bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband acoustic holography from intensity measurements with a three-dimensional pressure-velocity probe
Authors: Bi Chuan-Xing , Jing Wen-Qian , Zhang Yong-Bin
Published: November 2015

Near-field acoustic holography requires one or more reference signals corresponding to sound sources to help get the phase of complex pressure on the hologram plane, while broadband acoustic holography from intensity measurements (BAHIM) breaks through this restriction by getting the phase from the quadratic pressure and tangential components of sound intensity. However, in the conventional BAHIM all the sound sources are confined to one side of the hologram plane. In the present paper, by utilizing a three-dimensional pressure-velocity (3D p-u) probe that is composed of one pressure microphone and three orthogonally placed particle velocity sensors, the BAHIM is extended to be applicable to the situation that the disturbing sources exist on the opposite side of the hologram plane. The validity of the extended BAHIM is examined both numerically and experimentally. The results demonstrate that, by using the extended BAHIM, the complex pressure as well as the normal particle velocity on the hologram plane can be measured with a 3D p-u probe without using any reference signal, the pressure radiated by the target source can be extracted from the mixed sound field, and the sound field of interest can be reconstructed effectively.
A study of sound transmission in an abstract middle ear using physical and finite element models
Authors: Gonzalez-Herrera Antonio , Olson Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2015

The classical picture of middle ear (ME) transmission has the tympanic membrane (TM) as a piston and the ME cavity as a vacuum. In reality, the TM moves in a complex multiphasic pattern and substantial pressure is radiated into the ME cavity by the motion of the TM. This study explores ME transmission with a simple model, using a tube terminated with a plastic membrane. Membrane motion was measured with a laser interferometer and pressure on both sides of the membrane with micro-sensors that could be positioned close to the membrane without disturbance. A finite element model of the system explored the experimental results. Both experimental and theoretical results show resonances that are in some cases primarily acoustical or mechanical and sometimes produced by coupled acousto-mechanics. The largest membrane motions were a result of the membrane's mechanical resonances. At these resonant frequencies, sound transmission through the system was larger with the membrane in place than it was when the membrane was absent.
Self-Reported Use and Opinions of Ankle Prophylaxes in Division III Collegiate Athletes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Simon Janet E. , Docherty Carrie L.
Published: November 2015

It is theorized that ankle taping is effective in reducing the incidence of a recurrent ankle injury. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of ankle taping in Division III athletes. Of student-athletes in the population studied, 321 returned surveys, of which 132 (41.1%) individuals indicated they have had their ankle(s) taped. Of the 132 individuals, 99 (75.0%) have had an ankle sprain. There were similar responses between both groups, particularly regarding not being able to tape (anxious about injury). Results of this study revealed that regardless of history of ankle injury, a majority of individuals stated they taped their ankle to prevent injury.
Posttraumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis Alters Stair Ascent and Descent Kinetics
Authors: Wikstrom Erik A. , Anderson Robert B. , Hubbard-Turner Tricia
Published: November 2015

Those with posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis have a variety of sensorimotor impairments. However, no investigation has determined the effect of posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis on stair climbing. The purpose of this study was to determine if stair ascent and descent kinetics are altered in those with posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis. Those with posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis had lower self-reported function than age-matched controls. Normalized peak vertical ground reaction forces during the weight acceptance phase of stair ascent and descent were also different between groups. The results suggest that those with ankle osteoarthritis have a reduced ability to control their body mass while stair climbing.
Fire down below
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: November 2015

New study shows Mount St. Helens may share magma with other volcanoes nearby.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Xpert Norovirus Assay for Detection of Norovirus Genogroups I and II in Fecal Specimens
Authors: Gonzalez Mark D. , Langley L. Claire , Buchan Blake W. , Faron Matthew L. , Maier Melanie , Templeton Kate , Walker Kimberly , Popowitch Elena B. , Miller Melissa B. , Rao Arundhati , Liebert Uwe G. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Vinjé Jan , Burnham Carey-Ann D.
Published: November 2015

Norovirus is the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and outbreaks worldwide. The rapid identification of norovirus has important implications for infection prevention measures and may reduce the need for additional diagnostic testing. The Xpert Norovirus assay recently received FDA clearance for the detection and differentiation of norovirus genogroups I and II (GI and GII), which account for the vast majority of infections. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Xpert Norovirus assay with both fresh, prospectively collected (
n
= 914) and frozen, archived (
n
= 489) fecal specimens. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) composite reference method was used as the gold standard for comparison. For both prospective and frozen specimens, the Xpert Norovirus assay showed positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) values of 98.3% and 98.1% for GI and of 99.4% and 98.2% for GII, respectively. Norovirus prevalence in the prospective specimens (collected from March to May of 2014) was 9.9% (
n
= 90), with the majority of positives caused by genogroup II (82%,
n
= 74). The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Xpert Norovirus assay was 75% for GI-positive specimens, whereas it was 86.5% for GII-positive specimens. The negative predictive values (NPV) for GI and GII were 100% and 99.9%, respectively.
Zoonotic Potential of Simian Arteriviruses
Authors: Bailey Adam L. , Lauck Michael , Sibley Samuel D. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Kuhn Jens H. , Freimer Nelson B. , Jasinska Anna J. , Phillips-Conroy Jane E. , Jolly Clifford J. , Marx Preston A. , Apetrei Cristian , Rogers Jeffrey , Goldberg Tony L. , O'Connor David H.
Published: November 2015

Wild nonhuman primates are immediate sources and long-term reservoirs of human pathogens. However, ethical and technical challenges have hampered the identification of novel blood-borne pathogens in these animals. We recently examined RNA viruses in plasma from wild African monkeys and discovered several novel, highly divergent viruses belonging to the family
Arteriviridae
. Close relatives of these viruses, including simian hemorrhagic fever virus, have caused sporadic outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fever in captive macaque monkeys since the 1960s. However, arterivirus infection in wild nonhuman primates had not been described prior to 2011. The arteriviruses recently identified in wild monkeys have high sequence and host species diversity, maintain high viremia, and are prevalent in affected populations. Taken together, these features suggest that the simian arteriviruses may be “preemergent” zoonotic pathogens. If not, this would imply that biological characteristics of RNA viruses thought to facilitate zoonotic transmission may not, by themselves, be sufficient for such transmission to occur.
Neck swelling after thyroidectomy: not always a haematoma
Authors: Zou Maggie , Reid Diane , Ravichandran Duraisamy
Published: November 2015

We present a case of a patient who returned with a neck swelling 6 days following thyroidectomy and central neck compartment lymphadenectomy for suspected thyroid carcinoma. The initial clinical suspicion pointed to a haematoma, but a needle aspiration showed chyle. Chyle leak is a rare complication of thyroid surgery. In the described case, this was successfully managed conservatively with repeated aspirations and a low-fat diet. We discuss the aetiology, presentation and management of this complication.
A large lingual thyroid extending to the epiglottis
Authors: Eryilmaz Aylin , Basal Yesim
Published: November 2015

A 22-year-old man presented to our department with a mass on the base of his tongue. He had a cavernous voice causing a moderate speech disorder, and he had some difficulty in swallowing. He had severe problems with sleep, associated with apnoea. In a fibreoptic laryngoscopic examination, a large 4×5 cm vascular mass was detected extending from the base of the patient's tongue to his epiglottis. It covered the epiglottis. Thyroid scintigraphy showed only thyroid tissue on the base of the tongue. Surgery was initiated transorally under the guidance of a rigid endoscope, but as the mass continued extended to the epiglottis, a transhyoid approach was taken. At a 3-month follow-up, the patient was symptom free. Electrocautery-assisted resection under the guidance of a rigid endoscope can reliably be used in surgery of a lingual thyroid. However, a transhyoid approach provides a better view and also helps in achieving haemostasis.
Sensorineural deafness following routine transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Bowsher Benjamin
Published: November 2015

A man in his 50s presented to a rural Australian emergency department with complete unilateral hearing loss following transurethral resection of the prostate. His hearing impairment progressed from ‘muffled hearing’ with tinnitus on emergence from anaesthesia, to total sensorineural deafness by day three. His surgery and anaesthesia were uncomplicated and he had remained normotensive throughout. He had no pre-existing auditory disease. He had received 240 mg of intravenous gentamicin intraoperatively for surgical prophylaxis. Renal function was normal. Brain imaging was negative for structural pathology, stroke and circulatory insufficiency. Ear nose and throat advised 7 days of oral corticosteroids, transtympanic dexamethasone and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A working diagnosis of gentamicin-induced ototoxicity was applied. Intervention has proven unsuccessful and there is no possibility for rehabilitation. The patient is permanently disabled.
Patient and nurse preferences for nurse handover—using preferences to inform policy: a discrete choice experiment protocol
Authors: Spinks Jean , Chaboyer Wendy , Bucknall Tracey , Tobiano Georgia , Whitty Jennifer A
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Nursing bedside handover in hospital has been identified as an opportunity to involve patients and promote patient-centred care. It is important to consider the preferences of both patients and nurses when implementing bedside handover to maximise the successful uptake of this policy. We outline a study which aims to (1) identify, compare and contrast the preferences for various aspects of handover common to nurses and patients while accounting for other factors, such as the time constraints of nurses that may influence these preferences.; (2) identify opportunities for nurses to better involve patients in bedside handover and (3) identify patient and nurse preferences that may challenge the full implementation of bedside handover in the acute medical setting.

Methods and analysis

We outline the protocol for a discrete choice experiment (DCE) which uses a survey design common to both patients and nurses. We describe the qualitative and pilot work undertaken to design the DCE. We use a D-efficient design which is informed by prior coefficients collected during the pilot phase. We also discuss the face-to-face administration of this survey in a population of acutely unwell, hospitalised patients and describe how data collection challenges have been informed by our pilot phase. Mixed multinomial logit regression analysis will be used to estimate the final results.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by a university ethics committee as well as two participating hospital ethics committees. Results will be used within a knowledge translation framework to inform any strategies that can be used by nursing staff to improve the uptake of bedside handover. Results will also be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles and will be presented at national and international conferences.
Effect of vegetable consumption on the association between peripheral leucocyte telomere length and hypertension: a case–control study
Authors: Lian Fuzhi , Wang Jinquan , Huang Xianhong , Wu Yinyin , Cao Yifei , Tan Xiaohua , Xu Xianrong , Hong Yu , Yang Lei , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Peripheral leucocyte telomere length has been suggested to be inversely associated with hypertension risk. Both telomere length and hypertension risk can be modified by certain dietary factors, such as fruit and vegetables. This study was to examine the potential effect of these dietary factors on the association between telomere length and hypertension risk.

Study design

A community-based case–control study.

Participants

271 hypertensive patients and 455 normotensive controls aged 40–70 years and living in Yinzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

Outcome measures

Peripheral leucocyte relative telomere length (RTL) was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Dietary intake was assessed by a brief semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between RTL and hypertension risk was analysed using logistic regression, and the modulatory effect of dietary intake on RTL-related hypertension risk was analysed using likelihood ratio tests.

Results

Among controls, longer age-adjusted RTL was associated with higher vegetable intake (p=0.01). Individuals with longer age-adjusted RTL (based on median value) were 30% less likely to have hypertension (OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96; p=0.03). The observed RTL-hypertension relationship appeared to be modified by vegetable intake—longer RTL was significantly associated with lower hypertension risk only in those with greater vegetable consumption (OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.57; p<0.001), but not in those with lower vegetable intake (P-interaction=0.008).

Conclusions

Certain dietary factors might modify telomere-related hypertension risk.
Promoting the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeds among junior doctors: a quality improvement project
Authors: Saunsbury Emma , Allison Emma , colleypriest ben
Published: November 2015

Though they are knowledgeable, foundation year one (FY1) doctors can lack skills and confidence in acute situations due to inexperience. This was witnessed when a new FY1 on call attended an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB), a common emergency with a 10% in hospital mortality rate. We aimed to improve FY1s’ ability to manage these critical patients through simulation based teaching, before and after the introduction of an algorithm summarising current guidelines.

After assessing the FY1s’ perceived level of confidence in managing UGIBs, they individually attended a simulation session which evaluated specific aspects of their assessment and management plans. Immediate debriefing and subsequent teaching sessions reinforced learning points, with an algorithm instituted as an aide mémoire to improve efficiency. A repeat simulation session assessed improvements in both subjective confidence and objective management targets. All FY1s expressed improved confidence in managing patients with UGIBs. There were improvements across the board in their assessment and management, notably: verbalisation of concern for hypotension increased to 100% (from 60%), two points of intravenous access requested in 100% of cases (from 53%), and a 76 second reduction in time to call for senior support. Collectively, these individual aspects led to improved patient care.

Effective management of acute patients is best learnt through exposure, and simulation based teaching provides a safe but powerful modality to aid transition from textbook theory to ward situations. Algorithms can streamline care and hasten the stabilisation of patients. This project reinforces generic competencies that FY1s can translate to their management of not only UGIBs, but many acute presentations, providing a convincing argument for broader simulation use in FY1 teaching.
Evaluation of a fitness intervention for new firefighters: injury reduction and economic benefits
Authors: Griffin Stephanie C , Regan Tracy L , Harber Philip , Lutz Eric A , Hu Chengcheng , Peate Wayne F , Burgess Jefferey L
Published: November 2015

Background

Firefighting is a hazardous profession and firefighters suffer workplace injury at a higher rate than most US workers. Decreased physical fitness is associated with injury in firefighters. A physical fitness intervention was implemented among Tucson Fire Department recruit firefighters with the goals of decreasing injury and compensation claims frequency and costs during the recruit academy, and over the subsequent probationary year.

Methods

Department injury records were analysed and described by body part, injury type and mechanism of injury. Injury and workers’ compensation claims outcomes from the recruit academy initiation through the 12-month probationary period for the intervention recruit class were compared with controls from three historical classes.

Results

The majority of injuries were sprains and strains (65.4%), the most common mechanism of injury was acute overexertion (67.9%) and the lower extremity was the most commonly affected body region (61.7%). The intervention class experienced significantly fewer injuries overall and during the probationary year (p=0.009), filed fewer claims (p=0.028) and experienced claims cost savings of approximately US$33 000 (2013) from avoided injury and reduced claims costs. The estimated costs for programme implementation were $32 192 leading to a 1-year return on investment of 2.4%.

Conclusions

We observed reductions in injury occurrence and compensation costs among Probationary Firefighter Fitness (PFF-Fit) programme participants compared with historical controls. The initiation of the PFF-Fit programme has demonstrated promise in reducing injury and claims costs; however, continued research is needed to better understand the programme's potential effectiveness with additional recruit classes and carryover effects into the recruit's career injury potential.
Molecular modeling study on the drug resistance mechanism of NS5B polymerase to TMC647055
Authors: Wang Huiqun , Cui Wei , Guo Chenchen , Chen Bo-Zhen , Ji Mingjuan
Published: November 2015

NS5B polymerase plays an important role in viral replication machinery. TMC647055 (TMC) is a novel and potent non-nucleoside inhibitor of the HCV NS5B polymerase. However, mutations that result in drug resistance to TMC have been reported. In this study, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, binding free energy calculations, and free energy decomposition to investigate the drug resistance mechanism of HCV to TMC resulting from L392I, P495T, P495S, and P495L mutations in NS5B polymerase. From the calculated results we determined that the decrease in the binding affinity between TMC and NS5BL392I polymerase is mainly caused by the extra methyl group at the CB atom of Ile. The polarity of the side-chain of residue 495 has no distinct influence on residue 495 binding with TMC, whereas the smaller size of the side-chain of residue 495 causes a substantial decrease in the van der Walls interaction between TMC and residue 495. Moreover, the longer length of the side-chain of residue 495 has a significant effect on the electrostatic interaction between TMC and Arg-503. Finally, we performed the same calculations and detailed analysis on other 3 mutations (L392V, P495V, and P495I). The results further confirmed our conclusions. The computational results not only reveal the drug resistance mechanism between TMC647055 and NS5B polymerase, but also provide valuable information for the rational design of more potent non-nucleoside inhibitors targeting HCV NS5B polymerase.
Stereoelectronic effects of porphyrin ligand on the oxygen transfer efficiency of high valent manganese-oxo porphyrin species: A DFT study
Authors: Kavousi Hossein , Raissi Heidar , Rezaeifard Abdolreza , Jafarpour Maasoumeh
Published: November 2015

The structure and properties of the N[Formula: see text]–Mn–O bonds of high valent manganese-oxo of the second and third generation porphyrins in the presence of imidazole have been studied by means of density functional (DFT) method with 6-31G* basis set in the gas phase as well as water solution. The geometric structures, frontier molecular orbitals, thermodynamic parameters, aromaticity indices and physical properties such as chemical potential and chemical hardness of [(TPP)(ImH)MnO][Formula: see text] and its derivatives were calculated. The obtained results showed that [(TPP)(ImH)MnO][Formula: see text] bearing halogen atoms at the [Formula: see text]-pyrrole positions had a saddle conformation with low Mn–O strength. The electron density ([Formula: see text] and Laplacian ([Formula: see text] properties at critical points of the N[Formula: see text]–Mn–O bonds, estimated by AIM calculations, indicate that Mn–O bonds in third generation porphyrins have lower [Formula: see text] and Mn–N[Formula: see text] distances have higher [Formula: see text] than the second generation ones. The calculations of aromaticity indices for chelated rings at the porphyrin center show that HOMA and NICS in third generation porphyrins are generally lower than that of second ones which is in agreement with their saddle conformation. These results are supported by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.
Requirement of clusterin expression for prosurvival autophagy in hypoxic kidney tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Alnasser Hatem A. , Guan Qiunong , Zhang Fan , Gleave Martin E. , Nguan Christopher Y. C. , Du Caigan
Published: November 2015

Cellular autophagy is a prosurvival mechanism in the kidney against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), but the molecular pathways that activate the autophagy in ischemic kidneys are not fully understood. Clusterin (CLU) is a chaperone-like protein, and its expression is associated with kidney resistance to IRI. The present study investigated the role of CLU in prosurvival autophagy in the kidney. Renal IRI was induced in mice by clamping renal pedicles at 32°C for 45 min. Hypoxia in renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) cultures was induced by exposure to a 1% O2atmosphere. Autophagy was determined by either light chain 3-BII expression with Western blot analysis or light chain 3-green fluorescent protein aggregation with confocal microscopy. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis. The unfolded protein response was determined by PCR array. Here, we showed that autophagy was significantly activated by IRI in wild-type (WT) but not CLU-deficient kidneys. Similarly, autophagy was activated by hypoxia in human proximal TECs (HKC-8) and WT mouse primary TECs but was impaired in CLU-null TECs. Hypoxia-activated autophagy was CLU dependent and positively correlated with cell survival, and inhibition of autophagy significantly promoted cell death in both HKC-8 and mouse WT/CLU-expressing TECs but not in CLU-null TECs. Further experiments showed that CLU-dependent prosurvival autophagy was associated with activation of the unfolded protein response in hypoxic kidney cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that activation of prosurvival autophagy by hypoxia in kidney cells requires CLU expression and may be a key cytoprotective mechanism of CLU in the protection of the kidney from hypoxia/ischemia-mediated injury.
Estimation of the phase response curve from Parkinsonian tremor
Authors: Saifee Tabish A. , Edwards Mark J. , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Gilbertson Tom
Published: November 2015

Phase response curves (PRCs), characterizing the response of an oscillator to weak external perturbation, have been estimated from a broad range of biological oscillators, including single neurons in vivo. PRC estimates, in turn, provide an intuitive insight into how oscillatory systems become entrained and how they can be desynchronized. Here, we explore the application of PRC theory to the case of Parkinsonian tremor. Initial attempts to establish a causal effect of subthreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to primary motor cortex on the filtered tremor phase were unsuccessful. We explored the possible explanations of this and demonstrate that assumptions made when estimating the PRC in a traditional setting, such as a single neuron, are not arbitrary when applied to the case of tremor PRC estimation. We go on to extract the PRC of Parkinsonian tremor using an iterative method that requires varying the definition of the tremor cycle and estimating the PRC at multiple peristimulus time samples. Justification for this method is supported by estimates of PRC from simulated single neuron data. We provide an approach to estimating confidence limits for tremor PRC and discuss the interpretational caveats introduced by tremor harmonics and the intrinsic variability of the tremor's period.
Single-trial decoding of intended eye movement goals from lateral prefrontal cortex neural ensembles
Authors: Boulay Chadwick B. , Pieper Florian , Leavitt Matthew , Martinez-Trujillo Julio , Sachs Adam J.
Published: November 2015

Neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) encode sensory and cognitive signals, as well as commands for goal-directed actions. Therefore, the LPFC might be a good signal source for a goal-selection brain-computer interface (BCI) that decodes the intended goal of a motor action previous to its execution. As a first step in the development of a goal-selection BCI, we set out to determine if we could decode simple behavioral intentions to direct gaze to eight different locations in space from single-trial LPFC neural activity. We recorded neuronal spiking activity from microelectrode arrays implanted in area 8A of the LPFC of two adult macaques while they made visually guided saccades to one of eight targets in a center-out task. Neuronal activity encoded target location immediately after target presentation, during a delay epoch, during the execution of the saccade, and every combination thereof. Many (40%) of the neurons that encoded target location during multiple epochs preferred different locations during different epochs. Despite heterogeneous and dynamic responses, the neuronal feature set that best predicted target location was the averaged firing rates from the entire trial and it was best classified using linear discriminant analysis (63.6–96.9% in 12 sessions, mean 80.3%; information transfer rate: 21–59, mean 32.8 bits/min). Our results demonstrate that it is possible to decode intended saccade target location from single-trial LPFC activity and suggest that the LPFC is a suitable signal source for a goal-selection cognitive BCI.
Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma with Synchronous Tumor Growth in Azygoesophageal Recess and Duodenum: A Rare Cause of Anemia and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Vootla Vamshidhar R. , Kashif Muhammad , Niazi Masooma , Nayudu Suresh K.
Published: November 2015

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has potential to present with distant metastasis several years after complete resection. The common sites of metastases include the lungs, bones, liver, renal fossa, and brain. RCCs metastasize rarely to the duodenum, and duodenal metastasis presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleed is infrequently reported in literature. We present a case of synchronous presentation of duodenal and azygoesophageal metastasis manifesting as acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, four years after undergoing nephrectomy for RCC. The patient underwent further workup and was treated with radiation. The synchronous presentation is rare and stresses the importance of searching for recurrence of RCC in patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
Effect of Acute and Chronic Exposure to High Altitude on the Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Ni Qian , Wan Feng Qi , Jing Yu Hong , Dong Xiang Yu , Zhang You Cheng
Published: November 2015

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute and chronic exposure to HA on the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in liver by determining the hepatic levels of ICDH and ATP. Lactate levels in liver and blood were also examined. Rats were exposed to an altitude of 4,300 m for 30 days, and those without HA exposure were used as controls. We observed an increased expression of liver ICDH following acute exposure (days 1, 3, and 7), whereas the liver ATP concentration was reduced on day 1. No changes in the hepatic expression of ICDH and ATP were found in rats chronically exposed to HA. Lactate concentrations of liver and blood did not show any significant changes following HA exposure. Thus, aerobic metabolism may be the major metabolic pathway in response to HA hypoxia in order to acclimatize themselves to the stressful environments.
Direct Synthesis of Hyperbranched Poly(acrylic acid-co-3-hydroxypropionate)
Authors: Çatıker Efkan , Filik Tahsin
Published: November 2015

Hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid-co-3-hydroxypropionate) (PAcHP) was synthesized by base-catalyzed hydrogen transfer polymerization of acrylic acid through one step. The copolymers obtained through solution and bulk polymerization were insoluble in water and all organic solvents tried. Structural and compositional characterizations of hyperbranched PAcHP were performed by using FTIR, solid13C-NMR, TGA, and titrimetric analysis. Acrylate fraction of the hyperbranched PAcHP obtained via bulk polymerization was determined as 60–65% by comparing TGA curves of hyperbranched PAcHP and pure poly(3-hydroxy propionate) (PHP). However, analytical titration of the same sample revealed that acrylic acid units were about 47.3%. The results obtained from TGA and analytical titration were used to evaluate the chemical structure of the copolymer. Hyperbranched PAcHP exhibited hydrogel properties. Swelling behavior of the copolymer was investigated at a wide pH range and ionic strength. The dynamic swelling profiles of hyperbranched PAcHP exhibited a fast swelling behavior in the first hour and achieved the equilibrium state within 12 h in PBS. Depending on the conditions, the copolymers exhibited swelling ratios up to 2100%. As the copolymer has easily biodegradable propionate and versatile functional acrylic acid units, it can be used as not only biodegradable material in medical applications but also raw material in personal care commodities.
Sodium Contents in Dairy Cow Urine and Soil Aggregate Sizes Influence the Amount of Nitrogen Lost from Soil
Authors: Hamamoto Toru , Uchida Yoshitaka
Published: November 2015

Cow urine deposition on pasture soils is a major source of N-related environmental impacts in the dairy farming systems. The urine-N can potentially be lost to the ground water as nitrate (NO3-) and to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide (N2O). These N-related environmental impacts are possibly related to the sodium (Na+) concentrations in urine. We sampled a pasture soil and separated it into three aggregate size groups (0–3, 3–5, and 5–7 mm). Then, cow urine with variable Na+concentrations (4.3–6.1 g Na+ L−1) was added to the soil cores. We treated the cores with simulated heavy rains and measured the amounts of calcium (Ca2+), Na+, potassium (K+), and inorganic-N leached from the soils. N2O emission rates were also determined throughout the experimental period. Increasing Na+concentration in urine decreased the loss ofNO3-(−20%), after repeatedly applied simulated rain treatments (30 mm × 3), whereas it increased the loss of ammonium (31%) and K+(19%). For the loss of Ca2+and the emissions of N2O, the effect of the Na+concentrations was unclear. Field level studies and studies focusing on the mechanisms behind the changes in nutrient losses are needed.
Unusual Presentations of Focal Periphyseal Edema Zones: A Report of Bilateral Symmetric Presentation and Partial Physeal Closure
Authors: Beckmann Nicholas , Spence Susanna
Published: November 2015

Focal periphyseal edema (FOPE) zones are areas of periphyseal edema seen near the time of physeal closure which are believed to be a physiologic phenomenon related to changes in distribution of forces around the physis as it closes. Since the original case series describing these areas of periphyseal edema, there has been little published in regard to FOPE zone outside of review articles. We present a set of three patients identified with focal periphyseal edema zones around the knee and compare our findings with the initial case series. We include a patient presenting with bilateral, nearly symmetric, focal periphyseal edema zones of the proximal tibia physis and a patient with partial closure of the physis at time of presentation, which were not reported in the original case series.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Isolated Tibial Lateral Plateau Posterior Fracture Using Direct Posterior Split Gastrocnemius Approach
Authors: Ozdemir Guzelali , Yilmaz Baris , Oztermeli Ahmet
Published: November 2015

Open reduction and internal fixation of the isolated tibial lateral plateau posterior fractures using direct posterior split gastrocnemius approach is a safe and effective method.
Preparation and Crystallization Property of Ternary Composites of WBG/AA-RCC/PP
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Ni Haitao , Liao Xiaoqing , Liu Xiang
Published: November 2015

A series of ternary composites of WBG/AA-RCC/PP were prepared and their crystallization behaviors were investigated by XRD and DSC. The results indicate that WBG and AA-RCC affect the crystallization of PP matrix with a mutual inhibition effect. This effect is enhanced with increasing content of WBG and induces the growth ofβ2crystal. AA-RCC promotes the heterogeneous nucleation ofαcrystal and offers a template forαcrystal growth along a specific lattice plane and promotes the epitaxial crystallization of PP matrix, while the specific arrangedαcrystal could induce the formation ofβcrystal.
Fatal Vertebral Artery Injury in Penetrating Cervical Spine Trauma
Authors: Tannoury Chadi , Degiacomo Anthony
Published: November 2015

Study Design. This case illustrates complications to a vertebral artery injury (VAI) resulting from penetrating cervical spine trauma.Objectives. To discuss the management of both VAI and cervical spine trauma after penetrating gunshot wound to the neck.Summary of Background Data.Vertebral artery injury following cervical spine trauma is infrequent, and a unilateral VAI often occurs without neurologic sequela. Nevertheless, devastating complications of stroke and death do occur.Methods. A gunshot wound to the neck resulted in a C6 vertebral body fracture and C5–C7 transverse foramina fractures. Neck CT angiogram identified a left vertebral artery occlusion. A cerebral angiography confirmed occlusion of the left extracranial vertebral artery and patency of the remaining cerebrovascular system. Following anterior cervical corpectomy and stabilization, brainstem infarction occurred and resulted in death.Results. A fatal outcome resulted from vertebral artery thrombus propagation with occlusion of the basilar artery triggering basilar ischemia and subsequent brainstem and cerebellar infarction.Conclusions. Vertebral artery injury secondary to cervical spine trauma can lead to potentially devastating neurologic sequela. Early surgical stabilization, along with anticoagulation therapy, contributes towards managing the combination of injuries. Unfortunately, despite efforts, a poor outcome is sometimes inevitable when cervical spine trauma is coupled with a VAI.
Ordering Properties of the First Eigenvector of Certain Similarity Matrices
Authors: Warrens Matthijs J. , de Raadt Alexandra
Published: November 2015

It is shown for coefficient matrices of Russell-Rao coefficients and two asymmetric Dice coefficients that ordinal information on a latent variable model can be obtained from the eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvalue.
A Single Versatile Appliance for Habit Interception and Crossbite Correction
Authors: Zameer Mohammed , Basheer Syed Nahid , Reddy Arun , Kovvuru Suresh Kumar
Published: November 2015

Digit sucking is a common childhood behavior, which has an adaptive value for children up to the fourth year of life. It is usually associated with oral pleasure and self-comforting behavior. But chronic practice may produce deleterious effect in the form of dental and skeletal deformities. Adjunctive therapy using bluegrass appliance as a permanent reminder and quadhelix appliance as a reminder as well as a slow palatal expander has proven successful in intercepting digit-sucking habit and expanding the arch for crossbite correction. In the present case, a versatile modified quadhelix appliance incorporating a roller was designed to clinically correct the habit and its resulting dentofacial deformities.
Prevalence of Provocative Seizures in Persons with Epilepsy: A Longitudinal Study at Khon Kaen University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Vongkasamchai Nutthaya , Lertsinudom Sunee , Topark-Ngarm Acharawan , Peansukwech Udomlack , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Tiamkao Somsak , Group Integrated Epilepsy Research
Published: November 2015

Background and Objective. Provocative factors are one causative factor of seizure attacks in persons with epilepsy (PWE). There are limited data of prevalence and major provocative factors in Asian populations.Methods. This study was performed at the Epilepsy Clinic, Khon Kaen University Hospital. The patients who aged 15 years or over, who had been treated at least 3 months with at least one antiepileptic drug, and who were followed up for at least one year were included. Data of seizure control and triggers were collected retrospectively from medical records. Data analysis was performed to identify independent provocative factors.Results. A total of 382 PWE met the study criteria. The mean age was40.4±0.8years. Approximately 44% of the patients had at least one provocative factor. By multivariate analysis, the independent provocative factors with the first three highest adjusted odds ratios were sleep deprivation (adjustedOR=8.64, 95% CI 3.73–19.99), alcohol consumption (adjustedOR=6.76, 95% CI 1.44–31.78), and feeling stressful (adjustedOR=2.97, 95% CI 1.29–6.86).Conclusion. Almost half of seizure attacks may be caused by provocative factors in Thai PWEs and some factors may be preventable. Avoidance of these factors should be emphasized to epilepsy patients for improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Protective Effect of Enalapril against Methionine-Enriched Diet-Induced Hypertension: Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhou Yanfen , Zhao Lianyou , Zhang Zhimin , Lu Xuanhao
Published: November 2015

In the present study, we investigated the effect of methionine-enriched diet (MED) on blood pressure in rats and examined the protective effect of enalapril, a widely used angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) class antihypertensive drug. The results showed that MED induced significant increase of SBP and Ang II-induced contractile response in aortae of rats. MED significantly increased plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and ACE. In addition, MED increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) and expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and ATF6 in aortae of rats, indicating the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, MED resulted in oxidative stress as evidenced by significant increase of TBARS level and decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Administration of enalapril could effectively inhibit these pathological changes induced by MED in rats. These results demonstrated that ACE-mediated ER stress and oxidative stress played an important role in high Hcy-induced hypertension and MED may exert a positive loop between the activation of ACE and accumulation of Hcy, aggravating the pathological condition of hypertension. The data provide novel insights into the mechanism of high Hcy-associated hypertension and the therapeutic efficiency of enalapril.
Dramatic Improvement of Subcutaneous Calcinosis by Intermittent, High-Dose Etidronate plus Cimetidine in a Patient with Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Wakabayashi Takayuki , Sasaki Noriko , Chinen Naofumi , Suzuki Yasuo
Published: November 2015

A 17-year-old boy with juvenile dermatomyositis presented with typical skin symptoms, mild myositis, and bilateral lower limb calcinosis. His skin and muscle symptoms responded to treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine. However, calcinosis did not improve, and the patient had a limited range of knee joint motion and resultant disturbance of daily activities. Cimetidine was combined with intermittent administration of high-dose etidronate, leading to marked improvement of both subcutaneous and muscular calcinosis with no skeletal adverse reactions during a long treatment period exceeding 5 years. As a result, the range of knee joint motion has increased and performance of daily activities has improved.
In Silico Investigation of Flavonoids as Potential Trypanosomal Nucleoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
Authors: Ha Christina Hung Hung , Fatima Ayesha , Gaurav Anand
Published: November 2015

Human African Trypanosomiasis is endemic to 37 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by two related species of Trypanosoma brucei. Current therapies suffer from resistance and public accessibility of expensive medicines. Finding safer and effective therapies of natural origin is being extensively explored worldwide. Pentamidine is the only available therapy for inhibiting the P2 adenosine transporter involved in the purine salvage pathway of the trypanosomatids. The objective of the present study is to use computational studies for the investigation of the probable trypanocidal mechanism of flavonoids. Docking experiments were carried out on eight flavonoids of varying level of hydroxylation, namely, flavone, 5-hydroxyflavone, 7-hydroxyflavone, chrysin, apigenin, kaempferol, fisetin, and quercetin. Using AutoDock 4.2, these compounds were tested for their affinity towards inosine-adenosine-guanosine nucleoside hydrolase and the inosine-guanosine nucleoside hydrolase, the major enzymes of the purine salvage pathway. Our results showed that all of the eight tested flavonoids showed high affinities for both hydrolases (lowest free binding energy ranging from −10.23 to −7.14 kcal/mol). These compounds, especially the hydroxylated derivatives, could be further studied as potential inhibitors of the nucleoside hydrolases.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Modulates a HER2-Associated Lipogenic Phenotype, Induces Apoptosis, and Increases Trastuzumab Action in HER2-Overexpressing Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ravacci Graziela Rosa , Brentani Maria Mitzi , Tortelli Tharcisio Citrângulo , Torrinhas Raquel Suzana M. M. , Santos Jéssica Reis , Logullo Angela Flávia , Waitzberg Dan Linetzky
Published: November 2015

In breast cancer, lipid metabolic alterations have been recognized as potential oncogenic stimuli that may promote malignancy. To investigate whether the oncogenic nature of lipogenesis closely depends on the overexpression of HER2 protooncogene, the normal breast cell line, HB4a, was transfected with HER2 cDNA to obtain HER2-overexpressing HB4aC5.2 cells. Both cell lines were treated with trastuzumab and docosahexaenoic acid. HER2 overexpression was accompanied by an increase in the expression of lipogenic genes involved in uptake (CD36), transport (FABP4), and storage (DGAT) of exogenous fatty acids (FA), as well as increased activation of “de novo” FA synthesis (FASN). We further investigate whether this lipogenesis reprogramming might be regulated by mTOR/PPARγpathway. Inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway markers, p70S6 K1, SREBP1, and LIPIN1, as well as an increase in DEPTOR expression (the main inhibitor of the mTOR) was detected in HB4aC5.2. Based on these results, a PPARγselective antagonist, GW9662, was used to treat both cells lines, and the lipogenic genes remained overexpressed in the HB4aC5.2 but not HB4a cells. DHA treatment inhibited all lipogenic genes (except for FABP4) in both cell lines yet only induced death in the HB4aC5.2 cells, mainly when associated with trastuzumab. Neither trastuzumab nor GW9662 alone was able to induce cell death. In conclusion, oncogenic transformation of breast cells by HER2 overexpression may require a reprogramming of lipogenic genetic that is independent of mTORC1 pathway and PPARγactivity. This reprogramming was inhibited by DHA.
GABAergic Neurotransmission in the Premammillary Nucleus of the Turkey Hypothalamus Regulates Reproductive Seasonality and the Onset of Photorefractoriness
Authors: Kosonsiriluk Sunantha , Chaiworakul Voravasa , Thayananuphat Aree , Mauro Laura J. , El Halawani Mohamed E.
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Photoperiod is a major environmental cue in temperate-zone birds which synchronizes breeding with the time of year that offers the optimal environment for offspring survival. Despite continued long photoperiods, these birds eventually become refractory to the stimulating photoperiod and their reproductive systems regress. In this study, we characterized the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission in modulating the response of the premammillary nucleus (PMM) to a gonad stimulatory photoperiod and the onset of photorefractoriness. Methods and Results: Bilateral ablation of the PMM blocked the light-induced neuroendocrine response from occurring in photosensitive turkeys. Microarray analyses revealed an increase in GABAergic activity in the PMM of photorefractory birds as opposed to photosensitive ones, and this enhanced GABAergic activity appeared to inhibit the photoperiodic signal. Additionally, GABAA and GABAB receptors were expressed by dopamine-melatonin neurons in the PMM, and the administration of the GABA receptor agonist baclofen blocked the photoperiodic reproductive neuroendocrine responses. Conclusions: Consistent with the present findings, we propose that the long-sought-after mechanism underlying photorefractoriness is linked to the inhibitory actions of GABA. We suggest that (1) GABAergic interference with photoperiodic entrainment in the PMM initiates the photorefractory state and terminates the annual breeding season in temperate-zone birds, and (2) the PMM is a site of photoreception and photorefractoriness that controls the initiation and termination of avian reproductive seasonality.
Recherche identitaire et quête de territoire dans Learning English de Rašīd al-Ḍaʿīf**
Authors: Ghosn Katia
Published: November 2015

Dans le monde contemporain, le sujet est mobile, pluriel et fragmenté. Il refuse d’être ramené à une identité fixée une fois pour toutes, ou d’être le prisonnier d’un lieu de vie qui lui a été imposé. Learning English illustre le rapport étroit entre la recherche identitaire et la quête de territoire. Ce dernier, loin d’être un simple lieu neutre extérieur au sujet, est au contraire constitutif de son identité profonde. Écartelé entre plusieurs territoires, le narrateur, Rašīd, peine à trouver ses repères. Il rompt avec les traditions de sa ville natale et s’installe à Beyrouth. Très vite il se rend compte que ces deux endroits le contrecarrent également dans ses aspirations à vivre d’une manière décomplexée, en phase avec ses valeurs d’homme contemporain. Il a également séjourné à Paris et rêve de l’Amérique. Ces différents lieux vont profondément affecter le narrateur de manière à favoriser chez lui la quête d’un nouveau territoire fantasmé, qui est une sorte d’espace mondialisé où se résorberaient toutes les contradictions. Il s’agit pour nous d’examiner comment, errant entre plusieurs territoires et partagé entre des systèmes de valeurs contradictoires, le sujet va échouer dans sa quête visant à se forger une identité stable et harmonieuse.