmasebi Nasim
Published: January 2016

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene are among the volatile organic compounds with similar physical and chemical properties. BTEX present in gas enters the urban atmosphere through vapourization from the gas in gas stations. Hence, the gas station workers are exposed to these hazardous vapours. The purpose of this study was to optimize the conditions of BTEX extraction from air samples using the solid phase microextraction (SPME) and measure the rate of pollution in Yazd gas stations in central region of Iran. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study in which 13 gas stations were selected randomly. Air sampling was done in 35 gas stations at the end of the morning shift. The air samples were collected with Tedlar gas sampling bags and analyzed using SPME fibre via gas chromatography with FDI. The findings of the study showed that most of the area under curve belonged to the fibre polydimethyl cyclohexan-carboxen (PDMS/CAR) compared to other two types of fibre. Also, the extraction time and sample recycling time from the fibre were determined to be 1 and 3 min, respectively. The mean concentration of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene were 1932 ± 807 μg/m3, 667 ± 405 μg/m3, 148 ± 89 μg/m3 and 340 ± 216 μg/m3, respectively. The mean concentration of air benzene was higher than the permissible standard rate recommended by the National Technical Committee of Occupational Health (0.5 PPM), while the concentrations of toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene were less than the permissible limits.
Mineral-Water Interfacial Reactions and Their Effect on Elemental Mobilisation
Authors: Pandey Piyush Kant , Verma Yashu , Shweta Choubey
Published: January 2016

Laboratory measurements of water samples from a range of environments in the Bhilai region demonstrated the ability to identify characteristic features of groundwater quality. This study focusses on geology and hydrology of the studied site to evaluate the ability to locate the source of contamination, either geological or concentration of mine drainage or industrial pollution causing adverse quality of potable water in some areas of this region. Monitoring the groundwater at periodic intervals over a two-year period provided information on the production and transport of pollutant. During analysis of the water samples concentration of redox species such as Fe2+ and S2− were found significantly above their detection limits. Anomalous high concentration of ferrous iron Fe2+ (65 ppm) and sulphide S2− (24 ppm) witnessed in various areas are indicative of the reducing conditions of the ground water. The majority of bore wells and hand-pump samples clustered towards the Ca-Mg-HCO3 regime of the phase diagram. In contrast to increased concentrations of Fe2+, an increased alkalinity up to 700 ppm has been observed which makes the study significant. A correlation study indicated that the iron and sulphide anomaly is primarily related to point source contamination.
Comparative Analyses of Physico-chemical Characteristics in Surface Water Sources of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India
Authors: Smitha Asok V. , Sobha V. , Navami S.S.
Published: January 2016

Water pollution is a major problem worldwide, the management of which requires continuous monitoring and the effective implementation of water resource policy at all levels. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the water quality of three major sub-tributaries of Shendurney river viz. Kallar, Shendurney and Uruliyar which drains through the Shendurney wildlife sanctuary which also forms the catchment of the Kallada reservoir. The reservoir was also brought into the purview of the study and the results revealed a general trend of increasing pollution load from upstream to the downstream. Values of parameters such as pH and DO are higher in samples from the upstream whereas the BOD values which indicate the high concentration of organic matter is higher in the downstream portion of the three streams. The results of the study indicate the deterioration caused due to human interference in the outer and buffer zones of the protected area.
A Comparative Study on the Infiltration Characteristics of Soils in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Chandramouli S. , Natarajan N.
Published: January 2016

The groundwater resources are decreasing day by day as less amount of rainfall is contributing to natural recharge on one hand and on the other, there is rapid infra-structure development. So there is an urgent need for artificial recharge of groundwater. For effective planning and management of artificial recharge systems in an area, one needs to understand the infiltration characteristics of that region. The present study is aimed to estimate the infiltration characteristics based on the experimental data obtained by using double ring infiltrometer. This study has a scope for understanding the variation of the infiltration capacity with respect to space as well as time and identification of the most suitable mathematical model to be adopted for infiltration. The infiltration tests were conducted in the study area at ten locations in three different seasons and the infiltration capacity was modelled using Horton, Philip and Kostiakov. The model parameters obtained are highly fluctuating with respect to time and space indicating that the infiltration equation is highly location and season specific. The f0 and fc values (Horton’s model) are very high in the pre-monsoon season when compared to the post-monsoon season since the soil is dry and the ability of the soil to allow rain to permeate through it is very high. Horton’s model is considered as to be the best amongst the three models considered for this study based on the comparison with the field data.
Molecular Signaling Mechanisms of Natural and Synthetic Retinoids for Inhibition of Pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chakrabarti Mrinmay , McDonald Alexander J. , Will Reed J. , Moss Melissa A. , Das Bhaskar C. , Ray Swapan K.
Published: January 2016

Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, interact through retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and have profound effects on several physiological and pathological processes in the brain. The presence of retinoic acid signaling is extensively detected in the adult central nervous system, including the amygdala, cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and other brain areas. Retinoids are primarily involved in neural patterning, differentiation, and axon outgrowth. Retinoids also play a key role in the preservation of the differentiated state of adult neurons. Impairment in retinoic acid signaling can result in neurodegeneration and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies demonstrated severe deficiencies in spatial learning and memory in mice during retinoic acid (vitamin A) deprivation indicating its significance in preserving memory function. Defective cholinergic neurotransmission plays an important role in cognitive deficits in AD. All-trans retinoic acid is known to enhance the expression and activity of choline acetyltransferase in neuronal cell lines. Activation of RAR and RXR is also known to impede the pathogenesis of AD in mice by inhibiting accumulation of amyloids. In addition, retinoids have been shown to inhibit the expression of chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia and astrocytes, which are activated in AD. In this review article, we have described the chemistry and molecular signaling mechanisms of natural and synthetic retinoids and current understandings of their therapeutic potentials in prevention of AD pathology.
Beneficial Effects of an Integrated Psychostimulation Program in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ibarria Marta ,   for the Fundació ACE Alzheimer Research Center and Memory Clinic, Alegret Montserrat , Valero Sergi , Morera Amèrica , Guitart Marina , Cañabate Pilar , Moreno Mariola , Lara Susana , Diego Susana , Hernández Joan , Tantinyá Natàlia , Vera Maribel , Hernández Isabel , Becker James T. , Ruíz Agustín , Boada Mercè , Tárraga Lluís
Published: January 2016

Background: The existing pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can only slow the progression of symptoms or delay admission to long-term care facilities. The beneficial effects of non-drug treatments are poorly studied. Objective: To describe the effects of an Integrated Psychostimulation Program (IPP) in patients with mild-moderate AD treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; and to identify factors related to greater benefit of the IPP. Methods: 206 patients (mean age = 75.9 years; MMSE = 19.6) were evaluated before starting the IPP and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. Measures included: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Subscale of Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), Rapid Disability Rating Scale (RDRS-2), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Results: Patients remained cognitively stable (MMSE/ADAS-Cog) for more than 6 months and significantly worsened at 9-month and 12-month follow-ups, without clinically significant functional changes (RDRS-2) or psychiatric symptoms(NPI-Q). The mean annual change on MMSE and ADAS-Cog were 2.06 and 3.56 points, respectively, lower than the annual decline demonstrated previously in similar patients (2.4 and 4.5, respectively). 42.7% of patients maintained or improved global cognitive scores between baseline and 12-month follow-up. The patients who maintained cognitive functions were older than those who did not (77.5 versus 74.7 years). Conclusions: The IPP may be an effective treatment to maintain cognition, functionality, and psychiatric symptoms in AD patients pharmacologically treated, and older age seems to increase beneficial effects of IPP.
Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Detects White Matter Changes in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chang Yu-Ling , Yen Yu-Shiuan , Chen Ta-Fu , Yan Sui-Hing , Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the putative changes in regional gray matter and cingulum bundle segments in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using two diagnostic criteria. Participants comprised 50 older adults with MCI and 22 healthy older controls (HC). The older adults with MCI were further divided into two groups defined by a global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0.5 and with (the CDR/NPT MCI group) or without (the CDR MCI group) objective cognitive impairments determined using neuropsychological tests (NPTs). Comparable regional gray matter integrity was observed among the three groups. However, the integrity of the right inferior segment of the cingulum bundle in the two MCI groups was more reduced than that in the HC group, and the CDR/NPT MCI group exhibited additional disruption in the left inferior cingulum bundle. The results also demonstrated that neuropsychological measures have greater predictive value for changes in white matter beyond the contribution of an informant-based instrument alone. Overall, the findings confirm the utility of informant-based assessment in detecting microstructural brain changes in high-risk older adults, even before objective cognitive impairment is evident. The findings also suggest that combining the neuropsychological measures with the informant-based assessment provided the greatest predictive value in assessing white matter disruption. The essential role of the white matter measurement as a biomarker for detecting individuals at a high risk of developing dementia was highlighted.
The Anti-Amyloid-β Monoclonal Antibody 4G8 Recognizes a Generic Sequence-Independent Epitope Associated with α-Synuclein and Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Hatami Asa , Monjazeb Sanaz , Glabe Charles
Published: January 2016

Recently we reported that several monoclonal antibodies that recognize linear segments of amyloid-β (Aβ) also recognize amyloid fibrils, but not monomers of unrelated sequences, indicating that recognition of a linear sequence segment is not a reliable indicator of sequence specificity. We asked whether any of the commonly used commercially available Aβ antibodies also recognize fibrils of unrelated sequence. Here we report that 4G8, which recognizes residues 18–23 of the Aβ sequence and is widely believed to be sequence-specific, also recognizes fibrils formed from α-synuclein and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). The recognition of amyloid fibrils is aggregation-dependent because 4G8 does not recognize α-synuclein or IAPP monomer. 4G8 also stains fibrillar α-synuclein aggregates in human multiple system atrophy brain where it colocalizes with anti-α-synuclein monoclonal antibody LB509 immunoreactivity. We also found that LB509 recognizes Aβ fibrils, but not monomer, indicating that generic epitope-reactive antibodies are also produced in response to α-synuclein immunization. Taken together, our results indicate that generic fibril conformational epitope specificity may be a pervasive property among monoclonal antibodies raised against amyloid-forming antigens and that the specificity of their immunoreactivity should be rigorously established and otherwise interpreted with caution.
Cohort Effects in the Prevalence and Survival of People with Dementia in a Rural Area in Northern Sweden
Authors: Wimo Anders , Sjölund Britt-Marie , Sköldunger Anders , Qiu Chengxuan , Klarin Inga , Nordberg Gunilla , von Strauss Eva
Published: January 2016

Background: Recent studies suggest that trends in cardiovascular risk may result in a decrease in age-specific prevalence of dementia. Studies in rural areas are rare. Objectives: To study cohort effects in dementia prevalence and survival of people with dementia in a Swedish rural area. Methods: Participants were from the 1995-1998 Nordanstig Project (NP) (n = 303) and the 2001-2003 Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Nordanstig (SNAC-N) (n = 384). Overall 6-year dementia prevalence and mortality in NP and SNAC-N were compared for people 78 years and older. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dementia occurrence using the NP study population as the reference group. Cox regression models were used to analyze time to death. Results: The crude prevalence of dementia was 21.8% in NP and 17.4% in SNAC-N. When the NP cohort was used as the reference group, the age- and gender-adjusted OR of dementia was 0.71 (95% CI 0.48–1.04) in SNAC-N; the OR was 0.47 (0.24–0.90) for men and 0.88 (0.54–1.44) for women. In the extended model, the OR of dementia was significantly lower in SNAC-N than in the NP cohort as a whole (0.63; 0.39–0.99) and in men (0.34; 0.15–0.79), but not in women (0.81; 0.46–1.44). The Cox regression models indicated that the hazard ratio of dying was lower in the SNAC-N than NP population. Conclusions: Trends toward a lower prevalence of dementia in high-income countries seem to be evident in this Swedish rural area, at least in men.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status Enhances the Prevention of Cognitive Decline by B Vitamins in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Oulhaj Abderrahim , Jernerén Fredrik , Refsum Helga , Smith A. David , de Jager Celeste A.
Published: January 2016

A randomized trial (VITACOG) in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) found that B vitamin treatment to lower homocysteine slowed the rate of cognitive and clinical decline. We have used data from this trial to see whether baseline omega-3 fatty acid status interacts with the effects of B vitamin treatment. 266 participants with MCI aged ≥70 years were randomized to B vitamins (folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12) or placebo for 2 years. Baseline cognitive test performance, clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale, and plasma concentrations of total homocysteine, total docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (omega-3 fatty acids) were measured. Final scores for verbal delayed recall, global cognition, and CDR sum-of-boxes were better in the B vitamin-treated group according to increasing baseline concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, whereas scores in the placebo group were similar across these concentrations. Among those with good omega-3 status, 33% of those on B vitamin treatment had global CDR scores >0 compared with 59% among those on placebo. For all three outcome measures, higher concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid alone significantly enhanced the cognitive effects of B vitamins, while eicosapentaenoic acid appeared less effective. When omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are low, B vitamin treatment has no effect on cognitive decline in MCI, but when omega-3 levels are in the upper normal range, B vitamins interact to slow cognitive decline. A clinical trial of B vitamins combined with omega-3 fatty acids is needed to see whether it is possible to slow the conversion from MCI to AD.
Compact antenna with modified L-shape feed line for dual band operation
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhuang Yiqi , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Yanlong , Qi Zengwei , Ren Xiaojiao
Published: January 2016

A low profile planar monopole antenna with a small stub fed by a bent microstrip line with high gain is presented for RFID reader applications. The proposed antenna operates in microwave band of RFID, namely, 2.4 GHz band and 5.8 GHz band. A wide impedance bandwidth of 820 MHz has been achieved from 2 GHz to 2.82 GHz for the lower band, while the upper band covers 500 MHz from 5.6 GHz to 6.1 GHz. This paper minimizes the size of the antenna through modifying L-shape microstrip feed line. The antenna has a compact size of 40 mm × 37.5 mm × 1.6 mm, however, with a high gain critical for RFID reader applications. The antenna achieves 4.3 dBi and 8.1 dBi in 2.4 GHz band and 5.8 GHz band, respectively. Furthermore, crucial parameters are investigated to examine the effects of the antenna parameters on reflection coefficient as well as the impedance bandwidth of the antenna.
A compact disc-shaped super wideband patch antenna with a structure of parasitic element
Authors: Islam M.M. , Islam M.T. , Faruque M.R.I. , Misran N. , Samsuzzaman M. , Hossain M.I. , Alam T.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a disc-shaped monopole antenna has been investigated for super-wideband applications with a structure of parasitic element. The proposed SWB antenna consists of disc-shaped patch and a partial ground plane with a structure of parasitic element. The parasitic element consists of 4 rectangular embedded slots on the ground plane. This parasitic element on the ground plane leads the UWB frequency band into the SWB frequency band. This proposed SWB antenna is fed by a microstrip line and is printed on low dielectric FR4 material of 1.6 mm thickness. All the simulations are performed using commercially available, finite element method (FEM) based Ansoft high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software and CST Microwave Studio. Measured results exhibit that the proposed disc-shaped antenna shows a wide bandwidth which covers from 2.90 GHz to more than 20 GHz, with a compact dimension of 25 mm × 33 mm for VSWR< 2, observing a SWB frequency. A good combination is noticed between simulation and measurement. The simple construction, sharply, surface current flow, much impedance bandwidth, nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns, stable peak gain (3.20-6.22 dBi) and a considerable bandwidth dimension ratio (≥ 2062. 22) are a good deal sounder than the existing super wideband antennas which make it appropriate for many wireless communication systems such as L, C, X, UWB, Ku, and SWB bands.
A quadrilateral shape broadband antenna for wireless application
Authors: Alam T. , Islam M.T. , Faruque M.R.I. , Mansor F. , Arshad H. , Samsuzzaman M.
Published: January 2016

A novel compact microstrip patch circularly polarised antenna for mobile wireless application is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is incorporated with quadrilateral shape radiator, inverted S-shape partial ground plane and 50Ω microstrip feed line. A wide impedance bandwidth of 109.13%(1.69-5.75 GHz with measured 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 22.22%(2-2.5 GHz) is realized with overall electrical size of 0.26 λ × 0.21 λ × 0.01 λ at lower-end frequency. The antenna also exhibits good performance of circular polarization (CP) radiation with lower 3d B AR beamwidth of ± 60°. In addition, the specific absorption rate of the presented antenna is analysed.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Algorithms in 2015
Authors:   Algorithms Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Algorithms would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Aerospace in 2015
Authors:   Aerospace Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Aerospace would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Agronomy in 2015
Authors:   Agronomy Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of agronomy would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Biosensors in 2015
Authors:   Biosensors Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Biosensors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Catalysts in 2015
Authors:   Catalysts Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Catalysts would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Study on the Relation between the Mn/Al Mixed Oxides Composition and Performance of FCC Sulfur Transfer Agent
Authors: Jiang Ruiyu , Yu Shuanglin , Zhou Yudong , Zhu Tao
Published: January 2016

A sulfur transfer agent in catalysts can effectively reduce the emission of SO2 with minimum adverse effects on the catalytic cracking ability of the primary catalyst. In this paper, the composition and performance of sulfur transfer agents with different oxidative active components (such as Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Ba, Zn and Cr) were prepared by acid peptization technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and N2 adsorption-desorption technique. The relationship between the composition and performance of the new sulfur transfer agents was investigated and the regeneration and recycling of the agents were performed. The results indicates that copper is a very good desulfurization active component. Moreover, the presence of CO has no significant effect on the absorption ability of SO2 by the sulfur transfer agent.
The Role of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Proteolysis Site Cleavage of Polycystin-1 in Renal Physiology and Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Trudel Marie , Yao Qin , Qian Feng
Published: January 2016

Polycystin-1 (PC1) plays an essential role in renal tubular morphogenesis, and PC1 dysfunction causes human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A fundamental characteristic of PC1 is post-translational modification via cleavage at the juxtamembrane GPCR proteolysis site (GPS) motif that is part of the larger GAIN domain. Given the considerable biochemical complexity of PC1 molecules generated in vivo by this process, GPS cleavage has several profound implications on the intracellular trafficking and localization in association with their particular function. The critical nature of GPS cleavage is further emphasized by the increasing numbers of PKD1 mutations that significantly affect this cleavage process. The GAIN domain with the GPS motif therefore represents the key structural element with fundamental importance for PC1 and might be polycystic kidney disease’s (PKD) Achilles’ heel in a large spectrum of PKD1 missense mutations. We highlight the central roles of PC1 cleavage for the regulation of its biogenesis, intracellular trafficking and function, as well as its significance in polycystic kidney disease.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Chromatography in 2015
Authors:   Chromatography Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Chromatography would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Development of Antibacterial Composite Films Based on Isotactic Polypropylene and Coated ZnO Particles for Active Food Packaging
Authors: Silvestre Clara , Duraccio Donatella , Marra Antonella , Strongone Valentina , Cimmino Sossio
Published: January 2016

This study was aimed at developing new films based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) for food packaging applications using zinc oxide (ZnO) with submicron dimension particles obtained by spray pyrolysis. To improve compatibility with iPP, the ZnO particles were coated with stearic acid (ZnOc). Composites based on iPP with 2 wt % and 5 wt % of ZnOc were prepared in a twin-screw extruder and then filmed by a calender. The effect of ZnOc on the properties of iPP were assessed and compared with those obtained in previous study on iPP/ZnO and iPP/iPPgMA/ZnO. For all composites, a homogeneous distribution and dispersion of ZnOc was obtained indicating that the coating with stearic acid of the ZnO particles reduces the surface polarity mismatch between iPP and ZnO. The iPP/ZnOc composite films have relevant antibacterial properties with respect to E. coli, higher thermal stability and improved mechanical and impact properties than the pure polymer and the composites iPP/ZnO and iPP/iPPgMA/ZnO. This study demonstrated that iPP/ZnOc films are suitable materials for potential application in the active packaging field.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Computation in 2015
Authors:   Computation Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Computation would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Cosmetics in 2015
Authors:   Cosmetics Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Cosmetics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Early Dementia Screening
Authors: Panegyres Peter , Berry Renee , Burchell Jennifer
Published: January 2016

As the population of the world increases, there will be larger numbers of people with dementia and an emerging need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early dementia screening is the process by which a patient who might be in the prodromal phases of a dementing illness is determined as having, or not having, the hallmarks of a neurodegenerative condition. The concepts of mild cognitive impairment, or mild neurocognitive disorder, are useful in analyzing the patient in the prodromal phase of a dementing disease; however, the transformation to dementia may be as low as 10% per annum. The search for early dementia requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation, cognitive assessment, determination of functional status, corroborative history and imaging (including MRI, FDG-PET and maybe amyloid PET), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination assaying Aβ1–42, T-τ and P-τ might also be helpful. Primary care physicians are fundamental in the screening process and are vital in initiating specialist investigation and treatment. Early dementia screening is especially important in an age where there is a search for disease modifying therapies, where there is mounting evidence that treatment, if given early, might influence the natural history—hence the need for cost-effective screening measures for early dementia.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Dentistry Journal in 2015
Authors:   Dentistry Journal Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Dentistry Journal would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015 [...]
Average Contrastive Divergence for Training Restricted Boltzmann Machines
Authors: Ma Xuesi , Wang Xiaojie
Published: January 2016

This paper studies contrastive divergence (CD) learning algorithm and proposes a new algorithm for training restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs). We derive that CD is a biased estimator of the log-likelihood gradient method and make an analysis of the bias. Meanwhile, we propose a new learning algorithm called average contrastive divergence (ACD) for training RBMs. It is an improved CD algorithm, and it is different from the traditional CD algorithm. Finally, we obtain some experimental results. The results show that the new algorithm is a better approximation of the log-likelihood gradient method and outperforms the traditional CD algorithm.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Electronics in 2015
Authors:   Electronics Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Electronics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Correction: Ding, X.; Liu, G.; Du, M.; Guo, H.; Qiao, H. and Gerada, C. Development of an Axial Flux MEMS BLDC Micromotor with Increased Efficiency and Power Density. Energies 2015, 8, 6608–6626
Authors: Ding Xiaofeng , Liu Guanliang , Du Min , Guo Hong , Qian Hao , Gerada Christopher
Published: January 2016

We wish to make the following change to the published paper [1]. The name of the corresponding author should be “Hao Qian” instead of “Hao Qiao”. [...]
Erratum: Ellegård, K. and Palm, J. Who Is Behaving? Consequences for Energy Policy of Concept Confusion. Energies 2015, 8, 7618–7637
Authors:   Energies Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

We wish to make the following correction to the published paper [1]. [...]
The Concept, Design and Performance of a Novel Rotary Kiln Type Air-Staged Biomass Gasifier
Authors: Shi Huiyuan , Si Wen , Li Xi
Published: January 2016

Tar formation is the main bottleneck for biomass gasification technology. A novel rotary kiln type biomass gasification process was proposed. The concept design was based on air staging and process separation. This concept was demonstrated on a pilot scale rotary kiln reactor under ambient pressure and autothermic conditions. The pilot scale gasifier was divided into three different reaction regions, which were oxidative degradation, partial oxidation and char gasification. A series of tests was conducted to investigate the effect of key parameters. The results indicate that under optimum operating conditions, a fuel gas with high heat value of about 5500 kJ/Nm3 and gas production rate of 2.32 Nm3/kg could be produced. Tar concentration in the fuel gas could be reduced to 108 mg/Nm3 (at the gasifier outlet) and 38 mg/Nm3 (after gas conditioning). The cold gas efficiency and carbon conversion rate reached 75% and 78%, respectively. The performance of this gasification system shows considerable potential for implementation in distributed electricity and heat supply projects.
Device Performance Improvement of Double-Pass Wire Mesh Packed Solar Air Heaters under Recycling Operation Conditions
Authors: Ho Chii-Dong , Chang Hsuan , Lin Chun-Sheng , Chao Chun-Chieh , Tien Yi-En
Published: January 2016

The improvement of device performance of a recycling solar air heater featuring a wire mesh packing was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The application of the wire mesh packing and recycle-effect concept to the present study were proposed aiming to strengthen the convective heat-transfer coefficient due to increased turbulence. Comparisons were made among different designs, including the single-pass, flat-plate double-pass and recycling double-pass wire mesh packed operations. The collector efficiency of the recycling double-pass wire mesh packed solar air heater was much higher than that of the other configurations for various recycle ratios and mass flow rates scenarios. The power consumption increment due to implementing wire mesh in solar air heaters was also discussed considering the economic feasibility. A fairly good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements was achieved with an analyzed error of 1.07%–9.32%.
Strengthening of Corroded Reinforced SCC-RAP Members with CFRP
Authors: Abdel-Mohti Ahmed , Shen Hui
Published: January 2016

Corrosion is one of the major problems affecting the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This paper investigates the effect of rebar corrosion on the performance of reinforced self-consolidating concrete (SCC) members and the effectiveness of repair. A control RC member, which has no corrosion problem, was prepared to compare against corroded and repaired members. A number of reinforced concrete members having up to 50% corrosion level were constructed and tested to study the effect of corrosion on the structural performance of RC members. The beams with corrosion problem were repaired using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and U-wraps. All of the beams constructed, which are either not repaired or repaired, in this study were tested under two static line loads until failure. The effect of corrosion and effectiveness of repairing technique were assessed by evaluating the performance in terms of load carrying capacity, deflection, and ductility. Test results revealed that as the corrosion level increases, the loss in load carrying capacity increases. Repairing using CFRP improved the performance of corroded members. For example, when 50% corrosion level was achieved, the beam lost approximately 57% of its load carrying capacity, but when it was repaired, it recovered about 42% of its load carrying capacity.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Foods in 2015
Authors:   Foods Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Foods would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Genes in 2015
Authors:   Genes Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Genes would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Hydrology in 2015
Authors:   Hydrology Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Hydrology would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]