bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating maar–diatreme volcanic systems in bench-scale experiments
Authors: Andrews R. G. , White J. D. L. , Dürig T. , Zimanowski B.
Published: November 2015

Maar–diatreme eruptions are incompletely understood, and explanations for the processes involved in them have been debated for decades. This study extends bench-scale analogue experiments previously conducted on maar–diatreme systems and attempts to scale the results up to both field-scale experimentation and natural volcanic systems to produce a reconstructive toolkit for maar volcanoes. These experimental runs produced via multiple mechanisms complex deposits that match many features seen in natural maar–diatreme deposits. The runs include deeper single blasts, series of descending discrete blasts, and series of ascending blasts. Debris-jet inception and diatreme formation are indicated by this study to involve multiple types of granular fountains within diatreme deposits produced under varying initial conditions. It is not possible to infer the energies of single blasts in multiple-blast series from the final deposits. The depositional record of blast sequences can be ascertained from the proportion of fallback sedimentation versus maar ejecta rim material, the final crater size and the degree of overturning or slumping of accessory strata. Quantitatively, deeper blasts involve a roughly equal partitioning of energy into crater excavation energy versus mass movement of juvenile material, whereas shallower blasts expend a much greater proportion of energy in crater excavation.

Supplementary materials:

Five video files, 12 figures and three tables are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18890
.
Identification of an RNA-binding protein that is phosphorylated by PTH and potentially mediates PTH-induced destabilization of Npt2a mRNA
Authors: Murray Rebecca D. , Merchant Michael L. , Hardin Ericka , Clark Barbara , Khundmiri Syed J. , Lederer Eleanor D.
Published: November 2015

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key regulator of the expression and function of the type IIa sodium-phosphate cotransporter (Npt2a), the protein responsible for regulated renal phosphate reabsorption. We previously showed that PTH induces rapid decay of Npt2a mRNA through posttranscriptional mechanisms. We hypothesized that PTH-induced changes in RNA-binding protein (RBP) activity mediate the degradation of Npt2a mRNA. To address this aim, we treated opossum kidney (OK) cells, a PTH-sensitive proximal tubule cell culture model, with 100 nM PTH for 30 min and 2 h, followed by mass spectrometry characterization of the PTH-stimulated phosphoproteome. We identified 1,182 proteins differentially phosphorylated in response to PTH, including 68 RBPs. Preliminary analysis identified a phospho-RBP, hnRNPK-homology-type-splicing regulatory protein (KSRP), with predicted binding sites for the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of Npt2a mRNA. Western blot analysis confirmed expression of KSRP in OK cells and showed PTH-dependent translocation to the nucleus. Immunoprecipitation of KSRP from control and PTH-treated cells followed by RNA isolation and RT-quantitative PCR analysis identified Npt2a mRNA from both control and PTH-treated KSRP pulldowns. Knockdown of KSRP followed by PTH treatment showed that KSRP is required for mediating PTH-stimulated reduction in sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 mRNA, but not Npt2a mRNA. We conclude that 1) PTH is a major regulator of both transcription and translation, and 2) KSRP binds Npt2a mRNA but its role in PTH regulation of Npt2a mRNA is not clear.
LRRC10 is required to maintain cardiac function in response to pressure overload
Authors: Brody Matthew J. , Feng Li , Grimes Adrian C. , Hacker Timothy A. , Olson Timothy M. , Kamp Timothy J. , Balijepalli Ravi C. , Lee Youngsook
Published: November 2015

We previously reported that the cardiomyocyte-specific leucine-rich repeat containing protein (LRRC)10 has critical functions in the mammalian heart. In the present study, we tested the role of LRRC10 in the response of the heart to biomechanical stress by performing transverse aortic constriction on Lrrc10-null ( Lrrc10−/−) mice. Mild pressure overload induced severe cardiac dysfunction and ventricular dilation in Lrrc10−/−mice compared with control mice. In addition to dilation and cardiomyopathy, Lrrc10−/−mice showed a pronounced increase in heart weight with pressure overload stimulation and a more dramatic loss of cardiac ventricular performance, collectively suggesting that the absence of LRRC10 renders the heart more disease prone with greater hypertrophy and structural remodeling, although rates of cardiac fibrosis and myocyte dropout were not different from control mice. Lrrc10−/−cardiomyocytes also exhibited reduced contractility in response to β-adrenergic stimulation, consistent with loss of cardiac ventricular performance after pressure overload. We have previously shown that LRRC10 interacts with actin in the heart. Here, we show that His150of LRRC10 was required for an interaction with actin, and this interaction was reduced after pressure overload, suggesting an integral role for LRRC10 in the response of the heart to mechanical stress. Importantly, these experiments demonstrated that LRRC10 is required to maintain cardiac performance in response to pressure overload and suggest that dysregulated expression or mutation of LRRC10 may greatly sensitize human patients to more severe cardiac disease in conditions such as chronic hypertension or aortic stenosis.
Physiological and molecular ontogeny of branchial and extra-branchial urea excretion in posthatch rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Wood Chris M.
Published: November 2015

All teleost fish produce ammonia as a metabolic waste product. In embryos, ammonia excretion is limited by the chorion, and fish must detoxify ammonia by synthesizing urea via the ornithine urea cycle (OUC). Although urea is produced by embryos and larvae, urea excretion (Jurea) is typically low until yolk sac absorption, increasing thereafter. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological and molecular characteristics of Jureaby posthatch rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Following hatch, whole body urea concentration decreased over time, while Jureaincreased following yolk sac absorption. From 12 to 40 days posthatch (dph), extra-branchial routes of excretion accounted for the majority of Jurea, while the gills became the dominant site for Jureaonly after 55 dph. This represents the most delayed branchial ontogeny of any process studied to date. Urea transporter (UT) gene expression in the gills and skin increased over development, consistent with increases in branchial and extra-branchial Jurea. Following exposure to 25 mmol/l urea, the accumulation and subsequent elimination of exogenous urea was much greater at 55 dph than 12 dph, consistent with increased UT expression. Notably, UT gene expression in the gills of 55 dph larvae increased in response to high urea. In summary, there is a clear increase in urea transport capacity over posthatch development, despite a decrease in OUC activity.
PTH modulation of NCC activity regulates TRPV5 Ca2+reabsorption
Authors: Hoover Robert S. , Tomilin Viktor , Hanson Lauren , Pochynyuk Oleh , Ko Benjamin
Published: November 2015

Since parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to increase transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)5 activity and decrease Na+-Cl−cotransporter (NCC) activity, we hypothesized that decreased NCC-mediated Na+reabsorption contributes to the enhanced TRPV5 Ca2+reabsorption seen with PTH. To test this, we used mDCT15 cells expressing functional TRPV5 and ruthenium red-sensitive45Ca2+uptake. PTH increased45Ca2+uptake to 8.8 ± 0.7 nmol·mg−1·min−1( n = 4, P < 0.01) and decreased NCC activity from 75.4 ± 2.7 to 20.3 ± 1.3 nmol·mg−1·min−1( n = 4, P < 0.01). Knockdown of Ras guanyl-releasing protein (RasGRP)1 had no baseline effect on45Ca2+uptake but significantly attenuated the response to PTH from a 45% increase (6.0 ± 0.2 to 8.7 ± 0.4 nmol·mg−1·min−1) in control cells to only 20% in knockdown cells (6.1 ± 0.1 to 7.3 ± 0.2 nmol·mg−1·min−1, n = 4, P < 0.01). Inhibition of PKC and PKA resulted in further attenuation of the PTH effect. RasGRP1 knockdown decreased the magnitude of the TRPV5 response to PTH (7.9 ± 0.1 nmol·mg−1·min−1for knockdown compared with 9.1 ± 0.1 nmol·mg−1·min−1in control), and the addition of thiazide eliminated this effect (a nearly identical 9.0 ± 0.1 nmol·mg−1·min−1). This indicates that functionally active NCC is required for RasGRP1 knockdown to impact the PTH effect on TRPV5 activity. Knockdown of with no lysine kinase (WNK)4 resulted in an attenuation of the increase in PTH-mediated TRPV5 activity. TRPV5 activity increased by 36% compared with 45% in control ( n = 4, P < 0.01 between PTH-treated groups). PKC blockade further attenuated the PTH effect, whereas combined PKC and PKA blockade in WNK4KD cells abolished the effect. We conclude that modulation of NCC activity contributes to the response to PTH, implying a role for hormonal modulation of NCC activity in distal Ca2+handling.
Modulation of cognitive control levels via manipulation of saccade trial-type probability assessed with event-related BOLD fMRI
Authors: Pierce Jordan E. , McDowell Jennifer E.
Published: November 2015

Cognitive control supports flexible behavior adapted to meet current goals and can be modeled through investigation of saccade tasks with varying cognitive demands. Basic prosaccades (rapid glances toward a newly appearing stimulus) are supported by neural circuitry, including occipital and posterior parietal cortex, frontal and supplementary eye fields, and basal ganglia. These trials can be contrasted with complex antisaccades (glances toward the mirror image location of a stimulus), which are characterized by greater functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the aforementioned regions and recruitment of additional regions such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The current study manipulated the cognitive demands of these saccade tasks by presenting three rapid event-related runs of mixed saccades with a varying probability of antisaccade vs. prosaccade trials (25, 50, or 75%). Behavioral results showed an effect of trial-type probability on reaction time, with slower responses in runs with a high antisaccade probability. Imaging results exhibited an effect of probability in bilateral pre- and postcentral gyrus, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus. Additionally, the interaction between saccade trial type and probability revealed a strong probability effect for prosaccade trials, showing a linear increase in activation parallel to antisaccade probability in bilateral temporal/occipital, posterior parietal, medial frontal, and lateral prefrontal cortex. In contrast, antisaccade trials showed elevated activation across all runs. Overall, this study demonstrated that improbable performance of a typically simple prosaccade task led to augmented BOLD signal to support changing cognitive control demands, resulting in activation levels similar to the more complex antisaccade task.
Are There Deleterious Cardiac Effects of Acute and Chronic Endurance Exercise?
Authors: Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Fernandez Antonio B. , Thompson Paul D.
Published: November 2015

Multiple epidemiological studies document that habitual physical activity reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and most demonstrate progressively lower rates of ASCVD with progressively more physical activity. Few studies have included individuals performing high-intensity, lifelong endurance exercise, however, and recent reports suggest that prodigious amounts of exercise may increase markers for, and even the incidence of, cardiovascular disease. This review examines the evidence that extremes of endurance exercise may increase cardiovascular disease risk by reviewing the causes and incidence of exercise-related cardiac events, and the acute effects of exercise on cardiovascular function, the effect of exercise on cardiac biomarkers, including “myocardial” creatine kinase, cardiac troponins, and cardiac natriuretic peptides. This review also examines the effect of exercise on coronary atherosclerosis and calcification, the frequency of atrial fibrillation in aging athletes, and the possibility that exercise may be deleterious in individuals genetically predisposed to such cardiac abnormalities as long QT syndrome, right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This review is to our knowledge unique because it addresses all known potentially adverse cardiovascular effects of endurance exercise. The best evidence remains that physical activity and exercise training benefit the population, but it is possible that prolonged exercise and exercise training can adversely affect cardiac function in some individuals. This hypothesis warrants further examination.
Evaluation of Docking Target Functions by the Comprehensive Investigation of Protein-Ligand Energy Minima
Authors: Oferkin Igor V. , Katkova Ekaterina V. , Sulimov Alexey V. , Kutov Danil C. , Sobolev Sergey I. , Voevodin Vladimir V. , Sulimov Vladimir B.
Published: November 2015

The adequate choice of the docking target function impacts the accuracy of the ligand positioning as well as the accuracy of the protein-ligand binding energy calculation. To evaluate a docking target function we compared positions of its minima with the experimentally known pose of the ligand in the protein active site. We evaluated five docking target functions based on either the MMFF94 force field or the PM7 quantum-chemical method with or without implicit solvent models: PCM, COSMO, and SGB. Each function was tested on the same set of 16 protein-ligand complexes. For exhaustive low-energy minima search the novel MPI parallelized docking program FLM and large supercomputer resources were used. Protein-ligand binding energies calculated using low-energy minima were compared with experimental values. It was demonstrated that the docking target function on the base of the MMFF94 force field in vacuo can be used for discovery of native or near native ligand positions by finding the low-energy local minima spectrum of the target function. The importance of solute-solvent interaction for the correct ligand positioning is demonstrated. It is shown that docking accuracy can be improved by replacement of the MMFF94 force field by the new semiempirical quantum-chemical PM7 method.
Consensus of Second-Order Multiagent Systems with Fixed Topology and Time-Delay
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Huai , Yang Yikang
Published: November 2015

We are concerned with the consensus problems for networks of second-order agents, where each agent can only access the relative position information from its neighbours. We aim to find the largest tolerable input delay such that the system consensus can be reached. We introduce a protocol with time-delay and fixed topology. A sufficient and necessary condition is given to guarantee the consensus. By using eigenvector-eigenvalue method and frequency domain method, it is proved that the largest tolerable time-delay is only related to the eigenvalues of the graph Laplacian. And simulation results are also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
BRAF Mutations in an Italian Regional Population: Implications for the Therapy of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Monti Eleonora , Bovero Michela , Mortara Lorenzo , Pera Giorgia , Zupo Simonetta , Gugiatti Elena , Dono Mariella , Massa Barbara , Ansaldo Gian Luca , Massimo Giusti
Published: November 2015

Background. Molecular diagnostics has offered new techniques for searching for mutations in thyroid indeterminate lesions. The study’s aim was to evaluate the BRAF mutations’ incidence in an Italian regional population.Subjects and Methods. 70 Caucasian patients born in Liguria with indeterminate or suspicious cytological diagnoses.Results.A BRAF gene mutation was successfully analyzed in 56/70 patients. The mutation was BRAF V600E in 12/56 cases (21%) and BRAF K601E in 2/56 (4%). Of the BRAF mutated samples on cytological diagnosis (14/56 cases), 2/14 cases (14%) were benign on final histology and 12/14 (86%) were malignant. All BRAF-mutated cases on cytology that were found to be benign on histological examination carried the K601E mutation. Of the nonmutated BRAF cases (42/56, 75%) which were later found to be malignant on definitive histology, 5 cases were follicular carcinomas (36%), 3 cases were incidentally found to be papillary microcarcinomas (22%), 2 were cases papillary carcinomas (14%), 1 was case follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (7%), 1 was case medullary carcinoma (7%), 1 case was Hurtle cell tumor (7%), and 1 case was combined cell carcinoma and papillary oncocytic carcinoma (7%).Conclusions. The presence of the BRAF V600E mutation may suggest a more aggressive surgical approach. BRAF K601E mutation did not correlate with malignancy indexes.
A VidEo-Based Intelligent Recognition and Decision System for the Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery
Authors: Tian Shu , Yin Xu-Cheng , Wang Zhi-Bin , Zhou Fang , Hao Hong-Wei
Published: November 2015

The phacoemulsification surgery is one of the most advanced surgeries to treat cataract. However, the conventional surgeries are always with low automatic level of operation and over reliance on the ability of surgeons. Alternatively, one imaginative scene is to use video processing and pattern recognition technologies to automatically detect the cataract grade and intelligently control the release of the ultrasonic energy while operating. Unlike cataract grading in the diagnosis system with static images, complicated background, unexpected noise, and varied information are always introduced in dynamic videos of the surgery. Here we develop a VidEo-Based Intelligent Recognitionand Decision (VEBIRD) system, which breaks new ground by providing a generic framework for automatically tracking the operation process and classifying the cataract grade in microscope videos of the phacoemulsification cataract surgery. VEBIRD comprises a robust eye (iris) detector with randomized Hough transform to precisely locate the eye in the noise background, an effective probe tracker with Tracking-Learning-Detection to thereafter track the operation probe in the dynamic process, and an intelligent decider with discriminative learning to finally recognize the cataract grade in the complicated video. Experiments with a variety of real microscope videos of phacoemulsification verify VEBIRD’s effectiveness.
An Alternative Approach to Assessing Volume-of-Interest Accuracy Using CBCT and ImageJ Software: In Vitro Study
Authors: Fadili Ahmed , Alehyane Naeda , Halimi Abdelali , Zaoui Fatima
Published: November 2015

Aim. This study was performed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of ImageJ software that we utilized to quantify the volume-of-interest of buccal bone, in vitro study made with the dry skull of a sheep, and the comparison was applied with a reference method. Materials and Methods. A portion of the alveolar bone has been cut, then we built an acrylic model similar to this portion that we shut off, the model was inserted in the place of the piece that we cut, and we have scanned the skull afterwards. Four measurements were made by two examiners using the manual method and ImageJ software whereby DICOM images were extracted from CBCT. The accuracy and reliability were assessed using Student’s test and ICC, when P≤0.05, the statistics are considered significant, and comparison is made employing SPSS and Excel. Results. The repeated measures of volume-of-interest using the manual method and the software method revealed no significant difference. Conclusion. As there is no statistical difference of volume measurements using manual method and ImageJ software, we concluded that the volume measurements with ImageJ software are reliable and accurate.
Hypermethylation-Associated Silencing of miR-125a and miR-125b: A Potential Marker in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Hui , Xu Zhiying
Published: November 2015

Background. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be downregulated in human colorectal cancer (CRC), and some of them may function as tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Aberrant methylation triggers the inactivation of TSGs during tumorigenesis.Patients and Methods. We investigated the methylation status of miR-125 family in CRC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues by using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). The expression levels of the two miRNAs were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results. The methylation frequency of miR-125a and miR-125b was higher in CRC tissues. QRT-PCR analysis showed that miR-125a and miR-125b were significantly downregulated in CRC tissues. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-125a and miR-125b were inversely correlated to CpG island methylation in CRC.Conclusions. Our results suggest that DNA hypermethylation may be involved in the inactivation of miR-125a and miR-125b in CRC, and hypermethylation of miR-125 is a potential biomarker for clinical outcome.
Evaluation of Waste Anesthetic Gas in the Postanesthesia Care Unit within the Patient Breathing Zone
Authors: Hiller Kenneth N. , Altamirano Alfonso V. , Cai Chunyan , Tran Stephanie F. , Williams George W.
Published: November 2015

Potential health hazards from waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) have been a concern since the introduction of inhalational anesthetics into clinical practice. The potential to exceed recommended exposure levels (RELs) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) exists. The aim of this pilot study was to assess sevoflurane WAG levels while accounting for factors that affect inhalational anesthetic elimination. In this pilot study, 20 adult day surgery patients were enrolled with anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane. Following extubation, exhaled WAG from the patient breathing zone was measured 8 inches from the patient’s mouth in the PACU. Maximum sevoflurane WAG levels in the patient breathing zone exceeded National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) RELs for every 5-minute time interval measured during PACU Phase I. Observed WAGs in our study were explained by inhalational anesthetic pharmacokinetics. Further analysis suggests that the rate of washout of sevoflurane was dependent on the duration of anesthetic exposure. This study demonstrated that clinically relevant inhalational anesthetic concentrations result in sevoflurane WAG levels that exceed current RELs. Evaluating peak and cumulative sevoflurane WAG levels in the breathing zone of PACU Phase I and Phase II providers is warranted to quantify the extent and duration of exposure.
Untreated Active Tuberculosis in Pregnancy with Intraocular Dissemination: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rezai Shadi , LoBue Stephen , Adams Daniel , Oladipo Yewande , Posso Ramses , Mapp Tiffany , Santiago Crystal , Jain Manisha , Marino William D. , Henderson Cassandra E.
Published: November 2015

Background.Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects hundreds of millions of people across the world. However, the incidence in developed countries has decreased over the past decades causing physicians to become unfamiliar with its unspecific symptoms. Pregnant individuals are especially difficult because many symptoms of active TB can mimic normal physiological changes of pregnancy. We present a case report of a 26-year-old multiparous woman, G4P3003, at 38-week gestation with a history of positive PPD who emigrated from Ghana 6 years ago. She came to the hospital with an initial complaint of suprapubic pain, pressure, and possible leakage of amniotic fluid for the past week. Patient also complained of a productive cough for the past 3 to 4 months with a decrease in vision occurring with the start of pregnancy. Visual acuity was worse than 20/200 in both eyes. Definitive diagnosis of active TB was delayed due to patient refusal of chest X-ray. Fortunately, delay in diagnosis was minimized since patient delivered within 24 hours of admission. Active TB was confirmed with intraocular dissemination. Patient had optic atrophy OS (left eye) and papillitis, choroiditis, and uveitis OD (right eye) due to TB infiltration. Fetus was asymptomatic and anti-TB therapy was started for both patients.
Heat Flux at the Surface of Metal Foil Heater under Evaporating Sessile Droplets
Authors: Marchuk Igor , Karchevsky Andrey , Surtaev Anton , Kabov Oleg
Published: November 2015

Evaporating water drops on a horizontal heated substrate were investigated experimentally. The heater was made of a constantan foil with the thickness of 25 μm and size of 42 × 35 mm2. The temperature of the bottom foil surface was measured by the infrared (IR) camera. To determine the heat flux density during evaporation of liquid near the contact line, the Cauchy problem for the heat equation was solved using the temperature data. The maximum heat flux density is obtained in the contact line region and exceeds the average heat flux density from the entire foil surface by the factor of 5–7. The average heat flux density in the region wetted by the drop exceeds the average heat flux density from the entire foil surface by the factor of 3–5. This fact is explained by the heat influx from the foil periphery to the drop due to the relatively high heat conductivity coefficient of the foil material and high evaporation rate in the contact line region. Heat flux density profiles for pairs of sessile droplets are also investigated.
Practitioner Perspectives on Delivering Integrative Medicine in a Large, Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Nate Kent C. , Griffin Kristen H. , Christianson Jon B. , Dusek Jeffery A.
Published: November 2015

Background.We describe the process and challenges of delivering integrative medicine (IM) at a large, acute care hospital, from the perspectives of IM practitioners. To date, minimal literature that addresses the delivery of IM care in an inpatient setting from this perspective exists.Methods.Fifteen IM practitioners were interviewed about their experience delivering IM services at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ANW), a 630-bed tertiary care hospital. Themes were drawn from codes developed through analysis of the data.Results.Analysis of interview transcripts highlighted challenges of ensuring efficient use of IM practitioner resources across a large hospital, the IM practitioner role in affecting patient experiences, and the ways practitioners navigated differences in IM and conventional medicine cultures in an inpatient setting.Conclusions.IM practitioners favorably viewed their role in patient care, but this work existed within the context of challenges related to balancing supply and demand for services and to integrating an IM program into the established culture of a large hospital. Hospitals planning IM programs should carefully assess the supply and demand dynamics of offering IM in a hospital, advocate for the unique IM practitioner role in patient care, and actively support integration of conventional and complementary approaches.
A New Approach Using Manganese-Enhanced MRI to Diagnose Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in a Rabbit Model: Initial Experience
Authors: Zhao Da-wei , Cheng Cheng , Kuang Lian-qin , Zhang Yu-long , Cheng Hai-yun , Min Jia-yan , Wang Yi
Published: November 2015

Purpose. Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) has been applied to a wide range of biological and disease research. The purpose of the study was to use MEMRI to diagnose the acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI).Methods. The institutional experimental animal ethics committee approved this study. To optimize the dose of Mn2+infusion, a dose-dependent curve was obtained using Mn2+-enhancedT1map MRI by an intravenous infusion 2.5–20 nmol/g body weight (BW) of 50 nmol/L MnCl2. The eighteen animals were divided into control, sham-operated, and AMI groups. AMI models were performed by ligating the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).T1values were measured onT1maps in regions of the small intestinal wall and relaxation rate (ΔR1) was calculated.Results. A nonlinear relationship between infused MnCl2solution dose and increase in small intestinal wall ΔR1was observed. Control animal exhibited significant Mn2+clearance over time at the dose of 15 nmol/g BW. In the AMI model, ΔR1values (0.95 ± 0.13) in the small intestinal wall were significantly lower than in control group (2.05 ± 0.19) after Mn2+infusion (P< 0.01).Conclusion. The data suggest that MEMRI shows potential as a diagnostic technique that is directly sensitive to the poor or absent perfusion in AMI.
Preliminary Study on the Skin Lightening Practice and Health Symptoms among Female Students in Malaysia
Authors: Rusmadi Siti Zulaikha , Syed Ismail Sharifah Norkhadijah , Praveena Sarva Mangala
Published: November 2015

Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. This study assessed the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 104 female students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged24±2years in Universiti Putra Malaysia. A total of 60.6% (N=63) of the female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (N=35, 55.6%) and ingredients (N=29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents purchased the product from drugstores (N=39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N=13, 12.5%) and acne (N=9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced. Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N=56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and healthier (N=54, 51.9%). The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Research and Correlation of Diagnostic Methods for Assessment of the State of Oil Filling in Cycloid Gearbox
Authors: Baron Petr , Kočiško Marek , Dobránsky Jozef , Pollák Martin , Cmorej Tomáš
Published: November 2015

The paper describes the research in the area of the application of diagnostic methods for assessment of the state of oil filling in cycloid gearbox of robotic manipulator. The experiments were realized on request of the manufacturer of the cycloid gearbox. Primarily, the two different methods were compared: an induction, magnetic method with the use of measurement system Cosmos-Steel Dust Checker and an RTG method, XRF (X-ray fluorescent method, analyses with use of X-ray radiation). These analytical methods provide the identification and quantification of emerging Fe abrasion particles occurring in the oil filling of the redactor. The results of the experiment pointed to the unsuitability of the application of the induction magnetic method for the assessment of an actual technical state of the cycloid gearbox. The reason for this lies in specific construction of the cycloid gearbox, with characteristic high operation temperatures of the oil filling, small dimensions, high transferred power, and gear ratio.
Autoimmune Hepatitis in Brazilian Children: IgE and Genetic Polymorphisms in Associated Genes
Authors: de Oliveira Léa Campos , Goldberg Anna Carla , Marin Maria Lucia Carnevale , Schneidwind Karina Rosa , Frade Amanda Farage , Kalil Jorge , Miura Irene Kasue , Pugliese Renata Pereira Sustovich , Danesi Vera Lucia Baggio , Porta Gilda
Published: November 2015

Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients present hypergammaglobulinemia, periportal CD8+cytotoxic T cell infiltration, and cirrhosis. Autoantibody profile defines AIH types 1 and 2 in addition to strong association with HLA-DRB1. We previously detected increased IgE serum levels and sought to compare clinical and histological features according to IgE levels in AIH (n=74, ages 1–14 years) patients. Additionally, we typed 117 patients and 227 controls for functional polymorphisms of IL4, IL13, IL5, and IL4RA genes involved in IgE switching and eosinophil maturation that might contribute to overall genetic susceptibility to AIH. Serum IgE levels were high in 55% of AIH-1, but only in 12% of AIH-2 (P=0.003) patients. Liver IgE was present in 91.3% of AIH-1 patients. The A alleles at both IL13 rs20541 and IL4RA rs1805011 were associated with AIH-1 (P=0.024, OR = 1.55 andP<0.0001, OR = 2.15, resp.). Furthermore, individuals presenting homozygosis for the A allele at IL4RA rs1805011 and HLA-DRB103∗and/or13∗allele had sixfold greater risk to develop the disease (OR = 14.00,P<0.001). The novel association suggests an additional role for IgE-linked immune response genes in the pathogenesis of AIH.
Cerebral Venous Air Embolism due to a Hidden Skull Fracture Secondary to Head Trauma
Authors: Hosaka Ai , Yamaguchi Tetsuto , Yamamoto Fumiko , Shibagaki Yasuro
Published: November 2015

Cerebral venous air embolism is sometimes caused by head trauma. One of the paths of air entry is considered a skull fracture. We report a case of cerebral venous air embolism following head trauma. The patient was a 55-year-old man who fell and hit his head. A head computed tomography (CT) scan showed the air in the superior sagittal sinus; however, no skull fractures were detected. Follow-up CT revealed a fracture line in the right temporal bone. Cerebral venous air embolism following head trauma might have occult skull fractures even if CT could not show the skull fractures.
Classes of Harmonic Functions Defined by Subordination
Authors: Dziok Jacek
Published: November 2015

New classes of univalent harmonic functions are introduced. We give sufficient coefficient conditions for these classes. These coefficient conditions are shown to be also necessary if certain restrictions are imposed on the coefficients of these harmonic functions. By using extreme points theory we also obtain coefficients estimates, distortion theorems, and integral mean inequalities for these classes of functions. Radii of convexity and starlikeness of the classes are also considered.
Enhancement of Visible Upconversion Emission in Y2O3:Er3+‐Yb3+ by Addition of Thiourea and LiOH in the Phosphor Synthesis
Authors: Resendiz-L Eder , Diaz-Torres Luis Armando , Meza Espinoza Luis Octavio , Rodríguez-González Claramaria , Salas Pedro
Published: November 2015

Spherical like Y2O3 nanostructures doped with Er3+ and Yb3+ ions have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The samples were prepared by using different precipitant agents in the synthesis process. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Effects of the precipitant agents on structural, morphological, and photoluminescence properties of Y2O3:Er3+‐Yb3+ are studied and discussed. XRD analysis indicates that all samples, prepared with different precipitant agents, present the same cubic phase. Electron microscopy measurements show regular spherical shapes with size diameter depending on precipitant agent. Photoluminescence reveals that the samples have strong green (563 nm) and red (660 nm) emissions corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions, respectively. The nanophosphors prepared with both Thiourea and Lithium Hydroxide exhibit the stronger visible upconversion luminescence under 980 nm diode laser excitation.
Total Reconstruction of the Upper Lip Using Bilateral Nasolabial Flaps, Submental Flap, and Mucosa Graft following Complete Resection for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Oseni O. G. , Fadare A. E. , Majaro M. O. , Olaitan P. B.
Published: November 2015

Lip reconstruction following resection for tumour or following extensive trauma may pose a challenge. This is more so when the resection is total and a complete lip has to be constructed. We present a case of lip reconstruction following a total resection of the upper lip. The procedure used in this case was a combination of bilateral nasolabial flaps with a submental flap and buccal mucosal graft lining. We believe that this provides an alternative method of total upper lip reconstruction with minimal disruption of the facial aesthesis.
Autonomous QoS Management and Policing in Unmanaged Local Area Networks
Authors: Köhnen Christopher , Überall Christian , Rajarajan Muttukrishnan , Jäger Rudolf , Rakočević Veselin
Published: November 2015

The high increase of bandwidth-intensive applications like high definition video streaming in home and small office environments leads to QoS challenges in hybrid wired/wireless local area networks. These networks are often not QoS aware and may contain bottlenecks in their topology. In addition, they often have a hybrid nature due to the used access technology consisting of, for example, Ethernet, wireless, and PowerLAN links. In this paper, we present the research work on a novel autonomous system for hybrid QoS in local area networks, called QoSiLAN, which does not rely on network infrastructure support but on host cooperation and works independently of the access technology. We present a new QoS Signalling Protocol, policing and admission control algorithms, and a new lightweight statistical bandwidth prediction algorithm for autonomous resource management in LANs. This new QoS framework enables link based, access-medium independent bandwidth management without network support. We provide evaluation results for the novel bandwidth prediction algorithm as well as for the QoSiLAN framework and its protocol, which highlight the features, robustness, and the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Optimized Monitoring of Production of Cellulose Nanowhiskers fromOpuntia ficus-indica(Nopal Cactus)
Authors: Vieyra Horacio , Figueroa-López Ulises , Guevara-Morales Andrea , Vergara-Porras Berenice , San Martín-Martínez Eduardo , Aguilar-Mendez Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2015

Preparation of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) has grown significantly because they are useful for a wide range of applications. Additional advantage in their design requires that they meet the following characteristics: nontoxicity, abundance, sustainability, renewability, and low cost. To address these requirements, nanowhiskers were prepared fromOpuntia ficus-indica(nopal) cellulose by acid hydrolysis. Monitoring the process of CNWs preparation is necessary to ensure maximum yield and purity of the end product. In this study, the cellulose preparation was monitored by analyzing microscopic morphology by SEM; the purity degree was determined by fluorescence microscopy as a novel and rapid technique, and FTIR spectroscopy was used for confirmation. The additional parameters that monitored the process were the crystallinity index by X-ray diffraction and the size of the particle by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Nopal cellulose was found to be comparable to commercial microcrystalline cellulose. The use ofOpuntia ficus-indicais a viable alternative for the production of highly pure CNWs and the strategy to supervise the preparation process was rapid.
McGrath Video Laryngoscope May Take a Longer Intubation Time Than Macintosh Laryngoscope
Authors: Shah Prerana N. , Das Kaveri
Published: November 2015

Background. Video laryngoscopes provide better view and can improve ease of intubation compared with standard laryngoscopes. Methods. A prospective randomized study was done on 60 patients, 18 to 65 years old, comparing McGrath video laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope. The aim was to compare the ease, efficacy, and usability of them during routine airway management. The primary endpoint was duration of intubation and the secondary endpoints were Cormack and Lehane grade of laryngoscopic view, number of intubation attempts, and incidence of complications. Results. There was an increase in total duration of intubation with McGrath video laryngoscope with 42.9 ± 19.5 seconds compared to Macintosh laryngoscope with 17.9 ± 4.6 seconds. In Macintosh group, 73.3% had grade I, 20% had grade II, and 6.7% had grade III Cormack Lehane view, while in McGrath group, 83.3% had grade I, 13.3% had grade II, and 3.3% had grade III. In McGrath group, 6 patients (20%) required more than 120 seconds to get intubated and only 73.3% were intubated in 1 attempt, while patients in Macintosh group had 100% successful intubation in 1 attempt. Pharyngeal trauma was seen with McGrath videolaryngoscopy. Conclusion. Duration of laryngoscopy, intubation, and total duration of intubation were significantly higher in McGrath group than in Macintosh group. McGrath group required a higher number of intubation attempts.
The Interactions ofN-Soliton Solutions for the Generalized (2+1)-Dimensional Variable-Coefficient Fifth-Order KdV Equation
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Zhang Xiaoen , Zhang Yong , Dong Huanhe
Published: November 2015

A generalized (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient KdV equation is introduced, which can describe the interaction between a water wave and gravity-capillary waves better than the (1+1)-dimensional KdV equation. TheN-soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient fifth-order KdV equation are obtained via the Bell-polynomial method. Then the soliton fusion, fission, and the pursuing collision are analyzed depending on the influence of the coefficienteAij; wheneAij=0, the soliton fusion and fission will happen; wheneAij≠0, the pursuing collision will occur. Moreover, the Bäcklund transformation of the equation is gotten according to the binary Bell-polynomial and the period wave solutions are given by applying the Riemann theta function method.
Seasonal Changes in Ovarian Follicle Growth in Iran Viper (Vipera albicornuta)
Authors: Afsharzadeh Nousha , Shiravi Abdolhossein , Todehdehghan Fatemeh
Published: November 2015

The Vipera albicornuta is an economically important snake of Iran, its venom is used for antivenin production, and we need to breed the snake in the captivity. In order to know about the viper’s reproductive biology, seasonal alterations in ovarian weight, morphology, and the follicles developmental stages in Vipera albicornuta were studied using macroscopic parameters and histological examination of reproductive tissues during a year. Twenty-four female vipers were collected from mountainous zone of Bostanabad, East Azerbaijan, and Tarom in Zanjan through years 2011-2012. Evaluation of the reproductive parameters of this viper is performed for the first time in Iran. Our observation revealed that vitellogenesis cycle begins in autumn and continues till early summer; ovaries and follicles are in previtellogenesis stage in autumn and vitellogenesis in winter and during spring. Weight of ovary is heaviest in spring, ovulation occurs in late spring till early summer, and copulation is prior to ovulation.
Morphology Effect on Enhanced Li+‐Ion Storage Performance for Ni2+/3+ and/or Co2+/3+ Doped LiMnPO4 Cathode Nanoparticles
Authors: Yun Young Jun , Wu Mihye , Kim Jin Kyu , Ju Ji Young , Lee Sun Sook , Kim Ki Woong , Park Woon Ik , Jung Ha-Kyun , Kim Kwang Ho , Park Jin-Seong , Choi Sungho
Published: November 2015

The electrochemical performance of Li(Mn, M)PO4 (M = Co2+/3+, Ni2+/3+) was investigated with regard to the particle morphology. Within a controlled chemical composition, Li(Mn0.92Co0.04Ni0.04)PO4, the resultant cathode exhibited somewhat spherical‐shaped nanocrystalline particles and enhanced Li+‐ion storage, which was even better than the undoped LiMnPO4, up to 16% in discharge capacity at 0.05 C. The outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the well‐dispersed spherical‐shaped particle morphology, which allows the fast Li+‐ion migration during the electrochemical lithiation/delithiation process, especially at high current density.
Minimal Invasive Percutaneous Osteosynthesis for Elderly Valgus Impacted Proximal Humeral Fractures with the PHILOS
Authors: Chen Hang , Hu Xiaochuan , Tang Haochen , Yang Guoyong , Xiang Ming
Published: November 2015

There is a growing concern about elderly valgus impacted proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment and clinical outcomes following minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) for the treatment of elderly valgus impacted proximal humeral fracture. Between May 2008 and May 2012, 27 patients (average age 67.3, range 61–74) with valgus impacted proximal humeral fractures were enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with MIPPO using PHILOS-plate through the anterolateral delta-splitting approach. Rehabilitation exercises were done gradually. The NEER score and Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate shoulder function. All the patients were followed up by routine radiological imaging and clinical examination. There were 15 cases of II-part greater tuberosity fractures, 10 cases of III-part greater tuberosity fractures, and 2 cases of IV-part fractures according to the NEER classification. The surgery was successful in all patients with an average follow-up of 20.8 (range: 11–34) months. The fractures united in an average of 7.2 (6–14) weeks without implant loosening. According to NEER score, there were 17 excellent, 7 satisfactory, 2 unsatisfactory, and 1 poor. The mean Constant-Murley score was89.4±4.35. No complication including axillary nerve damage, postoperative nerve or vessel damage, infections, DVT, or death was observed. In conclusion, the MIPPO technique with the PHILOS through the anterolateral delta-splitting approach seems to be a safe and easy treatment for elderly valgus impacted proximal humeral fractures. A case-control study and longer follow-up time are needed.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Pars Plana Vitrectomy with and without Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Idiopathic Retinal Membrane Removal: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hanhan , Zuo Shanru , Ding Chun , Dai Xunzhang , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: November 2015

We conducted a meta-analysis of published retrospective studies and compared the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IERM). The results revealed that patients in the IERM+ILM peeling group had better BCVA after surgery within 12 months than those in IERM peeling group. But patients in the IERM peeling group showed better BCVA in the 18th month. More retrospective studies or randomized controlled trials are required to investigate and compare the long-term effect of IERM removal with and without ILM peeling.
Acute and Chronic Effect of Acoustic and Visual Cues on Gait Training in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: De Icco Roberto , Tassorelli Cristina , Berra Eliana , Bolla Monica , Pacchetti Claudio , Sandrini Giorgio
Published: November 2015

In this randomized controlled study we analyse and compare the acute and chronic effects of visual and acoustic cues on gait performance in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We enrolled 46 patients with idiopathic PD who were assigned to 3 different modalities of gait training: (1) use of acoustic cues, (2) use of visual cues, or (3) overground training without cues. All patients were tested with kinematic analysis of gait at baseline (T0), at the end of the 4-week rehabilitation programme (T1), and 3 months later (T2). Regarding the acute effect, acoustic cues increased stride length and stride duration, while visual cues reduced the number of strides and normalized the stride/stance distribution but also reduced gait speed. As regards the chronic effect of cues, we recorded an improvement in some gait parameters in all 3 groups of patients: all 3 types of training improved gait speed; visual cues also normalized the stance/swing ratio, acoustic cues reduced the number of strides and increased stride length, and overground training improved stride length. The changes were not retained at T2 in any of the experimental groups. Our findings support and characterize the usefulness of cueing strategies in the rehabilitation of gait in PD.