bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Programming Solution for Energy-Optimal Video Playback on Mobile Devices
Authors: Song Minseok , Park Jinhan
Published: May 2016

Due to the development of mobile technology and wide availability of smartphones, the Internet of Things (IoT) starts to handle high volumes of video data to facilitate multimedia-based services, which requires energy-efficient video playback. In video playback, frames have to be decoded and rendered at high playback rate, increasing the computation cost on the CPU. To save the CPU power, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) dynamically adjusts the operating voltage of the processor along with frequency, in which appropriate selection of frequency on power could achieve a balance between performance and power. We present a decoding model that allows buffering frames to let the CPU run at low frequency and then propose an algorithm that determines the CPU frequency needed to decode each frame in a video, with the aim of minimizing power consumption while meeting buffer size and deadline constraints, using a dynamic programming technique. We finally extend this algorithm to optimize CPU frequencies over a short sequence of frames, producing a practical method of reducing the energy required for video decoding. Experimental results show a system-wide reduction in energy of27%, compared with a processor running at full speed.
A Case of Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee with Early and Simultaneous Involvement of the Medial Femoral Condyle and Medial Tibial Plateau
Authors: Fujita Shinya , Arai Yuji , Honjo Kuniaki , Nakagawa Shuji , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: May 2016

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) usually involves a single condyle, most often the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Involvement of the medial tibial plateau (MTP) is less common, occurring in about 2% of knees with SPONK. Early onset SPONK on the ipsilateral side of the medial compartment is very rare, with, to our knowledge, only four cases reported to date. We describe a very rare case of SPONK with early simultaneous development in the MFC and MTP. Serial plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging showed that SPONK in both condyles followed a similar progressive course. The pathological findings in these lesions were similar to those observed in subchondral insufficiency fractures.
A Quantitative Assessment of Surface Urban Heat Islands Using Satellite Multitemporal Data over Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Ishola K. A. , Okogbue E. C. , Adeyeri O. E.
Published: May 2016

The fast urban expansion has led to the transformation of the natural landscape into anthropogenic surfaces. The city of Abeokuta, for instance, is located in a region experiencing rapid urbanization, which has produced a remarkable effect on the surface thermal response. This effect significantly influences urban internal microclimatology on a regional scale. In this study, the surface temperatures and land cover types retrieved from Landsat TM and ETM+ images of Abeokuta city for 1984, 2003, and 2014 were analyzed. A quantitative approach was used to assess surface urban heat islands through the relationships among surface temperature and land cover types. Results showed that impervious surface areas were found to be correlated positively with high temperatures. Conversely, vegetated areas and bare surfaces correlated positively with mid temperature zones. This study found that areas with increasing impervious surfaces will accelerate LST rise and consequently lead to increasing effect of surface urban heat islands. These findings pose a major challenge to urban planners. However, the study would help to quantify the impacts of different scenarios (e.g., vegetation loss to accommodate urban growth) on LST and consequently to devise appropriate policy measures.
Two New 1,1,3,3-Tetramethylguanidinium Halochromates (C5H14N3CrO3X) (X: Cl, F): Efficient Reagents for Oxidation of Organic Substrates under Solvent-Free Conditions and Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Şendıl Kıvılcım , Özgün H. Beytiye , Üstün Ebru
Published: May 2016

Two new mild oxidizing agents 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium fluorochromate (TMGFC) and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium chlorochromate (TMGCC) were prepared in high yields by reacting tetramethylguanidine with CrO3and related acid. These reagents are suitable to oxidize various primary and secondary alcohols and oximes to the corresponding carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions and microwave irradiation.
Transcranial Alternating Current and Random Noise Stimulation: Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Antal Andrea , Herrmann Christoph S.
Published: May 2016

Background. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a relatively recent method suited to noninvasively modulate brain oscillations. Technically the method is similar but not identical to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). While decades of research in animals and humans has revealed the main physiological mechanisms of tDCS, less is known about the physiological mechanisms of tACS.Method. Here, we review recent interdisciplinary research that has furthered our understanding of how tACS affects brain oscillations and by what means transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) that is a special form of tACS can modulate cortical functions.Results. Animal experiments have demonstrated in what way neurons react to invasively and transcranially applied alternating currents. Such findings are further supported by neural network simulations and knowledge from physics on entraining physical oscillators in the human brain. As a result, fine-grained models of the human skull and brain allow the prediction of the exact pattern of current flow during tDCS and tACS. Finally, recent studies on human physiology and behavior complete the picture of noninvasive modulation of brain oscillations.Conclusion. In future, the methods may be applicable in therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders that are due to malfunctioning brain oscillations.
Evaluation of Multiple Immunoassay Technology Platforms to Select the Anti-Drug Antibody Assay Exhibiting the Most Appropriate Drug and Target Tolerance
Authors: Collet-Brose Justine , Couble Pierre-Jean , Deehan Maureen R. , Nelson Robert J. , Ferlin Walter G. , Lory Sabrina
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was, at the assay development stage and thus with an appropriate degree of rigor, to select the most appropriate technology platform and sample pretreatment procedure for a clinical ADA assay. Thus, ELISA, MSD, Gyrolab, and AlphaLISA immunoassay platforms were evaluated in association with target depletion and acid dissociation sample pretreatment steps. An acid dissociation step successfully improved the drug tolerance for all 4 technology platforms and the required drug tolerance was achieved with the Gyrolab and MSD platforms. The target tolerance was shown to be better for the ELISA format, where an acid dissociation treatment step alone was sufficient to achieve the desired target tolerance. However, inclusion of a target depletion step in conjunction with the acid treatment raised the target tolerance to the desired level for all of the technologies. A higher sensitivity was observed for the MSD and Gyrolab assays and the ELISA, MSD, and Gyrolab all displayed acceptable interdonor variability. This study highlights the usefulness of evaluating the performance of different assay platforms at an early stage in the assay development process to aid in the selection of the best fit-for-purpose technology platform and sample pretreatment steps.
A 12-Week Vigorous Exercise Protocol in a Healthy Group of Persons over 65: Study of Physical Function by means of the Senior Fitness Test
Authors: Todde Francesco , Melis Franco , Mura Roberto , Pau Massimiliano , Fois Francesco , Magnani Sara , Ibba Gianfranco , Crisafulli Antonio , Tocco Filippo
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vigorous exercise on functional abilities by means of a Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in a group of elderly adults. Twenty healthy and inactive people performed vigorous exercise (VE: 12 men and 8 women, aged 69.6 ± 3.9 years). At the beginning of the study (T0) and after 3 months (T1), each subject’s functional ability was tested for muscular strength, agility, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and balance. The VE was designed with continuous and interval exercise involving large muscle activities. Functional exercises were performed between 60% and 84% of heart rate reserve (HRR) for a duration of 65 minutes. Five out of the 6 SFTs performed were found significantly improved: Chair Stand (T0 12.4 ± 2.4, T1 13.5 ± 2.6,p<0.01), Arm Curl (T0 14.2 ± 3.6, T1 16.6 ± 3.6,p<0.01), 2 min step (T0 98.2 ± 15.7, T1 108.9 ± 16.2,p<0.01), Chair Sit-and-Reach (T0 −9.9 ± 7.7 cm, T1 1.7 ± 6.3 cm,p<0.01), and Back Scratch (T0 −15.8 ± 10.9 cm, T1 −8.4 ± 13.1 cm,p<0.01). Our results suggest that a high intensity protocol and functional exercises can improve functional mobility and muscle endurance in those over 65 years of age. SFTs are an effective method for assessing improvements in the functional capacity of elderly adults.
Changes in Characteristics of Kithul (Caryota urens) Flour Prepared by Different Modification Techniques
Authors: Wijesinghe J. A. A. C. , Wickramasinghe I. , Saranandha K. H.
Published: May 2016

Flour has been an ample source of research and most abundant material for a number of food applications. The aim of this study is to introduce modified Kithul flour for certain industrial requirements. Several physical and chemical treatments were employed to modify Kithul (Caryota urens) flour. The effects of pregelatinization (PG-I and II), acid modification (AC), and dextrinization (DX) on their swelling power, solubility, granular morphology, viscosity, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were studied. At 75°C, pregelatinized treated (PG-II) flour had a high solubility (5.31), while at 70°C pregelatinized treated (PG-I) flour had a low solubility (4.47) as compared to the solubility of native flour sample (RW = 4.88). Same pattern has been followed by the swelling power while viscosity showed the highest value for PG-II (7296.51 Cp) and lowest value for DX treatment (873.40 Cp) as peak viscosities. There were no significant changes in granular size of all treatments compared with the native Kithul flour (45.52 μm). X-ray diffraction (XRD) also followed the same pattern by presenting Bragg’s angle (2θ) positions near 15 (Peak 1), 17 (Peak 2), 18 (Peak 3), and 23 (Peak 4) providing evidence for the presence of crystallites which belong to type A in all modified and native Kithul flour treatments.
In VitroEvaluation of Bacterial Leakage at Implant-Abutment Connection: An 11-Degree Morse Taper Compared to a Butt Joint Connection
Authors: Khorshidi Hooman , Raoofi Saeed , Moattari Afagh , Bagheri Atoosa , Kalantari Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim. The geometry of implant-abutment interface (IAI) affects the risk of bacterial leakage and invasion into the internal parts of the implant. The aim of this study was to compare the bacterial leakage of an 11-degree Morse taper IAI with that of a butt joint connection.Materials and Methods. Two implants systems were tested (n=10per group): CSM (submerged) and TBR (connect). The deepest inner parts of the implants were inoculated with 2 μL ofStreptococcus mutanssuspension with a concentration of 108 CFU/mL. The abutments were tightened on the implants. The specimens were stored in the incubator at a temperature of 37°C for 14 days and the penetration of the bacterium in the surrounding area was determined by the observation of the solution turbidity and comparison with control specimens. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was traced for the estimation of bacterial leakage and the results between two groups of implants were statistically analyzed by chi-square test.Results. No case of the implant system with the internal conical connection design revealed bacterial leakage in 14 days and no turbidity of the solution was reported for it. In the system with butt joint implant-abutment connection, 1 case showed leakage on the third day, 1 case on the eighth day, and 5 cases on the 13th day. In total, 7 (70%) cases showed bacterial leakage in this system. Significant differences were found between the two groups of implants based on the incidence of bacterial leakage (p<0.05).Conclusion. The 11-degree Morse taper demonstrated better resistance to microbial leakage than butt joint connection.
Feline Coronavirus 3c Protein: A Candidate for a Virulence Marker?
Authors: Hora A. S. , Tonietti P. O. , Taniwaki S. A. , Asano K. M. , Maiorka P. , Richtzenhain L. J. , Brandão P. E.
Published: May 2016

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is highly virulent and responsible for the highly fatal disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), whereas feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) is widespread among the feline population and typically causes asymptomatic infections. Some candidates for genetic markers capable of differentiating these two pathotypes of a unique virus (feline coronavirus) have been proposed by several studies. In the present survey, in order to search for markers that can differentiate FECV and FIPV, several clones of the 3a–c, E, and M genes were sequenced from samples obtained from cats with or without FIP. All genes showed genetic diversity and suggested the presence of FCoV mutant spectrum capable of producing a virulent pathotype in an individual-specific way. In addition, all the feline coronavirus FIPV strains demonstrated a truncated 3c protein, and the 3c gene was the only observed pathotypic marker for FCoVs, showing that 3c gene is a candidate marker for the distinction between the two pathotypes when the mutant spectrum is taken into account.
Adaptive Neuromorphic Circuit for Stereoscopic Disparity Using Ocular Dominance Map
Authors: Sharma Sheena , Gupta Priti , Markan C. M.
Published: May 2016

Stereopsis or depth perception is a critical aspect of information processing in the brain and is computed from the positional shift or disparity between the images seen by the two eyes. Various algorithms and their hardware implementation that compute disparity in real time have been proposed; however, most of them compute disparity through complex mathematical calculations that are difficult to realize in hardware and are biologically unrealistic. The brain presumably uses simpler methods to extract depth information from the environment and hence newer methodologies that could perform stereopsis with brain like elegance need to be explored. This paper proposes an innovative aVLSI design that leverages the columnar organization of ocular dominance in the brain and uses time-staggered Winner Take All (ts-WTA) to adaptively create disparity tuned cells. Physiological findings support the presence of disparity cells in the visual cortex and show that these cells surface as a result of binocular stimulation received after birth. Therefore, creating in hardware cells that can learn different disparities with experience not only is novel but also is biologically more realistic. These disparity cells, when allowed to interact diffusively on a larger scale, can be used to adaptively create stable topological disparity maps in silicon.
Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealers: A Review
Authors: AL-Haddad Afaf , Che Ab Aziz Zeti A.
Published: May 2016

Bioceramic-based root canal sealers are considered to be an advantageous technology in endodontics. The aim of this review was to consider laboratory experiments and clinical studies of these sealers. An extensive search of the endodontic literature was made to identify publications related to bioceramic-based root canal sealers. The outcome of laboratory and clinical studies on the biological and physical properties of bioceramic-based sealers along with comparative studies with other sealers was assessed. Several studies were evaluated covering different properties of bioceramic-based sealers including physical properties, biocompatibility, sealing ability, adhesion, solubility, and antibacterial efficacy. Bioceramic-based sealers were found to be biocompatible and comparable to other commercial sealers. The clinical outcomes associated with the use of bioceramic-based root canal sealers are not established in the literature.
Phospho-Aspirin (MDC-22) Prevents Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Mattheolabakis George , Papayannis Ioannis , Yang Jennifer , Vaeth Brandon M. , Wang Ruixue , Bandovic Jela , Ouyang Nengtai , Rigas Basil , Mackenzie Gerardo G.
Published: May 2016

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate of <6%. The currently limited treatment options for pancreatic cancer underscore the need for novel chemopreventive and therapeutic agents. Accumulating evidence indicates that aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the anticancer properties of aspirin are restricted by its gastrointestinal toxicity and its limited efficacy. Therefore, we developed phospho-aspirin (MDC-22), a novel derivative of aspirin, and evaluated its chemopreventive efficacy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Phospho-aspirin inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines 8- to 12-fold more potently than aspirin; based on the 24-hour IC50 values. In a Panc-1 xenograft model, phospho-aspirin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d 5 times per week for 30 days, reduced tumor growth by 78% (P < 0.01 vs. vehicle control). Furthermore, phospho-aspirin prevented pancreatitis-accelerated acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in mice with activated Kras. In p48-Cre;KrasG12D mice, cerulein treatment (6 hourly injections two times per week for 3 weeks) led to a significant increase in ductal metaplasia, replacing the majority of the exocrine compartment. Administration of phospho-aspirin 100 mg/kg/day five times per week for 21 days (starting on the first day of cerulein injection) inhibited the acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, reducing it by 87% (P < 0.01, vs. cerulein-treated control). Phospho-aspirin appeared to be safe, with the animals showing no signs of toxicity during treatment. Mechanistically, phospho-aspirin inhibited EGFR activation in pancreatic cancer, an effect consistently observed in pancreatic cancer cells, primary acinar explants and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that phospho-aspirin has strong anticancer efficacy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer, warranting its further evaluation. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 624–34. ©2016 AACR.
Diallyl Disulfide (DADS), a Constituent of Garlic, Inactivates NF-κB and Prevents Colitis-Induced Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting GSK-3β
Authors: Saud Shakir M. , Li Weidong , Gray Zane , Matter Matthias S. , Colburn Nancy H. , Young Matthew R. , Kim Young S.
Published: May 2016

There is a strong belief that garlic has medicinal properties and may even reduce the risk of developing certain cancers including those of the gastrointestinal tract. The chemopreventive effects of garlic may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of the sulfur-containing constituents of garlic, which includes diallyl disulfide (DADS). Here, we demonstrate that DADS prevented colorectal tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-induced colorectal cancer. Supplementation with 85 ppm of DADS (60 mg daily human equivalent dose) in the diet of FVB/N mice treated with chemical carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) and colonic irritant dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) resulted in the reduction in tumor incidence, tumor number, and tumor burden by 21.54%, 47.3%, and 66.4%, respectively. Further analysis revealed that mice fed the DADS-supplemented diet resolved the initial DSS-induced inflammation faster than those on the control diet, preventing prolonged inflammation and cellular transformation. Subsequent mechanistic studies in vitro suggest that DADS chemopreventive effects are mediated through NF-κB signaling. When SW480 colorectal cancer cells were treated with DADS, NF-κB nuclear localization and activity were diminished. Interestingly, NF-κB suppression was found to be dependent on DADS inhibition of GSK-3β, a positive regulator of NF-κB. Inhibition of GSK-3β and loss of nuclear NF-κB activity were also observed in vivo in AOM/DSS-treated mice fed a diet supplemented with 85 ppm DADS. Our results indicate that DADS can prevent tumorigenesis by suppressing inflammation, a process largely involving GSK-3β inhibition and consequential reduction in NF-κB nuclear localization. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 607–15. ©2016 AACR.
Pyrosequencing Evaluation of Widely Available Bisulfite Conversion Methods: Considerations for Application
Authors: Izzi Benedetta , Binder Alexandra M. , Michels Karin B.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Bisulfite treatment of DNA introduces methylation-dependent sequence changes through selective chemical conversion of nonmethylated cytosine to uracil and serves as pretreatment step for the majority of DNA methylation analysis methods. Methods: We have evaluated the conversion performance of five of the most commonly used bisulfite treatment kits [MethylDetector (Active Motif), Epitect+ (Qiagen), Zymo Methylation, Zymo Gold and Zymo Lightning (all from Zymo Research)] by pyrosequencing four different regions with variable methylation levels, including: a repetitive element (ALUSX), a gene with low levels of methylation (IL6ST), an imprinted gene expected to be approximately 50% methylated (IGF2), and a fully methylated gene (ST3GAL2). In addition, we have studied the influence of duration (3 vs. 16 h) and type (fixed temperature vs. cycling program) of incubation protocol on the conversion efficiency of each evaluated kit. Results: All kits produced similar conversion rates of ALUSX,IGF2 and ST3GAL2, while the conversion of the low methylated IL6ST gene was variable between kits. The Zymo kits were highly consistent in their performance even when different protocols of incubation were applied, generating full conversion at the low methylated gene IL6; this was not true for the MethylDetector and Epitect+ kits. However, long-cycling incubation could produce similar conversion rates for the same locus in combination with Active Motif and Qiagen kits. Conclusions: The selection of a long-cycling protocol during conversion permits standardization of protocols, improving the reproducibility of methylation estimates across laboratories for gene-specific, genome-wide and bisulfite-based sequencing analyses.
Oncocytoma of the Parotid Gland:A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sepúlveda Ilson , Platín Enrique , Spencer M. Loreto , Mucientes Pablo , Frelinghuysen Michael , Ortega Pablo , Ulloa David
Published: May 2016

We report the case of a patient who presented to the ENT service with left facial swelling of 5 months duration. Imaging studies revealed a dense expansive mass confined to the inside of the left deep parotid lobule and moderate enhancement following contrast media injection. Subsequently, a biopsy confirmed the presence of an oncocytoma. The patient was treated with total parotidectomy, complete tumor resection and sparing facial nerve surgery. Today, the patient is disease free and has no complications.
Cost-Minimization Analysis of Computed Tomography versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attacks at a Large Academic Center
Authors: Sidorov Evgeny V. , Feng Wuwei , Selim Magdy
Published: May 2016

Background: The type of neuroimaging for the evaluation of transient ischemic attack (TIA) is debatable. Many patients undergo head computed tomography (CT) with or without CT angiogram (CTA) while being at the emergency department (ED) and later magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MR angiogram (MRA) during admission. We hypothesized that evaluation with only one imaging modality (CT/CTA or MRI/MRA) is sufficient to formulate a treatment plan. We looked for the most cost-effective way to evaluate TIA patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 82 patients with TIA. All patients had completely resolved neurological deficit at the time of their evaluation in the ED. We divided the patients into two groups. In group 1, the evaluation included CT with CTA of the head and neck. In group 2, the evaluation included brain MRI with MRA or CTA of the head and neck. We compared these two groups for clinical characteristics and etiological evaluations of stroke/TIA. The outcomes were measured by the number of therapeutic adjustments for the prevention of another ischemic stroke/TIA at the time of discharge from the hospital and revascularization procedures. We counted the following as therapeutic adjustment: (1) antiplatelet therapy was started de novo; (2) anticoagulation was started; (3) arterial revascularization procedure was performed, and (4) one antiplatelet agent was substituted for another. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis if the outcomes of the two groups were different and a cost-minimization analysis if there was no difference in the outcomes. All cost calculations were made based on Medicare CPT codes. Results: Group 1 included 23 patients and group 2 59 patients. The patients in both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. There was no difference in other etiological evaluations in groups 1 and 2. All patients underwent head CT as the first tool of evaluation whether MRI was done later or not. Therapeutic adjustments and revascularization procedures did not differ between the two groups. All head CTs showed no acute changes. MRI showed small ischemic infarcts in 44% of the patients in group 2. The average per-patient cost of neuroimaging with CT/CTA was USD 1,460.00, with CT and MRI/MRA USD 1,569 and with CT/CTA and brain MRI USD 2,090.00 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Either MRI/MRA or CT/CTA might be sufficient for the evaluation of patients with TIA or small asymptomatic strokes. If head CT at the ED is bypassed, a brain MRI with MRA of the head and neck would be the most informative tool at the lowest cost. Prospective studies with larger numbers of patients are needed for a better understanding of the safety and cost of imaging tools used for patients with TIA.
Improvement of Freezing of Gait in Patients with Parkinson's Disease by Imagining Bicycling
Authors: Kikuchi Akio , Baba Toru , Hasegawa Takafumi , Sugeno Naoto , Konno Masatoshi , Miura Emiko , Oshima Ryuji , Aoki Masashi , Takeda Atsushi
Published: May 2016

Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the factors that reduce the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Imagining bicycling before gait start provided improvement in FOG in 2 PD patients. Imagining and mimicking bicycling after the initiation of gait allowed the rhythmic gait to continue without interruption. We suggest that imagining and mimicking bicycling, which are nonexternal cues, could serve as a helpful therapeutic approach for the intractable freezing and interruption of gait of PD patients.
Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Infection in a Patient with Crohn's Disease under Azathioprine Treatment
Authors: Hirano Tomonori , Matsuura Minoru , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy is known as a risk factor of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. However, there are few reports of NTM infection under treatment with thiopurine agents. We herein report a first case of pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in a patient with Crohn's disease under treatment with thiopurine. After starting antibiotics therapy for NTM including clarithromycin, rifampicin, ethambutol and streptomycin, MAC infection was well controlled, and she kept clinical remission even without azathioprine. In conclusion, our case emphasizes the importance of considering NTM infection in respiratory complications of inflammatory bowel disease patients under immunosuppressive therapies.
Zur Entstehung des Bewusstseins: Hypothese zur Rolle von Gliazellen, verzweigten Nervenenden und Dendritenarmen
Authors: Schmid Gary Bruno
Published: May 2016

Eine Hypothese zur Entstehung des Bewusstseins wird eingeführt, nach der i) die Nervenendungen von jedem einzelnen Axon und ii) die Synapsen zwischen diesen Nervenendungen und den Dendriten des nächsten Neurons mithilfe der Rekursivität von In-vivo-Quanten-Doppelspalt-Transportvorgängen das Bewusstsein ermöglichen, so wie die Synapsen die Neuroplastizität des Gehirns und somit das Lernen mitbestimmen. Diese Rekursivität geschieht, indem die Gliazellen, insbesondere die Astrozyten, direkt in die neuronale Informationsübertragung eingreifen (ein Vorgang, der subjektiv im Sinne des sogenannten «versteckten Beobachters» erlebt wird) und damit dem unbewussten Da-Sein durch einen erhöhten Ausdruck der gliären (astrozytären) Rezeptoren Bewusst-Sein verleihen. Diese Hypothese ermöglicht eine Theoriebildung zu bestimmten anatomisch-biochemischen Gegebenheiten in Verbindung mit der Quantentheorie und der Bewusstseinswissenschaft: «Unbewusste Vorstellungen» («Bewusstsein an sich»), d.h. quantenphysikalische Strukturen mit Ursprung z.B. in den Gliazellen/Mikrotubuli/usw., die wir subjektiv als autonome Vorstellungen erleben, können die Dekohärenz der Quantenwellenfunktion Ψ des Gehirns genügend lange verhindern bzw. die Kohärenz genügend lange aufrechterhalten, um mental und physiologisch realisierbare Quantenrechnungen («Bewusstsein von») zu ermöglichen, die rekursiv selbstorganisierend in das sich selbst erlebende Phänomen «Bewusstsein» konvergieren. Demnach ist der aus der Hypnotherapie bekannte «versteckte Beobachter» letztendlich in den gliären (astrozytären) Rezeptoren versteckt, sodass die Selbstbeobachtung die Selbstheilung beeinflussen kann.
Capsule Contraction Syndrome with a Microincision Foldable Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lens: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Balestrazzi Angelo , Malandrini Alex , Martone Gianluca , Marigliani Davide , Caporossi Tomaso , Tosi Gian Marco
Published: May 2016

Here we present 2 cases of capsule contraction syndrome (CCS). In both cases, a hydrophilic acrylic Akreos MI60 (Bausch and Lomb) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in the capsular bag through microincision cataract surgery, and the literature on the subject is reviewed. Since CCS has been described after the implantation of every IOL type, it is unlikely that the Akreos MI60 chemical and physical properties may cause CCS. When CCS occurs with IOLs composed of increasingly flexible materials that are inserted through incisions of decreasing size, a severe dislocation and deformation of IOL optics and haptics may develop. In both cases illustrated here, Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy was highly effective. Hence, also based on the literature, which reports severe complications as a result of surgical intervention, it is suggested that Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy be the first line of CCS treatment when the luxation of an IOL capsular bag is absent.
Capsaicin-Induced Death of Human Haematological Malignant Cell Lines Is Independent of TRPV1 Activation
Authors: Omari Sofia A. , Adams Murray J. , Kunde Dale A. , Geraghty Dominic P.
Published: May 2016

The effect of the plant-derived vanilloid, capsaicin (CAP), on the metabolic activity of THP-1, U266B1 and U937 hematological malignancy cells was determined. CAP reduced metabolic activity in a concentration-dependent manner in the three cell lines. A biphasic effect was observed on THP-1 cells (EC50: IC50 (95% CI) 32.9 (19.9-54.3)/219 (144-246) µmol/l). U266B1 cells were more resistant to CAP than THP-1 and U937. Metabolic activity was significantly inhibited by CAP in U937 compared to U266B1 cells (IC50: 197 versus 431 µmol/l, respectively, p < 0.008). Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and CB1 antagonists (SB452533 and AM251, respectively) suppressed the CAP-induced increase in THP-1 cell metabolic activity (p < 0.001). AM251 and SB452533 appeared to act as partial agonists and displayed a synergistic effect with CAP in U937 cells. CAP inhibits the metabolic activity of malignant hematological cells through non-TRPV1-dependent mechanisms.
Digital Interventions for Problematic Cannabis Users in Non-Clinical Settings: Findings from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hoch Eva , Preuss Ulrich W. , Ferri Marica , Simon Roland
Published: May 2016

Background: Existing cannabis treatment programs reach only a very limited proportion of people with cannabis-related problems. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of digital interventions applied outside the health care system in reducing problematic cannabis use. Methods: We systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2015), PubMed (2009-2015), Medline (2009-2015), Google Scholar (2015) and article reference lists for potentially eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of internet- or computer-based interventions were assessed. Study effects were estimated by calculating effect sizes (ESs) using Cohen's d and Hedges' g bias-corrected ES. The primary outcome assessed was self-reported cannabis use, measured by a questionnaire. Results: Fifty-two studies were identified. Four studies (including 1,928 participants) met inclusion criteria. They combined brief motivational interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy delivered online. All studies were of good quality. The pooled mean difference (Δ = 4.07) and overall ES (0.11) give evidence of small effects at 3-month follow-up in favor of digital interventions. Conclusions: Digital interventions can help to successfully reduce problematic cannabis use outside clinical settings. They have some potential to overcome treatment barriers and increase accessibility for at-risk cannabis users.
Effects of Tadalafil 5 mg Dosed Once Daily in Men with Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Ozcan Levent , Polat Emre Can , Onen Efe , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Otunctemur Alper , Cekmen Mustafa , Eraldemir Ceyla , Ozbek Emin
Published: May 2016

Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the effect of 5 mg tadalafil once daily in men with premature ejaculation (PE). Methods: Thirty married men with lifelong PE and 30 healthy men as control group were included in this study. All the patients received 5 mg tadalafil once a day for a month. The international index of erectile function questionnaire and intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELTs) and PE profile were recorded before and after treatment. Plasma samples were collected before and after treatment. Results: The mean baseline IELTs was 40.8 ± 8.1 s in the PE group and 196.5 ± 26.2 s in the control group. After treatment in the PE group, the mean IELTs values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values. At the end of 4 weeks, in the PE group, the mean IELT values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values. Baseline serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were 27.3 ± 1.7 in the PE group and in the 31.1 ± 1.4 healthy control groups. After treatment, NO levels were increased from baseline. Conclusion: We consider that 5 mg tadalafil once daily is safety and effective for the treatment of PE.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Modulates Hyperosmotic-Induced Urea Transporter A1 Relocation in the Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells
Authors: Li Yong-xia , Huang Yun , Liu Song , Mao Yan , Yuan Cheng-yan , Yang Xiao , Yao Li-jun
Published: May 2016

Aim: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) regulates urine concentration by mediating the vasopressin-induced aquaporin 2 expression and water permeability, although it is unknown whether GSK3 also mediates the accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of GSK3 on UT-A1 distribution. Methods: Mouse inner medullary collecting duct 3 cells were transfected with UT-A1-GFP construct. The stable transfected cells were cultured under hypertonic conditions, treated with GSK3 inhibitor lithium chloride, GSK3 activator, lysosome or proteasome inhibitor. The expression levels of UT-A1, GSK3, and phospho-GSK3 were analyzed using western blot. The interaction between UT-A1 and the Golgi apparatus was examined using confocal immunofluorescence microscope. The UT-A1 trafficking was examined using the biotinylation of surface membranes. Results: UT-A1 dissociated away from the Golgi apparatus and translocated to the plasma membrane under hypertonic-NaCl and NaCl plus urea stimulation. This movement was accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of GSK3 and its localization on the cellular membrane. Moreover, these results were duplicated by treating the cells with the GSK3 inhibitor, and by contrast, were partially reversed by the GSK3 activator. Treating cells with a lysosome or proteasome inhibitor failed to attenuate the effects of hypertonic stimulus, indicating that the loss of UT-A1 from the Golgi was not due to degradation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GSK3 may in part modulate the hypertonic-induced intracellular UT-A1 redistribution and its accumulation on the plasma membrane, which may constitute another mechanism by which GSK3 modulates urine concentration.
Prehospital Phase of the Stroke Chain of Survival: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Puolakka Tuukka , Strbian Daniel , Harve Heini , Kuisma Markku , Lindsberg Perttu J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Few studies have discussed the emergency call and prehospital care as a continuous process to decrease the prehospital and in‐hospital delays for acute stroke. To identify features associated with early hospital arrival (<90 minutes) and treatment (<120 minutes), we analyzed the operation of current dispatch protocol and emergency medical services and compared stroke recognition by dispatchers and ambulance crews.

Methods and Results

This was a 2‐year prospective observational study. All stroke patients who were transported to the hospital by emergency medical services and received recanalization therapy were recruited for the study. For a sample of 308 patients, the stroke code was activated in 206 (67%) and high priority was used in 258 (84%) of the emergency calls. Emergency medical services transported 285 (93%) of the patients using the stroke code and 269 (87%) using high priority. In the univariate analysis, the most dominant predictors of early hospital arrival were transport using stroke code (
P
=0.001) and high priority (
P
=0.002) and onset‐to‐call (
P
<0.0001) and on‐scene times (
P
=0.052). In the regression analysis, the influences of high‐priority transport (
P
<0.01) and onset‐to‐call time (
P
<0.001) prevailed as significant in both dichotomies of early arrival and treatment. The on‐scene time was found to be surprisingly long (>23.5 minutes) for both early and late‐arriving patients.

Conclusions

Fast emergency medical services activation and ambulance transport promoted early hospital arrival and treatment. Although patient‐dependent delays still dominate the prehospital process, it should be ensured that the minutes on the scene are well spent.
Evolution of Swarming Behavior Is Shaped by How Predators Attack
Authors: Olson Randal S. , Knoester David B. , Adami Christoph
Published: May 2016

Animal grouping behaviors have been widely studied due to their implications for understanding social intelligence, collective cognition, and potential applications in engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics. An important biological aspect of these studies is discerning which selection pressures favor the evolution of grouping behavior. In the past decade, researchers have begun using evolutionary computation to study the evolutionary effects of these selection pressures in predator-prey models. The selfish herd hypothesis states that concentrated groups arise because prey selfishly attempt to place their conspecifics between themselves and the predator, thus causing an endless cycle of movement toward the center of the group. Using an evolutionary model of a predator-prey system, we show that how predators attack is critical to the evolution of the selfish herd. Following this discovery, we show that density-dependent predation provides an abstraction of Hamilton's original formulation of domains of danger. Finally, we verify that density-dependent predation provides a sufficient selective advantage for prey to evolve the selfish herd in response to predation by coevolving predators. Thus, our work corroborates Hamilton's selfish herd hypothesis in a digital evolutionary model, refines the assumptions of the selfish herd hypothesis, and generalizes the domain of danger concept to density-dependent predation.
Eco-theological Responses to Climate Change in Oceania
Authors: Rubow Cecilie , Bird Cliff
Published: May 2016

This paper explores eco-theological responses to climate change in Oceania. First, we review central texts in the contextual theological tradition in Oceania, focusing on recent responses to climate change. This points to a body of theological texts integrating climate change into a broader effort to reform classical theologies and church practices. Secondly, we identify challenges facing the contextual theologies, among them recent claims about climate-change-denying responses by Biblicist Christians in the Pacific region. These challenges apart, we suggest, thirdly, that the churches are important actors in the cultural modeling of climate change. We highlight the uniqueness of Christian narratives from the Pacific region, while alluding to the fact that literal interpretations of scriptures are influential in many other parts of the world too.
Engaged Buddhist Practice and Ecological Ethics
Authors: Strain Charles
Published: May 2016

Engaged Buddhist approaches to an ecological ethics can be read as a case study of the reinvention of Buddhism within the matrix of Western cultures. Three challenges have been raised to these efforts: first, engaged Buddhists have projected back onto the early Buddhist tradition modern formulations of ancient teachings in particular that of dependent co-arising (pratitya samutpada); second, Buddhists associated with the deep ecology movement have offered a form of holism that is “ethically vacuous;” third, while Buddhist virtue ethics are immune to some of these criticisms, they fail in face of the urgency of the challenge presented by climate change and do not offer a way of addressing entrenched power that impedes action. The article takes up each of these challenges and argues that these Buddhist “Eco-constructivists” perform a midrash on the Buddhist tradition that is geared towards praxis; it offers forms of practice that are hardly ethically vacuous.
Catholics and Climate Change Skepticism
Authors: Vincentnathan Lynn , Vincentnathan S. Georg , Smith Nicholas
Published: May 2016

Despite Church teachings on climate change and most Catholics accepting the science and being concerned, a large minority of Catholic laity and clergy deny it. This multi-sited, qualitative study, which includes supporting quantitative data, focuses on how skepticism is articulated by Catholic climate change skeptics, and transmitted and transmuted through Catholic networks. While Catholic climate change skeptics echo other skeptics, they also bring Catholic perspectives, often mingled with conservative religious and political views. Some express concern common among other Christian skeptics that believing in climate change leads to neopaganism and promotes anti-human sentiments. The focus is on Catholic climate change skeptics and their ideas, not Catholicism per se, and various cultural, social, and psychological factors, including their understanding of Catholicism, that impact their climate change skepticism. This contributes to the growing scholarship on climate change skepticism.
Constitution Making in Eritrea: Why It Is Necessary to Go Back to the Future
Authors: Magnet Joseph Eliot
Published: May 2016

Eritrea went through a constitutional process from 1995 to 1997, which resulted in a text that provides for the rule of law, democratic institutions and human rights. The text was ratified by the National Assembly, but never implemented. The United Nations, the usa and the eu support the 1997 Constitution. They have called on Eritrea to “(i)mplement (it) fully and without further delay”. This recommendation is challenged here. Eritrea is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual. The 1997 Constitution creates a highly centralized Stalinist structure that experience teaches does not work in deeply diverse democracies. Eritrea requires a power sharing constitution, fabricated in a proper negotiated process. Implementing the 1997 Constitution would likely bring Eritrea’s two large nationalities into conflict with its eight smaller nationalities with high risk for violent civil strife that could spill over into neighbouring countries. This is concerning for geopolitics and would be devastating for human rights.
More Active Outside the Classroom (课堂以外更活跃：中国海外学生在澳洲与华人社区的互动)
Authors: Gao Jia
Published: May 2016

Australia has been one of the world’s leading providers of international education in recent decades, and international students, of whom students from China have long been the largest group, have made a significant contribution to Australia. However, while some research has examined the business aspects of this new export sector in Australia, little attention has been paid to the cultural and social lives of the students, allowing many negative comments about them to cloud our understanding of this generation of overseas Chinese students. Through an analysis of documentary sources, interviews, and the observation of Chinese students studying in Australia, this paper aims to challenge the negativity of popular “xiao liuxueshengdiscourse” and explores how students have interacted with local Chinese communities, and what they have learned from such connections. Special attention will be given to two positive aspects of their activities outside university, i.e., their casual employment as a way of gaining access to the local job market and some of their entrepreneurial endeavors.

澳大利亚在近几十年一直是世界国际教育的主要提供国之一，海外学生为澳大利亚做出了重大贡献，而其中来自中国的学生长期以来一直是最大的海外学生人群。然而，很少研究关注到这些中国学生的文化及社会生活，因而致使很多负面的议论仍然影响着我们对这些学生的理解。本文旨在通过对各种文献的分析、访谈以及在澳洲对中国学生的观察，挑战广为流行的“小留学生”表述的负面性。本文将探讨这些学生如何与当地华人社区互动的经历，并分析他们从互动中所学到的经验。本文将特别关注学生校外活动的两个积极方面，即作为进入就业市场手段的打工经历，以及他们的一些创业尝试。

This article is in Chinese Language
Politically Sensitive Chinese Students’ Engagement with Democracy in Canada (对政治敏感的中国留学生在加拿大的民主参与：一个案例研究)
Authors: Li Gang
Published: May 2016

Since the late 1990s citizens from the People’s Republic of China have become the largest single group of international students in all major English-speaking countries. However, relatively little has been done to understand the political dimension of Chinese students’ experience in their host societies. Taking Canada as a case country with democracy as a point of reference, this paper explores Chinese international students’ political interactions with Canadian society. Delving into six social-science graduate students’ lived experience with democracy in Metro Vancouver, this paper highlights the fact that some Chinese students tend to become highly sensitive to the political significance and implications of their overseas experience in and through their engagement with democratic discourses and practices in Canada. Furthermore, those students who have obtained Canadian permanent residency or citizenship are even inclined to become fairly active in political life in Canada.

自从二十世纪九十年代末，中华人民共和国的公民已经成为所有主要英语国家最大的国际学生群体。然而，很少有研究关注中国学生留学经历的政治层面。本文选取加拿大为案例国，以民主为参照点，探究中国留学生与加拿大社会之间的互动。此研究的受访对象是六位在大温哥华地区就读不同社会科学专业的研究生。通过深入分析受访对象在加拿大对民主的亲身经历，本文突出强调以下一点，即有些中国留学生会通过他们对民主话语以及民主实践的参与而对其留学经历的政治意义和政治含义变得高度敏感。此外，那些在留学过程中获得加拿大永久居民身份和加拿大公民身份的中国留学生甚至更倾向于在加拿大的政治生活中变得相当活跃。

This article is in Chinese Language