bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of the first Hartford Consensus compliant elementary school in the USA
Authors: Ramly Elie , Bohnen Jordan D , Fagenholz Peter , Yeh Dante , Velmahos George , DeMoya Marc , Kaafarani Haytham , Butler Katheryn , Lee Jarone , King David R
Published: September 2016

Background

The Hartford Consensus established a framework for minimizing deaths due to mass shootings, specifically eliminating preventable deaths due to limb exsanguination. Two major principles defined within this framework are (1) redefining the first responder role and (2) the ubiquitous availability of proper training in application of hemorrhage control techniques, including tourniquets. We hypothesized that this hemorrhage control posture could be fully translated into an elementary school.

Methods

Following institutional review board approval, all teachers at a prekindergarten through 8th grade elementary school underwent short, intensive instruction on their role as a first responder, as well as indications and proper technique for hemorrhage control and tourniquet application for limb exsanguination. All teachers self-reported their confidence in their role as a first responder as well as tourniquet application indications and technique before and after instruction. Following instruction, teachers were evaluated on proper tourniquet application technique on a simulated limb to assess competence.

Results

26 elementary school teachers and 2 administrative staff underwent training. All reported low confidence in their role as a first responder and in tourniquet application indication and technique before training. Following training, all teachers reported high confidence. Testing demonstrated all teachers were competent in the tourniquet application technique. Following training, each classroom was equipped with a purpose-made commercial tourniquet, and a dedicated hemorrhage control bag was placed in the school's central administrative office.

Conclusions

All teachers were successfully trained to act as first responders and in correct hemorrhage control techniques, which was verified by testing. This is the first elementary school to universally adopt a hemorrhage control posture to eliminate preventable deaths from limb exsanguination advocated by the Hartford Consensus.
The treatment effects of flaxseed-derived secoisolariciresinol diglycoside and its metabolite enterolactone on benign prostatic hyperplasia involve the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1
Authors: Ren Guan-Yu , Chen Chun-Yang , Chen Wei-Guo , Huang Ya , Qin Li-Qiang , Chen Li-Hua
Published: September 2016

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a lignan extracted from flaxseed, has been shown to suppress benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, little is known about the mechanistic basis for its anti-BPH activity. The present study showed that enterolactone (ENL), the mammalian metabolite of SDG, shared the similar binding site of G1 on a new type of membranous estrogen receptor, G-protein-coupled estrogen eceptor 1 (GPER), by docking simulations method. ENL and G1 (the specific agonist of GPER) inhibited the proliferation of human prostate stromal cell line WPMY-1 as shown by MTT assay and arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which was displayed by propidium iodide staining following flow cytometer examination. Silencing GPER by short interfering RNA attenuated the inhibitory effect of ENL on WPMY-1 cells. The therapeutic potential of SDG in the treatment of BPH was confirmed in a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model. SDG significantly reduced the enlargement of the rat prostate and the number of papillary projections of prostatic alveolus and thickness of the pseudostratified epithelial and stromal cells when comparing with the model group. Mechanistic studies showed that SDG and ENL increased the expression of GPER both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ENL-induced cell cycle arrest may be mediated by the activation of GPER/ERK pathway and subsequent upregulation of p53 and p21 and downregulation of cyclin D1. This work, in tandem with previous studies, will enhance our knowledge regarding the mechanism(s) of dietary phytochemicals on BPH prevention and ultimately expand the scope of adopting alternative approaches in BPH treatment.
Summer temperature regimes in southcentral Alaska streams: watershed drivers of variation and potential implications for Pacific salmon
Authors: Mauger Sue , Shaftel Rebecca , Leppi Jason C. , Rinella Daniel J.
Published: September 2016

Climate is changing fastest in high-latitude regions, focusing our research on understanding rates and drivers of changing temperature regimes in southcentral Alaska streams and implications for salmon populations. We collected continuous water and air temperature data during open-water periods from 2008 to 2012 in 48 nonglacial salmon streams across the Cook Inlet basin spanning a range of watershed characteristics. The most important predictors of maximum temperatures, expressed as mean July temperature, maximum weekly average temperature, and maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT), were mean elevation and wetland cover, while thermal sensitivity (slope of the stream–air temperature relationship) was best explained by mean elevation and area. Although maximum stream temperatures varied widely between years and across sites (8.4 to 23.7 °C), MWMT at most sites exceeded established criterion for spawning and incubation (13 °C), above which chronic and sublethal effects become likely, every year of the study, which suggests salmon are already experiencing thermal stress. Projections of MWMT over the next ∼50 years suggest these criteria will be exceeded at more sites and by increasing margins.
Design and monitoring of woody structures and their benefits to juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using a net rate of energy intake model
Authors: Wall C. Eric , Bouwes Nicolaas , Wheaton Joseph M. , Bennett Stephen N. , Saunders W. Carl , McHugh Pete A. , Jordan Chris E.
Published: September 2016

Despite substantial effort and resources being invested in habitat rehabilitation for stream fishes, mechanistic approaches to designing and evaluating how habitat actions influence the fish populations they are intended to benefit remain rare. We used a net rate of energy intake (NREI) model to examine expected and observed changes in energetic habitat quality and capacity from woody debris additions in a 40 m long study reach being treated as part of a restoration experiment in Asotin Creek, Washington. We simulated depths, velocities, and NREI values for pre-treatment, expected, and post-treatment habitat conditions, and we compared pre-treatment versus expected and pre-treatment versus post-treatment simulation results. The pre-treatment versus expected topography simulations suggested treatment would increase energetically favorable area, mean NREI, and capacity in the study reach. Pre-treatment versus post-treatment comparisons yielded similar predictions, though to smaller magnitudes, likely due to the short time span and single high-flow event between pre- and post-treatment data collection. We feel the NREI modelling approach is an important tool for improving the efficacy of habitat rehabilitation actions for stream fishes.
No evidence of recent (1995–2013) decrease of yellow-cedar in Alaska
Authors: Barrett T.M. , Pattison R.R.
Published: September 2016

Climate change is expected to impact forests worldwide, and yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Oerst. ex D.P. Little) decline has been used as an example of how changing climate can impact a tree species. However, most previous research has not placed yellow-cedar decline within the context of yellow-cedar overall. We used a 2004–2013 regional inventory of the temperate rainforest of Alaska (671 plots with yellow-cedar) to estimate current attributes and a subset of 564 remeasured plots (established 1995–1998) to estimate recent change. Results show that in unmanaged forests, yellow-cedar live tree basal area recently (1995–1998 to 2004–2013) increased, with a 95% confidence interval of a 0.3% to 3.3% increase per decade. Yellow-cedar has a relatively low mortality rate, 0.41% of trees per year. An analysis of live tree to snag ratios was consistent with elevated mortality of yellow-cedar prior to 1995 but also indicated that little range contraction had occurred. The large numbers and wide geographic range of yellow-cedar trees in Alaska and the recent (1995–2013) stability in the monitored population serve as important contextual information for yellow-cedar decline. This research also illustrates that understanding the spatial and temporal complexities of how tree species respond to climate change will be improved if focused studies are accompanied by regional monitoring.
Neuraminidase as an enzymatic marker for detecting airborneInfluenza virusand other viruses
Authors: Turgeon Nathalie , Toulouse Marie-Josée , Ho Jim , Li Dongqing , Duchaine Caroline
Published: September 2016

Little information is available regarding the effectiveness of air samplers to collect viruses and regarding the effects of sampling processes on viral integrity. The neuraminidase enzyme is present on the surface of viruses that are of agricultural and medical importance. It has been demonstrated that viruses carrying this enzyme can be detected using commercial substrates without having to process the sample by methods such as RNA extraction. This project aims at evaluating the effects of 3 aerosol-sampling devices on the neuraminidase enzyme activity of airborne viruses. The purified neuraminidase enzymes from Clostridium perfringens, a strain of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, the FluMist influenza vaccine, and the Newcastle disease virus were used as models. The neuraminidase models were aerosolized in aerosol chambers and sampled with 3 different air samplers (SKC BioSampler, 3-piece cassettes with polycarbonate filters, and Coriolis μ) to assess the effect on neuraminidase enzyme activity. Our results demonstrated that Influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus neuraminidase enzymes are resistant to aerosolization and sampling with all air samplers tested. Moreover, we demonstrated that the enzymatic neuraminidase assay is as sensitive as RT–qPCR for detecting low concentrations of Influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus. Therefore, given the sensitivity of the assay and its compatibility with air sampling methods, viruses carrying the neuraminidase enzyme can be rapidly detected from air samples using neuraminidase activity assay without having to preprocess the samples.
Hadron reactions study with the CMD-3 detector in e+e− collisions
Authors: Solodov E. P. , Amirkhanov A. N. , Anisenkov A. V. , Aulchenko V. M. , Banzarov V. S. , Bashtovoy N. S. , Bondar A. E. , Bragin A. V. , Eidelman S. I. , Epifanov D. A. , Epshteyn L. B. , Erofeev A. L. , Fedotovich G. V. , Gayazo S. E. , Grebenuk A. A. , Gribanov S. S. , Grigoriev D. N. , Ignatov F. V. , Ivanov V. L. , Karpov S. V. , Kazanin V. F. , Korobov A. A. , Kovalenko O. A. , Kozyrev A. N. , Kozyrev E. A. , Krokovny P. P. , Kuzmenko A. E. , Kuzmin A. S. , Logashenko I. B. , Lukin P. A. , Mikhailov K. Yu. , Okhapkin V. S. , Pestov Yu. N. , Popov A. S. , Razuvaev G. P. , Ruban A. A. , Ryskulov N. M. , Ryzhenenkov A. E. , Shebalin V. E. , Shemyakin D. N. , Shwartz B. A. , Sibidanov A. L. , Shatunov Yu. M. , Titov V. M. , Talyshev A. A. , Vorobiov A. I. , Yudin Yu. V.
Published: September 2016

The CMD-3 detector has been taking data since December 2010 at the VEPP-2000 electron–positron collider. The collected data sample corresponds to about 60 inverse picobarn of integrated luminosity in the c.m. energy range from 0.32 GeV to 2.0 GeV. Preliminary results of the analysis of various hadronic cross-sections, in particular, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], 3[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are presented. The processes with multi-hadron final states have several intermediate states which have to be taken into account to correctly describe the angular and invariant mass distributions, as well as cross-section energy dependence.
Evolutions of fluctuation modes and inner structures of global stock markets
Authors: Yan Yan , Wang Lei , Liu Maoxin , Chen Xiaosong
Published: September 2016

The paper uses empirical data, including 42 globally main stock indices in the period 1996–2014, to systematically study the evolution of fluctuation modes and inner structures of global stock markets. The data are large in scale considering both time and space. A covariance matrix-based principle fluctuation mode analysis (PFMA) is used to explore the properties of the global stock markets. It has been ignored by previous studies that covariance matrix is more suitable than the correlation matrix to be the basis of PFMA. It is found that the principle fluctuation modes of global stock markets are in the same directions, and global stock markets are divided into three clusters, which are found to be closely related to the countries’ locations with exceptions of China, Russia and Czech Republic. A time-stable correlation network constructing method is proposed to solve the problem of high-level statistical uncertainty when the estimated periods are very short, and the complex dynamic network (CDN) is constructed to investigate the evolution of inner structures. The results show when the clusters emerge and how long the clusters exist. When the 2008 financial crisis broke out, the indices form one cluster. After these crises, only the European cluster still exists. These findings complement the previous studies, and can help investors and regulators to understand the global stock markets.
Residual diffeomorphisms and symplectic soft hairs: The need to refine strict statement of equivalence principle
Authors: Sheikh-Jabbari M. M.
Published: September 2016

General covariance is the cornerstone of Einstein’s general relativity (GR) and implies that any two metrics related by diffeomorphisms are physically equivalent. There are, however, many examples pointing to the fact that this strict statement of general covariance needs refinement. There are a very special (measure-zero) subset of diffeomorphisms, the residual diffeomorphisms, to which one can associate well-defined conserved charges. This would hence render these diffeomorphic geometries physically distinct. We discuss that these symmetries may be appropriately called “symplectic symmetries”. Existence of residual diffeomorphisms and symplectic symmetries can be a quite general feature and not limited to the examples discussed so far in the literature. We propose that, in the context of black holes, these diffeomorphic, but distinct, geometries may be viewed as “symplectic soft hair” on black holes. We comment on how this may remedy black hole microstate problem, which in this context are dubbed as “horizon fluffs”.
The influence of different supports on the properties of the excavation damaged zone along the FE tunnel in the Mont Terri Underground Rock Laboratory
Authors: Shao Hua , Paul Benjamin , Wang Xuerui , Hesser Jürgen , Becker Jens , Garitte Benoit , Müller Herwig
Published: September 2016

Permeability and its spatial distribution around an underground opening in a geological formation are important for the interpretation of thermal, hydraulic and mechanical findings from an
in situ
demonstration experiment. Within the site characterization programme of the Full-scale Emplacement (FE) experiment, permeability measurements with nitrogen gas have been conducted from six short boreholes. Four of them were located in a section without shotcrete support and two in a section with a three-layer-shotcrete lining. As expected, the extension of the zone with an increased permeability was larger (up to 2 m) in the area without shotcrete support than that in the section with a shotcrete lining (less than 1.5 m).

The water content in the sections with or without shotcrete linings also showed different behaviour over long-term monitoring. The water content in the deep borehole section in the area with a shotcrete lining stayed almost constant, while the water content in the deep borehole section in the area without shotcrete tended to continuously decrease. In general, the water content close to the tunnel is influenced by the seasonal change in the temperature and relative humidity within the tunnel, especially in the section without a shotcrete lining.

Analysis of the abovementioned observations/findings was done by performing FEM (finite-element method) calculations with OpenGeoSys (OGS) software using a coupled hydromechanical model. Owing to the high stiffness of shotcrete, the displacement in the section with a shotcrete lining was smaller. This, in turn, results in a smaller extension in the excavation damaged zone (EDZ). However, shotcrete has a relatively high suction capacity and high initial water content: thus, the interface between the shotcrete and the Opalinus Clay becomes more saturated. Therefore, the excavation-induced fractures in the Opalinus Clay close to the shotcrete can be sealed by swelling. The water content decreases continuously, as a result of desaturation occurring during the operational phase and the associated change in porewater pressure.
Dual-Modality Imaging of the Human Finger Joint Systems by Using Combined Multispectral Photoacoustic Computed Tomography and Ultrasound Computed Tomography
Authors: Liu Yubin , Wang Yating , Yuan Zhen
Published: September 2016

We developed a homemade dual-modality imaging system that combines multispectral photoacoustic computed tomography and ultrasound computed tomography for reconstructing the structural and functional information of human finger joint systems. The fused multispectral photoacoustic-ultrasound computed tomography (MPAUCT) system was examined by the phantom andin vivoexperimental tests. The imaging results indicate that the hard tissues such as the bones and the soft tissues including the blood vessels, the tendon, the skins, and the subcutaneous tissues in the finger joints systems can be effectively recovered by using our multimodality MPAUCT system. The developed MPAUCT system is able to provide us with more comprehensive information of the human finger joints, which shows its potential for characterization and diagnosis of bone or joint diseases.
An Integrated Optimal Energy Management/Gear-Shifting Strategy for an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission Hybrid Powertrain Using Bacterial Foraging Algorithm
Authors: Chen Syuan-Yi , Hung Yi-Hsuan , Wu Chien-Hsun
Published: September 2016

This study developed an integrated energy management/gear-shifting strategy by using a bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) in an engine/motor hybrid powertrain with electric continuously variable transmission. A control-oriented vehicle model was constructed on the Matlab/Simulink platform for further integration with developed control strategies. A baseline control strategy with four modes was developed for comparison with the proposed BFA. The BFA was used with five bacterial populations to search for the optimal gear ratio and power-split ratio for minimizing the cost: the equivalent fuel consumption. Three main procedures were followed: chemotaxis, reproduction, and elimination-dispersal. After the vehicle model was integrated with the vehicle control unit with the BFA, two driving patterns, the New European Driving Cycle and the Federal Test Procedure, were used to evaluate the energy consumption improvement and equivalent fuel consumption compared with the baseline. The results show that[18.35%,21.77%]and[8.76%,13.81%]were improved for the optimal energy management and integrated optimization at the first and second driving cycles, respectively. Real-time platform designs and vehicle integration for a dynamometer test will be investigated in the future.
Dynamics of SOX2 and CDX2 Expression in Barrett’s Mucosa
Authors: Barros Rita , Pereira Daniela , Callé Catarina , Camilo Vânia , Cunha Ana Isabel , David Leonor , Almeida Raquel , Dias-Pereira António , Chaves Paula
Published: September 2016

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the replacement of the normal esophageal squamous epithelium by a columnar lining epithelium. It is a premalignant condition for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction. BE is associated with gastroesophageal reflux which might change the expression profile of key transcription factors involved in the establishment of tissue differentiation, namely, SOX2 (associated with esophageal and gastric differentiation) and CDX2 (associated with intestinal differentiation). Here, we sought to characterize the expression profile of SOX2 and CDX2 in the sequential alterations of the esophageal mucosa towards adenocarcinoma and compare it with the well-established gastric and intestinal mucin profiles (MUC5AC, MUC6, and MUC2). We observed that SOX2 and CDX2 expression correlates with gastric and intestinal differentiation in BE, defined by morphological parameters and mucin expression. We show the presence of a complete intestinal profile in BE, without gastric mucins and without SOX2, and we observed an evolutionary modulation of the metaplastic phenotype by SOX2 and CDX2. We observed that adenocarcinomas harbor more frequently a mixed gastric and intestinal phenotype. In conclusion, our study establishes a role for transcription factors SOX2 and CDX2 in the progression from gastric to gastrointestinal differentiation in Barrett’s metaplasia.
The Multifunctional Effects of Nobiletin and Its Metabolites In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Huang Hao , Li Linfu , Shi Weimei , Liu Hai , Yang Jianqiong , Yuan Xiaoliang , Wu Longhuo
Published: September 2016

Nobiletin (NOB) chemically known as 5,6,7,8,3′,4′‐hexamethoxyflavone is a dietary polymethoxylated flavonoid found in Citrus fruits. Recent evidences show that NOB is a multifunctional pharmaceutical agent. The various pharmacological activities of NOB include neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, antimetabolic disorder, anticancer, anti‐inflammation, and antioxidation. These events may be underpinned by modulation of signaling cascades, including PKA/ERK/MEK/CREB, NF‐κB, MAPK, Ca2+/CaMKII, PI3K/Akt1/2, HIF‐1α, and TGFβ signaling pathways. The metabolites may exhibit stronger beneficial effects than NOB on diseases pathogenesis. The biological activities of NOB have been clarified on many systems. This review aims to discuss the pharmacological effects of NOB with specific mechanisms of actions. NOB may become a promising candidate for potential drug development. However, further investigations of NOB on specific intracellular targets and clinical trials are still needed, especially for in vivo medical applications.
Linearity Identification for General Partial Linear Single-Index Models
Authors: Lv Shaogao , Wang Luhong
Published: September 2016

Partial linear models, a family of popular semiparametric models, provide us with an interpretable and flexible assumption for modelling complex data. One challenging question in partial linear models is the structure identification for the linear components and the nonlinear components, especially for high dimensional data. This paper considers the structure identification problem in the general partial linear single-index models, where the link function is unknown. We propose two penalized methods based on a modern dimension reduction technique. Under certain regularity conditions, we show that the second estimator is able to identify the underlying true model structure correctly. The convergence rate of the new estimator is established as well.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Can Be Used as an Adjuvant Tool for Prostate Cancer Screening: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yin Changqing , Luo Changliang , Hu Wei , Ding Xu , Yuan Chunhui , Wang Fubing
Published: September 2016

As part of “liquid biopsy,” lots of literature indicated the potential diagnostic value of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the management of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the literature on the accuracy of cfDNA detection in PCa has been inconsistent. Hence, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of cfDNA in PCa. A total of 19 articles were included in this analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We then investigated two main subgroups in this meta-analysis, including qualitative analysis of abnormal level of cfDNA and qualitative analysis of single-gene methylation alterations. Overall, the results of quantitative analysis showed sensitivity of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.62–0.82) and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.70–0.87), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80–0.86). For qualitative assessment, the values were 0.34 (95% CI, 0.22–0.48), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97–1.00), and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88–0.93), respectively. Our results suggest the pooled specificity of each subgroup is much higher than the specificity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, they are not recommended for PCa screening alone, because their sensitivities are not higher than the conventional serum biomarkers PSA. We conclude that analysis of cfDNA can be used as an adjuvant tool for PCa screening.
Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Its Risk Factors in Men with COPD in Qazvin
Authors: Abbasi Mahnaz , Zohal Mohammadali , Atapour Banafsheh , Yazdi Zohreh
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Proper diagnosis of osteoporosis as a systemic adverse effect of COPD is of significant importance. The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of osteoporosis and its risk factors in men suffering from COPD in Qazvin (2014).Methods. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 90 patients with COPD using random sampling. Anthropometric data and results from physical examination were collected. Pulmonary function test and bone mineral densitometry were done for all participants as well.Results.The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in COPD patients was 31.5 and 52.8 percent, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck was associated significantly with body mass index (BMI), increased severity of COPD, and use of oral corticosteroid (P<0.05).Conclusion.The results showed that patients’ BMI and severity of COPD are two valuable risk factors for osteoporosis screening in COPD patients.
The Prognosis of Cardiac Origin and Noncardiac Origin in-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Occurring during Night Shifts
Authors: Syue Yuan-Jhen , Huang Jyun-Bin , Cheng Fu-Jen , Kung Chia-Te , Li Chao-Jui
Published: September 2016

Background.The survival rates of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) are reportedly low at night, but the difference between the survival rates of cardiac origin and noncardiac origin IHCAs occurring at night remains unclear.Methods.Outcomes of IHCAs during different shifts (night, day, and evening) were compared and stratified according to the etiology (cardiac and noncardiac origin).Result.The rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 24.7% lower for cardiac origin IHCA and 19.4% lower for noncardiac origin IHCA in the night shift than in the other shifts. The survival rate was 8.4% lower for cardiac origin IHCA occurring during the night shift, but there was no difference for noncardiac origin IHCA. After adjusting the potential confounders, chances of ROSC (aOR: 0.3, CI: 0.15–0.63) and survival to discharge (aOR: 0.1; CI: 0.01–0.90) related to cardiac origin IHCA were lower during night shifts. Regarding noncardiac origin IHCA, chances of ROSC (aOR: 0.5, CI: 0.30–0.78) were lower in the night shift, but chances of survival to discharge (aOR: 1.3, CI: 0.43–3.69) were similar in these two groups.Conclusion.IHCA occurring at night increases mortality, and this is more apparent for cardiac origin IHCAs than for noncardiac origin IHCA.
Clinical Heterogeneity of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the Emergency Department: Impact on Clinical Outcome
Authors: Papathanasiou Athanasios , Markakis Ioannis
Published: September 2016

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is mainly classified into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). Although diagnosis of GBS requires progressive weakness and universal areflexia or hyporeflexia, cases of GBS with preserved or increased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) have been increasingly recognized. We report three cases of GBS, presenting at a single unit in six months. Our first case presented with pure sensory symptoms. The second case had nonspecific generalized weakness, while the third presented with typical ascending weakness. One of our patients had preserved DTRs, while the other two had increased DTRs. Our two cases with hyperreflexia were found to have a precedingCampylobacter jejuniinfection and anti-ganglioside antibodies, and their electrophysiological studies revealed AMAN. The other case had an AIDP. Only one case was offered a diagnosis and treatment from the first emergency department (ED) visit and had a better clinical outcome. Clinical diagnosis of GBS in the ED can be challenging. Delay in diagnosis of GBS in the ED is common due to cases with intact or increased DTRs, atypical pattern of weakness, or pure sensory symptoms. Emergency physicians should be aware of GBS clinical heterogeneity, because early diagnosis and treatment improve clinical outcome.
Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Dynamic DNA Coding and Chen’s Hyperchaotic System
Authors: Zhang Jian , Hou Dezhi , Ren Honge
Published: September 2016

With the development of national information processes, specific image information from secret departments or individuals is often required to be confidentially transmitted. Numerous image encryption methods exist, especially since the initial value sensitivity and other characteristics of chaos theory and chaos theory-based encryption have become increasingly important in recent years. At present, DNA coding constitutes a new research direction of image encryption that uses the four base pairs of DNA code and image pixel values to establish a special correspondence, in order to achieve pixel diffusion. There are eight DNA encoding rules, and current methods of selecting the DNA encoding rules are largely fixed. Thus, the security of encoded data is not high. In this paper, we use the Lorenz chaotic system, Chen’s hyperchaotic system, and the DNA encoding combination and present a new image encryption algorithm that can dynamically select eight types of DNA encoding rules and eight types of DNA addition and subtraction rules, with significant improvements in security. Through simulation experiments and histograms, correlations, and NPCR analyses, we have determined that the algorithm possesses numerous desirable features, including good encryption effects and antishear and antinoise performances.
Retrograde versus Antegrade Approach for the Management of Large Proximal Ureteral Stones
Authors: Sfoungaristos Stavros , Mykoniatis Ioannis , Isid Ayman , Gofrit Ofer N. , Rosenberg Shilo , Hidas Guy , Landau Ezekiel H. , Pode Dov , Duvdevani Mordechai
Published: September 2016

Objective. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of retrograde versus antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy for the treatment of large proximal ureteral stones.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with proximal ureteral stones >15 mm, treated in our institution from January 2011 to January 2016. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative outcomes, and complications were recorded and compared between the two techniques.Results. Our analysis included 57 patients. Thirty-four patients (59.6%) underwent retrograde and 23 patients (40.4%) underwent antegrade ureteroscopy. There was no significant difference in patients’ demographics and stone characteristics between the groups. Stone-free rate was significantly higher (p=0.033) in the antegrade group (100%) compared to retrograde one (82.4%). Fluoroscopy time, procedure duration, and length of hospitalization were significantly (p<0.001) lower in retrograde approach. On the other hand, the need for postoperative stenting was significantly lower in the antegrade group (p<0.001). No difference was found between the groups (p=0.745) regarding postoperative complications.Conclusions. Antegrade ureteroscopy is an efficient and safe option for the management of large proximal ureteral stones. It may achieve high stone-free rates compared to retrograde ureteroscopy with the drawback of longer operative time, fluoroscopy time, and length of hospitalization.
Comparing Cognitive Profiles of Licensed Drivers with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Yamin Stephanie , Stinchcombe Arne , Gagnon Sylvain
Published: September 2016

Purpose. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) constitute two of the most common forms of dementia in North America. Driving is a primary means of mobility among older adults and the risk of dementia increases with advanced age. The purpose of this paper is to describe the cognitive profile of licensed drivers with mild AD and mild DLB.Method. Licensed drivers with mild AD, mild DLB, and healthy controls completed neuropsychological tests measuring general cognition, attention, visuospatial/perception, language, and cognitive fluctuations.Results. The results showed differences between healthy controls and demented participants on almost all neuropsychological measures. Participants with early DLB were found to perform significantly worse on some measures of attention and visuospatial functioning in comparison with early AD.Discussion. Future research should examine the relationship between neuropsychological measures and driving outcomes among individuals with mild AD and mild DLB.
Relationship between Frontal Gap and Postoperative Stability in the Treatment of Mandibular Prognathism
Authors: Tseng Yu-Chuan , Hsu Kun-Jung , Chen Ker-Kong , Wu Ju-Hui , Chen Chun-Ming
Published: September 2016

Objectives. To investigate the correlation between frontal gaps and skeletal stability after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) for correction of mandibular prognathism.Materials and Methods. Thirty-three patients with frontal gaps after IVRO-based mandibular prognathism correction were included. Three lateral and frontal cephalometric radiographs were obtained: preoperatively (T1), immediately postoperatively (T2), and 2 years postoperatively (T3). Two linear measurements (menton [Me] and frontal gap) were compared from T1 to T3 (T21: immediate surgical changes; T32: postoperative stability; T31: 2-year surgical change). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression.Results. The T21 mean surgical horizontal change in the Me position was12.4±4.23 mm. Vertically, the mean downward Me movement was0.6±1.73 mm. The mean frontal gaps were4.7±2.68 mm and4±2.48 mm in the right and left gonial regions, respectively. Postoperative stability (T32) significantly correlated with the amount of setback. Frontal gaps did not have a significant effect on postoperative stability. However, multiple regression model (R2=0.341,P=0.017) showed value predictability, especially in the amount of setback.Conclusion. Frontal gaps occur after IVRO but have no significant effect on long-term postoperative skeletal stability. The primary risk factor for postoperative relapse remains the amount of mandibular setback.
SEM-EDS-Based Elemental Identification on the Enamel Surface after the Completion of Orthodontic Treatment:In VitroStudies
Authors: Machoy Monika , Seeliger Julia , Lipski Mariusz , Wójcicka Anna , Gedrange Tomasz , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

Braces as foreign bodies in the mouth carry a risk of side effects and toxicity to the human body. This article presents the results indicating the possible toxic effects of tools used for cleaning the enamel after the completion of orthodontic treatment. The studies were carried outin vitro. The procedure of enamel etching, bonding orthodontic metal brackets, and enamel cleaning after their removal was performed under laboratory conditions. The enamel microstructure and elements present on its surface were evaluated using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Silicon and aluminium were found in addition to the tooth building elements.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Pancreatitis: A Rare Association with Multiple Facets
Authors: Diallo I. , Fall C. A. , Ndiaye B. , Mbaye M. , Diedhiou I. , Ndiaye A. R. , Diawara P. S. , Fall F. , Mbaye P. S. , Gning S. B.
Published: September 2016

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rarely associated with the occurrence of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Hypercalcemia plays a major role in the pathogenesis. We report five cases of pancreatitis revealing PHPT. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective study of 4 years, including all patients admitted to intensive care unit or gastroenterology department, for an acute or chronic pancreatitis revealing primary hyperparathyroidism. Results. We included 5 patients, all female, with mean age 54 years [40–76 years]. The PHPT was in all cases revealed by acute pancreatitis (AP). This one was oedematous in four cases and severe in one case. It occurred twice in calcified chronic pancreatitis (CCP). There was hypercalcemia in all cases. The PHPT was associated with a high rate of parathyroid hormone in 4 cases. The secreting lesion was an adenoma in 5 cases. Two patients had in addition bilateral renal calcifications. The outcome was favorable in 4 patients among whom 3 have had parathyroid surgery. A death was noted by superinfection of necrosis in the case of severe AP. Conclusion. The occurrence of pancreatitis during hyperparathyroidism is rare. Normal or elevated calcemia during acute or chronic pancreatitis should always get attention.
Influence of Pore Size on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Screen PrintedTiO2Thin Films
Authors: Domtau Dinfa Luka , Simiyu Justus , Ayieta Elijah Omollo , Asiimwe Godwin Mwebeze , Mwabora Julius Mwakondo
Published: September 2016

Influence of pore size on the optical and electrical properties of TiO2thin films was studied. TiO2thin films with different weight percentages (wt%) of carbon black were deposited by screen printing method on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated on glass substrate. Carbon black decomposed on annealing and artificial pores were created in the films. All the films were 3.2 µm thick as measured by a surface profiler. UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer was used to study transmittance and reflectance spectra of the films in the photon wavelength of 300–900 nm while absorbance was studied in the range of 350–900 nm. Band gaps and refractive index of the films were studied using the spectra. Reflectance, absorbance, and refractive index were found to increase with concentrations of carbon black. There was no significant variation in band gaps of films with change in carbon black concentrations. Transmittance reduced as the concentration of carbon black in TiO2increased (i.e., increase in pore size). Currents and voltages (I-V) characteristics of the films were measured by a 4-point probe. Resistivity (ρ) and conductivity (σ) of the films were computed from theI-Vvalues. It was observed that resistivity increased with carbon black concentrations while conductivity decreased as the pore size of the films increased.
State-of-the-Art Report on Alkali Silica Reactivity Mitigation Effectiveness Using Different Types of Fly Ashes
Authors: Latifee Enamur R.
Published: September 2016

Use of fly ash by percent replacement of cement is considered as one of the most economical and effective methods for mitigating alkali-silica reaction (ASR) related distress in the concrete. However, fly ash has been proven to be somewhat variable in its effectiveness in inhibiting alkali-silica reactivity, principally because its composition depends on the coal properties from which it is derived. Typically class C fly ashes are not as efficient as class F ashes due to their higher calcium oxide content. Nevertheless, it is important to find out whether the lime content in the fly ash has linear effect on ASR distress mitigation and if the dosage of fly ash is more influential than type of fly ash. This research conducted extensive testing with nine different types of fly ashes with three in each category of fly ashes, class C, class F, and intermediate class. The results indicated that the effect of increased dosage of fly ash on ASR mitigation is linear for both low-lime and high-lime fly ashes and the dosage effect is more significant with rapid effect with high-lime fly ashes compared to low-lime fly ashes.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Related Disorder: A 10-Year Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chieh-Hsin , Tsai Tai-Hsin , Su Yu-Feng , Zhang Zi-Hao , Liu Wei , Wu Ming-Kung , Chang Chih-Hui , Kuo Keng-Liang , Lu Ying-Yi , Lin Chih-Lung
Published: September 2016

Whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) is causally related to substance related disorder (SRD) is still debatable, especially in persons with no history of mental disorders at the time of injury. This study analyzed data in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 19,109 patients aged ≥18 years who had been diagnosed with TBI during 2000–2010. An additional 19,109 randomly selected age and gender matched patients without TBI (1 : 1 ratio) were enrolled in the control group. The relationship between TBI and SRD was estimated with Cox proportional hazard regression models. During the follow-up period, SRD developed in 340 patients in the TBI group and in 118 patients in the control group. After controlling for covariates, the overall incidence of SRD was 3.62-fold higher in the TBI group compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the severe TBI subgroup were 9.01 times more likely to have SRD compared to controls. Notably, patients in the TBI group were prone to alcohol related disorders. The data in this study indicate that TBI is significantly associated with the subsequent risk of SRD. Physicians treating patients with TBI should be alert to this association to prevent the occurrence of adverse events.
Growth Hormone‐Releasing Hormone and Its Analogues: Significance for MSCs‐Mediated Angiogenesis
Authors: Xia Xiangyang , Tao Quanwei , Ma Qunchao , Chen Huiqiang , Wang Jian’an , Yu Hong
Published: September 2016

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative medicine because of their multipotency, immune‐privilege, and paracrine properties including the potential to promote angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the inherent properties of cytoprotection and tissue repair by native MSCs can be enhanced by various preconditioning stimuli implemented prior to cell transplantation. Growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH), a stimulator in extrahypothalamus systems including tumors, has attracted great attentions in recent years because GHRH and its agonists could promote angiogenesis in various tissues. GHRH and its agonists are proangiogenic in responsive tissues including tumors, and GHRH antagonists have been tested as antitumor agents through their ability to suppress angiogenesis and cell growth. GHRH‐R is expressed by MSCs and evolving work from our laboratory indicates that treatment of MSCs with GHRH agonists prior to cell transplantation markedly enhanced the angiogenic potential and tissue reparative properties of MSCs through a STAT3 signaling pathway. In this review we summarized the possible effects of GHRH analogues on cell growth and development, as well as on the proangiogenic properties of MSCs. We also discussed the relationship between GHRH analogues and MSC‐mediated angiogenesis. The analyses provide new insights into molecular pathways of MSCs‐based therapies and their augmentation by GHRH analogues.
A Controlled Release Codelivery System of MSCs Encapsulated in Dextran/Gelatin Hydrogel with TGF‐β3‐Loaded Nanoparticles for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration
Authors: Gan Yibo , Li Sukai , Li Pei , Xu Yuan , Wang Liyuan , Zhao Chen , Ouyang Bin , Tu Bing , Zhang Chengmin , Luo Lei , Luo Xiangdong , Mo Xiumei , Zhou Qiang
Published: September 2016

Mesenchymal stem cell‐ (MSC‐) based therapy is regarded as a potential tissue engineering strategy to achieve nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, it is still a challenge to induce MSC differentiation in NP‐like cells when MSCs are implanted into the NP. The purpose of this study was to construct poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles as carriers for TGF‐β3 controlled release and establish a codelivery system of a dextran/gelatin hydrogel with the nanoparticles for long‐term processing of discogenesis differentiation. TGF‐β3‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the double‐emulsion solvent evaporation method and seeded uniformly into the hydrogel. Morphological observations, an assessment of the release kinetics of TGF‐β3, a cytotoxic assay, a cell proliferation test, a biochemical content assay, qRT‐PCR, and immunohistological analyses of the codelivery system were conducted in the study. The results showed that the TGF‐β3‐loaded nanoparticles could release TGF‐β3 gradually. The codelivery system exhibited favorable cytocompatibility, and the TGF‐β3 that was released could induce MSCs to NP‐like cells while promoting ECM‐related biosynthesis. These results suggest this codelivery system may be employed as a promising carrier for discogenesis of MSCs in situ.
A Hybrid Natural Transform Homotopy Perturbation Method for Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Maitama Shehu
Published: September 2016

A hybrid analytical method for solving linear and nonlinear fractional partial differential equations is presented. The proposed analytical approach is an elegant combination of the Natural Transform Method (NTM) and a well-known method, Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). In this analytical method, the fractional derivative is computed in Caputo sense and the nonlinear term is calculated using He’s polynomial. The proposed analytical method reduces the computational size and avoids round-off errors. Exact solution of linear and nonlinear fractional partial differential equations is successfully obtained using the analytical method.
Modulation of Immune Checkpoints and Graft-versus-Leukemia in Allogeneic Transplants by Antagonizing Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Signaling
Authors: Li Jian-Ming , Petersen Christopher T. , Li Jing-Xia , Panjwani Reema , Chandra Daniel J. , Giver Cynthia R. , Blazar Bruce R. , Waller Edmund K.
Published: September 2016

The goal of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) is elimination of leukemia cells through the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) activity of donor cells, while limiting graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Immune checkpoint pathways regulate GvL and GvHD activities, but blocking antibodies or genetic inactivation of these pathways can cause lethal GVHD. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an immunosuppressive neuropeptide that regulates coinhibitory pathways; its role in allo-BMT has not been studied. We found VIP transiently expressed in donor NK, NK-T, dendritic cells, and T cells after allo transplant, as well as host leukocytes. A peptide antagonist of VIP signaling (VIPhyb) increased T-cell proliferation in vitro and reduced IL10 expression in donor T cells. Treatment of allo-BMT recipients with VIPhyb, or transplanting donor grafts lacking VIP (VIP-KO), activated donor T-cells in lymphoid organs, reduced T-cell homing to GvHD target organs, and enhanced GvL without increasing GvHD in multiple allo-BMT models. Genetic or ex vivo depletion of donor NK cells or CD8+ T cells from allografts abrogated the VIPhyb-enhanced GvL activity. VIPhyb treatment led to downregulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on donor immune cells, increased effector molecule expression, and expanded oligoclonal CD8+ T cells that protected secondary allo transplant recipients from leukemia. Blocking VIP signaling thus represents a novel pharmacologic approach to separate GvL from GvHD and enhance adaptive T-cell responses to leukemia-associated antigens in allo-BMT. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6802–15. ©2016 AACR.