bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The volume of hyperbolic cone-manifolds of the knot with Conway’s notation C(2n,3)
Authors: Ham Ji-Young , Lee Joongul
Published: March 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the family of two bridge knots of slope [Formula: see text]. We calculate the volumes of the [Formula: see text] cone-manifolds using the Schläfli formula. We present the concrete and explicit formula of them. We apply the general instructions of Hilden, Lozano and Montesinos-Amilibia and extend the Ham, Mednykh and Petrov’s methods. As an application, we give the volumes of the cyclic coverings over those knots. For the fundamental group of [Formula: see text], we take and tailor Hoste and Shanahan’s. As a byproduct, we give an affirmative answer for their question whether their presentation is actually derived from Schubert’s canonical two-bridge diagram or not.
Designing Whey Protein–Polysaccharide Particles for Colloidal Stability
Authors: Wagoner Ty , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh , Foegeding E. Allen
Published: March 2016

Interactions between whey proteins and polysaccharides, in particular the formation of food-grade soluble complexes, are of interest because of potential functional and health benefits. A specific application that has not received much attention is the use of complexes for enhanced colloidal stability of protein sols, such as protein-containing beverages. In beverages, the primary goal is the formation of complexes that remain dispersed after thermal processing and extended storage. This review highlights recent progress in the area of forming whey protein–polysaccharide soluble complexes that would be appropriate for beverage applications. Research in this area indicates that soluble complexes can be formed and stabilized that are reasonably small in size and possess a large surface charge that would predict colloidal stability. Selection of specific proteins and polysaccharides can be tailored to desired conditions. The principal challenges involve overcoming restrictions on protein concentration and ensuring that protein remains bioavailable.
Endothelin, sex, and pregnancy: unique considerations for blood pressure control in females
Authors: Gillis Ellen E. , Sasser Jennifer M. , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: March 2016

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, and dysregulation of the endothelin (ET) system has been implicated in the development of hypertension. Sex differences in the ET system have been identified in ET receptor expression and activation, levels of ET-1, and downstream mediators of the ET system. More specifically, males have greater ET-1/ETA receptor activation, whereas females exhibit greater ETB receptor activation. These differences have been suggested to contribute to the sex differences observed in blood pressure control, with greater ETB receptor activation in females potentially acting as an important pathway contributing to the lower prevalence of hypertension in young females compared with age-matched males. This hypothesis is further supported by studies in pregnancy; the role of the ET system is enhanced during pregnancy, with dysregulation of the ET system resulting in preeclampsia. Further research is necessary to elucidate the relative roles of the ET system in blood pressure control in both sexes and to further explore the potential benefits of pharmacological ET blockade in women.
Regulation of lung maturation by prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibition in the lung of the normally grown and placentally restricted fetus in late gestation
Authors: McGillick Erin V. , Orgeig Sandra , Morrison Janna L.
Published: March 2016

Intrauterine growth restriction induced by placental restriction (PR) in sheep leads to chronic hypoxemia and reduced surfactant maturation. The underlying molecular mechanism involves altered regulation of hypoxia signaling by increased prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) expression. Here, we evaluated the effect of intratracheal administration of the PHD inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) on functional, molecular, and structural determinants of lung maturation in the control and PR sheep fetus. There was no effect of DMOG on fetal blood pressure or fetal breathing movements. DMOG reduced lung expression of genes regulating hypoxia signaling ( HIF-3α, ACE1), antioxidant defense ( CAT), lung liquid reabsorption ( SCNN1-A, ATP1-A1, AQP-1, AQP-5), and surfactant maturation ( SFTP-A, SFTP-B, SFTP-C, PCYT1A, LPCAT, ABCA3, LAMP3) in control fetuses. There were very few effects of DMOG on gene expression in the PR fetal lung (reduced lung expression of angiogenic factor ADM, water channel AQP-5, and increased expression of glucose transporter SLC2A1). DMOG administration in controls reduced total lung lavage phosphatidylcholine to the same degree as in PR fetuses. These changes appear to be regulated at the molecular level as there was no effect of DMOG on the percent tissue, air space, or numerical density of SFTP-B positive cells in the control and PR lung. Hence, DMOG administration mimics the effects of PR in reducing surfactant maturation in the lung of control fetuses. The limited responsiveness of the PR fetal lung suggests a potential biochemical limit or reduced plasticity to respond to changes in regulation of hypoxia signaling following exposure to chronic hypoxemia in utero.
Relaxin deficiency attenuates pregnancy-induced adaptation of the mesenteric artery to angiotensin II in mice
Authors: Marshall Sarah A. , Leo Chen Huei , Senadheera Sevvandi N. , Girling Jane E. , Tare Marianne , Parry Laura J.
Published: March 2016

Pregnancy is associated with reduced peripheral vascular resistance, underpinned by changes in endothelial and smooth muscle function. Failure of the maternal vasculature to adapt correctly leads to serious pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. The peptide hormone relaxin regulates the maternal renal vasculature during pregnancy; however, little is known about its effects in other vascular beds. This study tested the hypothesis that functional adaptation of the mesenteric and uterine arteries during pregnancy will be compromised in relaxin-deficient ( Rln−/−) mice. Smooth muscle and endothelial reactivity were examined in small mesenteric and uterine arteries of nonpregnant (estrus) and late-pregnant ( day 17.5) wild-type ( Rln+/+) and Rln−/− mice using wire myography. Pregnancy per se was associated with significant reductions in contraction to phenylephrine, endothelin-1, and ANG II in small mesenteric arteries, while sensitivity to endothelin-1 was reduced in uterine arteries of Rln+/+ mice. The normal pregnancy-associated attenuation of ANG II-mediated vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries did not occur in Rln−/− mice. This adaptive failure was endothelium-independent and did not result from altered expression of ANG II receptors or regulator of G protein signaling 5 ( Rgs5) or increases in reactive oxygen species generation. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with l-NAME enhanced ANG II-mediated contraction in mesenteric arteries of both genotypes, whereas blockade of prostanoid production with indomethacin only increased ANG II-induced contraction in arteries of pregnant Rln+/+ mice. In conclusion, relaxin deficiency prevents the normal pregnancy-induced attenuation of ANG II-mediated vasoconstriction in small mesenteric arteries. This is associated with reduced smooth muscle-derived vasodilator prostanoids.
Similar prevalence and magnitude of auditory-evoked and visually evoked activity in the frontal eye fields: implications for multisensory motor control
Authors: Caruso Valeria C. , Pages Daniel S. , Sommer Marc A. , Groh Jennifer M.
Published: March 2016

Saccadic eye movements can be elicited by more than one type of sensory stimulus. This implies substantial transformations of signals originating in different sense organs as they reach a common motor output pathway. In this study, we compared the prevalence and magnitude of auditory- and visually evoked activity in a structure implicated in oculomotor processing, the primate frontal eye fields (FEF). We recorded from 324 single neurons while 2 monkeys performed delayed saccades to visual or auditory targets. We found that 64% of FEF neurons were active on presentation of auditory targets and 87% were active during auditory-guided saccades, compared with 75 and 84% for visual targets and saccades. As saccade onset approached, the average level of population activity in the FEF became indistinguishable on visual and auditory trials. FEF activity was better correlated with the movement vector than with the target location for both modalities. In summary, the large proportion of auditory-responsive neurons in the FEF, the similarity between visual and auditory activity levels at the time of the saccade, and the strong correlation between the activity and the saccade vector suggest that auditory signals undergo tailoring to match roughly the strength of visual signals present in the FEF, facilitating accessing of a common motor output pathway.
Utility of EEG measures of brain function in patients with acute stroke
Authors: Wu Jennifer , Srinivasan Ramesh , Burke Quinlan Erin , Solodkin Ana , Small Steven L. , Cramer Steven C.
Published: March 2016

EEG has been used to study acute stroke for decades; however, because of several limitations EEG-based measures rarely inform clinical decision-making in this setting. Recent advances in EEG hardware, recording electrodes, and EEG software could overcome these limitations. The present study examined how well dense-array (256 electrodes) EEG, acquired with a saline-lead net and analyzed with whole brain partial least squares (PLS) modeling, captured extent of acute stroke behavioral deficits and varied in relation to acute brain injury. In 24 patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke, 3 min of resting-state EEG was acquired at bedside, including in the ER and ICU. Traditional quantitative EEG measures (power in a specific lead, in any frequency band) showed a modest association with behavioral deficits [NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score] in bivariate models. However, PLS models of delta or beta power across whole brain correlated strongly with NIHSS score ( R2 = 0.85–0.90) and remained robust when further analyzed with cross-validation models ( R2 = 0.72–0.73). Larger infarct volume was associated with higher delta power, bilaterally; the contralesional findings were not attributable to mass effect, indicating that EEG captures significant information about acute stroke effects not available from MRI. We conclude that 1) dense-array EEG data are feasible as a bedside measure of brain function in patients with acute stroke; 2) high-dimension EEG data are strongly correlated with acute stroke behavioral deficits and are superior to traditional single-lead metrics in this regard; and 3) EEG captures significant information about acute stroke injury not available from structural brain imaging.
Skeletal variation in Tennessee Walking Horses maps to theLCORL/NCAPGgene region
Authors: Staiger E. A. , Al Abri M. A. , Pflug K. M. , Kalla S. E. , Ainsworth D. M. , Miller D. , Raudsepp T. , Sutter N. B. , Brooks S. A.
Published: March 2016

Conformation has long been a driving force in horse selection and breed creation as a predictor for performance. The Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) ranges in size from 1.5 to 1.7 m and is often used as a trail, show, and pleasure horse. To investigate the contribution of genetics to body conformation in the TWH, we collected DNA samples, body measurements, and gait/training information from 282 individuals. We analyzed the 32 body measures with a principal component analysis. Principal component (PC)1 captured 28.5% of the trait variance, while PC2 comprised just 9.5% and PC3 6.4% of trait variance. All 32 measures correlated positively with PC1, indicating that PC1 describes overall body size. We genotyped 109 horses using the EquineSNP70 bead chip and marker association assessed the data using PC1 scores as a phenotype. Mixed-model linear analysis (EMMAX) revealed a well-documented candidate locus on ECA3 (raw P = 3.86 × 10−9) near the LCORL gene. A custom genotyping panel enabled fine-mapping of the PC1 body-size trait to the 3′-end of the LCORL gene ( P = 7.09 × 10−10). This position differs from other reports suggesting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) upstream of the LCORL coding sequence regulate expression of the gene and, therefore, body size in horses. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis defined the position of a highly homologous 5 kb retrogene copy of LCORL (assigned to unplaced contigs of the EquCab 2.0 assembly) at ECA9 q12-q13. This is the first study to identify putative causative SNPs within the LCORL transcript itself, which are associated with skeletal size variation in horses.
On Laminar Rich Premixed Polydisperse Spray Flame Propagation with Heat Loss
Authors: Kats G. , Greenberg J. B.
Published: March 2016

A mathematical analysis of laminar premixed spray flame propagation with heat loss is presented. The analysis makes use of a distributed approximation of the Arrhenius exponential term in the reaction rate expression and leads to an implicit expression for the laminar burning velocity dependent on the spray-related parameters for the fuel, gas-related parameters and the intensity of the heat losses. It is shown that the initial droplet load, the value of the evaporation coefficient, and the initial size distribution are the spray-related parameters which exert an influence on the onset of extinction. The combination of these parameters governs the manner in which the spray heat loss is distributed spatially and it is this feature that is the main factor, when taken together with volumetric heat loss, which determines the spray’s impact on flame propagation and extinction.
Individual Building Rooftop and Tree Crown Segmentation from High-Resolution Urban Aerial Optical Images
Authors: Jiao Jichao , Deng Zhongliang
Published: March 2016

We segment buildings and trees from aerial photographs by using superpixels, and we estimate the tree’s parameters by using a cost function proposed in this paper. A method based on image complexity is proposed to refine superpixels boundaries. In order to classify buildings from ground and classify trees from grass, the salient feature vectors that include colors, Features from Accelerated Segment Test (FAST) corners, and Gabor edges are extracted from refined superpixels. The vectors are used to train the classifier based on Naive Bayes classifier. The trained classifier is used to classify refined superpixels as object or nonobject. The properties of a tree, including its locations and radius, are estimated by minimizing the cost function. The shadow is used to calculate the tree height using sun angle and the time when the image was taken. Our segmentation algorithm is compared with other two state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms, and the tree parameters obtained in this paper are compared to the ground truth data. Experiments show that the proposed method can segment trees and buildings appropriately, yielding higher precision and better recall rates, and the tree parameters are in good agreement with the ground truth data.
Adsorptive Performance of Ni(II) from Aqueous Solutions Using Biochar Made ofPhragmites australisby Adding Ammonium Polyphosphate as Flame Retardant
Authors: Liu Peng , Yue Min , Zhang Houyong
Published: March 2016

The witheredPhragmites australis(PA) surrounding the rivers can cause the secondary pollution of water. In this research, by changing the ratio (R) of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), used as flame retardant, to PA at different temperatures, a series of BC samples were prepared for further analysis in several perspectives, namely, surface morphologies, surface areas, surface functional groups, and yields. The analysis indicated that, after being charred, the produced BCs obtained enhanced yields and promoted surface acidity. As adsorbent to remove Ni(II) from aqueous solutions, the BCs with APP improved the sorption of Ni(II) dramatically, compared with those purely produced by pyrolysis of PA, and obtained the maximum of adsorption capacity with theRof 0.25 at 400°C.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antiosteoarthritis Effects of Saposhnikovia divaricata ethanol Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Chun Jin Mi , Kim Hyo Seon , Lee A Yeong , Kim Seung-Hyung , Kim Ho Kyoung
Published: March 2016

Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischkin has been used in traditional medicine to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory and antiosteoarthritis activities of Saposhnikovia divaricata extract (SDE). The anti‐inflammatory effect of SDE was evaluated in vitro in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) treated RAW 264.7 cells. The antiosteoarthritic effect of SDE was investigated in an in vivo rat model of monosodium iodoacetate‐ (MIA‐) induced osteoarthritis (OA) in which rats were treated orally with SDE (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The effects of SDE were assessed in vivo by histopathological analysis and by measuring weight‐bearing distribution, cytokine serum levels, and joint tissue inflammation‐related gene expression. SDE showed anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, SDE promoted recovery of hind limb weight‐bearing, inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, and protected cartilage and subchondral bone tissue in the OA rat model. Therefore, SDE is a potential therapeutic agent for OA and/or associated symptoms.
Impact of Mass Bathing and Religious Activities on Water Quality Index of Prominent Water Bodies: A Multilocation Study in Haryana, India
Authors: Bhatnagar Anita , Devi Pooja , George M. P.
Published: March 2016

The present study was designed to assess the impact of mass bathing and religious activities on water quality index (WQI) of prominent water bodies (eight) in Haryana, India. Water quality characteristics revealed significant increase in the values of nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, total hardness, total alkalinity, and MPN count after the religious activities. The computed WQI at all the eight selected sites varied from 47.55 to 211.42. The results revealed that there was a significant increase in the value of WQI after mass bathing or any other ritual performed. Out of eight water bodies studied three (sites 3, 4, and 5) were found under good water quality status; four sites (1, 2, 6, and 7) depicted medium water quality but site 8 was found under poor water quality after the religious activities. The good water quality status of water bodies was correlated with larger size of the water bodies and less number of pilgrims; however, the poor WQI values may be attributed to smaller size of the water body and heavy load of pilgrims on such sites. Therefore, water of these religious water bodies needed to be regularly changed after mass bathing to protect the aquatic component from different contaminations.
A Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation Resonating at an Essential Spectrum
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Zhou Haijun
Published: March 2016

We consider the nonlinear Schrödinger equation-Δu+f(u)=V(x)u  in  RN. The potential functionVsatisfies that the essential spectrum of the Schrödinger operator-Δ-Vis[0,+∞)and this Schrödinger operator has infinitely many negative eigenvalues accumulating at zero. The nonlinearityfsatisfies the resonance type conditionlimt→∞f(t)/t=0. Under some additional conditions onVandf, we prove that this equation has infinitely many solutions.
Multiple Solutions for Nonlinear Navier Boundary Systems Involving(p1(x),…,pn(x))-Biharmonic Problem
Authors: Miao Qing
Published: March 2016

We improve some results on the existence and multiplicity of solutions for the(p1(x),…,pn(x))-biharmonic system. Our main results are new. Our approach is based on general variational principle and the theory of the variable exponent Sobolev spaces.
Optimization Approach for Resource Allocation on Cloud Computing for IoT
Authors: Choi Yeongho , Lim Yujin
Published: March 2016

Combinatorial auction is a popular approach for resource allocation in cloud computing. One of the challenges in resource allocation is that QoS (Quality of Service) constraints are satisfied and provider's profit is maximized. In order to increase the profit, the penalty cost for SLA (Service Level Agreement) violations needs to be reduced. We consider execution time constraint as SLA constraint in combinatorial auction system. In the system, we determine winners at each bidding round according to the job's urgency based on execution time deadline, in order to efficiently allocate resources and reduce the penalty cost. To analyze the performance of our mechanism, we compare the provider's profit and success rate of job completion with conventional mechanism using real workload data.
Ultrasound Guidance for Renal Tract Access and Dilation Reduces Radiation Exposure during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Chi Thomas , Masic Selma , Li Jianxing , Usawachintachit Manint
Published: March 2016

Purposes. To present our series of 38 prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures performed with renal access and tract dilation purely under ultrasound guidance and describe the benefits and challenges accompanying this approach.Methods. Thirty-eight consecutive patients presenting for percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stone removal were included in this prospective cohort study. Ultrasonographic imaging in the prone position was used to obtain percutaneous renal access and guide tract dilation. Fluoroscopic screening was used only for nephrostomy tube placement. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedural and patient data were collected for analysis.Results. Mean age of patients was52.7±17.2years. Forty-five percent of patients were male with mean BMI of26.1±7.3and mean stone size of27.2±17.6millimeters. Renal puncture was performed successfully with ultrasonographic guidance in all cases with mean puncture time of135.4±132.5seconds. Mean dilation time was11.5±3.8 min and mean stone fragmentation time was37.5±29.0 min. Mean total operative time was129.3±41.1. No patients experienced any significant immediate postoperative complication. All patients were rendered stone-free and no additional secondary procedures were required.Conclusions. Ultrasound guidance for renal access and tract dilation in prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a feasible and effective technique. It can be performed safely with significantly reduced fluoroscopic radiation exposure to the patient, surgeon, and intraoperative personnel.
Changes in Sediment Fatty Acid Composition during Passage through the Gut of Deposit Feeding Holothurians:Holothuria atra(Jaeger, 1883) andHolothuria leucospilota(Brandt, 1835)
Authors: Mfilinge Prosper L. , Tsuchiya Makoto
Published: March 2016

Sea cucumbersHolothuria atraandHolothuria leucospilotaplay an important role in the bioturbation of sediment in coral reef and rocky intertidal ecosystems. This study investigated changes in sediment fatty acid (FA) composition during gut passage inH. atraandH. leucospilota.The FA composition did not differ significantly between species. Comparison of FA composition in ambient sediment (AS), foregut (FG), midgut (MG), hindgut (HG), and faecal pellets (FPs) indicated that marked changes in FA composition occurred during passage through the gut ofH. atraandH. leucospilota.Saturated fatty acids (SAFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and branched fatty acids (BrFAs) were significantly higher in FG than in AS, suggesting that both species selectively ingested nutrient rich particles. Significant reduction of SAFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs, and BrFAs occurred in MD and HD, with complete elimination of most PUFAs in FPs. A decrease in PUFAs 20:5ω3, 18:4ω3, 22:5ω3, 22:6ω3, 18:2ω6, 18:3ω3, 18:3ω6, odd-numbered BrFAs, and MUFA 18:1ω7 indicated that algal detritus and bacteria were important part of diet. These results have implications for the fate of specific dietary FAs, especiallyω3 andω6, and the contribution holothurian FPs make to the FA composition of coral reef and rocky intertidal ecosystems.
Health‐Promoting Properties of Eucommia ulmoides: A Review
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Tan Bi’e , Liu Gang , Oladele Oso Abimbola , Rahu Najma , Tossou M. C. , Yin Yulong
Published: March 2016

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) (also known as “Du Zhong” in Chinese language) is a plant containing various kinds of chemical constituents such as lignans, iridoids, phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, and other compounds. These constituents of EU possess various medicinal properties and have been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) as a folk drink and functional food for several thousand years. EU has several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiallergic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiaging, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Hence, it has been widely used solely or in combination with other compounds to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, sexual dysfunction, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurological diseases. This review paper summarizes the various active ingredients contained in EU and their health‐promoting properties, thus serving as a reference material for the application of EU.
Acute Warfarin Toxicity as Initial Manifestation of Metastatic Liver Disease
Authors: Nannaka Varalaxmi Bhavani , Jani Nihar , Niazi Masooma , Lvovsky Dmitry
Published: March 2016

Near complete infiltration of the liver secondary to metastasis from the head and neck cancer is a rare occurrence. The prognosis of liver failure associated with malignant infiltration is extremely poor; the survival time of patients is extremely low. We present a case of acute warfarin toxicity as initial manifestation of metastatic liver disease. Our patient is a 64-year-old woman presenting with epigastric pain and discomfort, found to have unrecordable International Normalized Ratio. She rapidly deteriorated with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, profound shock requiring high dose vasopressor infusion, severe coagulopathy, worsening liver enzymes with worsening of lactic acidosis and severe metabolic abnormalities, and refractory to aggressive supportive care and died in less than 48 hours. Autopsy revealed that >90% of the liver was replaced by tumor masses.
Human Auditory and Adjacent Nonauditory Cerebral Cortices Are Hypermetabolic in Tinnitus as Measured by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Authors: Issa Mohamad , Bisconti Silvia , Kovelman Ioulia , Kileny Paul , Basura Gregory J.
Published: March 2016

Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sound in the absence of an acoustic stimulus. To date, the purported neural correlates of tinnitus from animal models have not been adequately characterized with translational technology in the human brain. The aim of the present study was to measure changes in oxy-hemoglobin concentration from regions of interest (ROI; auditory cortex) and non-ROI (adjacent nonauditory cortices) during auditory stimulation and silence in participants with subjective tinnitus appreciated equally in both ears and in nontinnitus controls using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Control and tinnitus participants with normal/near-normal hearing were tested during a passive auditory task. Hemodynamic activity was monitored over ROI and non-ROI under episodic periods of auditory stimulation with 750 or 8000 Hz tones, broadband noise, and silence. During periods of silence, tinnitus participants maintained increased hemodynamic responses in ROI, while a significant deactivation was seen in controls. Interestingly, non-ROI activity was also increased in the tinnitus group as compared to controls during silence. The present results demonstrate that both auditory and select nonauditory cortices have elevated hemodynamic activity in participants with tinnitus in the absence of an external auditory stimulus, a finding that may reflect basic science neural correlates of tinnitus that ultimately contribute to phantom sound perception.
The Influence of Oxygen Substitution on the Optoelectronic Properties of ZnTe
Authors: Khan Imad , Khan Sajid , Iqbal Javid , Rahnamaye Aliabad H. A. , Ali Zahid , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: March 2016

We communicate theoretical results of the structural, electronic, and optical properties ofZnOxTe1-x(0≤x≤1) in the zincblende structure. The calculations are performed using full potential linearized augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW) method, based on density functional theory (DFT). The structural properties are calculated with simple GGA (PBEsol), while the electronic and optical properties are calculated using mBJ-GGA. The mBJ-GGA is used to properly treat the active d-orbital in their valence shell. The ZnOTe alloy is highly lattice mismatched and consequently the lattice constants and bulk moduli largely deviate from the linear behavior. The calculated bandgaps are in agreement with the experimentally measured values, where the nature of bandgaps is direct for the whole range ofxexcept atx=0.25. We also calculate the bandgap bowing parameter from our accurate bandgaps and resolve the existing controversy in this parameter.
Unique AGG Interruption in the CGG Repeats of the FMR1 Gene Exclusively Found in Asians Linked to a Specific SNP Haplotype
Authors: Limprasert Pornprot , Thanakitgosate Janpen , Jaruthamsophon Kanoot , Sripo Thanya
Published: March 2016

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited intellectual disability. It is caused by the occurrence of more than 200 pure CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene. Normal individuals have 6–54 CGG repeats with two or more stabilizing AGG interruptions occurring once every 9- or 10-CGG-repeat blocks in various populations. However, the unique (CGG)6AGG pattern, designated as 6A, has been exclusively reported in Asians. To examine the genetic background of AGG interruptions in the CGG repeats of the FMR1 gene, we studied 8 SNPs near the CGG repeats in 176 unrelated Thai males with 19–56 CGG repeats. Of these 176 samples, we identified AGG interruption patterns from 95 samples using direct DNA sequencing. We found that the common CGG repeat groups (29, 30, and 36) were associated with 3 common haplotypes, GCGGATAA (Hap A), TTCATCGC (Hap C), and GCCGTTAA (Hap B), respectively. The configurations of 9A9A9, 10A9A9, and 9A9A6A9 were commonly found in chromosomes with 29, 30, and 36 CGG repeats, respectively. Almost all chromosomes with Hap B (22/23) carried at least one 6A pattern, suggesting that the 6A pattern is linked to Hap B and may have originally occurred in the ancestors of Asian populations.
Revisiting Nonresidential Environmental Exposures and Childhood Lead Poisoning in the US: Findings from Kansas, 2000–2005
Authors: Brink Lu Ann , Talbott Evelyn O. , Marsh Gary M. , Sharma Ravi , Benson Stacey , Wu Wen Chi , Duan Chunzhe
Published: March 2016

Although blood lead levels (BLLs) in US children have dramatically declined over the past 40 years, there remain pockets of children living in areas with elevated BLLs. While some increases (≥10 μg/dL) may be associated with legacy lead paint, ambient air lead may be contributing to the problem. A deidentified dataset of information on over 60,000 Kansas children under 3 years of age who were tested for BLL was provided through the Kansas Environmental Public Health Tracking Network for the period 2000–2005. Using ArcGIS, we calculated distance (in miles) from a lead-emitting industry referred to as a toxic release inventory (TRI) site. The USEPA TRI database tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health. US facilities in different industry sectors must report annually amount of substances like lead into the environment including their exact location. Distance from a TRI site was inversely related to BLL after controlling for area-level poverty and pre-1950 housing. The results of our evaluation indicate there is a significant relationship between proximity to lead industry and childhood BLLs. Proximity to sources of lead emissions should be evaluated as a possible factor when identifying children for targeted BLL testing.
Characteristics and Risk Factors ofHelicobacter pyloriAssociated Gastritis: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Tongtawee Taweesak , Kaewpitoon Soraya , Kaewpitoon Natthawut , Dechsukhum Chavaboon , Leeanansaksiri Wilairat , Loyd Ryan A. , Matrakool Likit , Panpimanmas Sukij
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim. Risk factors forHelicobacter pyloriinfection are genetic susceptibility and poor living conditions. This study aimed to investigate theMdm2gene, clarithromycin resistance, and possible risk factors forHelicobacter pyloriinfection.Methods. Risk factors and clinical characteristics were analyzed, including patient demographic data, patient income, personal history, possible source of transmission, patient symptoms, endoscopic findings, patterns of clarithromycin resistance, and patterns ofMdm2SNIP309.Results. Ingestion of pickled fish (OR = 11.27, 95% CI = 4.31–29.45,p<0.0001), salt crab (OR = 8.83, 95% CI = 1.99–39.14,p<0.001), and Papaya salad (OR = 8.73, 95% CI = 4.54–16.79,p<0.01). The prevalence of clarithromycin resistance was 56% (wild type, A2143/2142A, is 23.8%; mutation, A2143/2142CG, is 35.7%; wild type + mutation is 40.5%). The genetic polymorphisms ofMdm2SNIP309 were SNIP309 T/T homozygous in 78%, SNIP309 G/T heterozygous in 19%, and SNIP309 G/G homozygous in 3%.Conclusion. Pickled fish, salt crab, and Papaya salad are positive risk factors. There was high prevalence of clarithromycin resistance. TheMdm2SNIP309 G/G homozygous genotype might be a risk factor for gastric cancer and the fact that it is infrequent in Thailand.
Some New Generalized Retarded Gronwall-Like Inequalities and Their Applications in Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Qin Haiyong , Zuo Xin , Liu Jianwei
Published: March 2016

The Gronwall inequalities are of significance in mathematics and engineering. This paper generalizes the Gronwall-like inequalities from different perspectives. Using the proposed inequalities, the difficulties to discuss the controllability of integrodifferential systems of mixed type can be solved. Meanwhile, two examples as their applications are also given to show the effectiveness of our main results.
Mathematical Modeling Reveals That Changes to Local Cell Density Dynamically Modulate Baseline Variations in Cell Growth and Drug Response
Authors: Greene James M. , Levy Doron , Herrada Sylvia P. , Gottesman Michael M. , Lavi Orit
Published: March 2016

Cell-to-cell variations contribute to drug resistance with consequent therapy failure in cancer. Experimental techniques have been developed to monitor tumor heterogeneity, but estimates of cell-to-cell variation typically fail to account for the expected spatiotemporal variations during the cell growth process. To fully capture the extent of such dynamic variations, we developed a mechanistic mathematical model supported by in vitro experiments with an ovarian cancer cell line. We introduce the notion of dynamic baseline cell-to-cell variation, showing how the emerging spatiotemporal heterogeneity of one cell population can be attributed to differences in local cell density and cell cycle. Manipulation of the geometric arrangement and spatial density of cancer cells revealed that given a fixed global cell density, significant differences in growth, proliferation, and paclitaxel-induced apoptosis rates were observed based solely on cell movement and local conditions. We conclude that any statistical estimate of changes in the level of heterogeneity should be integrated with the dynamics and spatial effects of the baseline system. This approach incorporates experimental and theoretical methods to systematically analyze biologic phenomena and merits consideration as an underlying reference model for cell biology studies that investigate dynamic processes affecting cancer cell behavior. Cancer Res; 76(10); 2882–90. ©2016 AACR.
Nonword Repetition in Spanish-Speaking Toddlers with and without Early Language Delays
Authors: Guiberson Mark , Rodríguez Barbara L.
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Nonword repetition (NWR) studies with English-speaking toddlers indicate favorable diagnostic accuracy for identifying early language delays and strong associations with early vocabulary. While scarce, studies of Spanish NWR have revealed strong diagnostic accuracy with preschool- and school-age children. This study aimed to (1) establish the association between Spanish NWR and early linguistic measures, (2) compare the Spanish NWR skills of typical Spanish-speaking toddlers and those of toddlers with early language delays (ELD), and (3) establish the diagnostic accuracy of a Spanish NWR task. Methods: Sixty-five Spanish-speaking toddlers were given a NWR task and a language assessment while parents completed a vocabulary checklist and reported their child's longest utterances. Results: NWR scores were moderately correlated with vocabulary and language. The ELD group had significantly lower NWR scores than peers, and 68% of the sample was classified correctly, with desirable sensitivity but inadequate specificity obtained. Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed developmental trends in Spanish-speaking toddlers' ability to repeat nonwords and that most toddlers were not able to repeat 4- and 5-syllable nonwords. Furthermore, Spanish-speaking children with ELD had more difficulties with NWR than typical peers. The diagnostic accuracy results indicated that the clinical use of a Spanish NWR task for toddlers can serve to detect early language-learning difficulties, especially if used as one of multiple diagnostic sources of information to establish ELD.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Is Associated with Increased Androgens in Adolescents and Young Adults with Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Kim Mimi S. , Dao-Tran Anh , Davidowitz Elana , Tseng Teresa , Gilsanz Vicente , Ryabets-Lienhard Anna , Nguyen Eugene , Geffner Mitchell E.
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Youth with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors of obesity and hypertension. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker of CVD risk, is increased in CAH young adults. We examined CIMT and its relationship with androgens and obesity in adolescents/young adults with CAH. Methods: Twenty CAH subjects (age 16 ± 3.3 years, 50% female) and 20 matched controls were studied cross-sectionally. Eight additional obese patients with CAH were included in within-group comparisons. CIMT by high-resolution ultrasound, androgens, anthropometry, bone age (BA), and metabolic/inflammatory markers were assessed. Results: Within the CAH group, CIMT correlated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) and androstenedione (r = 0.46, p < 0.05), and was greater in obese subjects. CIMT was greater in CAH males than females, but similar among CAH females with advanced BA, CAH males with normal BA, and control males. There was no difference in CIMT between CAH and controls, although high-density lipoprotein was inversely correlated with CIMT in both groups. Conclusion: CIMT is associated with increased androgens in CAH adolescents and young adults, with loss of sex differences in CAH females with excess androgen exposure. Our findings highlight the importance of hormonal control for CVD prevention in CAH.
Impaired Hemorheological Parameters and Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Isik-Balci Yasemin , Agladioglu Sebahat , Agladioglu Kadir , Kilic-Toprak Emine , Kilic-Erkek Ozgen , Ozhan Bayram , Polat Aziz , Bor-Kucukatay Melek
Published: March 2016

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is defined as elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration associated with normal serum-free thyroxine levels. Effects of hypothyroidism on hemorheology had widely attracted the attention of researchers during the last decade. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine alterations in hemorheological parameters and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children with SH. Methods: Fifty-three SH children and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were determined by an ektacytometer and plasma viscosity (PV) by a cone-plate rotational viscometer. CIMT was evaluated sonographically. Results: Erythrocyte deformability of the SH group measured at 0.53 and 1.69-30 Pa was lower than that of the control group. The erythrocyte aggregation index, aggregation half time and PV were not different between the groups. However, the aggregation amplitude and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly higher in SH compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between TSH and deformability values measured at 5.33-30.0 Pa. CIMT in patients with SH was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.001; SH = 0.48 ± 0.04 mm, control group = 0.43 ± 0.03 mm). Conclusion: Impaired hemorheology and increased CIMT are well-known risk factors for developing cardiovascular pathologies. The results of the current study suggest the treatment of children with SH in order to avoid early circulatory problems.
Liposome Delivery Systems for Inhalation: A Critical Review Highlighting Formulation Issues and Anticancer Applications
Authors: Rudokas Mindaugas , Najlah Mohammad , Alhnan Mohamed Albed , Elhissi Abdelbary
Published: March 2016

This is a critical review on research conducted in the field of pulmonary delivery of liposomes. Issues relating to the mechanism of nebulisation and liposome composition were appraised and correlated with literature reports of liposome formulations used in clinical trials to understand the role of liposome size and composition on therapeutic outcome. A major highlight was liposome inhalation for the treatment of lung cancers. Many in vivo studies that explored the potential of liposomes as anticancer carrier systems were evaluated, including animal studies and clinical trials. Liposomes can entrap anticancer drugs and localise their action in the lung following pulmonary delivery. The safety of inhaled liposomes incorporating anticancer drugs depends on the anticancer agent used and the amount of drug delivered to the target cancer in the lung. The difficulty of efficient targeting of liposomal anticancer aerosols to the cancerous tissues within the lung may result in low doses reaching the target site. Overall, following the success of liposomes as inhalable carriers in the treatment of lung infections, it is expected that more focus from research and development will be given to designing inhalable liposome carriers for the treatment of other lung diseases, including pulmonary cancers. The successful development of anticancer liposomes for inhalation may depend on the future development of effective aerosolisation devices and better targeted liposomes to maximise the benefit of therapy and reduce the potential for local and systemic adverse effects.
Improved Prediction by Dynamic Modeling
Authors: Siregar Sabrina , Nieboer Daan , Vergouwe Yvonne , Versteegh Michel I.M. , Noyez Luc , Vonk Alexander B.A. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Takkenberg Johanna J.M.
Published: March 2016

Background—

The predictive performance of static risk prediction models such as EuroSCORE deteriorates over time. We aimed to explore different methods for continuous updating of EuroSCORE (dynamic modeling) to improve risk prediction.

Methods and Results—

Data on adult cardiac surgery from 2007 to 2012 (n=95 240) were extracted from the Netherlands Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery database. The logistic EuroSCORE predicting in-hospital death was updated using 6 methods: recalibrating the intercept of the logistic regression model; recalibrating the intercept and joint effects of the prognostic factors; re-estimating all prognostic factor effects, re-estimating all prognostic factor effects, and applying shrinkage of the estimates; applying a test procedure to select either of these; and a Bayesian learning strategy. Models were updated with 1 or 3 years of data, in all cardiac surgery or within operation subgroups. Performance was tested in the subsequent year according to discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve, area under the curve) and calibration (calibration slope and calibration-in-the-large). Compared with the original EuroSCORE, all updating methods resulted in improved calibration-in-the-large (range −0.17 to 0.04 versus −1.13 to −0.97, ideally 0.0). Calibration slope (range 0.92–1.15) and discrimination (area under the curve range 0.83–0.87) were similar across methods. In small subgroups, such as aortic valve replacement and aortic valve replacement+coronary artery bypass grafting, extensive updating using 1 year of data led to poorer performance than using the original EuroSCORE. The choice of updating method had little effect on benchmarking results of all cardiac surgery.

Conclusions—

Several methods for dynamic modeling may result in good discrimination and superior calibration compared with the original EuroSCORE. For large populations, all methods are appropriate. For smaller subgroups, it is recommended to use data from multiple years or a Bayesian approach.
Reimagining Anticoagulation Clinics in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Barnes Geoffrey D. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Sales Anne E. , Froehlich James B.
Published: March 2016

Anticoagulation clinics were initially developed to provide safe and effective care for warfarin-treated patients with atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and mechanical valve replacement. Traditionally, these patients required ongoing laboratory monitoring and warfarin dose adjustment by expert providers. With the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban), many have questioned the need for anticoagulation clinic. However, we think that the growing number of oral anticoagulant choices creates an urgent need for expanding the traditional role of the anticoagulation clinic. We outline 3 key purposes that a reimagined anticoagulation clinic would serve: (1) to assist patients and clinicians with selecting the most appropriate drug and dose from a growing list of anticoagulant options (including warfarin), (2) to help patients minimize the risk of serious bleeding complications with careful long-term monitoring and peri-procedural management, and (3) to encourage ongoing adherence to these life-saving medications. We also describe how repurposing anticoagulation clinics as broader medication safety clinics would promote safe and effective care across a range of cardiovascular conditions for high-risk medications (eg, spironolactone, amiodarone). Finally, we highlight a few existing health systems that are overcoming key challenges to implementing a reimagined anticoagulation or medication safety clinic structure.