bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal bone growth is impaired by direct involvement of caffeine with chondrocyte differentiation in the growth plate
Authors: Choi Hyeonhae , Choi Yuri , Kim Jisook , Bae Jaeman , Roh Jaesook
Published: August 2016

We showed previously that caffeine adversely affects longitudinal bone growth and disrupts the histomorphometry of the growth plate during the pubertal growth spurt. However, little attention has been paid to the direct effects of caffeine on chondrocytes. Here, we investigated the direct effects of caffeine on chondrocytes of the growth plate in vivo and in vitro using a rapidly growing young rat model, and determined whether they were related to the adenosine receptor signaling pathway. A total of 15 male rats (21 days old) were divided randomly into three groups: a control group and two groups fed caffeine via gavage with 120 and 180 mg kg−1 day−1 for 4 weeks. After sacrifice, the tibia processed for the analysis of the long bone growth and proliferation of chondrocytes using tetracycline and BrdU incorporation, respectively. Caffeine‐fed animals showed decreases in matrix mineralization and proliferation rate of growth plate chondrocytes compared with the control. To evaluate whether caffeine directly affects chondrocyte proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation, primary rat chondrocytes were isolated from the growth plates and cultured in either the presence or absence of caffeine at concentrations of 0.1–1 mm, followed by determination of the cellular proliferation or expression profiles of cellular differentiation markers. Caffeine caused significant decreases in extracellular matrix production, mineralization, and alkaline phosphatase activity, accompanied with decreases in gene expression of the cartilage‐specific matrix proteins such as aggrecan, type II collagen and type X. Our results clearly demonstrate that caffeine is capable of interfering with cartilage induction by directly inhibiting the synthetic activity and orderly expression of marker genes relevant to chondrocyte maturation. In addition, we found that the adenosine type 1 receptor signaling pathway may be partly involved in the detrimental effects of caffeine on chondrogenic differentiation, specifically matrix production and mineralization, as evidenced by attenuation of the inhibitory effects of caffeine by blockade of this receptor. Thus, our study provides novel information on the integration of caffeine and adenosine receptor signaling during chondrocyte maturation, extending our understanding of the effect of caffeine at a cellular level on chondrocytes of the growth plate.
Violence and depression in a community sample
Authors: Montesó‐Curto Pilar , Aguilar Carina , Lejeune Marylène , Casadó‐Marin Lina , Casanova Garrigós Georgina , Ferré‐Grau Carme
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To understand the relation between the experience of violence and sociodemographic and clinical factors, and to determine whether diagnosed depression and the presence of anxiety and stress are related to having experienced workplace and domestic violence in different genders and age groups.

Background

Previous studies indicate that domestic and workplace violence increase the risk of suffering from depression. However, no studies have evaluated these two types of violence in a same cohort.

Design and methods

We designed a descriptive cross‐sectional study from 317 individuals randomly selected from the population in southern Catalonia (Spain). Sociodemographic and Goldberg anxiety–depression questionnaires were administered by telephone survey to 160 men and 157 women in December 2008. The data obtained were analysed by a logistic regression model.

Results

A quarter of the individuals had suffered from violence: 48·29% of them had experienced domestic violence and 32·9% had experienced workplace violence. Nearly half of the individuals with depression had experienced violence. No statistical difference has been observed between domestic and workplace violence regarding diagnosed depression. Women were twice as likely as men to have suffered from violence. People working outside their home and those who claimed to have no social support had a greater risk of suffering from violence. A greater consumption of medication, above all of psychotropic drugs, is associated with experiencing violence and with greater comorbidity. Predictive factors for suffering from depression are being women, having experienced violence, having suffered stress or anxiety, having little or no social support, having overload of task or having no secondary education and no tertiary education.

Conclusions

This study suggests that when considering depression, anxiety and stress, especially in women, we must take into account whether an individual has suffered violence.

Relevance to clinical practice

Identifying violence can help health professionals, managers and researchers improve care and reduce suffering in families and communities.
Effects of infant massage on state anxiety in mothers of preterm infants prior to hospital discharge
Authors: Afand Nahid , Keshavarz Maryam , Fatemi Naiemeh Seyed , Montazeri Ali
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

This study evaluated the effect of infant massage on anxiety in mothers of preterm infants who discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit.

Background

Birth of preterm infants commonly leads to great levels of distress and anxiety in mothers. Although various methods have been suggested to help mothers cope with such stressful conditions, the effects of infant massage have not been adequately studied in mothers.

Design

This was a quasi‐experimental clinical trial.

Methods

Overall, in 70 mothers and their preterm infants who scheduled to be discharged within 24 hours, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (Spielberger) was completed for mothers in both groups in the morning of the day before discharge. The experimental group received eight minutes of massage including two standard similar parts (each part four minutes). The massage was repeated in two parts on the day of discharge, and then, state anxiety was re‐measured using Spielberg's scale for all mothers. The control group received no intervention.

Results

The results showed that on the day of discharge, there was a significant difference in the overall mean score of maternal state anxiety between the two groups (p < 0·002), although not in the severity of maternal state anxiety. In both groups, the mean score of maternal state anxiety was significantly decreased on the day of discharge (p < 0·001).

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence that infant massage by mother has an effect on the state anxiety of mothers of preterm infants, so it is recommended that mothers apply massage for preterm infants to improve their mental health.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mothers of preterm infants can promote mental health by continuing massage of their infants at home.
Effect of Experimental Palatal Prosthesis on Voice Onset Time
Authors: Hattori Mariko , Sumita Yuka I. , Elbashti Mahmoud E. , Kurtz Kenneth S. , Taniguchi Hisashi
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Objective evaluation of a patient's speech is needed in prosthetic dentistry because the prostheses can affect the intelligibility of speech. Measurement of voice onset time is one evaluation method of consonant production used in phonetic science. The purpose of this study was to confirm the influence of a palatal prosthesis on consonant production by measuring voice onset time.

Materials and Methods

In this study, voice onset time was measured in 10 healthy women (mean age 26.5 years) under two conditions: with and without an experimental palatal prosthesis. In this study, voice onset time of /ta/ and /ka/ were used to determine the effect of wearing a palatal prosthesis; /pa/ was tested as a control, with the null hypothesis that voice onset time of /ta/ and /ka/ would not change when wearing a palatal prosthesis.

Results

Medial voice onset time of /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/ syllables without the palatal prosthesis was 22.5 ms, 19.5 ms, and 42.5 ms, whereas that with the palatal prosthesis was 22.5 ms, 23.5 ms, and 55.0 ms. Voice onset times for /ta/ and /ka/ were prolonged when wearing the experimental palatal prosthesis, whereas /pa/ showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

Consonant production was affected by wearing a palatal prosthesis, and this change in sound was detected by measuring voice onset time.
Nitrate uptake varies with tide height and nutrient availability in the intertidal seaweed Fucus vesiculosus
Authors: Benes Kylla M. , Bracken Matthew E. S.
Published: August 2016

Intertidal seaweeds must cope with a suite of stressors imposed by aerial exposure at low tide, including nutrient limitation due to emersion. Seaweeds can access nutrients only when submerged, so individuals living higher compared to lower on the shore may have adaptations allowing them to acquire sufficient amounts of nutrients to survive and maintain growth. Using a combination of observations and experiments, we aimed to identify intraspecific variation in nitrate uptake rates across the intertidal distribution of F. vesiculosus, as well as test for acclimation in response to a change in tide height. We replicated our study at sites spanning nearly the entire Gulf of Maine coastline, to examine how local environmental variability may alter intraspecific variation in nitrate uptake. We found that average nitrate uptake rates were ~18% higher in upper compared to lower intertidal Fucus vesiculosus. Furthermore, we found evidence for both acclimation and adaptation to tide height during a transplant experiment. F. vesiculosus transplanted from the lower to the upper intertidal zone was characterized by increased nitrate uptake, but individuals transplanted from the upper to the lower intertidal zone retained high uptake rates. Our observations differed among Gulf of Maine regions and among time points of our study. Importantly, these differences may reflect associations between nitrate uptake rates and abiotic environmental conditions and seaweed nutrient status. Our study highlights the importance of long‐term variation in ambient nutrient supply in driving intraspecific variation of seaweeds across the intertidal gradient and local and seasonal variation in ambient nutrient levels in mediating intraspecific differences.
Supply Chain Technologies: Linking Adoption, Utilization, and Performance
Authors: Liu Zhongzhi , Prajogo Daniel , Oke Adegoke
Published: August 2016

Much has been written in the literature on the adoption of supply chain technologies (SCT). However, little has been written on why once adopted, the levels of utilization and the effectiveness of SCT differ. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to investigate (1) why firms achieve more or less SCT utilization and (2) how SCT utilization relates to performance. To address the first objective and, using a survey of manufacturing firms in Australia, we identify and investigate how efficiency and legitimacy motivations for adopting SCT can help explain different levels of SCT utilization in firms. To address the second objective, we investigate the link between SCT utilization and delivery performance and the role that both information sharing and logistics integration play as moderators of that link. Our empirical results show that: (1) efficiency motivation for SCT adoption more significantly and positively relates to SCT utilization in firms than does legitimacy motivation for adoption; and (2) there is a positive relationship between SCT utilization and firm performance and this increases when the level of information sharing between supply chain partners increases. This study contributes to the extant literature which has generally reported inconsistent results in terms of how SCT utilization actually affects performance as well as taking a nascent step toward understanding the conditions under which SCT utilization is more or less effective in so far as it relates to delivery performance.
PRIVATE CONSERVATION IN TURF‐MANAGED FISHERIES
Authors: COSTELLO CHRISTOPHER , KAFFINE DANIEL
Published: August 2016

Spatial property rights in the ocean, such as territorial user right fisheries (TURFs), are increasingly used to overcome the tragedy of the commons. TURFs engender vastly different fishing incentives than in a common pool race; while this likely enhances conservation beyond an open access setting, conservation organizations may desire even greater protection. We argue that because TURFs are property rights, their implementation opens the door for “private conservation,” for example, where a conservation organization would purchase a set of TURFs to create an un‐fished marine reserve network. This possibility has interesting implications for biodiversity conservation, fishery management, and economic incentives, yet has received almost no attention in the literature. We examine this issue in a numerical spatial‐dynamic bioeconomic fishery model. Among other novel findings, we show: (i) Private acquisition of TURFs is likely to be a relatively inexpensive marine conservation strategy, particularly if the conservationist can capture some of the “conservation rents” that accrue due to spillover; (ii) Accounting for the strategic response of remaining fishermen can significantly reduce the cost of conservation; and (iii) The degree of fishing cooperation across TURFs plays a pivotal role in the costs of conservation; more‐cooperative TURF owners engage in more “free” conservation, dramatically reducing the overall costs of achieving a particular conservation target.
Toward development of epigenetic drugs for central nervous system disorders: Modulating neuroplasticity viaH3K4 methylation
Authors: Ricq Emily L. , Hooker Jacob M. , Haggarty Stephen J.
Published: August 2016

The mammalian brain dynamically activates or silences gene programs in response to environmental input and developmental cues. This neuroplasticity is controlled by signaling pathways that modify the activity, localization, and/or expression of transcriptional‐regulatory enzymes in combination with alterations in chromatin structure in the nucleus. Consistent with this key neurobiological role, disruptions in the fine‐tuning of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation have emerged as a recurrent theme in studies of the genetics of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, environmental factors have been implicated in the increased risk of heterogeneous, multifactorial, neuropsychiatric disorders via epigenetic mechanisms. Aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene expression thus provides an attractive unifying model for understanding the complex risk architecture of mental illness. Here, we review emerging genetic evidence implicating dysregulation of histone lysine methylation in neuropsychiatric disease and outline advancements in small‐molecule probes targeting this chromatin modification. The emerging field of neuroepigenetic research is poised to provide insight into the biochemical basis of genetic risk for diverse neuropsychiatric disorders and to develop the highly selective chemical tools and imaging agents necessary to dissect dynamic transcriptional‐regulatory mechanisms in the nervous system. On the basis of these findings, continued advances may lead to the validation of novel, disease‐modifying therapeutic targets for a range of disorders with aberrant chromatin‐mediated neuroplasticity.
Service users’ expectations of treatment and support at the Community Mental Health Centre in their recovery
Authors: Biringer Eva , Davidson Larry , Sundfør Bengt , Ruud Torleif , Borg Marit
Published: August 2016

Background

Focus on service users’ needs, coping and empowerment, user involvement, and comprehensiveness are supposed to be key elements of the Community Mental Health Centres in Norway. Taking a user‐oriented approach means acknowledging the individual's own expectations, aims and hopes. However, studies that have investigated service users’ expectations of treatment and support at Community Mental Health Centres are hard to find.

Objective

The aim of the study was therefore to explore service users’ expectations at the start of treatment at a Community Mental Health Centre.

Method

Within a collaborative framework, taking a hermeneutic‐phenomenological approach, ten service users participated in in‐depth interviews about their expectations, hopes and aims for treatment and recovery. The participants sought help due to various mental health issues that had interfered with their lives and created disability and suffering. A data‐driven stepwise approach in line with thematic analysis was used. The study was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services.

Results

The following four main themes representing participants’ expectations at the start of treatment were elicited: hope for recovery, developing understanding, finding tools for coping and receiving counselling and practical assistance. Participants’ expectations about treatment were tightly interwoven with their personal aims and hopes for their future life, and expectations were often related to practical and financial problems, the solution of which being deemed necessary to gain a safe basis for recovery in the long run.

Limitations

The transferability of the results may be limited by the small number of participants.

Conclusions

The study emphasises how important it is that service users’ personal aims and expectations guide the collaborative treatment process. In addition to providing treatment aimed at improving symptoms, Community Mental Health Centres should take a more comprehensive approach than today by providing more support with family issues, social life, education, work and financial issues.
Running injuries in novice runners enrolled in different training interventions: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baltich J. , Emery C. A. , Whittaker J. L. , Nigg B. M.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this trial was to evaluate injury risk in novice runners participating in different strength training interventions. This was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Novice runners (n = 129, 18–60 years old, <2 years recent running experience) were block randomized to one of three groups: a “resistance” strength training group, a “functional” strength training group, or a stretching “control” group. The primary outcome was running related injury. The number of participants with complaints and the injury rate (IR = no. injuries/1000 running hours) were quantified for each intervention group. For the first 8 weeks, participants were instructed to complete their training intervention three to five times a week. The remaining 4 months was a maintenance period. Trial registration: NCT01900262. A total of 52 of the 129 (40%) novice runners experienced at least one running related injury: 21 in the functional strength training program, 16 in the resistance strength training program and 15 in the control stretching program. Injury rates did not differ between study groups [IR = 32.9 (95% CI 20.8, 49.3) in the functional group, IR = 31.6 (95% CI 18.4, 50.5) in the resistance group, and IR = 26.7 (95% CI 15.2, 43.2)] in the control group. Although this was a pilot assessment, home‐based strength training did not appear to alter injury rates compared to stretching. Future studies should consider methods to minimize participant drop out to allow for the assessment of injury risk. Injury risk in novice runners based on this pilot study will inform the development of future larger studies investigating the impact of injury prevention interventions.
The Oral and Skin Microbiomes of Captive Komodo Dragons Are Significantly Shared with Their Habitat
Authors: Hyde Embriette R. , Navas-Molina Jose A. , Song Se Jin , Kueneman Jordan G. , Ackermann Gail , Cardona Cesar , Humphrey Gregory , Boyer Don , Weaver Tom , Mendelson Joseph R. , McKenzie Valerie J. , Gilbert Jack A. , Knight Rob
Published: August 2016

Animals, including humans, have evolved in the context of exposure to a variety of microbial organisms present in the environment. Only recently have humans, and some animals, begun to spend a significant amount of time in enclosed artificial environments, rather than in the more natural spaces in which most of evolution took place. The consequences of this radical change in lifestyle likely extend to the microbes residing in and on our bodies and may have important implications for health and disease. A full characterization of host-microbe sharing in both closed and open environments will provide crucial information that may enable the improvement of health in humans and in captive animals, both of which experience a greater incidence of disease (including chronic illness) than counterparts living under more ecologically natural conditions.
Lipoma of mandibular buccal vestibule: a case with histopathological literature review
Authors: Mehendirratta Monica , Jain Kanu , Kumra Madhumani , Manjunatha Bhari Sharanesha
Published: August 2016

Lipoma is a tumour of soft tissue with rare occurrence in oral cavity accounting for only 1–4% of benign oral tumours. Most common sites of involvement are the buccal mucosa, tongue and floor of the mouth with typical presentation of an asymptomatic, soft, smooth-surfaced, nodular and yellowish mass. Histopathologically, a classical lipoma resembles normal adipose tissue and it has multiple variants which are less commonly seen except fibrolipoma. The article presents a case report of a relatively large oral classical lipoma in a 60-year-old man on a rare site, mandibular buccal vestibule, along with a review of the literature and special emphasis on its various histopathological variants.
A curious cause of appendicitis
Authors: Stewart-Parker Emma Patricia , Atta Mustafa , Doddi Sudeendra
Published: August 2016

A previously healthy 10-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with central abdominal pain, loose stool and vomiting. He was diagnosed with gastroenteritis, but was well enough to be discharged. The next day he reattended with ongoing diarrhoea and vomiting, with the pain now localised to the right iliac fossa (RIF). Acute appendicitis was suspected, and he was taken for laparoscopic appendicectomy. At surgery, a gangrenous appendix was found, with pus extending from the pelvis up to the liver. The appendix was excised and thorough peritoneal washout performed. Postoperatively, he received 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged home. Unfortunately the boy presented again 11 days later with right lower quadrant pain and fever. Ultrasound revealed a collection in the RIF, and he returned to theatre for washout. His recovery was slow until the peritoneal pus sent for bacterial culture grewSalmonella enteritidis, identification of which facilitated appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Canine babesiosis and tick activity monitored using companion animal electronic health records in the UK
Authors: Sánchez‐Vizcaíno F. , Wardeh M. , Heayns B. , Singleton D. A. , Tulloch J. S. P. , McGinley L. , Newman J. , Noble P. J. , Day M. J. , Jones P. H. , Radford A. D.
Published: August 2016

Recent publications highlighting autochthonous Babesia canis infection in dogs from Essex that have not travelled outside the UK are a powerful reminder of the potential for pathogen emergence in new populations. Here the authors use electronic health data collected from two diagnostic laboratories and a network of 392 veterinary premises to describe canine Babesia cases and levels of Babesia concern from January 2015 to March 2016, and the activity of ticks during December 2015–March 2016. In most areas of the UK, Babesia diagnosis in this population was rare and sporadic. In addition, there was a clear focus of Babesia cases in the affected area in Essex. Until February 2016, analysis of health records indicated only sporadic interest in Babesia largely in animals coming from overseas. Following media coverage in March 2016, there was a spike in owner concern that was geographically dispersed beyond the at‐risk area. Tick activity (identified as ticks being removed from animals in veterinary consultations) was consistent but low during the period preceding the infections (<5 ticks/10,000 consultations), but increased in March. This highlights the use of electronic health data to describe rapidly evolving risk and concern that follows the emergence of a pathogen.
Semiclassical analysis for a Schrödinger operator with a U(2) artificial gauge: The periodic case
Authors: Morame Abderemane , Truc Françoise
Published: August 2016

We consider a Schrödinger operator with a Hermitian [Formula: see text] matrix-valued potential which is lattice-periodic and can be diagonalized smoothly on the whole [Formula: see text] In the case of the potential taking its minimum only on the lattice, we prove that the well-known semiclassical asymptotics of the first band spectrum for a scalar potential remains valid for our model.
Generation of chaotic attractors without equilibria via piecewise linear systems
Authors: Escalante-González R. J. , Campos-Cantón E.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we present a mechanism of generation of a class of switched dynamical system without equilibrium points that generates a chaotic attractor. The switched dynamical systems are based on piecewise linear (PWL) systems. The theoretical results are formally given through a theorem and corollary which give necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee that a linear affine dynamical system has no equilibria. Numerical results are in accordance with the theory.
Information-Based Evaluation of Approximation Methods in Dempster-Shafer Theory
Authors: Sarabi-Jamab Atiye , Araabi Babak N.
Published: August 2016

Complexity of computations, particularly due to large number of focal elements (FEs), in Dempster-Shafer theory (DST) motivates the development of approximation algorithms. Existing approximation methods include efficient algorithm for special hypothesis space, Monte Carlo based techniques, and simplification procedures. In this paper, the quality of the simplification-based approximation algorithms is evaluated using a new information-based comparison methodology. To this end, three structured testbeds are introduced. Each testbed is designed with an eye on a particular form of uncertainty associated with a body of evidence (BoE) in DST, i.e., conflict and non-specificity. Three proposed testbeds along with the classic testbed are utilized to evaluate the accuracy and complexity of existing algorithms. In light of the proposed evaluation methodology, a new approximation method is presented as well. The proposed algorithm has the ability to choose the most informative FEs without being forced to select the FEs with the largest mass function. Comparison of overall qualitative performance of approximation algorithms provides accuracy versus computational time tradeoff to choose an appropriate approximation method in different applications. Moreover, experiments with testbeds indicate that our proposed algorithm enhances the accuracy and computational tractability simultaneously.
SEMI-ANALYTICAL SOLUTION OF BIO-HEAT CONDUCTION FOR MULTI-LAYERS SKIN SUBJECTED TO LASER HEATING AND FLUID COOLING
Authors: LIN SHUEEI-MUH , LI CHANG-YU
Published: August 2016

A semi-analytical solution of bio-heat conduction on the three-layer skin is presented. The performance of the typical heat treatment (heating by laser and cooling by fluid at skin surface) is studied. The transient temperature field and thermal damage of skin are investigated. Effects of several parameters on temperature variation and thermal damage are discussed. The results of the paper will be useful for heat therapy in clinics. In addition, the presented result is very consistent to that by the finite element method. The semi-analytical method can be easily applied for solving the general problem of heat conduction in any multilayer structure.
MRI brain lesion segmentation using generalized opposition-based glowworm swarm optimization
Authors: Si Tapas , De Arunava , Bhattacharjee Anup Kumar
Published: August 2016

An improved glowworm swarm optimization algorithm with generalized opposition-based learning is proposed in this paper and is used in segmentation for magnetic resonance images. Noises are removed and intensity inhomogeneities are corrected in the MR images. Next, a clustering technique with glowworm swarm optimization algorithm with generalized opposition based learning is used. Finally, lesions are separated from the normal tissues of the brain in the post-processing step. The performance of the proposed methodology based on both numerical and visual results are compared with K-means and particle swarm optimization based methodologies over two sets of MR images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methodology statistically outperforms other methodologies.
Evaluating feature-selection stability in next-generation proteomics
Authors: Goh Wilson Wen Bin , Wong Limsoon
Published: August 2016

Identifying reproducible yet relevant features is a major challenge in biological research. This is well documented in genomics data. Using a proposed set of three reliability benchmarks, we find that this issue exists also in proteomics for commonly used feature-selection methods, e.g. [Formula: see text]-test and recursive feature elimination. Moreover, due to high test variability, selecting the top proteins based on [Formula: see text]-value ranks — even when restricted to high-abundance proteins — does not improve reproducibility. Statistical testing based on networks are believed to be more robust, but this does not always hold true: The commonly used hypergeometric enrichment that tests for enrichment of protein subnets performs abysmally due to its dependence on unstable protein pre-selection steps. We demonstrate here for the first time the utility of a novel suite of network-based algorithms called ranked-based network algorithms (RBNAs) on proteomics. These have originally been introduced and tested extensively on genomics data. We show here that they are highly stable, reproducible and select relevant features when applied to proteomics data. It is also evident from these results that use of statistical feature testing on protein expression data should be executed with due caution. Careless use of networks does not resolve poor-performance issues, and can even mislead. We recommend augmenting statistical feature-selection methods with concurrent analysis on stability and reproducibility to improve the quality of the selected features prior to experimental validation.
Tensor products of classifiable C∗-algebras
Authors: Lin Huaxin , Sun Wei
Published: August 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the class of all unital separable simple [Formula: see text]-algebras [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] has tracial rank no more than one for all UHF-algebra [Formula: see text] of infinite type. It has been shown that all amenable [Formula: see text]-stable [Formula: see text]-algebras in [Formula: see text] which satisfy the Universal Coefficient Theorem can be classified up to isomorphism by the Elliott invariant. In this note, we show that [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] has tracial rank no more than one for some unital simple infinite dimensional AF-algebra [Formula: see text] In fact, we show that [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] for some unital simple AH-algebra [Formula: see text] We actually prove a more general result. Other results regarding the tensor products of [Formula: see text]-algebras in [Formula: see text] are also obtained.
Combined experimental and quantum chemical study on the adsorption mechanism of phosphorous anions on the hydrotalcite surfaces
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Zhang Shuang , Minagawa Sho , Kano Naoki
Published: August 2016

In the present work, the hydrotalcite-like compound [Mg6Al2(OH)[Formula: see text]]CO[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]H2O (shorted as MgAl–CO[Formula: see text] is synthesized and the adsorption of phosphorous anions, their adsorption performance on the surface of hydrotalcites, and its mechanism are analyzed. To theoretically clarify the adsorption mechanism and adsorption structures, we perform quantum chemistry calculations of reactants, locally stable states, transition states, and products among phosphorous anion, water, and hydrotalcite in a variety of pH ranges. The experimental result shows that the efficiency of phosphate removal does not depend on pH of the solution, with which the numerical results are consistent. In particular, we identify the factors of influencing the adsorption ratio in different pH ranges from the quantum chemistry calculations: the stability of locally stable states, and the energies and locations of potential barriers along the reaction pathway relative to those of the locally stable states. The results suggest that hydrotalcites synthesized in this work are suitable as sorbent materials for the adsorption and removal of phosphorous anions from aqueous solutions.
Low-temperature fabrication of VO2 thin film on ITO glass with a Mott transition
Authors: Lin Tiegui , Wang Langping , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yufen
Published: August 2016

Polycrystalline Vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film can be fabricated on glass substrates by high power impulse magnetron sputtering at a relative high temperature. In order to apply an effective bias voltage on substrate and control the energy of the ions impinged to the substrate, conductive indium-tin oxide (ITO) glass was used as the substrate. UV-visible-near IR transmittance spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the as-deposited films exhibited that M-VO2 thin film with a metal–insulator transition temperature of 37[Formula: see text]C was fabricated successfully at 300[Formula: see text]C with a bias voltage of [Formula: see text]200[Formula: see text]V, and the calculated average crystalline size of this film was about 12[Formula: see text]nm. XRD patterns at varied temperatures showed that the structural change of MIT of the VO2 thin film was suppressed during the phase transition process, and a pure Mott transition was obtained.
Inflammatory Biomarkers Profile as Microenvironmental Expression in Keratoconus
Authors: Ionescu Catalina , Corbu Catalina Gabriela , Tanase Cristiana , Jonescu-Cuypers Christian , Nicula Cristina , Dascalescu Dana , Cristea Miruna , Voinea Liliana-Mary
Published: August 2016

Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder with progressive stromal thinning and transformation of the normal corneal architecture towards ectasia that results in decreased vision due to irregular astigmatism and irreversible tissue scarring. The pathogenesis of keratoconus still remains unclear. Hypotheses that this condition has an inflammatory etiopathogenetic component apart from the genetic and environmental factors are beginning to escalate in the research domain. This paper covers the most relevant and recent published papers regarding the biomarkers of inflammation, their signaling pathway, and the potentially new therapeutic options in keratoconus.
The Modulatory Effect of Ischemia and Reperfusion on Arginine Vasopressin-Induced Arterial Reactions
Authors: Szadujkis-Szadurska Katarzyna , Malinowski Bartosz , Piotrowska Małgorzata , Grześk Grzegorz , Wiciński Michał , Gajdus Marta
Published: August 2016

Aim of the Study.The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of ischemia and reperfusion on the resistance of arteries to AVP (arginine vasopressin), with a particular emphasis on the role of smooth muscle cells in the action of vasopressin receptors and the role of the cGMP-associated signalling pathway.Materials and Methods.Experiment was performed on the perfunded tail arteries from male Wistar rats. The constriction triggered by AVP after 30 minutes of ischemia and 30 and 90 minutes of reperfusion was analysed. Analogous experiments were also carried out in the presence of 8Br-cGMP.Results.Ischemia reduces and reperfusion increases in a time-dependent manner the arterial reaction to AVP. The presence of 8Br-cGMP causes a significant decrease of arterial reactivity under study conditions.Conclusions.Ischemia and reperfusion modulate arterial contraction triggered by AVP. The effect of 8Br-cGMP on reactions, induced by AVP after ischemia and reperfusion, indicates that signalling pathway associated with nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP regulates the tension of the vascular smooth muscle cells.
Relationship between Antibody Levels, IgG Binding toPlasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes, and Disease Outcome in Hospitalized Urban Malaria Patients from Dakar, Sénégal
Authors: Mbengue Babacar , Fall Mouhamadou Mansour , Sylla Niang Maguette , Niang Birahim , Varela Marie Louise , Diatta Antoine Marie , Mbow Moustapha , Ndiaye Kantome , Ndiaye Diallo Rokhaya , Dieye Alioune , Perraut Ronald
Published: August 2016

Background. Management of clinical malaria requires the development of reliable diagnostic methods and efficient biomarkers for follow-up of patients. Protection is partly based on IgG responses to parasite antigens exposed at the surface of infected erythrocytes (iRBCs). These IgG responses appeared low during clinical infection, particularly in severe disease.Methods. We analyzed the IgG binding capacity to the surface of live erythrocytes infected by knob positive FCR3 strain. Sera from 69 cerebral malaria (CM) and 72 mild malaria (MM) cases were analyzed by ELISA for IgG responses to five antigens from iRBC and by flow cytometry for IgG binding as expressed in labeling index ratio (LIR). The relationship between IgG levels, LIR, parasitemia, age, and the clinical outcomes was evaluated.Results. We found a significant decrease of LIR in adult CM fatal cases compared to surviving patients (p=0.019). In MM, LIRs were correlated to IgG anti-iRBC and anti-PfEMP3/5 levels. In CM, no correlation was found between LIR, IgG levels, and parasitemia.Conclusion. The IgG binding assay was able to discriminate outcome of cerebral malaria cases and it deserves further development as a potential functional-associated assay for symptomatic malaria analysis.
ChSte7 Is Required for Vegetative Growth and Various Plant Infection Processes inColletotrichum higginsianum
Authors: Yuan Qinfeng , Chen Meijuan , Yan Yaqin , Gu Qiongnan , Huang Junbin , Zheng Lu
Published: August 2016

Colletotrichum higginsianumis an important hemibiotrophic phytopathogen that causes crucifer anthracnose in various regions of the world. In many plant-pathogenic fungi, the Ste11-Ste7-Fus3/Kss1 kinase pathway is essential to pathogenicity and various plant infection processes. To date, the role of ChSte7 inC.higginsianumencoding a MEK orthologue of Ste7 inSaccharomyces cerevisiaehas not been elucidated. In this report, we investigated the function of ChSte7 in the pathogen. The ChSte7 is predicted to encode a 522-amino-acid protein with a S_TKc conserved domain that shares 44% identity with Ste7 inS.cerevisiae. ChSte7 disruption mutants showed white colonies with irregularly shaped edges and extremely decreased growth rates and biomass productions. The ChSte7 disruption mutants did not form appressoria and showed defects in pathogenicity on leaves ofArabidopsis thaliana. When inoculated onto wounded leaf tissues, the ChSte7 disruption mutants grew only on the surface of host tissues but failed to cause lesions beyond the wound site. In contrast, both the wild-type and complementation strains showed normal morphology, produced appressoria, and caused necrosis on leaves ofArabidopsis. Analysis with qRT-PCR suggested that ChSte7 was highly expressed during the late stages of infection. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ChSte7 is involved in regulation of vegetative growth, appressorial formation ofC.higginsianum, and postinvasive growth in host tissues.
Social Support Groups in the Maintenance of Glycemic Control after Community-Based Intervention
Authors: Ing Claire Townsend , Zhang Guangxing , Dillard Adrienne , Yoshimura Sheryl R. , Hughes Claire , Palakiko Donna-Marie , Kehauoha Bridget Puni , Sinclair Ka‘imi A. , Kaholokula Joseph Keawe‘aimoku
Published: August 2016

Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NH/PI; e.g., Samoan and Chuukese) have higher type 2 diabetes prevalence compared to other groups in Hawai‘i. Partners in Care (PIC), a culturally tailored, community-based, diabetes self-management education intervention (DSME), is effective at improving participants’ glycemic control and self-care behaviors. Maintenance of improvements is challenging. Diabetes-related social support groups (SSG) are a promising maintenance component for DSME. This study examined the effects of a diabetes-specific SSG component relative to a control group, after the receipt of the 3-month PIC intervention, which was delivered to 47 adult NH/PI with type 2 diabetes. Participants were then randomized to either a 3-month, 6-session SSG or a control group. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, and diabetes self-management knowledge and behaviors were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results indicated significant improvements in HbA1c, diabetes-related self-management knowledge, and behaviors from baseline to 3-month assessment. However, no differences between the SSG and control group from 3-month to 6-month assessment suggest that all participants were able to maintain initial improvements. The SSG group had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure from 3-month to 6-month assessment while the control group did not. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.
The Midterm Surgical Outcome of Modified Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty
Authors: Yeh Kuang-Ting , Lee Ru-Ping , Chen Ing-Ho , Yu Tzai-Chiu , Peng Cheng-Huan , Liu Kuan-Lin , Wang Jen-Hung , Wu Wen-Tien
Published: August 2016

Laminoplasty is a standard technique for treating patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Modified expansive open-door laminoplasty (MEOLP) preserves the unilateral paraspinal musculature and nuchal ligament and prevents facet joint violation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the midterm surgical outcomes of this less invasive technique. We retrospectively recruited 65 consecutive patients who underwent MEOLP at our institution in 2011 with at least 4 years of follow-up. Clinical conditions were evaluated by examining neck disability index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Nurick scale, and axial neck pain visual analog scale scores. Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was assessed using serial lateral static and dynamic radiographs. Clinical and radiographic outcomes revealed significant recovery at the first postoperative year and still exhibited gradual improvement 1–4 years after surgery. The mean JOA recovery rate was 82.3% and 85% range of motion was observed at the final follow-up. None of the patients experienced aggravated or severe neck pain 1 year after surgery or showed complications of temporary C5 nerve palsy and lamina reclosure by the final follow-up. As a less invasive method for reducing surgical dissection by using various modifications, MEOLP yielded satisfactory midterm outcomes.
Elevated Plasmaα-Defensins (HNP1–3) Levels Correlated with IgA1 Glycosylation and Susceptibility to IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Qi Yuan-yuan , Zhou Xu-jie , Cheng Fa-juan , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2016

Aim. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of glomerulonephritis. Recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) suggested that DEFA locus (which encodesα-defensins) may play a key role in IgAN.Methods. The levels ofα-defensins in 169 IgAN patients and 83 healthy controls were tested by ELISA.Results. We observed thatα-defensins human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP1–3) in IgAN patients were elevated compared with healthy controls. The mean levels ofα-defensins of 83 healthy controls and 169 IgAN patients were 50 ng/mL and 78.42 ng/mL. When the results were adjusted to the mean levels ofα-defensins of IgAN patients, the percentage of individuals with high levels ofα-defensins increased in IgAN patients (22.5%) compared to healthy controls (9.6%) (p=0.013). The elevation ofα-defensins in IgAN patients was independent of renal function or neutrophil count, which were major sources ofα-defensins in circulation. More importantly, negative correlation was observed between galactose-deficient IgA1andα-defensins.Conclusion. Asα-defensin is a lectin-like peptide, we speculated that it might be involved in IgA galactose deficiency. The data implied that patients with IgAN had higher plasmaα-defensins levels and highα-defensins correlated with IgA galactose deficiency, further suggesting a pathogenic role ofα-defensins in IgAN.
Outcomes of a Management Strategy in Eyes with Corneal Irregularity and Cataract
Authors: Kummelil Mathew Kurian , Shetty Rohit , Kaweri Luci , Shaligram Shama , Paryani Mukesh
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the outcomes of a management strategy in patients with irregular corneas and cataract.Methods. Six eyes of four patients presented for cataract surgery with irregular corneas following corneal refractive surgery. Topoguided ablation regularised the cornea, followed by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Zonal keratometric coefficient of variation (ZKCV) measured structural changes and visual quality metrics measured functional improvement.Results. The mean duration after corneal refractive surgery was7.83±2.40years. The logmar uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.67±0.25) and the corrected distance visual acuity (0.38±0.20) improved to0.34±0.14and0.18±0.10, respectively. The changes in the standard deviations of the zonal keratometry values and the ZKCV were statistically significant in the 2, 3, and 4 mm zones. The changes in the Strehl ratio (ANOVAp=0.043) were also statistically significant.Conclusions. Corneal regularisation followed by phacoemulsification resulted in lower residual refractive error with improved visual quality metrics. This strategy is a viable option in patients with symptomatic cataracts and irregular corneas.
Structural Changes of Lignin after Liquid Hot Water Pretreatment and Its Effect on the Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Wang Wen , Zhuang Xinshu , Yuan Zhenhong , Qi Wei , Yu Qiang , Wang Qiong
Published: August 2016

During liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment, lignin is mostly retained in the pretreated biomass, and the changes in the chemical and structural characteristics of lignin should probably refer to re-/depolymerization, solubilization, or glass transition. The residual lignin could influence the effective enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The pure lignin was used to evaluate the effect of LHW process on its structural and chemical features. The surface morphology of LHW-treated lignin observed with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was more porous and irregular than that of untreated lignin. Compared to the untreated lignin, the surface area, total pore volume, and average pore size of LHW-treated lignin tested with the Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurement were increased. FTIR analysis showed that the chemical structure of lignin was broken down in the LHW process. Additionally, the impact of untreated and treated lignin on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was also explored. The LHW-treated lignin had little impact on the cellulase adsorption and enzyme activities and somehow could improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.
Fixed Point Theorems for Geraghty Type Contractive Mappings and Coupled Fixed Point Results in 0-Complete Ordered Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Yolacan Esra
Published: August 2016

We establish new fixed point theorems in 0-complete ordered partial metric spaces. Also, we give remark on coupled generalized Banach contraction. Some examples illustrate the usability of our results. The theorems presented in this paper are generalizations and improvements of the several well known results in the literature.