bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mature salivary gland rests within sonic hedgehog–positive medulloblastoma: case report and insights into the molecular genetics and embryopathology of ectopic intracranial salivary gland analogs
Authors: Shammassian Berje , Manjila Sunil , Cox Efrem , Onwuzulike Kaine , Wang Dehua , Rodgers Mark , Stearns Duncan , Selman Warren R.
Published: September 2016

Intracranial ectopic salivary gland rests within dural-based lesions are reported very infrequently in the literature. The authors report the unique case of a 12-year-old boy with a cerebellar medulloblastoma positive for sonic hedgehog (Shh) that contained intraaxial mature ectopic salivary gland rests. The patient underwent clinical and radiological monitoring postoperatively, until he died of disseminated disease. An autopsy showed no evidence of salivary glands within disseminated lesions. The intraaxial presence of salivary gland rests and concomitant Shh positivity of the described tumor point to a disorder in differentiation as opposed to ectopic developmental foci, which are uniformly dural based in the described literature. The authors demonstrate the characteristic “papilionaceous” appearance of the salivary glands with mucicarmine stain and highlight the role of Shh signaling in explaining the intraaxial presence of seromucous gland analogs. This article reports the first intraaxial posterior fossa tumor with heterotopic salivary gland rests, and it provides molecular and embryopathological insights into the development of these lesions.
Recurrent giant cranial desmoid tumor in a 3-year-old boy with familial adenomatous polyposis requiring bifrontoparietal cranioplasty: case report
Authors: Li Luyuan , Jensen John N. , Szabo Sara , VanTuinen Peter , Lew Sean M.
Published: September 2016

Desmoid tumors, also known as aggressive fibromatosis, are locally infiltrating musculoaponeurotic neoplasms arising in connective tissues. Desmoid tumors may be associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic disorder that presents with hundreds to thousands of precancerous colorectal polyps. The authors report the case of an 18-month-old boy who underwent resection of a right temporal desmoid tumor (initially diagnosed as cranial fasciitis) and developed a bilateral frontoparietal calvarial desmoid tumor 2 years later. The patient underwent gross-total resection of the tumor that required a large cranioplasty. He was subsequently diagnosed with FAP. The patient has been without tumor recurrence for 9 years afterwards and has not required revision of his cranioplasty. This is the first report describing a recurrent cranial desmoid tumor in a pediatric patient with FAP. The authors believe, however, that some of the cases previously reported as cranial fasciitis are likely desmoid tumors pathobiologically and genetically.
Can boron nitride analog of carbon nanoneedle exist?
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish Kumar , Misra Neeraj
Published: September 2016

Several boron nitride analogs of carbon-based structures such as benzene, carbon nanotube have been found to exist. Carbon nanoneedles are modified carbon nanotubes which are expected to find potential applications in direct drug delivery. The present report aims to investigate whether boron nitride analogs of carbon nanoneedles can exist. Using gradient corrected density functional theory, we find that it is not possible to realize boron nitride nanoneedle as optimized geometries are significantly distorted from needle-like structures. This may be attributed to the repulsion created by lone pairs of N atoms and large electronegativity difference between B and N atoms which creates a polarity in BN bond. However, the distorted equilibrium BN structures belong to at least local minima and the trend observed in their bond-lengths and HOMO-LUMO gaps closely resemble that of carbon nanoneedles. This study suggests that the synthesis of boron nitride nanoneedle is beyond realization a provides an example where BN moiety fails to mimic CC bond.
A fast stability-indicating HPLC method for determination of sotalol hydrochloride in bulk powder and in dosage form
Authors: Abdelmonem Afaf A. , Ragab Gamal H. , Hashem Hisham A. , Bahgat Eman A.
Published: September 2016

A novel stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for quantitative determination of sotalol-HCl in bulk powder and in tablets. Isocratic HPLC method, using a C18 reversed phase column with mobile phase of 80 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate and acetonitrile (90:10, V/V) was investigated to separate the drug from its stress degradation products. The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, column oven temperature was ambient and detection was performed at 227 nm. Sotalol-HCl was subjected to the stress conditions of hydrolysis (acid and base), oxidation and photolysis. Stress degraded samples were analyzed by the developed procedure. The analyte was well separated from its degradants. The described method showed excellent linearity over a range of 5–100 μg/mL. The determination coefficient (R2) for sotalol-HCl was 0.9999. Limits of detection and quantification were 1.8 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL, respectively. Degradation of sotalol-HCl was observed in acid and in 30% H2O2 conditions only. The drug was found to be stable in the other stress conditions attempted. The percentage recovery of sotalol-HCl ranged from 98.92 to 99.65% in tablets. The developed method was validated with respect to the linearity, accuracy (recovery), precision, specificity and robustness. The forced degradation studies proved stability indicating power of the method.
Synthesis, crystal structure and DFT calculations of a new Hg (II) metal-organic polymer
Authors: Mirtamizdoust Babak , Roodsari Majid Sadeghi , Shaabani Behrouz , Dusek Michal , Fejfarova Karla
Published: September 2016

A new mercury (II) coordination polymer {2[Hg(L)I2](HgI2)}n (1) [L: (E)-N'-(1-(pyridine-3-yl)ethylidene)isonicotinohydrazide]was synthesized by the reaction of mercury(II) iodide with the ligand under thermal gradient conditions using the branch-tube method and fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The determination of the structure by single crystal X-ray crystallography shows that the compound in the solid state consists of two distinct 1D polymeric chains, which will be denoted parts A and B. The coordination numbers of Hg (II) are four, (HgI4) of part A and (HgNI3) of part B with square planar and tetrahedral geometry around the mercury (II) ions. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The chains interact with each other through π– π and CH- π stacking interactions creating a 3D framework. The structure of 1 was optimized by Density Functional Theory Calculations (DFT). Computed bond lengths and angles and vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Phytochemical analysis of Calotropis procera with antimicrobial activity investigation
Authors: Morsy Nagy , Al Sherif Emad A. , Abdel-rassol Tayseer M.A.
Published: September 2016

Phytochemical and biological activity screening are the primary steps for isolation of new biologically active compounds, which lead to the discovery of new drugs. Calotropis procera (Ait). R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. To provide a scientific basis for traditional uses of Calotropis procera, the crude methanol extract of plant organs were investigated phytochemically. The plant contains various classes of bioactive secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts of various plant organs were investigated too. The results were sufficiently positive to encourage further investigation.
Crystal structure and computed properties of a coordination compound [Zn(ATZ)2(N3)2]3(H2O)2 (ATZ = 4-Amino-1,2,4-triazole)
Authors: Xue Rui , Song Jun-Hui
Published: September 2016

A nitrogen-rich coordination compound [Zn(ATZ)2(N3)2]3(H2O)2 (1, ATZ = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole) was prepared and fully characterized. The crystal structure is triclinic, space group P21/n. Thermal decomposition mechanisms of the compound were predicted based on DSC, TG-DTG and FTIR analyses. The kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process of 1 were studied both by the Kissinger’s method and Ozawa-Doyle’s method. The critical temperature of thermal explosion, entropies of activation (ΔS≠), enthalpies of activation (ΔH≠), and free energies of activation (ΔG≠) were calculated.
Taking on Margaret Thatcher: Biography, Feminism and The Iron Lady
Authors: Geraghty Christine
Published: September 2016

This article looks at The Iron Lady (2011) as a biopic in which discourses of history and feminism might appear to clash but are reconciled in the figure of Meryl Streep as the star. It considers the divisive figure of Mrs Thatcher, in the context of a film which was directed, written and edited by women, and uses this to consider the approach to history in this biopic and to contribute to debates about how far the makers of biopics are free to create their own version of a historical figure. Drawing largely on contemporary accounts of Thatcher as a political figure in the 1980s, I argue that the film offers a reading of her which can claim to be both feminist and historically plausible. Finally, the article examines the discourses of characterisation, stardom and performance which allowed Meryl Streep to be so successful in taking on the role of a politician who was herself a consummate performer.
Submicron Particle-Bound Mercury in University Teaching Rooms: A Summer Study from Two Polish Cities
Authors: Majewski Grzegorz , Kociszewska Karolina , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Pyta Halina , Rogula-Kopiec Patrycja , Mucha Walter , Pastuszka Józef
Published: September 2016

The goal of the study was to determine the concentrations of submicron particulate matter (PM1) and of the mercury contained in it (Hgp) in the air in two teaching rooms in two Polish cities, Gliwice and Warsaw. The levels of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) differ greatly between these two cities. The relations between the indoor (I) and outdoor (O) 24-h concentrations for each PM1 and Hgp were determined and, based on the conclusions, an attempt was made to identify the main sources of the indoor Hgp in both cities. During the whole measuring period (April–June 2015), in both Warsaw and Gliwice, the 24-h outdoor PM1 concentrations were slightly higher than the indoor ones (outdoor and indoor averages were equal to 19.3 µg m−3 and 14.5 µg·m−3, respectively, in Gliwice and to 13.2 µg·m−3 and 9.5 µg·m−3 in Warsaw). In Gliwice, the indoor concentrations of Hgp (2.4 pg·m−3 to 27.7 pg·m−3) were much higher than the outdoor ones (1.1 pg·m−3 to 6.1 pg·m−3); in Warsaw the average concentrations of Hgp were equal to 1.4 pg m−3 indoors and outdoors. The 24-h concentrations of Hgp and the 24-h I/O ratios for Hgp varied more intensely in Gliwice than in Warsaw throughout the whole measuring period. In Warsaw, the teaching room Hgp came mainly from the infiltration of atmospheric (outdoor) Hgp. In Gliwice, a part of the indoor Hgp infiltrated into the teaching room with the outdoor PM1 that most probably was then enriched with gaseous indoor Hg, what resulted in the relatively high indoor Hgp concentrations.
Combined Forecasting of Streamflow Based on Cross Entropy
Authors: Men Baohui , Long Rishang , Zhang Jianhua
Published: September 2016

In this study, we developed a model of combined streamflow forecasting based on cross entropy to solve the problems of streamflow complexity and random hydrological processes. First, we analyzed the streamflow data obtained from Wudaogou station on the Huifa River, which is the second tributary of the Songhua River, and found that the streamflow was characterized by fluctuations and periodicity, and it was closely related to rainfall. The proposed method involves selecting similar years based on the gray correlation degree. The forecasting results obtained by the time series model (autoregressive integrated moving average), improved grey forecasting model, and artificial neural network model (a radial basis function) were used as a single forecasting model, and from the viewpoint of the probability density, the method for determining weights was improved by using the cross entropy model. The numerical results showed that compared with the single forecasting model, the combined forecasting model improved the stability of the forecasting model, and the prediction accuracy was better than that of conventional combined forecasting models.
Rapid Capture and Analysis of Airborne Staphylococcus aureus in the Hospital Using a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Jiang Xiran , Liu Yingchao , Liu Qi , Jing Wenwen , Qin Kairong , Sui Guodong
Published: September 2016

In this study we developed a microfluidic chip for the rapid capture, enrichment and detection of airborne Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The whole analysis took about 4 h and 40 min from airborne sample collection to loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), with a detection limit down to about 27 cells. The process did not require DNA purification. The chip was validated using standard bacteria bioaerosol and was directly used for clinical airborne pathogen sampling in hospital settings. This is the first report on the capture and analysis of airborne S. aureus using a novel microfluidic technique, a process that could have a very promising platform for hospital airborne infection prevention (HAIP).
Finite Element Modelling of a Field-Sensed Magnetic Suspended System for Accurate Proximity Measurement Based on a Sensor Fusion Algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Chowdhury Amor , Sarjaš Andrej
Published: September 2016

The presented paper describes accurate distance measurement for a field-sensed magnetic suspension system. The proximity measurement is based on a Hall effect sensor. The proximity sensor is installed directly on the lower surface of the electro-magnet, which means that it is very sensitive to external magnetic influences and disturbances. External disturbances interfere with the information signal and reduce the usability and reliability of the proximity measurements and, consequently, the whole application operation. A sensor fusion algorithm is deployed for the aforementioned reasons. The sensor fusion algorithm is based on the Unscented Kalman Filter, where a nonlinear dynamic model was derived with the Finite Element Modelling approach. The advantage of such modelling is a more accurate dynamic model parameter estimation, especially in the case when the real structure, materials and dimensions of the real-time application are known. The novelty of the paper is the design of a compact electro-magnetic actuator with a built-in low cost proximity sensor for accurate proximity measurement of the magnetic object. The paper successively presents a modelling procedure with the finite element method, design and parameter settings of a sensor fusion algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter and, finally, the implementation procedure and results of real-time operation.
CHANDRA ACIS SURVEY OF X-RAY POINT SOURCES IN NEARBY GALAXIES. II. X-RAY LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS AND ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES
Authors: Wang Song , Qiu Yanli , Liu Jifeng , Bregman Joel N.
Published: September 2016

Based on the recently completed Chandra/ACIS survey of X-ray point sources in nearby galaxies, we study the X-ray luminosity functions (XLFs) for X-ray point sources in different types of galaxies and the statistical properties of ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). Uniform procedures are developed to compute the detection threshold, to estimate the foreground/background contamination, and to calculate the XLFs for individual galaxies and groups of galaxies, resulting in an XLF library of 343 galaxies of different types. With the large number of surveyed galaxies, we have studied the XLFs and ULX properties across different host galaxy types, and confirm with good statistics that the XLF slope flattens from lenticular (α ∼ 1.50 ± 0.07) to elliptical (∼1.21 ± 0.02), to spirals (∼0.80 ± 0.02), to peculiars (∼0.55 ± 0.30), and to irregulars (∼0.26 ± 0.10). The XLF break dividing the neutron star and black hole binaries is also confirmed, albeit at quite different break luminosities for different types of galaxies. A radial dependency is found for ellipticals, with a flatter XLF slope for sources located between D
25 and 2D
25, suggesting the XLF slopes in the outer region of early-type galaxies are dominated by low-mass X-ray binaries in globular clusters. This study shows that the ULX rate in early-type galaxies is 0.24 ± 0.05 ULXs per surveyed galaxy, on a 5σ confidence level. The XLF for ULXs in late-type galaxies extends smoothly until it drops abruptly around 4 × 1040 erg s−1, and this break may suggest a mild boundary between the stellar black hole population possibly including 30 M
⊙ black holes with super-Eddington radiation and intermediate mass black holes.
SUNSPOT ROTATION AS A DRIVER OF MAJOR SOLAR ERUPTIONS IN THE NOAA ACTIVE REGION 12158
Authors: Vemareddy P. , Cheng X. , Ravindra B.
Published: September 2016

We studied the development conditions of sigmoid structure under the influence of the magnetic non-potential characteristics of a rotating sunspot in the active region (AR) 12158. Vector magnetic field measurements from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager and coronal EUV observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly reveal that the erupting inverse-S sigmoid had roots at the location of the rotating sunspot. The sunspot rotates at a rate of 0°–5° h−1 with increasing trend in the first half followed by a decrease. The time evolution of many non-potential parameters had a good correspondence with the sunspot rotation. The evolution of the AR magnetic structure is approximated by a time series of force-free equilibria. The non-linear force-free field magnetic structure around the sunspot manifests the observed sigmoid structure. Field lines from the sunspot periphery constitute the body of the sigmoid and those from the interior overlie the sigmoid, similar to a flux rope structure. While the sunspot was rotating, two major coronal mass ejection eruptions occurred in the AR. During the first (second) event, the coronal current concentrations were enhanced (degraded), consistent with the photospheric net vertical current; however, magnetic energy was released during both cases. The analysis results suggest that the magnetic connections of the sigmoid are driven by the slow motion of sunspot rotation, which transforms to a highly twisted flux rope structure in a dynamical scenario. Exceeding the critical twist in the flux rope probably leads to the loss of equilibrium, thus triggering the onset of the two eruptions.
THE HAWAII SCUBA-2 LENSING CLUSTER SURVEY: NUMBER COUNTS AND SUBMILLIMETER FLUX RATIOS
Authors: Hsu (徐立研) Li-Yen , Cowie Lennox L. , Chen (陳建州) Chian-Chou , Barger Amy J. , Wang (王為豪) Wei-Hao
Published: September 2016

We present deep number counts at 450 and 850 μm using the SCUBA-2 camera on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. We combine data for six lensing cluster fields and three blank fields to measure the counts over a wide flux range at each wavelength. Thanks to the lensing magnification, our measurements extend to fluxes fainter than 1 mJy and 0.2 mJy at 450 μm and 850 μm, respectively. Our combined data highly constrain the faint end of the number counts. Integrating our counts shows that the majority of the extragalactic background light (EBL) at each wavelength is contributed by faint sources with L
IR < 1012
L
⊙, corresponding to luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) or normal galaxies. By comparing our result with the 500 μm stacking of K-selected sources from the literature, we conclude that the K-selected LIRGs and normal galaxies still cannot fully account for the EBL that originates from sources with L
IR < 1012
L
⊙. This suggests that many faint submillimeter galaxies may not be included in the UV star formation history. We also explore the submillimeter flux ratio between the two bands for our 450 μm and 850 μm selected sources. At 850 μm, we find a clear relation between the flux ratio and the observed flux. This relation can be explained by a redshift evolution, where galaxies at higher redshifts have higher luminosities and star formation rates. In contrast, at 450 μm, we do not see a clear relation between the flux ratio and the observed flux.
Desafios no uso da sala de aula invertida no ensino superior
Authors: Suhr Inge Renate Frose
Published: September 2016

Este texto apresenta as reflexões iniciais, advindas de um estudo de caso  ainda em  andamento, sobre as dificuldades e desafios encontrados por docentes de graduação presencial na utilização da metodologia intitulada “sala de aula invertida”. Apesar da limitação das análises e da dificuldade em generalizá-las optou-se por trazer o tema à baila devido ao fato da sala de aula invertida estar sendo apontada como possiblidade promissora de renovação do ensino. Para seus defensores a sala de aula invertida, ao utilizar as tecnologias de informação e comunicação para transmissão de conceitos aos alunos em ambiente virtual, permite que os momentos de aula sejam utilizados pelo professor para atividades que exigem maior nível de raciocínio e complexidade de aprendizagem. Cabe então ao professor o papel de organizar sequências didáticas que tomem o material instrucional como base para, por meio de metodologias ativas, levar o aluno a refletir, analisar, aplicar, resolver problemas e casos de ensino. Do aluno espera-se uma postura ativa, estudando previamente o conteúdo para que possa utiliza-lo nas atividades de aplicação em sala de aula. Na instituição de ensino superior onde ocorre a pesquisa, os docentes envolvidos no trabalho segundo este modelo vêm relatando alguns desafios, relacionados, principalmente, à postura dos alunos e à cultura instituída em relação ao papel do professor.
Comparable Efficacy of Abatacept Used as First-line or Second-line Biological Agent for Severe Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-related Uveitis
Authors: Birolo Carolina , Zannin Maria Elisabetta , Arsenyeva Svetlana , Cimaz Rolando , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Dubko Margarita , Deslandre Chantal Job , Falcini Fernanda , Alessio Maria , La Torre Francesco , Denisova Ekaterina , Martini Giorgia , Nikishina Irina , Zulian Francesco
Published: September 2016

Objective.

Abatacept (ABA) has recently been proposed as second-line treatment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–associated uveitis refractory to anti–tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) agents, but little is known about its efficacy as a first-line approach. The aim of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of ABA as a first-line biological agent (ABA-1) with that of ABA as a second-line treatment after 1 or more anti-TNF agents (ABA-2), in patients with severe JIA-related uveitis.

Methods.

In this multicenter study, we collected data on patients with severe JIA-related uveitis treated with ABA as a first-line or second-line biological agent. Changes in frequency of uveitis flares/year and ocular complications before and after ABA treatment, clinical remission, and side effects were recorded.

Results.

Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 10.8 years were treated with ABA for a mean period of 19.6 months. In 4 patients, ABA administration was discontinued, owing to inefficacy on arthritis in 3 cases and allergic reaction in 1. Thirty-one patients, 14 in the ABA-1 group and 17 in the ABA-2 group, completed the 12-month followup period; of these, 17 (54.8%) had clinical remission. The mean frequency of uveitis flares decreased from 4.1 to 1.2 in the ABA-1 group (p = 0.002) and from 3.7 to 1.2 in the ABA-2 group (p = 0.004). Preexisting ocular complications improved or remained stable in all but 5 patients, all in the ABA-2 group. No significant difference was found between the efficacy of the 2 treatment modalities. ABA confirmed its good safety profile.

Conclusion.

ABA, used as first-line biological treatment or after 1 or more anti-TNF agents, induces a comparable improvement in severe refractory JIA-related uveitis.
Incidence of Malignancies in a Cohort of Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Taking Traditional Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy: An Observational Study
Authors: Costa Luisa , Caso Francesco , Del Puente Antonio , Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario , Peluso Rosario , Scarpa Raffaele
Published: September 2016

Objective.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthropathy, associated with skin and/or nail psoriasis. As suggested in 2012 by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), studies devoted to assess cancer in the PsA population are still limited and need to be increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of malignancies in patients with PsA who are taking conventional and biologic therapies.

Methods.

A cohort of patients with PsA was followed prospectively. At first visit, as well as at each 3–4 month followup visit, according to standardized clinical practice, medical history, and physical and laboratory findings were recorded. Information on the presence of comorbidities, as well as malignancies, was collected. At each visit, data were recorded on radiography and pathology, confirming malignancy diagnosis, when present.

Results.

A total of 618 patients with PsA were included in the study. In particular, 296 were taking anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) agents and 322 were taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). During the observation period, in the total group, 44 patients (7.1%) had a diagnosis of malignancy. Of them, 14 (4.7%; 95% CI 2.8–7.8; 0.52/100 patient-yrs) received anti-TNF therapy and 30 (9.3%; 95% CI 6.6–13.0; 1.03/100 patient-yrs) received traditional DMARD (p = 0.019). However, after adjusting for major demographic and clinical characteristics, the difference between the 2 treatments was no longer significant (p = 0.480), and the only predictor of malignancy occurrence was age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.009–1.073, p = 0.012).

Conclusion.

Data from this study confirm that biological therapies do not lead to any increased risk for cancer development, when adequately administered and with proper followup.
The effect of a probiotic Escherichia coli strain on regulatory T-cells in six year-old children
Authors: Hrdý J. , Kocourková I. , Lodinová-Žádníková R. , Kolářová L. , Prokešová L.
Published: September 2016

Probiotics are believed to prevent or reduce allergy development but the mechanism of their beneficial effect is still poorly understood. Immune characteristics of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of perinatally probiotic-supplemented children of allergic mothers (51 children), non-supplemented children of allergic mothers (42 children), and non-supplemented children of healthy mothers (28 children) were compared at the age of 6-7 years. A first dose of a probiotic Escherichia coli strain (E. coli O83:K24:H31) was administered within 2 days after the birth and then 12 times during the first months of life and children were followed longitudinally. Proportion and functional properties of Tregs were estimated by flow cytometry in relation to the children’s allergy status. Proportion of Tregs in the peripheral blood of children suffering from allergy tends to be higher whereas median of fluorescence intensity (MFI) of FoxP3 was significantly decreased in allergic group. Intracellular presence of regulatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 was also lower in allergic children. Immune functions of Tregs reflected by both MFI of FoxP3 and IL-10 in the group of probiotic-supplemented children of allergic mothers were nearly comparable with children of healthy mothers while probiotic non-supplemented children of allergic mothers have decreased immune function of Tregs. Supplementation by probiotic E. coli strain decreases allergy incidence in high-risk children. In contrast to our expectation, proportion of Tregs has not been increased in probiotic supplemented children. Beneficial effect of probiotics on newborn immature immune system could be, at least partially, explained by the modulating immune function of Tregs. In summary, we detected increased proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood of allergic children, their functional properties were decreased in comparison with the Tregs of healthy children. A unifying hypothesis for these findings is that Treg numbers in allergic children are increased in order to compensate for decreased function.
Effect of Stimulative and Sedative Music Videos on Depressive Symptoms and Physiological Relaxation in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yu , Hsieh Yuan-Mei , Lai Hui-Ling
Published: September 2016

Music has been found to improve depressive symptoms and relaxation. However, few studies related to this issue have been conducted using music videos (MVs). The aim was to compare the effects of stimulative and sedative MVs on depressive symptoms and physiological relaxation (i.e., electromyography, heart rate variability, and skin conductance) in older adults with depressive symptoms. Using a 2-week crossover design, interventions alternated between watching a stimulative and sedative MV and vice versa. Each intervention lasted for 30 minutes on 1 day during the first week, and was then alternated to another intervention for 1 day during the following week. Stimulative MVs were more effective in treating depressive symptoms than sedative MVs. Stimulative and sedative MVs had beneficial effects on depressive symptoms and physiological relaxation compared with baseline data. These findings add new knowledge to the literature for health care providers to improve psychophysiological health in older adults with depressive symptoms.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(5):233–242.]
A SIMPLE METHOD TO DETERMINE THE DAYLIGHT FACTOR FROM THE VERTICAL DAYLIGHT FACTOR IN DIFFERENT STREET CANYON GEOMETRY
Authors: Carlos Jorge S.
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the main characteristics of daylight on any window in a street canyon. The sky component and the light reflected from the surroundings are described to determine the vertical daylight factor (VDF). Several street canyon types are characterized taking into account their different height/width and any level of the window is analysed. A simple calculation method uses trigonometric equations based on the sky and the geometry of the canyon. The results were previously evaluated considering different daylight procedures obtained by other studies. This study reveals that the reflectance within an urban canyon plays an important role in the amount of daylight onto any window with more relevance in a deep canyon and low sky view. The graphical presentation that result from this investigation can rapidly assist building and urban designers in an early stage design where assumptions and the lay out of the main design take place.
Mémoire de l’immigration algérienne, Oued Souf (Algérie) – Hauts-de-Seine (France) : Projet de collecte, conservation et traitement de sources orales
Authors: Olmos Rosa
Published: September 2016

En mars 2012, une équipe d’enseignants et d’étudiants d’Histoire et de Sociologie de l’Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, et de l’Institut Maghreb Europe (Université de Paris 8), accompagnés par des bibliothécaires d’archives audiovisuelles de la Bibliothèque de Documentation Internationale Contemporaine (BDIC) et par deux jeunes documentaristes, ont collecté pendant quinze jours dans la région du Oued Souf (Algérie) les témoignages des anciens habitants de Nanterre.
Gérer une collection numérisée : l’exemple de la phonothèque de la MMSH[Préservation, signalisation, accès]
Authors: Ginouvès Véronique
Published: September 2016

Cette intervention a été présentée lors de la journée d’étude de l’AFAS les 7 et 8 octobre 2004 à la Bibliothèque nationale de France sous le titre : La numérisation des documents sonores au service de la conservation  - Principes généraux et recommandations pratiques. Mise à jour le 5 août 2005.
A Comprehensive Literature Review on Construction Project Risk Analysis
Authors: Tesfaye Ermias , Berhan Eshetie , Kitaw Daniel
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to present the chronological development of risk assessment techniques and models undertaken in construction project for the past two decades. This research used a systematic review and meta-analysis on risk assessment of construction project literatures. This includes browsing relevant researches and publications, screening articles based on the year of publication, identifying the domains and attributes. Accordingly, findings of major results achieved have been presented systematically based on the chronology of the research and research gaps are identified. From the review, it is found out that the dominant risk assessment tools used for the past twenty years is statistical analysis and fuzzy expert system.
Transcriptional Repression of IFN Regulatory Factor 7 by MYC Is Critical for Type I IFN Production in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Kim Tae Whan , Hong Seunghee , Lin Yin , Murat Elise , Joo HyeMee , Kim Taeil , Pascual Virginia , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: September 2016

Type I IFNs are crucial mediators of human innate and adaptive immunity and are massively produced from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). IFN regulatory factor (IRF)7 is a critical regulator of type I IFN production when pathogens are detected by TLR 7/9 in pDC. However, hyperactivation of pDC can cause life-threatening autoimmune diseases. To avoid the deleterious effects of aberrant pDC activation, tight regulation of IRF7 is required. Nonetheless, the detailed mechanisms of how IRF7 transcription is regulated in pDC are still elusive. MYC is a well-known highly pleiotropic transcription factor; however, the role of MYC in pDC function is not well defined yet. To identify the role of transcription factor MYC in human pDC, we employed a knockdown technique using human pDC cell line, GEN2.2. When we knocked down MYC in the pDC cell line, production of IFN-stimulated genes was dramatically increased and was further enhanced by the TLR9 agonist CpGB. Interestingly, MYC is shown to be recruited to the IRF7 promoter region through interaction with nuclear receptor corepressor 2/histone deacetylase 3 for its repression. In addition, activation of TLR9-mediated NF-κB and MAPK and nuclear translocation of IRF7 were greatly enhanced by MYC depletion. Pharmaceutical inhibition of MYC recovered IRF7 expression, further confirming the negative role of MYC in the antiviral response by pDC. Therefore, our results identify the novel immunomodulatory role of MYC in human pDC and may add to our understanding of aberrant pDC function in cancer and autoimmune disease.
Rural South Africans’ rehabilitation experiences: Case studies from the Northern Cape Province
Authors: Visagie Surona , Swartz Leslie
Published: September 2016

Background: Rehabilitation is often challenging in South Africa, but South Africans living in remote rural settings might experience unique challenges. Objective: This article interrogates issues of access to rehabilitation in a selected sample from rural South Africa through case studies. Method: This qualitative study utilised a case study design. Eight case studies were done in a purposively sampled rural town in the Northern Cape Province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The case study participants were not integrated into the community. They experienced higher levels of disability than one would expect from their impairments. Their impairments were not modified. No retraining of function was implemented. Early intervention and childhood development activities were not provided. Participants were not linked with self-help or peer support groups. Provision of assistive devices was challenged. Environmental barriers aggravated the situation. Conclusion: We theorise that one-on-one therapy is not the solution to the rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities in remote, rural settings. We recommend a move to community-based rehabilitation and transdisciplinary teamwork supported by family members, community health workers and peer mentors. Therapists are ideally situated to explore the feasibility of such programmes and to pilot them in various communities.
Evaluating condylar head morphology as it relates to the skeletal vertical facial dimension: A three-dimensional semi-automated landmark study
Authors: Contro Curtis , Miller Arthur J. , Hatcher David , Oberoi Snehlata
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Condylar growth direction and rotation affect the occlusion, especially in the vertical dimension. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a novel three-dimensional semi-automated landmark computer software on mapping the head of the mandibular condyle using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The second objective was to evaluate qualitatively how condylar morphology differs three-dimensionally according to skeletal vertical pattern and mandibular morphology in healthy adults using CBCT.

Materials and Methods

A total of 242 (169 females and 73 males) participants were eligible for the study. Participants were selected at random from the 242 to create three groups of 10 participants based on their MP-SN° and assigned to a brachyfacial group, dolichofacial group, and mesofacial group. The thirty participants were also divided by mandibular symphyseal morphology according to the chin angle (Id-Pg-MP°). Each subject’s condyles were landmarked using Stratovan’s Checkpoint software. A Procrustes analysis was then used to generate an average condylar shape for each of the six groups from which to evaluate shape differences.

Results

Checkpoint proved to be a reliable method of placing landmarks on the condyle with a low coefficient of variation of 1.81% (standard deviation/mean). Qualitative analysis of the Procrustes averages revealed brachyfacial average showed a moderate anterior lean from the sagittal, anterior convexity from the axial, and medial lean from the coronal views. The dolichofacial average showed a mild anterior lean from the sagittal, anterior concavity from the axial, and a symmetrical half-dome shape from the coronal. The obtuse chin angle group average displayed morphology similar to the brachyfacial average, whereas the acute chin angle group average displayed morphology similar to the dolichofacial average.

Conclusions

Checkpoint is reliable software to landmark the temporomandibular joint. There are differences in average morphologies between all groups.
A sharper threshold for random groups at density one-half
Authors: Duchin Moon , Jankiewicz Kasia , Kilmer Shelby C. , Lelièvre Samuel , Mackay John M. , Sánchez Andrew P.
Published: September 2016

In the theory of random groups, we consider presentations with any fixed number

m

of generators and many random relators of length

\ell

, sending

\ell \to \infty

. If

d

is a „density“ parameter measuring the rate of exponential growth of the number of relators compared to the length of relators, then many group-theoretic properties become generically true or generically false at different values of

d

. The signature theorem for this density model is a phase transition from triviality to hyperbolicity: for

d < 1/2

, random groups are a.a.s. infinite hyperbolic, while for

d>1/2

, random groups are a.a.s. order one or two. We study random groups at the density threshold

d=1/2

. Kozma had found that trivial groups are generic for a range of growth rates at

d=1/2

; we show that infinite hyperbolic groups are generic in a different range. (We include an exposition of Kozma's previously unpublished argument, with slightly improved results, for completeness.)
Scale-multiplicative semigroups and geometry: automorphism groups of trees
Authors: Baumgartner Udo , Ramagge Jacqui , Willis George A.
Published: September 2016

A scale-multiplicative semigroup in a totally disconnected, locally compact group

G

is one for which the restriction of the scale function on

G

is multiplicative. The maximal scale-multiplicative semigroups in groups acting 2-transitively on the set of ends of trees without leaves are determined and shown to correspond to geometric features of the tree.
Reviewing morphology of Quadriceps femoris muscle
Authors: Chavan S. , Wabale R.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Quadriceps is composite muscle of four portions rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis and vatus lateralis. It is inserted into patella through common tendon with three layered arrangement rectus femoris superficially, vastus lateralis and vatus medialis in the intermediate layer and vatus intermedius deep to it. Most literatures do not take into account its complex and variable morphology while describing the extensor mechanism of knee, and wide functional role it plays in stability of knee joint. It has been widely studied clinically, mainly individually in foreign context, but little attempt has been made to look into morphology of quadriceps group. The diverse functional aspect of quadriceps group, and the gap in the literature on morphological aspect particularly in our region what prompted us to review detail morphology of this group. Method: Study consisted dissection of 40 lower limbs (20 rights and 20 left) from 20 embalmed cadavers from Department of Anatomy Rural Medical College, PIMS Loni, Ahmednagar (M) India. Results: Rectus femoris was a separate entity in all the cases. Vastus medialis as well as vastus lateralis found to have two parts, as oblique and longus. Quadriceps group had variability in fusion between members of the group. The extent of fusion also varied greatly. The laminar arrangement of Quadriceps group found as bilaminar or trilaminar. The insertion level of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis on patella varied greatly. Vastus lateralis found to extent to whole extent of lateral border of patella. The extension of fibrous band like structure from lower horizontal fibers of vastus medialis to adductor tubercle also noticed in one case. Conclusion: There is wide variability in the quadriceps group of muscles that we came across, then believed. This variability in the quadriceps group might affect the stability of the knee joint but needs, to prove clinically. The inding may also help in the understanding the factors associated with anterior knee pain and its management.
Morphological and ultrastructural analysis of the teeth of guaiquica (Gracilinanus microtarsus, Wagner, 1842)
Authors: Lobo L. , Santos A. , Rosa R. , Carvalho A. , Costa G. , Mançanares C.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The guaiquica ( Gracilinanus microtarsus) is an omnivorous-frugivorous marsupial, which belongs to family Didelphidae and subfamily Didelphinae. By feeding on small fruits, it is a species of considerable ecological importance in seed dispersal of some plants. The teeth are calcified and have adapted anatomical structures, which exhibit morphological variation among vertebrates. They are important for the systematic and sometimes represent the only traces of extinct species, and may also assist the phylogenetic reconstruction of these species. Objective: In order to establish morphological patterns of the teeth of G. microtarsus, the establishment of dental formula of the species was performed. Materials and methods: We used macroscopic analysis, microstructural analysis by light microscopy and ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy in five G. microtarsus adults (n= 3 males and n= 2 females) were performed. Results and conclusion: We conclude that the dental formula of G. microtarsus (2x I 5/4 C1/1 P 3/3 M 4/4), totaling 50 teeth is similar to that described in opossum (Didelphis sp.). The teeth are classified as thecodont and bunodont and microscopic morphology of teeth is also similar to Didelphis sp. and other species that have braquidonts teeth.
Variability of the obturator artery with its surgical implications
Authors: Tajra J. , Lima C. , Pires F. , Sales L. , Junqueira D. , Mauro E.
Published: September 2016

The vascular anatomy of the pelvis has in the retro pubic space one the most dangerous artery variations for the surgical approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate arise from obturator artery and its implications. Eleven specimens were bisected pelvic an adult cadaver. The iliac artery and femoral artery were identified and divided in their branches. The anomalous origin was noted in 22.72% with an anastomotic branch between the external iliac or inferior epigastric vessels found in 13.69%. The right side showed a greater variation than left side with 27.27% versus 18.18%. Our data suggest that retro pubic space has critical vascular variations of the obturator artery with many probabilities of the lesions.
Chronic exposure to ketamine induces neuronal lose and glial reaction in CA4 region of hippocampus
Authors: Ahmadpour SH. , Foghi K. , Behrad A.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Studies have shown that even acute single dose of ketamine is associated with neurodegeneration in hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic exposure to ketamine on hippocampus proper in young adult male rats. Materials and Method: Twenty young adult male wistar rats weighing 120-150 g were randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group received ketamine intraperitoneally at the dose of 10mg/kg for one week. The control animals only received saline. At the end ofweek animals were anesthetized and the hippocampus and adrenal were harvested for further study. Results: Cytological examination of cresyl violet stained sections of ketamine group showed dark neurons in CA4 region. The number of dark neurons in CA4 (15±3) showed meaningful difference with control (P<0.001). The weight ofwet brain in ketamine group (1.34±0.04 gr) showed significant level of difference in comparison with those of control (1.6±.2gr) (P<0.05). The presence of oligodendrocytes aggregation around degenerating and healthy looking neurons was only recognized in ketamine group. Also in ketamine exposed animals, hypertrophic astrocytes especially in white matter hilar region, were observed. Conclusion: According to our findings it could be concluded repeated or chronic ketamine use is associated neurodegeneration in CA4region of hippocampus and sever glial reaction.