bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moxibustion for Diarrhea‐Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tang Bozong , Zhang Jianliang , Yang Zongguo , Lu Yunfei , Xu Qingnian , Chen Xiaorong , Lin Jiang
Published: May 2016

Background. The complementary and alternative medicines in treatment of diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) are controversial. Methods. We searched PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, CNKI, Wanfang Database, CBM, VIP, and AMED for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moxibustion compared with pharmacological medications in patients with IBS‐D. A meta‐analysis was performed using both fixed and random‐effects models based on heterogeneity across studies. Results. In total, 568 patients in 7 randomized controlled trials were randomly treated with moxibustion and pharmacological medications. The improvement of global IBS‐D symptoms and overall scores was significant (P = 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, resp.) in patients treated by moxibustion only compared to pharmacological medications. The specific IBS‐D symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, abnormal stool, and defecation frequency were alleviated in patients treated by moxibustion compared to pharmacological medications, but no significance was found except for abdominal distension and defecation frequency (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, resp.). There were no serious adverse events related to moxibustion. Conclusions. Moxibustion appears to be effective in treating IBS‐D compared with pharmacological medications. However, further large, rigorously designed trials are warranted due to insufficient methodological rigor in the included trials.
A Modified Column Generation to Solve the Heterogeneous Fixed Fleet Open Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Yousefikhoshbakht Majid , Dolatnejad Azam , Didehvar Farzad , Rahmati Farhad
Published: May 2016

In the heterogeneous fixed fleet open vehicle routing problem (HFFOVRP), several different types of vehicles can be used to service the customers. The types of vehicles are different in terms of capacity, fixed cost, and variable cost. In this problem, the vehicles are not required to return to the depot after completing a service and the number of vehicles of each type is fixed and limited. Since this problem belongs to NP-hard problems, in this paper a compound heuristic algorithm called SISEC which includes sweep algorithm, insert, swap, and 2-opt moves, modified elite ant system (EAS), and column generation (CG) is applied to solve the HFFOVRP. We report computational results on 22 problems and solve each problem by using our SISEC. The results which were compared to the results of exact algorithms and the classic CG confirm that the proposed algorithm produces high quality solutions within an acceptable computation time.
Spindle Activity Orchestrates Plasticity during Development and Sleep
Authors: Lindemann Christoph , Ahlbeck Joachim , Bitzenhofer Sebastian H. , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L.
Published: May 2016

Spindle oscillations have been described during early brain development and in the adult brain. Besides similarities in temporal patterns and involved brain areas, neonatal spindle bursts (NSBs) and adult sleep spindles (ASSs) show differences in their occurrence, spatial distribution, and underlying mechanisms. While NSBs have been proposed to coordinate the refinement of the maturating neuronal network, ASSs are associated with the implementation of acquired information within existing networks. Along with these functional differences, separate synaptic plasticity mechanisms seem to be recruited. Here, we review the generation of spindle oscillations in the developing and adult brain and discuss possible implications of their differences for synaptic plasticity. The first part of the review is dedicated to the generation and function of ASSs with a particular focus on their role in healthy and impaired neuronal networks. The second part overviews the present knowledge of spindle activity during development and the ability of NSBs to organize immature circuits. Studies linking abnormal maturation of brain wiring with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders highlight the importance to better elucidate neonatal plasticity rules in future research.
An Experimental-Numerical Combined Method to Determine the True Constitutive Relation of Tensile Specimens after Necking
Authors: Wang You-de , Xu Shan-hua , Ren Song-bo , Wang Hao
Published: May 2016

To obtain the material true constitutive relation of tensile specimens after necking, we proposed an experimental-numerical combined method (ENM) based on the simple tension test results and finite element analysis (FEA). An iterative scheme was used to minimize the errors between the simulated and experimental load-displacement curves by modifying the imported stress-strain data step by step, and the true stress was determined when the error was less than a given infinitesimal value. In addition, we developed a special program to implement this algorithm automatically and save operating time. As a verification, the true stress-strain curves obtained by the traditional analytical method (TAM) and ENM were compared and employed to analyze the large deformation behavior of both cylindrical and rectangular specimens. The results showed that ENM was applicable for both specimens and could achieve an adequate description of the mechanical response of the materials after necking formation more effectively.
Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy Associated with the Use of Bortezomib in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Van Keer Jan , Delforge Michel , Dierickx Daan , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Lerut Evelyne , Sprangers Ben
Published: May 2016

Bortezomib is a first-generation proteasome inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). A few reports have linked bortezomib exposure with the development of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We describe a case of biopsy-proven renal thrombotic microangiopathy associated with the use of bortezomib in a 51-year-old man with IgG lambda MM. To our knowledge, this is the first biopsy-proven case. In addition, reexposure to bortezomib 18 months later was associated with recurrence of TMA. This supports a possible causal role of bortezomib. The exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
The Impact of Long-Term Physical Activity Interventions for Overweight/Obese Postmenopausal Women on Adiposity Indicators, Physical Capacity, and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Baker Amanda , Sirois-Leclerc Héloïse , Tulloch Heather
Published: May 2016

Physical activity interventions have recently become a popular strategy to help postmenopausal women prevent and manage obesity. The current systematic review evaluates the efficacy of physical activity interventions among overweight and obese postmenopausal women and sheds light on the behavioral change techniques that were employed in order to direct future research.Method. Five electronic databases were searched to identify all prospective RCT studies that examine the impact of physical activity on adiposity indicators, physical capacity, and/or mental health outcomes among healthy, sedentary overweight, and obese postmenopausal women in North America. The behavior change technique taxonomy was used to identify the various strategies applied in the programs.Results. Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The findings showed that adiposity indicators and physical capacity outcomes significantly improved following long-term interventions; however, mental health outcomes showed nonsignificant changes. Furthermore, 17 behavior change techniques were identified with the taxonomy across all trials. The intrapersonal-level techniques were the most common.Conclusion. Physical activity interventions had a positive effect on adiposity measures and physical capacity. Future research should focus on testing the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on mental health and incorporate strategies at the individual and environmental level to maximize the health impact on the population.
Effect of Grinding Methods on Structural, Physicochemical, and Functional Properties of Insoluble Dietary Fiber from Orange Peel
Authors: Liu Yanlong , Wang Lufeng , Liu Fengxia , Pan Siyi
Published: May 2016

This study evaluated the effect of grinding methods (regular laboratory milling, ultra centrifugal rotor milling, and ball milling) on structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) fraction from orange peel. The results demonstrated that both ultra centrifugal milling and ball milling could effectively decrease average particle size of IDF fraction (81.40 μm and 19.63 μm, resp.). The matrix structure of IDF fraction was destroyed but FTIR structure had no major change after grinding. As particle size decreased, the bulk density and lightness of IDF fraction increased and a redistribution of fiber components from insoluble to soluble fractions was observed. Furthermore, ball milled IDF fraction exhibited significantly higher capacity to retard glucose diffusion and inhibitα-amylase activity (35.09%). This work would give useful insight into effect of grinding methods on properties and functions of orange peel IDF in food industry.
Inflammatory Response in Preterm and Very Preterm Newborns with Sepsis
Authors: Segura-Cervantes Enrique , Mancilla-Ramírez Javier , González-Canudas Jorge , Alba Erika , Santillán-Ballesteros René , Morales-Barquet Deneb , Sandoval-Plata Gabriela , Galindo-Sevilla Norma
Published: May 2016

The response of the adaptive immune system is usually less intense in premature neonates than term neonates. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether immunological parameters vary between preterm (PT) neonates (≥32 weeks of gestational age) and very preterm (VPT) neonates (<32 weeks of gestational age). A cross-sectional study was designed to prospectively follow PT and VPT neonates at risk of developing sepsis. Plasma concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were detected using flow cytometry. C-reactive protein (C-RP) and the complex SC5b-9 were detected in the plasma using commercial kits. A total of 83 patients were included. The laboratory results and clinical histories showed that 26 patients had sepsis; 14 were VPT, and 12 were PT. The levels of C-RP, SC5b-9 (innate immune response mediators), and IL-10 or IL-4 (anti-inflammatory cytokines) were elevated during sepsis in both groups. IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 (proinflammatory cytokines) were differentially elevated only in PT neonates. The VPT neonates with sepsis presented increases in C-RP, SC5b-9, and anti-inflammatory cytokines but not in proinflammatory cytokines, whereas PT neonates showed increases in all studied mediators of inflammation.
Patterns and Predictors of Premenstrual Symptoms among Females Working in a Psychiatry Hospital
Authors: Kumari Sunita , Sachdeva Ankur
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Premenstrual syndrome presents with vague psychological, somatic, or biological symptoms. It may be seen more commonly in a specific profile of patients. We try to evaluate the patterns and predictors of premenstrual symptoms among females working in a tertiary care psychiatry hospital.Methodology. We recruited working females at a tertiary care psychiatry hospital in India, through purposive sampling, and assessed them cross-sectionally. Premenstrual Symptom Checklist was used to assess the frequency and distribution of premenstrual symptoms, which were correlated with various sociodemographic variables to evaluate the predictors for premenstrual symptoms.Results. 150 working females were included, belonging to different sociodemographic profile. Somatic symptoms (backache, joint and muscles pain, and fatiguability) were most commonly reported followed by psychological (irritability and losing temper easily) and biological symptoms (increased micturition). Premenstrual symptoms were seen more commonly in women with higher educational status and nursing profession and residing in nuclear families (p<0.05), while age and marital status did not correlate significantly.Discussion. Premenstrual symptoms are common and distressing, especially for working females. Somatic symptoms such as backache and joint pains predominate over psychobiological symptoms. Women with higher educational status and professions like nursing belonging to nuclear families are more prone to these symptoms. Attention needs to be given to premenstrual symptoms in such population of working females.
Profile Orientation and Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Shen Zhe-Ping , Chen Walter W.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an analysis of soil slope stability using a terrestrial laser scanner, particle swarm optimization, and the force equilibrium method. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a slope needed to be analyzed in many different directions in order to assess its stability conclusively, rather than using just one cross-sectional profile to represent the entire slope. To achieve this purpose, this study illustrates how a particle swarm optimization algorithm can be successfully incorporated into the analysis with slope stability analysis software, STABL. This study compares results obtained with those of previous studies and makes important observations.
Characterization of Natural Killer Cells and Cytokines in Maternal Placenta and Fetus of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Hara Cristiane de Castro Pernet , França Eduardo Luzía , Fagundes Danny Laura Gomes , de Queiroz Adriele Ataides , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Honorio-França Adenilda Cristina , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos
Published: May 2016

The present study characterized natural killer cells and cytokines in diabetic mothers, their placenta, and fetus. In the maternal blood from the hyperglycemic groups, the CD16+CD56−NK cells increased, whereas that of CD16+CD56+decreased in gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] group. Cord blood from type 2 diabetes [DM-2] showed a higher proportion of CD16+CD56−and CD16−CD56+. The placental extravillous layer of GDM and DM-2 showed an increase of CD16+CD56−cells and, irrespective of region, the proportion of CD16−CD56+cells was higher in mild gestational hyperglycemia [MGH] and GDM and lower in DM-2. IL-2 was lower in maternal blood and IFN-γhigher in maternal and cord blood from the GDM group. IL-17 was higher in maternal and cord blood from the DM-2 group. The placental extravillous layer of the MGH showed high levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γand low levels of IL-1βand IL-8, whereas the placental villous layer contained high levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ. The GDM group, irrespective of region, showed higher levels of IL-8. The DM-2 group, irrespective of region, placenta showed high levels of TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ. The hyperglycemia produces an inflammatory environment with a high content of inflammatory cytokines and cells expressing CD16+.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge for Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Zhong Zhao-peng , Wang Hong , Hou Xiao-tong
Published: May 2016

Heart failure (HF) can be defined as cardiac structural or functional abnormality leading to a series of symptoms due to deficiency of oxygen delivery. In the clinical practice, acute heart failure (AHF) is usually performed as cardiogenic shock (CS), pulmonary edema, and single or double ventricle congestive heart failure. CS refers to depressed or insufficient cardiac output (CO) attributable to myocardial infarction, fulminant myocarditis, acute circulatory failure attributable to intractable arrhythmias or the exacerbation of chronic heart failure, postcardiotomy low CO syndrome, and so forth. Epidemiological studies have shown that CS has higher in-hospital mortality in patients with AHF. Besides, we call the induced, sustained circulatory failure even after administration of high doses of inotropes and vasopressors refractory cardiogenic shock. In handling these cases, mechanical circulatory support devices are usually needed. In this review, we discuss the current application status and clinical points in utilizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
An Optimized Injectable Hydrogel Scaffold Supports Human Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Spreading
Authors: Jones T. D. , Kefi A. , Sun S. , Cho M. , Alapati S. B.
Published: May 2016

Introduction. HyStem-C™is a commercially available injectable hydrogel composed of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), hyaluronan (HA), and gelatin (Gn). These components can be mechanically tuned to enhance cell viability and spreading.Methods. The concentration of PEGDA with an added disulfide bond (PEGSSDA) was varied from 0.5 to 8.0% (w/v) to determine the optimal concentration for injectable clinical application. We evaluated the cell viability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) embedded in 2% (w/v) PEGSSDA-HA-Gn hydrogels. Volume ratios of HA : Gn from 100 : 0 to 25 : 75 were varied to encourage hDPSC spreading. Fibronectin (Fn) was added to our model to determine the effect of extracellular matrix protein concentration on hDPSC behavior.Results. Our preliminary data suggests that the hydrogel gelation time decreased as the PEGSSDA cross-linker concentration increased. The PEGSSDA-HA-Gn was biocompatible with hDPSCs, and increased ratios of HA : Gn enhanced cell viability for 14 days. Additionally, cell proliferation with added fibronectin increased significantly over time at concentrations of 1.0 and 10.0 μg/mL in PEGDA-HA-Gn hydrogels, while cell spreading significantly increased at Fn concentrations of 0.1 μg/mL.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that PEG-based injectable hydrogels maintain hDPSC viability and facilitate cell spreading, mainly in the presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.
Motor Skill Acquisition Promotes Human Brain Myelin Plasticity
Authors: Lakhani Bimal , Borich Michael R. , Jackson Jacob N. , Wadden Katie P. , Peters Sue , Villamayor Anica , MacKay Alex L. , Vavasour Irene M. , Rauscher Alexander , Boyd Lara A.
Published: May 2016

Experience-dependent structural changes are widely evident in gray matter. Using diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), the neuroplastic effect of motor training on white matter in the brain has been demonstrated. However, in humans it is not known whether specific features of white matter relate to motor skill acquisition or if these structural changes are associated to functional network connectivity. Myelin can be objectively quantifiedin vivoand used to index specific experience-dependent change. In the current study, seventeen healthy young adults completed ten sessions of visuomotor skill training (10,000 total movements) using the right arm. Multicomponent relaxation imaging was performed before and after training. Significant increases in myelin water fraction, a quantitative measure of myelin, were observed in task dependent brain regions (left intraparietal sulcus [IPS] and left parieto-occipital sulcus). In addition, the rate of motor skill acquisition and overall change in myelin water fraction in the left IPS were negatively related, suggesting that a slower rate of learning resulted in greater neuroplastic change. This study provides the first evidence for experience-dependent changes in myelin that are associated with changes in skilled movements in healthy young adults.
Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Porcine kobuvirus and Its Coinfection Rate with PEDV and SaV in Northwest China
Authors: Wang Chen , Lan Xi , Yang Bin
Published: May 2016

Porcine kobuvirus (PKV) has circulated throughout China in recent years. Although many studies have detected it throughout the world, its molecular epidemiology has not been characterized in northwest China. To understand its prevalence, 203 fecal samples were collected from different regions of Gansu Province and tested with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we tested these samples for PKV, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and sapovirus and analyzed the amplified 2C gene fragments of PKV. Overall, 126 (62.1%) samples were positive for PKV. Of the 74 piglets samples among the 203 fecal samples, 65 (87.8%) were positive for PKV. PKV infection was often accompanied by PEDV, but the relationship between the two viruses must be confirmed. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that the PKV strains isolated from the same regions clustered on the same branches. This investigation shows that PKV infections are highly prevalent in pigs in northwest China, especially in piglets with symptoms of diarrhea.
The Phase Transition of Higher Dimensional Charged Black Holes
Authors: Guo Xiongying , Li Huaifan , Zhang Lichun , Zhao Ren
Published: May 2016

We have studied phase transitions of higher dimensional charge black hole with spherical symmetry. We calculated the local energy and local temperature and find that these state parameters satisfy the first law of thermodynamics. We analyze the critical behavior of black hole thermodynamic system by taking state parameters(Q,Φ)of black hole thermodynamic system, in accordance with considering the state parameters(P,V)of van der Waals system, respectively. We obtain the critical point of black hole thermodynamic system and find that the critical point is independent of the dual independent variables we selected. This result for asymptotically flat space is consistent with that for AdS spacetime and is intrinsic property of black hole thermodynamic system.
Targeting Endothelial Adhesion Molecule Transcription for Treatment of Inflammatory Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ashander Liam M. , Appukuttan Binoy , Ma Yuefang , Gardner-Stephen Dione , Smith Justine R.
Published: May 2016

Targeting the endothelial adhesion molecules that control leukocyte trafficking into a tissue has been explored as a biological therapy for inflammatory diseases. However, these molecules also participate in leukocyte migration for immune surveillance, and inhibiting the physiological level of an adhesion molecule might promote infection or malignancy. We explored the concept of targeting endothelial adhesion molecule transcription during inflammation in a human system. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mediates leukocyte migration across the retinal endothelium in noninfectious posterior uveitis. We observed an increase in the transcription factor, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 1 (NF-κB1), in parallel with ICAM-1, in human retinal endothelial cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and identified putative binding sites for NF-κB1 within theICAM-1regulatory region. We targeted induced NF-κB1 expression in endothelial cells with small interfering (si)RNA. Knockdown of NF-κB1 significantly decreased cell surface expression of ICAM-1 protein induced by TNF-αbut did not reduce constitutive ICAM-1 expression. Consistently, NF-κB1 knockdown significantly reduced leukocyte binding to cell monolayers in the presence of TNF-αbut did not impact baseline binding. Findings of this proof-of-concept study indicate that induced transcription of endothelial adhesion molecules might be targeted therapeutically for inflammatory disease in humans.
Antidiabetic Effect of Young and Old Ethanolic Leaf Extracts ofVernonia amygdalina: A Comparative Study
Authors: Asante Du-Bois , Effah-Yeboah Emmanuel , Barnes Precious , Abban Heckel Amoabeng , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Boampong Johnson Nyarko , Ofori Eric Gyamerah , Dadzie Joseph Budu
Published: May 2016

The young leaves ofVernonia amygdalinaare often utilized as vegetable and for medicinal purpose compared to the old leaves. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the antidiabetic effects between ethanolic leaf extracts of old and youngV. amygdalinaon streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat for four weeks. Preliminary screening of both young and old ethanolic extracts revealed the presence of the same phytochemicals except flavonoids which was only present in the oldV. amygdalina. Difference in antioxidant power between the young and old leaf extracts was statistically significant (p<0.05). Both leaf extracts produced a significant (p<0.05) antihyperglycaemic effect. Also results from treated rats revealed increasing effect in some haematological parameters. Similarly, the higher dose (300 mg/kg) of both extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels as compared to the diabetic control rats. Results also showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in LDL-C and VLDL-C in the extract-treated rats with a corresponding increase in HDL-C, as compared to the diabetic control rats. Moreover histopathological analysis revealed ameliorative effect of pathological insults induced by the STZ in the pancreas, liver, and spleen, most significantly the regeneration of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in treated rats.
Prevalence of Thinness and Stunting and Associated Factors among Adolescent School Girls in Adwa Town, North Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregyorgis Tsgehana , Tadesse Takele , Atenafu Azeb
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Despite the fact that adolescence is a window of opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, adolescents are the neglected age groups. Hence information regarding the nutritional status of adolescents is lacking making creating and implementing intervention programs difficult.Objective. To assess the prevalence of thinness, stunting, and associated factors among adolescent school girls in Adwa town, Northern Ethiopia.Methods. Data on 814 adolescent female students were collected from March to April 2015 using interviewer administered pretested semistructured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Data were entered using EPI INFO version 3.5.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 and WHO Anthroplus software.Results. The prevalence of thinness and stunting was 21.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Age of adolescent [AOR = 2.15 (1.14,4.03)], mother’s educational status [AOR = 2.34 (1.14,4.80)], eating less than 3 meals per day [AOR = 1.66 (1.12,2.46)], having family size >5 [AOR = 2.53 (1.66,3.86)] were significantly associated with thinness among the adolescent girls. Family size >5 [AOR = 2.05 (1.31,3.23)] and unimproved source of drinking water [AOR = 3.82 (2.20,6.62)] were significantly associated with stunting.Conclusion and Recommendation. Thinness and stunting are prevalent problems in the study area. Strategies to improve the nutritional status of girls should be given much attention.
One-Step Leapfrog LOD-BOR-FDTD Algorithm with CPML Implementation
Authors: Wang Yi-Gang , Yi Yun , Chen Bin , Chen Hai-Lin , Luo Kang , Xiong Run
Published: May 2016

An unconditionally stable one-step leapfrog locally one-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (LOD-FDTD) algorithm towards body of revolution (BOR) is presented. The equations of the proposed algorithm are obtained by the algebraic manipulation of those used in the conventional LOD-BOR-FDTD algorithm. The equations forz-direction electric and magnetic fields in the proposed algorithm should be treated specially. The new algorithm obtains a higher computational efficiency while preserving the properties of the conventional LOD-BOR-FDTD algorithm. Moreover, the convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) is introduced into the one-step leapfrog LOD-BOR-FDTD algorithm. The equation of the one-step leapfrog CPML is concise. Numerical results show that its reflection error is small. It can be concluded that the similar CPML scheme can also be easily applied to the one-step leapfrog LOD-FDTD algorithm in the Cartesian coordinate system.
Neuroprotection of Grape Seed Extract and Pyridoxine against Triton‐Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Abdou Heba M. , Wahby Mayssaa M.
Published: May 2016

Triton WR‐1339 administration causes neurotoxicity. Natural products and herbal extracts can attenuate cerebral injury. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective role of grape seed extract and/or vitamin B6 against triton‐induced neurotoxicity. Thirty‐five adult male albino rats of the Sprague‐Dawley strain, weighing 140–145 g, were divided into five groups: control, triton, grape seed extract + triton, grape seed extract + triton + vitamin B6, and vitamin B6 + triton. The hematological and biochemical analyses were carried out. Alteration in iNOS mRNA gene expression was determined using reverse‐transcriptase PCR analysis. In addition, qualitative DNA fragmentation was examined using agarose gel electrophoresis. Triton‐treatment caused significant disturbances in the hematological parameters, the neurological functions, and the antioxidant profile. Also, triton significantly increased the iNOS mRNA expression and DNA damage. Our results showed that grape seed extract and/or vitamin B6 could attenuate all the examined parameters. These natural substances could exhibit protective effects against triton‐induced neurological damage because of their antioxidative and antiapoptotic capacities.
Eigenfunction Expansions for the Stokes Flow Operators in the Inverted Oblate Coordinate System
Authors: Hadjinicolaou Maria , Protopapas Eleftherios
Published: May 2016

When studying axisymmetric particle fluid flows, a scalar function,ψ, is usually employed, which is called a stream function. It serves as a velocity potential and it can be used for the derivation of significant hydrodynamic quantities. The governing equation is a fourth-order partial differential equation; namely,E4ψ=0, whereE2is the Stokes irrotational operator andE4=E2∘E2is the Stokes bistream operator. As it is already known,E2ψ=0in some axisymmetric coordinate systems, such as the cylindrical, spherical, and spheroidal ones, separates variables, while in the inverted prolate spheroidal coordinate system, this equation acceptsR-separable solutions, as it was shown recently by the authors. Notably, the kernel space of the operatorE4does not decompose in a similar way, since it accepts separable solutions in cylindrical and spherical system of coordinates, whileE4ψ=0semiseparates variables in the spheroidal coordinate systems and itR-semiseparates variables in the inverted prolate spheroidal coordinates. In addition to these results, we show in the present work that in the inverted oblate spheroidal coordinates, the equationE′2ψ=0alsoR-separates variables and we derive the eigenfunctions of the Stokes operator in this particular coordinate system. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the equationE′4ψ=0  R-semiseparates variables. Since the generalized eigenfunctions ofE′2cannot be obtained in a closed form, we present a methodology through which we can derive the complete set of the generalized eigenfunctions ofE′2in the modified inverted oblate spheroidal coordinate system.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 Signalling in Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells during Development and after Injury
Authors: Cole Alistair E. , Murray Simon S. , Xiao Junhua
Published: May 2016

Substantial progress has been made in identifying the extracellular signalling pathways that regulate neural stem and precursor cell biology in the central nervous system (CNS). The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), in particular BMP4, are key players regulating neuronal and glial cell development from neural precursor cells in the embryonic, postnatal, and injured CNS. Here we review recent studies on BMP4 signalling in the generation of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglial cells in the CNS. We also discuss putative mechanisms that BMP4 may utilise to influence glial cell development following CNS injury and highlight some questions for further research.
miR-155 as a Biomarker in B-Cell Malignancies
Authors: Due Hanne , Svendsen Pernille , Bødker Julie Støve , Schmitz Alexander , Bøgsted Martin , Johnsen Hans Erik , El-Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Roug Anne Stidsholt , Dybkær Karen
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs have the potential to be useful biomarkers in the development of individualized treatment since they are easy to detect, are relatively stable during sample handling, and are important determinants of cellular processes controlling pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment of several types of cancers including B-cell malignancies. miR-155 is an oncomiR with a crucial role in tumor initiation and development of several B-cell malignancies. The present review elucidates the potential of miR-155 as a diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarker in B-cell malignancies using a systematic search strategy to identify relevant literature. miR-155 was upregulated in several malignancies compared to nonmalignant controls and overexpression of miR-155 was further associated with poor prognosis. Elevated expression of miR-155 shows potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Additionally,in vitroandin vivostudies suggest miR-155 as an efficient therapeutic target, supporting its oncogenic function. The use of inhibiting anti-miR structures indicates promising potential as novel anticancer therapeutics. Reports from 53 studies prove that miR-155 has the potential to be a molecular tool in personalized medicine.
Lipoma Arborescens: Review of an Uncommon Cause for Swelling of the Knee
Authors: De Vleeschhouwer M. , Van Den Steen E. , Vanderstraeten G. , Huysse W. , De Neve J. , Vanden Bossche L.
Published: May 2016

Lipoma arborescens is a rare cause of chronic monoarticular arthritis, with only a few cases reported in the literature. It is most commonly seen in the knee, but cases in other joints such as the wrist, shoulder, and elbow have also been described. It is a benign condition, in which the subsynovial tissue is replaced diffusely by mature fat cells. We describe a case involving the knee and discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Intramedullary Abscess byStaphylococcus aureusPresenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome to the Emergency Department
Authors: Damaskos Dimitrios , Jumeau Helene , Lens François-Xavier , Lechien Philippe
Published: May 2016

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare entity presenting with low back pain, unilateral or bilateral sciatica, motor weakness of lower extremities, sensory disturbance in the perineal area, and urinary and/or faecal incontinence. Those symptoms are secondary to compression of the cauda equina. If not recognized, CES can lead to irreversible disabilities. We report the case of a 77-year-old lady who presented to the emergency department with a ten-day history of back pain as well as urinary incontinence.
Jujuboside A Protects H9C2 Cells from Isoproterenol‐Induced Injury via Activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Han Dandan , Wan Changrong , Liu Fenghua , Xu Xiaolong , Jiang Linshu , Xu Jianqin
Published: May 2016

Jujuboside A is a kind of the saponins isolated from the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba, which possesses multiple biological effects, such as antianxiety, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory effects; however, its mediatory effect on isoproterenol‐stimulated cardiomyocytes has not been investigated yet. In this study, we tried to detect the protective effect and potential mechanism of JUA on ISO‐induced cardiomyocytes injury. H9C2 cells were treated with ISO to induce cell damage. Cells were pretreated with JUA to investigate the effects on the cell viability, morphological changes, light chain 3 conversion, and the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Results showed that ISO significantly inhibited the cell viability in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. JUA pretreatment could reverse the reduction of cell viability and better the injury of H9C2 cells induced by ISO. Western blot analysis showed that JUA could accelerate the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Results also indicated that JUA could significantly decrease the ratio of microtubule‐associated protein LC3‐II/I in H9C2 cells. Taken together, our research showed that JUA could notably reduce the damage cause by ISO via promoting the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR and inhibiting LC3 conversion, which may be a potential choice for the treatment of heart diseases.
The Success Rate of Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Ahvaz Training Hospitals
Authors: Assar Shideh , Husseinzadeh Mohsen , Nikravesh Abdul Hussein , Davoodzadeh Hannaneh
Published: May 2016

Research Objective. This study determined the outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after in-hospital cardiac arrest and factors influencing it in two training hospitals in Ahvaz.Method. Patients hospitalized in the pediatric wards and exposed to CPR during hospital stay were included in the study (September 2013 to May 2014). The primary outcome of CPR was assumed to be the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the secondary outcome was assumed to be survival to discharge. The neurological outcome of survivors was assessed using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) method.Results. Of the 279 study participants, 138 patients (49.4%) showed ROSC, 81 patients (29%) survived for 24 hours after the CPR, and 33 patients (11.8%) survived to discharge. Of the surviving patients, 16 (48.5%) had favorable neurological outcome. The resuscitation during holidays resulted in fewer ROSC. Multivariate analysis showed that longer CPR duration, CPR by junior residents, growth deficiency, and prearrest vasoactive drug infusion were associated with decreased survival to discharge (p<0.05). Infants and patients with respiratory disease had higher survival rates.Conclusion. The rate of successful CPR in our study was lower than rates reported by developed countries. However, factors influencing the outcome of CPR were similar. These results reflect the necessity of paying more attention to pediatric CPR training, postresuscitation conditions, and expansion of intensive care facilities.
Equivalent Circuits Applied in Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Fractional Derivatives with and without Singular Kernel
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Escalante-Martínez J. E. , Calderón-Ramón C. , Morales-Mendoza L. J. , Benavidez-Cruz M. , Gonzalez-Lee M.
Published: May 2016

We present an alternative representation of integer and fractional electrical elements in the Laplace domain for modeling electrochemical systems represented by equivalent electrical circuits. The fractional derivatives considered are of Caputo and Caputo-Fabrizio type. This representation includes distributed elements of the Cole model type. In addition to maintaining consistency in adjusted electrical parameters, a detailed methodology is proposed to build the equivalent circuits. Illustrative examples are given and the Nyquist and Bode graphs are obtained from the numerical simulation of the corresponding transfer functions using arbitrary electrical parameters in order to illustrate the methodology. The advantage of our representation appears according to the comparison between our model and models presented in the paper, which are not physically acceptable due to the dimensional incompatibility. The Markovian nature of the models is recovered when the order of the fractional derivatives is equal to 1.
Cross-Layer Cooperative Power Control in Heterogeneous Multihop Networks
Authors: Tian Feng , Li Dapeng , Zhang Xuejun , Yang Zhen
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates how to perform optimal cooperative power control for the coexistence of heterogeneous multihop networks. Although power control on the node level in multihop networks is a difficult problem due to its large design space and the coupling relationship of power control with scheduling and routing, we formulate a multiobjective optimization problem for the total power consumption of the two heterogeneous multihop networks with discretized power level. We reformulate the nonlinear constraint (relationship between power and capacity) into the linear one by piecewise linearization procedure and offer an in-depth study of cooperative power control in terms of its optimal power—the minimum power consumption with discretized power level for both heterogeneous multihop networks. Through a novel approach based on adaptive weighted-sum method, we transform the multiobjective optimization problem into a single-objective optimization problem and find the set of Pareto-optimal points iteratively. Using the Pareto-optimal points, we construct the minimum power curve. Using numerical results, we demonstrate that it can save more energy with cooperative power control than the case without cooperative power control.
Comparative morphology of immature stages of two sympatric Tenebrionidae species, with comments on their biology
Authors: WAGNER GRZEGORZ K. , GOSIK RAFAŁ
Published: May 2016

The mature larva and pupa of Neomida haemorrhoidalis are described and illustrated for the first time. The mature larva of Bolitophagus reticulatus is completely redescribed and illustrated, and its pupa is described for the first time. The differential diagnosis of the two species is presented. Information about their biology and life history is also given.
The third species of Meiyingia Holzschuh, 2010 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Oemini) from China
Authors: LIU BIN , WANG CHENG-BIN
Published: May 2016

Meiyingia holzschuhi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Oemini) is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Important morphological characters of the new species are illustrated in color plates. A key to the three known species of the genus is modified to include the new species, and the known distribution of the genus is mapped.
Axisymmetric Tornado Simulations at High Reynolds Number
Authors: Rotunno Richard , Bryan George H. , Nolan David S. , Dahl Nathan A.
Published: May 2016

This study is the first in a series that investigates the effects of turbulence in the boundary layer of a tornado vortex. In this part, axisymmetric simulations with constant viscosity are used to explore the relationships between vortex structure, intensity, and unsteadiness as functions of diffusion (measured by a Reynolds number Rer) and rotation (measured by a swirl ratio Sr). A deep upper-level damping zone is used to prevent upper-level disturbances from affecting the low-level vortex. The damping zone is most effective when it overlaps with the specified convective forcing, causing a reduction to the effective convective velocity scale We. With this damping in place, the tornado-vortex boundary layer shows no sign of unsteadiness for a wide range of parameters, suggesting that turbulence in the tornado boundary layer is inherently a three-dimensional phenomenon. For high Rer, the most intense vortices have maximum mean tangential winds well in excess of We, and maximum mean vertical velocity exceeds 3 times We. In parameter space, the most intense vortices fall along a line that follows , in agreement with previous analytical predictions by Fiedler and Rotunno. These results are used to inform the design of three-dimensional large-eddy simulations in subsequent papers.
Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers, the Sierra Barrier Jet, and Extreme Daily Precipitation in Northern California’s Upper Sacramento River Watershed
Authors: Ralph F. Martin , Cordeira Jason M. , Neiman Paul J. , Abel Mimi R.
Published: May 2016

The upper Sacramento River watershed is vital to California’s water supply and is susceptible to major floods. Orographic precipitation in this complex terrain involves both atmospheric rivers (ARs) and the Sierra barrier jet (SBJ). The south-southeasterly SBJ induces orographic precipitation along south-facing slopes in the Mt. Shasta–Trinity Alps, whereas landfalling ARs ascend up and over the statically stable SBJ and induce orographic precipitation along west-facing slopes in the northern Sierra Nevada. This paper explores the occurrence of extreme daily precipitation (EDP) in this region in association with landfalling ARs and the SBJ. The 50 wettest days (i.e., days with EDP) for water years (WYs) 2002–11 based on the average of daily precipitation from eight rain gauges known as the Northern Sierra 8-Station Index (NS8I) are compared to dates from an SSM/I satellite-based landfalling AR-detection method and dates with SBJ events identified from nearby wind profiler data. These 50 days with EDP accounted for 20% of all precipitation during the 10-WY period, or 5 days with EDP per year on average account for one-fifth of WY precipitation. In summary, 46 of 50 (92%) days with EDP are associated with landfalling ARs on either the day before or the day of precipitation, whereas 45 of 50 (90%) days with EDP are associated with SBJ conditions on the day of EDP. Forty-one of 50 (82%) days with EDP are associated with both a landfalling AR and an SBJ. The top 10 days with EDP were all associated with both a landfalling AR and an SBJ.
Escaping the rural pay penalty: location, migration and the labour market
Authors: Culliney Martin
Published: May 2016

This article analyses the longitudinal effect of rural/urban migration on labour market outcomes for young people in Britain. It assesses how rural/urban origin and residential location affect career prospects, tracking earnings from youth (defined as aged under 25) into adulthood using data from British Household Panel Survey waves 1–18. Earnings in rural areas are higher overall, although young people in rural areas are paid less than urban counterparts. While earnings increase at a quicker rate for those in rural locations, being of rural origin leads to slower wage growth and respondents who ‘stay rural’ throughout the full observation period earn less than all other groups.
Writing the Exodus in Egypt: The Role of Place in Shaping Jewish Narratives
Authors: LaCoste Nathalie
Published: May 2016

This article examines how Judean authors writing in Egypt were shaped by their physical surroundings. Specifically, it asks how writing about Egypt while living in Egypt shaped the development of the exodus narrative. The study consists of a comparative study of four versions of the exodus story (Exod. 1–15) written in Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt. In these texts we see several characteristics that connect them to the land of Egypt: a focus on time spent in Egypt as opposed to the journey to the promised land, the characterization of Moses as a leader instead of a lawgiver, and the increase in descriptions of the physical environment of Egypt. The appearance of these shared characteristics demonstrates the important role that Egypt played in their reformulations of a foundational Judean text. Further, this study provides a new way of thinking about biblical interpretation, a practice not only textual but also deeply connected to the physical environment.
Testing as social practice: Analysing testing in classes of young children from the children’s perspective
Authors: Kousholt Kristine
Published: May 2016

In this article, the implicit assumption that tests are a neutral tool for measuring an individual’s learning achievement is challenged. Instead, testing is explored as a social practice which becomes part of children’s conduct of everyday life. The theoretical foundation for the analysis is Danish–German critical psychology. This approach offers a dialectically developed set of concepts and hereby another basis for understanding school testing than the one implicit in the technology of testing. The analysis is primarily based on a case consisting of an observation conducted in a second grade class at a low socio-economic school in Denmark. The analysis focuses on children looking for signs of assessment in the test situation. The discussion focuses on similarities between testing and computer gaming strategies. The article concludes by suggesting that we learn powerful lessons on assessment by taking the children’s perspectives seriously.